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A captivating collection of early singles by the renowned Zimbabwean Mbira master and a true African music icon. The songs were mostly recorded in the 1970's, during the buildup to the Chimurenga revolution,

and were only ever released in Stella's home country. Deep resistance & culture. 'I am a rebel', smiles the 70-year-old Stella Chiweshe. Her album 'Kasahwa: Early Singles' offers a fascinating introduction to the world

of Mbira, with the term not only referring to the instrument, consisting of 22 to 28 metal keys mounted on a wooden healing tree body, but also to a musical genre - and on a much wider level, to an entire culture and deeply spiritual

lifestyle, very much at the core of the young Zimbabwean nation. 'Kasahwa' is a collection of impossible-to-find early seven inches, eight cuts spanning the period from 1974 to 1983 and representing Mbira in its purest

form. None of these songs has been released outside of Africa so far.

Since Kent discovered the fabulous unissued Crossover LP in the tape vaults in 2012, '(Love Is My) Secret Weapon' is the one track everyone has wanted on a 45. The CD it appeared on received many plaudits but its appeal was limited to those who like their music on a silver disc. From the opening notes the listener is gripped and the song develops into a modern soul pièce de résistance. The almost-as-good flip is from the same previously unissued source.

This is a long overdue reissue of a fantastic album! Here we find a pure disco classic from the US scene of the late 70s. The original copies retail at plus $300, that's only if you can find one at all! So those who love to spin good music, but are unwilling or unable to lay down too much money can now lend an ear to this fine vinyl! The opening track is 6.5 minutes long and consists of ongoing grooves with a hint of rock thanks to the melodic lead guitar. The driving rhythms are irresistible with soulful and strong female lead vocals that capture you right away. This reminds me strongly of the lengthy Donna summer dance classic, released during the same period 'Better than walking out' which became a dance floor sweeper. There is nothing complicated here, just sheer groove interwoven with catchy melodies. 'Lovin' you is so easy' follows and is a mid-paced soul anthem that comes as clean, slick and close to pop music a tune can come, but the melody of the chorus will stick to your mind. The arrangements are tight revealing several layers of instrumentation on second take. The lead singer's expressive voice matches with the best of its genre. A grand dame of soul familiar to a wide audience. While we ruminate about the different stylistic ingredients of this album we reach ''Woman', an entire instrumental with a straight groovy beat paired by cool funky rhythm guitar that lies beneath a soundscape made by the electric piano. Both seem to interact tightly and communicate with another. This tune just moves you physically with ease. Lushly orchestrated ''Our love is special' turns out to be a wonderful soul pop anthem of the kind that stays with you when you have only enjoyed it once. I'm almost certain that most fans of the late 70's soulful dance and pop will spin this record over and over again. This is what the DISCO LADIES are made for. Their music has this certain disco feeling but the classic 60s Motown Soul roots are so obvious and keep the whole collection of songs so grounded, that the music will go straight to the heart, nestling there for a long time. ''I second that emotion' is again a mid-paced groover that has this fluttering beat with great instrumental figures build upon this footing. One might hear elements of reggae, gospel and funk melting into an utterly joyful soul pop tune that eventually would become an evergreen in the clubs. Last but not least we are treated to ''Woman', again the arrangements of lead and backing vocals are amazing! These are footed by equally amazing strings and horns. These melodies, soulful, expressive, intense and full of joy! The last tune is a vocal version of 'Woman'. Definitely being the highlight of the entire album and a worthy finale for a record that sticks out of the masses of disco music productions of it's era! All this makes a wonderful and delightful reissue ! worthy of joining every black music aficionado of the 1970s.

Super limited, new dubwise soundsystem vibes from System Sound - bless up !!

Chandalismo Ilustrado (which translates literally as "illustrated tracksuitism", alluding to the fact that its creator at the time wore nothing but tracksuits) is Gecko turner's second album after the critically acclaimed Guapapasea! Released in 2006, the LP is a delicious album that explores the same roots that have always inspired Gecko: the "Afromeño soul" (Southwestern Afro-Spanish soul) that he created on his first album and that refers to his unique way of mixing, from his native Badajoz, a small town near Portugal, soul with music from every corner of the world: samba, Afrobeat, Cuban son, reggae, bossa, blues, Latin rhythms, and Dylanesque folk, always with tons of soul, jazz and funk.

With Chandalismo Ilustrado, Turner confirmed this truly unique sound. Himself a sonic craftsman, he handpicked his musicians, geographically speaking often many miles apart, with care and dedication, acting as a catalyst to achieve what he needed, what he heard in his head.

The album came together with the help of a string of collaborations, some deliberate, some happily coincidental. there are priceless contributions from people like tenor sax player Javier Vercher; master percussionist, regular Paco de Lucía collaborator and then member of Chick Corea's band Rubem Dantas; Brazilian trumpeter Irapoan Freire; the amazing British vocalist Eska Mtungwazi; several famous Madrid based Cuban jazz musicians like Javier Masó "Caramelo", Yelsy Heredia, Luis Barbería, and Oreste Nodas; Brazilian guitarist Edu Nascimento, American drummer Brannen Temple; the list goes on and on.

