Pop & Rock Vinyl New Releases - News

"Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, ABBA's Arrival has been hailed by many as 'the ultimate ABBA album'. Their third No.1 at home in Sweden, it also took the group to the top of the charts in 10 countries, including England, Germany and New Zealand, while also seeing ABBA enter the US Top 20 for the first (but not the last!) time in their career.To celebrate the album's original October 1976 release, we will be releasing a 2LP, half-speed mastered, 45rpm cut of the original album. In addition to this, four singles from the album will be released separately as 7' picture disc singles."

"Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, ABBA's Arrival has been hailed by many as 'the ultimate ABBA album'. Their third No.1 at home in Sweden, it also took the group to the top of the charts in 10 countries, including England, Germany and New Zealand, while also seeing ABBA enter the US Top 20 for the first (but not the last!) time in their career.To celebrate the album's original October 1976 release, we will be releasing a 2LP, half-speed mastered, 45rpm cut of the original album. In addition to this, four singles from the album will be released separately as 7' picture disc singles."

"Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, ABBA's Arrival has been hailed by many as 'the ultimate ABBA album'. Their third No.1 at home in Sweden, it also took the group to the top of the charts in 10 countries, including England, Germany and New Zealand, while also seeing ABBA enter the US Top 20 for the first (but not the last!) time in their career.To celebrate the album's original October 1976 release, we will be releasing a 2LP, half-speed mastered, 45rpm cut of the original album. In addition to this, four singles from the album will be released separately as 7' picture disc singles."

"Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, ABBA's Arrival has been hailed by many as 'the ultimate ABBA album'. Their third No.1 at home in Sweden, it also took the group to the top of the charts in 10 countries, including England, Germany and New Zealand, while also seeing ABBA enter the US Top 20 for the first (but not the last!) time in their career.To celebrate the album's original October 1976 release, we will be releasing a 2LP, half-speed mastered, 45rpm cut of the original album. In addition to this, four singles from the album will be released separately as 7' picture disc singles."

- Donna Summer gained prominence during the disco era of music, rightly earning the title The Queen of Disco' and
becoming one of the most successful recording artists of the 1970s and all-time best-selling female Artists.
- She was the first artist to have three consecutive Double Albums hit No. 1 on the US Billboard charts and also became
the first female artist to have four No. 1 singles in a thirteen-month period.
- Donna's catalogue has sold more than 130 million units worldwide and her music is still relevant today, 40 years after her
debut international hit reached #4 in the UK Singles Chart.
- This new collection features the International hits that propelled Donna's popularity through the decades, whilst working
on her classic albums with legendary producers Giorgio Moroder, Pete Bellotte, Harold Faltermeyer, John Barry, Richard
Perry, Stock Aitken Waterman and Quincy Jones.
- Donna Summer's music continues to fill the radio airwaves, is used in movie soundtracks, as well as life-style TV commercials.
- The booklet includes an Appreciation by long-term collaborators and producers, Pete Bellotte and Harold Faltermeyer.
- Available on CD, Download, Special 2LP Gatefold and 3CD Deluxe Edition

- Donna Summer gained prominence during the disco era of music, rightly earning the title The Queen of Disco' and
becoming one of the most successful recording artists of the 1970s and all-time best-selling female Artists.
- She was the first artist to have three consecutive Double Albums hit No. 1 on the US Billboard charts and also became
the first female artist to have four No. 1 singles in a thirteen-month period.
- Donna's catalogue has sold more than 130 million units worldwide and her music is still relevant today, 40 years after her
debut international hit reached #4 in the UK Singles Chart.
- This new collection features the International hits that propelled Donna's popularity through the decades, whilst working
on her classic albums with legendary producers Giorgio Moroder, Pete Bellotte, Harold Faltermeyer, John Barry, Richard
Perry, Stock Aitken Waterman and Quincy Jones.
- Donna Summer's music continues to fill the radio airwaves, is used in movie soundtracks, as well as life-style TV commercials.
- The booklet includes an Appreciation by long-term collaborators and producers, Pete Bellotte and Harold Faltermeyer.
- Available on CD, Download, Special 2LP Gatefold and 3CD Deluxe Edition












