Hip-Hop Vinyl New Releases - News

“The year is 1982. Rita Mitsouko has not yet recorded its eponymous debut album. The pile of ashes that once was Disco is still smoking on the field of Comiskey Park. New Wave is a phrase, Post-Punk Rock a thing. In France, young musicians dream of New York City – some with more devotion than others. Lapassenkoff are to early 1980’s downtown New-York what seminal New Wave act Marie Et Les Garçons (who met John Cale on their way to CBGB) are to the city’s musical scene in the late 1970’s: an unexpected cousin from Lyon.

Indeed, going through Shing ‘n’ Tsé! sometimes feel like an impromptu meeting between John Lurie and Tom Tom Club in the basement of some French record store. If we press pause for a minute, a question comes to mind: how on earth such a unique blend of funk, post-punk, jazz fusion & hip hop (!) – more easily associated with, say, The Mudd Club, than with Les pentes de la Croix-Rousse – made its way to the brains of three French musicians?

The answer probably lies in a Swiss chalet, some 40 kilometers away from Zurich. Sent there by the wise people from Mosquito (the label which also gave Ramuntcho Matta and Carte de Séjour the opportunity to record their first album), the band experiences Alpine ennui and mysterious neighbours (a certain Carlos Peron, for instance). That is probably during this stay in Swiss meadows that they opened a Pandora’s box called experimental music, leading them into recording the mind-blowing sample-based – and accidentally proto-everything – M Le Maudit,, that would later grace Belgian airwaves via the famous Liaisons Dangereuses radio show.

But if we’re looking for a bigger picture, M Le Maudit is just an example of how inventive their approach to music was. This compilation is a testimony of a decade-long feverish flirt between the Lyon trio and dance music. From the infectious electric boogie cuts Shing A Ling and Roadie to the somehow euro-house-fuelled Ma Poubelle Angelina, via many unclassifiable yet iconic songs like Bossi Le Bosseman or Fièvres, Frissons, the compilation demonstrates one thing: Lapassenkoff took the road less traveled by and contributed to a different history of French Pop music.”

Pierre-Arthur Michau.

The eight chapter of the infamous Slow Motion Compilation series, “Italian Dance Wave Disco Otto”, has quite some hidden gems to be discovered. Beginning with a track from Marcello Giordani DJ (half of the duo Marvin & Guy), that expresses a perfect Italian melancholic sunset (as the title also states), energetic, strong, but always poetic. Always following that "beachy" vibes we find The Caribbean House, serving a track that could last a century, and we would never mind. Electro hints mixing with deep and balearic vibes: ears glued to the headphones. Moreover, we have again Slow Motion queen, System Olympia with a track that could make even nuns sweat on the dancefloor: beats and bass to die for. To close this chapter, you can pamper your ears with a angry balearic track from Gallo, not suited for the more weak hearts, that’s for sure.

2017 Reedition of this Ultimate Breakbot Classic - A must have for any collection. ( if you have not gotten it back then) .
Featuring vocals from IRFANE (OUTLINES). including remixes from SIRIUSMO, and legendary french "Mo Wax" wizards LA FUNK MOB. one of the most spoke about record of the moment for sure, playlisted by any big name djs around at the moment.

Recorded in Birmingham, Alabama in the late-70s by Ken Talley's Garden Of Eden, this sought-after double-sided gem remained unknown to most until Kon put it on the map in 2007 with the Off Track compilation series. 'Everybody's On A Trip' has become a much wanted soul funk 45 with a best kept secret midtempo flip 'It Takes Two' written and co-performed by original Commodores backing-player, saxophonist Collins 'Bo' Berry. Another double-sided soul-funk 45 classic made available again on Backatcha Records.

Both highly sought after versions of this legendary floorpackin' Sister Funk tune outta Florida, rawer original hard-nosed Gulfstream label version backed with the later smoother Alwa more Disco-ish release, a 45 suiting the 'Funky Northern Soul' sound appealing to Soulies, Funk heads & B-boys alike, re-reissued due to public demand here on a nice great-sounding RS label 45!

Recorded in New York in 1982 as a cover version of Atmosfear’s ‘Xtra Special’ from the same year, the single has become a flagship release amongst collectors and music lovers from a long-line of versions under the production of Began Cekic and his various Brooklyn-based labels. Epitomising the time-honoured sounds of early-80s New York underground, Dõlette Mcdonald's classic cover version has become a sought-after keeper amongst DJs and collectors worldwide.

