Rafael Cameron - "Boogie's Gonna Get Ya" (The Reflex Cosmic dub Revision) (8:08)
Edwin Birdsong - "Win Tonight" (The Reflex Revision) (9:33)
Rafael Cameron - "All That's Good To Me" (The Reflex Revision) (6:00)
Review: The Reflex's multi-track re-edits are always on point, but those he's created for Salsoul Records have generally been impressive even by his high standards. This third double-pack of 'ReVisions' (as he calls them) contains two of his best Salsoul reworks yet: a thrillingly stretched-out take on Gazz's 'Sing Sing' that sees him cannily showcase some of the track's key elements in turn before unleashing the familiar bassline, breaks and vocals, and a fabulously spaced out 'Cosmic Dub' of Rafael Cameron's early electrofunk classic 'Boogie's Gonna Get Ya'. That too, has a big build, making the introduction of the bassline and Cameron's chorus vocals a genuinely breath-taking moment. The EP also contains a solid take on a lesser-celebrated Cameron tune, the more disco-fied 'All That's Good To Me', and a Tom Moulton-esque take on Edwin Birdsong's 'Win Tonight'.
Review: Grand Central Records founder and Manchester mainstay Mark Rae is back with New Town Ghosts, a powerful novel four years in the making that is set during the sweltering summer of 1976. This emotionally rich coming-of-age story is told through the eyes of ten-year-old boys navigating friendship, responsibility, and growing up and is paired with a nostalgic soundtrack of ten original songs performed in four-part harmony with strings, horns, choir and live instrumentation. The music evokes the warmth of a radio playing in a sun-drenched garden with themes of nature, wheels (ie via skateboards, wheelchairs and prams) and youthful rebellion echo throughout.
Review: Rag'n'Bone Man, born Rory Charles Graham, is "embracing joy and balance in his life" as he releases his new album What Do You Believe In?. Known for his gravelly blues vocals, the British singer gained global recognition with his 2016 debut Human, which went platinum four times in the UK and multi-platinum in 27 other countries. Now, supported by family and newfound confidence, Rag'n'Bone Man's latest work blends personal growth with vibrant hooks and takes fans on an uplifting musical journey with title track setting the tone in superb fashion.
Review: Prolific Aussie soul-singer, producer, writer, multi-instrumentalist and live talent Jordan Rakei turns out the albums at a fair old rate of knots these days but this might be his best yet. It is one that finds the sweet, sweet crooner continues to explore subtle new sound and sub-genres in absorbing new ways. This fifth full length is his first for Verve Forecast and Decca UK which he recently signed for and, we're told, "coincides with several profound changes in his personal life, including becoming a father for the first time." It was self-produced by the man himself at RAK Studios and comes on limited green vinyl.
Review: Aussie soul boy and soothing crooner Jordan Rakei is a profile songwriter, producer and vocalist who has put out plenty of great records in recent times. They have made him a firm festival favourite over on these shores and as such he was tapped up back in 2021 to make his entry into the esteemed Late Night Tales series. As per the MO, he takes a deep dive into his record collection to soundtrack a session back at his once the sun has gone down. It's classy and sophisticated from front to back with jazz, soul, folk, deep house and plenty of his own tracks all adding up to something beautifully escapist.
Review: Man like Jordan Rakei has become a modern neo soul pin up. His solo releases - whether under this name or a more house leaning alias Dan Kyo - drip with sensuality. His buttery vocals always well matched with smoochy beats and deep grooves. To get a window into his music collection is mouthwatering indeed, and a Late Night Yales mix seems like the perfect opportunity to do so. As expect there are jazz moments, deeply soulful sounds, a few of his own exclusives and plenty of candle lit, tender, middle of the night moments of pure musical joy.
Review: In 1982 L.J. Reynolds released his second solo album Travelin', which was a split production between Reynolds and Don Davis. This classic soul album includes "Trust In Me", "Say You Will" and "Call Me", the latter being written by Aretha Franklin. Travelin' features guest performances by Bernie Worrell and William "Bootsy" Collins. A classic soul album for your ears' sultrier side.
