Hip-Hop Vinyl New Releases - News

For the past four decades, a growing cult of soul music collectors have sought two obscure LPs and a handful of extremely rare 45s released on the vanity record label LAD Productions, Inc. between the late seventies and the mid eighties by the mysterious South Side Chicago singer/song writer Larry Dixon. Larry's raw songs capture the transition from R&B to boogie-down as disco was rapidly becoming extinct. They also perfectly illustrate Larry's ability to overcome his environment and discrimination, transcended by his determination to write and produce music. With the support of his faithful musicians, Larry's success was only hindered by lack of airplay and promotion, but his talent shines through. This is the story of Larry Dixon, his label LAD Productions, Inc., and his friends and family throughout four decades of music in Chicago's toughest neighborhoods.
Jerome Derradji is proud to reactivate Past Due Records - the boogie funk division of Still Music to release this fantastic archive - what many consider to be the Holy Grail - of Chicago Funk, Boogie and Soul: 'Star Time' will be released in a limited 500 copies 10 X 7" Box Set, a limited 500 copies 4 LP Box Set, DCD and Digitally - all faithfully reproducing the vision of LAD Productions, Inc. It features each and every Larry Dixon's releases from 1971 to 1987, including the ultra rare 'I'am So In Love' LP recorded live at the Copherbox Club in 1980 and the ultra rare boogie funk 'Can't Price Love' LP, each carefully re-mastered from the original tapes and a lot more!
Many unreleased songs (some mixed by Jerome Derradji) are also featured. Each format includes a unique booklet with the story of Larry Dixon and his friends, written by Jacob Arnold, along with numerous pictures and documents previously never published. Artwork is by Al Kent from Million Dollar Disco.



















[] 3A4 - Star Time

* Partial Records return to the vaults of the legendary Jah Works label, originally based in Reading and formed in the late 1980's. The label produced some of the most essential UK roots reggae with a string of artists recording for the label including Martin Campbell, Donette Forte, G.T. Moore and many more.
* Reading-based Mene Man recorded a handful of tunes for the label including `Who Are You' (reissued in 2014 on a Partial Records 10' - PRTL10002) and `Save This World' (reissued simultaneously with this release on a Partial Records 7' PRTL7035).
* A vocal roots tune with blazing horns, `Dub Them' got serious play on Jah Shaka Sound System at the time of the original release in the late 90's.
* On the flip side is a previously unreleased dub mix.

REPRESS OF 2003 LUAKA BOP CLASSIC ALBUM

Moreno, Kassin and Domenico were childhood friends from school. They formed a band and made three albums, each one under a different one's name. Their records are different and very influential in Brazil. Morneo is the son of legendary Brazilian musician Caetano Veloso. You can hear him at age 8 on the first Luaka Bop release ( Beleza Tropical') singing the words Ilê Ayê' on Caetano's song of the same name.

Moreno's record is to some extent the most conventional of the three, even though Domenico, the drummer, plays drums on a sampler and cymbal sounds using sand paper. The next release, Domenico's, had the greatest success in the indie world, while Kassin's album is the most produced (which makes sense as he has become one of the most successful producers in Brazil).

Originally released in 1997 on Japan-only CD, this holiday ska collection features 11 songs from THE TOASTERS including "LITTLE DRUMMER BOY", "WINTER WONDERLAND", "SLEIGH RIDE", "BLUE CHRISTMAS" + two from BUFORD O'SULLIVAN & NY SKA JAZZ "JOY TO THE WORLD". Colored vinyl. Ltd 150 repress.

Various Artists: Shanghai'd Soul : Episode 4 Everybody's still talking about the good ol' days! A rough and rugged collection of Numero Group classics that have inspired swarms of killer beats. A head nod to the sounds of Shaolin, the thirteen chambers of Shanghai'd Soul have led a generation of lyrical chefs and production geniuses to compose some of their most ominous hip-hop. Bound by heavy drums, moody chords, and haunting melodies, Gods and Earths alike will appreciate the raw funk and smoother-than-a-Lexus soul that come together like Voltron on this special compilation.