‘Xtra Special’ 7” version available now via Backatcha for the first time.

Influenced by early 90s hip-hop's use of samples Jesse Bru's sounds pay homage to older traditions in music and come correct as classy soulful emissions.

Like the big bang, 'Science is Science' launches faster than you think right into a proper disco number, and 'Bassment Dweller' is a lovely sunny day soul-jam with a thuddy kick for all the sub-huggin bassment dwellers.

Producer and DJ O’Flynn has announced his new 12” single, ‘Sunspear’, to be released on 3rd May 2019 alongside previous single ‘Tru Dancing’ on Silver Bear Recordings.

His latest outing follows a self-released 12” on his newly incepted imprint Hundred Flowers earlier this year, as well as singles on Blip Discs and Ninja Tune.

With his new single he continues to evolve his signature style: the breezy Sunspear swirls with a euphoric world music sample and heated percussive energy, whilst peaktime weapon B side Tru Dancing is a horn-infused disco-house gem.

O’Flynn says "I wanted to make something for the summer dancefloor that people could have fun to. It was about taking the sample and recontextualising it to make something more modern whilst keeping the original feel, adding additional percussion to up the energy.”

Grooves galore, Solly's vocals, percussion breakdowns, rhodes, old synths, Mark tree glissandos and effect overdubs into a reverb drenched mix from a London recording in 1981... Yes Please.

Natural Hi's 'Fame' is made available for the first time on 7' with Radio Edits by Sean P. The real deal spirit of London's underground Brit-Funk sound from early-80s until now. A rare find, Sean P credits his friend Winston as the person who told him about the record. "He brought it in the record shop where I was working in Camden" says Sean. "I could see it was a British twelve. At first the vocal didn't sound like a UK artist but I couldn't identify the music as being American or from anywhere else. There was something about it that just didn't go away and it stuck." Officially licensed and remastered onto a bright as day loud 7" cut.

More Edit Action Aimed Straight At Late Nite Disco Dancefloors!

Disco Bits Return To The 12" Format With Another Collection Of Varied Cut N Paste Edits.

Side A
1. Funk Freak
Disco Bits Are Suckers For A Bit Of Hip House And Here They Take A Slept On 80's Rap Classic And Polish It Up For Modern Dancefloors.
The Addition Of Beefed Up Drums And Percussion Turn This Into A Guaranteed Floor Filler. We've Already Lost Count Of How Many People Have Asked Us What This Is When We Tested It Out On The Floor.

2. What You Want
Here The Crew Take A Nu-yorican Disco Classic And Put The Break Where It Was Always Meant To Be, Right At The Centre Of The Track. Drums, Drums, Drums To Make The Dancefloor Rock, Rock, Rock!

Side B
1. Dance On
An Edit Of A Timeless Afro-tinged Disco Underground Classic. An Unstoppable Percussion-heavy Groove Teases A Build-up To A Heady Mix Of Horn Stabs And Vocal Chants.

2. A Thousand Megatons
A Rework Of A 1980's Slept On Jazz Fusion Album Track Puts The Groove Front And Centre, Building Around An Up-front Bass And Brass Workout That Underpins An Irresistible Vocal Hook. Destined To Detonate Any Party-time Dance Floor.

Gianni Marchetti is one of Italy's best kept secrets...
A composer with a long and elaborate list of writing credits in both pop music and movie soundtracks.
He penned proper anthems in Italy's post-war melodic tradition. Amongst his large and varied oeuvre, in 1977-1978 he composed and recorded the original soundtrack for the skin flick 'Disposta A Tutto'
A slow-burning mix of funky clavinets, scat vocals, wah wah guitars and sultry tenor sax lines, all tied together by a distinctly Italian sensibility.

Rather than fading into obscurity, the soundtrack became a prized collector's item for DJ's and rare groove enthusiasts.
In 2019, Heristal and Danilo Braca (AKA Dany B) are very proud to present a new version of 3 tracks from the Disposta A Tutto soundtrack, edited and extended for maximum dancefloor impact.

The Groove Chronicles is the second solo album release of Bouklas and his very first on vinyl.

