Funk | Soul 143 Items

Nicholas Bicycle is Nick Bike when in music mode and his next ride takes him deep into the world of the Queen of Soul. Once there he turns out a pair of crucial remixes that will slip right into the upper echelons of your collection. Up first is his take on Aretha's tramp classic 'A Lil Respect' which comes on strong with more heavy and floor-ready drums. Flip it over and you will find 'A Step Too Far Away' which goes from early evening soul to a nice early evening stepper to get the crowd in the groove.

What we gonna do right here is go back, way back, back into time…and one of the most sampled refrains in dance music history. A 7 inch double header of two of the biggest records from the Jimmy Castor Bunch, the 1 million plus selling ‘Troglodyte’, flipped with ‘It’s Just Begun’. This funk masterpiece lit up the Bronx in the ‘70’s and was the spark from where Hip Hop caught fire. Get in early and go in hard. Funk, Soul, Hip Hop and dance fans all need this beaut. Original RCA labels and sleeve, all remastered for 2024.

Danish popstars Gitte and Inger bring forth 'Ud Af Buret', their 1978 high energy cover of Creative Source's hit, 'Can't Hide Love.' Gitte and Inger infused their unique style into this timeless classic, an electrifying experience that captures the soul of the original and bringing their own energy.

X-Ray Ted's 'Talkin' EP' finally gets the vinyl outing it deserves, a format that this classic was always destined to fit so well on. On the A-side, 'Talkin' layers strings, horn hooks, and guitar licks over a bed of rolling beats and bass, all topped with that soul-infused earworm of a vocal. On the flip, 'So Much' is no less infectious with vocal refrains interplaying with guitar parts and horns to deliver a perfect blend of vintage-sounding soulful beats. Ahead of X-Ray Ted's debut album, these two tracks showcase why he has picked up an army of loyal fans for the way he can perfectly deliver these original old-school sounds with a modern twist. The sunshine vibes and feel-good warmth practically ooze out of the vinyl grooves. This limited run of 7s on Bombstrikes will not hang about for long.

Two great versions of this soul dancer. "Bend a little" - The Supremes cut was released on a triple back cd and now first time on vinyl, perfect for all soul collectors Magic Disco Machine, offers a movin and groovin instrumental version, essential 7" double sider.
x600 copies only

You know that long hot days are fast approaching when it is Brazilian music that you crave. Thankfully the Scruniversal has got us covered with a second release that is as scorching as the first. It pairs MPB, samba and Latin flair with hard-edged hip-hop and funk stylings across a pair of tunes from Scruscru, each one a different collaboration. The first is alongside Tony Lavrutz and has gorgeous vocals and organic percussion paired with cut-up beats and jazzy keys that will ignite any floor on 'Rave Du Brazil.' It is Los Protos's jazz funk groover 'Primavera' that gets the good vibes going on the flip.

Great music is often about chance meetings and impromptu creative sessions and so it is that Hell Yeah proudly serves up Sensory Blending, a new collaborative album from Italian collective Aura Safari and Finnish musician Jimi Tenor. The nine-track record is a lush and luxurious fusion of jazz-funk styles.

This glorious record came about after Tenor was playing a Hell Yeah party at Tangram in Perugia. Aura Safari were local and, in some free time the day before the gig, everyone jumped in the studio together. They had never met before but soon found plenty of free-flowing common ground and the result of that one-off session is now served up on this vibrant new album that brims with musicality, indelible melodies and subtly uplifting vibrations.

Tenor has toured the world and previously collaborated with the likes of Japanese master Calm. He is a psychedelic space-jazz-funk king, skilled musician, composer and producer who, since the mid-nineties, has released more than 25 albums and 45 EPs. Aura Safari is made up of bass, synth, guitar and keys players Lorenzo Francioli, Ruggero Bonucci, Nicola Pitassio Andrea Moretti, Lorenzo Lavoratori, Daniele Melloni and Nicholas Iammatteo, and they are label regulars who served up their sublime Island Dreams album here last year.

Says Jimi, who enjoyed his time in Perugia and adds that 'the studio session was 100% efficient. I showed up and we started to play. Almost all that was made was material that we could use for the album. I love to work fast. Quick brushstrokes. Finish! I was amazed at how intuitively the Aura Safari guys could come up with new parts for songs. I mentioned some feeling or approach and they seemed to find it just like that.'

'Bodily Synesthesia' is the seductive opener with steamy sax notes and gentle grooves that are topped by aloof vocal whispers. 'Lunar Wind' is another slow and steamy mix of jazzy keys and soulful vocal hooks, 'Bewitched By The Sea' is a more tropical and percussive number with majestic melodies and 'My Bluebell' picks up the pace with jazz-funk grooves and hustling chords. 'Last Waltz In Perugia' has freeform sax lines soaring over meticulous drums that ebb and flow and 'Gimlet' brings a playful, samba-tinged rhythm and sunny flute leads straight from South America. There's a laidback, carefree mood to 'It's Too Easy To Love You' while 'Your Magic Touch' is a dancey number that exudes melodic joy, and 'Indigo' closes in dramatic fashion with a conversational sax that sticks long in the memory.

