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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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 / reviewer recommended / 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 shop / funk soul disco 12" - K-Z / funk soul disco - comps / 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 / reviewer recommended / 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 shop / funk soul disco 12" - K-Z / reviewer recommended / and more

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Mulatu Astatke
Ethio Jazz LP

I have yet to meet a Mulatu record I didn't like. In fact, every release that's come through this place has been sublime. This high quality French reissue from 2002 is no exception and might actually the best we've had. It's not so clear whether this particular release is a compilation or a straight reissue, but we do know that the tracks here are from the late 60s to mid 70s. But when it comes to rarities such as African jazz, these things are not that important. What is important is that this is some of the most sinister, dark and musky jazz sounds you'll hear in your life. Picture yourself walking through tight alleyways, the thought of knives stabbing you in the back, and pungent city smells and noises... this is the soundtrack. Pure wicked joy. Check out: "Yekatit(1)," "Netsanet(2)" (fuzz guitar!), "Sabye(3)," "Yekermo Sew(4)" and "Asmarina(5)." 9 tracks in all. Recommended
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / latin + brazilian + afrobeat / funk + soul + latin + disco / reviewer recommended / and more

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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 / 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 / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / and more

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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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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 / reviewer recommended / and more

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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 / funk + soul + latin + disco / 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 / funk + soul + latin + disco / reviewer recommended / and more

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Mayer Hawthorne
Maybe So, Maybe No 12"

vintage-sounding soul

The last Mayer Hawthorne release would not stay on our shelves, people were acting like they pressed the thing on crack. Finally we got the digital version, but that still hasn't quelled the public's thirst for more. Well here it is! Hawthorne's back with another set of vintage sounding soul cuts. First up is "Maybe So, Maybe No(1)," and you can definitely hear Hawthorne's Detroit roots in this one. Fantastic horns, buttery vocals, and a spot on vintage sound that sounds like it came straight out of the 60s. The single's backed with "I Wish It Would Rain(2)," which is similar to the Temptations song in title and concept only. It is a ballad though, one that almost sounds like it could be played at the Under The Sea dance at your momma's high school. Also features the instrumentals for both songs. Recommended.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / downtempo + electronic - recommended / stones throw shop / funk soul disco 12" - K-Z / and more

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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 / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / and more

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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 shop / now again + soul cal (stones throw) / reviewer recommended / 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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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 / funk + soul + latin + disco / reviewer recommended / and more

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V/A
Forge Your Own Chains: Heavy Psychedelic Ballads And Dirges 1968-1974 2LP

heavy psyche comp by Egon and Stones Throw crew

This is as close as record digging gets to "grown and sexy." Now Again strikes again with a 15 track compilation of heavy psyche compiled by label head Egon. There's been numerous bootleg psyche comps that have trickled to collectors over the years, but this official compilation wipes the slate clean and allows even the newbie to get deep into this nerdus genre. Here's what the label has to say:

"Those of us birthed into record collecting by the Hip Hop midwife revered Jimi Hendrix as well as James Brown. We searched for albums by Mulatu Astatke and Power of Zeus with the same fervor," Egon writes in his introduction to the comp. Forge Your Own Chains showcases music from all corners of the world: Colombia, Nigeria, Sweden, South Korea, Thailand and Iran. The focus is on melody, driving rhythms and accessibility. Not one song is included on this compilation because it is from a "rare" album. Certainly, many of these songs do spring from albums that exchange hands for many thousands of dollars and many of these songs have never seen reissue. But these songs are all beautiful in their own right and work to form a coherent album. Psychedelic records, long the mainstay of older, grizzled collectors and seemingly quaint, are, in the hands of Egon and those of his generation, giving up new ghosts.