The album is based mainly on Soul and Funk samples, chopped, flipped and pitched up by Bouklas and filled with his characteristic Boom Bap beats, giving an extra funkiness on this particular work. Bouklas has clearly been influenced by Gramatik on this LP and he took it to the next level by having some strong international guests on board.
The album includes the rapper INTeLL, son of U-God from the legendary Wu-Tang Clan, Mic Bles, a respected underground Hip-Hop MC from California, DJ Groove Sparkz from Lyon, the 3xDMC French Champion, IDA Vice World Champion and official tour DJ of L’Entourloop and the French vocalists, Cam & Nelly. Furthermore, there are featurings from talented local Greek artists, the vocalists Martzi and Alida SoulMama and the Turntablist DJ Moya, one of the best Scratch DJs in Greece.
The Groove Chronicles will be released on vinyl by the label Mind The Wax on May 2019 and includes 12 tracks.
Bouklas has been active on the Hip-Hop scene as an MC and a producer since 2002 with more than 10 independent projects to date. As a producer, Bouklas has collaborated with some of the most important names in the Greek Hip-Hop scene as well as with the rap veteran Masta Ace, Freddie Gibbs and the Grind Mode Cypher.
Furthermore, Bouklas has shared the stage with international artists such as the R.A. The Rugged Man, Dead Prez, Afu-Ra, Freestyle (of Arsonists), Foreign Beggars, Dope D.O.D., Killa Kela and DJ Vadim & Yarah Bravo.

SOUL/DISCO/FUNK SINGLE HERE FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER ON ANY FORMAT!
FROM THE INDEPENDENT UK LABEL SIX NINE RECORDS Ltd, BASED IN NEWCASTLE
UPON TYNE, JIMMY STERLING OUT OF MOTOR CITY IS HERE WITH TWO FANTASTIC
SONGS! ON THE A-SIDE A BRAND NEW TUNE CALLED “IF YOU WERE ME, WHAT WOULD
YOU DO? (T-GROOVE REMIX)” IS FOUND, WHILST THE FLIP HOLDS A PREVIOUSLY
UNISSUED SONG RECORDED IN THE 1980S – “I BELIEVE IN LOVE”. DEFINITELY
NOT TO BE MISSED AS IT IS A LIMITED UK PRESS WITH SMALL HOLE AND FULL
COLOUR PRINTED PICTURE COVER!

Delicate Wash is back with its third offering of classy edits built for the most discerning of dance floors.

It delves deeper into the cosmic cosmos, and unveils more of the lesser known, but brightly shining disco stars you've come to expect.

Following on the heels of the hugely successful Joaquin Joe Claussell Edits & Overdubs Lenny Williams Changes 12” comes another soulful disco 12” monster taken from the eagerly awaited forthcoming Joaquin Joe Clausell’s Edits & Overdubs
Part 2 Double CD + Limited 7” Vinyl coming September 2019. Served up this Nme is another dope Joaquin Joe Claussell Edit & Overdub of the not overly played soulful disco classic Ntled “Come Go with Me” by Pockets. Come Go with Me is an album cut that was never releases on a 12” and is another example of album songs that were a favorite at the Claussell family’s home growing up. This is destined to be another Unofficial Edits & Overdubs Classic.
Due to the winding, down of record sales during the summer months, this will be a Limited Release.
Don’t Sleep!

Dutch band YĪN YĪN uses influences from East Asian 60’s and 70’s music as their main inspiration. This has resulted in a colourful mix of psychedelic, funk and disco. Check!

After the resounding success of the first release, Miles Away Records are back with this staggeringly beautiful afro funk track by Bongi Makeba and Nelson Lee. Written by South African singer and song-writing legend, Miriam Makeba, it’s social and political message shines through from the opening lines. Originally released in 1971 on the French Label Editions Syliphone Conakry “Do You Remember Malcolm” is stunning rarity with this reissue well overdue. The track was performed and recorded by Bongi Makeba whilst her Mother Miriam was in voluntary exile in Guinea, 4 years after the classic ‘Pata Pata’ was released. Backed by ‘Everything For You My Love’ (the A-side on the original pressing), this limited edition of 500 is sure to sell out quickly. Miles Away Records is the new label founded by DJ Dom Ore and will specialize in reissuing rare recordings from around the world on whichever format they deserve.