Sensory Blending is a seamless fusion of collaborative minds from Aura Safari and Jimi Tenor and it could well be performed live at some special select shows later in the year.

Push are back with this 7” release of their highly acclaimed classic ‘cut ME Loose’. Originally released in 1994, this JBs inspired groove monster is still a rare groove defining piece of funk art. The flipside Superstar is their first new recording in 10 years! It is an upbeat Roy Ayers-Pleasure-esque anthem that will become a staple in DJ’s selections worldwide. Boogie Back is back for good!!

Currently at work on new compositions that will give shape to a new album scheduled for the fall of 2024, Gerardo Frisina delights our ears with a 45rpm containing two unreleased tracks representing a brief funk digression within his musical journey without, of course, affecting his unmistakable style. “Mystical Funk” and “Spaced Out” skilfully mix “modern funk” elements with electronic influences, creating a unique sonic experience. In both cases, one of the surprising features is the hypnotic, incessant groove, capable of drawing the listener into a sound universe full of cosmic percussion and atmospheres, enhanced by Dennis Coffey-style guitars and by a Deodato-like Fender piano. Once again Gerardo hits the mark: the production is masterful, with a clear attention to details and those typical arrangements that reflect the overall quality of the sound with delicate power.

"Celestial Echo is thrilled to introduce the reissue of Brutal Force's revered classic, 'Dreams For Sale.' Originally released, this soulful gem has maintained its status as a sought-after treasure by DJs and electronic music enthusiasts for years. A favourite of Floating Points, Jeremy Underground and Frederika

With original copies becoming more and more elusive, and only released on poor quality styrene, the decision to reissue this soulful gem was an easy one.

Celestial Echo proudly presents the re- issue on a limited edition 7-inch vinyl re- cord, remastered and pressed on heavyweight vinyl for an authentic ana- log experience. This exclusive release is adorned with a striking picture sleeve and redesigned labels, adding a con- temporary touch to this soulful master- piece.

CER001 gained huge support from DJs such as Gilles Peterson, Craig Charles and Ross Allen, with more to be expected as the label grows."

Norman Connors' 'She's Gone' is a timeless blend of Soul and R&B from his 1981 album, 'Mr C'. 43 years since its initial release, 'She’s Gone' still endures as a masterpiece, showcasing Connors' musical prowess and ability to create unforgettable compositions. Lush arrangements, masterful instrumentation, and heartfelt vocals define the track with Norman Connors seamlessly fusing horns, strings, and rhythm instruments for a rich sonic experience. This 7'' heavyweight vinyl single, presented here exclusively for RSD is the first time this single has been available since 1981 & gives fans old and new the chance to own a slice of this classic, in demand Norman Connors production. remastered, but with slick early 80's aesthetics as was.

Limited to 200 copies

HHV is happy to bring this awesome rendition of William DeVaughns classic "Be Thankful for What You've Got" by Sunsay & The Soul Surfers on red vinyl.

Surfing on the wave of 1980’s Nippon’s bubble of electronics and economics, fashion and the femme fatale, explosion of its pop culture and computerized technopop, and the world’s sudden fascination with everything Japan, a group of young studio musicians stemming from Tokyo’s downtown of Akihabara and Kanda came together for ad hoc recording sessions between 1982-1986. Their goal… produce the next domestic hit album, a travelogue of city pop inspired by the urban yet lonely sprawl of now globally admired Asia. Yet their vision of the concept album under the City Heights moniker never came to see the light due to the group’s sudden disbandment after the tragic loss of love.

Led by the guitarist come arranger-producer Hasegawa Joe (Jô) and keyboardist Katsurag Mariko, the City Heights sessions drew form Tokyo’s musical melting pot of early 1980s with a distinct blend of jazz, funk, boogie, spiced with a local touch of Nippon’s finest electronic instruments.

Now, restored, remastered and occasionally redubbed by Japanese music connoisseur Sten Saluveer aka Mildhans, this second, highly anticipated volume will take you on a journey through the love-longing nights of Aoyama, to the festive matsuri bustle of Jô’s hometown of Kanda, the Jasmine dreaming of Taipei, and a quirky nod to a then legendary musical superhero.

Two classic Jackie Stoudemire gems, ‘Flying High’ and ‘Guilty’ get a long overdue reissue, the former of which has never been available on vinyl before.

Picked up by Tap Records impresario Jeremiah Yisrael, Jackie spent the lion’s share of 1982 in the studio with Yisrael, the prolific Gene Redd and dozens of musicians, including purportedly Barry White’s Love Unlimited Orchestra.