15 tracks in all, includes detailed liner notes. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / bestsellers / various rock + everything else / stones throw shop / and more

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Ocote Soul Sounds
Tu Fin, Mi Comienzo (Adrian Quesada) 7"

afro-funk and lowrider beats

Austin-based band Ocote Soul Sounds throws their two cents into the recent afro-explosion with "Tu Fin, Mi Comienzo(1)." If you like the modern sounds of Antibalas, this is up there with them. "Vendendo Saude E Fe(2)" is my favorite though. It's some mega-chill lowrider music with wicked instrumentation. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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

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V/A
Black Man's Cry: The Inspiration of Fela Kuti Box Set 4x10"

covers and music inspired by the godfather of afro-beat

It's pretty common knowledge that Fela Kuti created afro-beat. His influence on not only that genre, but untold others is undeniable. This collection of Fela covers (approved by his estate) and Fela-inspired songs has been lovingly compiled by Egon and released by Now Again, who really know how to do it up when it comes to compilations. To wit: This box set contains four 10" records, as well as a large-format booklet that's filled with stories, liner notes and never-before-seen photos of Fela Kuti. This is an excellent celebration of not only Fela and his music, but the music he inspired in others. Recommended.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / stones throw shop / latin + brazilian + afrobeat / funk soul disco - comps / and more

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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 / reviewer recommended / 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 / 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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V/A
Motown Flies Jamaica (Motown Reggae Remixes) Vol.1 LP

We actually discovered this series at volume two, which has been our bestselling reggae album for last two months. Motown Flies Jamaica is a well executed colllection of Motown - reggae blends. There was some real effort applied to this project from creating the fictitious Jamaican Airlines back story to the general studio-quality of the reworks. Check the superior versions of "Love Hangover(1), Easy(2), I Heard It Through The Grapevine(3), Get Ready(4)," and "Keep Me Hanging On(5)." 9 tracks in all. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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

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Spinna
The Boogie Back (Serato Control Vinyl) 12"

limited edition control vinyl with boogie anthem on the flip

BBE has teamed up with Serato for a limited edition single from The Boogie Back album. Spinna's killer re-freak of Jan Leslie Holmes' rare boogie anthem gets the 12" treatment complete with keyapella and Serato control tone on the flip! Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

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

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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 / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / and more

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V/A
Psych-Funk 101: A Global Psychedelic Funk Curriculum 1968-1975 2LP

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 shop / funk soul disco - comps / now again + soul cal (stones throw) / and more

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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

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funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - 7" / 45s / truth & soul - vinyl / reviewer recommended / and more

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Jimi Tenor & Tony Allen
Inspiration Information Vol.4 2LP

modern afrobeat

Strut's Inspiration Information series moves on from the critically acclaimed Mulatu Astatke / The Heliocentrics collaboration with the fourth album in the series, a mouth-watering head to head between Finnish maverick Jimi Tenor and Afrobeat drumming legend, Tony Allen. Jimi Tenor remains a fascinating enigma in modern day music. Consistently one of the best and most unpredictable live artists around, his work since his breakthrough album "Intervision" (Warp, 1997) has involved open-minded projects ranging from live film soundtracks and orchestral pieces to a series of Afro-based albums with his band Kabu Kabu. Tony Allen continues to attract new fans as one of the greatest drummers alive today. Celebrated as the creator of the Afrobeat rhythm and a lynchpin of Fela Kuti's Africa 70 band, his recent work has included The Good, The Bad & The Queen collaboration with Damon Albarn and his first album for World Circuit Records released earlier this year, "Secret Agent." Recorded at Lovelite Studios in Berlin during November 2008 with further sessions this year in Finland and Paris, the Tenor / Allen collaboration whips up a raw, heavy analogue sound mixing the full range of Allen's Afrobeat repertoire with Tenor's off-kilter brew of dark humour, tongue-in-cheek lyrics and tight, firing musicianship. The sessions involved key members of Tenor's Kabu Kabu band and Berlin-based guest MC Allonymous with tracks evolving from jamming ideas together over five intense days of recording, fuelled by plenty of African food and whisky. Tenor's trademark range of home-made instruments rub shoulders with vintage keyboards and traditional African percussion. The resulting set is one of the best recordings that both artists have produced in recent years. Tracks range from Jimi's S&M tableau, "Darker Side of Night(1)" to apocalyptic commentary on our times, "Path To Wisdom(2)" and the hilarious lampooning of the UK immigration system, "Mama England(3)", composed on the Tenor tour bus. The album also features fusions based around traditional Afrobeat structures ("Sinuhe(4)", "Got My Egusi(5)") and ends with the extended freestyle builder, "Three Continents(6)", a life affirming, mesmeric groove built around another belting Allenko rhythm base. Topical, biting, funny and always funky, experimental but never straying from "the one", this is another high quality addition to the Inspiration Information series, a "no rules" set that brings the best out of both artists. 9 tracks spread across 2 LPs, recommended.
reviewed by label review

