Lost Girl (Marc Hype & Jim Dunloop Late Night rework) (3:32)
Special Technique Of Love (Jim Dunloop Shaolin Soul edit) (3:08)
Review: The mighty Dusty Donuts return to Queensbridge where they encounter a 'Lost Girl' featured on a legendary mixtape by one of QB's finest. This bouncy, choppy Marc Hype & Jim Dunloop Late Night Remix is sure to ignite any gathering. On the flipside, the vibes shift from Queensbridge to Staten Island and bring a special sound to work the crowd - this heavy soul classic arrives in true Shaolin style with choppy, dark soul chords and classic hip-hop beats. It's a track that commands attention with the drums but also locks in head and heart.
Review: The Jackson Sisters are next up on the latest 45 from Tower Vinyl, which has in recent times done a superb job of serving up some timeless and effective vintage soul sounds from across different niches and eras. This one kicks off with the well high energy sound of 'Miracles' with its big vocals, bigger drums and raw horns that are well known to cinema goers everywhere. 'Boy You're Dynamite' is a more raw and emotive sound with a striped back rhythm but superbly gut wrenching vocal deliveries.
Willie D (feat Martha Reeves & The Sweet Things) (4:15)
Keep On Movin' On (feat Martha Reeves & The Sweet Things) (3:33)
Willie Chase (instrumental) (3:03)
Parade Strut (instrumental) (2:34)
Review: An iconic soundtrack to a classic blaxploitation flick, JJ Johnson and Martha Reeves & The Sweet Things turned a collective head when they simultaneously composed their core themes for Willie Dynamite, directed by obscure director Gilbert Moses. This ineluctable screen treat stars Roscoe Orman and Diana Sands in a quintessential portrayal of early '70s New York pimping, with the central character's foibles giving rise to a latent conscience when he comes into contact with a young social worker. As is often the case with the blaxploitation genre, Willie Dynamite begins with the lead character cruising down the streets of New York in some kind of fancy car, and 'tracked by the central theme: the theme of Reeves' 'Willie D' is clear as day, lyrically portraying D's hustle as 'magic', "never treating two girls the same", "it's no different from any other industry". 'Keep On Movin' On' contrasts this with a note of modesty, signaling the movie's inevitable tonal shift; nor should you miss the B-side instrumentals 'Willie Chase' and 'Parade Strut'.
The O'Jays - "This Time Baby" (A Tom Moulton mix) (9:53)
The Futures - "Party Time Man" (A Tom Moulton mix) (9:11)
Jean Carn - "My Love Don't Come Easy" (A Tom Moulton mix) (10:45)
The Jones Girls - "Nights Over Egypt" (A Tom Moulton mix) (9:13)
Review: Philadelphia International Records continues to dip into its bulging archives and offer up double-packs containing some of the finest 1970s remixes from remix pioneer Tom Moulton. As you'd expect, there's plenty to get the juices flowing and the heart pounding on this third volume in the series. Record one opens up with Moulton's epic version of the O'Jays' "This Time Baby", a swirling Philly Soul classic that later became a favourite of sample-loving disco-house producers and disco re-editors, and continues with his sugary but floor-friendly version of the Futures' "Party Time Man". Over on record two, Moulton's inspired extension of Jean Carn's seductive "Love Don't Come Easy" is followed by his must-have version of the Jones Girls' "Nights Over Egypt".
Review: Nothing by Louis Cole, a collaboration with the Metropole Orkest conducted by Jules Buckley, blends classical orchestration with dance music, pop, and jazz, showcasing Cole's unique and ultra-flexible production style. The album features 17 tracks, 15 of which are brand new, avoiding orchestral renditions of his hits and instead presenting fresh compositions. The lead single, 'Things Will Fall Apart,' highlights Cole's feather-light vocals over an exciting orchestration of funk percussion, strings, horns and barbershop backup vocals. Recorded during live performances, Nothing captures the energy and emotion of Cole's multi-date sold-out European tour with the Metropole Orkest. The project emphasises Cole's desire to create music with deep emotional impact while remaining straightforward and accessible. Cole meticulously mixed the album himself, ensuring his pure vision was realised.