Ten songs were recorded over the course of the year, and two of the standouts are pressed loud and proud on either side of this limited 7 inch. First up the funk-fuelled, slick and stylish disco number ‘Flying High’, pressed for the first time ever to vinyl. ‘Guilty’ takes the B, one of the last songs Gene Redd would ever pen and some of the finest production work in a career that spanned four decades. Disco at its brilliant best. Yellow label version white sleeve.

Wolfgang Valbrun carries the torch for all great soul musicians with an incredible debut album, which looks at human frailty that's shaped by his lived experiences and perception of current affairs. Straddling the lines between soul, rock and blues, Wolfgang provides introspective insights through raw unapologetic lyrics, married with the incredible musicianship of his band. Nothing is off the table as 'Flawed By Design' examines relationships, money, religion, greed, growing civil unrest and the antagonism by authorities towards the marginalised. Institutional and social matters are addressed with this refreshing body of work, which calls for humanity to reflect on who we are, and where our actions will lead us. This Lp/cd comes with two extra tracks not found on the digital version of the album.

Immortalised, smooth psychedelic soul from The Isley Brothers that's every bit as powerful as it was in '83. Much loved and often sampled in the hip hop world, with 'Footsteps In The Dark' most famously sampled by Ice Cube and 'Between The Sheets' by Notorious B.I.G.
A huge record for sample spotters and funk / soul lovers alike, they don't get much more iconic than these two tracks - now fully remastered and reissued for the modern dancefloor.
Large / dinked centre hole.

With love from Northern Europe... Erotic Mondo's hidden treasure! Long-awaited analog reissue of two Monica Lassen album titles

A Wamono erotic work produced in Japan with the setting of ``A work created for the enjoyment of men and women by a Swedish female musician named Monika Lassen, who is also active as a sexual psychologist.'' Mondo's hidden treasure. This is a rare and unusual record, with sounds that overlap with the dazzling sounds of jazz, rock, lounge, psych, etc.

The sequel was released one year after the previous work ``woman'' was well received. It's an erotic Japanese groove that knows no bounds, with more moaning voices than the previous work, heavy fuzz guitar, piercing organ, and sexy scat! A total concept album consisting of the same song at the beginning and end of both sides.

produced by David Axelrod !

- "Message from the Meters" sampled by Eric B & Rakim for "Keep 'em Eager to Listen"

- "Goodbye, So Long" sampled by Brand Nubian for "Hold On",
Lench Mob for "All on My Nut Sac" and
YG for "Ghetto Celeb"

The ascending soul sensation Fat Generous embarks on a heavenly collaboration Wai Wan. This record is an invitation to their soulful world of jazz influenced funk and R&B, Fat Generous have been making waves in their hometown playing alongside the likes of Fatboy Slim and Sister Sledge, and their raw onstage energy has gained the stamp of approval from the godfather funk himself, George Clinton. Recorded at the height of a record breaking heatwave, Fat Generous have captured the blissful respite of a 'NightTime Cool Breeze' in a silky laid back groover that formed their debut single back in September. Amassing over 30,000 streams in the first month, alongside radio play and feedback from the likes of Craig Charles & Giles Peterson. Channeling carefree vibes reminiscent of Roy Ayers’ 'Everybody Loves The Sunshine'. On the second side a Record Store Day exclusive track 'Shake Your Body Down' 'Shake Your Body Down' is an unparalleled journey through the funk filled cosmos, a collector's dream that pays homage to the pioneers of funk while paving the way for a new era of groove. This release is the precursor to a bigger release schedule for the band a good vibes only DIY recording project that has been produced by legendary nujazz producer, Wai Wan, whose fingerprints can be found all over releases on Chrysalis Records and Virgin Records. This record is a scene setter that introduces you to the groovy rhythms that Fat Generous deliver in excess at each of their live shows unique performances that lean on the group’s tight knit ability to improvise and reimagine their own music. Limited edition heavyweight 7 inch vinyl in a picture sleeve. Get the debut release and you're ahead of the curve.

Attention: This is a gatefold without the breast image.

On the heels of her showstopping Met Gala appearance & the release of new single “Lipstick Lover”, Janelle Monáe announced her hugely anticipated new album, The Age Of Pleasure, due out June 9th.




To celebrate the launch of this new era, Monáe graced the March cover of EBONY Magazine, which stated, “the singer-songwriter returns to music as their fullest self…we’re perhaps witnessing the queerest, and by association, the Blackest, of Monáe’s eras yet…”



“Float” – which Monáe initially teased on her hugely popular Instagram – was first heard late last year as the official anthem of ABC/ESPN’s NBA Saturday Primetime campaign, with Janelle contributing voiceover narration to promo spots highlighting the biggest matchups and stars in the league. The track was used extensively throughout all NBA coverage through mid-March, spanning promos, Primetime matchups, in-game placement, social media, and more. In addition, “Float” was featured in an animated piece marking Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the #1 spot on the NBA’s all-time regular-season scoring list, shared across ESPN’s socials and James’ Instagram to reach more than 275M combined followers.



