Hip-Hop News

Hypnotic popcorn thriller with R'n'B rocker on the flip

James Brown would be proud of this one just like Maceo. Killer version of "Superbad" on the A-side and a soulful funk instrumental titled "Ma(r)l Sehen" on the flip make this one a must have for any funk djs' record bag. For the first time on 45, it sounds BAAAAD!

**INITIAL 400 LPs CONTAIN A BONUS 7" OF AN UNISSUED MODERN SOUL BANGER BY DEEP VELVET**

After so many successful compilation series' on Tramp like the critically-acclaimed Movements, Feeling Nice, and Praise Poems comps, the people behind the label decided that the jewel of golden-era funk & soul was so brilliant and multifaceted, it was necessary to found a new one. Can You Feel It is all about DISCO and MODERN SOUL!

It's not often we mention Jimi Hendrix and Trap music in the same sentence. Or Brixton and George Benson. In this case Mansur Brown embodies all of these. An integral part of the groundbreaking Yussef Kamaal album, he now releases his debut album on Black Focus Records.

As Thundercat claims the Bass Guitar, Robert Glasper the keys, the 21 year old prodigy from south east London claims the Guitar. Welcome to Shiroi.

It's a common misconception that the late legend of soul, Aretha Franklin, didn't cut a good record until she got out from under her Columbia Records contract and began recording with the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section (aka The Swampers) for Atlantic Records. While those Atlantic sides are some of the greatest deep Southern soul ever recorded, there's a lot to love about her earlier recordings. Yes, there is much more of a pop R&B vibe to them with swinging arrangements and large horn and string sections but that unique and perfect voice is still there, here piano playing is gorgeous, and there are some serious Northern Soul burners in the bunch. The Tender, The Moving, The Swinging Aretha Franklin, from 1962, features some beautiful ballads and killer floor fillers and will please any fan of early '60s soul and R&B.

It's a common misconception that the late legend of soul, Aretha Franklin, didn't cut a good record until she got out from under her Columbia Records contract and began recording with the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section (aka The Swampers) for Atlantic Records. While those Atlantic sides are some of the greatest deep Southern soul ever recorded, there's a lot to love about her earlier recordings. Yes, there is much more of a pop R&B vibe to them with swinging arrangements and large horn and string sections but that unique and perfect voice is still there, here piano playing is gorgeous, and there are some serious Northern Soul burners in the bunch. The Electrifying Aretha Franklin originally released in 1962 features some of her greatest early tracks, including the Northern Soul classic "Rough Lover". A great piece of early '60s R&B from the undisputed Queen.

Pussyfoot is back with one stonking big compilation album. 'Space Is The Plaice' is a 28-track aquatic space opera which fits neatly onto triple vinyl and a double CD with the extended digital version spanning a massive 35 tracks. The album sees artists contributing worldwide: UK, Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, USA, and all over Europe. The album artwork by Dan MacMillan and Kieron Livingstone melds together psychedelic prog-rock with space electro-eccentrics themes which cover the 3LP with its tongue in cheek Douglas Adams inspired designs.

'Space Is The Plaice' features exclusive releases including:

Howie B Featuring Norman Reedus - A Letter From Space
This may seem like the unlikely pairing of an electronic music man and a zombie killing super star (Walking Dead) but these boys have a friendship that spans over 20 years. Reedus lends his vocals to an astronaut's love letter written while looking down on the world from space. A dramatic and beautiful spoken word piece with an eerie treated piano and electronic synths.

Blood Wine Or Honey - Brilliant Pebbles
BWOH are: Shane Aspegren, Joseph von Hess and James Banbury - all multi instrumentalists. Their style builds on tribal rhythms, electro-psychedelia, and afrobeat sounds to create an eclectic sound. Blood Wine or Honey are a favourite of BBC 6 music DJ Gilles Peterson and this track continues where their album left off.

Ancient Lights Featuring Flowdan - Crash Landing
Go-to producer Joe Hirst's musical alias Ancient Lights is joined by Flowdan, AKA the founding member of Roll Deep and massive Grime MC. Flowdan lends his vocal stylings to this ambient electro grime track. Slow building synths ebb and flow in and out of X-Files-esque keys steeped in mystery. Gravelly spoken word vocals accompanied by female choral sounds.

Jacknife Lee - Overview
Jacknife Lee AKA Garrett Lee is a huge name in production having worked with the likes of Bloc Party, Snow Patrol and The Killers. 'Overview' Is Lee's first release on Pussyfoot since his 99 album: 'Muy Rico'. Hollow electronics bleeps, cinematic synths, background drums accompany warped sample vocals musing on earth from space. All-encompassing sound without overpowering the senses.

