Pop & Rock Vinyl New Releases - News

Two Italo and 80´s influenced House-Tracks by Felice and one
Remix by Johannes Albert

WELCOME TO DETROIT. Or to be more precise, 14611 Nine Mile Road, East Detroit, the original home of GM Records and recording studio founded by Guido Marasco in 1968. Marasco also ran the Bumpshop label from the site, named after the car repair shop next door. A tiny third label, Love, was also part of the operation but only spawned one release, the mighty funk outing The Pusher' by Final Decisions. Marasco died in 2015 leaving behind an interesting legacy of R&B, Funk, Psych and Northern Soul that is only now enjoying the recognition that is deserves.

COMPARED TO WHAT - MR. FLOODS PARTY (GM 714)
Compared To What' was an original composition by Gene McDaniels and was first recorded by jazz musician Les McCann on his 1966 album Les McCann Plays The Hits. It is a highly regarded Vietnam protest song and has been covered by over 270 artists. Mr Floods Party recorded and released their version in Detroit in 1970 on GM 714. It was released the following year in Europe on Ember (UK), Metronome (Germany) and Melody (Greece). The Northern Soul scene adopted it as a new release at The Torch all-nighters in Stoke-on-Trent but it gained its anthemic status a few years later at Wigan Casino. It was reissued in the UK, by popular demand, in 1975 on the Bulldog label but both of the UK releases use an alternate master that lacks the energy of the original 'GM' 45 featured here on our official 2017 edition.
CAN'T TURN AROUND NOW - FORK IN THE ROAD (GM 712)
A superb, reactivated, Wigan Casino oldie originally released on GM 712 in 1970. Little is known about Fork In The Road except that the quartet, from Detroit, were clearly inspired by the Four Tops but only managed one 45, although it did see a release in the U.K. on Ember and in a picture sleeve on German Vogue. The Ember release is the rarest and is now highly collectable.

It is hard to think of many 7” singles where both sides are as heavy as this one! "Change The World" & "Try, Try" were released in 1977 by 'Solat', a Dutch-based funk group made up of Surinamese and Dutch-Antillian musicians.

Formed after ex-band members of Reality/Tony And Reality; Eddy Veldman, Franky Douglas, Ivor Mitchell and Glenn Gaddum teamed up with singer Billy Jones, Solat went on to release two singles for Poker records. With it's crossover nature, it pleases disco, funk and modern-soul collectors and DJs alike, plus due to only been released in the Netherlands, the record has now become an extremely sought-after item with a high price tag to match.

Both amazing cuts are aimed straight for the dance-floor, but retain conscious and positive messages that are as relevant now as they were back then. 'Change TheWorld’ is an anthemic feelgood disco funk gem, whilst 'Try, Try ‘ is reminiscent of a Mizell Brothers golden-era production.

Mr Bongo present a replica edition with dinked centre- and original cover- and also label artwork, for all to enjoy!

Groovin Recordings proudly presents the long awaited official repress of "Going Back To My Roots" by Lamont Dozier.
Without doubts one of the most representative songs of the late 70's soul-disco era, finally back on 12" single including an edit of the NY Disco Maestro Danny Krivit.

All tracks are original record productions House Of Music 1984, unreleased until April 2015. This record is in loving memory of Vincenzo Balestrieri, "Offshore Powerboat Racing World Champion", 1968, 1970. From the first to mid-sixties the "Offshore Powerboat Racing" was emerging as a worldwide sport. Great Britain, France, Sweden and Italy were holding regular events that, along with the existing US venues, became part of the World Championship Tour. In 1968, after a four-year domination by the Americans, Italian count Vincenzo Balestrieri Cosimelli of Rome, (Dec. 18, 1926 - March 31, 2012) was able to clinch the world title by winning 5 of the season's races: 1 - Sam Griffith Memorial Race, Florida, US 2 - Naples Trophy, Naples, Italy 3 - Viareggio-Bastia-Viareggio, Italy 4 - France's Dauphin D'Or, France 5 - Swedish Grand Prix, Sweden ...and by taking the second place at the Wills International Race, England. In 1970, Balestrieri repeated his feat by winning his second title of Champion of The World. Special Thanks to : Vincenzo Balestrieri Jr.