Janelle Monáe is without question one of the most celebrated artists of the modern era, an 8x GRAMMY® Award-nominated singer, songwriter, producer, performer, and fashion icon known worldwide for her inimitable style and visionary sound. With multiple celebrated albums, THE ARCHANDROID (2010), THE ELECTRIC LADY (2013), and DIRTY COMPUTER (2018), numerous critically-acclaimed theatrical and television performances, and her unwavering activism for social justice and the LGBTQIA+ community, Monáe continues to be one of the most compelling and important artists of this generation.

Formed by drummer Bill Curtis in 1970, the Fatback band started off as a funk band although when disco began to break in 1974, they added that four-to-the-floor wrinkle to their sound to serve up some classics. In 1975 Fatback released both their fifth and sixth albums - “Yum Yum” and “Raising Hell” - in the same year. Although singles had been released Stateside as early as 1971, it was not until 1975 that Fatback began to appear on singles here.

Their third UK 7” – ‘Yum Yum (Gimme Some)’ - got to number 40 in the UK charts in August. Later in November, ‘Are You Ready (Do The Bus Stop)’ got to number 18, which helped propel the “Raising Hell” LP into the top 20. This album also spawned the Top 10 hit ‘Spanish Hustle’ in early 1976. Both “Yum Yum” and “Raising Hell” have been out of print on vinyl for decades. These new editions allow funky Fatback fans to drop the needle and get back into the groove.

The Black Smoke Band were comprised of five members

Norwell McNeill on lead vocals (and songwriting duties) Bobby Moore on bass guitarJames Jacobs on lead guitar Joe McLaughlin on keyboards Ronnie Brewington on drums. Joe was also the man behind the band’s resources, financing both the musical kit and studio time.All of the members hail from the town of Dunn, North Carolina - a state which has gifted us some amazing soul music from the 1960’s, 1970’s and beyond.

All of the members of the group began recording music prior to the band’s two releases, before they met and formed as teenagers playing local bars, dance halls and night clubs. They gigged with other local acts. Both of the band’s releases were recorded in 1977 at Arthur Smith’s Studios in Charlotte - and both released on the group’s own label, Black Smoke Productions. ‘Starting my Life All Over Again’ was the first of two releases, a beautiful sweet soul effort, that really showcases Norwell’s earnest, soulful vocals. The flip is a solid funk cut called ’Skateboard’.

‘I’ll Keep Searching’ b/w ‘Get n Off’ was the second and sadly final release from the group - but what a record it is!

A moody, funky, and compelling arrangement that eschewed the ubiquitous disco sound of the period and created a gritty masterpiece for lovers of hard edged soul music. Norwell’s gruff, captivating vocal and some stellar guitar work were all laid over a tight, rolling beat accompanied by strong horn stabs. The pleading, emotional dynamics of the record work brilliantly with its strutting, insistent pace. Delivering both emotionally and musically it was to be the group’s swan song, but left ample evidence of the talent that lay within them as a band.

Eventually the group decided to go their separate ways in 1978, although that was not the end of their musical careers, with all of the members continuing to perform in and around North Carolina for many years.

Ronnie sadly passed away, but the other four original members of the group are still actively making music, with Norwell and Bobby remaining in regular contact today.

Bobby played with Kool & The Gang for a brief spell, alongside other well known acts. Joe continues to run his own studio, and has a large back catalogue of previously unheard material recorded both before and after the Black Smoke years.

That is the story of the Black Smoke Band in 1977. Although short lived, the group have provided soul fans across the UK and beyond with two fabulous singles, considered by many to be shining examples of the musical talent that coursed through America’s suburbs and communities during the golden age of soul and funk music.

A rich vein of talent which remains largely undiscovered even now...

In demand 7 inch sees a limited edition in translucent yellow vinyl. Regarding the album: "This has not been off the decks since I first got it and have been hammering it to death on the show. One of the Essential albums of 2011. Perfect in every sense and totally irresistable" Craig Charles (bbc 6Music) Two cover versions taken from the essential album Gitano Real. I Believe in Miracles is an overwhelming take on the Jackson Sisters classic in a rumba funk fashion. Party stomper!! And on the other side, a longer trip departing from McFadden and Whitehead's seminal Ain't Non Stoping Us Now and touching the revered latin disco version of Charanga 76, only to end up as a fabulous clap-driven rumba stormer. Two very necessary sun-soaked tunes for any self-respecting dj on neat black vinyl. And yes, it's a limited edition!

Record Store Day 2020 Release.