There's a bit of everything between songs. It's one of those albums that needs time to sink in, but once it does, it stays with you forever, taking you back and forth from the street to the club. It's a proper celebration of Afro-American music, spiced with a thousand other things... Our recommendation is that you spend some time with it - it's a slow burner.

Chandalismo Ilustrado was Gecko's definitive breakthrough, and now, 12 years after its original CD-only release, and along with Guapapasea!, it finally gets a release on glorious double 12" vinyl, to celebrate both these two albums and the release of Soniquete: The Sensational Sound Of Gecko Turner, a CD-only overview of his 15-year career as a solo artist.










[] 9. Tontorroneá

Many people's favourite soul singer James Carr performs two classic songs that were discovered on Goldwax's tapes some years back but appear on a single for the first time. 'These Arms Of Mine' was an Otis classic, admired and recorded by many but matched only by Carr's rendition. 'Let's Face Facts' was recorded by the Masqueraders and yet again Goldwax chose a superb and fitting song for James to perform.

'There Was A Time' was best known to rare soul fans as 'Our Love Is Dying' by Kae Williams, even being given a fake Treasure Island label for some YouTube clips. The truth is it was an unissued tape find that was illicitly passed on to soul aficionados from a US tape copyist. Understandably, given the haunting quality of such a great soul song, various DJs had it cut to acetate and it was named after the most prominent line in the lyrics and accredited to the only name known at the time - producer Kae Williams who owned the Junior label (and produced the song) it was recorded for. The real artist was the obscure Joe Burrell, as revealed by the master tape which was acquired by Jamie Records who ran the major soul labels in the Philadelphia area.

We have coupled it with the all-time Northern classic 'This Gets To Me' by Pookie Hudson, which is in constant demand and has been unavailable for many years.

'Baby Cakes' was an Otis Redding song written for his singer Loretta Williams' Jotis label release in 1965 and has become a much in-demand Northern Soul record in recent years. About 18 months later Otis reused the song on Maxine Brown when Wand records sent her to Muscle Shoals where she recorded two songs under his tutelage. This super version has never been on 45 before so expect sales to both Maxine and 'Baby Cakes' fans.

DELUXE VINYL EDITION!!!
Rap rock legends N.E.R.D live at the Babylon! Featuring tonnes of fan favourites such as "She wants to move", Rockstar", Lapdance", "maybe", plus many more! On vinyl for the first time!

Everland Jazz have picked a real gem for a reissue here! Originally released in 1980, "A Safe Return" is the second album by the Surinam jazz flutist RONALD SNIJDERS. It is a strong alloy of soul, funk, jazz and smooth disco sounds! Mersmerizing musical craftsmanship! 'Lenox' the opening track, has a playful haze escaping from every groove,with a solid hypnotical rhythmical base and haunting flute melodies that have the character of the lead vocals. Despite the slower pace, the jazzy approach of all instrumental parts brings in enough edge to capture the listener's attention. The few dreamy vocal lines add the slick pop element that takes this song to a different level and keeps it accessible. 'Surinam Lady', the next tune, on the other hand has a lightweight feeling with a beautiful lead melody from the flute and easy slow dance rhythms with a latin touch. All instrumental lines are tightly intervowen in arrangements that make this a perfect tune. Easy to listen, easy to enjoy, but still a complex soundscape with captivating changes in the melodies and instrumental dialogues that tie up your senses to the composition. - Kaseko attack' the third tune really does justice to it's title.The rhythms are powerful, the pace is faster. Bass and percussions create a whirlwind of groove due to another quite complex web of different instruments like maracas, drums, tambourines and whatever can be used to make rhythmical noises. There is even a guitar straddling into the footing of grooves and the electric piano joins the guitar. For most of it's running time this song is about groove and nothing else. The melodies from the flutes are sparsely used here adding a completely different character, rather dreamy and floating. Both worlds flow and blend beautifully. - Sisa' follows and shows an affinity for spiritual free jazz. In it's opening section flutes, acoustic guitars and other instruments tumble into the scene. The song then opens into a funky base forming the fertile soil on which the fluttering flute melodies can grow to a colorful size. The middle section is a gentle passage with an utterly beautiful flute harmony that turns into a playful and quite progressive sounding part before it fades away. - Tukayana' is an impressive journey to unknown landscapes with even a mystical turn from time to time. With - Soweto friend' you enter a lounge or bar after returning to your place of accomodation from the trip. You sit in the roof garden, take a zip from your long drink and look out to the ocean during the twilight time. This song starts with such a relaxed and easy atmosphere but soon twists the lightweight latin grooves into a jazzy rhythm figure that shows a fractured structure being kept in one piece by the enthralling flute melodies and some moony synthesizer carpets. With zippy - Djamba' with the flute going wild on a base of samba grooves from drums and bass guitar, plus a little support by the electric piano. This tune stays instrumental during it's running time but that's certainly fine. A dreamy finale comes with the title track of the album. Flute and electric piano float around another, interact like two loving souls in a gentle dialogue. A beautiful way to end such an exciting yet still accessible album. You can either turn on the stereo and turn off your mind swaying to the music, or you may as well listen closely to the many little details that make this record so intense. The playing and the sound are extraordinary! The reissue comes with a slightly improved sound by Ronald Snijders himself with the whole package retaining the spirit of the original release. For all fans of jazzy fusion and funk sounds that peep at disco music from time to time, this 1980 classic is a must have!

