Hip-Hop News

Isolated geographically in the southern Pacific Ocean, Australian rock musicians may as well have been plying their trade on another planet as far as North American, British and European audiences were concerned. Indeed, in terms of rock music per se, only the Bee Gees (who were primarily pop) and the Easybeats made any headway internationally, and only then once they'd relocated to the mother country.
Yet despite its vast distance from the all-important American and British markets, Australia gave birth to vibrant music scenes that delved deep into beat, R&B, punk and psychedelia. Many of the recordings from this period have found their way on to compilations over the years, most notably Raven Records' superb Ugly Things and the noteworthy Sixties Downunder series. Thanks to the dedicated and exhaustive work of respected Australian music archivist Glenn A Baker, mastermind behind Raven Records, these priceless gems have provided a handy introduction to Oz legends like the Missing Links, the Purple Hearts and the Master's Apprentices.

Less celebrated than many of their Australian contemporaries but arguably more significant in the creative stakes was Melbourne's Wild Cherries. Where most Oz bands during those halcyon days blatantly wore their influences on their sleeves, the Wild Cherries were uniquely original and uncompromising in their delivery and execution. Exciting, revolutionary excursions into a musical void with no concessions to commercial demands' is how Australian rock journalist Ian McFarlane describes the band's music in his superb Encyclopedia of Australian Rock and Pop.
The 16 tracks are the ones that Australian labes didnt want to put out on a recording, to wild for them, so expect not more than that on this LP. The inside inner brings a ton of photos and texts by Nick Warburton.

If you are in 60's savage stuff as The Kinks or The Pretty Things or even in to more late 60's psicadelia, this is for you.

On the 9th of June, we will reissue En Vogue's second album, Funky Divas, on 1LP. Featuring the hit singles My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It),' Giving Him Something He Can Feel' - an Aretha Franklin cover, Free Your Mind' and Give It Up, Turn It Loose'. Funky Divas debuted at #8 on the Billboard 200, #1 on the Billboard R&B charts and #4 in the UK. Celebrating its official 25th anniversary in September, this will be the first time this multi-platinum, 5-time Grammy®-nominated, mainstream success will be available on LP since its original release.

Killer Unreleased mid 70's Blue Eyed Soul/AOR

Between the sessions at Wishborne Sound Studios, the session musicians Terry Woodford, Clayton Ivey, Muscle Shoals horns among others, got down to record some of the finest funky soul and AOR. They took the name Mirage, aiming for stardom. Unfortunately no album was ever released and many tracks went on the shelves in the studio. Over 40 years later, Preservation Records are releasing two of their finest tracks on an exculsive 7". Only 500 pressed

'Chicano Soul Floaters' have to be one of the smaller sub genres of my Disco collecting but Nubia is probably the best example out there. We managed to get the master tapes from writer George Rivera so it sounds as good as the day it was recording, bring some floaty sunny soul to your dancefloors - 500 only.

Do you long for a time where you could head out have a good time and dance your pants off Well The Allergies invite you back to the glory days of Northern Soul, high kicks and throwing yourself around the floor with their new single 'Entitled to That'.

It's an up tempo stomper with feel-good Soul sensibilities that would be equally at home at the Wigan Casino as it is on today's festival circuit. Following on in the same vein that made their 6 Music album of the day record - 'As We Do Our Thing' so popular, they continue to reshape classic sounds for the modern dancefloor.

Talented Soul songstress Honey Larochelle provides the sass in this peppy number co-penned with The Allergies by regular collaborator Andy Cooper (Ugly Duckling). This second single taken from their forthcoming album 'Push On' shows they've lost none of the verve that made their debut so good, and gives another taste of what to expect from the LP.

They balance out the release nicely with a steady groover in the shape of 'Get Down On You' - a steady Funk groove with a catchy bassline and the usual signature flair touches from the guys to keep the crowds entertained.

For our fourth release, we're pleased to welcome The Showfa inside the Excursions kitchen, to cook us up something sizzling for your mind, body & soul. Wielding a nifty set of disco scissors, he's selected the finest of gospel cuts and brought them neatly to the boil, serving up three delectable dishes of hot spiritual gumbo. Soul food of the highest calibre.