Fully remastered reissue with replica artwork of rare double header funk 45 by Miami band Human Race from 1971. Black 7″ dinked centre hole vinyl.

sampled by Presage and Da Lench Mob

Bisola Olungbenga was just nine years old when she started writing music. Encouraged by her piano playing mom, she would come home from school and compete with her sister, dreaming up verses and choruses for rewards of candy. Since then, Olungbenga has evolved into Aunty Razyor, one of Nigeria's most vibrant emerging artists - a cross-genre innovator who blends hip-hop, Afrobeat, R&B and experimental sounds into an energetic portrait of contemporary Lagos. "Viral Wreckage" is Olungbenga's debut album, and follows the breakout success of her viral 2021 street anthem 'Kuku Corona'. This time she's assembled a lineup of some of the world's most exciting producers to help realize her vision: Congolese singer, guitarist and producer Titi Bakorta, young Ugandan producer Ill Gee, veteran Japanese innovator Scotch Rolex, Sao Paulo-based baile funk producer DJ Cris Fontedofunk, French beatmaker Debmaster, Nigerian singer and producer Slimcase, and Kenyan avant pop futurist Kabeaushé.'Stuttrap' is the first blast of sound we hear, and Olungbenga quickly pilots us into her sonic universe, rapping assertively in Yoruba and English over Scotch Rolex's chrome-plated trap backdrop. It's not far removed from the producer's work with Kenyan/Ugandan underground star MC Yallah, but Aunty Rayzor's incendiary, tongue-twisting raps coax listeners into a musical expression that's hard to define and only gets more expansive when we hit 'Doko'. Featuring Slimcase, who's collaborated with Nigerian superstars like Wizkid and Mr Eazi, this track melts together swinging West African rhythms with complex poetics from both Slimcase and Rayzor. Olungbenga slips into a different mode again on 'Bounce' - one of the album's most dancefloor-ready cuts - almost whispering over a corrosive neo-baile shuffle from DJ Cris Fontedofunk. Sao Paulo is responsible for some of the world's most effervescent dance music right now, and with Rayzor on vocals the result is predictably explosive, making connections between vital street music from two separa...

The Key To Our Love compilation series is an in-depth exploration of Black & Brown American soul artists from back in the day.

Focusing on the sweeter side of these obscure singles, the album comprises of musicians who shared their hope & dreams through independent vinyl releases. The obscurity of these private pressed singles has limited their audience; originally released in small quantities and sold locally, the artists remained largely unknown but created some of the most poignant & timeless tracks.

Each song released in direct collaboration with the artists & producers.

Lifted from Hubbard's lauded 1979 LP 'The Love Connection', this sublime piece of melodic, deep, Soul / Jazz will have ears and minds open with it's instantly recognisable opening string sequence. Used to devastating effect on Pepe Bradock's all-time 1999 deep-House classic 'Deep Burnt', those sweeping strings capture us and lead us into a epic journey with the wondrous vocal stylings of the legendary singer Al Jarreau. This is prime early morning music, pushing all the right buttons and spreading light wherever it is played, a beautiful beautiful record indeed. What is essentially an extended and rearranged version of Hubbard's 1967 original, the '79 version of 'Little Sunflower' boasts a sumptuous arrangement and production from the mighty Claus Ogerman (Ben E King, Mel Torme, Bill Evans, Antonio Carlos Jobim & more). A truly wondrous piece of music, reissued on a single side in it's full 12" length of 9+ minutes from the source archive audio.

"All in Love is Fair" sampled by Jedi Mind Tricks for "War Ensemble"

- "Too High" sampled by Alkaholiks for "All Night"

- "Living for the City" sampled by Public Enemy for "Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos",
Sylvester for "Living for the City" and
Wu-Tang Clan for "The City"

Finding a new Eddie Hill recording from 1969 was quite a thrill and on hearing the beautiful mid-tempo groove, we included it on both our “Westbound Northern Soul” and “Masterpieces Of Modern Soul Vol 3” CDs in 2010. Since then, demand for ‘I Am So Thankful’ has risen and we can now issue it as a single. It was originally scheduled to be Westbound 151 in the USA but that spot was claimed by Emanuel Lasky’s ‘Never My Love’. Eddie now has a Kent release to go with his Detroit waxings on Thelma, Ge-Ge and M-S. ‘Long Live The King’ was an LP track from the Detroit Emeralds’ acclaimed debut album “Do Me Right”. It didn’t get a US 45 release but did sneak out on a Various Artists UK DJ-promo EP in 1973 for then-current Phonogram releases. This is the first time this superb and popular dance track it has been commercially available as a single. .