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The Whitefield Brothers
Earthology 2LP

raw psych-funk with plenty of guests

Oof! This is heavy, heavy stuff. The Whitefield Brothers coming with it on some world-psych-funk ish on Earthology, the follow-up to 2002's In The Raw. Given the long span between the releases, let me just say, the wait is totally worth it. The extensive amount of global funk research the brothers put into this work is evident on every track - from the use of exotic instruments, to the use of Arabic rhythmical structures, African pentatonic scales and Oriental modes. Topping it all off, they collaborate with a wide range of contemporaries including Edan, Mr. Lif, Bajka, Percee P and MED to musicians from Antibalas, El Michels Affair, Quantic and the Dap-Kings. This music is like a funky, psychedelic trip around the world, don't miss it. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

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funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / stones throw shop / now again + soul cal (stones throw) / funk soul disco - albums / 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

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

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

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Lenny Williams / Black Ivory
You Got Me Running / Main Line 12"

disco classics

Double dose of soulful disco boogie goodness from ex-Tower of Power lead vocalist Lenny Williams and Leroy Burgess. 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"), Lenny Williams signature "Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh's" can also be heard on uptempo dancefloor burners like the one on this 12". "You Got Me Running(1)" a 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. On the same side is “Runnin (Beat)(2)” which takes the bassline from the original and throws a few vocals over the top. Definite doubles material. The B-side is dedicated to Black Ivory’s “Mainline(3)” which features the trademark soulful vocals of Leroy Burgess. Managed by the legendary Patrick Adams Black Ivory never really took off, but you can hear touches of his influence all over this classic tune. Played by everyone from Ron Hardy to John Robinson on WBLS. Recommended.
reviewed by Michu Meszaros

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

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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

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wax poetics / funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - albums / 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

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funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - 7" / 45s / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / and more

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V/A
Brazilian Guitar Fuzz Bananas: Tropicalia Psychedelic Masterpieces 1967-1976 2LP

masterclass in brazilian psych and Tropicalia, pick

From the same people that brought you the hugely popular Psych Funk 101 comes this master class for those entranced by the funky, heavy psychedelic wonders of the Tropicalia movement and all that it spawned. But as compiler Joel Stones writes in his liner notes: "You won't find Os Mutantes or their maestro Rogerio Duprat on this compilation. There is a reason that the records contained here have never been reissued. Even though you will recognize some of the labels contained here... believe me when I write this: some of the rarest, and best, examples of fuzzy, funky Brazilian psychedelia came out as promo-only 7" records on these labels." Each song contained on this album has never been reissued, and has been restored from the best source possible and remastered for near-perfect sound quality. The 48 page full color booklet contains a wealth of imagery and detailed annotation and liner notes in both English and Portuguese. Artists include Celio Balona, Loyce E Os Gnomes, The Youngsters, Serguei, Fabio, Tony E Som Colorido, 14 Bis, Banda De 7 Legues, Ton E Sergio, Ely, Com Os Falcoes Reais, Marisa Rossi, The Pops, Loyce E Os Gnomes, Piry and Mac Rybell. In addition this enhanced CD, features the documentary What Are Fuzz Bananas?. Highly recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / stones throw shop / latin + brazilian + afrobeat / funk soul disco - comps / 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