Assagai's debut for Philips' progressive subsidiary Vertigo was realised in 1971 to quiet applause. Critics soon became favourable as Afro-Rock gained a foothold as the 'next big thing' and it wasn't long before they would make their (only) appearance on Top of The Pops.Their journey in London's predominantly progressive underground music scene was brief, but also established a further chapter in the annals of afro-rock alongside Black Velvet, Osibisa, Thors Anvil, Uhuru and the Cosmic Grass Band. Numerous musical figures were assembled from the South African and Nigerian communities resident in London at the time with contributions from Dudu Pukwana, Fred Coker, Ayinde Folarin (Demon Fuzz) and Fred Fredericks (Jimmy James and The Vagabonds). An unlikely partnership with progressive-folk legends Jade Warrior would provide backing on their Zimbabwe LP, co-writing material for their self-titled debut. Unbeknown to Jade Warrior at the time, they were part of a combined contract with their labelmates.Assagai is as fresh and alive as it was when it was recorded in 1971, hypnotic in it's rhythm and tantalising in its mix of punctured brass and provocative vocals. Their ruthless brand of handsome rhythm offers copious potent vibes, but simultaneously employs a simple narrative achieving an elementary perspective of London's rapidly changing times.

"She's not just good, she's phenomenal..Carleen Anderson is one of a kind" - James Brown.

"Carleen Anderson - She's someone who I would sit around the venue all day, just to hear her soundcheck" - Amy Winehouse

"Without doubt one of the all-time great female vocalists... Carleen must be seen to be believed' - The Huffington Post

Cage Street Memorial The Pilgrimage, Carleen Anderson's 7th solo album, is something special, different and absolutely unique. The winner of Jazz FM's 2013 Best UK Vocalist Award blends styles ranging from jazz, soul, gospel, opera, to classical chamber music. The mixture of musical genres makes this an exciting, genuine and highly personal offering that sits far outside the boundaries of contemporary soul and urban music. This project is not just an album of original music, it is one part of a creative trilogy, also taking the form of a multi-media theatre production and Carleen's generational book, Cage Street Memorial The Chapel of Mirrors.

Carleen has lovingly crafted this album using the whole of her talents, lifelong influences and experiences and forged all this into a stand out evolution allowance imbued throughout with her delicate personal approach. Utilising basic instrumentation - her incredibly versatile voice and simplistic piano manner, Orphy Robinson's synergistic vibraphone & percussion, Samy Bishai's consummate violin playing, and the subtle and diligent bass skills of Renell Shaw - the collective musicianship delivers an authentic concept.

While each of Anderson's compositions and arrangements for this soundscape of a tribal narrative symbolises a specific significance, here are a few to signify her chronicle notations:

Upwards from the Ground, lyrically describes an abandoned little girl tracing her roots for salvation as a middle-aged woman. The links of the African Diaspora expressed in the multi-dimensional percussive performance by Orphy Robinson sets the tone for a sort of it takes a village to raise a child theme. The build of the rhythmic groove transports the vocal melodies supported by the harmonies provided by the vibraphone, violin and bass to symbolise the rise from the ashes in spite of dire circumstances.

A chance YouTube viewing of singer/pianist Blossom Dearie alongside vibraphonist Peter Appleyard inspired Anderson to reference the Rachmaninoff motif swung by Charlie Parker for the bass line in her tune, All That Glitters. The subject matter of the song relates to the parallels of fools rushing in pursuit of golden love as it links to the perils of Anderson's music industry heritage, being the Goddaughter of the Godfather of Soul, James Brown, the stepdaughter of the JB All Stars' Bobby Byrd, and the daughter of soul singer, Vicki Anderson, aka, Myra Barnes, who was often cited as the most favoured of James Brown's featured vocalists. The jazz tinged swing of this composition is a cautionary tale to mind that things may not be what they seem.

With the platform provided by her singer/songwriter contributions for the band, The Young Disciples, whose album Road to Freedom and music chart hit, Apparently Nothing, introduced Anderson to an audience beyond the shadows of her inherited legacy, Pond Crossing contextualises the grateful awareness she has of the podium the UK supplied her with. England's embrace of Anderson led to her Brit Award nominated first solo album, True Spirit, followed by her second album, Blessed Burden, co-produced with Paul Weller. In between her independent album releases, Alberta's Granddaughter, Grace & Favours, Up to Now and Soul Providence, Anderson was honoured to be featured and/or collaborate with Nigel Kennedy, Dr. John, Omar, Meshell Ndgeocello, Sir Paul McCartney, Incognito, the London Community Gospel Choir, Johnny Cash, Pops Staples, Ramsay Lewis, the Ronnie Scott's All Stars, Lalah Hathaway, and Chrissie Hynde, a short list of the wide range of artists she's worked with. The music and lyrics are a snapshot of an ocean put into a cup.