The Boogie Twins aka Ashley Beedle and Ray Mang have reworked and edited one of Paul 'Trouble' Anderson's biggest signature tracks.

A message from Ashley Beedle:
"My Electric Ballroom crew, that were later to become the infamous Shock Sound System, was myself, Stan Zepherin, Dean Zepherin, Paul Denton, Cecil Peters and Ricardo Da Force (R.I.P.)
We loved going to the Electric Ballroom to see the legendary Paul 'Trouble' Anderson who was killing it in there with Boogie, Electro, Hip Hop and Disco - he was such a huge musical influencer.
When he dropped 'Heaven and Earth' in the mid 80's, the joint went ballistic.

That tune ruled London and became not only a rare groove classic but remains a much loved staple of today's club scene - all because of Paul's exceptional ear for music.

Disco Bits are back with a couple of late night dancefloor sureshots from top notch Japanese producer Kazahaya!

Side A - High Enough
Kazahaya welds together Ain't No Mountain with Let Me Down Easy for an intense high tempo disco workout.
The track builds and builds with a killer vocal from a soul legend. There is even a heavy drums breakdown towards the end of the track. Mashups don't get better than this.

Side B - Forever
A midtempo soul workout on the flip, perfect end of night fodder. Kazahaya takes a slept on Casablanca classic and moulds it into a heavy modern soul wonder.

Hit-maker Mind Enterprises is back with a new mini album with new and previously released singles and remixes.
The release is a collection of the artist’s recent singles including the acclaimed and Shortlist Magazine’s top 50 singles of 2017 ‘Idol’, plus ‘Gemini’ and ‘S.H.A.K.E’, which together with current new track ‘Monogamy’ marks the unveiling of an electrifying new sound.
Obsessed with vintage synthesisers and 80s beats, Mind Enterprises (aka Andrea Tirone) has created a sound which is somehow both forward thinking and nostalgic at the same time. Think Italo Disco meets retro dance, with razor sharp modern production, and you’re half-way there. ‘Monogamy’, coupled with it’s 80s style VHS video is designed to make your feet move and your heart long for simpler times. Its irresistible groove and disjointed vocals are as instant as they are idiosyncratic.

n 1980, dutch outfit Renée came out with the album "Reaching for the sky". It`s made of delicate pop-songs, with lovely little hooks and ice cold guitars. From songs that sounds almost ABBA, to more Reggae-sounding stuff, and avant pop. In the middle of it all you`ll find Anja Nodelijks hypnotic voice.
The albums highlight is the song "Change your style", already a semi-classic on the Balearic scene. The song can probably be described as "wonky pop funk", with a twist. On the A-side you get the original. On the B-side Prins Thomas has stretched the greater parts, giving the song the length it probably deserves. Almost six minutes of bliss.
Renées "Change your style" is the second release by norwegian label Neppå. This piece of music has never been presented like this before, with the song cut over a whole side of 12" vinyl. The music is remastered, and licensed from CNR entertainment.

Second release for Neppå, Oslobased label focusing on lost and overseen recordings.
Edit by Prins Thomas, recording artist for Smalltown Supersound and labelowner of Full Pupp, Internasjonal, Rett i fletta and Prins Thomas Musikk.

“Double A++ sided Disco Beat Steppers from Sharon's Super Sexy Disco mischief on a Love To Love Summer beat, followed by Usha's 24 carat version excursion from way out East on a "Don't Stop Till You Get Enough" back beat!

Super Disco Heavy Duty individually hand numbered fun 45 floor fillers with an Outernational twist!”