1. Lenox
2. Surinam Lady
3. Kaseko Attack
4. Sisa
5. Tukayana
6. Soweto friend
7. Djamba
8. A safe return

This is a long overdue reissue of a fantastic album! Here we find a pure disco classic from the US scene of the late 70s. The original copies retail at plus $300, that's only if you can find one at all! So those who love to spin good music, but are unwilling or unable to lay down too much money can now lend an ear to this fine vinyl! The opening track is 6.5 minutes long and consists of ongoing grooves with a hint of rock thanks to the melodic lead guitar. The driving rhythms are irresistible with soulful and strong female lead vocals that capture you right away. This reminds me strongly of the lengthy Donna summer dance classic, released during the same period 'Better than walking out' which became a dance floor sweeper. There is nothing complicated here, just sheer groove interwoven with catchy melodies. 'Lovin' you is so easy' follows and is a mid-paced soul anthem that comes as clean, slick and close to pop music a tune can come, but the melody of the chorus will stick to your mind. The arrangements are tight revealing several layers of instrumentation on second take. The lead singer's expressive voice matches with the best of its genre. A grand dame of soul familiar to a wide audience. While we ruminate about the different stylistic ingredients of this album we reach ''Woman', an entire instrumental with a straight groovy beat paired by cool funky rhythm guitar that lies beneath a soundscape made by the electric piano. Both seem to interact tightly and communicate with another. This tune just moves you physically with ease. Lushly orchestrated ''Our love is special' turns out to be a wonderful soul pop anthem of the kind that stays with you when you have only enjoyed it once. I'm almost certain that most fans of the late 70's soulful dance and pop will spin this record over and over again. This is what the DISCO LADIES are made for. Their music has this certain disco feeling but the classic 60s Motown Soul roots are so obvious and keep the whole collection of songs so grounded, that the music will go straight to the heart, nestling there for a long time. ''I second that emotion' is again a mid-paced groover that has this fluttering beat with great instrumental figures build upon this footing. One might hear elements of reggae, gospel and funk melting into an utterly joyful soul pop tune that eventually would become an evergreen in the clubs. Last but not least we are treated to ''Woman', again the arrangements of lead and backing vocals are amazing! These are footed by equally amazing strings and horns. These melodies, soulful, expressive, intense and full of joy! The last tune is a vocal version of 'Woman'. Definitely being the highlight of the entire album and a worthy finale for a record that sticks out of the masses of disco music productions of it's era! All this makes a wonderful and delightful reissue ! worthy of joining every black music aficionado of the 1970s.

Ace's access to the Stax vaults in the 90s lead to some historic tracks being heard by soul fans for the first time. The ones by the major acts like Otis, Carla and William Bell hit the headlines but the lesser artists demonstrated what talent they had on previously unheard musical gems.

Both the Charmels' 'I've Done It Again' and L.V. Johnson's 'Seeing Is Believing' are simply breathtakingly beautiful soul records that anyone with an interest in the music will appreciate as truly great records.

Now in his 80s, the great soul singer Tommy Hunt has performed since the doo-wopping 50s and is still appearing all over the world today. His mid-60s Scepter period was his greatest era on record, and from those sessions the big beat ballad 'New Neighborhood' has been the most popular of the unissued tracks discovered by Kent in the 80s. 'I'm Lonely For You' is a totally unissued recent discovery, debuting here. It will appear on a dedicated Tommy Hunt CD in 2019.

Having noticed that Christmas tends to be an annual event and that vinyl is suffering a resurgence, we here at Ace have put the two together and extracted 14 blues, R&B and doo wop sides from our Christmas R&B compact disc and turned them into a seasonal platter.

A mostly upbeat selection that will certainly help you and yours get through these fraught times.

Blues stars like B.B. King and Lowell Fulsom, with their ripping up-beat guitars join forces with the mellower mistletoe sounds of Hadda Brooks and Jesse Belvin.

This positive view of seasonal goodwill was probably down to the fact that all these sides were cut in Los Angeles in the warm California sun.

Neither of Crazy Santa Claus' reindeers was hurt in the making of this record.

