Hip-Hop Vinyl New Releases - News

- 180 GRAM AUDIOPHILE VINYL
- HIGH QUALITY PVC PROTECTIVE SLEEVE
- GATEFOLD SLEEVE INCLUDING INSIDE LINER
NOTES
- A GREAT SELECTION OF HITS AND TRACKS, FEATURING LOVE GAMES', HOT WATER', RUNNING
IN THE FAMILY', LESSONS IN LOVE' AND MANY MORE
- LIMITED PRESSING OF 750 INDIVIDUALLY NUMBERED COPIES ON TRANSPARENT GREEN VINYL

In the early eighties Level 42 started out as a jazz-funk fusion band in the United Kingdom, formed by Mark King and the Gould brothers (Phil and Rowland). During
the Brit Funk era, they met up with Mike Lindup and Wally Badarou (who would become a fifth member in all but name) and recorded their first single Love Meeting Love'.

Their follow-up Love Games' cracked the UK Top 40 and had success in Europe. What followed was a string of minor hits with The Sun Goes Down (Living It Up),
Hot Water' but the big breakthrough was with Something About You' in 1985.

The single was Level 42's first American hit, and would do well on both sides of the Ocean. The band carried on delivering hits through their funky, jazzy songs with
finger popping good grooves and infectious rhythms.
During the following years up until today, Level 42 are recording records and continue to tour the world, although in a slightly different line-up.


The Collected double vinyl album contains a selection of their songs from the earlier years of Starchild' up until Tracie' and Take A Look'.


These tracks, specially remastered for vinyl, are exciting, standing the test of time,delivered by a timeless band.

Supreme MPB/bossa-nova vibes here on both tracks from our leading Brazil 45's lady, Claudia.
'Diexa o Morro Cantar' features on Claudia's very first 7', relaeased in 1965 by RGE Brazil.
Claudia's version 'Mas Que Nada' is more of a jazzy, folk-funk take on the Ben classic. A relatively recent discovery made during our last trip to Brazil.

Gritty & raw tight funk breaks, with Hammond organs, electric pianos, exotic instruments, razor sharp guitar lines & nasty thick bass lines. All recorded live to tape with vintage tube studio gear.

In 2005, a new zoo opened in Lausanne, Switzerland. Its wild animals have been going bananas in their quest to create a more dancefloor-friendly world. Now released, the zoo residents can be tracked by their heavy funk smells. Follow their scent past retro-psychedelia and turn left after organic garage.

"Released!" is the debut album by Kind & Kinky Zoo. It is a collection of brand new tracks, early singles as well as remixes and features a guest apperance by rapper Afu-Ra.

Kind & Kinky Zoo are:

Flute : Olivier Bill

Bass & Fuzz: Pierre-Henri Beyrière

Keys : Marc Siegenthaler

Drums & Percussions: Sylvain Rütti

This record is a collaborative between MarQ Spekt and experimental, proto-new wave musician Gary Wilson (Stones Throw). It's rare that you get the opportunity to work with the actual artist rather than just sampling his records. Gary opened his vaults and provided sample soundscapes. Some of these instrumentals date back to 1973 and may have been heard before. Others may not. The ending result is a pure creative expression and meshes Hip-Hop, Psychedelic, Jazz and Funk. Soak up the vibrations and enjoy! This is the kind of idea that makes you enjoy the fringes of rap more than what's in the spotlight. With that said, Broken Mazes' sounds

weirder on paper than it does in the headphones. Gary Wilson is an awesomely strange dude with some outré music under his belt, but for this project Spekt wisely sticks with the more accessible sides of Wilson's catalog. It's all breezy jazz-funk with some vague psychedelic touches for extra oomph, a wide-open field for Spekt to run his free-flowing bars. The result is relaxed and enjoyable, if at times a bit unfocused - kinda like a good open-ended improve session by a talented jazz band.

Norman Jay MBE presents his new compilation 'Mister Good Times' via Sunday Best Recordings. 'Mister Good Times' is the latest in Norman Jay's long-running 'Good Times' series which started in 2000.
Norman Jay is undoubtedly one of the finest and highly respected DJs today and yet again pulls from his impressive collection to provide the ultimate soul / funk selection.
Explaining his selection for this new 'Mister Good Times' compilation, Norman Jay MBE says: These are all the sort of tracks that I'd play in the early morning sunshine whilst we were setting up at Notting Hill Carnival. It's stuff that I'd play for myself before the crowds turned up. Just that classic Good Times mix with all the different elements I love: disco, Philly, James Brown, 90s hip-hop, reggae, etc.'
The results prove that whilst the Good Times sound system itself - and its appearances at Notting Hill Carnival, which helped make Norman and Good Times a legend around the globe - may be no more, the spirit of Good Times lives on as it has always done in the music. People who used to come to arrive early doors carnival will know exactly what this is about,' says Norman.
Heavyweight double LP with digital download code.

