Tags: Reggae Disco

Review: Cuts From The Vaults is the latest in a long line of "mystery" edit labels, with some of the material on show originally appearing on various obscure, now hard-to-find white labels at various points over the last two decades. The A-side features two tweaks of 'Shot' (AKA Eric Clapton's reggae-rock cover of Bob Marley's 'I Shot The Sheriff') - a slightly dubbed-out, reworked and extended full vocal version, and the arguably superior, groove-based 'Special Dub'. Over on the flip, 'Bossarocker' sees the Doors' 'Break On Through' get the rework treatment. The 'Bossa edit' is a bossanova beat-powered rework of a live recording, while the 'Break On edit' is a punchy, subtly breakbeat-driven revision of a bluesy studio recording. Superior edits of rock classics: don't sleep!

Review: A momentous reissue of Funk Masters' 1981 disco/jazz funk hit. Out of print for over 40 years, 'Love Money' was a staple of the New York underground scene, spun everywhere across the city from Larry Levan's Paradise Garage to David Mancuso's Loft. With a low swung, funk-geared groove, 'Love Money', is a truly timeless track, encapsulating the sheer energy of disco, funk, and proto-house across eras. On the B-side, Bo Kool's '(Money) No Love' is a track steeped in historical significance - it's one of the earliest examples of UK rap. With nods to the reggae and dub culture at the root of the UK's club scene, it's no surprise to learn the track was produced by Jamaican reggae DJ and producer, Tony Williams. We're delighted to hear this lauded record make a triumphant return to record bags and dancefloors.

Review: Last year, Freestyle Records reissued 'Tonight's The Night', the 1983 debut from West London outfit Take Three - a collaboration between production trio S.H.E (Steve Sinclair, Peter Hinds and Kevin Ellis) and lover's rock vocal harmony group Alpha (AKA Marlene Richardson and sisters Jackie and Jean Heron). 'Can't Get Enough', another gem from the band's vaults, dates from 1985 and was initially released as their final single. In keeping with the group's roots, it comes in two contrasting mixes: a gorgeously dreamy, glossy and glassy 'Soul Mix' powered forward by squelchy synth-bass, mid-tempo beats and jaunty, jazz-funk style keyboard riffs, and the 'Reggae Mix'. As the title suggests, this radically alters the tempo and groove of the track - it's basically synth-heavy, mid-80s lovers rock - whilst retaining key elements of the A-side soul version.

Review: The Light Touches label and production crew brings their magic fingers to another series of hot and lesser known tunes and forgotten classics here, all with something of an Afro tinge. 'Vera' kicks off with a playful and funky disco sound that is riddled with Afro vocals and melodies that make you want to move. There is more energy to the bristling drums and flailing hits of 'Savage' which has plenty of effects and loops bring the energy then the final cut is 'We De Youth'. It's a loose-limbed and percussive workout with big horns leading the way. Glorious stuff.

Review: The latest edition to the illustrious Charly catalogue - a re-release of Dillinger's most successful single from 1976, 'Cokane In My Brain' - marks a welcome return of this popular release to record stores. Listening to this release, it's easy to trace the figures the Kingston-born Dillinger has labelled as key inspirations in the sound he brings into existence - namely Dennis Alcapone and Lee "Scratch" Perry, the latter of whom he found himself under the guidance of following his big break in 1974 with the release of his single 'Dub Organizer'. There's a reason this achieved serious playtime - though not necessarily on the radio - worldwide following its release. A key release you certainly won't want missing from your collection.

Review: Geographic Sound Archaeology dig deep once more for the second release on their fledgling label. It's another lovely 12" that kick off with the escapist tropical charms and lovely naive 80s synths of 'I Love U.' The vocal is a smoky and soulful one with real passion as the tumbling drums and lush percussion make for a perfectly steamy and Balearic vibe. On the flip is something with more kick - 'Funky' has big horn energy and more snappy disco drums and lively leads that get you on your toes in no time.

Review: Dug out from the hidden corners of Austria's music scene, Prinz & Prinz released just one track back in 1984 on the Youngsters Of Vienna Vol. 2 compilation. Now Editions Hawara have rescued that tune, 'Einsamkeit' and backed it up with a previously unreleased jam called 'Kleine Segelschiffe' which is a truly exciting find for anyone who appreciates early 80s private press grooves. Synths? Check. Dub FX? Check. DIY pop vocals? You betcha. If you love obscurities from behind the closed doors of bygone eras, you're going to be all over this record.

Review: The Dig This Way label outta Italy continues to build a fine head of steam with its stomping second disco release. 'Spell Bound' comes from PSK, and is taken from their one and only album Disco Season back in 1980. It was the opening track on that album, written by Austine Rigar and Jones Coakly, and is a bright, joyful groove. The big vocals bring exotic international flavours over the funky bass work, trilling drums and afro-tinged rhythms. ON the flip is another tune from that album, 'Revolution (Work Hard In Your Life)' that is all pixelated synth leads, afro-drum patterns and even a hint of ska swagger.