The Swelling Of The Organ & The Coming Of The Bride (1:47)
Now They're Both Satisfied With Their Baby (3:38)
My Sweet Harmony Man (3:47)
My Right Hand Man (2:48)
A Cooking Lesson (2:59)
You Can't Have It, Unless I Give To You (3:01)
I'll Keep It Turned Up Towards The Wall (3:03)
My Movie Operator Man (3:22)
Got To Have It All The Time (3:31)
Sadie's Still Got The Rag On (2:14)
It's Smart To Be Smutty (4:33)
What Long Hair On Your Pussy (2:21)
Review: Following the resounding success of the iconic 1957 compilation "My Pussy Belongs To Daddy," Ebalunga!!! proudly presents Girlesque, an exquisite solo album by the incomparable Faye Richmonde which was originally released in 1959. This gem once again captivates with its blend of genres and provocative song titles that all showcase Richmonde's sophistication, wit, and charm. Combining elements of pop, comedy, jazz, and erotic easy listening, Girlesque remains a popular choice for parties, much like its predecessor. With expert mastering by Grammy-nominated engineer Jessica Thompson, this reissue not only preserves the album's relevance but also enhances its sonic brilliance, inviting you to indulge in another masterpiece of the past.
Review: A bonafide masterpiece; Minnie's first album post-Rotary Connection should need little introduction. A cult hit in 1970, a global smash when re-released in 74, Come To My Garden hasn't enjoyed a reissue for over 10 years. Her first pure soul and jazz album, this was the album where the world truly understood Ripperton's incredible range and tenderness. Powered by the breath-taking orchestration and song writing of Charles Stepney and her husband Richard Rudolph, everything about this album stands the test of time from the dreamy pastoral haze of "Close Your Eyes" or the delicate harmonies and nightingale rush of "Expecting" via the untouchable "Les Fleur". Immaculate music history.
I Don't Know What It Is, But It Sure Is Funky (3:24)
I'll Be Right There Trying (3:51)
Get Off (3:20)
See The Light In The Window (2:55)
A Funky Song (3:19)
Willie, Pass The Water (3:38)
Dance Lady Dance (2:38)
Ripplin' (5:10)
Review: It can be hard to keep up with the different days devoted to recorded music, from Record Store Day to Album Day to Black Friday, but two really cares so long as the tunes keep coming. And they don't come much finer than this - Ripple's self-titled album was originally released in 1973 and soon became known as a rare groove, funk and deep soul classic. Some 50 years on and it has been remastered to sound as good as ever and remind us why the band were right up there with peers such as Funkadelic, Kool and the Gang and The Blackbyrds, all of whom served up equally brilliant mixes of rock, soul, photo disco and funk. The is the first time this one has been back in print for some 30 years.
Review: Risco Connection were the perfect reggae-disco crossover act, founded by Studio 1 sticksman Joe Isaacs after he moved to Canada in the late 60s. Searching for a sweet spot between the plush orchestration of disco and the upbeat shuffle of rocksteady, he embarked on a series of covers with a strong cast behind him, taking on the likes of Chic's 'Good Times', 'It's My House' and a version of 'Ain't No Stopping Us Now' which became a staple at David Mancuso's mythical Loft parties. This collection gathers together all the singles - vocals, dubs and all - and comes packaged with an interview with Isaacs and liner notes, restored and remastered and sounding better than ever.