Taking us to church straight off the bat, 'Thankful' builds and builds along an infectiously uplifting piano-heavy hook, an edit that bubbles away effortlessly akin to a Moodyman-esque disco groove, perfectly crafted for the dancefloor.

'He'll Answer' drops the tempo and tone to something slower & lower, lending its sound to that of the most proficient beat-masters, incorporating moody synths and haunting strings, in a true future gospel style and pattern.

The last serving on the plate is 'Jus' A Little Talk' - a cheeky flip of a classic that's destined to make the AOR diggers and connoisseurs salivate profusely. This retro yacht rock bumper closes out this joyously ethereal platter perfectly.

Already finding its way into the crates of selectors such as Gilles Peterson, Horse Meat Disco and Patrick Forge, it's also received love in Mixmag and across the airwaves, from NTS to Mi-Soul to Rinse FM.

Another essential Excursion on wax, and one that will never leave the box.

Africa's championing diva Yemi Alade, extends the thrills of her award-winning sophomore album "Mama Africa" The Diary of an African Woman", with a extended play christened "Mama Afrique".
The E.P is a musical continuation of the L.P, which spawned the classic numbers "Na Gode", "Africa", "Ferrari" to name a few, and sees the praised performer deliver fresh continental dance pop gems and revamped multilingual versions of numbers originally housed on the "Mama Africa" album.
The set houses cuts produced by heavyweights Maleek Berry, DJ Coublon, Philkeyz, Fliptyce, BeatsByEmzo, Rotimi Keys, Selebobo, and a collaboration with Kenyan music star Nyashinski.

Wonderful funky soul 2-sider by Walter Jenkins. Not superrare but supergood, it is definitely worth the nine bucks which your favourite record shop charges for it.

Key-selling points:

- two colored label - huh!

- fantastic sound quality - wow!

- officially licensed - yeah!

dreamcast on the vocals. sasac on the beat. more things on the way from this trans coastal duo. stay tuned 2017

One of the rarest funk 45s in existence and the rarest 45 on Ellis Taylor's Forte label flipped with a previously unreleased acetate (has a little bit of background noise but what you gonna do when there is only one copy in the world, we did out best to make it sound good and it does). Both tracks are stone cold Deepfunk killers. Super Black is from the tapes and sounds amazing (better than the original) so go destroy a club with this.

Exclusive promotional vinyl 45 to support the library album THE BREAK DOWN from the vaults of Warner/Chappell Production Music . The Rhythm Snipers recreate the old school funk sound that gave birth to hiphop by using analogue 8-track tape machines and authentic vintage equipment. 'Standing Rock' is bongo-heavy blockparty breakbeat anthem with western chorus, 'B-Boy Champions Medley' is a breakdance funk mashup with four different breaks all played live. Limited quantities as most of the pressing is used as a giveaway to clients in film/TV/advertising.

Combined here are the explosive talents of R&B and Soul music history featuring such legends as Joe Simon, Nina Simone, Bobby Adams, Grover Mitchell and Eddie Banks with his Five Dreamers.
BACK TO THE BEAT bursts into action with a mighty fine slice of Tennessee soul courtesy of happy-go-lucky Herbert Hunter, a top-off that defines THE BEAT and is the first of two sides from Ted Jarrett's Poncello imprint, the second being Ricky Rezell's storming What You Bet'.
The pace is relentless as the heavyweights of rhythm & soul power through the set that pairs Northern Soul favourites Dean Barlow and the Profiles alongside the ferocious Bertha Tillman, Big Boy Myles and Mary Johnson.  Dale Cunningham closes proceedings with the rarest of the original 45s, the big-money Too Young'.
The Legend Of Northern Soul Continues...

