Hip-Hop Vinyl New Releases - News

A Very limited edition DJ only 7" of two of DJ DSK's party rocking remixes.

Producer and multi-instrumentalist J-Felix returns with his
future blend of boogie, p-funk, disco and soul on his
sophomore album ‘Whole Again Hooligan’. Influenced by the
musicianship of Roy Hargrove’s The RH Factor, James
Brown and George Clinton, Joe elaborates on the concept of
the record: "My mum used to call me a hooligan when I was
growing up which was probably quite accurate, but there's
something about finishing a creative project as a musician that
makes you feel whole again”.
‘Whole Again Hooligan’ features a plethora of guest talent
including Brighton producer El Train, vocal flair Jerry Clavier
aka Sol Goodman, soul veteran and stellar DJ – Emeson,
and classically trained musician Afua. The records magic
moments are catalysed through a collaborative ethos, a skill
honed on J-Felix’s debut LP '101 Reasons'.
Constantly soaking up a mind-boggling array of influences –
through touring internationally as Alice Russell and Swindle's
guitarist, being an in-demand DJ (holding residencies at
Patterns, Brighton and Queen of Hoxton, London), hosting
a radio show on 1BTN, supporting the likes of Roy Ayers and
George Clinton, the list is endless... through which J-Felix's
penchant for all things funk has been perfected.


“The spirit of disco is more than alive and well for this” – Mixmag
“This guy’s got it going on!” - Huey Morgan (BBC 6Music)
“A sublime journey through squelchy electro-funk, tripped-out neo-soul and woozy hip-hop beats” - NME
“J-Felix aka Joe Newman crafts a solid tune with smooth gliding funk guitars, an undeniable bassline that magnetizes the eardrums and hard-hitting groove to match.” – EARMILK
“Excellent.. So many reasons to listen to J-Felix’ music” – FIP
“Tru Thoughts’ rising talent” – The Telegraph

Revolution (Live Disco Show In New York City) is the fourth and final BBE reissue of Sidiku Buari’s unique and sought-after body of African Disco albums. Side 1 is (possibly!) ‘live’ throughout, from a 1979 show at the (possibly mythical!) La Cheer Nightclub, NYC, but very well recorded for a ‘live’ album with clean, bright top notes, sharp percussion and heavy bass-lines. Keep The Rhythm Going segues into Ofey Karambani reminiscent of the Kongos’ massive Loft Club floorfiller Anikana-O, whilst This Is Music and Disco Soccer keep up the 120-140bpm pace to complete a side that rocks enough for the lazier DJ to play from start to finish without lifting the needle! Side 2 consists of four very varied tracks all recorded at Aire L.A.Studios, the two openers Revolution and Together We Can Rebuild It (Ghana Motherland) being polemics against government and army corruption, and a battle-cry for Flight Lieutenant Jerry Rawlings, who ruled the country for a brief period in 1979 when this recording was made, later serving as Ghana’s President from 1981 to 2001. Then there’s a perennial crowd-pleaser Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Side 2 rounding off with the super-heavy Afrobeat-Disco groover, Happy Birthday. Originally a national athlete, winning silver and gold medals in the Senegal All Africa Games and West African Games in 1963 and a bronze in the All African in Congo Brazzaville in 1965, Sidiku Buari then moved to America on a music scholarship at The York Institute, obtained as a result of his athletic achievements. When one of York’s music teachers, Irvin Mechanic, heard him singing in the Ga language- he suggested putting a rhythm section behind the songs, recording them, and seeing what the American record buying public thought of them. Four classic albums followed in quick succession, after which Buari’s solo output abruptly ceased. But it was an ending that held within it the seeds of greater musical achievements to come. In 1990 he was appointed to the board of the Musicians’ Union of Ghana, later becoming its President from 1999 until 2007. In 2019, he was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Pan-African Republic Honorary Award Society for ‘meritorious contribution to the development of music and movie industries in Ghana’.
Rare 'live' album from Ghanaian Disco legend Sidiku Buari, never before reissued. In-demand from collectors across the world, this is a heavyweight Afro-Disco album. Full global press and radio campaigns.

Rare Brazilian spiritual jazz. Reissue for the first time worldwide from the original master tapes. Legendary sessions produced by Amado Maita. Deluxe Numbered Limited Edition with OBI and thick cover. Recorded Live at S. Paulo in 1982 it was originally issued on Amado Maita’s small indie label in the 80's called Poitou.