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funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - 7" / 45s / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / and more

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Quantic & His Combo Barbaro
Un Canto A Mi Tierra / New Morning 12"

modern cumbia beats

Nearly every track from Quantic's Tradition In Transition could warrant a single. "Un Canto A Mi Tierra(1)" is especially deserving because of the unusual, infectious vocals of Nidia Gongora. For producers, if you want to try your own version, this single includes both the instrumental and acapella. Bonus track is an exclusive Slow Version of "New Morning(2)," a gorgeous track with sparkling piano play and even some tasty tropical breaks. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco 12" - K-Z / latin + brazilian + afrobeat / funk + soul + latin + disco / and more

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Fela Kuti
Beasts Of No Nation 12"

gems from the Fela catalog on 12"

Paul Nickerson and Francis Englehardt continue their mission to re- introduce the world to the timeless music of the past with another highly limited 12" release on Slow To Speak, this time from the genius of Fela Kuti. Fela is the king of afro-beat and really needing no introduction and here we have two semi-hidden gems that wouldn't exactly be the most obvious jams (sleepers!) from his prolific career. Check the 16 and half minute monster "Beasts Of No Nation (1)" and the slow burner "Trouble Sleep Yanga Wake Am(2)." Super high quality pressing with screen printed covers. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

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funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco 12" - A-J / latin + brazilian + afrobeat / reviewer recommended / and more

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Mulatu Astatke
New York-Addis-London: The Story Of Ethio Jazz 1965-1975 2LP

recommended vintage african jazz

Vibraphone and keyboard player, master arranger and bandleader, Mulatu Astatke is one of the all-time greats of Ethiopian music and the creator of his own original music form, Ethio jazz. Through the acclaimed Ethiopiques album series and through featuring on the soundtrack to the Jim Jarmusch film Broken Flowers, his music has belatedly reached a global audience and a new, younger generation of fans. In November of last year, he recorded an inspired new album with London psych jazz band The Heliocentrics for Strut's "Inspiration Information" studio collaboration series. Now, Strut are proud to present, for the first time anywhere, the definitive Mulatu career retrospective covering his landmark '60s and '70s recordings. Mulatu is a true pioneer of African music. He was the first Ethiopian musician of his generation to travel extensively and to record abroad - he studied in the UK in Wales and at Trinity College Of Music in London, cutting his teeth on the buoyant London jazz scene of the early '60s. He became the first African student to attend Harvard and he lived and recorded in New York, developing a unique sound that fused Western jazz with traditional Ethiopian melodies. As Mulatu says, "it took a long time to get the balance, to let the colours and the feelings of the Ethiopian modes shine through." Returning to "Swinging Addis" during the late '60s, he became a pivotal figure, arranging for many of the country's top vocalists and developing rich, dense textures in his own music during the final years of Selassie's reign and the mid-'70s rule of the Derg Communist military junta. Tracing the progression of his Ethio jazz experiments with full access to all of the labels for whom he recorded, Mulatu Astatke: New York-Addis-London is the essential Mulatu. Covering his first recordings in the UK during 1965, his groundbreaking fusions for the small Worthy label in New York and his key '70s recordings back in Addis on Amha, Phillips and Axum, the album features comprehensive sleeve notes by Miles Cleret, boss of the excellent Soundway Records imprint, and rare, previously unseen photos from Mulatu's personal archive.
reviewed by label review

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funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / latin + brazilian + afrobeat / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / and more