REPRESSED !!
Banny Price made his living as a singer/guitarist in and around Shreveport, Louisiana where he was born. Although nothing was released, his first recording sessions were for Myra Smith's local Ram records in the early 60s. In 1963/4 Price went to the famous Robin Hood Brians Studios, just across the border into Tyler, TX for a recording session under producer Ken Demary. The tracks Price cut included the fine deep soul track "There Goes The Girl" and the exciting horn led instrumental "Monkey See - Monkey Do" which has become a firm favourite with R & B dancers all over the world. These tracks were first issued as Jewel 733 by Stan Lewis, the main music man in Shreveport, in October 1964. And although the 45 sank without trace, it didn't stop Price making another trip to Tyler, TX this time with Dale "Suzie-Q" Hawkins. The top side of Jewel 749, which appeared the following year, was a version of the B B King song "You Know I Love You" but the flip, "You Love Me Pretty Baby" is the track that everybody wants to own. This is a rousing piece of minor keyed R&B with Price's guitar showing some excellent Otis Rush styled licks and his tough vocals hitting just the right spot. Price doesn't seem to have made any other records - but this special edition 45 which has both of his killer dance tracks on it is the best way of hearing his music for sure.

"2" A Jungle Brother The Jungle Brothers' 1988 debut, Straight Out The Jungle, was important for many reasons. It was sloppy and goofy but had moments of real focus and social consciousness. It was a true kitchen sink' record, that caught a rap fanbase enraptured by Eric B. & Rakim, Public Enemy and Boogie Down Productions a bit off-guard. Also of note, beyond the excellence of the album itself, the Jungle Brothers were the fulcrum for what would become the Native Tongues movement - they came first, De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest followed, under their guidance. By 1989, the group had even more confidence, plus a Warner Bros. contract and advance in their back pocket. They used it to great advantage on the self-produced and criminally underrated Done By The Forces Of Nature, expanding their sonic palette and continuing their Afrocentric approach to music and life. Singles like What 'U' Waitin' 4' and Doin' Our Own Dang' (with De La and Q-Tip, alongside Monie Love) showed the group's fun side, which has also lead the way in the hip-house' movement. But things weren't all fun and games, as deeper, more pensive album tracks like Black Woman,' Beeds On A String,' and Acknowledge Your Own History' show. It was another accomplished mix of fun, frolic and knowledge-of-self, proving that you could be serious in the rap game but still let off steam and fill the dancefloor. Done By The Forces Of Nature stands as one of the most cherished hip-hop documents of the late '80s among true-school heads, and this edition is the perfect way to revisit this classic thinking-man's (and woman's) rap platter. Issued for the first time ever on 2-LP with the original picture sleeve artwork, it also comes with a reproduction of the original insert, with credits and lyrics.

Belgium 'Popcorn' borrows its name from the 1969 James Brown LP, The Popcorn, which also became the moniker for the Popcorn Club in Vrasene, Flanders which, in its heyday, attracted 3,000 youths to its Sunday sessions. It was DJ Gilbert Govaert who pioneered the sound, blending blues, soul, jazz, latin, doo-wop and high-school pop in a unique melting pot that appealed to dancers seeking that chugging cha-cha beat.
Our POPCORN SOUL PARTY carries on the tradition with many tracks culled from the original playlists and others, such as the incredibly elusive Willie J Charles Feelin' Kinda Lonesome' which has become popular in more recent times.
This unique set will appeal to Popcorn oldies fans, new breed Northern Soul fans and R&B collectors alike. Look out for new-to-vinyl reissues courtesy of Ki Ki Page and Chance Halladay!
The Party Continues...

JEFF KRUGER'S FABULOUS FLAMINGO originally operated from the basement of the Mapleton Restaurant in Coventry Street, London and was known for its sophisticated Jazz suppers.  In April 1957 the club moved to Wardour Street where it soon became famous, some might say 'infamous' for its weekend 'All-Nighters' staying open until 6am every Friday and Saturday night. In 1959 Kruger hired brothers Rik and Johnny Gunnell to manage the 'Mingo' and develop the 'All-Night' scene introducing the signature sound of jazz-tinged rhythm and blues and proto-soul!
Post 1959 The Flamingo's character changed dramatically from its refined, jazz ethos to an altogether more up-front R&B and Ska policy that appealed to black American G.I.s stationed outside of the city and the Caribbean community who were fundamental in the clubs 'fully-amplified' sound system, the first of its kind in the capital. The 'Mingo' became synonymous with the birth of the Mod movement but it also attracted the London underworld and in 1963 it witnessed a notorious fight between two of Christine Keeler's lovers that in turn laid bare the Profumo Affair!
Here we present a soundbite of the Flamingo, circa 1962, capturing the best of the canned' music and showcasing visiting American talent alongside British modernists who honed their sound in the club.

