TURNTABLE LAB

Bozo Meko
Brazilian Rhyme EP

Lets get one thing straight- I hate Turntable Lab. They suck. They dig through your crates, pick the hottest shit, order it- and sell it to every fucking geek in Kansas. With that said, I gotta give it up to Bozo Meko, cause this record is the shit. I was probably wearing Spidey Man undies and pissin in my bed when this shit came out, but I gotta review it. Word is that Mark the 45 King did all this edits on here, but I'm not positive. The A side is just "The Bridge Is Over": 3 mixes, who cares. Flip it over for the real. "Brazillian Rhyme(1)," the EW&F classic, gets edited and extended, making it one of the top 5 feel-good party songs of all time. I swear by this shit. Next is the classic Take 6 "Spread Love(2)" remixed with those infamous drums. Finally, we get a re-edit of Mandrill's "Fence Walk," a dope cut that gets too wild to mix if you play the original, here walla re-edited for easier mixing. I can't say enough about how essential this record is (sorry no crap about other Bozo releases and how rare they are).
reviewed by roc

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco 12" - A-J / re-edits - disco + italo + cosmic + rockish / and more

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Bladerunners
Music Sounds Better With Edits EP

The Bladerunners are one of the best things going right now. Their edits are made with working DJs in mind and they're totally effective. Side A features dance edits and starts with Stardust's "Music Sounds Better With You" aka one the greatest dance songs ever made. The Bladerunners do an admirable chop job(1) here, freaking out the original sounds. Showing some deep-ass music nerdery, they've resurrected P.I.L.'s "This Is Not A Love Song" as a Daft Punk-style dance track. The flip features hip-hop remixes of "Move Bitch(3), Throw Some D's(4)," and "Money In The Bank(5)." 7 tracks total. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco 12" - A-J / and more

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LTD / Bucketheads
Love To The World / The Bomb (Kenny Dope) 12"

It's an odd pair of tunes to share a single piece of wax, but it made me and Alison happy. Alison's been trying to find you guys a good pressing of the mid-school Kenny Dope house essential "The Bomb(1)" while I've been looking for the epic Mr. K edit of LTD's "Love To the World(2)" since Plant Life dropped their last single. The Plant Life tune is based around the pinnacle breakdown guitar riff in the LTD soul disco anthem, a section that our dean of editors naturally extends with expertise. "The Bomb," aka "These Sounds Fall Into My Mind," is just an insane rhino trouncing all music around it and squeezing your cheeks back like in those air force test films. Fffwwwah!!
reviewed by monk

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco 12" - K-Z / and more

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James Brown
Payback / Funky Drummer (Danny Krivit Edits) 12"

I'll really have to control myself not to overhype this one, but it's very difficult. I don't consider myself an expert or anything, but anybody with any common sense can figure out that this is one of the most important tracks in the creation of modern hip-hop production. The "Funky Drummer Reprise(1)" is the granddaddy to all those hip-hop records and break records in your crate. Originally pressed on a homegrown 12", the edit caught the ear of a label rep, and it was officially released on the James Brown reprise album "In the Jungle Groove," and the rest is history. Think back to 86, and think how crazy must it have been to hear the Funky Drummer looped til infinity on an official release? Plus, the edit is so convincing, it sounds like James is sitting next to Clyde just grunting instructions. Needless to say this is the version all the producers jacked until "I Need A Haircut" came along. Also of note here is the definitive version of "Give It Up Turn It Loose(Remix)(2)." This is the original b-boy firestarter with that indelible breakdown, and also appeared on "In the Jungle Groove." An early b-side champion, the a-side loses convincingly with 2 JB cut and paste tracks entitled "Payback (Mix)" and "Payback (The Final Mixdown)."
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / james brown productions / re-edits - disco + italo + cosmic + rockish / and more

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El Michels Affair
Sounding Out The City LP

Full length offering from the Truth & Soul (Soul Fire) in-house boys, compiling all their previous 7" only singles (but not that one great 12, you gotta hunt it down yourself) plus about 6 brand new tracks. These guys are honest-to-goodness talented, and not just in the "good at aping a sound" way that most of their counterparts seem ok with flaunting. The songwriting is really strong and their output happily jumps through straight funk and soul cuts like "Detroit Twice(1)" and "Too Late To Turn Back(2)," slow jams like "Behind The Blue Curtains(3)," latin edged pieces like "El Pueblo Uneido(4)" and more, which gives you a very thorough and not at all boring listen. Love the move of closing out the album with a cover of Ike Hayes' "Hung Up On My Baby(5)" too (yes, the song sampled for "Mind's Playin Tricks On Me"). For me, this is the pinnacle of the new soul/funk sound, and an excellent choice to cop on long player. 11 tracks.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - albums / funk + soul + latin + disco / truth & soul - vinyl / and more

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Bronx River Pkwy
La Valla / Nora Se Va 7"

The first Bronx River Parkway 7" has always been one of my favorite aberrations in the deep Truth & Soul catalogue, three tracks of latin soul funk boogie that helped break the mold of all the cookie cutter gutbucket stuff that was being produced at that time. So it's great to see them resurrect the outfit and give us another couple tracks of sticky rhythm for summer. A-side "La Valla(1)" is the one with the party vibe, opening drum break, and chatter from the band, but I always find myself more drawn to the T&S b-sides. "Nora Se Va(2)" is the kind of shit that gets me where I want to go (a scorching hot screened-in porch on the beach with all the accoutrements). Outstanding vocal harmonies and somebody playing the hell out of that cheese grater thing.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - 7" / 45s / truth & soul - vinyl

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Gwen McCrae
Funky Sensation 12"

All these underworld nyc 12"s carry the legend "A Disco Classic" for reason - that's what they is! Gwen McRae's "Funky Sensation(1)" is classic party starter along the lines of Taana Gardner's "Heartbeat." Both are early '80s dance classic that gets everyone from hip-hoppers to grown folks to the dancefloor. The opening moments break open the track with the party inspiring vocals leading into a funky piano and bassline workout. So infectious, Kenny Dope lifted some vocal lines for the classic party break "Get Up." The Staples Singers "I''ll Take You There(2)" is a well known slab of '70s pop soul-funk, with the group's heavily gospel-inflected sound getting a great workout over reggae-fied backbeat. The song's sunny, hopeful lyrics about a place where there "ain't smilin' faces/lyin' to the races" still retain their power. Rounding things out is CJ & Co.'s "Devil's Gun(3)", a heavy-duty disco workout from the same album as the B-boy classic "We Got Our Own Thing". "Devil's Gun" is definitely cut from the same cloth - thick as mud drums and bass drive. Excellent sound quality.
reviewed by Language

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco 12" - A-J

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Dam-Funk
Burgundy City 12"

When it comes to 80s electrofunk and boogie cuts, there's no one repping it as hard as Dam Funk. With full backing from PB Wolf, Wax Poetics and U-Tern, there's no argument that he is the realness. Don't know any other DJ that spins only rare vinyl (absolutely no MP3s), shouts out every playlist with label and year included, and MCs the entire affair with finesse. This may be impressive for the beginner just getting used to the boogie sound, but to a collector (like myself) it's even more insane! Most of the tracks he plays out are impossible to find private presses or well over a hundred dollars on the market. This is his first solo 12" on Stones Throw, officially placing the Dam Funk flag on the scene. Check his signature sound on the title track "Burgundy City(1)." It fuses together grown & sexy boogie synths with that detroit slump, all laid over the funkiest, lo-fi drums you've ever heard. The melodies are dripping with soul and as the back states, "There was no sequencing involved" which would explain the live feel and how there are NO LOOPS used. "Galactic Fun(2)" also uses the lo-fi drums in a throwback Prince fashion, setting the foundation for the funkiest boogie synth lines. The groove creeps in like a kitten and grows to a monster of synth jam. You can tell that everything on here is played by Dam Funk himself, no big studio or hired musicians, just pure funk made resourcefully and soulfully. And for all the beatheads out there that may not be ready for the mature funk style, there's also the drum tracks dub for both songs.. I can already tell this summer is going to be an awesome one; this Dam Funk release will help make it so. Recommended.
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / downtempo + electronic - recommended / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / funk soul disco 12" - A-J / and more

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Chicago / Giorgio Moroder
Street Player Remix / Evolution Remix 12"

Two classic NYC dancefloor sureshots, courtesy of the mysterious Rated X label. Chicago's "Street Player(1)" is well known as the sample source for Kenny Dope's "These Sounds Fall Into My Mind" and is a prime slice of jazz/rock fusion. This famous edit throws the nasty percussion break (that's Airto Moriera) up at the head of the tune, giving you impatient types an extra bonus beatdown (for a more eloquent appraisal check my column in Wax Poetics #3). The other side, Giorgio Moroder's "Evolution(2)," is so ripe for a revival it's sick. Dirty synths, guitar and a sticky echo got mad 80's attitude. The edit here intros with the gully synth break before traversing the strobe-light spazzing melody. This shit just goes on and on and on, like Moroder's other big tune "The Chase." Someone needs to be running this with that Environ Unclassics joint.
reviewed by monk

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / new wave + no wave + electro / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / and more

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V/A
Bersa Discos #2 EP

More of that cumbia heat from our favorite new label. Their debut release having quickly evaporated, Cali's Bersa Discos is back for round two with another limited single (1,000 copies, no repress-o). This time they've got Buenos Aires young gunna DJ Negro at the fore, putting a new spin on some true Colombian classics. Negro is a regular at the notorious club Zizek (recently spotted killing it with DJ/rupture and others) but this 12" represents his "official" debut. On the A-side, he sets things off with "Andres Landero vs. The Roockie(1)," a tuff mash featuring Screwed vocals from the cumbia legend and Luny beats. "Lluvia(2)" keeps more of traditional cumbia sound, dubbed out in all the right places, while "Mundo Querido(3)" comes with hard raps over a dark and stormy beat that brings to mind "This Is Why I'm Hot." Meanwhile on the flip, Bersa label head Oro11's "Pibes Walk Out(4)" injects some Dirty South into the proceedings, dusting a little of Unk's "Walk It Out" over "Que Calor" by Pibes Chorros (arguably the biggest 'cumbia villera' - gangster cumbia - band ever). Alex Pasternak of much hyped SF band Lemonade seals the deal with the midtempo bumper "Pajariton(5)." Definitely recommended.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / downtempo + electronic - recommended / baile + cumbia - vinyl / dubstep + grime - vinyl / and more

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V/A
Bersa Discos #4 EP

It seems weird to annoint every new Bersa Discos release as "the best Bersa Discos yet," but it's the truth: the Bay Area's fledgling neo-cumbia imprint just keeps getting stronger. For the label's fourth limited press EP, they've enlisted two artists who make their homes far from Buenos Aires, but who've nonetheless got that special touch when it comes to fiery cumbia remixes. Brooklyn's Uproot Andy - an unofficial associate of DJ/rupture and Matt Shadetek's Dutty Artz collective - takes the A-side with three bumping, dubstep-influenced remixes of Afro-Colombian folk songs by Petrona Martinez ("La Vida Vale La Pena(1)"), Toto La Momposina ("El Pescador(2)"), and Grupo Naidy ("El Botellón(3)"). On the flip, it's the Netherlands' Sonido del Principe infusing rave and electro sounds into their trio of tracks - "Cartagena(4)," "El Principe(5)," "Cumbia de la Barranquilla(6)" - which seemingly sample big-band style 50s/60s cumbias. Whatever the sources, it's murderous stuff. Don't sleep - 1,000 copies worldwide. Recommended.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / downtempo + electronic - recommended / baile + cumbia - vinyl / dubstep + grime - vinyl / and more

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Miles Davis
Shoes of Miles Davis EP

Shoes has been undeniably one of the most popular remixers on the Lab pages for the last couple years. Everything he puts out flies out of here, partly because he picks what the people want (not what they don't know) and he's damn good at adding bump and dub to the bumpless and dubless. This is his most ambitious project yet, as he tackles the Miles Davis catalog (which I'm surprised that no one else has done yet) with four different styles. "So What(1)" starts it off dubwise, then we get into thumping, gratifying breakbeats with "Gone(2)." The flip continues with the most impressive track of the set, "In A Silent Way(3)," which sounds like a cross between an old DJ Krush record and a Theo Parrish Ugly Edit. Serious. Shoes brings it to a close with a version(4) of "Bitches Brew," a modernized abstract beats take on the Miles' swirling, musky original. Highly recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco 12" - K-Z / and more

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Chromatics
In The City 12"

Yes! Chromatics first 12" single from Italians Do It Better. We got our first taste of the label just over a month ago with their tasty After Dark CD, which featured Chromatics' spacey Italo tracks "Hands in The Dark," "Killing Spree - Suite 304 Demo," and this single, "In The City(1)"(also featured on DJ Dixon's Body Language 4). I loved it, it flew off the shelves, and I caught some collectors here in the lab picking up two copies. Here, they continue to hook you up with exclusive joints by giving you the extended version, a small ambient track(not mentioned), the dangerously sweet "Zombie Vocal Acapella", plus two tracks I've never heard. "In The Headlites(2)" continues their fascination with ultra-sparse minimal italo, with Ruth Radelet once again laying down the alluring ghostly vocals. Pretty awesome, but "I'm On Fire(3)" is the surprise track on this. It reminds me of a short rock inspired lullaby that takes it back to the soft pop sounds of the 80's - effortless and awesome! Also great for a romantic rendezvous, so now you can nookie to something else besides Mazzy Star. Recommended.
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco 12" - A-J / cosmic + balearic + rock-ish / and more