In the '70s, Yan Tregger was far to believe he would become one of the most emblematic artists in the "sound illustration" scene. Yet today, his albums are highly coveted by "diggers" all around the world. At the time, nobody paid much attention to all those records that were classified as sound illustrations, or library music.
Yan Tregger started out in this environment in the late '60s. He was remarked after making several recordings for the credits of TV shows, and received a proposal to compose his first album. It was a small label (Marignan), the sleeve design was skimpy and the track titles were bizarre... Yet when you listened, the sound was seriously groovy. The album was called Freezing Point and a mere 300 copies were pressed. Thanks to this first test, other "illustration" professionals were convinced by Tregger's qualities.
During this period, there was no lack of work but there was no glory on the program either. In the '70s, many different labels such as Neuilly, Montparnasse 2000, or the Italian CAM label, called on
his services. Shortly afterwards, Philips released two of his records under the name Major Symphony, and then Polydor issued the two M.B.T. Soul albums, including one international
success, "Chase". Up until now, despite the interest shown in his discography, no reissue had been undertaken - an
omission that has just been fixed thanks to the release of a compilation that we are pleased to present. Let's start with the main information: the tracks included on the album were selected jointly by a number of collectors and Yan Tregger himself. The selection is rich and surprising. The A side is more "seventies", with an instrumental pop style and a psychedelic vibe, while the B side is more rhythmic and melodious, corresponding more with the funky disco moods of the eighties.7

Southern soul singer Z.Z. Hill was Kent/Modern's main artist in the latter half of the 60s. In 1967 the company recorded him on an LP of soul classics and rightly chose Bettye Swann's hit from only a few months before as one of the tracks. The label may have missed a commercial trick as his male-angle on the marvellous song gave it a new dimension and would surely have fared well as a 45. The UK licensors Action Records spotted the song's potential and it was well received, although the much smaller UK soul market of the time could rarely achieve big sales. Since its release more soul fans have become aware of its quality and at last it is available again for discerning collectors.

Peggy Woods' classic Northern Soul stomper was first on 45 in 1988 as a 100 Club anniversary single. With only approximately 400 pressed it was inevitable this and other such singles would become sought-after. Here is Peggy in her original glory singing her Kent/Modern masterpiece.

Guapapasea! is the first album by Gecko Turner, a unique creator from southern Spain. Born and bred in Extremadura, near Portugal, Gecko has an original and tasteful Latin personality, and during the 90s he was responsible for some locally quite successful bands like Perroflauta, and The Reverendoes.

Acclaimed by Spanish critics as the best debut album upon its original release in 2003, Guapapasea! is a musical journey blurring the boundaries in Latin music. It's a nice blend of different styles - from soul and Brazilian-flavoured songs like the free and easy (and all-time underground hit) "Un Limón en La Cabeza"; Afrobeat-driven tracks like "45.000$ (Guapa Pasea)"; and the flamenco-reggae of his rendition of Bob Marley's "Rainbow Country", to the infectious Latin rhythms of "Did You Black Up Today"; Monk tribute "Monka Mongas"; the original adaptation of Bob Dylan's "Subterranean Homesick Blues"; and the radio-friendly, straightforward reggae track "Te Estás Equivocando".

Guapapasea! features contributions by some of the greatest musicians active at the time on the Spanish Afro-Cuban jazz scene, such as Rubem Dantas (Paco de Lucía's percussionist and regular member of Chick Corea's band), Rodney Dássiff, and Brazilian trumpeter Irapoam Freire. The album was licensed to Quango in the US.

It's been 15 years since its original release, and to celebrate this, Lovemonk's reissuing the album on double 12" vinyl for the first time, alongside Gecko's second album, Chandalismo Ilustrado, and the CD compilation Soniquete: The Sensational Sound Of Gecko Turner. The CD version features bonus remixes by Quantic, Mexican Institute Of Sound and Watch TV.

Harlem's legendary Disco label Queen Constance has long been a cult favourite among fans of underground dance music for decades.

One of many labels operating under the equally legendary P&P family of imprints Queen Constance was operated by one Peter Brown, a truly colossal figure in NYC's music scene, it's catalogue still fascinates music lovers to this day. Covering a wide range of styles including Gospel, early Rap and Disco the label's output continually finds it way into the playlists of respected DJ's and selectors across the globe. High Fidelity will be the first in a series of Queen Constance rarities to be reissued, an extremely rare and coveted record that can change hands on the second hand market for big big money, avoid those low rent bootlegs that are out there and cop this fully licensed repress.

The group's self-titled sole long-player is a fantastic 6 track set of gritty, soulful and uplifting funky Disco with a DIY edge. Not too much is known about the artists themselves, or even when the record was performed, recorded or released but it certainly sounds like a group who knew their craft inside out. The energy is high across the record and the group sound like they're on fire, just check the outrageously funkified 'Magic Carpet' and you'll see what we mean. Amazing. The whole project has that enchanting lo-fi, back-street feel to it in terms of production and the mind boggles as to how such a record would have come off had it been recorded at a Motown or any other 'big' studio, but no matter as this release is perfect the way it is, an essential piece of street-level NYC Disco straight from the underground.
This is a 100% legit reissue, made in conjunction with Above Board distribution and the Demon Music group, lovingly remastered with love by Optimum Mastering, Bristol UK.

The Jack Moss & Soul Injections 45RPM single re-issue is truly a very special release for us here at Tramp Records. Not only because of the sheer quality of the two songs to be found here (both soul AND funk 45 collectors will be more than pleased with it!) but for the fact that it is a joint venture of (most likely) Switzerland's #1 rare groove label Rocafort Records and Tramp.

There are two label variations available: One version with Tramp logo and another one with Rocafort logo. BUT, the Rocafort issue will be exclusively sold on the label's Bandcamp site only (as a bonus item of their killer compilation album entitled "Funk For The People", out October 2018)

Be quick, it's likely that both pressings are going to sell out quickly.