Featuring one of the best Brazilian Sax Players, the legendary Nestico and his sister composer, piano player Lilu. Nestico joined several Jazz ensembles in São Paulo, having participated in 1977 in the first Jazz festival held at the Municipal Theater, alongside the musicians Samuel (piano), Nilson (bass) and Caram (drums).

He performed several times in São Paulo with Syncro Jazz group. In 1982 released with the ensemble the LP “Syncro Jazz - Live”, along with the musicians Lilu Aguiar (piano), Peter Wooley (bass), Vidal (sax and flute), Dagmar (trumpet) and Ronny Machado ( drums).

In the repertoire, the songs “Pro César”, dedicated to pianist César Camargo Mariano, “Winter know” and “Black Cock”, all by Lilu Aguiar, “For Guzi” (Peter Wooley), “Cruzan” (M. Santamaria) and Revelation (S. Fortune). The LP contains amazing Fender Rhodes solos in a Heavy Modal Spiritual and Bossa Jazz a la Strata-East & Black Jazz Records.

Funk 45 champions The Mighty Mocambos deliver another colourful record in their favorite format. Both break-heavy psychedelic soul score theme Supertrada and battle proven b-boy jam Concrete Stardust are from the much celebrated album "2066". By popular demand, here they come in exclusive DJ-friendly uncut/extended versions. A hard-hitting double-sider set to be a resident in your 45 case.

The Pendletons return with a brand new track and a slew of in demand remixes all in one package. First up is "Don't Turn Your Back" featuring Kool Customer vocalist Rojai featuring a bubblin' bassline, analog synths galore and Roj's vocals taking the lead on the cut backed up by Trailer Limon & E Da Boss's unmistakeable vibe. Next up, Bastard Jazz mainstay artists Potatohead People hit the nail squarely on the head with their restrained and eternally funky remix of the last album's hit single "You Do You" featuring the legendary Howard Johnson (previously only available on an unreleased Bandcamp bonus 7") while NYC DJ producer and edit king Jacques Renault does what he does best with "Keep It Working" featuring UK soulstress Gizelle Smith - extending the groove out and letting the bassline ride while keeping the original feel of the song intact. Lastly, Pendleton's member E Da Boss extends out the "Keep It Working" OG for the hardworking DJs across the land giving the intro & outro some breathing room. Also included is the Jacques Renault Instrumental.

UK-based Grammy winning producer and composer Tourist (William Phillips) has today released his third album (and second of the year) ‘Wild’ via Monday Records.
"With this new album “Wild” I wanted to fully embrace my instinctual tendencies as a musician. I’ve tried to set aside my self doubts and share as much music as possible this year, there have been moments when I’ve been far more secretive of my output but it’s been incredibly liberating to keep my fans in the loop in a way that I’ve never done previously.”
The album features glistening flickers of electronics around emotive piano lines, sampled vocals and deep arpeggios that float between muscular grooves and all bind together to make an album that has become the hallmark of Tourist’s wistful electronic music.
Tourist has already unveiled album tracks ‘Kin’, ‘So’, ‘Bunny’ and ‘Elixir’ and announced a fresh run of live dates hot on the heels of his sophomore album ‘Everyday’ which was released in February this year including a co-headline North American tour with Matthew Dear.
Tourist first appeared in 2012 with his self-titled debut EP and has since gone on to release two full lengths, ‘U’ (2016) and ‘Everyday’ (2019) alongside several more EPs and also remaining active as a remixer, writer and producer, including winning a Grammy for co-writing the Sam Smith hit ‘Stay With Me’ and remixing artists like Christine & The Queens, Wolf Alice and Chvrches.

Für sein Debütalbum "Baltus" wurde Gundelach für den norwegischen Grammy nominiert. Auf dem Nachfolger "My Frail Body" zeigt sich der Electro-Pop-Künstler sanfter und besinnlicher. Das Werk kombiniert elektronische Nordic-Noir-Atmosphären mit Pop-Strukturen. Als Featuregäste treten diesmal sein Langzeit-Kollaborateur Bendik HK sowie die norwegische Pop-Sensation AURORA auf.

Released on Greensleeves in 1990 to glowing reviews ‘Blowing With The Wind’ went on to be Pablo’s most successful album since the seventies. The mix of nyahbinghi drumming and hardcore steppers was embraced big time by the new age sound-system culture bringing Pablo’s far east sound to a whole new audience. A successful tour of Japan followed where Pablo showcased Blowing With The Wind with a selection of his original rockers. Recorded at Tuff Gong & Dynamic and mixed at Tuff Gong & Music Works, engineered by Soldgie, Chunny, Sylvan Morris & Tony Kelly.