Tojin Kit - Machina
Tojin Kit is made up of super producer Jim Abbiss (Adele, Arctic Monkeys), Chris James (Stateless, DJ Shadow) and Massive Attack cohort Kidkanevil (aka Gerard Roberts). The groups sound is vast, electronic and cinematic and their track 'Machina' is no exception. Intergalactic looping keys steeped in beautiful mystery, joined by grinding beats and robotic vocals.

Pussyfoot is back with one stonking big compilation album. 'Space Is The Plaice' is a 28-track aquatic space opera which fits neatly onto triple vinyl and a double CD with the extended digital version spanning a massive 35 tracks. The album sees artists contributing worldwide: UK, Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, USA, and all over Europe. The album artwork by Dan MacMillan and Kieron Livingstone melds together psychedelic prog-rock with space electro-eccentrics themes which cover the 3LP with its tongue in cheek Douglas Adams inspired designs.

'Space Is The Plaice' features exclusive releases including:

Howie B Featuring Norman Reedus - A Letter From Space
This may seem like the unlikely pairing of an electronic music man and a zombie killing super star (Walking Dead) but these boys have a friendship that spans over 20 years. Reedus lends his vocals to an astronaut's love letter written while looking down on the world from space. A dramatic and beautiful spoken word piece with an eerie treated piano and electronic synths.

Blood Wine Or Honey - Brilliant Pebbles
BWOH are: Shane Aspegren, Joseph von Hess and James Banbury - all multi instrumentalists. Their style builds on tribal rhythms, electro-psychedelia, and afrobeat sounds to create an eclectic sound. Blood Wine or Honey are a favourite of BBC 6 music DJ Gilles Peterson and this track continues where their album left off.

Ancient Lights Featuring Flowdan - Crash Landing
Go-to producer Joe Hirst's musical alias Ancient Lights is joined by Flowdan, AKA the founding member of Roll Deep and massive Grime MC. Flowdan lends his vocal stylings to this ambient electro grime track. Slow building synths ebb and flow in and out of X-Files-esque keys steeped in mystery. Gravelly spoken word vocals accompanied by female choral sounds.

Jacknife Lee - Overview
Jacknife Lee AKA Garrett Lee is a huge name in production having worked with the likes of Bloc Party, Snow Patrol and The Killers. 'Overview' Is Lee's first release on Pussyfoot since his 99 album: 'Muy Rico'. Hollow electronics bleeps, cinematic synths, background drums accompany warped sample vocals musing on earth from space. All-encompassing sound without overpowering the senses.

Tojin Kit - Machina
Tojin Kit is made up of super producer Jim Abbiss (Adele, Arctic Monkeys), Chris James (Stateless, DJ Shadow) and Massive Attack cohort Kidkanevil (aka Gerard Roberts). The groups sound is vast, electronic and cinematic and their track 'Machina' is no exception. Intergalactic looping keys steeped in beautiful mystery, joined by grinding beats and robotic vocals.

Heart wrenching vocals, proto-ska R'n'B, killer hidden B sides and demos, all presented in beautiful gold embossed artwork with info & photo booklet.

Heart wrenching vocals, proto-ska R'n'B, killer hidden B sides and demos, all presented in beautiful gold embossed artwork with info & photo booklet.

Those of you who have followed Lucky Brown's tireless efforts since joining the Tramp family in 2007 can hear without a doubt the progress he and his various ensembles have made in almost every musical aspect. His songwriting skills amazed us right from the start of our relationship. What deserves much more respect is that during the past years he has proved to be probably one of the most authentic and steady but at the same time most innovative creative minds on the contemporary funk scene. Sure, many of today's funk bands are able to deliver a two-and-a-half minute funk killer, what distinguishes Lucky Brown, however, is his ability to create compositions which also employ the idiom as a means to deliver an artistic message, a hard-to describe feeling, or a conscious concept, just like James Brown and Fela Kuti mastered in the 1970s. Furthermore, Lucky has developed his own trademark production and sound whose depth and honesty form a basis from which his work will ever remain timeless.

But that's nothing new as you can hear on both of his first two albums for Tamp ("Lucky Brown's Space Dream, 2011 and "Mystery Road", 2015) On "Mesquite Suite" he is forging new paths by soaking up musical styles from all over the world to infuse with his own totally unique way of producing. Perfect examples are the Mulatu Astatke-ish tracks "Pauraque" and "Mother Corn Stalk" with its distinctive New Orleans Swamp-Jazz flavor. Fans of the Menahan Street Band or El Michels Affair may see in "Taterbug" and "Estrellas De La Tierra" their favourite tracks. But it's the entirety which makes this album standout.

