Tags: Soul Disco

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: Divine Who thrillingly announce their latest collaborative 7" release made with legendary gospel artist Lady Lois Snead, longtime fixture of the sixties US gospel-disco circuit and notably a member of the Dorothy Norwoods. Reworked, revamped and tweaked with love, Snead's gliding croons are revitalized for a new audience, be that on the pulsing cheat-buster 'I Found Out' or the more lolloping, stringy fable in song, 'Until We Learn', all against a fresh, modern instrumental production backdrop.

Review: The soul, funk and disco 7" community is a strong one. Besides garage rock and psychedelic rock, there might not be another genre that is so beloved on the small but mighty 45rpm format. So, it completely makes sense if you are a newer producer releasing music in these genres then definitely know your fan base. Cool Million is a Danish and German duo doing just that. Their track 'Stronger' is the track and the title of their sixth full length album from 2019. The album has gained such strong reviews that they put it now as a single along with the Dub version on the reverse side. 'Stronger' is a positive and upbeat anthem that is sure reign in the innocent bystanders to party. The Dub is a super-cool alternative version that reminds of us classic roller-skating funk track from Midnight Star or Kool & The Gang. Need a party starter? Get this!

Review: Dave Lee's "AC Soul Symphony" alias has been releasing delectable and sultry disco since 2005 but reached his magnus opus in 2023 with the release of the Metamorphosis LP. Here we find two tracks handpicked from the album and delivered, for the first time, in a 7" format. The single starts much as the album does with the track "Windy City Theme", beautifully scored, recorded, and produced legato strings envelope the track, punctuated with horns and vocals reminiscent of a Love Unlimited Orchestra production. This version of the track has been rearranged, speeding up the pacing of the track and reaching the juicy parts in a really satisfying way. On the flip side we have the title track from the album Metamorphosis, which is the first time the vocal version has been made available on vinyl. A bass laden intro gives ways to glistening pianos and those signature strings (have we mentioned how good the strings are?). A more laid back and seductive track than the A-side, but no less appealing. Again, due to the limitations of the 7" format, 'Metamorphosis' has been expertly rearranged with loving care and attention.

Review: This is a translucent vinyl yellow version (though we also have a regular black pressing) of some reissued soul treasure from 1983, penned and produced by the legendary Larry McGee. Over four decades old, it seamlessly blends disco, UK street soul, and boogie into an irresistible tune, perfect for both dance floors and romantic home listening. With lovestruck vocals, persuasive basslines, and sultry saxophone lines, "Space Lady" captivates from start to finish. Flip over this 7" vinyl, and you'll discover an extended version tailor-made for DJs, ensuring smoother deployment on the turntables. A true gem that shines bright, even after all these years.

Review: Berkeley-born Cornell CC Carter returns with 'The Change,' which is the lead single from his upcoming album on Expansion. Initially making waves with his debut album Vindicated Soul in 2017, Carter has become a force in the UK soul scene with subsequent albums such as One Love, Absolutely, and Next Life. With a storied career that includes collaborations with The Isley Brothers and performances alongside James Brown, he has been a staple on Expansion's Soul Togetherness and Luxury Soul series, and graced the stage at the Luxury Soul Weekender in Blackpool. Here 'The Change' comes with 'Sometimes,' which is produced by Brian Carter and offers a nice counterpoint to the a-side.

Review: Danish-German production duo Cool Million (Frank Ryle, Robert 'Rob' Hardt) are specialists in nu-disco and neo-boogie. Until late, they've flaunted this expertise via their renditions of old funk standouts, be that from the likes of Donald Byrd or James Brown. Here, however, the pair team up with Tomas Thordarson for a front-and-centre G-funker of the squeeziest quality, 'My Life', whose lyrics match its form via mentions of 'cutting like a knife' rhymed, of course, with 'paradise'. The instrumental dub is just as glassy and arid, its standout element being the huge, zesty, quivering chords marking out the phrase transitions.

Review: Fantasy Love re-issues a cherished soul and funk underground classic. Liason was a legendary Bay-Area group who were known for their vibrant performances and distinct sound. Led by Morris 'Skid' Clay, Liason was originally released on their independent imprint, 'A.L.C.' and named after three of the group's members' astrological signs: Aquarius, Libra, and Capricorn. Recorded in 1977, this double single shows the spirit of the band in these stellar songs. 'Life' features a grand vocal performance with a fantastic horn section while the B-side, 'Disco Party' enjoys dancefloor romp from the disco heyday. Both tracks are special in their own way. For those people looking for rare grooves, look no further!

Review: Sound Metaphors offshoot Miss You has been particularly astute at licensing and reissuing long-forgotten European disco gems. They've found another unknown classic here in the shape of two gorgeously string-laden 1977 disco covers of Andalucian folk songs by singing sisters Las Dablas, both of which originally appeared on the same Spanish seven-inch. 'Zorongo' is authentic-sounding, faintly threatening disco rich in heady Clavinet motifs, soaring orchestration, low-slung 'walking bass' and sprightly piano stabs, while 'Solo Y Sin Problemas' is a slightly funkier and sweeter slab of mid-tempo disco. Best of all, though, is the new 'No End Extension' - a breathlessly brilliant, dub disco-flecked revision that teases out the instrumental sections before finally dropping the sibling duo's lead vocals.

Review: French outfit Disco Records - whose name is a masterclass in SEO - returns for four new disco edits, this time housed in a deep purple sleeve. On the A, we hear nominally unchanged, but sonically-tampered-with, versions of Billy Frasier's 'The Mind Blower...' and King Tutt's 'You Got Me Hung Up'. The B-side, meanwhile, flaunts two further excellent cuts reworking The Hippolytes and Ozone, the latter of which is a particularly intoxicating slice of laserific, finger-licking boogie.

Review: We for one are perfect happy to revisit this iconic debut solo album of the legendary singer Chaka Khan. Originally released in 1978 and now arriving once more as a deluxe edition, the record showcases the disco diva's incomparable vocal prowess and genre-defying style. With hits like 'I'm Every Woman' and 'Life is a Dance,' it solidified Khan's status as a powerhouse in the realms of funk, r&b, and disco. This deluxe edition has newly remastered tracks, rare bonus content, and further insights into Khan's artistic journey. It serves as a timely reminder of her unparalleled talent in one essential package.

Review: In 1975, Silver Convention burst onto the global stage with their hit song Save Me, introducing the world to The Munich Sound. The album included the Grammy-winning smash hit 'Fly Robin Fly,' which topped both the disco and pop charts for weeks and became the band's signature song. Now, Omnivore Recordings and Good Time Records present an expanded reissue of this classic debut, featuring five bonus tracks and insightful liner notes detailing the album's genesis and global impact. With its original international cover art and a 12-page color booklet filled with photos and ephemera, this reissue is a must-have for fans of Eurodisco and music history enthusiasts alike.

Review: Freestyle delivers a gem from 1987 here with Purely Fizzycal's UK street soul sizzler 'Make A Move' , which was first released on their Pure Impact Productions label. Trish Langley of North London and Ash Kamat of South London first crossed paths in the mid-80s and came together over music with Kamat's programming and production inspired by London pirate radio sound of the time and and US influences like Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis also colouring their sound. Langley's vocals, shaped by her parents' reggae collection and brother's taste for artists like Brothers Johnson, Maze, and Janet Kay, merged with Kamat's raw drum machine sounds in perfect easy as heard here with this irresistible 12".