The release of Rising Son in 1986 on Greensleeves began a new era for Augustus Pablo edging his Rockers revolution into the digital age. In his own words Rising uon “mix-up the vibes a little more” from steppers like ‘Pipers of Zion’, revival reggae ‘African Frontline’ and the deep and heavy ‘The Day Before The Riot’. Recorded at Channel One, Tuff Gong, Dynamic & HC&F and engineered by Phillip Smart and Scientist.

It’s time to pass the hatchet instead of the talc, and trade in the spin-and-slide for the hook-and-sling and work that dancefloor! Club Soul are proud to present a fresh compilation of 14 hard-edged, kitchen-sink rhythms that demand dance floor attention! Here we showcase the funky side of Northern Soul which has captured the imagination of our soul brothers and sisters across Europe and a growing number of progressive clubs in the U.K.

Our eclectic blend borrows its name from title track “Soul Street” by Ricky Allen; a super-rare cut written and produced by Mel London and originally released to no acclaim on his Chicago based Tam-boo label circa 1968. Allen is joined by familiar faces such as southern soulsters Alder Ray Black & Eddie Bo, our hit artists Betty Harris, Tina Turner & Aaron Neville, compilation debut Lenny McDaniel and unreleased at the time tracks from Josephine Taylor & Alvin Cash.

This new 180gm heavyweight audiophile vinyl ‘Soul Street’ compilation is presented in a single sleeve with new artwork. ‘Soul Street’ joins a growing catalogue of premium music on Charly Records imprint Club Soul - including the 12-track up-front, eclectic, super-rare, funky-edged and feel-good dancefloor soul LP ‘Time & Place’ in conjunction with Soul Shack DJ’s, and newly compiled records that celebrate the clubs of the original Northern Soul Scene - The Scene Club, The Twisted Wheel, Wigan Casino Soul Club, Catacombs and The Golden Torch.

We are elated to collaborate with cult soul man Dutch Robinson, one of the original lead singers of The Ohio Players, and known for the modern soul anthem ‘Can’t Get Along Without You’.

For this 7” single we present two scintillating songs from 2013:
‘Can’t Say Goodbye’ and ‘Ego’.

Dutch is blessed with an incredible five octave vocal range, and along with his songwriter / producer partner Aaron Hamblin, they create magical music overflowing with thought provoking lyrics and real instruments! Ltd. Edition of 300 Copies.

Available from w/c 17th April.

Soundcloud links if preferred to MP3's.

Official Mr Bongo 7” Hip Hop Reissue.

Craft a record iconic enough and, no matter what you’ve sampled to make it, you’re destined to be sampled more yourself. It helps if you’ve got Rakim’s voice, of course. When he and Eric B went into Power Play Studios in New York in 1987 to record ‘I Ain’t No Joke’, their next move was highly anticipated due to the critical success of the duo’s first record, ‘Eric B. Is President’. Rakim was already seen as a masterful MC with a distinctive slow, baritone flow and seamless access to a rich vein of words not often heard in hip-hop.

People’s first exposure to this track was on the landmark ‘Paid in Full’ album, and it was clear this had the potential to jump off as a single. The repetitive, simply scratched sample of ‘Pass the Peas’ by the JB’s was an infectious ear worm that needed a truly strong MC to stand up to it. He did more than that – here Rakim spun timeless lyrics and lines that would go on to be sampled and referred to dozens of times down through hip-hop history. He took one of rap’s great instrumentals and wrestled it to the floor.

Of course, you can’t have Eric B & Rakim without Eric B. The DJ gets his time to shine on the flip, and while he isn’t a man renowned for his dexterity and turntablist skills, the track still knocks. Maybe it’s because Eric B has already realised what many would come to work out later: If you haven’t got Rakim on your record, at least scratch his vocals. This re-release comes with a brand new cover utilising some of Dan Lish’s trademark artwork.

The independent UK label Six Nine Records Ltd, based in Newcastle upon Tyne, proudly presents the third outing on the label for no one less than Randy Hall. The stunning new song “A New Way Of Love” quickly reached the top of several radio charts and is a sure-shot winner with its hard-hitting bassline, infectious melodies and the unmistakable voice of Mr. Hall! Definitely not to be missed as it is a limited UK press with small hole and full colour printed picture cover!

Serious heat alert! Ridiculously rare sun drenched funky Soul from the mythical Raw Soul Express....

"The Way We Live" is as flawless as it gets, a superior piece of sweet Soul music from all the way down there in Miami, ultra sought after in it's original 45 issue & featuring some absolutely stellar production from the underrated George "Chocolate" Perry this record is an instant party starter! Featured on the mix-tapes & in the play-lists of some of the most discerning crate digging DJ's out there & an OG 45 will literally cost you an arm & a leg ($600 plus) this total gem of a record gets an overdue repress in it's original form. Essential!