with Barbra Streisand

- This 3CD deluxe collectors' edition contains more than 50 classic tracks from 1968 onward, including more than
25 UK hits.
- This special edition includes collaborations with BARBRA STREISAND, BROOKLYN DREAMS, PAUL JABARA &
MUSICAL YOUTH.
- Soundtrack featured songs HOT STUFF, DOWN DEEP INSIDE, ROMEO, HIGHWAY RUNNER, ON THE RADIO &
LAST DANCE.
- Also includes rare Original German Cast Recordings from 'HAIR' & 'GODSPELL'.



















































[ZZA] CD14 | When love cries (single version remix)
[ZZB] CD15 | I will go with you (con te partirs) (radio edit)
[ZZC] CD16 | Love is the healer (Eric Kupper's "I feel healed" 7' mix)
[ZZD] CD17 | I got your love (radio edit)
[ZZE] CD18 | Stamp your feet (Jason Nevins radio edit)
[ZZF] CD19 | Fame (the game) (Dave Aude radio)
[ZZG] CD20 | To paris with love (Mendy radio edit)

"It all started in 1974 with the purchase of my first Mini Moog and another 70's dream machine, a white Mellotron M 400." So starts Klaus Hoffmann of his 40 years love affair with the Mellotron. Moving from Prog-Rock guitarist to Cosmic Disco warrior in a space of a few years, the birth of Cosmic Hoffmann would lead to a number of classic Kosmiche albums through-out the 1980s. Before this though came Space-Disco. Initially recorded in 1978 after endless late night sessions exploring the new realms of this free form electronic music, the first incarnation was recorded live to tape for a failed film project. An uplifting spaced-out synth journey, it was the later reworked version that would go on to become the lost cult classic. With added disco syncopation taking the track into interstellar spheres, it appeared only as a flipside of Cosmic Hoffmann's first and last single, "Weltraumboogie", in 1982. Unfortunately the release did not make much impression at the time but has become highly sought-after for the more leftfield DJ and music lovers in the years since. Now fully licensed and remastered, the inclusion of the unreleased 1978 Original will be only add to the collectors dream.

We're delighted to announce the reissue as this ultra-rare LP, originally issued on JSR Records back in 1980. Heavily influenced by the likes of Bobby Hutcherson and Roy Ayers, 'Taking Care Of Business' is full of positive, uptempo soul/jazz gems, featuring Ted Coleman's wonderful vibraphone playing throughout. Not only did Coleman both sing and play piano, synth and vibes on the record, but he also designed the artwork himself, a true DIY LP if ever there was one. This DIY ethos even extended to the New Jersey label JSR who originally pressed the LP, describing themselves as: "a new company that helps working club bands that can sell their own records. JSR artists spend no money for recording or production costs, and there are no recording contracts." This could well explain the album's rarity, with original copies selling on Discogs for eye-wateringly high prices.
Ted Coleman cut his teeth playing local clubs and venues in his hometown of Pittsburgh, where his skills on vibes and mallet percussion quickly earned him popularity in the local area. 'Taking Care Of Business' was his very first studio album, blending latin rhythms with smooth jazz and soul stylings. The musicianship on the record is striking, the vocals mellow and soulful, the lyrics warm and
tender: put simply this album is designed to warm the heart. Still writing and recording at 'Joyful Noise', his Metuchen New Jersey studio, Ted Coleman also performs across the US with his "Good Vibes" band. We hope you find as much joy in this scarce and remarkable debut LP as we do.

Originally released on the mighty Y Records in 1982, this single by Disconnection was a mutant disco cover version of a song from Rodgers and Hammerstein's 1949 musical, South Pacific which was made into a blockbuster film in 1958.