In 1973, EMI Records Nigeria released the 45 rpm disc Fuel for Love' b/w Soundway,' credited to a mysterious band called Wrinkar Experience. The record was a finely-crafted gem of pop-rock and funky soul as had never before been heard coming out of the country's nascent rock scene, and it ended up being the biggest selling Nigerian single up until that point. The success of Wrinkar Experience effectively demonstrated that was a market for homegrown pop and rock, and sent record labels scrambling to sign similar bands, kicking off the Nigerian rock revolution that is still being celebrated and discovered by new generations today. But while Wrinkar Experience launched the movement, the group itself would be short-lived: after another hit single in 1973, the band's frontman Danie Ian split for a solo career. The remaining principal players in the group—Cameroonian musicians Ginger Forcha and Edjo'o Jacques Racine—tried to keep the Wrinkar name going before giving it up and rebranding themselves as Rock Town Express. Rock Town Express's debut LP Funky Makossa was recorded in 1974 for ARC Records, the cutting-edge studio and label established in Lagos by English drum legend Ginger Baker. The album showcased in long format the qualities that had only been hinted at on the Wrinkar Experience singles: bright, confident pop melodies, articulate lyrics, and darkly potent funk-rock. Comb & Razor Sound is proud to present a new, fully-authorized reissue of Funky Makossa, featuring the seven tracks from the original release, plus I Am A Natural Man' and I Don't Want To Know,' from Wrinkar Experience's seldom-heard third and final single.

Brazilian mid tempo boogie double header. We've been playing these two out for the last couple of years and they are firm favourites.
'E Novamente Mas Que Nada' is the opening track from Reseda's 1979 album on Som Livre. An ultra catchy vocal hook, boogie guitars and synths lead into a piano and cuica breakdown and horns to finish. One of the finest in the genre in our
opinion.
'Ginga' is taken from Robson Jorge & Lincoln Olivetti's self-titled
masterpiece, reissued on Mr Bongo. Arguably the most immediate and club friendly track from the album, it always turns heads. Another premium example of Brazilian boogie from the masters of the sound and producers for the likes of Rita Lee, Erasmo Carlos, Don Beto, Marcos Valle, Tim Maia, Gilberto Gil, Gal Costa, Sandra Sa, Painel de Controle and many more.



 

Spyder Turner, originally born Dwight Turner in West Virginia, moved to Detroit and worked as a singer, musician and producer from the late 50s. In the 60s he recorded at MGM before joining Norman Whitfield at Whifield Records. Here he recorded two albums, Music Web' from 1978 including the two outstanding tracks presented here. He also worked with Rose Royce during his time at Whitfield. I've Been Waiting' has been in particular high demand, original copies exchanging hands for vast sums. This is the first time full length versions of both songs have been available on 7'.

Raphael 'Ray' Munnings is famously known as the band leader and singer of the mighty Bahamian Funk legends The Beginning Of The End, he is also a formidable solo artist in his own right with a clutch of sought after, rare 7" singles throughout the early to late 70's as well as numerous appearances with his band. 'Opportunity Knockin' from 1972 is an early one from Ray, released on TK Disco's Alston imprint, it's often been a rare 45 and doesn't show up very often. 'Opportunity Knockin' is channelling the usual sun-soaked vibes of his later material this single is a sweet one for summertime, breezy horn infused funk with tough drums and that Caribbean vibe. The b-side is also a winner, 'Sleep On, Dream On' is an uptempo slice of wah wah driven Soul with a serious groove and a peace-loving, ecologist theme running through Ray's vocals. Sublime stuff, for real fans of Funk and Soul rarities!

Nab this rare 45 of Caribbean Soul, re-issued here in it's original 45 rpm format with the original Alston label artwork. It's been re-mastered, re-pressed and made available again with the permission of TK Disco / Alston Records, Miami Florida, USA.

Released due to demand this is the 2 track 12" Vinyl format of the massive #1 single featuring Bruno Mars. Ltd to 4000 units. B side is a "BB Disco Dub Mix". Radio playlists, heavy MTV video rotation & TV ads for the album. Continued promo & marketing activity.

Disco Stomper with Diva Vocals Another extremely rare underground record on P&P. This time however and quite shockingly not a Patrick Adams or a Greg Carmichael production. Nonetheless Ain't it time' is a massive Disco cut written, arranged and produced by Arthur Manning and P. J. Wyatt paired with great Vocals by Soul, Disco and Gospel vocalist Gwendolyn Dennison better known for her stage name as Queen Yahna. Queen Yahna's Career has seen her perform on Broadway as Maria in the Hit Musical, "Porgy & Bess" and the National Company of "The Wiz" as "Evillene". Based in Berlin, Germany, Queen Yahna has had a successful career outside theater as well, cutting a few dance records over the years.

UMe & USM are pleased to reveal the next vinyl release for Stevie Wonder with a remastered reissue of the Original Musiquarium I on 180-gram heavyweight 2LP, the classic 1982 compilation that combined the 12 of Stevie's biggest hits including "Superstition", "Master Blaster (Jammin')", "Higher Ground", "Isn't She Lovely", "You Are the Sunshine of My Life", "I Wish", "Sir Duke", "Living for the City" and more, alongside the new - at the time - tracks "Ribbon in the Sky", "Front Line", "That Girl" as well as the full version of Do I Do' (clocking in a funk workout of over 10 minutes long!)