In this seventh autonomous overture, Anderson redefines herself as a Singing Poet from the New Guard, setting music to the scenes of the human experience. CAGE STREET MEMORIAL is The Pilgrimage universally lived by all of us, to some degree or another.

Meet Courtney John, the lovers rocker. His peers have called him a modern day Slim Smith, some say he's like a young Eddie Kendrick's or even Curtis Mayfield. Courtney John's solo efforts have garnered him some of music's highest accolades. Vocal and lyrical contribution to Sly & Robbie's album, One Pop Reggae, only further established John and his title as the worldwide Lovers Rocker". Courtney has also produced hits for international stars, Nelly Furtado & Michael Franti, as well as Luciano, Mr. Vegas, Joseph Hill, Beres Hammond, Culture, or Marcia Griffiths to name a few. The new single "Strangers" is a mix of vintage & modern production, tailored like haute couture by Guillaume "Gee" Metenier.

Released on CD for the first time - limited edition - 300 copies

"A gritty rhythm section of old school drums and Fender or upright bass, alongside funky Hammond and Rhodes, with some sweet George Benson-ish jazz guitar licks on top." From the quiet tropical suburban back streets of Australia's 3rd largest city (Brisbane) comes a young all instrumental ensemble called Kerbside Collection, creating a mixture of some forgotten rare groove sounds - good times instrumental jazz funk with a touch of soul.

The sound of Ravi Welsh (Guitar), Jason "Paprika" Bell (Drum & percussion), Chris Poulsen (Hammond & Fender Rhodes) and Jeremy O'Connor (Fender "P" & double bass) harks back to the 60s and 70s Californian West Coast music of artists such as Wes Montgomery, George Benson, Chico Hamilton, Joe Sample and The Crusaders, whilst tipping its' hat to today's contemporaries keeping the 'feel' alive (Soulive, Bobby Hughes, James Taylor Quartet, Eddie Roberts & The New Mastersounds, The Menahan Street Band, The Stance Brothers, Frootful etc).

In May 2011, directly after devastating floods freakishly ripped through their hometown of Brisbane, the ensemble went to record their debut album "Mind The Curb" in Melbourne with Jake Mason (Cookin' On 3 Burners). 8 songs were recorded/mixed/pre-mastered in 4 days, on vintage, analogue gear and onto warm tape. The songs were tracked the old classic way - all members in one room playing together, with instruments bleeding into other instrument mics and amps (and no 'click'!) to capture a full and lively sound from the players. In November (later that same year) they released a self funded, limited edition 7" featuring their gritty 'b-boy' funk version of Dizzy Gillespie's " A Night in Tunisia", and "Jelly Belly", a snappy jazz funk kicker generating worldwide support

After searching around for a home, "Mind the Curb" is now being released on Legère Recordings. As well as the "A Night in Tunisia" rework, tracks include a grittier jazz funk interpretation of a George Benson rarity ("P Park"), a little skankin' jazz/reggae number called "Red Stripe" (think Jackie Mittoo x Earnest Ranglin, also out as a limited edition 7inch single), a frenetic uptempo JBs style shaker ("Cat Whip"), a cool jazz dance cover of a Coltrane classic ("Impressions"), and even a low slung soul jazz number ("41 Bernhard") featuring the sweet sounds of Anton Delecca from The Bamboos on flute.

* Partial Records return to the vaults of the legendary Jah Works label, originally based in Reading and formed in the late 1980's. The label produced some of the most essential UK roots reggae with a string of artists recording for the label including Martin Campbell, Donette Forte, G.T. Moore and many more.
* Reading-based Mene Man recorded a handful of tunes for the label including `Who Are You' (reissued in 2014 on a Partial Records 10" " PRTL10002) and `Dub Them' (reissued simultaneously with this release on a Partial Records 7" PRTL7036).
* `Save This World' is a slice of vocal roots and indicated by the title, deals with the perils and tribulations of our planet. The rhythm is hard as nails.
* Backed with a different dub mix from the original release in 2002.