'Hypnotise' is the spellbinding new single from sampler slayers, The Allergies. Who, once again, build funky new worlds out of dope beats and loops from their wild and wonderful record collections.
Here, the Bristol-based duo break new ground, sampling the incredible Deli Sosimi and heading out on the housier side of things, working a deadly dancefloor 4/4 around their signature soulful stylings.
Pulsing kicks and playful percussion keep the pace, as euphoric Afrobeat horns and insistent vocal lines build the energy in the room.
It's a captivating cut, made for discerning DJs and discos. But, as soon as you let the infectious double bass-led groove hit you, you'll mesmerised by the music.
'Vamonos' on the flip laces old school boogaloo and salsa samples with sizzling hi-hats, claps, and club-ready breaks. It's an anthem for beach bodies, holiday heroes, and sun-seekers, hell bent on escaping the rat race.

With Panorama, Frank Maston pays homage to the classic era of library records and Italian soundtracks of the 70s. A blissed-out, grooving collection of filmic cues, it continues the unique brilliance of Tulips and Darkland. Elegant and easy, subtle and stylish, breezy and beautiful; this is his Maston-piece. Commissioned by legendary label KPM, Panorama cements Maston as a master of modern classics and the most mesmeric of contemporary composers.

In early 2020, Be With suggested to Frank that he should make a KPM record. He wasn't aware that they were still putting out new library records - but he was super keen: "It was completely surreal and it still hasn't fully sank in that I have a record in that catalog, sitting alongside those incredible albums that were so influential to me."

Frank was visiting family in his hometown of LA in March 2020 when the world ground to a halt so the KPM project arrived at a fortuitous moment. Having fantasised about committing to a record with no distractions, with a proper budget, access to his gear and space to work in - to really dig in and try to write and arrange the best work he could possibly make - it was a real "be careful what you wish for" moment. But, as Frank explained, "it completely saved my year and sanity to have something to focus on and get excited about. It was my lifeline." He spent seven months on it, working almost every day.

Maston had already been making library-influenced music so when KPM outlined the criteria for the tracks it was exactly what he had been doing all along. He thought the best approach would be to make a follow-up to Tulips that had a parallel life as a KPM record. Enjoying complete creative freedom, “gave me the drive to power through and dig in deep. I'm not sure if I could have kept myself on such a rigorous recording schedule under my own steam, and I think the momentum I had writing and recording it is part of the strength of this record."

Maston’s sleek retro-groove instrumentals emulate the classic KPM “Greensleeve” reel-to-reel recordings that provided mood-setting music for mid-century cinema, television, and radio programs. Apparently in close conversation with the John Cameron-Keith Mansfield KPM pastoral masterclass Voices In Harmony, Maston's Panorama could be heard as that record's funky follow-up. Yes, it's *that good*. Another reference point from the hallowed library would be Francis Coppieter's wonderful Piano Viberations.

PPU and Flickk back with this highly anticipated reissue featuring both of his sought after 7"s on one PPU platter. This second round finds Flickk assuming his Sherlock Holmes alter ego as a private investigator on "Prime Suspect", and an attentive human body mechanic on "Body Shop". Both were previously self-released in the mid 80s on Flickk's on West Coast label.

A monumental force firmly rooted in the soul canon, Willie Hutch is most notable for recording two of the best Blaxploitation soundtracks, The Mack and Foxy Brown. Yet his legacy is much greater. Outside of Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Smokey Robinson, Hutch was arguably Motown's top male solo artist of the 70s. Prior to his association with Gordy et al, Hutch crafted his opening statements for RCA, two vital LPs that Be With Records is honoured to present today. Often-overlooked, his second album Season For Love (1970) is a must for all deep soul fans and has been sought-after by collectors of different stripes for decades. Whereas his debut featured thundering, gritty numbers, Hutch treats us to a mellower soul here - sumptuous, warm and string-led. He compared his approach to that of Otis Redding and there are definite parallels; from the raspy, rough-hewn vocals that tend to roam between sweet and deeply impassioned to the horn-heavy, emphatic sonic backdrops.

Also from 1970 is Funkadelic’s second LP.

In a thick card gatefold sleeve with 180g blue vinyl pressing

Only 1 per customer! Limited double blue-colored vinyl LP pressing. Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Grammy-award, multi-platinum artist Jill Scott's debut album, Who Is Jill Scott? Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1 is the debut album by the R&B-soul singer-songwriter, originally released in 2000 The album was nominated for Best R&B Album at the 2001 Grammy Awards, whereas "Gettin' in the Way", "A Long Walk", and "He Loves Me (Lyzel in E Flat)" were nominated for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in 2001, 2002, and 2003, respectively. The album has been listed as one of the best albums of the 2000s by Slant Magazine.

The first in our programme to release all three Ohio Players Westbound albums on vinyl.

“Pain” was their first for the label, released in 1972. The album charted relatively modestly at #21, but it was the six months that it spent on the charts that was the surest indicator of what was to come. The band was touring heavily and was just a hit away from a breakthrough. This would come with their next Westbound album, “Pleasure”, and the hit, ‘Funky Worm’.