Review: Beatitudes is an album of ten instrumental hip-hop tracks inspired by 20th century gospel recordings. Produced by one J Rocc (known as the acclaimed DJ and turntablist for Madlib's many shows), the album is a departure from the artist's smudgier, beatsmith affairs. Each track is as smooth as a baby's forehead, and/or as pleasing as a wild fig dropped into one's mouth by an attentive servant on a hot Verona day. Gospel samples whirl around like ghosts, haunting each beat, which in turn sound wonkier than an array of unoiled see-saws. The album's cover is an homage to the mysterious cult artist known only as Harvey, known for designing many surrealist-religious gospel album covers from the 1960s onwards.
Review: The Jackson 5 were a legendary American pop band consisting of famous musical brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael Jackson. Managed by their father, Joe Jackson, the group achieved great success in the 1970s and were much loved amongst younger audiences. They had plenty of chart hits and several of them went on to have great solo careers, of course. Their eighth studio album, G.I.T.: Get It Together was released on September 12, 1973, under the Motown label and now gets reissued on limited red vinyl with an insert.
Review: Most people will recognize Brian Jackson as the most important collaborator with Gil Scott-Heron - between them the pair laid down a mesmerising new kind of soul which resonates in its influence and brilliance to this day. Jackson went on to work with scores of legends of Black American music, but this new album is something altogether his own. Working with Daniel Colias from Phenomenal Handclap Band, Jackson revived a long-dormant solo project from the 70s and brought it to fruition in a set of ascendant soul cuts which speak to Jackson's mighty legacy while offering something wholly contemporary. 'All Talk' bursts with jazz funk and boogie flourishes, while 'Path to Macondo / Those Kind of Blues' takes a more introspective trip into Jackson's illustrious musicality. Forget reissue culture for a minute - here's a bonafide legend still doing it in the here and now.
Review: Jesse James, the revered cult soul man, delivers once again with 'Back On Top Again'. Despite his lack of recognition in his home country, James is celebrated across the UK and Europe for his authentic, old-school Southern soul sound. Now in his 80s, James continues to impress with this latest offering, maintaining the high quality seen in his previous releases with Soul Junction. The album features soulful mid-tempo grooves reminiscent of classic Malaco-style Southern soul, with tracks like 'Another Love Lay Over' and 'Keep It On The Hush Hush' standing out as highlights. James's cover of Harvey Scales' 'I'd Be A Fool 2 Fool Around On You' is particularly exceptional, showcasing his soulful vocals and emotive delivery. With tracks like 'I Lost My Baby On Facebook' adding contemporary commentary and 'What Happened To The O-O Wee' providing sonic variety, Back On Top Again is standout example to James's enduring talent and commitment to the soul genre. It's soul as it was and soul as it should be.
Commodores - "Girl, I Think The World About You" (4:34)
Rufus & Chaka Khan - "Once You Get Started" (4:27)
Johnny Hammond - "Fantasy" (7:26)
Ramsey Lewis - "Whisper Zone" (3:01)
Leon Ware - "What's Your Name" (4:12)
Ashford & Simpson - "Stay Free" (5:24)
Kleeer - "Tonight's The Night" (7:12)
Dexter Wansel - "I'll Never Forget (My Favourite Disco)"
Sister Sledge - "Pretty Baby"
Jose Feliciano - "California Dreamin'"
Dexter Wansel - "Life On Mars"
Lalo Schifrin - "Theme From Enter The Dragon" (main Title) (2:17)
Marvin Gaye - "Here, My Dear" (2:49)
Patrice Rushen - "Music Of The Earth" (3:52)
Brian Blessed - "The White City" (part 3) (10:39)
Review: The Late Night Tales series is an absolute bastion of late-night parties back at yours after a heavy club session, or maybe even on a Sunday morning to welcome you to a day of being hungover. Everyone who is everyone had made their entry over the years and used the chance to show off a different side to their sound and that is just what cosmic disco funkster Jamiroquai did when he stopped up. Now his fine choices get pressed up to four sides of vinyl for this fine reissue.
The Place You'd Most Want To Live (interlude) (1:11)
Lord Have Mercy (3:51)
Sadie (2:52)
I Want You (4:00)
Wait Til I Get Over (2:47)
That Feeling (4:21)
See It Through (interlude) (4:43)
See It Through (3:54)
Someday We'll All Be Free (feat Skypp) (5:37)
Letter To My 17 Year Old Self (2:34)
Review: Normally found recording with his band The Indications, on this new record for Dead Oceans Durand Jones goes solo to explore a more idiosyncratic dimension to his Southern soul. Wait Til I Get Over is a highly personal record which finds Jones digging deep into his roots growing up in Louisiana, reflecting on his ancestry and delivering a potent black music which draws on gospel, rock n' roll and soul and pushes those fundamentals into exciting new places. It's a record to feel with every fibre of your body, with Jones' grit-edged but oh-so-sweet voice at the centre.