Backed here with it's original b-side slow jam "This Thing Called Music" this ultra-rare 45 has been re-mastered, re-pressed & brought back for 2015's dance-floors in conjunction & with the permission of T.K. Disco / Henry Stone Music, Miami USA.

Ruff Sqwads' most asked after instrumental, finally released on a
4-track vinyl EP. Includes R U Double F, arguably one of the most sought after and loved Grime tracks which never saw the light of day, along with 3 more forgotten classics in the form of Darker, Iron Man and Come On.

* Classic UK vocal and dub LP from 1992 gets the reissue treatment from Partial Records
* This was the first album from the Conscious Sounds label which features UK-based singer Tena Stelin and the then in-house Conscious Sounds group (Nigel Lake, Chris Petter and Dougie Wardrop).
* Presented in a showcase, with the vocal followed by dub version.
* The original pressing is long-deleted.
* Limited to 500 copies only.

The Allergies are back with a new single A-side, 'Felony' – A storming soul-sensation, dripping with bittersweet emotion and driving, late-night grooves. It marks a return to that classic Allergies sound, full of dusty sampled beats, toughened up with punchy drums and re-worked lyrical loops. A dancefloor sure shot.

On the flip is Rile 'Em Up', a Latin funk bomb that showcases something of a new chapter for The Allergies. As the new album will testify, the duo have swelled their ranks to take in a full touring band, bringing in rapper Andy Cooper, soul diva Marietta Smith, and sax don Mr. Woodnote.

'Rile 'Em Up' represents some of that new live intensity, with its infectious boogaloo samples, party-starting chorus, and club-friendly breakdowns. It's sunshine in a single. And if it's a clue at the new direction The Allergies are taking us in, we like it.

On the flip is Rile 'Em Up', a Latin funk bomb that showcases something of a new chapter for The Allergies. As the new album will testify, the duo have swelled their ranks to take in a full touring band, bringing in rapper Andy Cooper, soul diva Marietta Smith, and sax don Mr. Woodnote.

'Rile 'Em Up' represents some of that new live intensity, with its infectious boogaloo samples, party-starting chorus, and club-friendly breakdowns. It's sunshine in a single. And if it's a clue at the new direction The Allergies are taking us in, we like it!

First time on vinyl. Recorded for DC's Black Fire Records in 1976, Theatre West's music never made record until now. Selected works taken from the master tapes of James "Plunky" Branch (Oneness of JuJu, Experience Unlimited etc). Hailing from Ohio and resident in DC, Theatre West was made up of musicians from Slave, Gil Scott Heron's Midnight Band, The Fabulous Originals, Malone & Barnes and others. Serious jazz-funk-soul selections via the vaults of Plunky and Black Fire Records.

AFU-RA comes back with the project "Urban Chemistry" mixing Hip-Hop, Reggae and Soul, produced by Digital Cut, to be released in February 2020 on X-Ray Production. On this new album, AFU-RA has invited one or more guests on each of the 18 tracks such as Sizzla, Jah Mason, Keny Arkana, Lord Kossity, Big Shug or Mann... Thanks to an exclusive collaboration with the brand Canna, all songs have been filmed in 15 cities in 8 different countries.

Hailing from the New-York underground Hip-Hop scene, AFU-RA has sold more than 700,000 copies of its first 4 albums. Through these projects, he has collaborated with many artists such as Guru and DJ Premier but also Wu-Tang's RZA and GZA, Ky-Mani Marley, Saian Supa Crew ... to name a few. Over the years, the former member of the Gang Starr Foundation has created a style of his own: striking flows on militant and conscious lyrics and a visual universe inspired by martial arts.

Official, remastered reissue of this disco tinged, afro funk treasure and the first time the 'Karam Bani' single has been cut to 12' - maximising every ounce of highlife soul from Sidiku Buari's productions.

That undeniable US funk flavour coupled with Buari's Ghanaian rhythms bring a zest to these grooves even the tangiest of forbidden fruits couldn't draw out. Those fuzzed keys and dusty highlife guitar licks sprinkle the West African flavour, whilst drumming demi-god Bernard Purdie provides the wizardry behind the infectious, yet precision like beats that make the track so unique. Purdie's killer breaks combined with Buari's jubilant vocals give a spirituality to this cut that'll liven up any dancefloor - alongside being a gold mine for samples.