Featuring the first of Joel Brodsky’s series of iconic covers.

Regular weight black vinyl in a gatefold sleeve.

Led by Enrique Delgado, Los Destellos truly defined the sound of Peruvian cumbia with the incorporation of diverse influences and the use of electric guitars. This compilation selects the Los Destellos tracks closest to the genres of psychedelia, beat and boogaloo, taken from albums released between 1968 and 1978. These 20 irresistible songs are essential elements of Peruvian cumbia, the rhythm that changed the face of Lima, shook the Andes and spread like a forest fire across the Amazon basin. For fans of Los Mirlos, Link Wray, Davie Allan and surf instrumentals. A 2019 Record Store Day release. Total worldwide pressing: 1000

Originally from San Francisco, Matthew Larkin Cassell is a talented songwriter, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist. During the ‘70s-80s, Cassell fronted a trio in the Bay Area, opening for major acts like The Tubes and Sylvester. Playing a particular fusion of funk, R&B, soul-jazz and 70s pop, he self-financed and released his first album, "Pieces", in 1977.
Distributed only locally at the time, the album remained buried until it was discovered in the '00s by beat makers and crate diggers which led to some of the tracks being sampled and included on mixes by people like Kon & Amir, Madlib and M.F. Doom. Reputed labels like Stones Throw and P-Vine reissued Casell’s music at the same time that the original album was sought-after by funk collectors and reached outrageous prices.
Here’s a straight reissue in original artwork with master tape sound and including a lyrics insert.
Mellow & laid-back FUNK/SOULFUL/JAZZY SOFT-ROCK recommended if you like STEELY DAN, ROY AYERS, LAURA NYRO, YACHT ROCK, private press AOR...

Eight long years have passed since the previous S-Tone Inc.’s full-length (“Moon in Libra”, SCCD/LP 407) and, even if Stefano Tirone hasn’t released anything under his popular pseudonym until Spring 2017, the longtime collaboration and friendship with Tomas Di Cunto (a.k.a. Toco) has never expired: Tirone in fact produced Toco’s “Memoria” in 2014 (SCCD/LP 467), and since then has never stopped working with Toco, who’s the co-author of 8 out 10 tracks of this release.
As anticipated by the “Superbacana” EP (SCEP 479), the sound of the new album is widely influenced by the Brazilian soul-funk sound of the late ‘70s known as Black Rio. But there’s more, starting from the opening “Sands of Time”, an up-tempo groovy track with a lyrical cello melody and Manuela Ravaglioli’s dreamy vocals, and the mellow disco flavor of “Vontade de viver”, sung by Toco. Manuela is another historical S-Tone-Inc. artistic partner, together with Laura Fedele, who sings in the soulful downtempo “I can’t keep up with your love”. Barro and Qinho, two emerging singers from the new Brazilian scene, respectively perform in “Vale do mistério”, a downtempo tune that borrows some guitars from the alternative rock scene and cites Pirandello’s “Uno, nessuno e centomila” in its lyrics, and in “Chuva de verão”, with Qinho crooning over a track deeply influenced by Isaac Hayes and Curtis Mayfield. The closing track, “Estrada real”, that features Luzia Dvorek on vocals, reminds of Sergio Mendes and Brazil 66 from the “Stillness” era, with its acoustic guitar-led groove and its silky flute performed by Carlo Nicita. The remaining tracks are three funky grooves from the “Superbacana” EP, featuring the Sao Paulo quartet of 4Maré, consisting of Toco, Luzia Dvorek, Bruno Morais and Kika.
Despite its various influences, “Onda” does not sound as a mere copy of what’s already been done at all: S-Tone Inc. took all the necessary time to produce a new record, and the result is a strongly original and personal effort!

Finally available on single LP format! All 5 parts of Dam-Funks magnum opus!

Finally available on single LP format! All 5 parts of Dam-Funks magnum opus!

180g vinyl

- "Let's Stay Together" sampled by Little Brother for "Light it Up"

As the empowerment of the '60s gave way to the societal bankruptcy of the '70s, a turned-on black music emerged to soundtrack the agony of america at a crossroads. Tracked at DB Sound in silver spring, maryland by producer R. Jose Williams, your funny moods is built around the rhythms and keys of drumming wiz James Purdie. Remastered here from the original analog tapes, this 50th anniversary edition is peak group harmony soul from the chocolate city.