It has been Lucky Brown's aim to paint for the world a picture of the vernacular jazz that America's neighborhoods once crafted as their own homegrown cultural heritage. Lucky Brown's music is a rejection of the elitism, classism, and status of the music industrial complex and is an antitoxin to it's resultant homogeneity. He wants with his heart and his art to transmit an everyday people's sound, made by everyday people, dedicated to the upliftment of all people.

Tobias Kirmayer, August 2018

key-selling points:
- limited to 500 hand-numbered copies
- incl. full album download code
- double vinyl LP with deluxe gatefold cover

After some excursions into different musical genres Tramp is back where it all began 15 years ago. The Vicious Seeds provide a deepfunk 2-sider which needs no comment. Certainly one for the B-Boys and B-Girls out there. So DJs come on and play it out LOUD!

Expansion's most successful and longest running compilation series returns with a 2018 edition. The concept remains the same, fifteen must-have modern soul room gems taken from the year's biggest dance floor spins on the soul scene. While tracks here have topped UK soul charts, many have not been available in all formats. Once again, attention is paid to the 'flow' of the 15 gems chosen here from shuffling beats to boogie to more soulful house as played at modern soul events. Participants this year include Cornell CC Carter with a track from one of the year's biggest albums, huge tracks by UK soul artists Kenny Thomas, Jaki Graham (exclusive extended mix), John Reid (exclusive extended mix); a return to form for the massive Change; two artists Brian Courtney Wilson and Lexi from Motown's new gospel label; superb dancers from new artists The APX, Imaa, with a vintage flavor from Ernest Ernie & The Sincerities. There's excellence from German DJ Mousse T with Peven Everett; soulful garage anthems from DJ Spen and Prefix One, an 80s revival from The Richie Family, and fantastic to have Cheryl Pepsii Riley back with an James Day on an extended mix exclusive to this album.

A creative outlet for slavery past and present (from the mutiny of slave ships to the hacking of algorithms and microchips); how music from the fields evolved to create Hip-Hop and how Hip-Hop is as relevant a medium

for conversations regarding slavery as the music that makes it up ever was. The seriousness of life is often expressed through the use of music and humour- here ((((FACTS))))) draws together poets, musicians and artists in a

collab that explores modern day slavery and provides a path for others to join in and explore their own place in modern day society. This in a medium rich with history and life and open, supportive expression.

Inspired by the historical Madison Washington (who led the first and only successful slave rebellion in the U.S.), Malik Ameer raps on behalf of all the contemporary, and possibly future, runaway slaves. Hence, ((((FACTS))))

attempts to articulate the contemporary abolitionists modus operandi.

'Exotic Other' is the debut album from London-based four-piece Animanz and Argentinian and Congolese vocalist Juanita Euka. Featuring nine infectious funk-infused tracks, the album is a dynamic

journey through rocking exotica. Available on 1xLP inc. Pantone coloured sleeve.

Flavours from rhumba, cumbia and merengue to the punk attitude and electro energy of the club-funk sound of title track 'Exotic Other' represent the fastpaced and diverse nature of their home of London.

Started as a collaborative project between childhood friends Max Rodriguez (guitar), Joshua Brandler (bass), Marc Goymour (keys) and Andrea Gucel (drums), Animanz was formed in 2013 when they threw themselves out

into London's multi-layered music scene. Since then the band have grown to encompass a genre smashing collective which welcomes guest performers from all over the world, and the musicians they've met along this varied path

have provided the band with a vehicle to help them develop their multitextured approach to rhythm. Animanz explain: 'We write party tunes, so the groove and energy are the

most important things. Everything else just fits around that.' The album is also very conscientious, and finds itself rooted deeply within our times, like London it is music to both get lost in and inspired by what the band call 'a melting pot;

an all-inclusive party for everyone'. Inspired by the relationship between afrobeat and protest which Fela Kuti epitomised, Animanz use emblems of modern technology to theorise a

systemised digital world. Tracks like 'TV' and 'Disconnect' deal with television screens and Wi-Fi as their subject matter, while 'Speak Out' is a ballad to those who complain about politics but do nothing to implement change.

Record Kicks Pres. "travelers, Exlplorers" The Brand New Single By Legendary Italian Cinematic Funk Combo Calibro 35, Out 9th Of November On A Ltd Edition Vinyl 45.