Rare disco find from Singapore. Re-mastered by Alex O Smith

Two Rose Royce treasures from the 1982 Epic LP, 'Stronger Than Ever' get a much deserved official, remastered reissue, with each side respectively fetching a pretty penny on their own.

First up, 'Still In Love', opens with otherworldly keys and a rumbling bass before diving into an alluring disco anthem where lively strings and animated pianos dance with a dose of '80s synth action. The powerful and emotive tones of Rose Norwalt swell with the rising string section, before making way for an exquisite piano solo that give this the power to enthral any dancefloor.

Take to the flip to find 'Best Love' which follows in those sparkling footsteps, utilising pitch bent top lines, graceful violins and a springing bassline that blend perfectly with Rose's voice. A sweet and tender tale with an irresistibly soulful touch.

A Rose Royce double header spread lovingly over either side of a 12' for maximum clarity and punch.

DJ friendly dancefloor disco cuts from the Redux Inc collective. Deft edit wizardry giving a modern touch to this gem with a double dose of mixes - the 'Full Vocal Club Mix' on one side and the 'Dubbed Out Voxapella Mix' on the flip.

Introducing the first release from the Private Stock Records label showcasing 2 heavy hitters in the remix world, Trayze and King Most. Side A features a complete rebuild of the Big Pun classic using the Brenda Russell sample and meticulously recreated elements. Side B features an uptempo rework of the recognizable Sylvia Striplin sample with extra thump for the dance floor and Junior Mafia familiarity sure to get people moving...

Floating Points reissues rare '70s soul album, Tomorrow's People's Open Soul. The collector's favourite will be available for the first time in 40 years via Melodies International.
Melodies International proudly expand their catalogue of rare soul gems with another carefully crafted reissue, complete with full 16 page Melozine. This time it's the spellbinding Tomorrow's People album: Open Soul which was originally released in 1976. Deep in South Chicago, a band of four brothers raised on doo-wop and flea-market instruments made a record during the mid 70s that did not only mark a seminal point in their youthful careers, but would go on to become a true collector's favourite. Open Soul is quite simply one of the best examples of raw, stripped down soul in its purest form, and for this reason has become a highly sought after rarity. The album has been carefully reproduced and will be officially available for the first time in 40 Years, this time accompanied by an interview with one of the original brothers, various Tomorrow's People memorabilia and a number of other contributions from Melodies' friends around the world."

Back In Stock!

When we talk about Tullio de Piscopo (Naples, 1946) we’re talking of a living legend of drums, whose career dates back to 1969.

In 1971, tired of commuting from Naples to Milan, he moved to Milan for good, where he joined as a drummer the group of Gianni Basso and Oscar Valdambrini. Shortly thereafter, he recorded “Fastness” and “Coagulation”, his very first single on a 45 under the moniker of “Jujuy”, for Aldo Pagani’s label “Analogy”, with the catalogue number “TRE 0”.

Recorded in 1971, but only relesed in 1973, “Fastness” and “Coagulation” are two fully instrumental tracks for solo drums and percussions, catching the spirit of the very early Tullio De Piscopo, before he became the most requested italian drummer from 1974 on, starting an incredibly successfull career still going on.

Our detective work allowed us to unearth the actual multitracks analog master and we’re about to repress this absolute masterpiece for the very first time on a 12” format, as the original 45 now fetches a three-figures sum on the collectors market.

The Andrews Sisters waren eine US-amerikanische Girlgroup
im Jazz-, Swing- und Popbereich und mit über 70 Millionen
Platten zurecht die ersten echten „Superstars“.

Auf dieser Platte reiht sich Hit an Hit wie „Bei mir bist Du
schön“, „Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy“ und „Rum and CocaCola“.

Super gute Laune Swing-Hits, die man immer wieder hören
kann, ohne sich zu langweilen...