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V/A
Bersa Discos #3 EP

Time for numero tres from our cumbia-loving Bay Area homies at Bersa Discos, and this time they've got Texas' DJ Panik and ZZK's Chancha via Circuito on board for the hottest set of tunes yet. (No joke.) Panik comes out guns blazing on lado A with nasty cumbia remixes of El General's "Te Ves Bien Buena(1)," Unk's "2 Step(2)" and Baby C's "Do It Like This(3)." All these are surefire dancefloor detonators - nothing syrupy this time out. No no - that's left to CvC on the flip, who get straight hypnotic with "Cumbia Murguera(4)" and then bring out the crickets for the ultra mellow (and yet strangely gun-clacking) "Damas Gratis Dub(5)." Yes, Bersa Discos is truth. Both sides play at 33. Recommended.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / downtempo + electronic - recommended / baile + cumbia - vinyl / dubstep + grime - vinyl / and more

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Bozo Meko
Spread Love / Gazillian Rhyme 7"

A pair of essential breaks from the Bozo Meko catalog, available for the first time ever on 45. "Spread Love(1)" is a simple, straightforward and totally useful edit of the Take 6 classic - what more could you need than those sweet harmonies and staunch drums keepin time? On the flip, it's Earth Wind & Fire's summer feel-good anthem getting the chop for "Gazillian Rhyme(2)." Both cuts supposedly remixed by Mark the 45 King. Recommended.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - 7" / 45s / funk + soul + latin + disco / and more

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El Michels Affair
Enter The 37th Chamber (Wu-Tang Covers) LP

live instrumental covers of wu-tang classics

When those first Wu-Tang covers 7"s dropped, it was definitely a lightbulb moment for the El Michels Affair. The response was rabid (we moved hundreds of those records) while the diehard fans demanded more. Nearly three years later, the Shaolin project is complete in form of this full length. In addition to the versions from Enter The Wu-Tang (CREAM(1), Da Mystery Of Chessboxin (so wicked)(2), Can It Be All So Simple(3), Bring Da Ruckus(4)," and "Protect Ya Neck(5)"), the crew has picked some of their favorite solo Wu moments including "Cherchez(6), Incarcerated Scarfaces(7), Shimmy Shimmy(8)," and others. Also look out for the hidden 37th chamber. Meticulous execution as usual, highly recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - albums / wu-tang + related

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V/A
Motown Remixed #1 (Jackson 5) EP

Universal really gouged the prices on this EP, but I had to give in cause Z-Trip's breakbeat remix(1) of Jackson's "I Want You Back" is pretty damn crucial for playing out. A hard Z-Trip breakbeat adds the thump you need, and the club-friendly edits create extra bounce. The included bonus beats version is also a big plus for the hardworking dj. Salaam Remi's bass remix(2) of "ABC" is pretty useful as well, especially when he stretches out the end of the track and lets his producer juices go. Also includes a Randy Watson Experience remix(3) of "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" and a Futureshock remix(4) of "Smiling Faces Sometimes."
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / downtempo + electronic - recommended / midtempo - vinyl / funk soul disco 12" - K-Z / and more

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Heliocentrics
Before I Die (feat. Guilty Simpson) 12"

First 12" from the stellar Heliocentrics LP and man, it's a smoker! The album version of "Before I Die(1)" is reminiscent of early Mo' Wax, Shadow, Krush, etc., but rather than being sampled and chopped arrangements of samples, the shit is played live by dirty drum master Malcom Catto and his crew of talented musicians. It's really sick. Exclusive to this 12" is the rap version(2) with Guilty Simpson dropping a proper verse over the beat and hip-hop instrumental version (which is an edited version of the OG with added cuts and scratches). Flipside features stunning unreleased tracks from the Heliocentrics band - funk to the maximus with "The Gorn(3)" and the heavy cosmic jazz sounds of "The Oracle(4)." Feeling the retro Sun-Ra-esque pic sleeve too. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / stones throw - vinyl / funk soul disco 12" - A-J

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24-Carat Black
Ghetto: Misfortune's Wealth LP

This is an undisputed gem of the diggers' variety. In terms of beginning-to-end quality, lead heavy soul, and delicious loops... this is firmly implanted on the upper echelon. It's definitely hard to think of a better overall record. If it were five years ago, this is where I would bust into some thought-out mini-essay about the tracks, but I'll let the MP3 samples do the talking. The pressing is a tad bit noisy (nothing too bad), but it gives it that og pressing character (which of course are dumb raer). Highly recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - crate classics / funk soul disco - albums

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V/A
Fallin' Off The Reel, Vols.1&2 2LP

Much anticipated 2nd singles comp from Truth & Soul -- Volume 1 never saw release on vinyl, so this deluxe 2xLP covers the ground from TS-001 to TS-018, which happens to include a whole lot of sick tunes. All the T&S faves are here, from vintage reissues like Tyrone Ashley ("Just A Little While Longer(1)") and Black Velvet ("Is It Me You Really Love(2)") to current champs like El Michels Affair ("C.R.E.A.M.(3)"), Bronx River Pkwy ("Deixa Pra La(4)") and Lee Fields ("My World(5)"). Also includes Timothy McNealy's killer Al Green cover "I'm Glad You're Mine(6)," plus four previously unreleased tracks from El Michels Affair, The Fabulous Three, Funky Music Machine and The Evil D's which aren't available on the CD version. This label is pumping out some of the funkiest, most soulful music around today - pay attention! Comes in an embossed sleeve with artwork by Rostarr. 27 big tracks total. Recommended.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - comps / truth & soul - vinyl

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Crunch
Cruise / Funky Beat 7"

Every time PPU releases something, you know it's gonna be some ill shit you never heard before. Case in point with this Crunch 7". When I first heard the samples for "Cruise(1)" and "Funky Beat(2)" I was seriously like WTF man?! Crazy ass analog funk that sounds like it was run over by a monster truck and left to ferment in a muggy disco junk yard. Where does this guy get this stuff? Well the story goes like this: Apparently the original 80's multi-tracks are all that is left from the creative mind of Crunch (hence that extra dirty lo-fi funk sound). Hurricane Katrina wiped out the home studio and master recordings, but thanks to Peoples Potential, you can savor all the dirty disco brilliance on 7". Shout to Andrew for unearthing another winner. Definitely Recommended.

reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - 7" / 45s / funk + soul + latin + disco / vinyl new arrivals / and more

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Farah
Law of Life 12"

The Italians do it again! "Laws Of Life(1)" is modern slo-mo-Italo magic that goes DEEP. The beat burns slow with hypnotizing arpeggios and pulsing bass stabs which slowly intensify while Farah's lovely voice adds cryptic spoken word (in a combination of her native Persian and English) that sound like apocalyptic scripture for end times. Crazy heavy stuff coming out of Plano, Texas! The flipside features a lighter "Midnite Remix(2)" that opts for a brighter sounding kit and uplifting melodies plus an instrumental for the original version. Limited press of 1000 in the magnificent Italians Do It Better sleeve. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco 12" - A-J / cosmic + balearic + rock-ish / and more

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Wavelength
Funk Dreams (Dam-Funk) 7"

boogie funk by Dam-Funk alias

Read the label - "Produced by D-F". That's Dam-Funk if you ain't knowin' (under the Wavelength moniker). Who else could put together such a blissful arrangement of analog synths and drum machines? LA's resident boogie funk ambassador hits you two times with his signature style - "Funk Dreams(1)" and "Life Turns(2)." Put this record on and prepare for lift off. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / stones throw - vinyl / funk soul disco 12" - K-Z / funk soul disco - comps

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V/A
Big Apple Productions #3 EP

Number Three in this legendary series came out in 1987 but sounds like it could've come straight out of a park jam ten years earlier. That is, if Jazzy Jay had three clones running breaks on 6 different turntables. "Last Night Changed It All", "Dazz", Funkadelic, "Funky President", "Apache" and "The Mexican" all flash by in the first 30 seconds or so, followed by a tasty rapid-fire tour through the Ultimate Breaks catalog and concluding with the top ranking scratch phrase "Ahh this stuff is realllly fresh" for good measure. As usual in the Big Apple series the record throws another breakbeat sureshot on the flip side; this time you get Trouble Funk's "Pump Me Up(2)". And just in case you weren't satisfied with all that there's a fun remix of Janet's "When I Think of You(3)". Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco 12" - K-Z

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Bronx River Parkway
San Sebastian 152 LP

What do you get when you mix a gang of Truth & Soul All-Stars (like El Michels Affair's Leon Michels, Quincy Bright, Jeff Silverman) with a group of Candela All-Stars and put them to work in San Juan, PR, for eight days? The result is on this album, which has mercifully hit vinyl after about a year of clamoring from the people. With the musicians involved, you probably don't even need to be told that this is one amazing slab of Latin funk glory, essential for fans of old skool Candela and new fandangled Truth & Soul alike. Alongside the previously released known heaters "Agua Con Sal(1)" and "La Valla(2)," I recommend scoping the title track(3), "Nora Se Va(4)," "Mi Corazon(5)" y "Donde(6)." Recomendado. 10 tracks.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - albums / funk + soul + latin + disco / truth & soul - vinyl / and more

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Jimmy "Bo" Horne
Spank 12"

If you're into disco or dance, you probably know "Spank(1)" or have heard it before and don't know it by name. The classic piano riffs on this bad boy ooze that funky Chicago house vibe - it's so recognizable (and catchy!), it's no wonder it was sampled for a bunch of early house tracks. Easily Jimmy "Bo" Horne's best work from the disco era (though he had a couple boogie/modern soul joints in the 80's) and is widely considered a sureshot disco anthem. Also includes the super useful instrumental(2) which works great in contemporary dance and house sets (or if you don't wanna hear dude yelling "spank" so much). Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco 12" - A-J / funk + soul + latin + disco / vinyl new arrivals / and more

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Cardell Funk Machine
Shoot Your Shot / It's All Over 7"

By now you already know I'm pretty much down with everything PPU puts out. But what's not to like? The level of quality shit they put out is ridiculous! The latest 45 represses more rare stuff you never heard, this time from Cardell Funk Machine with back to back soul funk heaters. Step to the groove of "Shoot Your Shot(1)" with it's wicked slap bass action and pimped out synths then take off your fur coat and get your mac on to "It's All Over(2)." Believe it or not, Cardell recorded this shit at Donald Burnside's studio when he was 19! Seriously Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - 7" / 45s

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Cole Medina
Scott K. & Cole Medina vs. James Brown - I'm Satisfied (White Vinyl) 12"

dj remixes and tools of James Brown tracks, pick

Cole Medina moves records. His records consistently appeal to the edit snobs, house heads, and money gig club djs. Here he teams up with Scott K for a great set of James Brown remixes and DJ tools. The housey extended mix(1) of "I'm Satisfied" is already a big hit amongst djs in the know (see the attached video of Jesse Saunders killing the crowd with it). Next checkout the two supremely useful JB DJ tools, "Clap Your Conga(2)" and "Stomp Your Cowbell(3)." These will get your creative juices flowing. Lastly, for all the hardcore JB fans, the duo has thrown in an original public service announcement from the Godfather telling his children to stay off drugs. Finally, it's pressed up on white vinyl with only 500 copies pressed. Highly recommended.


reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / james brown productions / funk soul disco 12" - A-J / and more

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Menahan Street Band
Make The Road By Walking (with FREE MP3 Download) LP

BONUS: Included with the vinyl version of Menahan Street Band's debut LP is a coupon for a free high-quality download of the full album.
Wow - this is one fantastic slab of neo-retro soul/funk, and it really should be no surprise considering it comes from members of the same Brooklyn crews that've been so en fuego of late. Led by multi-instrumentalist Thomas Brenneck, Menahan features musicians from Daptone's Budos Band and Sharon Jones backers the Dap-Kings, as well as Leon Michels of El Michels Affair... yet Make The Road By Walking posesses its own style and soul that doesn't quite fall in line with any of those groups. You know the opening title track(1) from Jay-Z's "Roc Boys" (Mr. Carter tagged it "black super hero music"), and you'll recognize the Bill Conti-penned closer "Going The Distance(2)" as soon as those horns blare, but sandwiched in between are eight great instrumental cuts that never stagnate or overstay their welcome. (The album zips by, with almost no tracks clocking in at over 3 1/2 minutes.) Brenneck says that practicing in his Bushwick bedroom has made the group the unofficial house band of his street, and you can feel why on tunes like "Home Again!(3)" and the prickly "The Traitor(4)." (On the other side of that, the swaying 'Karina(5)" and shuffling "Birds(6)" may take one elsewhere.) Simply put, MSB brims with the kind of soul we could all use more of nowadays. And: watch out for the hidden track. 11 tracks; 36 minutes. Recommended.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - albums / funk + soul + latin + disco / vinyl with free mp3 / and more

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Bob & Gene
If This World Were Mine LP

Everyone (including myself, the mgmnt and even the choosy Shota The Database) flipped over Bob & Gene's "You Gave Me Love(1)" / "Your Name(2)" single when Daptone dropped it last year, and it's seemed like eternity waitin' for this LP to come out! You really gotta go to Daptone's site and read the full story behind this album to appreciate it, but in short: in 1967, two friends (Bob & Gene; 15 and 16, respectively) in Buffalo, NY (I see you, Caps!) started recording these tracks in a basement studio set up in their neighborhood by a local renaissance man ("singer, saxophonist, factory worker, union leader and father of two.") The two recorded until the studio shut down in 1971, and these dusty, never-before-released recordings were discovered (after some footwork) by soul historian David Griffiths. If you ain't interested yet, just click on "Sailboat(3)," "Don't Leave Me Girl(4)," "Somebody's Doin' It(5)" or the title track(6) and tell me that's not some classic shit. 12 tracks; 34 minutes. Highly recommended.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - albums