"travelers, Explorers" Is A New Epic Journey Into Calibro 35's World, A Sung Revisitation Of The Morricone-inspired Tune "travelers" That Closes Calibro 35's Latest Lp "decade". In "travelers, Explores", The Italian Combo Gets Lost In Deep Space With Thewhispered Voice Of Elisa Zoot, Who Guides The Band Into This Journeymade Ofstrings, Brass, Synth Textures And Vibraphone. On The Flip Side, Two Heavy-brass Dirty-groover Versions Of "stingray", Barry Gray's Opening Theme Of The Iconichomonymatv Series: Instrumental Version And With The Italian Singer Serena Altavilla. This 45 Vinyl Is Limited To 500 Copies Worldwide Andall Calibro 35's Previous 45s Went Sold Out In A Few Days, Be Fast!

Calibro 35 Enjoys A Worldwide Reputation As One Of The Coolest Independent Band Around. They Have Been Sampled By Dr. Dre On His Compton Album, Jay-z Love Child & Damon Albarn, They Shared Stages With The Likes Of Roy Ayers, Sun Ra Arkestra, Sharon Jones, Thundercat, Headhunters And As Unique Musicians They've Collaborated With, Amongst Others Pj Harvey, Mike Patton, John Parish And Stewart Copeland And Nic Cester (the Jet). Described By Rolling Stone Magazine's As The Most Fascinating, Retro-maniac And Genuine Thing, That Happened To Italy In The Last Years, Calibro 35 Now Count On A Number Of Aficionados Worldwide Which Includes Vip's Fans Such As Dj Food (ninja Tune), Mr Scruff And Huey Morgan (fun Lovin' Criminals) Among Others.

California Flight Project is a well known name for many record collectors because of the PPU 7" release of California Flight, and the self released CD-R's from the front man, Jerry "J". Finally Preservation records is very proud to present to you the first official release on vinyl of their early tracks 79-81. Fantastic modern soul from Berkley California. Licenced, remastered, with new cover and full credits makes this a collectors item. Only 500 pressed.

First Word Records are very proud to present an EP by Manchester's finest Hip Hop and Soul exports, Children of Zeus. This is 'The Story So Far...'

Konny Kon & Tyler Daley met back in 2005, after both performing a show near Paris in their respective crews, Broke'N'£nglish and Body Roq. The duo met up back home in Manchester, spurred on initially by a mutual admiration of each others music, and produced their first track together, aptly entitled 'Coming Home To You'.

A few years later, Tyler approached Konny about producing a full EP together. These sessions included the creation of a track called 'Still Standing', which ultimately saw the light of day last Summer on First Word. Still a highlight in their live sets, the Lenzman rub won "Best Remix" at the 2016 Drum & Bass Awards. The original has become somewhat of a British Soul anthem since its release, with people that missed it first time round still clamouring for it on wax. So we've included it on this EP.

As they've grown within the family of Manchester's music scene, they've provided a tonic to the city's bass-orientated club scene, breathing Soul back into the city, whilst maintaining their heritage of Hip Hop swagger. As an MC, Konny takes no prisoners, whilst Tyler (a prolific MC in his own right) has gained a rep as one of the UK's strongest Soul voices. Both artists have been blessed with the talent of beat-making. A combined craftsmanship upon the boards and in the booth.

From building a grassroots following of fans, they've since travelled the globe, sharing stages with giants and catching the ear of peers far and wide, from Pete Rock to Zed Bias. As well as hosting their own monthly radio show on NTS, they've collaborated with numerous Hip Hop acts, both sides of the Atlantic, as well as Soul royalty in the form of Caron Wheeler and Drum'n'Bass legends, such as Goldie (Tyler featuring heavily across his latest album).

Children of Zeus have finally begun the process of crafting together their debut album. This EP is a compilation of the creations the duo have produced themselves over the past decade, put together to appease their loyal followers thus far, and as an introduction to those yet to discover their talents. A snapshot of what has been, and a mere taster of what's to come. It features brand new tracks such as 'Smoke With Me' and (vinyl-only cut) 'Tonight', the anthemic 'Crown' (featured on First Word's 'Two Syllables' compilation previously) and fan favourites such as 'No Sunshine Tomorrow' and 'Push On'. A collection of raw, gritty, Hip Hop Soul music.

The debut album will drop in 2018.
This collection signals the end of the first chapter. A prologue even.
Get on board now. The time is right. This is the story so far...