Fantastic new LP on Pin Cushion Records featuring eight superb tracks of the finest funky rock, folk and soul. The A side kicks off with the awesome funky monster 'Save Me', an absolute dancefloor bomb with slamming b-line from Nanette Workman's self titled 1976 LP. Next up is the super funky 'Lucky Lost Sin', a wicked female vocal funk-folk-jazz cut that also works well in the clubs, followed the great uplifting vibe of Rory Block's 'Lovin' Of Your Life'. Closing this side we have the wonderfully laid-back 'Santa Cruz Mountains' taken from Eddie Callahan's hugely in-demand and impossible to find 'False Ego' LP. The flip side features the excellent 'Spill The Wine', a great Rhodes-driven workout from Eric Burden's WAR, followed by David Amram's 'Message To The Politicians of the World', a killer spoken word track over a sweet melody. Next up is Friends Of Distinction's 'Light My Fire', an amazing funky cover of the Doors' classic taken from their rare 1969 Highly Distinct LP and last but not least a cool breezy summer groover from Bay Area band Kingfish whose lineup included the legendary Bob Weir, founder member of The Grateful Dead. A superb selection of tracks, not to be missed.

Representing Tohoku, the northeast of Japan, Saturday Player Meeting, a Morioka based live band with a hint of black music groove infusing Jazz, Funk, Soul, Ska, African dropping a long anticipated split single featuring remixes from sauce81 (eglo) and MAHBIE (Jazzy Sport) on quality 7inch.

Side-A features "Coma2012" taken the bands' 2nd album "CIRCUMNAVIGATION" remixed by highly praised producer sauce81 known for his smash hit for eglo records last year. With this remix sauce81 took a sort of downbeat approach with bouncy bassline with warm saxophone.

On flip side, Jazzy Sport signed Mahbie interprets "The Dawn Breathing" into Nu-Jazz flavoured medium number. While fully utilizing originals piano phrase Mahbie laid chunky beat with offbeat snare placing this piece somewhere between hiphop and jazz. Emotional.

Two classic Texas Rare Grooves back to back on one 45! Both tunes are just perfect for the dance floor, snatch yourself a copy now!

Nur die Beatles hatten in den Sechzigerjahren mehr Hits: Diana Ross und ihren Supremes gelangen in den USA zwischen 1964 und 1969 zwölf Nummer-1-Hits. Damit sind The Supremes nicht nur die erfolgreichste Girlgroup aller Zeiten, sie waren auch einer der stilprägendsten Acts des legendären Labels Motown. 1988 wurden die Supremes in die Rock and Roll Hall of Fame aufgenommen. Mit "Supreme Rarities" bringt Third Man nun eine 4LP in die Läden, die 2008 schon einmal als Doppel-CD veröffentlicht wurde. Die Box ist Bestandteil der "Motown Lost & Found"-Serie und enthält offizielles Archivmaterial der Plattenfirma. Dazu gehören zum Beispiel allerfrüheste Aufnahmen, welche die Supremes noch unter dem Namen Primettes aufgenommen hatten, Coverversionen von den Rolling Stones ("Satisfaction") und Beatles ("I Saw Her Standing There"), Interpretationen anderer Motown-Künstler ("Mickey's Monkey", "Uptight (Everything's Alright)") sowie Vokalversionen von "You Can't Hurry Love" und "Someday We'll Be Together". Abgerundet wird das Spektakel durch ein Medley der Hits "Come See About Me", "Baby Love" und "Stop! In The Name Of Love". Spannend für Sammler: Die meisten der 48 Titel erschienen noch nie zuvor auf Vinyl!

300 hand numbered copies!

RockersTime is a label based in Recife, Brazil. It was founded by Jah Leo (Subcultura/Leão Conquistador) with the desire to introduce new roots music to the market. Collaborating with vocalist Joydan, from Portugal, RockersTime makes its debut with the single "Growing Strong".

"Growing Strong" was composed by Joydan and produced, arranged and played alongside the great Real Rockers. Gavin Sant played drums. The song was mixed and mastered by Paul Lush aka Nucleus Roots.

++++ Joydan ++++

Joydan is a very talented singer and producer from Lisbon, Portugal. From there, he sings alongside the Simply Rockers Sound System and produces roots music for the Huba Records label. "Growing Strong" is his debut single.

++++ Real Rockers & Gavin "Fullness" Sant ++++

Real Rockers is a crew based in the city of Porto. They played instruments on the "Growing Strong" single alongside the drummer Gavin "Fullness" Sant, based in the UK and owner of Karnatone Records.

++++ Paul Lush ++++

Paul Lush is a very important name for the uk reggae scene. Aka Nucleus Roots, he has released so many singles on his label and collaborated in many others more.

Special thanks to Isadora Cavalcanti, Alien Dread, Fabio Upreto aka Biofa and Joelson Silva for the vibes and collaboration.