[J] C1. Superwoman (Where Were You When I Needed You)

Betino's Records proudly presents its third release: an EP by the very sharp collective The Big Hustle. The band founded in 2014 by bass player and composer Sébastien Levanneur, brings
together 70's old school funk with the hippest actual sound with influences spanning from Steely Dan to Snarky Puppy, from Mandrill to Lettuce and from Herbie Hancock (Manchild era) to Soulive.
With mighty horn players, a rock and funky rhythm section, and percussions added to it, The Big Hustle's music has a very large variety of sound landscapes. Still, the music never loses the groove and always stays close to the funk.
The A side opens with "Afrorever", a tribute to African culture and music. The guest of honor on this song is legendary Malian musician Cheick Tidiane Seck, longtime partner of Salif Keita, and collaborator of Joe Zawinul, Carlos Santana and Damon Albarn to name a few. After Cheick's introduction, the songs jumps into a typical afrobeat vibe featuring a tight and powerful horn section, suddenly breaks into an electro funk groove and ends in a furious percussive party.
Second track on the A side is "Faure is the Magic Number". It is dedicated to Thomas Faure (co-composer of the track) and François Faure (both featured on this song on tenor sax and keyboards respectively). This piece displays the band's ability to blend jazz-funk groove with a heavy hip-hop beat. Kind of DJ Premier meets Steely Dan.
The B side starts with "Afrorever (Sun's Up Mix)". Through this mix, one can acknowledge instantly Olivier Portal's touch. From the very first chords, he conveys us into his realm blending warm and melancholy keyboards with an old school deep-house rhythm pattern.
The fourth track is called 1, 2, 1, 2'. It is a purely improvised moment in the studio while the band was sound checking before recording with special guest rapper Raashan Ahmad. Nicolas Gueguen had the good idea to press the R button and what you hear is basically what happened afterwards.

Enjoy!

A 12inch single from the incredible French Afro Funk band including remixes by the one and only Osunlade under the collective name of Yoruba Soul!

Since their first acclaimed album Apiafo and its irresistible single Pas contente', these Lyon (France) natives never turned down the heat over 160 stages across Europe, Africa, Canada, Japan... Peter Solo has displayed his amulets, voodoo chants and charisma around the globe. When it came time for them to harness their Afro Soul sound for the second time, they turned their attention once again to their analog strengths. On the road
Peter Solo and Osunlade met and could share their musical visions. It was obvious that this two will share their spiritual music experiences.

Kidayu is the name of the second opus which means sharing': it's exactly what those versions of On se pousse' are about: a true futuristic Hi-life, a great meeting of two ardent defenders of the Afro Soul sounds ! Limited press, mastered by Carvery.

- 180 GRAM AUDIOPHILE VINYL
- INCLUDING 8 PAGE BOOKLET WITH LYRICS
- 40 YEAR ANNIVERSARY EDITION
- INCLUDING THE HITS STRAWBERRY LETTER
23', RUNNIN' FOR YOUR LOVIN'' AND Q'
- LIMITED EDITION OF 1000 NUMBERED COPIES
ON 'STRAWBERRY RED' VINYL

Louis and George Johnson formed The Brothers Johnson under the auspices of Quincy Jones in 1975, releasing this second album in 1977. With Quincy at the helm as producer, the duo quickly broke wide open with its debut album.

The Brothers Johnson's second album Right on Time consists of some of the best proto-typical funk-soul grooves from the late 70s. The album is again produced by Quincy Jones and his contributions ensure the high quality of the instrumental arrangements and general glossiness of the audio production as in their debut album. Several of the tracks are as good as anything Michael Jackson or Earth Wind and Fire would've produced around this time, particularly Runnin' For Your Lovin'', Strawberry Letter 23' and Never Leave You Lonely'. There are also two fantastic instrumentals, Q' and Brother Man' that are both irrepressibly funky, with Louis Johnson's tight bass providing the solid rhythmic
foundation he is famous for. Fusion fans will be familiar with several of the backing musicians: Harvey Mason, Dave Grusin and Lee Ritenour to name a few.


The single Strawberry Letter 23' gained a #5 spot in the US billboard charts and #1 on the US R&B billboard. The album received platinum.

Our hero, Jo Tongo (born Joseph Ekambi Tongo Mpondo) was born and raised in Douala Cameroon. In 1964 he headed off to Paris to begin Pharmaceutical studies. Somewhere along the way the music in his soul eventually won out and he embarked on a life of music. In the latest of our series of "Funk Experimentals" LPs we dig for the funk. Not necessarily the artists greatest hits but most definitely the funkiest ear benders. We proudly compile together tracks from 1968 to 3 new brand new exclusive tracks from present day 2017. And yes, they all have the funk. In spades.