Craig Clouse's $hit & $hine is an amorphous entity that's forever in flux, from scuzzed up, bass-heavy and raucous noise sessions to inverted dancefloor shenanigans; this time round serving
Diagonal with a 30 min plunderphonic special, curling purple funk, R&B and rap specials to order, the man just don't give af...
So this is essentially the $hit & $hine edit whitelabel, scorched and blunted 30 min / 3 track madness somewhere between John Oswald and slowed down Secret Mixes & Fixes tackle, bubblin'
computer funk > like Material and Rhianna on a slow spin oozing summer vibes and blurred vision. Here's what Diagonal label head Powell has to say..."i always loved craig's slow jamz from the various lps he's done over the last few years (anyone remember WHO'S YOUR WAITRESS) and we both were excited to work on a 12 like this together. seems like perfect music for the last few days of summer . . ."

To celebrate the anticipated release of the 4th episode of the iconic soul compilation 'Shaolin Soul' this September, Uncle O has unearthed two new special soul treats: the extended version of 'Float On' by the Floaters and a rare vocal version of Marvin Gaye's 'I've Got Mine'.

Singer, pianist, writer, poet and creative being, Allysha Joy, is a key member of Melbourne collective, 30/70. Their growing success over the last two years has led her to further challenge her expression in a project of her own, pushing boundaries as a female keys player, poet, singer and producer. Whether performing solo on Fender Rhodes or accompanied by her band, Allysha's steady groove, husky vocal tone and unique style of writing emanates her own personal truth and illuminates a powerful feminine energy learning to be peaceful, giving and considerate of others.

On her debut EP, Brussels-based multi-instrumentalist Esinam gives us an entrancing insight into her eclectic world of jazztronica.

Released 21st September via Sdban Ultra, her self-titled EP carries influences from different worlds geographically, culturally and musically. Blending traditional and modern instruments with her soulful voice, the acoustic sounds of the instruments are allowed to evolve and take on new dimensions, opening up a kaleidoscopic spectrum of sound and colour.

Esinam Dogbatse is part of a new generation of musicians bringing forth a cultural blend of music. Having opened for the likes of Nakhane and Témé Tan at Les Nuits earlier this year, Belgian rapper Baloji invited her to guest on his latest critically acclaimed album '137 Avenue Kaniama'. She has also supported Alsarah & The Nubatones, Selah Sue and Melanie De Biasio on her sold-out shows at Ancienne Belgique.

For the recording of the EP, Esinam joined forces with Jules Fradet from Studio Planet (Damso, Afrikan Prötökol). Producing and playing most of the instruments herself, the EP was mastered by LA-based producer Kelly Hibbert aka Almachrome (J Dilla, Madlib, Little Dragon, Flying Lotus, Ebo Taylor, Mark de Clive-Lowe and Arca).

Lead track 'Birds Fly Under a Heavy Sky' is a mesmerising opener that smoulders effortlessly against a backdrop of subtle beats and sensual rhythms, with Esinam's soft vocals and hypnotic flute providing the groove.

On 'Do Not Go Into That Black Night', she is dark and direct. It's a magnetic take on jazz noire that doesn't distract from the sultry inflections of her voice, while 'Gavoé' recalls the spirit of her Ghanaian roots in a ballet of instruments that display a level of personal freedom and sensitivity. Through merging different genres of music, we are warmly welcomed into Esinam's musical universe.

Esinam teamed up with Senegalese DJ and producer Ibaaku on the highly charged 'Electric Lady', who provided some distinctive musical hues. A track drenched in afro-futurist colours, sonic samples and collages freely mix with electric and raw sounds, supporting the energetic playing of the flute. The structure of the song remains true to Esinam's signature sounds: surprising ruptures, poetic atmospheres and constant affirmation of groove.

When Esinam performs live, she juggles traditional instruments such as the tama, kalimba and pandeiro, which she loops and blends with the sound of her flute and voice. It sometimes triggers dance, sometimes contemplation

Having noticed that Christmas tends to be an annual event and that vinyl is suffering a resurgence, we here at Ace have put the two together and extracted 14 blues, R&B and doo wop sides from our Christmas R&B compact disc and turned them into a seasonal platter.

A mostly upbeat selection that will certainly help you and yours get through these fraught times.

Blues stars like B.B. King and Lowell Fulsom, with their ripping up-beat guitars join forces with the mellower mistletoe sounds of Hadda Brooks and Jesse Belvin.

This positive view of seasonal goodwill was probably down to the fact that all these sides were cut in Los Angeles in the warm California sun.

Neither of Crazy Santa Claus' reindeers was hurt in the making of this record.

Guapapasea! is the first album by Gecko Turner, a unique creator from southern Spain. Born and bred in Extremadura, near Portugal, Gecko has an original and tasteful Latin personality, and during the 90s he was responsible for some locally quite successful bands like Perroflauta, and The Reverendoes.