An odd choice of a song to cover Well, something was in the air back in '82 as at almost exactly the same time the Disconnection record was released Captain Sensible covered Happy Talk' from South Pacific and had a UK number 1 with it. I'd like to think he got the idea after hearing Bali Ha'i' but that would be pure speculation. What I do know is that even though the Disconnection record made barely a ripple at the time it is by far the superior record. Vocals are by Angela Jaeger

Long sought after and going for stupid money on Discogs, as a long time Y Records freak I am very honoured to have been given permission to make this curiously great record available again and to give it a home in the Optimo Music Disco Plates series. Dick O'Dell's Y Records released so many great records - The Slits, The Pop Group, PIgbag, Sun Ra, Pulsallama, Shriekback, Maximum Joy, The Tesco Bombers and Mouth amongst others - and this one is up there with the best of them.

It is released in the original configuration, Radio Mix, US Discomix and UK Discomix versions alongside the faux exotica delight that is the Angela Jaeger penned Aaaah'. It comes in a shrink-wrapped black disco bag with a 12' x 12' insert featuring the original front sleeve artwork.

Fantastic limited reissue of one of the holy grails of the Balearic scene. Recorded in 1981 by Guy Cuevas, a Cuban-born DJ living in Paris, every track is a killer. Side A features the full seven minute 12' version of 'Ebony Games' an epic Latin-tinged disco-funk floor-filler and for most the stand-out track, but Side B's mesmerising dubbed-out 'Everywhere Is My Home' and the sweet slo-mo groover 'Inside My Mind' are also brilliant. Excellent stuff!

The next instalment in the Dubplate series sees our very own Scrimshire step up to the plate for the fifth time!

Having gained huge amounts of radio play for his own productions, as well as the occasional cheeky re-edit, Scrimshire brings us two firing reworks of a couple of musical rarities covering latin, soul and disco angles.

His re-work of the 1975 Brazilian obscurity Tatarue by Giovana aims both barrels firmly at the dancefloor, while his extended edit of the Morris Wilson's version of Rappers Delight, entitled Bebopper's Delight, thankfully extends the original's 1'35" length with some typically Scrimshire twists and turns along the way.

Once again, we hope you enjoy!

Repress!

The two glorious 80s boogie tracks written and produced by Roy Ayers are released here on 7' single for the very first time.

The two songs were originally released back to back on 12' single for the Uno Melodic label, copies exchanging hands for over £400.

These are the only two known recordings by Ethel Beatty, It's Your Love' much sampled on the hip hop scene.

Big Crown is proud to present the debut single from 79.5 Terrorize My Heart'. Hard to categorize, easy to love, 79.5 has been making tons of noise around New York City for the past year. With three lead vocalists, Kate, Nya, and Piya and a band that pulls influence from every corner of a record store, it's no wonder they are already taking the scene by storm. They are an act that gets put on as an opener and shortly there after is asked by the venue to do a month long residency. That residency leads them to a full page write up in The New Yorker before they even have a single out. The long and short of it is that 79.5 wins over the listeners wherever they play with an infectious energy. Between the arrangements of bandleader Kate Mattison and the prowess of all the players, their sets run a gamut of energies and tempos, whether breaking it down to a capella, turning it up to disco, or mastering the middle, they run the groove, and the crowd follows suit. Take all of that and put it in the studio with Big Crown's own Leon Michels on production duties and you get a record we can't wait to put out in the world, a record on which every song was recorded live to tape in one take. Terrorize My Heart', a tune leaving no room for gray, finds the ladies of 79.5 walking the line between vulnerability and forthrightness. Setting out with admonishments of love and infatuation that are checked by the bluntness of women who've lived in the Big Apple for years, is it her or is it me, that's how it's gotta be'. A smashing rhythm section covered in punching rhodes chops, flute parts, and dubbed out reggae rhythm guitar sets the perfect vibe for the ladies to trade off leads and come back together in three part harmonies: All the while taking the whole tune from half time to double time. The B side, coined the Disco Dub mixed by Jens Jungkurth, finds Michels' production taking Terrorize My Heart' from the change where it goes to four on the floor and lacing it with drums and a clap track that absolutely pushes this tune over the edge into the realm of dancefloor banger. Tombstones fall over, the earth cracks open, and dead people get up and dance when this comes on... Another Big Crown Sureshot.