Review: Durand Jones & The Indications earned lavish praise for their eponymous 2016 debut album, with critics comparing it favourably to conscious soul sets of the 1970s from the likes of Curtis Mayfield and Marvin Gaye. This belated follow up is, if anything, even better, with the group's core offering - tight instrumentation and super-smooth vocals from the hugely talented Jones and drummer Aaron Frazer - being complemented by silky string arrangements, warm brass and lyrics that flit between social commentary and glassy-eyed, loved-up bliss. Highlights include "Morning In America" - a kind of 2019 update to Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On" - the super-sweet vocal harmonies of "Don't You Know" and "Long Way Home", a lilting look at homesickness blessed with the twin attractions of swooping strings and a killer bassline.
Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In) (3:00)
Here I Am Baby (3:16)
What Have You Done For Me Lately? (2:46)
Take Me With U (2:51)
Inspiration Information (3:59)
Giving Up (3:05)
Rescue Me (2:22)
In The Bush (3:28)
It Hurts To Be Alone (2:56)
Trespasser (2:38)
Review: Late soul singing sensation Sharon Jones has a collection of her finest coves all pulled together in one essential album here. It's chocked with classics from the off with 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours' filled with big soul vibes, Motown production and funky guitar riffs to die for. 'What Have You Done For Me Lately' is a cover of a Janet Jackson tune that actually lead to a legal battle over who write it first and is a more raw and hard hitting tune. 'Rescue Me' is painfully short but super sweet, with a funky and tropical world vibe reimagined beneath big horns and lung busting vocals from Sharon.
Making Up & Breaking Up (& Making Up & Breaking Up Again)
Get Up & Get Out
Long Time, Wrong Time
People Don't Get What They Deserve
Slow Down, Love
Review: Revivalist funk and soul veterans Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings appeared to have drawn the curtain down on their career back in 2011, with the release of the well-timed retrospective Soul Time. Happily, they were just on hiatus, and three years on return with their first album of new material since 2010. For those who enjoy their sweet, soulful, faithful recreation of original '60s and '70s soul, this should be cause for rejoicing. Certainly, Give The People What They Want lives up to its title, delivering a blend of strong songs, heart-aching lyrics, nostalgic production and superb playing.
Review: Before she passed away last year, Sharon Jones spent a couple of months recording what would become her final album with the Dap Kings. Released posthumously, Soul of a Woman is every bit as good as her previous collaborations with Bosco Mann's revivalist soul and funk band. Naturally, Jones death has added extra poignancy to the album's more melancholic moments (see "Just Give Me Your Time" and "Pass Me By" and "When I Saw Your Face"), but these sorrowful outings are contrasted by a string of rousing soul and funk anthems in her confident and effortlessly soulful style. With Mann and the rest of the Dap Kings excelling themselves in a bid to guarantee Jones' legacy, Soul of a Woman may well be Jones single finest album. It's certainly a fitting send off for one of soul's finest voices.
Review: A contemporary jazz collaboration featuring the unique vocals of Deborah Jordan against the drum breakbeats and electronic nu-jazz fusion of fellow London native Kieron Ifill (aka K15). The collision of genres spans from the layered traditional R&B production on the smooth 'Heartbroken' to the 808 laden nu-jazz cut of 'Human' and the broken beats of 'Running'. Fans of Solange's 'When I Get Home', H.E.R's EPs and Liv.e's 'Couldn't Wait to Tell You' will have a long list of reasons to check this smooth mix of crystal clean production, jazzy soundscapes and hushed vocals. Jazz, Soul, Funk, and Blues fans cannot pass up the opportunity to give this LP a listen - R&B is far from dead.
Review: Selva Discos continues its committed exploration of rare and exquisite Brazilian gems with this true labour of love from two of the funkiest dudes to emerge from Latin America in the 80s. Robson Jorge and Lincoln Olivetti originally only released one album of fusion funk together in 1982, but now the Selva team and the artists have worked together to unearth more material from the pair spanning 82 through to 87. These five tracks have never been released, making them essential listening for the legions of Brazilian music devotees, not to mention those on an eternal quest for the slickest boogie joints.
We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.