TLC have confirmed details of their much-anticipated, self-titled new album, which will released on June 30th and features new single 'Way Back' - featuring Snoop Dogg. The iconic girl-group played their first ever UK show this week, with an intimate date at London's Koko (May 9th) immediately selling out and news of further dates expected soon. Their first new material in fifteen years, 'TLC' has been - as the opening lyric of 'Way Back' suggests - a long, long time coming." This is the sound of a band not only reflecting on their sometimes-turbulent roots but also facing forwards, towards a bright future. Having sold over 65 million records worldwide, TLC are not only the best-selling American girl group of all time, with 4 Grammy Awards, 4 multi-platinum albums (two of which went Diamond), ten Top 10 singles and four Number 1s, theirs is an influence - across music, fashion and female friendship - which defined and continues to define generations. With their new album finally unveiled - and sold-out shows on the horizon - TLC are unquestionably back where they're supposed to be - and unquestionably still Crazy, Sexy, Cool.

When it comes to funky-soul type of tunes, Billy Bailey's "You Better Stop" can be easily rated as one of the finest examples in this genre. Recorded in the mid 1970s and self-released on his own Bay-Del label, original copies of this beauty are very, very hard to find and due to the sheer quality sought after by record collectors worldwide.

Another fine example of funky-soul at its very best. While the A-side is highly regarded within the northern soul scene, the B-side is the tune why funk 45 collectors are after this beauty. Bot sides were recorded in the early 1970s and pressed on a small press run on 45rpm single. Original copies are nowadays very hard to find and due to the outstanding quality sought after by record collectors worldwide.

Belting double sider from atlanta, georgia. Freeway crowd should please any raw funk aficionado, kicking things off with a cracking break for all the hip hop heads. Super rare, and fetching over £400 for an original copy we felt this gem of a record deserved to see the lime lite again. We were actually offered a large sum of money from a jealous collector who wanted to stop this incredible record being re-released. Sorry blubbs. Luckily money isn't everything to us and since the band originally cut the record to entertain, we thought we would be doing the band and of course you an injustice by not making this beauty available for release again nearly 30 years after it was originally recorded. So here it is fully licensed, remastered, and ready to go at a much more affordable price. "Don't you believe in magic Slow down.... Lets enjoy the ride" Working Hard on the other hand is one of those hard edged funky mid-70s socio message dancefloor bombs that does it just right. Hugely in-demand on both soul and funk scenes. Very limited press.

Get yours before they are gone.

$1000 Rare Groove and Modern Soul Classic reissued for the first time

- Huge Deepfunk spin on the Flip.

- Brand new Master Cut at Timmion Cutting Lab for the best sound.

Athens of the North presents Jeanie Tracy's first and finest single "Making New Friends". Cut for Marvin HolmesOakland's BasedBrown Door Records around 1975. A Rare groove and Northern Soul Anthem of the highest order and rightly so. This record has rarely dipped below the $1000 mark as demand is so consistent. What has generally been overlook is that the flip "Trippin' On The Sounds" is a solid Deepfunk spin, I'm surprised I never heard anyone flip it over and hit the club, so please, sort it out. Not only is this a great record but Jeanie is a wonderful friendly warm woman who passion for music is as strong today as it was when this was cut 40 years ago!

A special 50th anniversary edition of King and Queen by Otis Redding and Carla Thomas will be released on gold-coloured vinyl.

Babe Wallace's life in the world of the arts has spanned almost 50 years. From the 1930s until the 1980s he enjoyed a performing career on several continents in cabarets, musical reviews, films and theatre. He was also a composer and writer with a voluminous body of musical compositions. "Dizengoff" was recorded and released in NY in the late 1960s after Wallace returned from a 17 year stint outside the US. He mixes up English and Yiddish lyrics on this unbelievable big band rhythm & blues monster. Any serious mod/popcorn/soul DJ should have this in his box. Raw, frantic and raucous RnB at ist best!