First collaboration between Jamaican singer songwriter Courtney John, the lovers rocker & French producer Guillaume "Gee" Metenier, "All I know" is a very cool - unique sounding, dub funk synth reggae soul with delicious vocals - yes it's all that and more!
One to get those sub woofers shakin' - turn it up! "All I know - what you reap is what you sow"

Hot off collaborations with Nottz (Titans in the Flesh EP) and Madlib (Bad Neighbor LP), SoCal ambassador Blu has teamed up with the Paris-based production team Union Analogtronics (OJ & Gold) to unleash a new full length album: Cheetah in the City. Featuring Dam-Funk, Phat Kat, Frank N Dank, and more, the album signifies a stylistic sea change for Blu, best known for his dusty, soul sampling collaborations with Exile (Below the Heavens) and his own introspective opuses (Her Favorite Colour, Good to be Home, York!). Rippling with 808s and cinematic strings, Cheetah in the City is an organic evolution from the synth-soaked, futuristic sound of Analogtronics, UNION's 2012 Fat Beats Records debut album featuring Talib Kweli, MF DOOM, Elzhi, Guilty Simpson, and more. After mutual friends put them in touch at a Parisian post-show after-party, Blu and Union began a musical exchange that spanned continents. Blu returned to LA with UNION's best beats, and after months of exchanging lyrical ideas, the trio regrouped for marathon recording sessions in UNION's Paris-based studio. Cloistered for weeks with nothing but drum machines, instruments, keyboards, records, and France's best bud, Blu became obsessed with infusing his kicked back Southern California sensibilities into UNION's penchant for pushing the possibilities of technicality into multilayered, densely packed productions. A cohesive story emerged in the songwriting: a young man, raised amongst deadbeats, killers, and hard drugs, metamorphoses into the Cheetah, a money-making predator whose quick talk and cold hustle make him the king of a city that will eventually consume him, heart and soul. We've never heard Blu like this.

With Music with a Message a new chapter has been opened in German music history. Actually, this is the first official compilation of it's kind which documents how rock, soul and funk have found their way into German churches in the course of Christian movements of the late 1960s and early '70s. Call it Xian (kraut-) rock or religious funk - these 12 tracks by almost totally unknown bands will convince rare groove lovers as well as the beat and rock collectors.

The set opens with Eingangslied (Die Rocker) by legendary Peter Janssens whose name was first introduced to the funk and soul collectors secne in 2010 when his song Grito Pidiendo was first re-released on the third volume in the classic Movements series. Siegfried Fietz is another well known figure in this genre, obviously no regular music buyer has ever heard of him. Our austrian neighbours are presented here with two songs, a sweet latin-ish soul tune by the Golems and an outstanding psych-rock cut by Kaplan Schwarz. Other contributions are the thrilling groovy rock track by the Light Of Light Group, the progressive and heavy beat instrumental by CT Four Plus, "Du bist die Stimme" from the sought after psychedelic mass by Oratorium, a charming lo-fi rock track by the Church Band, two perfect disco tunes by Salvation and Heike Tittman, and finally a monstreous and one of a kind funk track with some glorious vocals by a boys choir from Overbach. Pure Xian awesomeness!

The album was compiled by John Raincoatman aka DJ Scientist, who released two mixes in 2009 and 2010 together with his partner DJ Arok entitled Godly Grooves in which this sort of new genre in religious music was documented first. And the awesome cover artwork of Chrisse Kunst from Berlin is without question as creative as the music. Hallelujah!

Key selling points:

- deluxe vinyl LP including full album download code, housed in original 1960s old school tip-on cover

- the vinyl LP contains a booklet with lots of information about the artists

A-F-R-O is a breakthrough artist born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, who was first discovered by legendary rapper, R.A. The Rugged Man. Marco Polo is a Brooklyn based producer, raised in Toronto, Canada, who has produced music for artists such as Talib Kweli, Pharoahe Monch, Boot Camp Clik, Royce Da 5'9 & more.

The Apostles were disciples of a heavy kind of psychedelic soul/rock fusion. After The Funkees left for London, they stepped into the breach to become the champions of East Nigeria's flourishing post-war music scene. Based in Aba, and led by guitarist and charismatic chancer Walton Arungwa, they laid down a couple of singles with the city's newly-formed BEN label. EMI liked what they heard and in 1976 whisked the band to Lagos to record The Apostles with the legendary Emmanual Odenusi at the controls. A heavy mix of wailing guitar, swirling organ and James Brown-style vocals, it became a fixture in every east Nigerian home. 'Never Too Late' sets the stage with a scorching lead break that most believe was played by guitar-slinger-for-hire, Felix 'Feladay' Odey. Drummer Joel Madubuike and bass player Henry Tandu lay down the rock solid groove for Benji Davidson's righteous organ lines in 'Inflation' and 'Highway to Success.' And each is invested with an urgency from battle-hardened vocals of Chyke Fussion, a vetran of the Biafra war. Don't be fooled by the angelic white outfits worn on the cover of The Apostles. These guys were BAD. And 'Never Too Late' could well be the best Afro Rock song ever recorded.