The album opens up with stunningly catchy Jangolo. Jo's awesomely funky bass and percussive "jangly" guitar. The track is underpinned by African drums, funky stabs and 70s nascent synthesiser string machines. Next up we take a trip to 1979 and "Funky Feeling" from Jo's "Those Flowers" album. Here the beats are big, the strings are sweet and the clavi is into overdrive. We then jump back to 1976 for the evergreen, horn-puncher, funk stomper "Piani". Before the sweet smooth funk of "Those Flowers".

Next up is "American Lady" with the bright strings, jangly guitars and driving keys. All locked on to maximize the groove. We then take a trip back to 1968 for Jo's second single the ever so funky and ever so ahead of its time, "Dig It Babe". Soul, horns, groove and punch all in two perfect packages. Part 1 and Part 2. Next up it is the funk boogie afro swingers "Ewande".

Bringing things up date we jump forward to 2017, present day. Jo has been making music more or less non-stop and here we are lucky to premier three brand new tracks. The drums are punchy, the guitars ooze the funk and the locked on keys tie the tracks together in one tight-as package. Jo is on the production and at the controls for the mix. "Lion Roar" is first with its driving clavinet and all-out-assault funky drums. The brass is big and this song is Bold with a capital "B". "It's The D Day" is next with swinging soul style groove before "Mystic Power" features a ballsy brass-laden beat and jazz funk overtones.

Many thanks Jo for choosing the music. Nearly 50 years at the top of the game.

The second release of secret SWAT manoeuvre's from the US of A ! After the instant sellout DJ Nature 12", SWAT come through with a devastating & loving homage to The Basement Boys' and Amiri Baraka's 2001 jam "An American Poem"
Malik Ameer is a veteran M.C. in the experimental Rap/Jazz scenes of California and NYC. Ameer is also an internationally published poet with five books of poems to his name, he hosts and curates 'Poets Live' in Paris, France and is the editor for several literary journals based out of New York City.
Houston born, Manhattan based Leron Thomas is a critically acclaimed writer, artist, and trumpeter who has worked with many household names from a variety of genres including Michael Stipe, Lauryn Hill, Bobby Watson, Roy Hargrove, Bilal and Mos Def, to name but a few. From 2004 onward he has developed his genre-crossing music incorporating singer/songwriter, Jazz, Funk, Electro-pop and Rock, releasing nine solo artist records championed by the likes of Gilles Peterson etc.
Malik is a longtime friend and production collaborator of Leron, as well as lending his emcee skills to both Thatmanmonkz' solo work, and their collaborative Hip Hop project 'Madison Washington'. 'Amerikkan Poem' was recorded in Sheffield, Paris, and New York. Super limited US imports - blink and you'll miss 'em.

After so many successful compilation series' on Tramp like the critically-acclaimed Movements, Feeling Nice, and Praise Poems comps, the people behind the label decided that the jewel of golden-era funk, soul, jazz, r&b and groove was so brilliant and multifaceted, it was necessary to found a new one. Those of you who collect our vinyl compilations may have realized that each respective side of each double LP focuses on a certain genre. Countdown to...Soul is no exception, four sides focus on four different facets of the golden era of Soul music.

Jackie Johnson's opener gives you a taste of what you can expect on Side A: raw funky-soul from the late '60 with a gospel feel (The Chances), midtempo, finger-snapping Soul (Hank Hodge and Holly Carroll) and in between an obviously James Brown influenced cut by 15-year old lead singer Archie Brooks (The Fugitives) who emulates the Godfather's cadence smartly.

Side B is all about soul-jazz instrumentals for fans of Ramsey Lewis and Jimmy Smith. Don Patterson is probably the biggest name, followed by Ulysses Crockett. Spider Martin and the John Lewis Sound are lesser known, but this our mission at Tramp is to shed a deserved spotlight on their funky talent.

Side C jumps right into the mid '70s and its slick dancefloor-funk sound. Reuben Bell is probably the best known artist on this album. The other two cuts are no new discoveries for the seasoned funk 45 collector, however regular music buyers are likely to be hearing their names and tunes for the first time.

Admittedly, Side D might be an acquired taste. However, Tramps intention is (and always has been) to seek for the unknown and to present songs which are hard to categorize. "Tell It Like It Is", "The Steel Man" and "I Helped You Go" could be filed under 'country-funk' if such a genre existed. And what song could complete this album better than John Brown's beautiful "The Sound Of The Wind"

So there you have it, more than a dozen obscure but brilliant Rare Grooves where the majority of the songs have not been compiled anywhere else. This could be the beginning of another successful series. It's up to you.

Excellent funk out of Lousiana! The World Wonders' Funky Washing Machine has been discovered in the early days of the deep-funk movement. Surprisingly, neither the a-side nor Flip A Coin, a killer jazzy-funk instrumental, have been compiled yet except bootlegged on a compilation more than 15 years ago. Go and get it regardless if you own an original copy or not. Leave your OG copy at home as this re-issue sounds razor-sharp!