Nyege Nyege Tapes follow the frenetic 'Sounds of Sisso' comp with Bamba Pana's debut album, Poaa' - an incredible 2nd volley of grimy Singeli fire from the belly of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania,
Jumanne Ramadhani Zegge a.k.a. Bamba Pana is one of the core producers, alongside Jay Mitta, of the Sisso studio - a central hub for MCs and producers in the Mburahati ghetto on the outskirts of Dar Es Salaam. Along with his peers, Bamba Pana uses a laptop and software to update the local, usually acoustic and instrumental style of Singeli, computerizing its hyper rhythms and zinging melodies for the needs of younger, contemporary crowds in an upfront, direct way that has translated far beyond its East African roots, as anyone who witnessed the Sounds of Sisso tour or heard the compilation will surely attest.
As a début album statement, 'Poaa' could hardly be more distinguished. Perhaps best compared with the urgent tempi and quicksilver syncopation of Shangaan Electro or Angolan Kuduro
to outsiders, it's effectively a form of Tanzanian grime or hard dance music, using rapid-fire, hypnotic rhythmelodies to drive crowds to dance in thrilling, new ways.
Bar one killer cut, 'Linga Linga' featuring the distinctive bark of Bamba Pana's long-time vocal foil, MC Makavelli, the set is entirely instrumental with voices used only as strobing rhythmic
filaments. The other eight tracks range from an introduction to brand new dance from Africa' in Agaba Kibati', to what sounds like turbo speed Makina in 'Biti Three', whereas 'Baria' hops from
shredding synths to hyper coloured percussion in wild style.
Meanwhile 'Biti Six' features some of the set's giddiest harmonies, spiralling so fast they evoke weightlessness, while 'Kusini' is patently compatible with the ruffest P. Adrix riddims for Príncipe,
and the incendiary 'Pooa Bama Rmx' provides a breathless 145bpm race to the finish that feels twice as fast, thanks to its inimitable, needlepoint percolations.

Denzel Curry ist der personifizierte Poltergeist der 2016er XXL Freshman Class. Jetzt erscheint sein neuer Langspieler in drei Akten: Das musikalische Gesamtkunstwerk - TA13OO'.
Übergreifend über alle drei Abschnitte von - TA13OO' beschäftigt sich der Natty Dread mit Themen wie Kindesmissbrauch, Ruhm, Hass, Paranoia, Liebe und Rache. Er rappt über die
Präsidentschaftswahlen, über das Antlitz aktueller Musik und erzählt von seiner eigenen Nahtoderfahrung. Diese Diversität schlägt sich auch im Klang des Albums nieder. - TA13OO' vereint
paranoide Sounds mit brütender Melancholie und Stimmungsschwankungen, die direkt aus der Hölle
zu kommen scheinen. Das neue Album ist Denzel Currys wegweisendstes Release bis dato. Es schlägt die Brücke zwischen der älteren Generation des amerikanischen Hip-Hop und dem aktuellen Trend der SoundCloud-Rapper, an deren musikalischer und stilistischer Inspiration er maßgeblich beteiligt
war. Denzel Curry fordert seinen Respekt von beiden Seiten ein - mit tödlicher Lyrik und zutiefst persönlichem Storytelling.

The mixing of genres is something that Dödsrit creator and sole member, Christoffer Öster has always done and done extremely well. As the main songwriter and driving force for Sweden's crust punk, d-beat, screamo, atmospheric, sludge, etc. cult group, Totem Skin, Öster received a vast amount of critical praise through journalists and peers alike. Dödsrit doesn't necessarily take on as many styles, maybe limiting it to black metal, crust, d-beat and post metal, though as evident on Spirit Crusher, Öster's second album as Dödsrit, he's found the perfect balance to meld and create a staggering opus.

The soulfulness of Georgie Fame's voice is highlighted on the impressive album Going Home. It's an album full of covers, wisely chosen and perfectly fitting by his voice and the musical arrangements. The natural warmth of his vocals are wonderfully underscored by the thoughtful arrangements. With the simple approach he masters to create a subtlety which often was missing in his previous records.

Brandneues Album des legendären UK Grime/Hip Hop Producers Ghetts aus Plaistow, East London, einem Grime-Rapper der ersten Stunde, der sich seither Respekt verschaffte, in der Szene und bei seinen Fans. Ghetto Gospel - The New Testament ist eine diverse und sowohl visuell als auch lyrisch relevante
Darstellung seines Lebens und thematisiert einige der wichtigsten Themen unserer Zeit, wie Geschlechtergerechtigkeit, Female Empowerment, Verlust, Verbrechen, Vaterschaft. Es ist die
Fortsetzung des vor über 10 Jahren erschienenen Albums Ghetto Gospel (2007).

WELCOME to the third volume in our Wigan Casino mini-series exploring the diverse playlist of the world's No.1 Northern Soul venue. The 23rd September 2018 marks the 45th Anniversary of the super club and we have selected 18 tracks that we hope capture the unique atmosphere of the huge ballroom and the mesmerizing dance moves that held us spellbound all those years ago.
WIGAN CASINO finally closed its doors in December 1981 after eight long years of weekly All-Nighters, during which time it came to define Northern Soul. The term had, of course, been coined years earlier, but it was the Casino Soul Club that established the style of music and the scene to the wider public.
The Casino transformed the Northern Soul scene into a mass youth movement with its own sound track, uniform, cultural icons and a 100,000 strong membership. In reality, the stereotype of moustachioed young men in baggy trousers and vest tops, festooned with sew-on patches, was actually quite short lived. Northern Soul was ever evolving and as the Seventies progressed so did the music and the fashion, embracing soulful-disco and jazz-funk. Today, 45 years on, it is still evolving and attracts followers from all over the globe to its international Weekenders and Festivals. Right On!

