Funk | Soul 403 Items

Jimetta Rose and The Voices of Creation announce the release of new album Things Are Getting Better via Day Dreamer Recordings. A spirit-lifting, soul-stirring devotional that effortlessly unites house, funk, soul, RnB and hip-hop influences, Things Are Getting Better hears the LA-based vocal group reach new heights to spread a message of faith and togetherness in troubled times.

US pressing!

Harvest is the first Balthvs album composed by all three band members and the name reflects where the band is currently. After 4 years of the industry grind they have seen massive growth in the digital sphere with over 15 million streams; as well as gracing theaters and festivals across North America and Europe. It is truly Harvest time. Recorded in a villa amidst lush tropical hills in Colombia, Harvest is optimistic, groovy, and relaxing. The trio spent a month-long sojourn at a tropical summer house in La Mesa, Colombia to record. As the band recalls, “More than a studio we wanted to be inspired by nature. So we brought our recording equipment there and started working.” The tropical landscape served as more than just a backdrop; it was the wellspring of inspiration for Balthvs. Unlike their previous albums, where Balthazar Aguirre took the lead in recording, composing, producing, and arranging, this time around, the music emerged as a collective effort, with all three members contributing equally to the creation of every song. It is a sonic testament to a period of profound artistic and personal growth. The band comments, “It defines our closure with this beautiful stage of our life and career as friends and musicians.” The full album features vocals that harmonize like instruments, weaving lyrical poetry into a tranquil groove. Most evident in songs like “Like Coconut Water,” an effervescent song that captures the essence of a tropical escape. “Anouk” is a gorgeous groove dedicated to the house cat at La Mesa, the sphinx-like guardian who set watch during the recording sessions. “Mango Season,” a laid-back, funky, and soulful instrumental groove perfect for relaxing, skateboarding, and looking at clouds. “Aguacero” is one of the few compositions with lyrics and sung in Spanish by bassist, vocalist Johanna Mercuriana. “Lovin’” and “Sun & Moon” were released during the band's first North American tour where they were greeted by sold-out shows and critical accolades from their Sxsw sets.

Miraculous 7inch collaboration single "I don't know" by Chara and In-sist is finally re-released after 10 years! The superb hip tune "On & On" by In-sist is included on the B-side. Chara, a singer who has established a strong position in the J-Pop scene as a Japanese girl pop icon, has clearly etched her roots in black soul music on this eternal soul classic!

The second single from the well-received previous release, "Samurai," is now available. This time, the song "Pastime Paradise," written by Stevie Wonder and released in 1979 by Ray Barretto, has been updated in the Central style! In 2024, Central is preparing to release its first album in many years, but before that, another strong 7-inch is on the way. The groove created by the percussion, bass, and keyboards working in unison, and the exquisite arrangement of the horn ensemble, which is full of Central style, is a true gem.

Promo copy with b/w labels

US original.

US original.

Ships in a brand new plain sleeve.
Writing on label.

Sleeve has promo sticker.

US original.

US original, Sonic pressing.
Seam-split on bottom, writings on labels and cover.

Original inner sleeve with seam splits

Terre Haute Pressing.
Record has some hairlines and a few superficial scratches.

US original.

Cover with long seam split!

Original US pressing.