Acclaimed by Spanish critics as the best debut album upon its original release in 2003, Guapapasea! is a musical journey blurring the boundaries in Latin music. It's a nice blend of different styles - from soul and Brazilian-flavoured songs like the free and easy (and all-time underground hit) "Un Limón en La Cabeza"; Afrobeat-driven tracks like "45.000$ (Guapa Pasea)"; and the flamenco-reggae of his rendition of Bob Marley's "Rainbow Country", to the infectious Latin rhythms of "Did You Black Up Today"; Monk tribute "Monka Mongas"; the original adaptation of Bob Dylan's "Subterranean Homesick Blues"; and the radio-friendly, straightforward reggae track "Te Estás Equivocando".

Guapapasea! features contributions by some of the greatest musicians active at the time on the Spanish Afro-Cuban jazz scene, such as Rubem Dantas (Paco de Lucía's percussionist and regular member of Chick Corea's band), Rodney Dássiff, and Brazilian trumpeter Irapoam Freire. The album was licensed to Quango in the US.

It's been 15 years since its original release, and to celebrate this, Lovemonk's reissuing the album on double 12" vinyl for the first time, alongside Gecko's second album, Chandalismo Ilustrado, and the CD compilation Soniquete: The Sensational Sound Of Gecko Turner. The CD version features bonus remixes by Quantic, Mexican Institute Of Sound and Watch TV.

The Jack Moss & Soul Injections 45RPM single re-issue is truly a very special release for us here at Tramp Records. Not only because of the sheer quality of the two songs to be found here (both soul AND funk 45 collectors will be more than pleased with it!) but for the fact that it is a joint venture of (most likely) Switzerland's #1 rare groove label Rocafort Records and Tramp.

There are two label variations available: One version with Tramp logo and another one with Rocafort logo. BUT, the Rocafort issue will be exclusively sold on the label's Bandcamp site only (as a bonus item of their killer compilation album entitled "Funk For The People", out October 2018)

Be quick, it's likely that both pressings are going to sell out quickly.

Two classic Texas Rare Grooves back to back on one 45! Both tunes are just perfect for the dance floor, snatch yourself a copy now!

The soulfulness of Georgie Fame's voice is highlighted on the impressive album Going Home. It's an album full of covers, wisely chosen and perfectly fitting by his voice and the musical arrangements. The natural warmth of his vocals are wonderfully underscored by the thoughtful arrangements. With the simple approach he masters to create a subtlety which often was missing in his previous records.

WELCOME to the third volume in our Wigan Casino mini-series exploring the diverse playlist of the world's No.1 Northern Soul venue. The 23rd September 2018 marks the 45th Anniversary of the super club and we have selected 18 tracks that we hope capture the unique atmosphere of the huge ballroom and the mesmerizing dance moves that held us spellbound all those years ago.
WIGAN CASINO finally closed its doors in December 1981 after eight long years of weekly All-Nighters, during which time it came to define Northern Soul. The term had, of course, been coined years earlier, but it was the Casino Soul Club that established the style of music and the scene to the wider public.
The Casino transformed the Northern Soul scene into a mass youth movement with its own sound track, uniform, cultural icons and a 100,000 strong membership. In reality, the stereotype of moustachioed young men in baggy trousers and vest tops, festooned with sew-on patches, was actually quite short lived. Northern Soul was ever evolving and as the Seventies progressed so did the music and the fashion, embracing soulful-disco and jazz-funk. Today, 45 years on, it is still evolving and attracts followers from all over the globe to its international Weekenders and Festivals. Right On!

The Exciting Wilson Pickett is the third album by R&B and soul singer Wilson Pickett. The album includes some of his most recognizable hits, but the whole album is of nearly an equal level. His covers of R&B standards like 'Something You Got' and 'Mercy Mercy' are outstanding and gives you an idea of Pickett's great vocal abilities. It's an energetic and highly listenable record with the classic rhythm section of Cropper, Dunn and Jackson Jr. Isaac Hayes is adding his part by playing the piano. 'Land of
1000 Dances' and '634-5789 (Soulsville, U.S.A.)' are some of his most famous songs which can be found on this album, but also a classic like 'In the Midnight Hour'. The album as a whole

Agbeko are 22-legged Afro-Rock-Funk outfit from Manchester, UK. Formed in 2015, they have quickly established themselves as a must-see act on the festival scene and at various headline shows across the UK and Europe, earning them a slot supporting Afrobeat giants Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 in November of this year. Their debut EP 'Unite' received airplay across a myriad of radio stations including BBC Radio, Worldwide FM and the New York Afrobeat Show.