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Os Fantasmas
Uma Gelada / Suspiro 7"

A new pair of retro-sounding tropical cuts from Sean Marquand and Daniel Collas' Embassy Sound Productions (of Banda Uniáo Black fame). The Tim Maia-fronted Os Fantasmas set it off with some fuzzed-out Mutantes-esque funk-rock on "Uma Gelada(1)," then chill it out with the absolutely stunning flute-laced blurry downtempo of "Suspiro(2)." Highly, highly recommended.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / latin + brazilian + afrobeat / funk soul disco - 7" / 45s

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V/A
District Maryland Virginia: Compilation Of The Rarest Synth Funk, Go-Go & Boogie 1983-1985 EP

First compilation release from the Peoples Potential Unlimited label. As usual PPU digs deeper than most as DMV collects some of the rarest and most awesome synth funk go-go boogie you've never heard. These tracks lay down the serious FUNK and all originate from the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area circa '83-'85. If you're with it, then go on and feel the energy of Expression's funked-out "Release(1)," Jimmy Bennett & The Family's KILLER go-go slap-bass jam "Hold That Groove (2)," Mix-O-Rap's cosmic go-go instrumental "All Party People (3)" (edited by Andrew Morgan), and Checker Kabb's major boogie action on "By My Side Instrumental(4)." Just like all the other PPU releases, finding these tracks on OG is next to impossible, so don't sleep on this comp! Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco 12" - A-J / funk soul disco - comps / funk + soul + latin + disco / and more

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Greenwood Rhythm Coalition
Oye / Cubano (E's E & Monkone) 10"

It seems like just yesterday that I was excitedly telling Monk at Black Betty (RIP) that I thought I had a dubstep track that people would actually dance to. I was referring to the Joker / 2000F & J Kamata: "Digidesign" / "You Don't Know What Love Is" single. Guess what? People didn't dance to it. So along come the people's champs Monk and E's E aka Greenwood Rhythm Coalition to provide some warm wobble for the non-dubstep crowd. And honestly, people will dance to this. The A-side "Oye(1)" is an obvious selection (in a good way) and will flip unsuspecting bailarinas perspectives when the bass drops. So well done! The B-side "Cubano(2)" is my pick and had me trainspotting at APT a few weeks ago when Monk previewed the then-unreleased heat to a very receptive crowd. This one is going to get a lot of play in my sets and really allows the blending of the horns, piano and half-time deep bass tendencies to feel quite organic. I think this record represents a watershed moment not only because of it's quality, but also because it doesn't sound forced AT ALL. This is great for open-minded dance floors and grown Latin heads who don't hate all new music. And leave it to GRC to give you the nice open drum outro so you can get creative with the mix. It's also pressed up nice and loud and the label art is kind of killing it. I love when good DJs are also good producers. So much fun for everyone! Recomendado.
reviewed by Tkat

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / dubstep + grime - vinyl / funk soul disco 12" - A-J / downtempo + electronic + bmore + ghettotech + uk + baile / and more

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The Apples
The Power / Killing (Snap, Rage Against The Machine) 12"

Israeli funk outfit The Apples follow-up their impossible cover of Rage Against The Machine, with this even more impossible cover(1) of SNAP's "I GOT THE POWER." And that's no reviewers joke. But like their version of "Killing In The Name of(2)" (which is also featured here, bonus!), they manage to create something really memorable (verses some over kitschy garbage). B-side features the original track "Upskirt(3)" and an awesome and lengthy scratch sample section for DJs that still cut-that-shit-up-homey. On sheer boldness... recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / bestsellers / various rock + everything else / funk soul disco 12" - A-J

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DJ Funky Chocolate
First Choice, Vol.1 (Boogie Beat) EP

Love the minimal design here on these new 12" comps from F.C.R. named First Choice. It features DJ Funky Chocolate, a serious tastemaker with some rare selections for the Soul/Funk/Disco&Boogie lover. I know it sounds like a lot of genres, but these gems really contain transcend just one. In any case, file it under "good music. "For a taste of dope, soak your ears in the intro horn break and bassline of James Polk & Co's "My Sun(1)."A free-spirited. jazzy, boogie jamwith a flawless 70's groove and slick soul vocals. The B-Side has Morris Wilson's "Put Your Foot On The Ground(2)," another long, super jazzy track which reminds me of sound like Herbie Hancock live at the Paradise Garage. The smooth horns and jazzy piano solos are just killing...Recommended.
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco 12" - A-J / re-edits - disco + italo + cosmic + rockish / and more

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Red
I Should Tell Ya Momma On You (Dam-Funk) 7"

original g-funk beatbox funk

TyG of HVW8 captured some raw footage of this homeless man beatboxing behind his studio and posted it online. Over 350K views later, the beatboxer has become a mini-phenomenon. It quickly caught the interest of the Stones Throw crew, and TyG put together this joint release with the label. As for the music(1), it's "equal parts G-funk, California Soul and Hobo Street; the song features full musical accompaniment created only by Red." As Stones Throw puts it: "In this era of T-Pain and excess studio production, the video showcased an almost forgotten musical form with no auto-tune or talk-box, only the beating of his chest and the hum of his throat as a bass kick and snare, and highlighted by signature vocals and original rhymes." If that wasn't enough, Dam Funk (who else?) comes in for the b-side remix(2). Highly recommended.


reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / stones throw - vinyl / funk soul disco 12" - K-Z / all

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Michael Jackson
Sunset Driver / Shake A Body (1978 Demos Vol.2) 7"

rare MJ outtakes/demos

What the hell? To follow up the Michael Jackson 1978 Demos 7"s, is "Sunset Drive(1)" a funked out dancefloor jammer that didn't make it on the Off The Wall album(my opinion one of his best). When first listening to this, it blows your mind how good this is and it's a MJ track that you don't know! It has all the energy of his high powered staples like, "Don't Stop Till You Get Enough," and "Working Day and Night" but is the first appearance on wax. On the flip is a demo recording of "Shake A Body." if you can't guess what that evolved into, just check the sample. Thank the heavens for this, it's a true godsend for MJ fans. Highly Recommended!
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / bestsellers / 80s + 90s / funk soul disco 12" - K-Z / and more

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Ballplayers
Universal Language 7"

Peoples Potential coming through with one for the record heads AND the sports nerds! Ballplayers was a jam group started by Lenny Randle (ex-Mets player) and Thad Bosley (ex-White Sox) in the '80's. The two spent some of their Major League earings on studio time and put out 3 releases on Randle Enterprises (all of which are rare to come by). Now usually anytime a baseball (or any sport for that matter) player tries their hand at making music, the outcome is pretty damn awful (remember Deion Sanders' rap album? oyyy). But this is not the case with Ballplayers at all! The two put together truly outstanding tracks ranging from disco, soul, and even some leftfield electronic funk stuff. Check the soul on "American Worker(1)" (and those very relevant lyrics), the irresistable disco funk of "Universal Language(2)" and "Jam With Us(3)," and the cool out sounds of "Bos Music(4)." Small hole 45, with super cool pic sleeve. Recommended!
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - 7" / 45s

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Jackson Conti
Sujinho (Madlib) 2LP

latin jazz vibes

When it comes to producing music, Madlib's been there done that. In fact, I don't know any other producer with such an insatiable appetite for musical exploration. Whether he's working with MCs, producers, musicians, or hitting the mic / playing music himself, it's safe to say he graduated "making beats" a long time ago and is on to bigger things. Jackson Conti is his newest project, which combines the efforts of himself (Otis Jackson Jr.) and Mamao Conti, drummer of the legendary Brazilian group Azymuth. The result is an epic full length Latin jazz album as real as they come. Mamao and Madlib hooked up when the Keepintime crew visited Brazil. Mamao layed down an hour and a half of drums and after Mad had flipped them, his hero proceeded to vibe and form the potential of the songs. The result is this 13 track album beautifully pressed on double vinyl. The music is bright like bottled sunshine and feels like a vacation waiting to happen. Check the signature Madlib swing on instrumentation "Berumba(1)," the breezy jazz sounds on "Papaya(2)," the warm vibes on "Brasilian Sugar(3)," the insane drum patterns and piano on "Upa Neguinho(4)," samba on "Casa Forte(5)," and Mamao's singing on "Segura Esta Onda(6)." To the average western ear, these won't be very recognizable, but many are re-interpreted covers of artists such as Chico Buarque, Joao Donato, Marcos Valle, Dom Um Romao, even George Duke. Truly a future classic. Note: I can't find any credits for musicians on the back of this, which makes me assume it's all Madlib. If it is, why isn't he playing at Yoshi's? Highly recommended.
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / stones throw - vinyl / latin + brazilian + afrobeat

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V/A
Super Disco Brakes, Vol.9 EP

This isn't really a Paul Winley reissue (label actually says Paul Wittley), but rather a new homage. The previous volume of this new series was one of our bestselling funk records of last year. Whereas the original Winley records focused on foundational breaks, this series focuses on advanced, rare breaks with each track edited for maximum effect. Stellar selection again, 6 tracks in all, recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco 12" - K-Z / funk soul disco - comps / and more

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Fela Kuti
Water Give No Enemy / Truth Don Die (Femi Kuti) 12"

one of Fela's best songs, recommended

Firstly, the songs are mis-labeled here. The A-side is a side-spanning version of the Fela staple "Water Give No Enemy(1)" (1975). If you've been to one of Rich Medina's Fela-themed parties, this is the song that gets the biggest crowd response. The juxtaposition of the those powerful horn choruses and jazzy solos is one of the most beautiful things in this world. Hearing this on the system at Love (one of the top sound systems in NYC) with Medina working the EQs was one of the best dancefloor experiences I've ever had. B-side features the Kerri Chandler Remix(2) of "Truth Don Die" and the original version(3). Highly recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / all / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / and more

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Sir Bentley
Street Shuffle 7"

"You feel your nasty boogie flow?" That lyric pretty much sums up PPU-009, the 9th(!) release on the ever-so-funky label. "Street Shuffle(1)" by Sir Bentley (gotta love that name) is that '79 disco sleaze at its best, complete with a funky-ass beat and ultra-pimp vocal stylings. Throw this shit on and you can seriously feel the pimp juice coming off the vinyl. The original is superb, but check the Tom Noble Edit(2) as he flips the arrangement and making it even hotter. As usual with PPU releases, you can forget about finding the original. Recommendo.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - 7" / 45s

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The Village Callers
Hector, Pts.1&2 7"

Quality, 7" original label reissue of the Village Caller's "Hector," a 1968 festive trove of sampling inspiration. It's been touched by several big wigs, most notably the Beastie Boys, but don't forget Cypress Hill, De La Soul, Ice Cube, and Redman. Part 1(1) on the a-side, and the break-led Part 2(2) on the flip. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - 7" / 45s

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Atmosfear
Dancing In Outer Space (Masters At Work Remix) 12"

Wicked reissue of the MAW remixes of Atmosfear's disco-funk classic "Dancing In Outer Space." If you're familiar with the original, this is really a no-brainer. MAW has always been respectful when messing with perfection in these type of projects (ie. Kenny's Dopebrother releases). Instead of remaking the songs to their own tastes, MAW take on the personality of the original artist: extending, jamming, and outtaking. Five mixes here, all awesome. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco 12" - A-J / masters at work

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Beverley Road All Stars
I'm Still In Love / Danger In Your Eyes (DJ DRM, E's E) 7"

dubby downtempo covers of classic reggae riddims

"Names You Can Trust and Bastard Jazz team up to present the Beverley Road All Stars, a new studio project under the guidance of producers DJ DRM and E's E. Comprised of a select squad of talented studio musicians in Brooklyn, the Beverley Road All Stars mark their debut with 2 new interpretations of classic Studio 1 riddims. "I'm Still In Love(1)," driven by the inspiration of Marcia Aitken and Alton Ellis' timeless versions,
delves deep into a boom-bap affair of moody synths and dubbed out horns.
An unmistakable ode to this massive lovers rock tune. "Danger In Your Eyes(2)" slows the tempo and rediscovers the magic of the original horn line, fashioning a new groove of punchy drums and yard rattling bass for an infectious blend of rocksteady rhythm and outerspace dub." Editor - recommended.
reviewed by label review

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / downtempo + electronic - recommended / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / funk soul disco - 7" / 45s

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C.O.M.B.I.
Tangled / P.G.B. 12"

import disco edits by Eric of Rub N' Tug

The highly-sweated Japanese edit label C.O.M.B.I. is back with their fifth edition of rare disco tracks sliced by the blade of Rub N Tug's Eric Duncan. If you heard Eric's recent How We Do In NYC mix, then you already know how he selects and throws down only the serious disco heat. In fact, many of the tracks on there are previous C.O.M.B.I. releases, so if you were feeling that fire, you gotta check this new-new. Side I features "Tangled(1)," a mean uptempo burner with tough instrumentation and powerful male vocals. Side J cool things off with "PGB(2)" a balearic groover with a very nice shuffle to it to get the hips swayin'. Very limited import pressing (thus the steep price). Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco 12" - A-J / re-edits - disco + italo + cosmic + rockish / and more

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J. Dilla
Recipe For Tasty Donuts (Originals) 2LP

thorough collection of Dilla sample sources, full tracks unmixed

We've carried a couple of these Dilla sample source compilations in the past, but this one seriously takes the cake (err..donut). 22 full tracks over two LPs as sampled by J. Dilla on his legendary Donuts album (the last album released just before his passing). Listening to this after listening to Donuts is a real treat and a testament to Dilla's genius for catching those samples that other producers might skip over or miss. Super soulful vibes throughout with tracks from Eddie Kendricks, Detroit Emeralds, Dionne Warwick, Jackson 5, Gene & Jerry, Smokey Robinson, The Sylvers, Luther Ingram, Undisputed Truth, The Escorts, Galt MacDermot, Kool & The Gang, and more. Limited edition and already sought-after.
Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - comps / dilla productions

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Whiskey Barons
The Whiskey Barons EP w/ FREE Bonus CD

latin and tropical edits for the dancefloor

LAB EXCLUSIVO: Get the Whiskey Barons Bonus CD FREE when you buy the EP. Includes all the tracks from the vinyl and 3 exclusive bonus tracks.