Flip it over and you're hit with the joy filled jam, 'Ye Koaba'. Tribal drums lead the way for a chorus of jubilant chants supplemented by glistening synth sounds and funk fuelled guitar riffs. It's a feel-good slice of Ghanaian sunshine, capturing that community spirit and good-hearted nature Ghana's famous for.

Two afro funk sensations sure to put a smile on your face, even when the skies are grey and you're 5000 miles away from the glorious West African coastline.

New stateside label that does what it says on the tin. Big drum breaks that work in their own right in instrumental form for these massive dancefloor classics with this debut release for both tracks in the dj friendly 7 inch format. Only 200 units pressed. Don't sleep on this!

Pressed On Limited Edition Black And White Vinyl! Available on 2LP, with the look of a silk-screened jacket we are excited to bring to you these Liquid Swords Instrumentals. There are many reasons why Wu-Tang Clan rapper GZA's second solo album Liquid Swords is considered one of the greatest hip-hop records of all time. Critics and historians point to GZA's raw, and starkly poetic lyrics which featured references to chess, crime and philosophy, as well as superb guest performances from his Wu-Tang Clan contemporaries. One can't comment on Liquid Swords' brilliance however without touching upon the production, courtesy of Wu-Tang's own mastermind RZA. Behind a hazy and murky backdrop of rare samples and classic boom-bap beats, RZA crafted a bleak atmosphere of urban dystopia for GZA's esoteric rhymes to flourish in,cribbing from a wide panoply of sources ranging from the dusty soul of The Bar-Kays and Ohio Players, the nostalgic jazz of Cannonball Adderley and Willie Mitchell, and even the experimental weirdness of Mothers Of Invention. In a retrospective 5-star AllMusic review of Liquid Swords, writer Steve Huey said of RZA’s production: “The Genius' eerie calm is a great match for RZA's atmospheric production, which is tremendously effective in this context; the kung fu dialogue here is among the creepiest he's put on record, and he experiments quite a bit with stranger sounds and more layered tracks.” These instrumentals, peppered with frequent interludes of dialogue from the classic samurai flick Shogun Assassin, became the core of the GZA’s acclaimed sophomore LP. The full Liquid Swords instrumentals are now available in a white and black vinyl pressing, a nod to the chessboard art synonymous with the album’s cover art. All tracks have been restored, with re-mastered audio from the original source tapes.

Late RSD release gets full release. For the ten years leading up to 1972, the James Brown Revue was an outright superfunk freight train, speeding around the world and crushing all competition. This dominance stretched beyond the charts, too – the group was even more dynamic and exciting on stage, a fact that kept them sleepless and on the move, as audiences demanded more. From 1963 to 1971, James Brown had released not one but three albums recorded live at Harlem’s famed Apollo Theater. The first volume of the series is still rightfully revered today as one of the greatest live albums of all time.

But Volumes II (1968) and III (1971 – aka Revolution Of The Mind) were no slackers either, showing James and his incredible band (with talent including “Pee Wee” Ellis, Fred Wesley, John “Jabo” Starks, Clyde Stubblefield, Maceo Parker, Lyn Collins, Bobby Byrd and many more) at the peak of their respective powers each time, playing a litany of JB hits. Because of this, it will always be a mystery as to why Volume IV, which was recorded at the Apollo on September 14, 1972, was shelved.

This is in no small part because the performers and songs heard here are some of the Godfather of Soul’s (and the JBs’) strongest. But shelved it was, full of fire but languishing for decades in the Polydor vaults. Thankfully we can now put that all behind us, with the first-time-ever-on-vinyl release of this incredible concert, from more than four decades ago. One look at the tracklist will make you salivate: from instrumental JBs classics like “Pass the Peas,” “Gimme Some More” and “Hot Pants Road” to James’ own 1972 smash vocal “There It Is,” the assembled group of musical geniuses – including trombonist and bandleader Fred Wesley; saxophonist St. Clair Pinckney; guitarists Hearlon “Cheese” Martin and Jimmy “Chank” Nolan; bassist Fred Thomas; and Brown himself on organ – smash through James’ New New Super Heavy Funk with ridiculous power, control and panache.

Included here, beyond the music, are in-between song introductions and banter, which bring you right into the front row. This live album stands apart because it was conceptualized to showcase James Brown’s favorite players – The JBs – and vocalists, Bobby Byrd and Lyn Collins, who had their own R & B smashes on the People label. And these supreme talents get plenty of space to shine here: Collins’ “Do Your Thing” and “Think (About It)” and Byrd’s “Keep On Doin’ (What You’re Doin’),” alongside “I Know You Got Soul” simply levitate the bandstand. This future classic is a clear reminder that James Brown was as much of a talent scout as he was a more-than-legendary performer.