Gonna Find A True Love
has long been revered on the soul scene as a modern soul
masterpiece whether that be the Bottom & Co. stunning
version or of that by Patterson
Twins.
Original copies of b
oth
are
very hard to come by and massively sought after.
Originally released in 1978 on the obscure imprint Commercial
and now fully licensed from
Lester and Estus Patterson. Back
ed
by
A Good
Thing
from the album Let Me Be Your Lover
which will also see a full reissue later this year.
Once again this release is limited edition and is sure to sell
quickly.
“We want to thank all our fans the world over for being part of the Patterson Twins’ vision!!
We had a great time singing and performing for you. When we first heard this song... the
beat is uplifting and irresistible. This song is so very relatable not on
ly to us but to others
throughout the world and it’s still relevant today!!! Go ahead
–
groove to the beat and find
yourself a true love! We love you!”
Estus Patterson, 2019
Miles Away
Records is the new label founded by DJ
Dom Ore
and will specialize in reissuing
rare recordings from around the world on whichever format they deserve.

Kutiman is proud to present the singular new collaboration with Turkish chanteuse Melike Şahin

The single “Sakla Beni” (“Hide Me”), is a true cultural fusion in both sound and complexion. It is a haunting and emotional piece that unfolds so mature, cohesive and whole, that it sounds like the fruit of a long, joint musical journey and not of a first time collaboration.

While the sound is unmistakably Kutiman’s and immediately evokes the dense, psychedelic groove laden vibe of his 2016 epic album 6AM, the melodic and production approach radiates the afterglow of the Anatolian rock scene of the 60’s and 70’s. It is therefore easy to see why Sahin’s piercing, confident voice sounds so at home in this setting.

Born and raised in Istanbul, Melike Şahin possess mesmerizing vocals and a colorful stage persona. She toured extensively and collaborated with the likes of BaBa ZuLa and Israel’s Boom Pam (currently playing with Selda Bağcan). She released her own solo material and is currently signed to Sony Music Turkey.

Kutiman proves once again that his composition and instrumental mastery is second to none. His signature analogue synth lines are present and so does his monumental orchestrated peaks. He played all the instruments himself with the exception of the Brass section (played by Shlomi Alon, Yait Slutzki and Sefi Zisling) and strings (Oren Tsur).

Sakla Beni is both deep and catchy with indisputable anthem qualities. It is familiar and nods to yesteryear, but at the same time fresh and contemporary. It is a conversation between two musicians whose paths align for a brief moment in time via a common language.

Recorded in 1980, four years after the seminal ‘Open Your Heart’, Ishola Muhammad recorded what he describes as “The funkiest, most exciting session I had done, and the drummer, a white guy whose name I don’t recall either, was “the best””.

The idea that, "responsibility is what freedom means", came from a speech given by, the late, Imam W.D. Mohammed, leader of the, then, American Muslim Mission. “Subsequently, I chose to use the pseudonym, A.M. Muhammad, which was a play on the American Muslim Mission acronym, AMM. Since the speech was heralded and echoed throughout the community and around the country, I hoped the song would catch on, but it didn't.

40 years later, and “What Freedom Means” is now hot in demand with spins by top DJs across the globe.

Support from Tone B. Nimble.

3rd album from Soweto sensations BCUC (aka Bantu Continua Uhuru Consciousness) with guest appearances from Afrobeat king Femi Kuti and renowned spoken word artist Saul Williams before a run of festival dates in the UK this summer.

Eschewing the classic album format, BCUC present three tracks – two of which clock in at nearly 20 minutes – that continue their philosophy of “Music for the people by the people”, combining zulu traditions and malombo percussions with a post-punk production and rock n roll attitude that have seen them feted as one of the most vital live bands playing today.

• Debut album by Durham born singer who signed to Detroit Invictus Record label, in print of
Holland-Dozier-Holland, under former Motown powerhouse producers
• Collaboration between Copeland, George Clinton and various members of Funkadelic
• Features the in-demand ‘The Music Box’, ‘The Silent Boatman’ and ‘I Got A Think For You
Daddy’
• 1970 Cult classic reissued on vinyl for the 1st time, 180gm heavyweight with printed inner
sleeve

The Soul Grenades are a uk based band described as a veritable tornado of hard- hitting funk boasting a super tight rhythm section with a solid wall of brass. For a limited 45 release for Mukatsuku they have specially recorded two new versions of classic tracks from their live sets to woo your dancefloor into wild abandon! Strictly No repress!