Comes with a free Funky Chimes 45rpm adapter. Funky Chimes sampler 5/5: Kiosk - Mona Call / Hearts Of Soul & Shampoo - We Love The Policeman

'Funky Chimes' is a two-hour collection of excellent and unique grooves. It contains 27 of the most interesting yet long forgotten Belgian dance tracks from the seventies, when a generation of extremely gifted and versatile musicians experimented with funk, jazz, latin and other grooves.
'Funky Chimes' is in many ways the logical follow up to 2014's highly acclaimed compilation 'Funky Chicken'. Uncovering a blind spot in Belgium's musical heritage and unearthing a diverse collection of hidden treasures. 'Funky Chicken' has induced a renewed interest in Belgium's rare grooves from the seventies, which until then had never been regarded a genre worth mentioning. Having said that, this second instalment is much more than just a fast sequel or a batch of leftovers. The music's quality matches that of its predecessor, but the treasure hunt was even more adventurous, and the stories behind some of the nuggets even more gripping.

Funky Chimes sampler 5/5:
Kiosk - Mona Call / Hearts Of Soul & Shampoo - We Love The Policeman

Heavy Hammond organ led driving ancefloor devastation on 'Whip It On Me' taken from the 'Heavy Soul' album from 1968. On flipside and taken from the New Genius of The Blues album from 1967 and the first time ever on a 45 is Billy's killer rendition of 'Got My Mojo Working (But It Just Won't Work On You) featuring Mr Hawks on vocals and organ and Joseph Jones on guitar. Powerful stuff from the Mukatsuku camp and another essential single for your record box !

Limited edition. Strictly no repress

Comes with a free Funky Chimes 45rpm adapter. Funky Chimes sampler 3/5: S.S.O. - Faded Lady (instrumental) / Roland Thyssen - Riff For Peggy

'Funky Chimes' is a two-hour collection of excellent and unique grooves. It contains 27 of the most interesting yet long forgotten Belgian dance tracks from the seventies, when a generation of extremely gifted and versatile musicians experimented with funk, jazz, latin and other grooves.
'Funky Chimes' is in many ways the logical follow up to 2014's highly acclaimed compilation 'Funky Chicken'. Uncovering a blind spot in Belgium's musical heritage and unearthing a diverse collection of hidden treasures. 'Funky Chicken' has induced a renewed interest in Belgium's rare grooves from the seventies, which until then had never been regarded a genre worth mentioning. Having said that, this second instalment is much more than just a fast sequel or a batch of leftovers. The music's quality matches that of its predecessor, but the treasure hunt was even more adventurous, and the stories behind some of the nuggets even more gripping.

Funky Chimes sampler 3/5:
S.S.O. - Faded Lady (instrumental) / Roland Thyssen - Riff For Peggy

Comes with a free Funky Chimes 45rpm adapter. Sampler 1/5: The Soul Scratchers - Scratch My Back (pt. 1 & 2) / Patricia Burns - Paddock

'Funky Chimes' is a two-hour collection of excellent and unique grooves. It contains 27 of the most interesting yet long forgotten Belgian dance tracks from the seventies, when a generation of extremely gifted and versatile musicians experimented with funk, jazz, latin and other grooves.
'Funky Chimes' is in many ways the logical follow up to 2014's highly acclaimed compilation 'Funky Chicken'. Uncovering a blind spot in Belgium's musical heritage and unearthing a diverse collection of hidden treasures. 'Funky Chicken' has induced a renewed interest in Belgium's rare grooves from the seventies, which until then had never been regarded a genre worth mentioning. Having said that, this second instalment is much more than just a fast sequel or a batch of leftovers. The music's quality matches that of its predecessor, but the treasure hunt was even more adventurous, and the stories behind some of the nuggets even more gripping.

Sampler 1/5:
The Soul Scratchers - Scratch My Back (pt. 1 & 2) / Patricia Burns - Paddock