And while other “Live At The Apollo” releases focused on his own incredible music, here he gives the stage to the musicians that brought his work to life and kept his legend going for decades. Future generations won’t have to wonder why this music was held back for so long, because they will always have this album – and once you hear the first notes, you won’t worry any more either. You will sit back, let some of the greatest musicians of all time blow your mind, and smile for several days straight. So put the needle on the record and let it begin.

Deep Jazz-, Funk – Oneness of Juju’s Debut. Magical, mystical, Afrocentric, progressive words that could be used to describe any number of musical compositions by Sun Ra or his cosmic brothers and sisters, from John to Alice Coltrane, early ‘70s projects on record labels like Detroit’s Tribe or Houston’s Lightin’ or the interests of one Washington, DC native named Jimmy Gray that centered under one, perfect moniker: Black Fire.

Gray spent nearly three decades pushing boundaries as a Black American promoter, distributor and, finally, record label owner. Together with Oneness of Juju’s leader James “Plunky Nkabinde “ Branch, Gray oversaw sixteen releases on Black Fire Records between 1975 and 1996. These are the definitive reissues of five of the label’s key titles; all were lacquered – most directly from master tape - by legendary Los Angeles mastering engineer Bernie Grundman, With this set, Oneness Of Juju and Black Fire’s story burns forth into its fifth decade, its message not tempered, it's sound pure.

It’s cycle, once again, complete. Each release is packaged in a thick, tip-on sleeve and includes a deluxe booklet with extensive notes on the album, the Black Fire collective, and the musical and cultural revolution they created. Limited edition, one time pressing.

Oneness of Juju’s Cosmic Second Album. Featuring Joe Bonner. Magical, mystical, Afrocentric, progressive – words that could be used to describe any number of musical compositions by Sun Ra or his cosmic brothers and sisters, from John to Alice Coltrane, early ‘70s projects on record labels like Detroit’s Tribe or Houston’s Lightin’ or the interests of one Washington, DC native named Jimmy Gray that centered under one, perfect moniker: Black Fire.

Gray spent nearly three decades pushing boundaries as a Black American promoter, distributor and, finally, record label owner. Together with Oneness of Juju’s leader James “Plunky Nkabinde “ Branch, Gray oversaw sixteen releases on Black Fire Records between 1975 and 1996. These are the definitive reissues of five of the label’s key titles; all were lacquered – most directly from master tape - by legendary Los Angeles mastering engineer Bernie Grundman, With this set, Oneness Of Juju and Black Fire’s story burns forth into its fifth decade, its message not tempered, it's sound pure.

It’s cycle, once again, complete. Each release is packaged in a thick, tip-on sleeve and includes a deluxe booklet with extensive notes on the album, the Black Fire collective, and the musical and cultural revolution they created. Limited edition, one time pressing.

Groove Line Records are proud to add to their 2015 releases of half-speed mastered re-issuesingles with The Pointer Sister's classic 1980 tracks We've Got The Power and Evil, taken from the Richard Perry produced album Special Things. This is the first time We've Got The Power has been released on a 12' single. The genre defying female family vocal group The Pointer Sisters during a critically and commercially successful career took in country, jazz, blues, soul and funk to pop, disco, dance, electronic music and rock.

Side A features the full length album version of the dance floor classic We've Got The Power. The track opens with beautiful, sweeping strings over a solid, engaging beat before showcasing the trio's natural, tight harmonies on the opening verse. June's bright, powerful, gutsy voice then takes centre stage on the lead vocal bridging the verse into the uplifting horn-led chorus on which her sisters join her to mesmerising effect. The sweeping string motif then makes a brief re-appearance before an even more impassioned second verse and chorus make way for the instrumental sequence. Alternating between a funky horn line and the sweeping strings the instrumental passage takes the track to even greater heights, effortlessly carrying the listener and/or dancer through to the final verse and cleverly extended final chorus as the track fades. The Pointer Sisters' commanding, heartfelt vocal sound is perfectly suited to convey the song's theme of striving to retain innocence and positivity even in the face of life's many challenges.