Amazing private gospel modern soul/boogie LP originally released in 1981, featuring an incredible alternate version of the dance floor killer "Spread Love".

Having grown up in rural West Virginia, Michael Orr is a marvelously talented musician and accomplished singer, songwriter, and producer. From the time he was placed on a piano bench as a toddler, Michael has been playing and composing music.

In 1975 Michael Orr recorded his first full record “Spread Love” which became an international classic. In 1979 he recorded his second and much lesser known album “Love Will Rise” in Los Angeles and released it on the Birthright record label. The single “Love Will Rise” was a tribute to The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. A gem of a smooth soul album – completely rare in the original, and a fully honest soul testament from Michael Orr. Orr's got a real talent for a song – and his commitment to strong vocals can be heard in his mix of styles that recall bits of Andy Bey, Jon Lucien, Gil Scott-Heron, and DJ Rogers. An absolutely incredible gospel modern soul album, finally available again, fully licensed and remastered, with original artwork. Not to be missed!

When the Tramp Records crew read the internet-sweeping spam/story of Nigerian Astronaut and Air Force pilot Abacha Tunde, they knew that they had to spring into action to help this unfortunate fella out. Dr. Bakare Tunde, the cousin of Abacha Tunde explained the situation as follows: "My cousin was the first African in space when he made a secret flight to the Skylab Space Station in 1979, shortly before it crashed to Earth. 19 years later he was on his second spaceflight, this time to a secret Moon Base located on the far side of the Moon. In 1999 his crew members returned to earth, but his place was taken up by return cargo. There have been occasional supply flights to keep him going since that time. Although he is in good humor, he wants to come home, now, after 20 years in space."

After this hilarious story the idea of a compilation album was born - and "Trip To The Moon" is the result. The goal to raise three million dollars to cover the cost of Abacha Tunde's return flight may never be achieved. Nevertheless, a 41 year experience in the music business is the basis for a fantabulous track listing of 11 amazing and highly underrated Rare Grooves about the Moon!

The Swinging Astronauts open the set, followed by La La Wilson's equally great rhythm & blues rocker "The Moon Man Is Back". With The Moon-Dawgs, this album makes a slight turn into the 1960s garage rock era while Hase Cäsar (backed by none other than the famous Ingfried Hoffmann and his orchestra!) contributes one of two songs of german origin. Now it's time for some funk: Rev. Jamel & Bob Johnson's "Walking On The Moon (Men Are Starving)" criticizes the US government for spending millions of dollars for their space program instead of supporting their own people. "Mars in 75" is deepfunk at its best although some may lament the lack of production. Sidney Ownen's breakbeat-laden "Sputnik" is sought after in collector's circles and needs no justification as to why it is included on this album. Ernest & D.L. Rocco's "Moon Child" is our personal favourite, closely followed by the hypnotic groove of "Mondgesicht" by legendary german saxophonist Ambros Seelos. Scott Cunningham's name should ring a bell as he was featured on several Tramp compilations over the past few years. Finally, the album closes with a psychedelic folk track titled "Voyage To The Moon".

Tramp Records is absolutely convinced that this album will surely be the best way to shorten the wait for Abacha until a rescue space mission finally brings our African soul brother back home.

Key selling points:

- deluxe gatefold LP with detailed liner notes and unseen photographs
- the vinyl LP comes with a full album download code
- most of the songs appear on a 12" album for the very first-time