Whilst not the first UK dance scene - the mods had that covered - northern soul is the longest running. Those northern clubbers who eschewed late 60s psychedelic fripperies for obscure old soul records with the requisite beat, couldn't have known what they started. After using up all the UK released sides they began digging in the United States and after nearly 50 years the northern soul scene has probably unearthed more great music than any other.

Funk was the syncopated groove that emerged in the mid-sixties through hits from James Brown and Dyke and The Blazers. It was a natural development out of rhythm and blues. Thousands of local bands tried to emulate Brown's success, and in the process created a plethora of rare and sought after 45s and album cuts that have been mined by DJs and producers to fill floors or provide breakbeats. Whilst the 20 tracks on this compilation would cost you thousands of pounds to own on their original issue, that isn't really the point. Instead you get to listen to magnificent grooves such as Mickey & The Soul Generations explosive 'Iron Leg', Andrew Brown's blues tinged 'You Made Me Suffer' or the message music of 24 Carat Black.

There is a lot of confusion with regards to the modern soul scene. An off-shoot of northern soul, it initially mixed new release independent soul, with post late-60s soul that didn't fit with the northern scene. They championed a lot of great records, but this was the mid-80s and it now seems odd to describe nearly 50 year old records as modern soul - but somehow the name has stuck. Extra Added Soul luxuriates in this contradiction, as it allows us to mix up the boogie like 'Love Explosion' by Donnell Pittman, with two-step Chicago classics by Elvin Bishop or El Anthony, or the danceable sweet soul of Dyson's Faces with Gil Scott-Heron alike 'Patience' by Rokk. Amongst the twenty tracks there is also room for a touch of Prince on 94 East's exceptional 'If You See Me' and the cosmic soul of Karriem's super rarity 'I Love You'.On the 14th October 2016 J&D Records release three exceptional compilations that look at vintage African-American music through the prism of UK club culture.

At last! This one took literally years to piece together. Does Dennis Bovell need an introduction I think not but in case you don't know, he is a musical polymath, top flight producer, dub legend and one of the finest artists the UK has ever produced.

Optimo Music has worked with Dennis before when he went into Green Door studios and dubbed out Golden Teacher to the max. This Disco Plate EP was already in the works before then but various circumstances caused it to take until now to see the light of day.

In 1981 Dennis released his solo album, "Brain Damage". A double album that fused afro beat, funk, dub, jazz, blues and styles that have still to be genre-fied, it went over most people's heads and is now a mainly forgotten masterpiece.

From that album we present on the A side, the magnificent "Heaven", a disco dub afro-sound dance floor bomb that somehow manages to sound more current today than it did 35 years ago. Also included is a slightly edited version that removes some of the vocals to focus on the groove a little more.

On the AA side is the legendary "Escape Goat Dub". Back in 1981, Dennis Bovell was perhaps thee hot producer of the day. Epic Records put Dennis in the studio with singer songwriter Garland Jeffreys to work on his new album. It turned out Mr. Jeffreys was a big dub fan so most of the studio time was spent doing wild dub tracks instead of the singer song writer type tracks the label was anticipating. The wildest of those was "Escape Goat Dub" which must be up there in the greatest dubs ever to shake the world. The label was patently at a loss as to what to do with it so stuck it out as a promo only 12" in France, and there it lay forgotten. After a long search Twitch picked up a copy in Rennes a few years back and got permission from Mr. Bovell and Mr. Jeffreys to put it out again. It's not an expensive record or a mega rare record, just little known and definitely deserving to be heard by new ears. Epic dub abounds.

The AA2 is "Smouche", another track from "Brain Damage"; 3 minutes of dub, funk inflected Moogy summery joy.

THE EARLY WORK OF A MUSICAL GENIUS WHICH BECAME A STAPLE OF THE MINNEAPOLIS SOUND FOR DECADES TO COME.

"What makes these recordings particularly special is that they reflect an important element in the development of the 'Minneapolis Sound' - a phenomenon bought to the world's attention by the emergence of Prince. And the outstanding contributions that Prince bought to these recordings are testimonial to his phenomenal, precocious abilities at such a young age." - PEPÉ WILLIE, founder 94 East.