New label Smiling C starts off with a compilation LP of released and unreleased works by the Arabic rapper, Shams Dinn.
For their first ever reissue, Smiling C connects with the Arabic rapper Shams Dinn to release a compilation his best songs, including the hit "Hedi Bled Noum". The compilation covers his entire career of with songs made between 1985-1990, most of which went unreleased at the time. One of the few Moroccan rappers to ever be recorded on vinyl back in the 80s, Shams Dinn was a pioneer of Arabic flow. Starting his career because he wanted to be a positive light for the Arabic immigrants living in France. He earned his status participating in freestyle competitions, and performing in small clubs around Europe. His career came to a turning point when he was asked by a major label to record a full LP. Unfortunately, the label decided they didn't want to promote Arabic music (largely because of the Gulf War) - and asked Shams to translate the Arabic to French. Shams Dinn wouldn't stand for that, and he was dropped from the label. The following years he worked at a school, teaching kids how to rap and express themselves through words.
The reissue comes with newly imagined art, and an inner sleeve with interview and photos.

Our next installment on Bob Stanley’s Measured Mile label is a KPM Library double header. Basil Kirchin and Jack Nathan’s ‘Viva La Tamla Motown’ is pulled from the rare “The Wild One” LP they recorded for De Wolfe in 1966 and, instrumentally, celebrates Berry Gordy’s classic Detroit label.

The flip is taken from the equally collectable 1972 De Wolfe library LP called “Hogan The Hawk & Dirty John Crown” where ‘Main Chance’ is described as “moody, beaty – featuring synthesiser.” It’s a stone-cold rhythmic beauty well worth a spin on anybody’s turntable – so, give both a chance.

1971 and Black America was luxuriating in the soft soul of the O’Jays, the Temptations had just left behind their flirtation with psychedelia, James Brown was explaining Soul Power, Sly & the Family Stone were having a Family Affair, and Marvin Gaye was asking ‘What’s Going On’.

In their own inimitable way, Funkadelic were laying down their own statement about the ecology of the planet in the opening of lead and title track ‘Maggot Brain’, turning it into an elegy for the Earth in the ensuing heart-wrenching extended Eddie Hazel guitar solo – one of the most radical records of the period.

The album also spawned two Top 50 singles with the usual Funkadelic wry observational humour of ‘You And Your Folks, Me And My Folks’ and ‘Can You Get To That’. And just in case you think things have normalised, the set closes with nine minutes of the chaotic sound collage ‘Wars Of Armageddon’.

Record Kicks celebrates its 20th Anniversary with a limited edition "Rare Box Set" consisting of ten 45 vinyl with the very best of the label's catalogue.

2023 is a special year for Record Kicks: the Milan-based independent label turns 20 years old. In order to celebrate this great achievement, Record Kicks is proud to announce the release of a limited edition "Rare Box Set", coming out on March 3rd and containing 20 tracks on 10 "rare" 45 vinyl that retrace the story of these past 20 years of Record Kicks. The boxset is limited to 500 copies worldwide and it will also be released on digital format on that same day, March 3rd. The artwork by Japanese artist Ruminz is an homage to Afro-American culture. Of the 20 tracks on the "Rare Boxset", 11 tracks are previously unreleased on 45 vinyl, while 9 are reissues of mega in-demand gems.

Freestyle Records drop another UK boogie 12" rarity, this time the first officially licensed reissue of Eddie Capone's Treatment "I Won't Give You Up" from 1985.

Here are two great cuts, previously unreleased as singles, recorded for Al Sears’ Sylvia label in New York City in 1965. The Corvairs had one very good release on the label in a soul group harmony style. ‘I'll Never Do It Again’ and ‘A Feeling Deep Inside’ are more R&B and sound earlier than the 45 release. Both tracks have picked up admirers from their New Breed and Modernist CD releases and their release as a Sylvia repro label single will be very welcome.

Psychedelic Funk: this is the musical mood of the new Sexopolis. For those who enjoyed in the 70s or those who just discover them today, will find in this last release international and very rare historical songs shuch as “Flute Salad” from Ju- Par Universal Orchestra, “Misty Purple” by Rolf Kühn, “Dove” by Cymande, and also some Italian gems such as “Fall out” by The Braen's Machine (Alessandro Alessandroni ), “Nebbie misteriose” by Ugo Busoni. 16 tracks, 80 minutes of a music journey between the mystic and psychedelic, funk and afrofuturism, as always original versions gently remastered, and pressed on limited light blue splattered double vinyl.

After her surprise debut "Mam Pe'ela Su'ure", Ghana's Frafra gospel queen Florence Adooni is back with her second single on Philophon. Born as Frafra in Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti, she combines the best of both cultures into a unique fusion. The meandering, mostly pentatonic melodies of the Frafra glide over the high-life rhythm of the Ashanti with incredible ease.
"Yinne" means The Creator and is one of the songs sung at the culmination of the Sunday service. Its driving rhythm usually guarantees a collective ecstasy in the community.
"Fo Yelle", on the other hand, has more of a meditative effect on the listener. Its rather solemn rhythm leads you into tranquility and opens your soul to receive the divine spark.
The songs were produced by Max Weissenfeldt in Kumasi/Ghana.