Repressed again. With Grand Puba's departure shortly after the issue of the group's debut full-length, Brand Nubian as a trio was no more. Grand Puba went on as a solo artist while Lord Jamar and Sadat X (formerly Derek) kept the Brand Nubian name and released the amazing follow up In God We Trust. The album quickly silenced anyone who had any doubt that they would be able to follow up their debut classic with another classic as they did just that. Allah U Akbar" starts things off and was a clear sign that they were back in business in a very real way. Songs like Pass the Gat' and Steady Bootlegging' show the no nonsense style that had come to be expected from the Nubians, while Love Me or Leave Me Alone' surprised all with how perfectly they blended the subject matter of woman and relationships, without it being corny. Black Star Line', The Travel Jam' and Ain't No Mystery' all round out the album and are a perfect mix of cutting edge production and the five percent subject matter the group is known to espouse. The albums classic single, the Diamond D produced Punks Jump Up to Get Beat Down' was the cut that truly lit a fire under hip hop's collective rear-end. The album version of the song went hard but the remix utilized in the music video—confirmed that THIS Brand Nubian were here to stay.

By the mid 1970's in Nigeria, the Biafran War was a distant memory and the music scene in the eastern city of Aba was booming again. Bands like The Funkees, The Wings and The Apostles grabbed the headlines, but the more interesting stuff was coming from smaller groups like the Friimen. The Friimen, or the Friimen Muzik Company to use their official name, were influenced as much by pre-Saturday Night Fever Bee Gees as Jimi Hendrix and James Brown. In Beni Tudumey they had the best keyboardist in the city, and in Dan Igbaji, Charlie Eze and Ken Okogbue its tightest rhythm section. Throw in Gbemi Saka Toju channeling his inner Barry Gibb and you had a band quite unlike any other in the country. The result is We Can Get it On, a hybrid of West Coast ballads and dancefloor chuggers. One moment they are thanking God for making the mountains ('The Creator'), the next salaciously suggesting it's time to make the mountains move ('We Can Get It On'). Some of the songs simply state the obvious ('Music Makes You Move'.) However, it's the track, 'Salt Sweet Style', that sums up the Friimen best: We have the salt. We have the sweet. We have the style.' It's all present and accounted for on We Can Get It On.

Goddy Oku was the Eastern Nigerian music scene's Mr Fixit. Need a new guitar He'd make you one. Couldn't afford a fancy new effects pedal Give him a couple of days and he'd knock up something that would do the job. Oh, and he was also a red-hot guitarist with The Hygrades, one of the heaviest bands to come out of the east. When music started getting more electronic in the late 70's and 80's, Goddy was there, tinkering and experimenting. He built Godiac studios in Enugu, where fellow wonk, William Onyeabor recorded Crashes In Love. Between producing countless albums, he used his DIY skills and studio acumen to record One More Chance. Don't Ask Me' is the bomb, a dance floor chugger that sets the tone of the album with cheeky vocal interplay between Goddy and his backing singers, Alice Okaro and Sandra Okagbue. They're soon asking for forgiveness on 'One More Chance' and enjoying the fruits of reconciliation of the chirpy 'Everything'. One More Chance is a wonky, synth driven masterpiece that is funky and quaint in equal measures. It will bring a smile to your face and an irresistible urge to dance to your feet.

Goddy Oku was the Eastern Nigerian music scene's Mr Fixit. Need a new guitar He'd make you one. Couldn't afford a fancy new effects pedal Give him a couple of days and he'd knock up something that would do the job. Oh, and he was also a red-hot guitarist with The Hygrades, one of the heaviest bands to come out of the east. When music started getting more electronic in the late 70's and 80's, Goddy was there, tinkering and experimenting. He built Godiac studios in Enugu, where fellow wonk, William Onyeabor recorded Crashes In Love. Between producing countless albums, he used his DIY skills and studio acumen to record One More Chance. Don't Ask Me' is the bomb, a dance floor chugger that sets the tone of the album with cheeky vocal interplay between Goddy and his backing singers, Alice Okaro and Sandra Okagbue. They're soon asking for forgiveness on 'One More Chance' and enjoying the fruits of reconciliation of the chirpy 'Everything'. One More Chance is a wonky, synth driven masterpiece that is funky and quaint in equal measures. It will bring a smile to your face and an irresistible urge to dance to your feet.