Whiskey Barons bringing that heat just in time for summer! Amphibious and the Bogart have been holdin' it down in the Boston area with the Flavorheard crew for a minute now, but with their debut EP as the Whiskey Barons, the two drop cool latin and tropical inspired beats for the dancefloor. Check the sweet latin piano and percussion on "Guajira(1)" with that extra added "thump" to make the booty go bu- bomp. Both "Shake Yuh Waist(2)" and "Badumbadey(3)" take refreshing tropical vibes and add a proper breakbeats and chops inna GAMM stylee. Smiles and good times all around with these jams so be on the lookout for these guys! Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / downtempo + electronic - recommended / midtempo - vinyl / latin + brazilian + afrobeat

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The Time & Space Machine
The Time & Space Machine Volume Two LP

Wicked. Richard Norris (half of Lab faves Beyond The Wizard's Sleeve) delivers this album of psychedelic re-edits, packaged in a banging sleeve. Tracks range from "full on, ten minute guitar freakouts to lysergic acid folk to warped sunshine freakbeat... and aural head trip for the weird and wired." Indeed, recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / downtempo + electronic - recommended / bestsellers / various rock + everything else / and more

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Fela Kuti
White Days 01 (Fefe Na Efe) 12"

great edits and remixes of Fela classic

In-demand white label featuring versions of Fela's "Fefe Na Efe." A-side features straight DJ edit(1) with looped sections, some light production tricks, and a dj-friendly drum outtro. If they left this record one-sided, it would have already garnered the "recommended," but on the B-side, you get an awesome minimal afro-house instrumental rework(2), and a heavier edit(3). Only 500 pressed! Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / all / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / and more

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Minority Band
Tasty Tune / Live 12"

PPU comin' through! Andrew Morgan has really outdoing himself this year with one solid release after another of impossible to find disco and boogie reissues. This time around Minority Band gets the spotlight. Now I know rare disco from the Jersey Shore is probably as famous as fresh salsa from New York, but believe it or not this band of seven hail from Monmouth County, NJ with some of the funkiest disco soul grooves you've ever heard. They only recorded one LP on JSR records and supposively catches 4 figures in the collector circuit. But whether or not the record catches 5 bucks or your home mortgage, it's all about the music here and these do not disappoint. Check the aptly named groover, "Tasty Tune(1)." A sweet, laid back jam that doesn't slap you in the face, but rather eases you in the pocket until it's contagious horns, guitar, and funky bass take over until you find yourself in the 7th minute. So good. Also on the flip, "Live(2)" continues the vibe and raises the tempo for a timeless number that's "Comin' to you liiiiiive!" Thanks for another round Andrew. Recommended.
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco 12" - K-Z

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V/A
Porno Groove: The Sound Of 70's Adult Films (Pink Vinyl) LP

quality funk and disco collected from 70s porn

I'm no expert on porno soundtracks (that would be Cmish), but this collection of porn grooves is definitely heads high above the rest.
Definitely not your cheesy wikka-wikka disco stuff, the sounds here actually get kind of deep and soulful and have varied influences from jam rock, disco, fusion, and of course funk. These tracks were featured on films from Fantasy Productions (responsible for such scandalous films like Insatiable, Studio 69, Honeydew, The Story of Y, etc) and Secret Stash records has thankfully collected the best of the best and put them on this comp (some of which are featured for the first time ever on wax). The band that recorded these songs was called "The Up-Stroke" and they gave us such gems as "Grateful Head (1)," "In My El Camino(2)," "Sweet Juices(3)," "Special Delivery(4)," "Do You Dance(5)," "Carma's Theme(6)," and "Malibu High(7)." 11 tracks total on pink vinyl. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - comps / funk + soul + latin + disco / vinyl new arrivals / and more

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DJ Funky Chocolate
First Choice, Vol.2 (Boogie Beat) EP

Superb disco/soul vocals on Vol. 2 of the rare re-issue series from F.C.R.! If you're into the disco thing like myself, you know there are some jams that are cool grooves, usually a dubby instrumental track with alright vocals, which are cool for warming up or cooling down, but once in a while you find these songs that have it all: great grooves, arrangements, soul, funk, and sweet uplifting vocals. The tracks here are exactly that and have all the qualities of tracks perfect for primetime. So who would be behind these selections? The legendary Kerri Chandler and DJ Funky Chocolate, who else. Check the sweet vocals on Solaris' "Music Mind(1)" emerging from a beautiful slow burning garage groove. On the flip, the selections get even hotter on Inner Passion's risky "After Hours Spot(2)." A rare track comparable with all the big disco 12"s out there like Inner Life, Gwen Guthrie, Atmosfear, Patrick Adams productions and of course, First Choice. Recommended.
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco 12" - A-J / re-edits - disco + italo + cosmic + rockish / and more

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Billy Green / Northgate A Band
Tubular Bells / Theme From Rocky 7"

Another pair of rare and wild gems from the Dynamite Soul label. There's a soundtrack theme this time out, as Billy Green & The Love Machine present a languid take on Mike Oldfield's prog/new age classic "Tubular Bells(1)" (aka the title song from The Exorcist) and high school groovers the Northgate A Band run through a raw, funky version of Bill Conti's instantly recognizable "Theme From Rocky(2)." Recommended.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - 7" / 45s

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Hypnotic Brass Ensemble
Hypnotic Brass Ensemble 2LP

recommended soul jazz funk

From performing on the streets of NYC, to touring with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and to this official album release on the UK's Honest Jon's, the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble has come a long way. Touring the world as we speak, this group of brothers definitely have that star quality (see them live and you'll know what I mean); they're only going to get bigger. Very guarded with their recorded music (they've been self releasing slim line CDs since 04), this deluxe packaged album is a Haley's Comet for Hypnotic fans. They went into a real studio to record this, and you can tell the difference immediately. They also incorporated some big name guests like Flea and Tony Allen on "Marcus Garvey(1)," Damon Alburn on "Rabbit Hop(2)," and Malcolm Catto on several tracks. There's also definitive versions of several of their hits including "Aylo(3)" (a song written by their father Philip Cohran), "Balicki Bone(4), Flipside(5), Hypnotic(6)" and more. Rock solid from beginning to end. 13 tracks in all, recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - albums

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Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings
100 Days, 100 Nights LP

Limited vinyl repress! More sweet retro soul sounds from Ms. Jones & Co.! 2005's Naturally LP opened a lot of folks' eyes to the greatness of the Daptone crew, and after a crazy couple of years working with every artist under the sun, Sharon Jones reunites with Neal Sugarman, Binky Griptite and the rest of the Dap-Kings for this new slab of funky goodness. The instrumentation seems a bit more subdued (but no less skillful) this time around, and that only serves to shift the focus of each track onto Sharon's incredible vocals. The title track(1) kicks things off with a cool, slowed-down swagger and a vocal performance that probably has Amy Winehouse shaking in her boots. The simple-but-perfect horns and sassy backup vocals on "Tell Me(2)" pick things up a bit, but the band always centers itself at mid-tempo with R&B swingers like "Let Them Knock(3)" and "Humble Me(4)." They close the short and sweet album out with a nice pair - "Keep On Looking(5)" and "Answer Me(6)" - and before you know it, you're reaching to flip it back over and start again. Daptone's in-house producer (and Dap-Kings bassist) Bosco Mann has done another amazing job with the all-analogue recording - this is one to own on wax. 10 tracks total. Recommended.
reviewed by Larri Byrd

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - albums

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The Simonsound
It's Just Begun / Bad Love 7"

moog cover of b-boy classic, funk track

Although it sounds like a lost moog cover from the 70s, this cover(1) of Jimmy Castor's "It's Just Begun" is actually a recent reworking by UK band The Simonsound. Drawing inspiration from 60/70's space obsession, library music, and Dick Hyman records, the band lays down a convincing, Moog-ified, utterly funky version of this b-boy classic. B-side features the original track "Bad Love(2)." Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / downtempo + electronic - recommended / funk soul disco - 7" / 45s / downtempo + electronic - vinyl

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The U.B.'s
Synthetic Substitution 7"

Undercover Brother has been running the rare record game for a while. Partner in crime with Kenny Dope, UB sporadically drops edits of alternate versions that have collectors scrambling. He takes a new approach here with his new ensemble, The UBs, his take on the JBs. For its first release, the band has covered one of the all-time breaks "Synthetic Substitution(1)" in a smoky, euro-funk style. Both sides are wicked, recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - 7" / 45s / funk + soul + latin + disco / vinyl new arrivals / and more

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Truth Is Light
Give It To Me / Think They Call It 12"

killer funk and soul edits

Truth Is Light is a super limited edit series of unknown modern soul, disco, and boogie put together by Jason Lev & Dr.J and distributed by the good folks at People's Potential Unlimited. Each edition is only pressed up in miniscule batches of 300 (volumes 1 & 2 sold out for days) so if you dig this sound, don't sleep 'cause they won't be around long! Volume 6 features the extended funk grooves of "Give It To Me(1)," a super sulty slumper that goes on and on, plus the lo-fi soul sounds of "Think They Call It(2)" and "Let It Show(3)." No artist credits keep it mysterious. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco 12" - K-Z / re-edits - disco + italo + cosmic + rockish / and more

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The Moments
Baby I Want You / Pray For Me 7"

Originally released on the short-lived Hog Records in 1965, this 45, sporting a pair of rare Larry Mizell-penned originals, has been commanding four figures on the 'Bay in recent years. Never fear, broke fiends - it's WaxPo to the rescue once more. Listening to "Baby I Want You(1)," it's impossible to understand how such an energetic and beautiful track could become such a rarity. (The accompanying liner notes make more sense of the situations.) With its impressive harmonies and stringwork from the United States Air Force Band - a funny coincidence, if you recall the first WaxPo Records release - it should've been one of the first in a long line of Mizell classics. The equally lovely but much more mellow "Pray For Me(2)" is on the flip. Recommended.
reviewed by Larri Byrd

file under:
wax poetics / funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - 7" / 45s

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Truth Is Light
He's Gonna Get It / What's Happening 12"

rare soul edits

Truth Is Light is a super limited edit series of unknown modern soul, disco, and boogie put together by Jason Lev & Dr.J and distributed by the good folks at People's Potential Unlimited. Each edition is only pressed up in miniscule batches of 300 (volumes 1 & 2 sold out for days) so if you dig this sound, don't sleep! This is volume 4 and features four rare soul cuts of the highest caliber: "Stop On By(1),"
"What's Happening(2)," "He's Gonna Get It(3)," and "Dance With U, Play With U(4)." No original artist credits on the label so your guess is as good as mine. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco 12" - K-Z / re-edits - disco + italo + cosmic + rockish / and more

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Truth Is Light
Stayed Away / Out The Blue 12"

rare modern soul edits

Truth Is Light is a super limited edit series of unknown modern soul, disco, and boogie put together by Jason Lev & Dr.J and distributed by the good folks at People's Potential Unlimited. Each edition is only pressed up in miniscule batches of 300 (volumes 1 & 2 sold out for days) so if you dig this sound, don't sleep! This is volume 3 and features the feel-good, piano-laced soul of "Stayed Away(1)" and the very Stevie-esque "Out The Blue(2)." No idea who the originals are, but obviously they're stupid rare! Plays at 45. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco 12" - K-Z / re-edits - disco + italo + cosmic + rockish / and more

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Budos Band
Budos Band EP

vintage sounding jazz and funk

The Budos Band is back with another EP of vintage jazzy funk cuts for those of us who can't get enough of those great warm, analog horns. The tracks on this EP were recorded during in sessions that fell between Budos' first and second albums, way back in 2005. Now, thankfully, they're seeing the light of day. Check the guitar lines on "Ephra(1)," the afro-beat influenceed "Nobody's Bulletproof(2)" and the now-familiar "Mas O Menos(3)," which was included on Budos Band II. Six tracks in all, plays at 45. Recommended.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco 12" - A-J / funk soul disco - albums

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V/A
Jump Back: A Tribute To James Brown 2LP

I know what you're thinking: "oh jeez, not another half-assed collection of JB rip-offs, covers, disciples, etc." But wait! This one was assembled by Le Smoke Disque, the mysterious quasi-bootleggers who brought us outstanding collections of Serge Gainsbourg and Mexican psych rock. These folks do it proper. Not only do we get rarer than rare cuts captured from obscure international vinyl -- see: Brazil's Os Incriveis doing "I Feel Good(1)," Mexican hard funk crew Rabbits & Carrots' takes on "Sex Machine(2)" and "Give It Up...(3)" -- but there's some fine domestic work here too, like Now-Again veterans Kashmere Stage Band rocking "Super Bad(4)" and Louisiana's Big Boe & The Nighthawks jazzing up Marva Whitney's JB-producerd "It's My Thing(5)." (There's also a tough as nails version from the Presidents(6) of Madrid, Spain.) More must-hears: Yoruba highlife legend Victor Olaiya and his band tackling "There Was A Time," "Cold Sweat" and "Mother Popcorn," and the album-closing version of "Popcorn" from the ultra-obscure Les Watson & The Panthers. Double vinyl; 19 tracks. Recommended.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - comps