This latest Charly re-issue holds the earliest known recordings of Prince, made with Pepé Willie's band - 94 East, recorded between December 1975 and February 1979. On the record, Prince contributes electric guitar, guitars, bass, keyboards, synths, organ, drums, harmony and backing vocals and is clearly heard on all of these historic recordings.

The release has received a new, pure analogue remastering from Pepé Willie's original tapes by Matt Colton at Alchemy Studios, and pressed on 180g heavyweight audiophile vinyl by Optimal Media, GmbH, Germany.

THE EARLY WORK OF A MUSICAL GENIUS WHICH BECAME A STAPLE OF THE MINNEAPOLIS SOUND FOR DECADES TO COME.What makes these recordings particularly special is that they reflect an important element in the development of the 'Minneapolis Sound' - a phenomenon bought to the world's attention by the emergence of Prince. And the outstanding contributions that Prince bought to these recordings are testimonial to his phenomenal, precocious abilities at such a young age." - PEPÉ WILLIE, founder 94 East.This latest Charly re-issue holds the earliest known recordings of Prince, made with Pepé Willie's band - 94 East, recorded between December 1975 and February 1979. On the record, Prince contributes electric guitar, guitars, bass, keyboards, synths, organ, drums, harmony and backing vocals and is clearly heard on all of these historic recordings.

The release has received a new, pure analogue remastering from Pepé Willie's original tapes by Matt Colton at Alchemy Studios, and pressed on 180g heavyweight audiophile vinyl by Optimal Media, GmbH, Germany.

One of the most original and influential singer-songwriters of all time, Prince has been an integral part of many people's lives with his music and controversial behaviour.

Originally released in 1987, Sign 'O' The Times' was the ninth studio album to be released by Prince. The album was widely hailed by critics as a return to form - and, as time passed, as Prince's pinnacle. It yielded hit singles in the title track (peaking at #10 in the UK), the rocking Sheena Easton duet "U Got the Look" (#11), and the poppy "I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man" (#29).
This reissue will feature two 140g black 12' vinyl records.

Rare disco and boogie

Don't let the floppy hat and rolling English countryside on the cover fool you. Harry Mosco's Country Boy is a certified floor-filler, bursting with Studio 54 era disco-funk as well as a token reggae monster, complete with its own dub version. Harry Mosco always had swagger. A founding member of The Funkees, he'd stride out on stage in tight pants and dark sunglasses, commanding the attention of a population distracted by war. When The Funkees split in London, it was clear that his star would rise the fastest. Released in 1978 by fledgling Taretone label, Country Boy went on to become one of the best-selling Nigerian records of all time. The first few bars of 'It's Too Late' are guaranteed to get on the dance floor. Sam El'Salahi's slinky bassline on 'I Feel Funky' will keep you there. And 'Harry's Party' is a celebration you never want to end. The title track, and its dub doppleganger, are a reggae-tinged chance to catch your breath, before 'The Wanderer' drags you back on the dancefloor until the house lights come on. Grab this PMG re-issue and enjoy the sweat and the swagger of Harry Mosco in his pomp all over again.

CD Version

A limited new pressing of sought-after Strut LP from 2002, compiled by DJ Cliffy and celebrating the 'Black Rio' movement of the 1970s as Brazilian artists took the lead from James Brown and forged their own samba soul fusions. Artists include Jorge Ben, Uniao Black, Trio Mocoto and Banda Black Rio.This fresh reissue is fully remastered as a 2LP gatefold featuring original sleeve notes, rare photos and original flyer artwork. All
copies will feature the remastered CD version of the album within the package.

Fantastic all killer no filler compilation of sun-drenched gems from pop-soul legend Tina Turner. First up is the super cool mid-tempo house groove of Justin Strauss's 12' Dance Mix of 'Afterglow' from 1986 which hit big across the dancefloors of Ibiza. Also included are outstanding covers of Led Zepplin's 'Whole Lotta Love' and a great extended mix of Ann Peebles-penned 'I Can't Stand The Rain'. Rounding things off we get a brilliant dubbed out instrumental version of 'We Don't Need Another Hero' from the Mad Max soundtrack.