The second LP from Grup has finally arrived, five years after his first release, which is today is totally sold out and very hard to find. 19 tracks in the pure Grup Ses style, a perfect blend of instrumental hip-hop and bass music, spiced by turkish-psych samples. The album's conception took three years in Beyoglu, Istanbul, where Grup Ses invited the best of the turkish beat-making scene, but also called for his european connections : Gantz, Fulgeance, Coco Bryce, Nodul, Biblo, Elektro Hafiz and many more contributed to make this release unique.

He was Nigerian guitar God, famous for his incendiary lead breaks with Aktion and Monomono. She was one of Nigeria's first female band leader who went off to the US and became a big deal in the New Jazz scene there. It should be no surprise then that when Jimi Lee and Monah Finnih got together in 1980 for A Stroll In The Moonlight, an Afro Jazz cosmic funk masterpiece was born. Intricately arranged, beautifully produced and showcasing musicianship of the highest order, A Stroll In The Moonlight was a notch above anything else that was coming out of Nigeria at the time. I Love Myself' is the perfect amalgam of a tight, horn-driven Lagos groove and an American New Jazz sheen. People of the World' is pure Afro Funk, brightened by Jimi Lee's sunny, twangy guitar. Son of A Man' brings reggae to the table and Iya Alakara' is a Lijadu Sisters style cosmic paean to beefcakes and plantains. Taking a stroll with Nigerian music's oddest couple is a slinky, funky affair that comes highly recommended, but be warned: You'll work up a sweat.

Das Debütalbum von Jordan Rakei, der mit seinem Future-R&B-Sound mit Einflüssen aus Pop, Soul, Jazz, HipHop, Electro, Psychedelia und Afro als australische Antwort auf Jamie Woon gehandelt wird und bereits als Co-Autor auf Disclosures Grammy-nominiertem Meisterwerk "Caracal" vertreten war. Zu seinen Fans zählen NAO, Fat Freddy's Drop, Gilles Peterson, Annie Mac und eben Jamie Woon. Die LP enthält zusätzlich 3 Live-Bonustracks und ein exklusives Poster.

Rammellzee passed away in 2010, but before he left us he recorded his magnum opus, Cosmic Flush with producer Jonah Mociun. Unreleased, eight years have passed. The collection of breakcore and speed metal-influenced rap tracks stand as a futuristic relic which is just now about to see the light of day. Cosmic Flush fully realises Rammellzee's complex philosophy and unique vision of futuristic hip hop, apocalyptic science fiction, and extreme sonic exploration. To celebrate the life of one of our culture's great minds Gamma Proforma are releasing Cosmic Flush as a commemorative series of records and prints. There are 7 core tracks, each will be reinterpreted and remixed by a visual and audio artist. The works will also form part of an exhibition which will take place in New York & London. This release is Part 5 in the set,and has been visually reinterpreted by grafitti artist SheOne and remixed byBeans who cites Rammellzee as one of his major influences.

This release Part 6 in the set, Paint To Pave The Road has been visually reinterpreted by graffiti artist Poesia and remixed by Sam Sever.

This 1979 release is one of the two albums by the disco outfit THE RAY CAMACHO BAND with bandleader Ray Camacho, exploring the field of the funky club dance music happening at that time. Original copies of this brilliant album go for about 800,00 USD among collectors. Now the brand new reissue of "Reach Out" enables us booty shakers to get into the ever pulsating grooves. The needle lowers down and hits the vinyl and a beat like flashing lights sets in. Bass guitar, regular drums and percussions weave a tight web of rhythm patterns that capture your body right away and set you into a state of trance. You recognize Latin influences here and there, which become obvious when the horns blow out lush harmonies and relaxed but hot blooded melodies hit your ears. And indeed Ray Camacho actually comes from Latin music and he mixes both worlds very well on this record. A massive collection of sheer disco funk hits that will give you a joyful time spinning the record, but leave no time for a short breath. You will dance and dance and just dance to these perfectly produced and executed songs that stick to your mind for quite a long time after the music has faded. "Reach Out" is an all in all handmade album with burning performances of all instrumentalists, with an emphasize on the extended rhythm section. If you love your funky music slick and steaming, be welcome to get this vinyl! PMG will also reissue the fantastic album MUCHA SALSA from Ray Camacho later this year, as well as other outstanding recordings.