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Ari Roze
Rolling With A Planet 7"

Standout 7" release from Australia's Mighty Highness imprint. Ari Roze delivers a potent piece of space funk(1) that incorporates electro boogie, a little Stevie, and even some rocksteady. B-side features a jazzed-up dub version(2) featuring vibes, horns, and even more effects. Getting props from Gilles and Mr. Scruff. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / all / funk soul disco - 7" / 45s

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Johnny Hammond
Los Conquistadores Chocolates (Classic NYC 12" Mix) 12"

Johnny Hammonds' 1975 album Gears was a beautiful intersection of the jazz and disco worlds. Along with "Shifting Gears," "Los Conquistadores Chocolates" became prominent record nerdus cuts, which were notable because they never really went out of style during taste shifts. Rather, they seem to evolve with our tastes (doesn't it sound so now?). Here we get treated to a pristine 12" version(1), along with a new edit by Victor Rosado(2). Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco 12" - A-J / re-edits - disco + italo + cosmic + rockish / and more

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Serge Gainsbourg
Histoire De Melody Nelson (180g) LP

First time domestic reissue of this classic from B-Music and Light In The attic. This deluxe version features glossy gatefold packaging and extended linear notes and a 1971 interview with Serge. Here's our original review: "There are many reasons to add this album to your collection, not the least of which is the incredible covered cooter proudly displayed by Jane Birkin (aka Jane B). Damn those hippie girls from Blow Up. Fans say this is French rebel icon Serge Gainsbourg's masterpiece. And it's got beats. Although broken into a few different movements, Histoire De Melody Nelson is a singular piece of work held together with Serge's gravel lyrics, a recurring tar-pit bass and the story of Melody Nelson. The album is book ended by "Melody(1)" and "Cargo Culte(2)" which both utilize the album's centerpiece- that haunting bass that you will recognize from the Beatnuts' "Superbad." En Melody(3)" also deserves mention for the great intro and controlled spazz guitar work (sampled by De La). Serge was a legend- banned in many countries for his blatant sexual and political messages, loved by women despite having a "head like a cabbage," always centered in controversy and usually producing interesting work. In Serge's later years, he attended an awards show and told Whitney Houston "I want to fuck you" on live TV. ODB would be proud." Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / bestsellers / various rock + everything else / funk soul disco - albums

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Glass Pyramid Band
Unreleased Cassette Demos LP

unreleased 80s synth funk

Once again Peoples Potential has unearthed some killer 80's synth funk this time from... Oklahoma City?! Yup, it's true - this is a one of a kind blend of boogie and county (heavily leaning towards the boogie side mind you) like no other that you just gotta hear to believe. Despite the funny lyrics, "Country Cowboy(1)" is just TOO funky (talkin bout a cowboy that turns the city out with his pimp styles!) Here you get it with the vocal version, instrumental, and cool alternate take instrumental. On the flip, check the funk on "Who's Girl Are You(2)," which sounds like some lost Rick James jam, and "Better By The Minute(3)" an 80s style R&B groover. First time on vinyl, mastered from the original cassette demo and it actually sounds great! Comes in a pic sleeve with dope retro logo. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - albums

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Goblin / Hypnosis
Tenebre / Pulstar (Serge Santiago Edit) 12"

rare italo Goblin tracks re-edited, Justice sample

Big italo edits from Serge Santiago. The first track is originally by Goblin (the italian horror masters that did the Dawn Of The Dead OST and countless others) and is hard to come by as-is, but Serge takes it another step further and edits it to be totally playable with a long mixable intro and extended grooves. You'll probably recognize Goblin's "Tenebre(1)" as the main sample source for Justice's "Phantom." Here's where they borrowed that crazy sound from complete with a full orchestral breakdown and tough disco drums. "Pulstar(2)" on the flip is originally by Greek synth master Vangelis (famous for the Bladerunner OST) and is also edited to be more dancefloor friendly. Epic synthwork on this piece for sure that can certainly cross-over from disco and italo to big room house sets even.
Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco 12" - A-J / funk + soul + latin + disco / and more

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Jimi Hendrix
1983 (A Merman I Should Turn To Be) 12"

If it's a previously unheard of 12" from an ultra-famous artist in a neat hand-screened jacket, you know the Slowtospeak fellows are at it again. This time the initimitable Mr. Hendrix getting the boot - the A-side holds the intensely psychedelic, shape-shifting, 13+ minute "1983... (A Merman I Should Turn To Be)(1)" from Electric Ladyland, while the flip features the brief "And The Gods Made Love(2)" and a bizarre "previously unreleased" track "Third Stone From The Sun(3)." Get 'em while they're hot. Recommended.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / bestsellers / various rock + everything else / funk soul disco 12" - A-J

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J.P.'s Force
Time To Throw Down / Shake What You Got 7"

obscure DC boogie

More regional boogie rarities brought to the surface from PPU! J.P.'s Force hails from the Washington DC area and is the work of Joe Phillips ("J.P.") a member of the Winstons, the band that brought you the Amen Break (most classic drum break of all time). Chceck the burning boogie grooves on "Time To Throw Down(1)" and the irresistible "Shake What You Got(2)." Obviously rare and expensive on OG press. Quality as usual from PPU (release #11 if you're keeping count). Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - 7" / 45s

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The Time & Space Machine
The Time & Space Machine Volume One LP

psyche, kraut, cosmic re-edits and beats

The Time & Space Machine is one of the coolest acts that live in the vinyl realm. Of the people in the know, most of them got hip to Richard Norris' (one half of Beyond The Wizard's Sleeve) group with 2009's Volume Two. The label has acted accordingly and re-released the rare Volume One as a prequel. And once that brown box comes in the mail, what you'll discover is 8 tracks of ridiculous psyche and kraut edits, tailored for both the obscure rock fan and the stoned beathead. Awesome sleeve per the usual. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / downtempo + electronic - recommended / bestsellers / various rock + everything else / and more

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V/A
Soul All Timers, Vol.3 EP

D-Classics comes dropping bombs all over the daily again with another batch of impossible to find tracks. The
Soul All Timers series takes a step away from usual D-Classics flavor to bring you the best in rare funk and breaks. "Sweet Popcorn parts 1 & 2(1)" starts things it off with a bang with this insane mythical drum break being superfeaked through an original moog. Can you say intro? Next "Virtues(2)" gives you that good sitar funk in a endless psyched out jam while the third track "Hallucinogene(3)" keeps the visuals flowing with a tripped out slow funk number. "Psycho Ape(4)" ends
the night by dropping you off at a swanky Planet Of The Apes disco jam where you actually get seduced by a hot ape version of Olga . Probably the rarest of the whole series. Not to be missed. Recommended.

Side story:
I actually did a small tour of NYC's best record shops with the my man Melik who runs the D-Classics label and I'll tell you it was DANGEROUS! I had already went broke dropping $80 bucks on disco 12"s and he kept giving me an onslought of records saying, "Have you heard these?" Of course, everything he picked was rare and awesome, so I managed to squeeze out another
$40 bucks from my already exhausted pockets. Anyways, we ended up spinning an awesome set at Bembe that night and I actually got to hear all those tracks he was talking about. I always seem to be getting schooled by the French.
reviewed by Cmish

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco 12" - K-Z / re-edits - disco + italo + cosmic + rockish / and more

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Leo Zero
Dub Psychedelic Vol.2 (David Bowie, John Lennon, The Police) 12"

recommended edits of David Bowie, John Lennon, Police

Leo Zero, aka Leo Elstob of cult Balearic band A Mountain Of One, delivers the second volume of his highly in-demand Dub Psychedelic series. I particularly like the direction of this series cause it edits known tracks rather than the super-obscure. On the a-side, Leo offers two re-edits(1,2) of David Bowie's "Moonage Daydream." Moreover, these aren't wimpy looped intro edits either, Leo is in deep concentration, splicing, re-arranging, and dubbing. On the flip, Leo gets into John Lennon and Yoko Ono's "How Do You Sleep(3)" and then an extended dub version(4) of The Police's "Spirits In The Material World." Highly recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / bestsellers / various rock + everything else / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / and more

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Pazazz
So Hard To Find (7 Samurai Remix) 7"

rare groove gem goes for $1000 for the og

Apparently, the original 1979 pressing of this rare groove gem(1) goes for $1000! This is an official reissue with a new edit by Vienna's 7 Samurai(2) on the flip. Whatever the case, it makes me want to bust and do somersaults in the sunshine (no homo). 1000 copies, recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - 7" / 45s

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Dimitri From Paris
Night Dubbin': A Dubbed Out Collection Of Classic 80's Dance Music 3LP

classic 80's dance dub mixes compiled

DFP and BBE strike again! You should already know about Dimitri From Paris' infallible disco selection from BBE's Disco Forever comp (or the fact he has been DJin disco and house for 25+ years), but this time the Frenchman shares his love for the 80's dub mix over 3LPs of unmixed(!) vintage dance goodness. The selection focuses on the B- sides of classic 80's R&B boogie, funk, and electro disco 12"s, where the remixer took control and dubbed out the track to make it easier (and more fun) to mix and groove to on the dancefloor. This was a crucial point in dance music as legends like Francois K, Larry Levan, Tee Scott, Shep Pettibone, John Morales & Sergio Muzibai (M&M), and others took influence from the Jamaica's dub producers and boldy stretched the boundaries of traditional club music by stripping down vocal versions and rebuilding the arrangements with then-new methods and techniques. This is a sound that has influenced so much of today's dance music, it's great someone has finally put together a proper compilation - and who better than DFP? Enjoy the sounds of "You're My Number One Dub(1)" by Radiance (M&M mix), "The Key Dub(2)" by Wuf Ticket (Francois K mix), "You Don't Know Special Remix(3)" by Serious Intention (Paul Simpson mix), "Somebody New Dub(4)" by Jamaica Girls (Larry Levan mix), "Groove It To Your Body Instrumental (5)" by Michael Wilson (Francois K mix), "Steppin Out Jam Dub(6)" by Cloud, and "Changes Remix(7)" by Imagination remixed by Dimitri himself. Obviously Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - comps / funk + soul + latin + disco / vinyl new arrivals / and more

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Bamboo
S/T LP

rare cosmic disco from 1979

Just the sight of Bamboo's self-titled LP will get any cosmic disco nerd's hands all sweaty and is no easy (or cheap) score in the field. But unlike those albums that catch mega-loot for one little snippet of a track or for rarities sake, this ENITRE album is dope through and through. You might have heard the epic "Spaceship Crashing(1)" on that Clone Classic Comp a few years back, but there are so many other juicy bits to soak in on this thing it's ridiculous. For starters, check out the break on "Hustlers Of Life(2)." Serious! And the whole track is amazing as well. Then you got monster disco bangers like "Cool Me Off(3)" and "Take What You Want(4)" plus burning disco-funk grooves like "Hey Hey Hey(5)." Save yourself some bills and go for this high quality remastered repress. Don't miss it! Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - albums / funk + soul + latin + disco / and more

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Michael Jackson
I Am Love / The Lady In My Life 12"

two seldom heard Michael Jackson songs

One of the silver linings of MJ's recent passing is that everybody really got into some of the man's more obscure tracks. Sure, "Billie Jean" was the most played song last week, but for the whole of that weird weekend you could turn on the radio and hear any selection of the man's more obscure album cuts and joints from back in the day. With some supremely eerie timing, Slow To Speak has compiled two of those lesser known MJ tracks here on this 12". Side A features "The Lady In My Life(1)," originally released on Thriller, while the flip features The Jacksons' "I Am Love(2)," taken from Dancing Machine. Just like every other Slow To Speak release, this one is very limited and the cover is silk screened and very snazzy looking. Recommended.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / bestsellers / 80s + 90s / funk soul disco 12" - K-Z

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Bob Marley
Keep On Skanking / Jungle Lion (Al Green) 7"

Whenever I review one of these early Bob Marley - Lee Perry 7"s, I'm always like "this is the best Bob song ever!" That is the magic of this combination. "Keep On Skanking(1)" is simply awesome, makes me want to jump out my Herman Miller chair and join Stony in his daily joint out the window. B-side alert!!! The unpredictability of reggae b-sides is your win here, as you get The Upsetters' instrumental cover of Al Green's "Love And Happiness" entitled "Jungle Lion(2)" complete with intro-break! Pressing is a bit scratchy, but what did you expect? Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - 7" / 45s / roots singles / funk + soul + latin + disco / and more

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Roe O vs. Monk One
Extra Special Category (The Roe-O-Tation, Big Daddy Kane) 7"

crowd pleasing reggae hip-hop blend, uplifting soul

Wah Dubplate number 5 features a fresh pair of party pleasers from the homie Monk One. "Extra Raw(1)" takes the famous Greedy G beat (instantly recognizable reggae sureshot) and high-octane lyrics from the Big Daddy Kane over the top for a power packed punch to the dancefloor. Check the rare soul treat on the flip The Roe-O- Tations "Extra Special Category(2)" (as sampled by Madlib and many others). Love the uplifting vibe on this track and great to have this dope edit of it on wax. Monk Uno strikes again! Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - 7" / 45s / funk + soul + latin + disco / new vinyl - hip-hop / and more

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Sons Of Darkness
Funky Thing 7"

Wicked piece of "dark" funk-rock from Sons of Darkness and P & P Records. It doesn't get much nastier than "Funky Thing(1)" with its possessed wah-wah guitar and virgin-tight band interplay. Both sides feature same program cause you're bound to wear one out. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - 7" / 45s