Key selling points:

- limited to 500 copies

- professionally mastered for the best quality possible

- fully licensed

12" + 16-page melozine

A few years ago, Melodies family members Floating Points and DJ Red Greg got their hands on a couple of original 70s obscurities. While these standout records shone brightly in their own right, the two DJs saw the potential to create their own edits behind the scenes, finely attuning the original versions to modern-day dancefloor standards. Of these new recordings, they cut only five copies for themselves and a few DJ friends of theirs. Today, Melodies International is very proud to bring you MEL006 and MEL007. Fully licensed, lovingly mastered to the highest possible standards and carefully edited to dial up that dancefloor enjoyment, these two 'You're A Melody' classics weren't originally meant to get official releases. But due to popular request, they are now available to play and share in very special moments at parties around the world. MEL7, Maurice Moore's ethereal Hammond bass soul anthem 'Everything That Shines Ain't Gold", is pressed as a 12-inch, with parts 1 and 2 from the original 7-inch merged on one side, and the FP edit on the flip. A multi-instrumentalist, the talented Moore grew up in Chicago listening to music from the local scene, including the likes of Etta James, Boe Diddly and Chuck Berry. Unable to pay for guitar lessons, Moore learned what a major, a minor and a 7th chord were from his uncle and went from there. After opening for legendary acts such as James Brown, Parliament, Funkadelic and Kool & the Gang, Moore and his band went on to record their debut album in 1976 before he took a back seat in the 80s to focus on the business side of things

Swing jazz production (sax, trumpet, percussion, bass, piano) produced by Gianni Vitale (Nexy Lanton-You Too, S.M.S.-La Vie C'est Fantastique, Squeeze Up-La Isla Bonita, Jdstreams-Another Sun) and featuring Claudia Borroni, italian showgirl (Scorie, Buona La Prima, Uomini & Donne) recent star of the burlesque calendar 2011 De Nardi.

Last volume of this compilation series, again a great one.., Holding amazing tunes from across the globe that you probably already have been looking for.... TIP!!
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Over the last five years and as many volumes of their Beach Diggin' compilations, Guts and Mambo have explored the reefs of five continents, dredged the sea beds of countless seas and oceans, examined every single seashell with the aim of making sure that no vinyl pearl should escape their notice.

Tunisian reggae, Japanese disco, West Indian jazz-funk, the duo's aesthetic dribbling skills would stop the savviest Brazilian football player dead in his tracks, and it was with this in mind that they proceeded to select their discoveries. With a marked preference for meditative free-diving rather than tour package scuba diving, and isolated spots rather than massively overdeveloped beachfronts.
For this latest instalment of their adventures, Guts and Mambo have organised another expedition around the world, to salute the spots where for the last five years they have uncovered rare specimens, saving some of them from total extinction, while shining a light on others that amply deserved it.

Though each Beach Diggin' compilation can be listened to independently of the others, the five together now form a kind of navigational chart signalling with its green flags the places where, in Africa, Europe, Asia, America, and the South Pacific, they gambolled on sandy beaches, avoiding the well-trodden path, becoming more and more demanding with each passing year.
Beach diggin' is a state of mind...

The man, the myth, the legend that is Danny 'Soopasoul' Bennett has returned to spread the good word of funk once again.

'Pushin' Weight' is the storming new instrumental track from our man Soopasoul and as usual it doesn't disappoint. Rambunctious sax lines and soaking wet wah wah chords ride over the tight drums and grooving congas. There's more breaks than a fat man running a marathon with this floor filler and more exciting still, it's coming out on 7" vinyl for your listening pleasure.

The aptly titled B-side and perfect foil to this funky monster is his classic track - the fan favourite: 'Brand Nu' which has had a cheeky little 7" rework to make it, well...brand new.

ALFIE DAVISON first came to prominence in the early seventies as a DJ on the New York dance scene breaking cutting edge singles such as Soul Makossa' by Manu Dibango. Eventually he hit with his own song -- Who's Gonna Love Me' -- recorded by The Imperials and breaking the U.K. Top 20 in December 1977. Davison did record his own version which saw a release in the U.S.A. on the RCA imprint, but it failed to chart.
However, it was his sublime single - Love Is Serious Business' - that propelled him into the Northern Soul Hall of Fame. Released on Mercury Records in 1979, in both 7 and 12-inch formats, it was an instant hit in the North of England where it packed the floor at Wigan Casino courtesy of the forward-thinking DJ Richard Searling who, at the time, favoured the rare 12-inch import.
Sadly, the song failed to chart despite a favourable reception in the trade magazine Billboard, although, oddly, it was reviewed in the Pop', rather than the Soul' section. Davison was completely unaware of the serious' club action that the song received in the U.K. and he never performed it in public, until Ian Levine met up with him at the dawn of the new millennium, in Brooklyn, for the filming of The Strange World Of Northern Soul'.
Alfie Davison passed away in 2014 and leaves behind a small but precious legacy that will be forever cherished in the Hearts and Souls of Northern Soul fans worldwide.