Side B features arguably The Pointer Sisters' hardest hitting recording, the funk/rock track Evil. Helmed by a snarling June on lead vocals, ably assisted by her siblings. The song is centred round the evil character, 'Pretty Poison,' whom the sisters are seeking to turn the tables on due to his love 'em and leave 'em attitude. Explosive from the outset the powerful, alternating guitar and horn lines, along with a driving funk bass set the tone for the duration of the track, only yielding for the verses. Expertly arranged to maintain the driving momentum throughout Evil boasts an incredible guitar solo from Paul Jackson, Jr. and a dextrous vocal scat sequence before the sisters layer their vocals over the progressive, expansive horn lines as the extended closing chorus fades, leaving you breathless after just over three minutes. Evil is a bona fide funk bomb.

All Groove Line Records releases are fully licensed and taken from the original master tapes, remastered by Nick Robbins at Sound Mastering, and cut by Matt Colton at Alchemy (Mastering Engineer of the Year 2013) using half-speed mastering for optimum sound quality. All vinyl is heavy weight 180g manufactured by Optimal Media in Germany, one of the world's finest pressing plants. Groove Line Records cut no corners when making sure that each and every one of our releases has the highest quality performance possible.

Groove Line Records' deluxe reissue of 'We've Got The Power' and 'Evil' is an essential purchase for any serious Disco or Funk vinyl collector who demands the very best in quality vinyl pressings.

This deluxe 2xLP package also contains an extensive booklet by Brian Poust detailing Marks’ story. Download card for WAV files included with 2xLP. These songs, found on reels that Marks kept in his home, colour Marks’ stylistic development from his earliest work for the legendary Tuska label in the late ‘60s, through his more mature releases on smaller regional labels into the late ‘70s.

Marks’ story is that of an unsung soul and funk hero; he was a guitarist, vocalist and songwriter whose phone number was in Al Green’s, Barry White’s and Eddie Kendricks’ rolodexes, but his talents have only been heard in sporadic bursts. He and his music are unknown to the majority, but to an obsessive minority, he is a lightning rod: that singular point at which numerous Southern soul and funk musicians converged and exploded, spreading wondrous music in all directions. Marks died of cancer in May 2006. His first album was our Never Satisfied anthology, released posthumously.

He stands out as a most mysterious talent to originate from Atlanta, a city that birthed no shortage of genius, and Love Is Gone: The Lost Sessions 1969-1977 further makes the case for a reassessment of his talents and his place in the soul and funk canon. Previously unreleased soul and funk from legendary Atlanta guitarist, singer & songwriter Richard Marks, the companion piece to Now-Again’s Never Satisfied anthology.

Robin Renoir lands on Neon Finger with this excellent 7" that many pose as an instant boogie - funk classic! With a clearly 80's sound and with fancy collaborations of Throwbakk, Roxy or Artur Uronen from Beverly Girl. Don't miss it!

This August sees Stone Foundation release their fourth studio album 'A Life Unlimited' featuring ten new original recordings.

Last year's album 'To Find The Spirit' was easily their most successful seeing the band reach No. 33 in the Independent Charts, receive regular Radio 2 play, achieve glowing reviews in The Mirror, Scootering, R2, Jocks & Nerds magazine and saw the band tour Japan twice where the huge attendances helped secure them a recording contract with the prestigious P-Vine label and an appearance at Fuji Rocks festival.

'A Life Unlimited' features contributions from Graham Parker (The Night Teller), US soul stalwart Nolan Porter (Beverley), vocal harmony group The Four Perfections (Pushing Your Love) and Blow Monkeys frontman Doctor Robert
Howard (A Love Uprising). 'A Life Unlimited' sees Stone Foundation develop their unique style of soul, funk & jazz to a much broader scale. Horn driven arrangements add colour to an inspired display of songs that are unquestionably the group's strongest to date. Thought provoking lyrics and strong melodies sit upon a stylish musical bed.

The first single from the album 'Beverley' was the title music in the award winning (best film at the Portobello film awards & East End film festival ) Cass Pennant & Alexandra Thomas film of the same name starring Vicky McClure (this is England) and Laya Lewis (Skins)

Brewerytown Beats proudly presents a special version of “Message” edited by Philly’s own Froz1. This version is not found on The Thompsons’ highly sought after 1975 release I'll Get Over It. The album is licensed direct from producers Eric Ward & Tyrone Broxton. The Philadelphia SOUL album that's rarely if ever been heard.

Over the past three decades multi award winning British soul group Imagination released so many wonderful classic hits such as Body Talk, Just An illusion , Flashback, Music and Lights and Changes which helped secure Imagination's power and dominance over the charts in the 1980's with their genre defying music not only in the UK but across the world with sales in excess of over 30 million albums thus Imagination presented perfect Brit Jazz/Funk songs and establishing their position as essential 80's crossover soul-dance hit-makers and influencers for future generations of pop stars.
Even today the story of Imagination's music continues in the form of a long list of samples, remixes and adaptations by major contemporary stars. Destiny's Child (complete with Beyoncé) sampled Just An illusion on their 1998 self-titled debut album. Leee himself featured on DJ Dero's 2005 rendition of the song which was widely played in clubs. The same year saw Mariah Carey reuse the track on her top ten single Get Your Number'. Flashback was sampled by Boards of Canada, Music & Lights by Tiger & Woods. All Night Loving by 88 Keys featuring Kanye West!