Over the years, Claremont 56 has played host to some memorable collaborative
projects, most notably Bison, an unlikely super-group whose members included
Holgar Czukay, Ursula Kloss, Liquid Liquid’s Sal Principato, Ben Smith and label
boss Paul ‘Mudd’ Murphy. Now Murphy is at the helm of another collaborative
outft, Hillside, whose seductive debut single contains two deliciously pie eyed
instrumental workouts.
Hillside is very much a family affair, with Murphy joining forces with two old
friends: bassist/guitarist Alex Searle and percussionist Patrick Dawes. The trio
has a collaborative history that stretches right back to Murphy’s time in Akwaaba
in the mid nineties. For their debut outing, Hillside has also welcomed a very
special guest musician: award-winning jazz violinist and long-time Bert Jasch
collaborator Mike Piggott.
As opening gambits go, “Hidden Port” is an emphatic statement of intent. The
audio equivalent of sailing slowly around a cluster of sun-baked islands in
search of shelter from an approaching storm, the track sees Searle wrap bluesy,
Peter Green style guitar passages around a shuffing, Latin-tinged groove rich
in Dawes’ distinctive percussion patterns and Murphy’s languid electric piano
and synthesizer lines. As the track progresses, Piggott steps up to make his
mark, with his undulating electric violin lines complimenting Hillside’s impeccable
instrumentation while adding extra emotional weight to proceedings. It’s a
stunning beginning to the Hillside story.
Piggott also makes a big impression on accompanying cut “The King’s Tun”,
delivering fuid and energy-packed solos that weave in and out of a bright
and breezy instrumental track rich in jangling acoustic guitars, subtly spacey
electronics, freside-warm bass and more sparse-but-intricate percussion
courtesy of the effervescent Dawes. Searle’s eyes-closed, rock style guitar solos
cap another memorable excursion from Claremont 56’s latest in-house band.

Fantastic 80s pop music with a soul and funk touch and an outstanding singer. A must have for fans
of Billy Ocean, Barry White and similar artists. Perfect playing, perfect production, perfect songwriting.

On the edge of the lightfooted disco movement there was sophisticated funk music and one of the often
overlooked protagonists oft he scene was Mr. Sterling Harrison, born in 1941, passed in 2005. His legacy contains
two solo albums from the early 80s and this, dear friends of funk music, is his second from 1981. Copies in good
shape fetch prices up to 800 Dollars so we should give this current reissue on EVERLAND warm welcomes. Is it all
worth the enthusiasm Oh, you can bet it is. Sterling Harrison had left behind the 70s and was ready for the 80s.
The sound is up to date, clear, clean and powerful. The music still shows the fire of the earlier funk records but the
synthesizer passages, the whole production proves that we are now entering a new age. 80s Synthie Pop is part of
the mix, despite the main ingredients are soul, funk and a bit of disco here and there. The vocals are overwhelming,
sung with great emotions and a feeling for the freaky edge of soul. The tunes here come as diverse as they can be,
each one with his very own face, but they all have the same spirit courtesy of Sterling Harrison. Each one should
have had a spot on the top ten pop charts in 1981 but in this case this album would probably be legendary in
another way. This music will drive every 80s black pop enthusiast wild. When after all these powerfully driving pop
and dance tunes, with a more relaxed reggae groover in between, your feet ask for a break, just go for a sweet soul
ballad in the best Barry White style. Smooth and slick, yet still performed with depth and spirit, such a song might
calm you down until the next dancefloor sweeper will hit your ears. The overall atmosphere of this record is truly
happy and enlightened. Good vibrations pour from every note, played here by a team of highest order musicians. A
perfect record for 80s black pop aficionados who admire Billy Ocean's 80s albums for example. This record is a
typical example of the contemporary pop music of its era, but this is what makes it even more charming. And the
songs will definitely stick to your mind after just a few spins without losing their fascination. A true gem for true
music lovers.

Grattis! Thomas Flachsbinder 40år EP, otto002.

The title of the EP is "Happy birthday! Thomas Flachsbinder 40 years" and it pretty much sum´s up the whole reason for this EP. Our dear friend Thomas have been making lovely music for some 20 years now. And this EP is an selection of different aliases his created or been involved with. The genres goes from 50-60´s surf, rockabilly, rock, german house, ska, jazz, amen breakbeat organ pop to bossa nova. So hopefully you´ll find something that you´ll like.

Summer is coming sooner this year, and you can tell from the heat of the two latest releases from Slow Motion: yes ladies and gents, Italian Dance Wave Compilations are back! The first of the two, “Italian Dance Wave Disco Sette”, is here to delight you: starting from a half Italo and half Asian influenced Altieri track, killing it with a dancefloor belter that will make you sweat the night away, raving sensations guaranteed. Lukebox (Fabrizio Mammarella and Umberto Saba from the duo Loudtone) will serve you a slightly more downtempo, modular, weirdo beast that will make your head bang without you even notice: banger. Back on your turntables, is also Robotalco who is providing some proto-house extravaganza and adding some charme to the dirty, chunky beats of the compilation. Last but not least, José Manuel, delivering a touch of biting deep house and electro tribal feels to close the gap, and make us scream “hell yes”.