Twenty years on the heels of their debut with 1999, established cornerstone of the French touch, the duo Philippe ‘Zdar’ Cerboneschi and Hubert ‘Boom Bass’ Blanc-Francard announce their fifth opus Dreems. This album will bring Cassius back to his original house, the one that has always fed their energetic DJ's sets, but was a few faded lately behind the sophisticated pop of previous albums.

Back to basics, then, both in the design and influences, they worked during long sessions spent at the Motorbass’ studio, where the disc was largely imagined. A magical place causing an organic heat into the sound power (with a new subtlety that the initiates will appreciate, the use of a Korg synthesizer, last acquisition of Zdar and Boom Bass).

'Use Your imagination' by 'blue-eyed' Funky rock combo Kokomo is a deep cut from the pre-Disco era of 1975. A time when uptempo R&B and Rock records like this were de rigueur with DJ's and dancers on the dancefloor's of clubs across NYC and all major cities where 'proper' dance music was appreciated and taken seriously. The years leading up to the Disco boom blessed us with some fantastic records like this that carried over into that late 70's era, 'classics' that still got love from the DJ's and were sequenced alongside the hits and anthems of the day. Featuring members of Joe Cocker's Grease Band, Kokomo had a few hits and were widely known, 'Use Your imagination' though, was their nightclub classic, a breezy, jazzy and funky jam that rolls just right and is incredibly rare and sought after on promo 12". Backed here with an exclusive unreleased edit on the flip you know this is an essential if you're a true Disco-head! This repress of the original Columbia promo from 1975 is backed with a brand new re-edit from one of NYC's Disco kings - Mr.K aka Danny Krivit. With almost half a century spent behind the turntables in NYC and beyond he surely understands records like 'Use Your Imagination' intrinsically, he was, after all, there when it all happened! This classic has been legally reissued by Above Board distribution in conjunction with the legal rights holders - Sony Music Entertainment. This high quality repress features original white label Columbia label Disco 12" artwork and has been remastered from Sony's original sources by Optimum Mastering, Bristol UK.

Melvo Baptiste steps up to mix his second Glitterbox compilation, 'Pump The Boogie!', featuring the upfront disco heat that has been setting off the dancefloor all summer at Glitterbox parties in New York, Amsterdam, London and Ibiza. A contender for the hottest party on earth, this Glitterbox season saw record numbers through the doors at Hï Ibiza, with Melvo himself playing his first headline sets in the club's main room, the Theatre. 'Pump The Boogie!' reflects the sounds of the Theatre, moving from the joyful 80s and 90s sounds of The Emotions 'Turn It Out' and Kathy Brown 'I Appreciate' through modernised classics like Sister Sledge 'Got To Love Somebody' remixed for 2018 by disco maestro Dimitri From Paris. More so than ever this edition has a heavy focus on the latest upbeat dancefloor killers from the last 12 months, like Selace 'So Hooked On Your Lovin'' (Mousse T.'s Extended Disco Shizzle) and Gershon Jackson presents Reset Preset 'Hands Together' (House of Omni Hands Together Extended Club Mix), the exceptional new release from the Glitterbox imprint.

Demonstrating what Glitterbox does best, 'Pump The Boogie!' explores authentic dance music enhanced by live instrumentation. Mighty Mouse 'The Spirit', another Glitterbox release, uses percussion and brass blasts to build energy, DJ Mes 'Da Change' (Miguel Migs Salty Rub) carries a captivating guitar hook and Paradise Express 'Dance' (Special 12' Disco Mix) features the unmistakeable backing of a full disco band. The album's namesake 'Pump The Boogie' (Basstoy Boogie Mix) by Mark Picchiotti goes full throttle with chest-pounding groove, strings and earworm vocal. Melvo's 'Pump The Boogie!' beckons you to the dancefloor once again with a truly stomping, timeless compilation.

Another classic from Dutch 'High Fashion Music' in it's original High Fashion 1982 sleeve. Original released on the Musix Records imprint in 1982, produced by legendary Italian producer Maurizio 'Sangy' Sangineto. (Change, Armed Gang, Firefly).