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V/A
Psych-Funk 101: A Global Psychedelic Funk Curriculum 1968-1975 CD

pick, supreme collection of psyche-funk from all around the world

This is a record collector's wet dream. Here's 14 impossibly rare psyche-funk gems from around the world with many unexpected sources like Istanbul, Seoul, Rome, Beirut, Cairo, Moscow, etc. The musical quality and beat sensibilities (drum breaks galore) are ridiculously high here, every track is a revelation (that Korean joint is my shit!). In addition, the in-depth linear notes, complete with original cover shots, reads like an issue of Wax Poetics. Highly recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / stones throw - vinyl / now again + soul cal (stones throw) / funk + soul + latin + disco / and more

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Cedric Brooks
Light of Saba 2LP

reggae with funk and afrobeat influences

This is one of those albums where you know you're in for some heavy shit before you even dig the cd out of its lavish packaging. Deep reggae heads will know saxophonist Cedric Im Brooks from his extensive session-playing career as well as his highly-regarded Studio One work in the 70s. But that knowledge might not completely prepare you for the extra-heavy vibes contained herein. Brooks spent some time in Philly in the late 60s and fell under the spell of Sun Ra while there, attempting at one point to join the Arkestra. After having to return to Yard for family matters, he decided to start his own Jamaican combination of Sun Ra's and Fela's bands (the latter a huge influence as well and you can hear it). The results, as compiled on this stunning double LP, encompass Nyabinghi drumming, Sun Ra, Pharaoh Sanders-style spiritual jazz, Afrobeat, funk and disco, and more, but the results are seamless! Listen to "Bread Collie(1), Sabebe(2)," and "Salt Lane Rock(3)" for examples, although the whole thing is filled with jaw-dropping moments of every kind. "Africa(4)" is also really intense, sort of a Rasta disco hustle boogie; as is their rendition of Horace Silver's "Song For My Father." Other stuff to check for includes their version of the classic "Satta Massa Gana(5)" and "Free Up Black Man(6)." Basically, even if you think you're not really into reggae or whatever, you need to buy this. And if you're still debating, any original Light of Saba stuff is next to impossible to come by and even this compilation probably won't be around long. Highly recommended.
reviewed by gregcaz

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - albums / reggae albums + comps / funk + soul + latin + disco / and more

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DJ Funky Chocolate
First Choice, Vol.4 (Boogie Beat) EP

rare disco boogie

Fourth volume in DJ Funky Chocolate's First Choice series featuring two more choice disco boogie joints that are as funky and soulful as they are rare. Ivan Neville's "Dance Your Blues Away(1)" is an uplifting jam that'll with sweet melodies and an irresistible vibe. Family Of Eve's impossible to find cut (not even on discogs!) "Having It So Bad For You(2)" continues the feel-good vocal grooves. Double-A side status for sure. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco 12" - A-J / re-edits - disco + italo + cosmic + rockish / and more

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Silver Apples
Silver Apples (180g) LP

cult classic psyche album, drums!

1968 cult classic album from psychedelic electronic music duo Silver Apples. Group member Simeon Coxe is known for creating and playing his own custom synthesizer called The Simeon (along with an arsenal of various oscillators). Along with drummer Danny Taylor, they created a truly unique blend of psyche rock, kraut, and electronic experimentalism. Diggers were especially drawn to this album with its sparse electronics and pronounced drums (the vocals aren't bad either). This is one of those albums that you turn to when you're bored of music. It bursts with creativity and newness (although its approaching 40 years). Check: "Love Fingers(1), Whirly Bird(2), Misty Mountain(3), Oscillations(4)," and "Program(5)." 9 tracks, all of them are good. High quality 180g pressing too. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / bestsellers / various rock + everything else / funk soul disco - albums

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T.M.S. / Caprice
Get The Feelin' / Candy Man 7"

Debut release (PPU-001) on the very excellent Peoples Potential Unlimited label. Modern soul, boogie and disco soul heads this is for you. Check the obscure South Carolina based sounds: T.M.S. with the infectious groover "Get The Feelin'(1)" and Caprice with the sweet sound of "Candy Man(2)." You can forget about finding the originals, and with only 250 copies pressed you best be quick. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - 7" / 45s / funk + soul + latin + disco / vinyl new arrivals / and more

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Bob Marley & The Wailers
Rebel Music (Bill Laswell Remix) 12"

dub re-edit and original versions

Slow To Speak continue to re-educate our burnt ears with three tracks from the Bob Marley catalog. Here's what they have to say: "The music of Bob Marley & has suffered some of the worst fans in musical history, truly! I can think of no better example of good music that has been wholly distorted, contextually decimated & stripped of any original ingenuity & intelligence than Marley’s catalog." Wow. On the a-side you get a Bill Laswell dub version of "Rebel Music(1)," while on the flip there's the original versions of "Them Belly Full(2)" (such wicked instrumentation) and the Bob standard "Natural Mystic(3)." Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco 12" - A-J / roots singles

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Sons Of Darkness
What It Looks Like / Black Ice 7"

Fuzz rock tracks like "Black Ice(1)" remind me of Korean bibim-bop. With so many elements bouncing off each other, it shouldn't work, but it does. "Black Ice" is on the edge of being mayhem, but somehow reaches a beautiful place. B-side "What It Looks Like(2)" isn't too shab either. P&P, late seventies, unstoppable. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - 7" / 45s

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Triorganico
Convivencia 2LP

raw brasilian-flavored latin jazz

Listening to Convivencia you might think you are listening to rare vintage Brazilian instrumentals or some lost bossa jazz album from the 60s or 70s. But the record is neither - it is modern music made in 2009 from a garage band out of Southern California! Triorganico is comprised of Pablo Calogero on saxophones and woodwinds, Ricardo "Tiki" Pasillas on percussion and Fabiano do Nascimento on guitar, and though the acoustic trio's debut LP is heavily influenced by the Brazilian grooves of the past, there is a genuine quality about the music that definitely gives it its own unique feel... and that feeling is refreshingly warm and organic as heard on any of the albums 18 tracks. Very impressive stuff for fans of tropicalia, bossa-nova, latin jazz, etc. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / stones throw - vinyl / latin + brazilian + afrobeat / now again + soul cal (stones throw) / and more

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Donny Hathaway
Beatsy Collins Re-Edits 7"

re-edit and remix of soul classics

Beatsy follows up his excellent Marvin / Fela edit 7" with this ode to unsung soul hero Donny Hathaway. A-side features a classy rework of "I Believe(1)" with minimal remixing, just some perfectly timed loops and edits. B-side crosses the tracks with breaked out remix of the live version of "Everything is Everything(2)." Handstamped white label pressing makes it complete. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - 7" / 45s / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / and more

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LaRom Baker
You're The Best / Love Will Make It Better 7"

Uber-rare Modern soul gems repressed! La Rom Baker is one of those amazing (yet obscure) talents that never really got the major label shine he deserved. The feel-good uptempo grooves of "You're The Best(1)" were originally released as a single sided 7" back in '78, but it's rumored less than 100 copies were pressed so OG's are impossible to come by. Thank goodness for Lotus Land! As a bonus treat, the 7" also features the previously unreleased soul stepper "Love Will Make It Better(2)" professionally remastered from the only existing cassette. These are the kind of tracks that just keep growing on you. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - 7" / 45s

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Manteca
Cosas De Manteca / Gozando El Timbal 7"

rare afro-cuban funk

Wow. This import 7" was pricey, but we had to pick it up. It's that good. This is a first time 7" reissue of two of the best tracks from a very rare 1970s Manteca album. Here's some history from label:

"Percussionists who were lucky enough to witness Manteca play the bongos with this group, relate tales of an enormous man who could ignite a near riot by simply coming forward from the rhythm section to the front of the stage playing wild rhythms that became more and more complex as the audience cheered him on. Lazaro Pla, known as Manteca, was a master "bongosero" who first rose to fame in 1940s Cuba when he was a featured attraction with the great pianist and composer Ernesto Lecouna and the renowned Cuban Boys, a leading exponent of the Cuban musical wave who gained international recognition and subsequently toured the globe. Although Manteca is found on many recordings originating from Cuba, only a very small amount of material exists of him as a featured soloist or as the leader of a small combo.

These famed sessions took place in the United States - Miami to be exact, sometime in the early 1970s. This was a very unique session indeed as two other Cuban expatriates join Manteca in the studio - two of his early admirers who grew up listening to his rhythms: master percussionists Carlos "Patato" Valdes and the amazing Nelson "Flaco" Padron producing these two of the finest examples of incendiary Cuban percussion ever recorded. The remainder of this session's musicians are unquoted. (I've heard it suggested that the legendary Cachao could be on bass but this remains unconfirmed).

These rare recordings originate from the legendary Miami based Sound Triangle label & were issued on 3 different labels - many of which had issues with play back quality, thus the world of recorded Cuban percussion is far richer for the vinyl 45 preservation of these two remastered recordings and your chance to hear a true master in session. Limited Edition loud pressed vinyl."

Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - 7" / 45s

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Melvyn Price
Rhythm & Blues LP

BONUS: Purchase this album and receive a coupon for a free MP3 download of Melvyn Price's "The Subway" from his 1971 album Rytmer II, redeemable at Wax Poetics Digital.

Another rare treat from the bubbling WaxPo label (WPR004, if you're counting), this time unearthing a private press gem from 1974 by the Michigan-born, Stockholm-trained Melvyn Price. Despite its title, there's nothing actively "bluesy" about this album in the traditional sense... but boy is there some rhythm. Latin percussion forms the foundation upon which Melvyn and his Swedish players throw down soulful horns and jazzy, swinging piano. It all melds together perfectly in Price's deceptively simple yet moving arrangements. All six tracks are phenomenal stuff, but I'm especially digging "Voodo Love Dance(1)," "Last Train(2)," and the percussion-only joints "Toward Brazil(3)" and "Five O'Clock Traffic(4)." Comes in a perfect reproduction sleeve with detailed liner notes from Jon Kirby. Recommended.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

file under:
wax poetics / funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - albums / and more

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Miles Davis
Bitches Brew (180g) 2LP

Score. Since day one of the Lab, I have been waiting for a reissue of Bitches Brew. Ten years later, it's been done up proper with this Legacy 180g double vinyl gatefold pressing (the best kind). The time period really puts things in perspective. As I am writing this, my umpteenth blurb, I'm having an out of body experience. What am I doing? Who is Tony really? Can I close the Lab now? Haha. Bitches Brew doesn't really need me to slobber on it. I'll keep it short and say it's a convergence of a genius jazz musician, awesome cover art, the perfect title, and satisfying, other-worldly jams. Everyone from Pops Goggins to the smelly trustafarian to the business man to the dude who hates everything can get down with Bitches Brew. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - albums / shota's jazz section

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Ofege
Try And Love LP

Debut release from Academy Records' new re-issue label. For those that don't know, Academy Records is one of the finest second hand record shops in NYC, and the owner Mike Davis, has a ridiculous record collection (from which he repressed the incredible Obsession comp on Bully). Ofege's "Try and Love" is another rare nugget of the afro-psych variety originally released in 1973. The band was comprised of a bunch of high school drop outs from Lagos who got together and pumped out groovy, fuzzy psych rock with great harmonies and an African soul touch. Truly amazing stuff especially considering these dudes were only 15 or 16 at the time. Check some of the standouts - "Nobody Fails(1)," "Gbe Mi Lo(2)," "Try And Love(3),"
"Ofege(4)," and "You Say No(5)." Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - albums / all

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Soul Fantastics / Los Silvertones
El Mismo / El Baile De La Arana 7"

exclusive Panamanian funk tracks

Limited edition 7" taken in support of the excellent Panama! 2 compilation on Soundway. Both tracks here ARE NOT featured on compilation and are exclusive to this format. A testament to the richness of the source material, the songs are both four star heaters. "El Mismo(1)" is uptempo, flute funk fire; while "El Baile De La Arana(2)" is a wicked swirling mixture of latin and funk sounds. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / latin + brazilian + afrobeat / funk soul disco - 7" / 45s

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Wanda de Sah
Softly! LP

Before there was Brazil '66, there was Brasil '65, which featured the early bossa/jazz sounds of a young Sergio Mendes backing the irresistable vocals of Wanda de Sah. During the group's first US tour, the Capitol A&R department took a shine to young Wanda and signed her to a solo deal, and she recorded this album in California with Jack Marshall - an accomplished composer and author of The Munsters theme song(!) - before jetting back home to old Brasil. The result is a beautiful, understated gem of a bossa album that lies somewhere between Wanda's own work with Mendes and Astrud Gilberto's Verve albums of the era. De Sah's sensual vocals are in peak form here, and the source material doesn't hurt either as she burns through tunes by the likes of Jobim ("So Danco Samba(1)"), Bonfa ("Sweet Happy Life(2)") and Joao Gilberto ("Ho Ba La La(3)"). Also check: "Aruanda(4)," "Tem Do(5)," "With Feeling(6)." 11 tracks; 24 minutes. Recommended.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / latin + brazilian + afrobeat / shota's jazz section

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Detroit Sex Machines
The Stretch 7"

raw Detroit funk

Here it is. One of the rarest and RAWEST Detroit funk 45's you're ever gonna hear. Go on and click the sound sample(1) if you don't believe me, but be prepard to get FUNKED. Part 2(2) continues the pure unfiltered funk in all its glory. You can forget about getting an original too, as the handful of copies that are around run up to about $2000! Faithful label reproduction too Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - 7" / 45s