Be Kind To The Growing Mind (with The Temptations) (4:37)
Food For Thoughts (4:00)
Review: One of the most iconic voices of the past 60 years blends heartfelt covers with original material on his latest album. Each track is carried by Robinson's eternally smooth and expressive voice. His take on William DeVaughn's 'Be Thankful For What You Got' radiates gentle optimism, while his rendition of Bill Withers' 'Lean On Me' feels like a personal reassurance that is intimate, direct and comforting. Robinson doesn't just revisit the past, he breathes new emotional life into it. From the uplifting tones of 'What a Wonderful World' to the classic soul lean of 'Be Kind To The Growing Mind', re-recorded with The Temptations, the album serves both as a tribute and a call for compassion. The covers of Carole King and Bob Marley deepen the album's message who, like Smokey, have long advocated for love and understanding through music. You will find Smokey communicating soul-deep truths with elegance and feeling. In uncertain times, this is feel-good music delivered by one of the most meaningful voices of any eraia soft-spoken reminder of our shared humanity.
Review: Buh Records reissues Rollets' classic self-titled album here as it was a key moment in Peruvian disco history that first arrived in 1981. Only emerging themselves a year before, Rollets blended disco, boogie and pop and caught a pivotal moment in Lima's music scene during the democratic transition. Their hit 'Patinando' gave them national recognition, but their album features a range of sophisticated tracks from disco anthems to boogie with soft rock influences. The band was led by Manuel and Saul Cornejo and helped shape the rise of Peruvian disco and influenced later groups like Grupo America and Los Roller's de Tarapoto, so this is a real treasure.
Review: While Jimetta Rose composed the songs on How Good It Is, a collaboration with Los Angeles community gospel choir The Voices of Creation, during a period of personal hardship, even the album's most bittersweet moments feel hopeful and positive. As a result, the set's six tracks feel surprisingly joyous, with inspiring choral, solo and spoken word vocals rising above backing tracks that variously offer nods towards the Staple Singers, Funkadelic and Sly Stone. It's a genuinely timeless, life-affirming collection, with highlights including blindingly good opener 'Let The Sunshine In', the atmospheric, slow-motion shuffle of 'Operation Feed Yourself', the squelchy and suspenseful brilliance of 'Answer The Call' and the sweet release of original gospel compilation 'Ain't Life Grand'.
Review: Jimetta Rose and The Voices of Creation's new album, Things Are Getting Better, via Day Dreamer Recordings, is a soul-stirring devotional that blends house, funk, soul, r&b and hip-hop influences. The album opens with the lead single 'Portals,' an invitation to a new way of thinking. With a shuffling groove and soaring vocals, it breaks traditional gospel molds, introducing soulful r&b runs and syncopated verses. Things Are Getting Better is fantastically crafted studio sound, evolving from their raw debut, How Good It Is. The album is composed of non-professional singers and embodies Jimetta's mission to demystify the ministry and spread faith in music's power for positive change. Featuring instrumentalists Isaiah Collier, Ryan Porter, and V.C.R., and recorded at Sunset Sound studios, it encapsulates Jimetta's vision of "Black spiritual classical music". A prolific collaborator with artists like Anderson .Paak and Angel Bat Dawid, Jimetta leads the choir, delivering new mantras for our times. Things Are Getting Better is an example of the power of music, faith, and community.
Review: The legendary voice of a generation gives us an album that showed that she not only made the transition from pop and soul legend to a disco queen. The push and pull between Chic’s sonic vision and Motown’s commercial instincts may have caused tension, but it also ensured that diana straddled multiple audiences—disco’s remaining faithful, pop listeners and Ross’ longtime r&b base. Even after its initial controversy, Diana has stood the test of time as a quintessential pop-disco record, one that both honored Ross’ legacy and propelled her into a new decade with fresh energy. The album’s influence extends beyond just the hits: its sleek, dancefloor-ready grooves became a template for future pop-r&b crossovers, and Chic’s production techniques would go on to shape countless records in the 1980s and beyond. Featuring household hits like 'I'm Coming Out' and 'Inside Out', the album hit all the right notes. Whether she’s cooing over the percolating rhythms of 'My Old Piano' or the cult favorite in 'Tenderness', Ross sounds both in control and completely free—precisely the balance she was looking for at this pivotal moment in her career.
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