The Exciting Wilson Pickett is the third album by R&B and soul singer Wilson Pickett. The album includes some of his most recognizable hits, but the whole album is of nearly an equal level. His covers of R&B standards like 'Something You Got' and 'Mercy Mercy' are outstanding and gives you an idea of Pickett's great vocal abilities. It's an energetic and highly listenable record with the classic rhythm section of Cropper, Dunn and Jackson Jr. Isaac Hayes is adding his part by playing the piano. 'Land of
1000 Dances' and '634-5789 (Soulsville, U.S.A.)' are some of his most famous songs which can be found on this album, but also a classic like 'In the Midnight Hour'. The album as a whole

10 Jahre ist es her das Deutscher Hip Hop seine erste echte Straßenplatte auf die Ohren bekommen hat. Inzwischen genießt das Debütalbum - Alles oder Nix' von XATAR deutschlandweit und szeneübergreifend Legendenstatus und gilt allgemein als Deutschrap Klassiker. Damit war XATARs Aufstieg zu einem Platz1 Rapper besiegelt. Seitdem hat sich auch Alles oder Nix nicht nur als Lebensmotto durchgesetzt sondern ist als Plattenfirma - Alles oder Nix Records' jedem in der
Musikwelt ein Begriff. Das Album - Alles oder Nix' war der Grundstein des Erfolgs. Nun ist es an der Zeit diesem Klassiker einen würdigen Nachfolger zu liefern. Am 21.09.2018 erscheint das vierte XATAR Soloalbum - Alles oder Nix II' und liefert AON Fans den nächsten Level des AON Sounds mit
gewohnt qualitativ hochwertigen Beats von MAESTRO. Gepaart mit XATARs unnachahmlichen authentischen Lyrics wird dieses Album Deutschen Rap erneut auf ein neues Niveau hieven. ALLES ODER NIX II ist ab dem 21.09.2018 überall erhältlich.

Agbeko are 22-legged Afro-Rock-Funk outfit from Manchester, UK. Formed in 2015, they have quickly established themselves as a must-see act on the festival scene and at various headline shows across the UK and Europe, earning them a slot supporting Afrobeat giants Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 in November of this year. Their debut EP 'Unite' received airplay across a myriad of radio stations including BBC Radio, Worldwide FM and the New York Afrobeat Show.

'Outstanding.' - Jazzwise

'Manchester's finest - and most persuasive - advert for quixotic musical adventure' -Manchester Evening News

Leaders of the Free World/Submit represents Agbeko's first outing with Stutter & Twitch records and perfectly captures the band of 20-somethings' singular concoction of fiery lyrics, swaggering afro-funk grooves and razor-sharp horn lines. Nods to Fela Kuti, The Funkees and Eji Oyewole work in tandem with the band's healthy upbringing on Led Zeppelin and Parliament Funkadelic to generate a groovy, angry statement of intent fresh out of the north of England

Repress

Equiknoxx are one of the hottest, most innovative dancehall squads from Jamaica right now; Bird Sound Power is their debut collective show of strength, packing 12 avant, crooked riddims by core members Gavsborg and Time Cow, plus Bobby Blackbird and Kofi Knoxx, with vocals by Kemikal, Shanique Marie and J.O.E. (R.I.P).
The set was parsed and pieced together by Jon K & Demdike Stare , and now thanks to link ups via Swing Ting's Balraj Samrai (a longtime livicated supporter), it is issued on Demdike's DDS imprint, replete with Jon K's sleeve design.
Easily identified by the squawking bird idents peppering their cuts, Equiknoxx productions have been big in the dance since Gavin Blair a.k.a. Gavsborg produced Busy Signal's billboard hit Step
Out in 2005, followed by key instrumentals for Beenie Man, Aidonia, Masicka, and T.O.K. - with many released on 7' thru their Equiknoxx Musiq label, and some of which, such as Aidonia's
Negative, are included in this set.
Bird Sound Power arguably marks up the most striking riddim album you'll hear from JA in 2016, weighted with the potential to open up perceptions of current dancehall thanks to the mad
character and broad reference points of its producers, encompassing King Jammy's foundational digi-dub and Dave Kelly's Mad House sound as much as rugged New York hip hop and the wigged-out, feminine pressure of Virginia Beach's Timbaland or The Neptunes.
The oldest tune inside dates to 2009, but the rest are relatively recent dancehall mutations, including a number of exclusives produced in the last 12 months. Each one reps for Equiknoxx's
unique aspects, such as Jordan Chung a.k.a. Time Cow's brilliantly bizarre, layered arrangements of film samples, sawn-off hooks and digi-tight beats, whilst also a result of as their distinguished family vibe,
Bird Sound Power exists in a paradox, contemporary but classic, and with as much potential to turn new heads onto current JA sounds as Mowax's Now Thing set back in 2001, which remains a key touchstone for all fwd looking producers..