Set up by producer Ben Okonkwo in 1973, the BEN label, and its offshoot Clover Sounds, broke some of the biggest bands outside of Lagos. The Apostles, Akwassa, The Doves, Mary Afi Usuah and Aktion all got their start in the cramped studio in the commercial heart of Aba. The least known - and arguably one of the best bands on the label - was The Visitors. For a short, sweet time between 1975 and 1978, The Visitors were creating the most righteous sounds in the East. We're talking deep afro-funk with generous dollops of rock psych fuzz synth madness. My Good Friends, their second album, find them at the height of their powers. The musicianship throughout the album is extraordinary. Check out the synth and guitar wig out on 'Here We Come Brothers' and the searing guitar break that scorches the slinky groove of the title track. This album is impossibly hard to find and selling for high prices, one seller justified the high asking price by arguing that once you let this record in your bones, it's not coming back out.' Thanks to the good guys at PMG, your bones can now get the good stuff for considerably less.

Set up by producer Ben Okonkwo in 1973, the BEN label, and its offshoot Clover Sounds, broke some of the biggest bands outside of Lagos. The Apostles, Akwassa, The Doves, Mary Afi Usuah and Aktion all got their start in the cramped studio in the commercial heart of Aba. The least known - and arguably one of the best bands on the label - was The Visitors. For a short, sweet time between 1975 and 1978, The Visitors were creating the most righteous sounds in the East. We're talking deep afro-funk with generous dollops of rock psych fuzz synth madness. My Good Friends, their second album, find them at the height of their powers. The musicianship throughout the album is extraordinary. Check out the synth and guitar wig out on 'Here We Come Brothers' and the searing guitar break that scorches the slinky groove of the title track. This album is impossibly hard to find and selling for high prices, one seller justified the high asking price by arguing that once you let this record in your bones, it's not coming back out.' Thanks to the good guys at PMG, your bones can now get the good stuff for considerably less.

'Shapes: In Space' is the latest in Tru Thoughts' series of essential label compilations put together by A&R and co-owner (and renowned DJ) Robert Luis. Encompassing the best of the Brighton based label's eclectic and international current roster, as well as some classic cuts and three exclusive tracks.
As well as the sonic variety, this collection also highlights the diverse origins of the music on the label. From the UK, there are the soulful, forward-looking and beat-laden offerings of rising stars Werkha, Bryony Jarman-Pinto and Harleighblu, while from the USA there is Moonchild, Lost Midas, The Seshen and Space Captain. Repping the authentic New Orleans sound, Grammy-nominated Hot 8 Brass Band have continued to win more and more fans across the world since they first started working with Tru Thoughts a decade ago.

Our 27 track DJ set (or 16 tracks on double LP) blasts off with Sidney Barnes' anthemic "I Hurt On The Other Side" in celebration of his return to UK shores for the largest Northern Soul gathering In Skegness this September. In further tribute to the living legend we present The Ad Libs, previously unreleased version of Barnes' "You'll Always Be In Style". The relentless stomping dance pace is propelled by current in demanders courtesy of the formidable Big Daddy Rogers and the uncompromising Ann Sexton with her newly discovered classic "I Still Love You" and Casino favourites from Joe Tex and the Ohio Players.



Sam Dees delivers his unique "count in" version of "Lonely For You Baby", a track originally released by Club Soul's parent company Charly Records - another first!



The action continues with the incredible four-figure rarity "Gone With The Wind Is My Love" by Rita & The Tiaras -- that's a cool one thousand pounds per minute!!! And the rarities continue with the Valentines, Little Richie, Jerry Williams and the Ringleaders. Ellie Greenwhich makes a very welcome appearance with her current floor packer "Baby" and MOD icon P.P. Arnold performs the evergreen "Everything' Gonna Be Alright".

Unreleased demos by Craig Peyton & Jolyon Skinner circa 1983-1985. The duo penned Howard Johnson's "Let This Dream Be Real", Melba Moore's "Love of a Lifetime" & Will Collins' "Where Ya Gonna Be Tonight", before they went their separate ways.

The Dreams (1964) is Bermange's collection of interviews made with people describing their dreams. The program of sounds and voices attempts to represent, in five movements, some sensations of dreaming: running away, falling, landscape, underwater, and colour. Delia's editing and repetition, together with her dissonant, often terrifying musique concrete soundbeds, make this distinctly uneasy bedtime listening.