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Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou
The Vodoun Effect: Funk & Sato From Benin's Obscure Labels 1972-1975 2LP

rare West African funk and rock

Yet another gem from Orchestre Poly-Rythmo dug up by the folks over at Analog Africa. This volume focuses on the songs that they released for small Benin record labels on the sly, when the head of their main label was tending to his other business. Because these small labels often had limited budgets for equipment, the quality varies and most of these songs were recorded in one take. This is pretty rare stuff, most of these had only been distributed in small runs within the town of Benin, and haven't been widely released until Analog Africa got their hands on them. If you're into Western African funk and rock, this CD is a treasure trove of undiscovered sounds. 14 tracks total on 2 LPs, packaged in a gatefold sleeve that includes very detailed liner notes that tell the history of the group and their songs. Recommended.
reviewed by Hires

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funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / latin + brazilian + afrobeat / funk soul disco - comps / funk + soul + latin + disco / and more

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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

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The Simonsound
Tour de Mars / Baker's Dozen (Kraftwerk) 7"

funky breaks cover of Kraftwerk

Funky little 7" here from Simonsound, aka Matt Ford and Simon James. "Tour De Mars(1)," is a jamming space funk cover of Kraftwerk's "Tour De France." I'd love to hear someone work this into a hip hop breaks set. The b-side is a little original track called "Baker's Dozen(2)," that features a laidback psychedelic groove. Limited edition, plays at 45. Recommended.
reviewed by Hires

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funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / downtempo + electronic - recommended / funk soul disco - 7" / 45s / funk + soul + latin + disco / and more

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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

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funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco 12" - K-Z / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / 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

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funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - 7" / 45s / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / and more

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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

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funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco 12" - K-Z / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / 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

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funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco 12" - K-Z / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / and more

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V/A
Soviet Funk Vol.1 (with FREE MP3 Download) LP

underground funk and jazz

BONUS: This LP comes with a card redeemable for a high quality MP3 download of the album from Secret Stash's website.

This is a pretty cool look at funk and jazz music that developed in the underground scene in the Soviet Union during the '60s and '70s. Since the government censored many kinds of art (but especially art from the west), most Soviet musicians were unable to have regular access to music from western jazz and funk artists. Because of this, they developed a style of funk that's distinctly different from American acts like James Brown, The Meters, and others. You'll notice that the songs definitely found much closer to jazz than funk, featuring odd time signatures and other elements from traditional jazz that's typically not found in domestic funk records. The tracks here were all recorded by Pavel Sysoyev, a classically trained flautist. Slowly but surely, Sysoyev found and trained musicians to play songs that he arrange, after hearing a selection of American jazz and funk that had been smuggled into the country by a friend. Slowly but surely, an underground scene began to develop based around Sysoyev's studio and songs. With a couple exceptions, this is the first time these songs have been released (Sysoyev never put them out because they were recorded illegally). Definitely an awesome artifact that shows what happens when an art form develops in a (relative) vacuum. Printed on a pic sleeve with detailed liner notes, and pressed on red vinyl (natch). Recommended.
reviewed by Hires

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funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - comps / funk + soul + latin + disco / vinyl with free mp3 / and more

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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

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funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - comps / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / and more

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V/A
Freedom Rhythm & Sound: Revolutionary Jazz & The Civil Rights Movement 1963-82 Vol.2 2LP

jazz from the Civil Rights era compiled

Part 1 of 2. Freedom Rhythm & Sound features the work of revolutionary jazz artists who created new radical music infused with the values of Martin Luther King, Malcolm X and the civil rights movement of the 1960s. Self-determination, economic power and musical freedoms explode as the avant-garde collided with Black Power and Afro-centricity. Released to coincide with the book by Gilles Peterson and Stuart Baker on Soul Jazz Records, this album is jam-packed with super rare, deep jazz from artists many of which all feature heavily in the new book. These include Mary Lou Williams, Art Ensemble of Chicago, Sun Ra, Phil Cohran and many more. 11 tracks, high quality, double vinyl pressing. Recommended.
reviewed by Soul Jazz

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funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - comps / funk + soul + latin + disco / reviewer recommended / and more

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