Including a New Mix by Dino Soccio from LA (for his Pleasure of Love release) and re-worked by Dutch producer Orson Welsh: giving this Italo-sound classic a more powerful touch. On the B-side is the original version of 1982 , as well as the much sought-after 'Soul Version'!

High in demand this 7" from LUCID PARADISE (FUNK NIGHT RECORDS): ERIC BOSS/ E DA BOSS and ISHTAR/GIZELLE SMITH. Hot modern soul boogie record produced by SOUL SUPREME (AKA LOVE'S HIGH). B/w "TONIGHT (LOVE'S HIGH REMIX)". Peak boogie delights for a dancefloor near you courtesy of STAR CREATURE!

The Blue Beat Label celebrates 60 years during 2020. A very special release on 7" Vinyl for Record Store Day 2020, featuring a double A side with an exclusive Record Store Day 2020 track "Blue Beat Is Back in Town" by Marcus .,Upbeat/.and the very first A side ever released on the Blue Beat Label "Boogie Rock" by Laurel Aitken.

This is an exclusive release for Record Store Day 2020 on a very special anniversary year for The Blue Beat Label. Marcus Upbeat said "I really look forward to The Blue Beat Label releasing this exclusive celebration track for Record Store Day this year alongside the first ever single released on The Blue Beat Label Boogie Rock by Laurel Aitken. A very unique and special double A side 7" vinyl release for Record Store Day 2020."

A national radio, national press and TV PR campaign with an extensive online promotional campaign will be implemented alongside Record Store Day 2020 promotion.

Instore promotional materials and activities can also be made available.

French Disco maestro Dimitri From Paris' Le Edits imprint is back to bring you only the finest, most beautifully executed and lovingly reworked classics from the four corners of the discotheque dance-floor. Following on from the previous highly sought after and collectible releases on the label, Dimitri is back once more and he's proving that the age old adage that 'quality over quantity' is what really counts! For this release, of course, he is back using only the finest materials available, sourced from multiple countries across the globe, as well as having access to the original master tapes, top shelf engineering and mastering.

London's very own Jazz-Funk superstars Jamiroquai land themselves under Dim's gaze this time around with 2 brand new and absolutely stellar reworkings of their top 10 1996 hit 'Cosmic Girl', bringing us a beautiful extended Disco mix backed with a sumptuous dub version. A truly incredible record in it's own right, Dimitri has excelled in pushing 'Cosmic Girl' into the stratosphere even further with these beautifully executed Disco versions. As always, unfettered access to the master tapes, and with a deep deep understanding and reverence for the source material, these mixes are something totally fresh and exciting. Perhaps not the most obvious choice for a remix or an edit, Jamiroquai made no qualms about their allegiance to the Funk, the Soul, the Disco and the Jazz in their lives, which in turn naturally fed into their musical output. Upon listening to the groups output one can certainly hear the spirits of the Mizzell Brothers, of Gil Scott-Heron, Chic, Donald Byrd and many others, all filtered via Jay Kay and his group's unique approach. This is something Dimitri understands very well and it shines through in these wondrous reworks. Yet another stunning benchmark in a career spanning almost 3 decades, these latest offerings from the DFP lab rightfully place Dimitri up there with the best of the best - we're sure you'd all agree that Le Edits still brings a little chic to the music effortlessly!

Simply put, only the finest Disco reworks are released on Le Edits. Special versions of classics and rarer than rare tracks, all lovingly re-touched and mixed from the reels and master tapes each time, fully sanctioned and created in conjunction with the artists, rights holders and Above Board Distribution. 100% official and essential. This is no 'under the counter' operation, Le Edit is here to bring back some quality and class to the re-edit game by doing things, once and for all, properly and respectfully. No re-press guaranteed. Utilising the highest end tip-on heavy duty sleeves, and outer protective sleeves, pressed onto 100% virgin vinyl. These new mixes have been legitimately commissioned and will not be available digitally. This product cost 4 times as much to produce than your average Disco edit 12’’ because Le Edits believe in quality first and foremost. You really haven't heard these tracks like this before! A truly collectible and desirable item indeed.