On the live circuit in the late 1960s, Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band were probably the biggest crowd-pullers of them all. Relentless highenergy
rock, blues, soul and R'n'B, and it was their live performances transferred to records that sold in huge numbers rather than the studio
recordings.
- Released in December 1966, 'Hand Clappin' Foot Stompin' Funky Butt...Live!' peaked at #5 in the Albums Chart and spent an incredible 38 weeks
in the chart.
- 'Hipsters, Flipsters, Finger-Poppin Daddies' immediately repeated the Top 10 feat, peaking at #8.
- The concerts all had an electric atmosphere and the crowd would chant Geno's name - later immortalised by Dexys Midnight Runners 1980 number
one hit.
- 180g vinyl LPs, remastered from the 60s tapes.

You will never be the same. Free association, sci-fi, sextastic, horrorcore, Kool Keith invented it all. His newest excursion into rhyme finds a who's who of rappers holding it down alongside Keith. From Dirt Nasty to Slug, MF DOOM to Bumpy Knuckles, Mac Mall to Ras Kass - the best to have ever done it spit hotter fire than even Dylan. Like butterscotch ice cream on your crotch or eating dead bok choy with Solider Boy, you've got to think about it. Get cosy and sit inside the paragraph. This is 'Feature Magnetic', Kool Keith's newest reality breaker.

Early gospel recordings from 1927 - 1955, of sanctified blues by the Two Gospel Keys, Mother McCollum, Blind Rosevelt Graves, Lottie Bracey, Sister O.M Terrell & Rev. IB Ware, Slow country gospel by the Anglin & Delmore Brothers, intense vocal performances by the New Gospel Keys, Elder Richard Briant & the Silent Grove Baptist Church Congregation, & more. This LP rocks hard & gets deep & sad too.

GEMELLI DIVERSI, historical Milanese group that since 1998 has gone through several generations, they return three years since the last official release, with the new album "uppercut". 18 years of career, nearly 1 million copies sold and countless awards, including 1 MTV EUROPE MUSIC AWARDS, the GEMELLI DIVERSI, now composed byThema and Strano, they made a new album with all the hallmarks of their sound which is poprap earned them numerous awards in the Italian music scene and found a great response in their audience remained loyal over the years. They are also open to new sounds, making them more and more approach 'to the Italian pop scene expanding his musical horizons to new sounds that range from rap to pop to rock and some news that embraces the dance or the international pop.

New Orleans anthem copied by many but bettered by none backed with a belting R'n'B rocker.

Die Spezialisten für Konzeptalben haben wieder zugeschlagen: Jazzkantine begibt sich auf eine Zeitreise
zurück in die Achtziger und beleuchtet die Anfänge des Hip-Hop. Dabei kommt es zu Wiederbegegnungen
mit Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, Eric B. & Rakim, EPMD, Public Enemy, NWA, Tone-Loc, Afrika
Bambaataa und den Jungle Brothers. Im Spiel mit Beats und Scratches werden Sounds und Samples
collagiert und so Oldschool-Klassiker im brodelnden Sud einer Jam-Session aus Jazz, Funk und Rap neu
interpretiert. Dazu meint Bandleader Christian Eitner: "Es war ein großer Spaß, in den alten Plattenkisten
rumzustöbern - bei 1990 haben wir einen Cut gemacht. Herausgekommen ist ein Mix aus unseren
Lieblingstracks, aber auch aus Songs, die harmonisch bzw. rhythmisch reizvoll erschienen, um sie in ein
neues Gewand zu hüllen." Eitner selbst hat Anfang der Achtziger US-amerikanischen Hip-Hop in sich
aufgesaugt. Schon früh beschäftigte er sich mit Sampling und dem Programmieren eigener Beats. Später traf
er in Braunschweig auf Matthias Lanzer, der ab 1990 mit dem Label Rap Nation - und dem gleichnamigen
Fanzine - die deutsche Hip-Hop-Szene maßgeblich beeinflusste. 1994 etablierten sie die Jazzkantine, die
noch heute auf Rap Nation veröffentlicht.

An exciting debut album for Nosizwe, the singer, political activist, mother and beat-producer of electronic soul music. "In Fragments" is produced by Georgia Anne Muldrow (who also has worked Erykah Badu, Kendrick Lamar, Mos Def) and features include Guilty Simpson and an A-team of Norwegian artists & producers.

A rare and sought after Album from Caracas (Venezuela) by Ofrenda the band lead by keyboardist, guitarist and composer VYTAS BRENNER. This LP comes as a limited edition remastered reissue and represents one of the best choice of styles performed by Ofrenda 'from progressive rock to latin funky grooves' with a fine touch of elecronic keys effects and synthesizers all played by Vytas Brenner.