After a first edition acclaimed internationally, Favorite Recordings and Charles Maurice finally follows-up to their French Disco Boogie Sounds compilation with a second volume!!
Pursuing his fine work at digging rare music from around the world, DJ and collector Charles Maurice presents another brilliant selection of great music linked to France and French West-Indies: 12 hidden and forgotten titles, all produced between 1978 and 1985, whether in France, or by French artists abroad. This time again, he perfectly browse and defines the great energy and quality of this specific Disco/Funk scene at that time, both in the underground market, or through bigger labels.
On one hand, tracks by Crystal, Jackie Esam, Ideku Dynasty or Marc Ashy, were produced by small artists and labels from the French Caribbean and African community and also filled with a raw spirit and some Tropical influences. On the other hand, tracks by Claude Morgan, Greg Smaha, Roots, or Black Bells Group, were released by major labels such as Phonogram, RCA, Derby, or Carrere, thanks to confirmed independent producers, acting not only in France, but also in Canada and the US.
Today, Favorite Recordings and Charles Maurice are very proud to unearth these 12 gems, with amongst them some very hard to find and almost unknown titles.

Once again, The French duet composed of Zdar & Boombass has managed to gather the crème de la crème on its project. Ibi' for Ibiza and fornia' for California, or the perfect cocktail between the fervor of the Spanish Island's dancefloors and the incredible freshness of the Californian mentality. Pharell Williams is present on the album, as well as a totally transformed Cat Power. The great Mike D (Beastie Boys), and the over-playful guitarist Matthieu Chedid, are also some of the prestigious names we can mention. The singles Ibifornia", Go Up", Action' and The Missing' are already available as well as the EP of remixes Action", that have given us many good reasons to wait for the upcoming opus. Once you'll have had the time to adopt those songs as your new summer anthems, Cassius will give you a taste of what your Indian summer can sound like - so rendez-vous the 26th August!

ears ago he started putting together some selections for a friend of his: Luca. The intention was to pick songs to be played during car rides, and like any other kind of ritual, this too would come with strict rules. You'd have to go throw the whole selection of 100 tracks without skipping, because every single one was important. Be it the sounds, the arrangement or its creativity, each track was there for a very specific reasons. It quickly became a monthly event which for several years evolved in a deep musical research without genre boundaries: Disco and psychedelic, soundtracks, library music, exotica, electronic and dance music, italo, new wave, pop or prog. Tracks of each and any historical period and provenance had been featured in this special compilations. But it wasn't always that easy to come up with the right piece and eventually Francesco started producing a few on his own to fill in the gaps. After six tracks, it was quite clear that there was a project developing, one in which he could finally experiment freely, leaving behind the rules that often come with dance tracks. Of course, no name could have been better than the one of his friend that had inspired everything And so L.u.c.a was born. Now, while preserving the same mind set, L.u.c.a is back with an album that embraces a new-hippie vibe, strongly pervaded by a mystical naturalism. This is a whole new universe in the making, where rumbling magmatic atmospheres evolve gradually in a journey through an idealist new world, celestial interludes revealing a full take over of nature, with a pervasive library feel that dates back to the great Italian masters, carrying on Edizioni Mondo's legacy.

Limited repress!

This album is another chapter in the ongoing "there's-muchmore-to-Brazil-than-bossa-nova" saga. It's filled with disco-era tracks produced for the Brazilian domestic marketplace, some of which were hits, others which were quite obscure. What binds them all together - besides their common origins, time period and overall musical approach - is the fact that their reputation has been steadily transcending Brazil's borders. This has allowed these tunes to find their place on set lists, want lists and in the crates of the world's most discerning DJs and tastemakers. Artists like Jorge Ben and Marcos Valle have been legendary and influential for decades, and the duo Robson Jorge & Lincoln Olivetti dominated the Rio studio scene in the '80s before creating huge buzz overseas in recent years. Banda Black Rio and Cassiano are also both household names amongst crate diggers and fans of rare groove. While this album is sure to highlight the work of the artists featured on it, its main aim is to shine a spotlight on a sound and a style that continues to hypnotize scores of music lovers. Most importantly, its goal is to get dance floors moving across the world.