In light of soul singer-songwriter Rick James' wild and controversial behaviour during his career, it's easy to forget that he wrote some vastly successful and celebrated music. Nowadays he's best remembered for a famous and celebrated sketch from the TV show Chapelle's Show, or for his various arrests for drug charges, but during late-1970s and 1980s he was a powerhouse of his genre. The nadir of this success was undoubtedly James' fifth album. He was already a gold-selling funk/soul artist with multiple Top 40 hits under his belt, but 1981's Street Songs was the album that broke him into the mainstream. The album took the smooth, swaggering sound that he had built his career upon, and fused it elements of rock and new wave, into a sound that James dubbed "funk punk." It even featured vocal backing from The Temptations, and a harmonica solo from Stevie Wonder. Street Sounds was an immediate commercial hit, reaching #3 on the Billboard Pop charts, reaching platinum status, selling over a million copies. In addition to various Grammy nominations, Street Sounds also produced major chart hits in tracks like "Give It To Me Baby", "Ghetto Life", and what would become his most successful signature song; "Super Freak", which peaked at #16 on the US Pop Charts, and was famously sampled by MC Hammer for his mega-hit "U Can't Touch This." It caught the attention of publications as well, who heaped critical praise upon the album, even netting a rare A- grade from noted rock music curmudgeon Robert Christgau.

Five years after their eponymous debut LP London's Hot Border Special return with a powerhouse album entitled 'Are You Ready?'

With studio wizard Malcolm Catto (The Heliocentrics/Mulatu Astake/Gaslamp Killer/Hannah Williams) at the helm, recording took place at Malcolm's Quatermass Sound in London, where the band recorded the freshest of tracks sure to inflict the severest head nod inducing whiplash!

Hot Border Special certainly aren't afraid to take risks, with heavy tracks like opener 'Woo!' a funk/rock/latin killer and Cop Drama funk of 'Who is Tony Soap?' - showcasing just how filthy a groove can get - contrasting effortlessly with the mellow beauty of 'Good Egg Bad Egg' or the funky Sly inspired 'The Martha Strut'. They even take on classic Bollywood theme 'Sholay' and Mandrill's stonecold classic 'Mandrill' to thrilling effect.

'Are You Ready?' is a true representation of Hot Border Special's Live show, displaying fantastic musicianship but never sounding in the least self-indulgent and with members from bands including The Heliocentrics, The Quantic Soul Orchestra, The Mighty Mocambos, Noisettes & JetTricks to name but a few. The very heaviest of drums and percussion from Dan Hale and Paul Elliott underpin the funkiest of bass from Jamie Lawrence and with Dan Smith's soaring rock guitars let loose alongside James Beckett's psychedelic keys, Hot Border Special have produced a surefire future classic. Truly powerful - you've probably heard nothing quite like it, the only question is...Are You Ready?!

Helen Merrill has done something very few others have done in the world of


jazz for, just with one record, she has come to be considered one of jazz's


greats. Usually a budding new star has to do quite a bit of waiting before he or


she can be acclaimed. It all depends on the public's opinion of the musician's


merits. Sarah Vaughan"amongst the singers "and Julian "Cannonball"


Adderley"among the instrumentalists"have had to take their place in the


queue awaiting the people's favourable reaction. In Helen Merrill's case
Notte e Giorno

Night and Day

Accade Tutto A Me

Everything Happens To Me

Autunno a New York

Autumn in New York

Perchè Non Fai Di Tutto

Why Don't You Do Right

Tu Non Sai Cosa Sia L'Amore

You Don't Know What Love Is

Queste Piccole Sciocche Cose

These Foolish Things

Aprile A Parigi

April in Paris

Ti Ho Nella Pelle

I've Got You Under My Skin

Solitudine

Solitude

Salice Piangi Per Me

Willow Weep For Me

Quando il tuo Amore

When Your Lover Has Gone

Helen Merrill has done something very few others have done in the world of

jazz for, just with one record, she has come to be considered one of jazz's

greats. Usually a budding new star has to do quite a bit of waiting before he or

she can be acclaimed. It all depends on the public's opinion of the musician's

merits. Sarah Vaughan—amongst the singers —and Julian "Cannonball"