'Outstanding.' - Jazzwise

'Manchester's finest - and most persuasive - advert for quixotic musical adventure' -Manchester Evening News

Leaders of the Free World/Submit represents Agbeko's first outing with Stutter & Twitch records and perfectly captures the band of 20-somethings' singular concoction of fiery lyrics, swaggering afro-funk grooves and razor-sharp horn lines. Nods to Fela Kuti, The Funkees and Eji Oyewole work in tandem with the band's healthy upbringing on Led Zeppelin and Parliament Funkadelic to generate a groovy, angry statement of intent fresh out of the north of England

2018 was the hottest summer on record...so let's see if we can cool things down while still keeping it warm all over (and over). Enter Kool Customer: a new collab from LA's beatsmith B.Bravo and the Bay's croon daddy Rojai, coming out September 21 on Bastard Jazz. The vibe: think West Coast Boogie Funk A la Dam-Funk, thrown in Styrofoam cup with some 80s synth steez, then escorted to the strip club (at 3AM) dressed head to toe in a white tux lined with gold chains.

The LP's kick-off "Play" is an ode to bed springs, as is the grand finale "Tonight's the Night"— but what happens in between the sheets Prepare yourself for the smooth basslines and raspy bars of "Sweet Tea," the creamy licks and buttery synths of "Pure Delight," and the heads down r&b of "Rain on My Window." You can also envision yourself cruising in a low-rider when throwing on the breezy "Blackberry (Somebody Told Me)," or surfing (slash exhaling) a cloud above the city on the woozy "Nice Touch." Expertly produced beats are nestled up to warm vocals and crafty lyricism about life and love and lust in 2018 a plenty here.


Metaphors aside, the debut from Kool Customer finds two talented musicians doing what they do best: chilling you out while making you move, in perfect unison. Also, keep an eye out for the super-special deluxe pack, that might just come in handy when you need it most. Ooh La La.

Marti Caine's infamous Point Of View is a groovy blend of slow-mo funk, dark disco and precise pop. Originally released on BBC Records in 1981, it has attracted a considerable cult following this century. The odd charity shop score aside, it has been impossible to find a copy for less than eye-watering sums (often selling for over £200) and, as such, it's an honour to present the first officially licensed vinyl reissue of this sublime record. Featuring expert liner notes written by Bill Brewster - perhaps the record's most notable champion - this lovingly curated release is limited to just 500 copies.

Marti Caine was a popular UK TV entertainer in the late 1970s onwards and Point Of View presented her with an opportunity to proceed in a hip direction by working with British R&B heavyweight Barry Blue. His legendary reputation was secured with a string of great records, among them the first three Heatwave albums, the Balearic hit "Afro Dizzi Act" by Cry Cisco and the cult smash "Breakin' In" by Javaroo. However, despite the array of talent working on the album, Point Of View sank without trace at the time. It's something that Blue attributes to the bizarre way BBC Records worked, and he entertainingly expands upon this within the liner notes.

Musically, the highlights are many and memorable. Its most notorious track is the sublime soul stepper "Love The Way You Love Me", the reason most people covet this album so profoundly. However, from the dark dubby disco of "Snowbird City" to the moody ballad "Love Is Running Through Me", the lesser heralded tracks are nothing short of exquisite. Indeed, the chugging elegance of sleazy disco opener "Can I Speak To The World Please" showcases a string-drenched strutting-funk that would've been enviable the world over. It's that good.

The outlandish artwork - presenting a striking, green-eyed Marti treating a tiger to a headlock - has been faithfully restored and is arguably worth the price of admission alone. With access to the original tape transfers, Simon Francis' sensitive mastering elevates the sound throughout and, as ever, it has been pressed at a reassuringly weighty 180g. Sadly, Marti died of lymphatic cancer at the tragically early age of 50 in 1995, so is not here to experience what we hope will be a long overdue reappraisal of the hitherto underheard genius of Marti Caine, the singer

The latest long-player of devotional noir by Humboldt County romantic Brian Pyle aka Ensemble Economique was originally titled Music Saves Lives, in response to the misguided backlash directed at underground artists in the wake of the tragic Ghost Ship fire in Oakland. Since Pyle's career threads through a decade and a half of Northern California's independent experimental music community, the blow struck a uniquely deep and personal chord. As a way to process, he began recording at his coastal home studio in Manila, California, channeling inner states of mind, seeking something 'more personal and intimate, the idea of love, and shining through.'