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Neu!
Neu! 75 (200g) LP

influential krautrock with experimental, ambient and punk touches

Neu's third album repressed on super thick, 200g vinyl. '75 is a unique entry in Neu's discography, mainly due to the face that the album was created at a time when the band was going through growing pains and creative differences (this was their last album till much later in the 80's). It had been a few years since 2 and keyboardist/guitarist Michael Rother had grown very fond of the ambient style, while his bandmate Klaus Dinger (ex-drummer for Kraftwerk) preferred a more aggressive, rock sound. What's a band to do? As a compromise, they decided to record one side of the record (Side A) in the old Neu! style with Dinger on drums and Rother on keys. Side B however, was a much more radical change in style with Dinger on lead guitar and vocals leading to a much more experimental punk sound. Both sides are equally fantastic listens and together they give a great variety to the album, reminiscent to the varied styles found in some of their peers albums at the time (check out Faust IV). Excellent space-out music for the cosmic heads in original gatefold sleeve and on extra-high grade vinyl too. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / bestsellers / various rock + everything else / funk soul disco - albums

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Ramsey Lewis
Them Changes (180g) LP

great live funk album, breaks + covers

Great live album from the sweet spot of 1970. Like many of Ramsey Lewis' best albums, Them Changes features the full spectrum of qualities you look for in a great funk-soul album. Funk cover with break? Check "Them Changes(1)" with its extended drum solo in the final quarter. Band stretching out with more breaks? Check "Do Whatever Sets You Free(2)." Archetype laidback groover that you can't get out of your head? Check "See The End From Beginning(3)." A great instrumental Beatles cover? Check "Something(4)" where Lewis and Phil Upchurch (guitar) make their instruments sing. Uplifting gospel funk? Check the cover of "Oh Happy Day(5)." 7 tracks in all. 180g pressing, recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - albums / shota's jazz section

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The Ghetto Brothers
The Ghetto Brothers Power / I Saw A Tear 7"

re-issued funk from the Boogie Down Bronx

Those who know their NYC gang lore (and you should, cause it's integral to hip hop's history and also damn interesting) know that the Ghetto Brothers were a largely Puerto Rican gang in the South Bronx during the 60s and 70s. Turns out that they also liked getting funky from time to time. I'll allow Truth & Soul to fill you in on that part:
"Ghetto Brothers founder Benjamin Melendez, who left the organization in 1976, was also known as a guitarist. He led a band, also known as the Ghetto Brothers, which included his late brother Victor Melendez on drums. They released one album in 1972, which had only informal, local distribution. In the past ten years, "Power Fuerza", which has become shrouded with mystery, has fetched quadruple digits on ebay and become one of the most sought after New York records of all time."
The kind folks over at T&S have polished up this single, taken from their Power Fuerza LP and reissued it for the masses. "Ghetto Brothers Power(1)," is the funky cut on the A-side, while "I Saw A Tear(2)," is the B-side ballad where they show you that it wasn't all rough and tumble in the Bronx back then. Recommended.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - 7" / 45s / funk + soul + latin + disco / truth & soul - vinyl / and more

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V/A
Bite Harder: The Music De Wolfe Studio Sampler Vol.2 LP

highest quality comp of library funk

The De Wolfe Studio library seems to be an endless trove of lost funk moments. This is the second OFFICIAL foray into the vaults, this time curated by Joel Martin of Quiet Village. He pulls out gem after gem, there isn't a weak moment (in contrast to the bootleg releases that are limited in resources). You'll hear samples from some of your favorite hip-hop producers, but mostly these are untouched jewels, full of psyche guitar, drums, expert instrument solos, and that library brand of clinical funk. The liner notes detail each track and the original record that they were dug from. 19 tracks, recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - comps / funk + soul + latin + disco / vinyl new arrivals / and more

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Eno / Moebius / Roedelius
After The Heat (180g) LP

Excellent reissue of the 1973 collaboration between Brian Eno and Moebius & Roedelius (the former two are better known as the German experimental duo Cluster). The notable standout is "Tzima N'arki(1)," which contains backwards vocals that are partially composed of the chorus to Eno's "King's Lead Hat." Eno's vocals also appear on "Broken Head(2)" and the anthemic "The Bell Dog(3)." Of course, the album also features cuts that flirt more with ambient and experimental concepts, like "Oil(4)" and "Foreign Affairs(5)." Also, don't miss "The Shade(6)" which sounds like it could be a Wyndham Hill cut until the Ratatat-esque guitars come in towards the end. 10 Tracks total, high quality 180g vinyl. Recommended.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / bestsellers / various rock + everything else / funk soul disco - albums

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Larry Levan
The Final Night Of Paradise (Part 5 of 5) 12"

live disco and soul mix from the Garage on its final night

Volumes have been written about Larry Levan & NYC's Paradise Garage and their influence on disco and club culture. It's the stuff of urban legend - the spectacular sound system, the incredible music, and the crowds that danced till noon. The club run for over a decade ('76 - '87) but like all things it had to come to an end, but many (either too young like me or too far away) never had the chance to experience it first hand. Lucky for us, these high quality recordings from the club's final nights have been properly pressed up on wax. This is DJ history right here, Larry Levan throwin it down all the way live on 2 turntables and the Urei 1620 (with delay effects on the Reel to Reel of course). Obviously he KILLS it - over and over and over again. This is disk 5 of 5 and is unique from the rest in that the B-side features "The Voices Of Paradise" - words spoken about the Garage and Larry by Frankie Knuckles, Nicky Siano, Keith Haring, and Judy Russell. Comes in a sweet silk-screened cover of Larry illustrated by Keith Haring. A-side mix plays for about 25 minutes. Highly Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco 12" - K-Z / funk + soul + latin + disco / funk soul disco - new arrivals

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Machine
There But For The Grace Of God Go I 12"

essential nyc disco classic

I didn't get to experience NYC in the early eighties, but to me, this song(1) represents everything that was incredible back then. Close your eyes, and you'll be transported to a sweaty uptown disco club, whites / blacks / latinos, everybody having fun, smiles on every face, and major dance moves. Might sound a bit generic to the youth, but this really brings it back to the basics aka what dance music is really about. Production credit goes to Kid Creole. B-side features "Marissa(2)." The best disco song ever? Possibly. Highly recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco 12" - K-Z

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Nicky Siano
The Gallery Vol.6 (Lust) 12"

classic NY disco

Volume 6 in the Gallery series, highliting standout tracks from Siano's legendary party. The first track "Lust" is an eerie cosmic love groove by Rinder & Lewis, the same duo that brought you such classics as "Seven Deadly Sins" and El Coco's "Cocomotion." Next is the summery latin sounds of Ruben Blades Fania classic, "Plastico(2)," followed by the 1974 soul funk heater "I'm In Need Of Love(3)" by Lou Courtney. Perfect tracks for summer nights, timeless and soulful like it should be. Recommended.
reviewed by Cmish

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco 12" - A-J

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Pam Todd
Let's Get Together 12"

sought after disco classic with breaks tool

Here we have a handy boot of Pam Todd & Love Exchange's 1977 classic "Let's Get Together(1)." If you have an original pressing, consider me jealous. This is soulful disco at its best, with Pam Todd's vocals that give a great energy to any dancefloor. "Let's get together hun and make some love"... not gonna argue with that! Unique to this 12" is a DJ tool track that extends that wonderful piano break intro for a good couple minutes. Cop doubles and do a live re-edit like they used to back in the day. The disco heat continues on the flip with Mike & Bill's "Somebody's Gotta Go(2)" another dancefloor burner that also includes an extended breaks track. Very recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco 12" - K-Z

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Patrick Adams
Phreek LP

classic NY disco album from '78, co-produced by Leroy Burgess

Callin' all the disco freaks, it's time to dust off you dancin' shoes and get down to the sound of legendary producers Patrick Adams and Leroy Burgess as Phreek! Their classic 1978 self-titled LP gets a nice repress with excellent vinyl sound quality and great artwork reproduction on a matte sleeve. Big track on here is "Weekend(1)"
which has been sampled many a time and also covered in the 80's by Class Action (mixed by Larry Levan). The sparse drums and cool little bass synth line opens it up till the full orchestration comes in with those sweeping violins and fantastic vocals by Christie Shire. This is by far the most known track off the album, but there are so many other gems to be had if you dig a little deeper. "I'm A Big Freak(2)" is another stomper with a dirty underground disco vibe, nasty synth work by Mr. Adams, and some sex-driven vocal action. Play this one loud and watch the freaks go to work. Also check "Much Too Much(3)" and the uplifting "Everybody Loves A Good Thing(4)" both which showcase Leroy Burgess's voice and production style, and the slow burning grooves of "May Love Be With You(5)" with vocals by Donna McGhee of "It Ain't No Big Thing" fame. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - albums / funk + soul + latin + disco / vinyl new arrivals / and more

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Tropical Treats
Afrikan Riddims / Waarewaah 12"

reworks of afro-funk gems

GAMM hits blazing afro-directions with this two tracker. A-side features a rework of digger favorite "African Rhythms(1)" by Oneness of Juju. B-side steals the show however, with the uptempo "Waarewaah(2)," a four star selection of Kenyan funk. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / raw fusion + gamm - vinyl / all / funk soul disco 12" - K-Z / and more

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V/A
Ultimate British Breaks & Beats Vol.2 LP

top notch UK breaks comp, pick

The UK counterpart to the trusted UBB series is a top notch homage the country's under-looked break history. Firstly, they include 12 selections which seems damn generous compared to UBB's average six. And it's is impeccable from start to finish with some absolute gems. It's nice to finally get a full versions of "Drums Away(1)" rather than hear snippets on a break mix. The Oosh Band's "My Good Woman(2)," with crisp breaks juxtaposed with cheesier moments, embodies the UBB spirit. There's some great vocal cuts here as well, check the Owen Grey reggae soul version of "Groove Me(3)" and the sister funk of Rosetta Hightower's "What Do I Do(4)" and Salena Jones' "Do I Love You(5)." Want more drums? Check out the Olympic Runners expensive "Don't Let Up(6)" and the wicked "7 Deadly Sins OST(7)." Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - comps / funk + soul + latin + disco / vinyl new arrivals / and more

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Arthur Russell
The Sleeping Bag Sessions 2LP

You already know about Arthur Russell from disco classics like "Is It All Over My Face" and "Go Bang" (maybe you even watched the recent documentary), but do you know about all the early/mid-80's work he did on his own Sleeping Bag label? This awesome compilation collects the gems you might've slept-on or never came across. Whether its early hip-hop boogie (Sounds Of JHS 126 Brooklyn's "Chill Pill(1)"), left field electro beats (Bonzo Goes To Washington's "5 Minutes(2)"), or underground disco bangers (Felix's "Tiger Stripes(3)" and You Can't Hold Me Down(4)"), Arthur's genius echoes through and through. Don't forget to check out the rare Walter Gibbons mix of "Go Bang!(5)" that tones down the vocals and puts more emphasis on the acoustic rhythm section and the cool Indian Ocean stuff(6) that gives a shine to some of Arthur's vocal work. 10 tracks total. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - comps / funk soul disco - albums / funk + soul + latin + disco / and more

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Black Cock
Cosmic / Give It Up (DJ Harvey) 12"

rare disco edits reissued

By popular demand! This is an OFFICIAL repress of DJ Harvey's re-edits on thick loud 160g vinyl. The tracks even got remastered so you might say these sound better than the original '97 pressing. This volume includes the classy disco funk of "Give It Up(1)" and a spaced- out edit of a moog cover of JB's "Give It Up Turn It Loose" entitled "Cosmic(2)." Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco 12" - A-J / re-edits - disco + italo + cosmic + rockish / and more

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Miles Davis
In A Silent Way (180g) LP

In A Silent Way is an awesome album for a whole lotta reasons. Historically, it's known to be Miles' first studio album that fully embraced electronics, so it's usually considered to be his first Jazz Fusion record. Of course, this one paved the way for Bitches Brew, and we all know that one. Also, check the personnel: Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea and John McLaughlin! Excellent playing all around, but maybe not the virtuosic stuff you might be imagining. Nope, this one is definitely mellow, each side is a whole song. The songs meander and evolve, and thanks to the editing of Teo Macero they actually mimic sonata format, in which there is a musical statement that is declared, developed and then recapitulated (this is why the end of each side is the same as the beginning). This is a perfect record for a lazy afternoon or a relaxed evening at home, full of gorgeous laid back sounds. Recommended.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - albums / shota's jazz section

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Nicky Siano
The Gallery Vol.5 (You Used To Salsa) 12"

classic NY disco

Volume five in the Gallery classics, bring us three more sure-fire disco/house classics from Siano's legendary party. "You Used To Salsa(1)," is a hot steppin' Salsa House version of Ralphi Rosario's Hot Mix 5 classic "You Used To Hold Me," by Richie Rich. "Ain't No Love Lost(2)" is a 1972 classic soul/disco track by Patti Jo (there's supposively a Ron Hardy edit floating around of this too). And just to show the masterful range there's the rare 1970 folk rock track "The Obeah Man(3)" by Exuma. Really diverse and all equally uplifting and timeless.
reviewed by Cmish

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco 12" - A-J

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Silver Apples
Contact (180g) LP

cult classic psyche album from 1969

The sophomore Silver Apples album. Although this came out only a year later than the debut (1969), you can immediately notice the rapid musical progress. The lead single and album opener "You & I(1)" sounds the closest the band came to a traditional rock song (and it's awesome). You can tell they became more confident in their vocals like on "Gypsy Love(2)." But the fundamentals have not changed a bit. The band quickly goes back to their old wizardry ways with songs like "Water(3)" and "You're Not Fooling Me(4)." "I Have Known Love(5)" is one of the coolest UNKLE samples I've encountered, and "Confusion(6)" might be the coolest banjo song we've carried. 9 tracks, high quality 180g pressing recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / bestsellers / various rock + everything else / funk soul disco - albums

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Sparque
Let's Go Dancin' 12"

killer NY disco classic mixed by Larry Levan and Francois K.