Fourth Kind the self titled mini album on Omniverse Records. It's hard to pinpoint a genre with records like this; produced by Marc Mac of 4hero and similar to some of the 4hero output, it defies genre and fits somewhere in-between many. The production is heavily reliant on synthesisers and vintage drum machines in places but is full of real life and organic movements, this is partly down to the signature drums played by Luke Parkhouse. The only other guest spot is filled by Nu Jazz Funker Pascal Strauss aka Luman Child who plays bass guitar on "Take Me To Your Sky" which along with "Afterglows" are the closest we get to dance tracks, in most parts a 70s fusion feel is present. The short interlude type tracks tie the journey together and I would go as far as to say vital to telling the story. Moogs, Arps and Solina strings weave patterns throughout, all in all, across the 10 tracks the album is a journey of mood and emotions. 180g Pressing. Released 28th September 2018.

2018 was the hottest summer on record...so let's see if we can cool things down while still keeping it warm all over (and over). Enter Kool Customer: a new collab from LA's beatsmith B.Bravo and the Bay's croon daddy Rojai, coming out September 21 on Bastard Jazz. The vibe: think West Coast Boogie Funk A la Dam-Funk, thrown in Styrofoam cup with some 80s synth steez, then escorted to the strip club (at 3AM) dressed head to toe in a white tux lined with gold chains.

The LP's kick-off "Play" is an ode to bed springs, as is the grand finale "Tonight's the Night"— but what happens in between the sheets Prepare yourself for the smooth basslines and raspy bars of "Sweet Tea," the creamy licks and buttery synths of "Pure Delight," and the heads down r&b of "Rain on My Window." You can also envision yourself cruising in a low-rider when throwing on the breezy "Blackberry (Somebody Told Me)," or surfing (slash exhaling) a cloud above the city on the woozy "Nice Touch." Expertly produced beats are nestled up to warm vocals and crafty lyricism about life and love and lust in 2018 a plenty here.


Metaphors aside, the debut from Kool Customer finds two talented musicians doing what they do best: chilling you out while making you move, in perfect unison. Also, keep an eye out for the super-special deluxe pack, that might just come in handy when you need it most. Ooh La La.

Marti Caine's infamous Point Of View is a groovy blend of slow-mo funk, dark disco and precise pop. Originally released on BBC Records in 1981, it has attracted a considerable cult following this century. The odd charity shop score aside, it has been impossible to find a copy for less than eye-watering sums (often selling for over £200) and, as such, it's an honour to present the first officially licensed vinyl reissue of this sublime record. Featuring expert liner notes written by Bill Brewster - perhaps the record's most notable champion - this lovingly curated release is limited to just 500 copies.

Marti Caine was a popular UK TV entertainer in the late 1970s onwards and Point Of View presented her with an opportunity to proceed in a hip direction by working with British R&B heavyweight Barry Blue. His legendary reputation was secured with a string of great records, among them the first three Heatwave albums, the Balearic hit "Afro Dizzi Act" by Cry Cisco and the cult smash "Breakin' In" by Javaroo. However, despite the array of talent working on the album, Point Of View sank without trace at the time. It's something that Blue attributes to the bizarre way BBC Records worked, and he entertainingly expands upon this within the liner notes.

Musically, the highlights are many and memorable. Its most notorious track is the sublime soul stepper "Love The Way You Love Me", the reason most people covet this album so profoundly. However, from the dark dubby disco of "Snowbird City" to the moody ballad "Love Is Running Through Me", the lesser heralded tracks are nothing short of exquisite. Indeed, the chugging elegance of sleazy disco opener "Can I Speak To The World Please" showcases a string-drenched strutting-funk that would've been enviable the world over. It's that good.

The outlandish artwork - presenting a striking, green-eyed Marti treating a tiger to a headlock - has been faithfully restored and is arguably worth the price of admission alone. With access to the original tape transfers, Simon Francis' sensitive mastering elevates the sound throughout and, as ever, it has been pressed at a reassuringly weighty 180g. Sadly, Marti died of lymphatic cancer at the tragically early age of 50 in 1995, so is not here to experience what we hope will be a long overdue reappraisal of the hitherto underheard genius of Marti Caine, the singer

PNN turns 5! Celebrating our birthday with the 20th PNN release. Publishing our most original artist Hendrik Meyer a.k.a. Myr. again on 12inch. Myr. is already known for his Maxi Nobody Knows, his album Diamondsbacks Make Wonderful Pets and his latest release Next 1 on Areal in 2018. Now releasing Apparently Innocent on PNN we face a 4-track EP beginning with "That's right, Pop", which revels us in Ko¨lscher Euphoria. "Beach Bag" a reminiscent of Matt Karmil's sound cosmos - stumbling charmingly to endlessness (in the digital version even a little further). While the third track 'She Hums" brings us a Myr. classic for the dancefloor and finally "One - Eyed Reilly" revitalizing the shuffle and leading Myr. to new glamour. We proudly present Apparently Innocent!