COBBLESTONE Trick Me, Treat Me' polarized opinion when it was launched onto the Northern Soul scene in the latter half of the Seventies by DJ Richard Searling. Whatever side of the cobblestone's you were on, it captured the dance floor at Wigan Casino and became one of the biggest sounds of the decade. 40 years on and it's still in demand, particularly with record dealers as it's a sure-fire seller every time it's listed - which is increasingly infrequent. Trick Me, Treat Me' was co-written and produced by Reid Whitelaw who also gave us the brilliant Love Is Serious Business' by Alfie Davison (also available from Outta Sight). The group would eventually morph into Magic Night who filled the floor at Blackpool Mecca with If You And Had Never Met', also produced by Whitelaw. As befitting the strange world of Northern Soul, all is not quite as it appears. The group were originally called Yellow Brick Road and a few copies of Trick Me, Treat Me' were pressed under that name. Bob Reno at Mercury decided it was too confusing with Elton John's chart topping album and withdrew the disc!

THE MOODS Rainmaker' was released in the same year as Trick Me, Treat Me', 1970, and was produced by Philly legend John Madara. The two sides are further connected by the aforementioned Reid Whitelaw who, today, administers the Madara catalogue, however, that's where the similarities end. The Moods pedigree is firmly rooted in black music having been born out of The Volcanos whose legacy includes the wonderful Storm Warning', Help Wanted', You're Number 1' and Laws Of Love'. When The Volcanos disbanded part of the line-up went on to form the nucleus of super group The Trammps who hit the Northern scene with Scrub-board' a couple of years later. Other group members formed The Moods releasing Rainmaker' which became a Northern Soul classic most associated with the Talk Of The North' All-Nighters on the pier at Cleethorpes. Ironically The Trammps appeared live at Cleethorpes to celebrate the First Anniversary All-Nighter, 21st Feb, 1976.

There is a long-standing love affair between DJ Harvey and Pikes, Ibiza. As well as coming back for his third consecutive 'Mercury Rising' residency, the legendary 'DJs' DJ has been appointed 'Cultural Attaché' for Pikes, meaning his magic touch and feel-good presence will create even more special moments at Pikes this summer, including the launch of new label, Pikes Records.

In 2015 DJ Harvey made his hugely anticipated return to Ibiza and made Pikes his home for his Mercury Rising debut, a concept inspired by the beauty of the real Ibiza, the incredible history of Pikes and a genuine love for music. The love, the dancing, the music and the Balearic spirit perfectly and poetically encapsulated by DJ Harvey has seen Mercury Rising widely recognised as the most special night to embrace the island in over a decade.

The next step in the Harvey and Pikes story sees him launch Pikes Records - the first record label founded by Pikes owners and Ibiza Rocks Co-Founders Andy McKay and Dawn Hindle. On the label, Harvey explains: I see so many avenues to work together to release music, everything from live recordings from Ibiza Rocks and Pikes, mix tapes, original productions, showcasing new artists, there's all sorts of avenues to open up.'

With the finer details still under wraps, it's safe to say fans can look forward to the first release being Harvey's very own Mercury Rising compilation. But what can we expect from the third instalment of Mercury Rising Putting it quite simply, Just a serious good time really' says Harvey.

The Sound Of Mercury Rising will be released September 1st on Pikes Records and DJ Harvey and his infamous all night long sets return for Mercury Rising from Monday 7th August to 25th September at Pikes Hotel.

LOU LAWTON was born Lucius Lavarn Lawton in Savannah, Georgia in 1942. Shortening his name to Lou (Lew) he scored a record deal with Capitol Records at the dawn of 1966 and released the raucous Doing The Philly Dog' in March that year. The B-side featured the insistent dancer I Am Searching (For My Baby)', which was adopted by the Northern Soul scene and was also released in the UK by Jeff Kruger's Ember label. Lawton's follow-up single in the Summer of '66 was the excellent beat ballad I'm Just A Fool' coupled with the uptempo Wrapped In A Dream', also released in the UK on the Ember affiliate Speciality. Both 45s failed to garner any chart action and signalled the end of a promising major label career.
A move to New York's Wand label spawned our highlight Knick Knack Patty Wack' which, despite its odd nursery rhyme title, was an instant hit on the Northern Soul dance floors and remains a sought after original today. It was tipped by Billboard to reach the R&B Singles Chart in July 1967 but failed to capitalise on its potential.
A final hop to Cathy Lynn's short lived Heart & Soul imprint resulted in two more 45s under the moniker Lou Moondog' Lawton: the funky remake of St Louis Blues' and the 90mph Mod dancer Dollars And Cents'. Both singles were produced by the great Richard Tee but sadly did nothing to save the doomed career of the big-voiced R&B singer. Lawton passed away in 2004.
WALTER WILSON Love Keeps Me Crying' is the rarest record on the highly collectable Wand label out of New York. Until the Noughties it was considered to be an unreleased track by Walter Johnson, but thanks to Ace/Kent Records exec. and rare soul expert Ady Croasdell, an original 45 was finally unearthed. In a further twist it was revealed that the true identity of the singer was in fact the All Platinum singer/songwriter Tommy Keith.