Managed to score deadstock copies of these NY dance classics! These are from the last official West End pressings circa the early 2000's. Limited stock so act fast. If you don't know Sparque's "let's Go Dancin," please take a listen. This is a definite NY disco classic on the legendary West End label. In the early 80's, this label practically owned dancefloors (along with Prelude and SAM) and they still do today. Old or young, ugly or hot, everyone looks good dancing to this. Besides the fact that the mixes are done by the legendary Larry Levan and Francois K. with loooong extended dance parts, the track itself is scalding hot! I dare you not to get the hook stuck in your mind, "Let's Go Dancin'! Dancin'! Let's go have some fun! Da da da da da dadda dadda!" I was sayin' that the song is so powerful, if the government knew about it, they would constantly play it on the air just to make us forget about everything except, "Let's Go Dancin'!" Don't hesistate, this is a certified classic. Note: Cop doubles and mix the dance with the reprise for the ultimate jam. Recommended.
reviewed by Cmish

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco 12" - K-Z

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Sylvia Striplin / George Benson
Give Me Your Love / Give Me The Night 12"

NY dance classics

Back to back classics for your dancing pleasure on this very handy NY boot. You really can't go wrong with the Roy Ayers produced gem "Give Me Your Love(1)." Incredible track all around with Sylvia Striplin's lovely voice always has a positive effect on the dancefloor! George Benson's "Give Me The Night(2)" is another classy crowd pleaser that's sure to get 'em feeling right. If you don't already have it, you need it! Also includes Shades of Love's "Keep In Touch (Body To Body)(3)," a tough boogie jam for the grown & sexy. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco 12" - K-Z / funk + soul + latin + disco / funk soul disco - new arrivals

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V/A
Garage Classics Vol.4 12"

classic disco jams inspired by Paradise Garage

From the people who brought you the Loft Classics series comes Garage Classics, a pretty well-known NY boot series that focuses on compiling gems inspired by the the legendary Paradise Garage and the selections dropped by Larry Levan and friends. If you don't already have these cuts on 12" this is a great way to stock up on serious disco heat for the dancefloor. Volume 4 and features the excellent uptempo female vocal disco grooves of Ramona Brooks' "I Don't Want You Back(1)" and Chaka Khan's "Any Love(2)". Killer! And if that wasn't enough, check the sick synth boogie grooves of Hugh Masakela's "Don't Go Lose It Baby(3)." 3 out of 3 for this one, plus the instrumental for "I Don't Want You Back". Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco 12" - K-Z / funk + soul + latin + disco / funk soul disco - new arrivals

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V/A
Kool Is Back!: Imitations, Interpolations And The Inspiration Of Kool & The Gang 2LP

In the same series that brought you covers of the Meters, Sly, and James Brown, comes this collection of Kook & The Gang covers. In all my Lab reviews of Kool & The Gang, I feel I'm always try to right the 80s Kool. The matter of fact is that early 70s Kool was one of the baddest outfits around, up there in the same rare air as the JBs. Moving on, this collection was definitely put together by a record head. There's a bunch of incredibly sick covers, rare 45 tracks, foreign versions (latin version and a wicked steel drum version) and tons of breaks. 14 tracks, recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - comps

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Adrian Younge
Black Dynamite (Original Motion Picture Score) LP

authentic vintage-sounding soul & funk, limited and numbered

Incredible debut release from the extremely talented Adrian Younge - composer, principal musician, and recording engineer of the Black Dynamite original score. It's no wonder Wax Poetics decided to sign him on to the label; the sound is jaw-droppingly authentic, original vintage soul in every sense of the word. You could've told me this was a 70s record and I would have totally believed you! This is a new record (2009), but produced with golden era recording techniques and utilizing all vintage gear pre-1970 from instruments, mics, mic pres, and recorded straight to 2-track tape. No easy feat by any means, but Adrian comes out like a champ with a record that does more than just rehash the music of the time and sounds just right next to Curtis' Superfly, Roy's Coffy, or Marvin's Troubleman. Check out "Black Dynamite Theme(1)," "Cleaning Up The Streets(2)," "Man With The Heat(3)," "Shine(4)," "Gloria(5)," "Jimmy's Apartment(6)," "Chicago Wind(7)" and "Rafelli Chase(8)." Limited, hand numbered edition of 2000. Highly Recommended.


reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
wax poetics / funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - comps / and more

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Awa Band
Barabatteur feat. Tony Allen (Quantic Remix) 12"

modern afrobeat in english and french

Nice deadstock score of this 2005 single featuring a remix by Quantic (We moved a bunch of these when it first came out). The original version of "Bababatteur" comes in both English(1) and French(2) versions and features very notable afrobeat musicians and ex-Fela players Tony Allen (drums) and Dele Sosimi (keys), plus vocalist Barbara Snow who has been a fixture on the UK music scene since the mid-eighties. Per the usual, Quantic delivers a crisp remix(3), also in both language versions. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / downtempo + electronic - recommended / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / all / and more

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Chip Wickham
Feelin' Alright (feat. Emma Ellis) 7"

feelgood modern soul-funk with female vocals

This is some super-feelgood soul from Madrid's Chip Wickham (member of the Malena trio). "Feelin Alright(1)" is punctuated and elevated by the confident vocals of Emma Ellis who brings to mind JB-era Marva Whitney. B-side features an instrumental take(2) which spotlights Wickman's fonky flute. Great matte cover too, there's even a recipe for Huitlacoche Chicken on the back. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - 7" / 45s

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Nicky Siano
The Gallery Vol.7 (Release Yourself) 12"

classic NY disco

Volume 7 in the Gallery series, that draws only the juiciest jams from Siano's legendary parties. Aleem's "Release Yourself" is the defnition of a Paradise Garage classic. The "Dub(1)" is featured here, which mixes the best instrumental and vocal elements for an all night extended dance track. You might recognize Ray Barretto's 1981 latin soul classic "Pastime Paradise" as the impetus to Coolio's hip hop hit "Gangsta's Paradise." It's definitely refreshing to hear the original soul version all the way through, so good. Lastly, Rufus' also kills it on the soul tip on his 1977 album cut, "Egyptian Song," featuring the diva of divas, Chaka Khan. All timeless picks for worthy for today's dancefloors. Recommended.
reviewed by Cmish

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco 12" - A-J

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Steve Marshall
Maintain / Do What You Will 12"

San Franciscan disco funk and excellent instrumentals

Dopebrother gets my vote for the most consistent reissue imprint that is still running strong. This 12" from their upcoming Steve Marshall album reissue is one of their best re-discoveries to date. San Franciscan disco funk circa 1978, Marshall's music has great complexity and movement. First check the disco versions of "Maintain(1)" and "Do What You Will(2)," both from the very rare Reynolds 12". But really, you'll really start to appreciate the overall package after listening to the two instrumental cuts from the album: "In The Country(3)" (sounds a bit like Bobbie Humphrey) and the beautiful "You Are The World(4)." Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco 12" - K-Z

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V/A
Can You Dig It? The Music and Politics of Black Action Films 1968-75 Vol.1 2LP

funk/soul compilation

Soul Jazz's legendary compilation series turns its focus to the music of black action films (commonly referred to as "blaxploitation films") made in the late '60s and early '70s. While the films were revolutionary for their depiction of black characters and themes (something that very rarely occurred prior to the civil rights movement), they're also notable because they featured music by some of the greatest funk and soul musicians of all time. Artists like Curtis Mayfield, Isaac Hayes, Willie Hutch, Roy Ayers, Marvin Gaye and even the godfather James Brown contributed original songs to these films. Often, the artists were able to create music that was beyond the limits of their previous work, thanks to large studio budgets that allowed for additional orchestration and arrangement. On Can You Dig It?, Soul Jazz tells the stories of these films and songs in great detail. The double LP includes a whopping 16 tracks, and comes packaged with detailed liner notes that describe the history of black cinema and the stories of the songs that are associated with it. Perfect for those who want to know more about this period in music/film, or those who are already fans and want to fill in some gaps in their collection. Recommended.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - comps / funk + soul + latin + disco / vinyl new arrivals / and more

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V/A
Can You Dig It? The Music and Politics of Black Action Films 1968-75 Vol.2 2LP

funk/soul compilation

Soul Jazz's legendary compilation series turns its focus to the music of black action films (commonly referred to as "blaxploitation films") made in the late '60s and early '70s. While the films were revolutionary for their depiction of black characters and themes (something that very rarely occurred prior to the civil rights movement), they're also notable because they featured music by some of the greatest funk and soul musicians of all time. Artists like Curtis Mayfield, Isaac Hayes, Willie Hutch, Roy Ayers, Marvin Gaye and even the godfather James Brown contributed original songs to these films. Often, the artists were able to create music that was beyond the limits of their previous work, thanks to large studio budgets that allowed for additional orchestration and arrangement. On Can You Dig It?, Soul Jazz tells the stories of these films and songs in great detail. This double LP features 18 tracks, and comes packaged with extraordinarily detailed liner notes that describe the history of black cinema and the stories of the songs that are associated with it. Perfect for those who want to know more about this period in music/film, or those who are already fans and want to fill in some gaps in their collection. Recommended.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - comps / funk + soul + latin + disco / vinyl new arrivals / and more

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V/A
Garage Classics Vol.5 12"

classic disco jams inspired by Paradise Garage

From the people who brought you the Loft Classics series comes Garage Classics, a pretty well-known NY boot series that focuses on compiling gems inspired by the the legendary Paradise Garage and the selections dropped by Larry Levan and friends. If you don't already have these cuts on 12" this is a great way to stock up on serious disco heat for the dancefloor. Volume 5 packs more disco heat with the Trammps "Disco Party(1)" taking up the entire A-side on 45. Skip the beginning vocal segment and head straight for the break... it's a monster! "Dance, everybody dance!" Can't resist it. Flipside features the sophisticated Sister Sledge cut "Lost In Music(2)" as well as the coked up synth workout "Hitman(3)" by Chantal Curtis. All winners for the nice price. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco 12" - K-Z / funk + soul + latin + disco / funk soul disco - new arrivals

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Lenny Williams
Choosing You / You Got Me Running 12"

uptempo soulful disco classics

Double A-side from ex-Tower of Power lead vocalist Lenny Williams.
Though he's probably best known for his dramatic love ballads and slow jams (namely "Because I Love You" as sampled by Kanye for "Overnight Celebrity"), his signature "Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh's" can also be heard on uptempo dancefloor burners like the ones on this 12". Check "Choosing You(1)" from '77 with it's undeniable soul grooves and epic peaks (Lenny's falsetto is incredible). A favorite with Nicky Siano at the Gallery. On the flip is "You Got Me Running(2)" another floor filler with an absolute KILLER bassline. This one was a favorite with Larry Levan at the Garage and has always got the crowd moving in my experience when pumped through a proper system. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco 12" - K-Z / funk + soul + latin + disco / funk soul disco - new arrivals

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Tlahoun Gessesse
Ethiopian Urban Modern Music, Vol.4 LP

ethio-jazz from one of the 70s biggest stars

2009 release from L'Arome Productions. The fourth volume of the Ethiopian Modern Music Series introduces us to Tlahoun Gessesse, aka "The Voice", the first ever pan-Ethiopian star. This posthumous release compiles 10 of his finest moments from 1970 - 1975. This needs to be heard, so much pain and joy in those vocals. As with all L'Arome releases, this has pristine sound quality. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / latin + brazilian + afrobeat / funk soul disco - comps / shota's jazz section

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V/A
Black Dynamite (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) LP

original funk library music compiled

This is the actual music track for the Black Dynamite movie, comprising of actual funk library music from the 1970s. These tracks were originally created for use in TV and films by famous British composers Alan Hankshaw, Johnny Pearson, Brian Bennett and Alan Tew. Great moody breaks and cinematic themes to sink you ears into, plus tons of sample-worthy moments here for hungry MPCs. 23 tracks of vintage funk flavor pressed on super thick vinyl from Wax Poetics. Limited, hand numbered edition of 2000. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
wax poetics / funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - comps / and more

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Brownout
C130 / Nawlins 7"

recommended modern funk

Texas' Brownout is an 8 piece funk band with previous releases on the UK's Freestyle Records. "C130(1)" shows some real finesse and maturity (so many modern funk bands can't get out of burner mode). This gorgeousness features an polished, airy 1976 sound with the rawness of early 70s funk meshed with larger arrangements and fusion aesthetics of the late 70s. Check those breaks too. On the b-side. "Nawlins(2)" is a sax-led disco funk stomper. A-side gets this: recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - 7" / 45s / funk + soul + latin + disco / vinyl new arrivals / and more

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Funkadelic
Free Your Mind... And Your Ass Will Follow (180g) LP

psychedelic funk rock

1970, Funkadelic. Who was making music like this back then? This is psychedlic funk rock at it's best. So indie band, if you want to really blow minds, check "Free Your Mind And Your Ass Will Follow(1)" and get free. I really Wish there was something like this being produced today. Continue the mind melt with "Friday Night August 14th(2)" and the ever so funky "Funky Dollar Bill(3)." And when I say funky, I don't mean like a catchy Rick James funky, I mean the dirty, stanky, diaper-doo-doo funk that Funkadelic is famous for. "I wanna Know If It's Good To You(4)" gives it to you on some slow burning soul, kinda like the musical equivalent of thick juicky ribs. Recommended.
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - crate classics / funk soul disco - albums

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