Radiate Through You delivers on its title, exuding a nuanced catharsis, alternately tempestuous and transcendent, forlorn but undefeated. Vaulted heavens of interwoven electronics ebb into hushed dirges of skeletal percussion and candlelit guitar. Roiling noise seethes, swells, and subsides as an ashen string arrangement rises in the mix, keening a somber, circular elegy, as if overtaken by memory on a long walk alone.

Two key guest appearances lend the album even more dynamism and drama: the first by Barcelona synthesist Alexander Molero on the questing, celestial opener, 'Music Is Life,' the second by New Zealand psychic sisters Purple Pilgrims on the devastating finale, 'Blue Hour.' Both showcase impressive shades of Pyle's finesse as producer and muse, sparking his collaborators to new heights. Whether taken as expressionist memorial, therapeutic song cycle, or something more ambiguous, Radiate Through You stands as a pensive, passionate statement by an enduring light of the West Coast canon, drawn from 'a deep, special place of giant emotions, feelings.'

Tracklisting

First release of label La Casa Tropical, two South African nuggets.. Especially ''Smile'' is a sought after tune by Satari.. The flip is wicked too... Tip!
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Synth heavy South African Disco Boogie from the Mid 80s. First issued near the end of the synth-pop era that gave boom to the local record industry, this release takes the B-sides off the mysterious group's first 2 singles recorded at Johannesburg's legendary Satbel and Ovation Studio. Combining live instruments and an embrace of the electronic gear that was already standard in all studios city wide, the newly formed supergroup was able to create a unique sound at a time the word 'Disco' was starting to be associated with a different emerging movement.

Initially a side project for the group Image (later changing their name to Ymage to avoid confusion after some success in Europe), the new outfit re-enlisted the help of their original producer and long time friend Sidwell Duda, followed with the addition of novice artist and songwriter Bibi Msomi . Their first release was a new take on a song they had recorded for their hit EP which became their first record to see a run outside their home country. Snuck on the B side was a steady 4/4 beat with fat bass synth and the quick funky keyboard licks Don Laka was known for.

After an unsuccessful debut the newly formed group hoped to draw attention with a single front man. For their second release they used a tactic common amongst producers 10 years prior during the reign of the 7' single. Bringing two of his own compositions to the session, but unable to lead the group himself, Bibi's independence and unique voice led to the creation of the ultra suave, party playboy known as Nicky Love.

Although neither single saw any real success and failed to make it past an initial run of 500 copies, the now backing group known as Satari managed to produce a few more titles into the fast changing market that left their sound behind.

This Geneva-based band have finely honed their instrumental "post-internet groove", creating the perfect blend of old-school funk, afro-beat, 70s soundtrack fusion, always adding a pinch of futuristic production and a touch of modernity aimed at bring the groove genre to new generations.

Side A, 'Funky Splash' is an original composition, understated in its groove but with the punch and crunch falling in all the right places, hence can be enjoyed either stewing in the background or as a dancefloor filler. The wah-wah and off-the-wall synths are both used to great rhythmic effect.

Side B, 'O Caminho do Bem', is a cover version of the Brazilian musical heavyweight Tim Maia. Always hard to revisit a classic, but L'Eclair's tight musicianship, perfect pacing and futuristic twist all add an extra layer of groove onto the mellow funk of the original.

Another slice of immaculate sounds for the ears and feet from Switzerland's finest export, Rocafort Records.

This limited edition single features two instrumental monsters from the "Baddest Band in the Land" The Dap-Kings.

Side A, tracked during the sessions for Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings' last long player, "Soul of a Woman" - "Tear it Down" is a psychedelic soul groover that features background vocals by Sharon Jones, and Saun & Starr.

On the flip you find "The Collection Song", a long-time Dap-Kings Instrumental that the group has used to warm up crowds all across the globe. A fan favorite!






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Redinho returns with two heavyweight singles 'Square 1 ft. Kimbra' and 'Mmm Mmm ft. Vula'. After a solo album on Numbers, working as Hudson Mohawke's musical director on the Lantern tour, and producing for the transatlantic rap group Swet Shop Boys with Riz Ahmed and Heems, Redinho is now focusing back on his solo output and these new singles feature his signature sugar-rush r&b meets pop and electronic sound.
'Mmm Mmm' was originally released digitally earlier this year, crowned 'World's Hottest Record' by Annie Mac and features Vula of Basement Jaxx Fame. 'Square 1' is the AA side single that features a Timbaland-esque beat with hypnotising sultry vocals from Grammy Award winning artist Kimbra known for her feature on the Gotye single 'Somebody That I Used To Know'.

Really Great Production!