REPRESSED !
A mixture of live recording and studio post-production, 'On Jupiter' sounds unique to any other album Sun Ra made. The arkestra reflects a disco pulse right back on itself, and delivers one of the most cohesive albums of their career. The title track is a masterpiece of gentle atonal harmony, while 'UFO' pushes along at a cracking disco-ish pace with fierce brass and spacey dub effects. This a timeless Ra classic.

The Eminent Stars were founded by saxophonist Ben Mendes and drummer Toon Oomen. They both share the love for the great music emerging from cities like New Orleans in the 60's and 70's: Dr. John, Freddie King, The Meters and many more! Just mix up some soul, Rhythm & Blues, funk and Blues and there you have it: a sound that consists of authentic elements: it's danceable, intriguing, vibrant and fresh!

Their debut Sittin' In (Tramp TRLP/CD-9035) was released in february 2014, accompanied by a 45RPM single to support the album. In the past three years the Eminent Stars heavily toured in
their home country as well as Europe. They kept writing new songs and here we go with two new, fresh cuts. "Bar Shift" features guest vocalist Bruce James while "Brown Thang" is a smokin' blues-funk instrumental. These two sides give you an excellent foretaste of their second full length album, scheduled for release in early 2018.

- 180 GRAM AUDIOPHILE VINYL
- FIRST PRESSING OF 1000 INDIVIDUALLY
NUMBERED COPIES ON PINK VINYL

Demon Fuzz was an afro-rock group of which its members had all immigrated to Britain from Commonwealth countries. The band's name means devil's children or bad policemen'. They originally played soul, but the music they heard during a trip to Morocco lead to a change in their style to what has been described as a blend of funk, rock, jazz and African music.

Released in 1970 the band's only album, the extraordinary
Afreaka!, demonstrates their excellence in playing psychedelic soul, dub-heavy funk, progressive rock, Afro-jazz and black acid rock. Demon Fuzz these days are amongst the most bootlegged and sampled bands from the early 70s British underground. This re-release, which includes the stunning and rare EP that at the time was released along with the album, tells the band's full story
for the first time ever.

All tracks were credited to Ray Rhoden and W. Raphael Joseph, except for the second track, which was credited to W. Mitchel and Paddy Corea. Corea was also credited with all arrangements'. It was a Billboard 4-STAR' selection in June 1971.

Released in 1970 the band's only album, the extraordinary Afreaka!, demonstrates their excellence in playing psychedelic soul, dub- heavy funk, progressive rock, afrojazz and black acid rock. Demon Fuzz these days are amongst the most bootlegged and sampled bands from the early 70s British underground. It was a Billboard "4- STAR" selection in June 1971.

The band's name means "devil's children or bad policemen". They originally played soul, but the music they heard during a trip to Morocco lead to a change in their style to what has been described as a blend of funk, rock, jazz, and African music. Afreaka! is now available as a limited edition of 2000 individually numbered copies on purple translucent coloured vinyl. The sleeve has a nice linen laminate finish

La Mambanegra (The Black Mamba) is a powerful latin music orchestra. Its venom is made of 70s NYC Salsa and elements of Jamaican and Colombian music, Funk and Hip Hop. Made up of some of Colombia's finest players, La Mambanegra are the advance guard for the rebirth of Salsa, twisting the genre into the 21st Century.

Inspired by the story of an anonymous and mythical hero of the Barrio Obrero, a popular neighborhood of Cali, who had a series of fantastic adventures in Cali, La Habana and New York, this band brings a new concept of Salsa and Latin Music to the world.

But, La Mambanegra are more than just salsa. Indeed, their leader Jacobo Vélez prefers to believe that they inhabit a genre all of their own. He calls it 'break-salsa', on account of the band's easy assimilation of hip-hop, ragga and knife-sharp funk.

Hailing from the Colombian salsa capital of Cali, this nine-piece have been grooving hard for four years now, their polyrhythmic, horn-heavy and thoroughly modern sound quickly earning them a devoted following across South America and beyond. Their full-throttle live shows overflowing with the absolute commitment of each band member. In Vélez, they have an exuberant, passionate leader for whom the music is an essential life force. "Salsa is sweat, sex, liquour and Pielroja cigarettes," he announces. "It's the gasoline that turns my heart on."

"As funky as James Brown and as hot as the Cali nightclubs that they light up on a regular basis... La Mambanegra are a force of nature and one of the most exciting bands to come out of Colombia for a while." Sounds And Colours

"If you go for music loaded with venom, with a spicy and dangerous mix, so push play and replay at this concoction of pure "salsa caliente"" VICE

"Achieving a balance between danceable and virtuosity is no simple feat, but bandleader-saxophonist Jacobo Velez pulls it off. To make things more interesting, he's based the band's persona on a mythical musical hero who's lived incredible adventures. A visual and sonic treat." Billboard

While frmly based in the island grooves that inspired the birth of the band nearly two decades ago, The Black Seeds' sound casts a wide net, layering funk, soul, Afrobeat, and other eclectc elements over their dub/reggae foundatons. It's contemporary groove music with infuences from soul and funk and reggae rhythms - and even rock...' explains guitarist/vocalist
Barnaby Weir.