Adderley—among the instrumentalists—have had to take their place in the

queue awaiting the people's favourable reaction. In Helen Merrill's case

however, it only needed her 1955 recording with Clifford Brown and Oscar

Pettiford—with arrangements by Quincy Jones—for the critics to state that at

long last jazz had a fair skinned singer. And yet we cannot exclude June

Christy, Anita O'Day or Chris Connor. It was just that Helen seemed to have

that certain "je ne sais quoi" which, before her splendid entry into the realm of

jazz, seemed to be exclusive right and property of the coloured singers—with

Billie Holliday leading the field.

Helen was born in New York thirty years ago. Her "education" in jazz was

handled by musicians like Bud Powell, Miles Davis and J. J. Johnson, and then

she carried on to her first important musical engagement—Earl Hines and his

orchestra. Her style is decisively "instrumental" and her interpretations never

set up that old problem of styling which often crops up when we think of the

recordings of other modern singers, that is whether it's really jazz or whether

we are listening only ballads to pazz style. Helen uses her voice with

intelligente and is deliberately "discret" i.e. she tries to make her voice seem

like an added instrument to the orchestra. Her recordings of "Willow Weep for

Me" and "Everything Happens to Me" are especially good examples of this

ability of hers.

In 1960 Helen Merrill went on a tour round Europe and was the star at the

Comblain La Tour Jazz Festival. Later, she came to Italy in order to record a

series of concerts for a television programme called "Moderato Swing" with

Piero Umiliani and his orchestra. She has also recorded 4 songs in Italian with

Armando Trovajoli and his orchestra (a 45 r.p.m. extended play—RCA EPA 30-

387). She has even been to sing in Japan...

In this record are gathered the songs that Helen Merrill sung for the Italian TV

show I have just mentioned. The Italian words have been kept from the original

and they are by Fernando Cajati.

In "Night and Day", "Everything Happens to Me", "Autumn in New York", "These

Foolish Things" and "I've Got You under My Skin", Helen Merril is accompained

by a sextet made up by Piero Umiliani (piano), Nini Rosso (trumpet), Gino

Marinacci (baritone sax), Enzo Grillini (guitar), Berto Pisano (bass) and Sergio

Conti (drums). In the other items we hear instead a quartet formed by Piero

Umiliani (piano and celesta), Nino Culasso (trumpet), Tonino Ferrelli (bass) and

Ralph Ferraro (drums).

IND 003 is the 2nd Vinyl release on INDUSTRIA. Robi Insinna’s new project label. Industria is not just about music, but also products, art and more. This record one can say was planned a while back when Robi had a DJ gig together with Vox Low. The next day while meeting in the lobby for a late coffee and a croissant in a quiet Bordeaux Hotel, the idea came for a swap Remix on Vinyl. When Robi started Industria, he still had in mind that the second Vinyl release could be that swap. Guess both Artist coming from a similar background and working in a similar analog organic style liked the idea and knew what they would get sound wise would be something both have plenty to play with.

On the A side Vox Low remixed Robi’s HARD WORK, which was already released in 2018 including a remix by Die Wilde Jagd. Vox Low turned the track into a dark more dancefloor orientated version. Still with the trademark Vox Low sounds and Guitars.

On the B side Robi remixed You Are A Slave. He liked all the sounds so much that he thought it is better to keep as much from the original as possible, still trying to make it his own version. He added percussion to create a more funky/dark sound and extended the track. The dub was done in an old school kind of way. All the parts where laid out on a mixer and assigned to various tape delays and reverbs and would be dubbed real time, in the school of Mad Professor or Lee Perry. Not an easy approach and it needed several takes till it started making sense. All mistakes and organic things where important to this Dub.

• This is the 1974 debut studio album by soul singer William DeVaughn

• Features the classic and much covered and sampled track ‘Be Thankful for What You Got’ – sampled by Massive Attack on Blue Lines album, covered by Arthur Lee and Love

• Featuring the crème of the Philadelphia session crew MFSB

• Soul classic reissued on 180gm heavyweight vinyl with original artwork and printed inner sleeve