At present LEEE who is currently in the studio putting the finishing touches to the penultimate Imagination long awaited new album Retropia' which upon hearing delivers at its best a celebration of the soul, funk and jazz in that true unmistakable Imagination sound echoing its various influences. This album also welcomes a host of incredibly talented Intl recording Artists such BLUEY from Incognito who contributed some electrifying guitar licks on songs such as SECRETS and DO IT RIGHT NOW which was by coincidence co-written with Steve Nichols of the group LOOSE ENDS with LEEE JOHN . In addition, an outstanding duet with LEEE JOHN & Mike LindUp of Level 42s of their classic interpretation of the Stevie Wonder song VISIONS.

As a bonus track, award winning legendary Reggae maestro Dennis Bovell who recently contributed to the huge success of Joss Stone's first reggae offering - Water for Your Soul works with LEEE and together weaving their magical rendition of the Junior Murvin classic song Police and Thieves . Retropia welcomes a superb arrangement of musical contributions from some Britain's immensely talented home grown elite musicians , it features 11 songs including a gospel feel version of the AC/DC track HIGHWAY TO HELL , as well one of LEEE's favourite songs from EDDIE KENDRICKS lead singer of the Temptations "Tell her love has felt the Need ". All songs on the RETROPIA album were wrote and produced by LEEE JOHN and his long-time sonic maestro engineer associate producer DEE VAZ , with most of the production recorded in London and mixed in Rochfort France where LEEE JOHN previously recorded his critically acclaimed Jazz album FEEL MY SOUL mixed by famed French engineer Francois Gauchor for Cristal records and Sony music..

In addition to all of this Imagination featuring LEEE JOHN will be celebrating their 35 Year Anniversary this year with Int and UK tour dates being planned with this special anniversary show that promises to deliver all the greatest hits and much more, not to be missed

Two hopelessly rare blue-eyed-soul tracks back to back on 7inch! Noel Owen cut a handful of 45s in the 1960s while working for Standard Coffee Company. In his spare time he kept up his songwriting and singing and pulling gigs wherever he could find a spot. He finally landed a recording contract and began spending even more time writing songs. He stopped playing music in the 70s but thankfully he has left us with these two incredibly raw and energetic garage-mod-soul groovers.

Spread over 28 tracks Northern Soul: All Nighter Anthems delivers the biggest hits at a great value price with classics from the Vaults of Atlantic, Atco, Loma, Reprise and Warner Brothers providing the listener with a truly authentic Northern Soul Experience. Curtis Mayfield, Chuck Wood, Tami Lynn, The Coasters, Archie Bell & The Drells deliver cuts that will guarantee to keep the party going all night.

Numa Crew and the ’London City Warlord’ Riko Dan join forces on this dancefloor banger called ‘Babylon’.

When it comes to the influence of Ragga in the MCing styles of Grime, one of the undisputed pioneers is Riko Dan - most famously associated with Roll Deep, one of the most important collectives in the history of Grime.

The original track is an explosive mix of Grime and Dubstep sounds spiced with a Dancehall flavor that gives Riko the perfect platform to spin raw and punching lyrics.

The flip side is a remake of the original ‘Babylon’ in a pure Dub stepper style, heavyweight bassline, hypnotic skanks and mystical atmospheres that fuse the two worlds of Grime and Dub in a unique sound. Certified sound system material.

“All heads realize, recognize. Real heads on the rise, recognize. You better recognize”.

Another milestone of Hip Hop's Golden Era gets an official 45 rpm on 7" vinyl release to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Smif-N-Wessun's debut album "Dah' Shinin” .

Representing Brownsville & Bed Stuy Brooklyn, rap duo Smif-N-Wessun, Tek and Steele, first appeared on Black Moon’s debut album Enta Da Stage in 1993. Adding relentless rhymes to tracks "U da Man" and "Black Smif N' Wessun," the pair paved the way for the Brooklyn Supergroup Boot Camp Clik.

25 years later, the raw and gritty sound of Da Beatminerz productions cut through the noise that is often found in the present day music industry, and was selected as one of The Source's 100 Best Rap Albums of all time.