Lead track Beter Days' is a Black Seeds classic and an excitng taster of what is to come from the new record. Rich with chugging guitars and soothing vocals, the track is warm with a positve message: Beter Days are calling, lonely nights are leaving. I see beter Days, are just around the corner. No it wont be long tll something good happens for ya.'
Described by Clash Magazine as one of the best live reggae acts on the planet,' The Black Seeds legendary eight-piece live show infuses raw energy and good vibes wherever they go, fueling mult-platnum sales and a growing worldwide following. With countless sold out tours behind them and performances at many of the world's leading festvals, The Black Seeds will be bringing touring the new record around the world this summer.

Das siebte Album der belgischen Fusion-Band BRZZVLL (Brazzaville) ist ein psychedelisches Jazz-Funk-Werk zwischen Jazz-Fusion, Afro-Funk und Rare Groove, auf dem sie nach Kollaborationen mit Poeten wie Anthony Joseph und Amir Sulaiman wieder die instrumentale Karte spielen.

Fans of the exquisite, often never-before-released funk championed by Now Again Records are no stranger to Amnesty. Based in Indianapolis in the early 1970s, the group released only two obscure 45s in their recording career. Birthed from the same scene as the Ebony Rhythm Band, Amnesty had a political edge similar to LA Carnival and the hardest brass section since The Kashmere Stage Band. In 1973 Amnesty recorded five hard, vocal funk numbers alongside some ballads and a handful of demos based around nothing more than guitar accompaniment. Only two songs were ever released, Amnesty's biting, difficult-to-categorize prog/rock/soul/funk stretched far beyond Indianpolis's bounds and the band didn't have a label to take them to the next level. Finally made available thirty three years after they were recorded, these songs are funk arranged with dangerous complexity and performed with precision - arguably the most unique funk to originate from Naptown, and some of the best music of its kind.

Another excursion into Latin and Brazilian funk and jazz from the Raro Raro label, this time setting Bobby Valentin's classic "Use It Before You Lose It" dancefloor bomb against Mongo Santamaria's funky take on "Sunshine Of Your Love" for another killer 2 sider. Double rare!

Baby It's Me is a 1977 album released by American singer Diana Ross on the Motown label that peaked at #18 on the Billboard Top 200 and #7 on the R&B album chart. The album was produced by producer Richard Perry. The LP yielded one Top 40 hit, "Gettin' Ready for Love", reaching number 27 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Other charting singles released from the album include "You Got It" and "Your Love is so Good for Me," the latter receiving a Grammy nomination. It flew up the charts. However, though it sold rapidly and deserved a longer shelf life, a Grammy nod and strong reviews....Important to note: the sentiment amongst fans and critics was that Richard Perry guided Diana to hit status with her first solo album away from the Motown machine. Her subsequent albums, save for compilations, were recorded away from Motown.
Adult Contemporary drove the success of this album, with both "Gettin' Ready for Love" (#8)(5) and "You Got It" (#9) being Top 10 hits, while the newly formed Billboard Dance charts ranked "Your Love is so Good For Me" Top 15. Although this album never made the UK charts it was certified Silver for UK sales in excess of 60,000 copies.
The album was embraced by her fans and eventually was certified Gold. Its success was driven by Adult Contemporary Airplay which traditionally is slower to impact commercial aspirations.
Ross would continue to work with Perry including on her pairing with international vocalist, Julio Iglesias on their duet, "All of You" several years later.

DELUXE REISSUE ON RED VINYL!!!!!
The Boss is a 1979 album released by Diana Ross on the Motown label.
This album was written and produced by longtime Ross collaborators Nickolas Ashford & Valerie Simpson and marked her return to Top 40 radio based on the strength of the title track, which peaked #19 on the pop singles chart, and #12 on the US R&B Chart.(2) In addition all the LP tracks went to #1 on the dance charts,(3) and peaked at #14 on the Billboard 200. It was certified Gold by the RIAA in late 90's.
For its 20th Anniversary, the album was remastered and released on CD in 1999 with 12" versions of "The Boss" and "It's My House" as extra tracks. The 12" versions of "I Ain't Been Licked" and "No One Gets the Prize"/"The Boss" appear on Diana: Deluxe Edition, and a rare remixed single version of "No One Gets the Prize" on The Motown Anthology - Diana Ross. Ivo Del Prado remixed the bass-heavy "Once in the Morning" which is a very difficult promotional-only to find. 6 out of 8 of the songs are now club classics.
Ross also promoted the album on her first HBO special, "Standing Room Only". The special was culled from her successful "Tour '79", and the setlist included the title song, "The Boss", "It's My House", "No One Gets the Prize", "I Ain't Been Licked" and "All For One".