On »Tekkno Polo«, which was originally released on cassette and as a download by Oficyna Biedota in 2013, Jemek Jemowit addresses his Po-lish roots unsing the means of disco polo power. Disco polo is the Polish version of Italo Disco. It completely ignores everything that made Italo Disco great. It is known for its slightly bad arrange-ments, 3-tone melodies and forced rhyming, using pre-set sounds from the 1990s. On the EP Jemowit deals with total anti-patriotism (»An-typatriota«), grotesque hyper-patriotism (»Bigos») and Americanized over-patriotism (»Born in the PRL«). The EP ends with an anti-love-song (»O milosci«), using lyrics from Polish crooner Marek Grechutas’s »Będziesz moją panią« from 1970. The EP has been remas-tered by Jeans Team’s Franz Schütte in 2020 to stunning effect.

Label boss Ajukaja is back with two mellow organ workouts.
Put this one on & you can skip Sunday school.
You're welcome.

Madly Limited 7-inch.

Mastered by The Bastard.

The PPF are now back in full voice it seems...
It's been 15 years since their beautifully packaged series of EP's found their way into the world's best record crates
And after two recent & very well received releases on Hot Peas 'N Butter, we get four more certified floor-fillers from the vaults.
Constructed as club-ready reworks for their own sets, this pin sharp selection appears here as a one-off limited vinyl release.

A 4-way of their most wanted secret weapons for the faithful, these re-tailored & timeless classics are the sonic manifesto for preserving those good ol' Dirty Basements.

Early Independent Hip Hop, Electro And Disco Rap 1979-83!!

Soul Jazz Records' new Boombox 2 is a new selection of early rap music from the period 1979-83, with barely a household name in sight. Featured here are some the earliest hip-hop records that came out of New York City following the enormous commercial success of the first ever rap record, 'Rapper's Delight' by the Sugarhill Gang, in September 1979.

Artists and producers alike tried to jump aboard the new commercial possibilities of hip-hop. By the end of the year there were 30 hip-hop singles, all released by independent New York labels. The following year there were over 100 more, and so on.

Boombox 2 tells the story of how hip-hop went from its evolutionary roots in the Bronx through DJs Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash and Afrika Bambaataa through to its second phase where veteran music producers - Paul Winley, Peter Brown, Joe Robinson and others - all based in Harlem, began to put rap on vinyl for the first time.

Harlem is also where the separate worlds of disco and hip-hop met through the styles and influence of earlier 'uptown' DJs - DJ Hollywood and Eddie Cheba. In similar fashion these veteran Harlem-based producers instinctively tapped into a long lineage of African-American rhythm and blues, soul and disco.

Boombox 2 is a triple-vinyl set (+ download code) LP and double CD pack that features extensive text, exclusive interviews and stunning photography by Jamel Shabazz, Martha Cooper and others.

Early Independent Hip Hop, Electro And Disco Rap 1979-83!!

Soul Jazz Records' new Boombox 2 is a new selection of early rap music from the period 1979-83, with barely a household name in sight. Featured here are some the earliest hip-hop records that came out of New York City following the enormous commercial success of the first ever rap record, 'Rapper's Delight' by the Sugarhill Gang, in September 1979.

Artists and producers alike tried to jump aboard the new commercial possibilities of hip-hop. By the end of the year there were 30 hip-hop singles, all released by independent New York labels. The following year there were over 100 more, and so on.

Boombox 2 tells the story of how hip-hop went from its evolutionary roots in the Bronx through DJs Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash and Afrika Bambaataa through to its second phase where veteran music producers - Paul Winley, Peter Brown, Joe Robinson and others - all based in Harlem, began to put rap on vinyl for the first time.

Harlem is also where the separate worlds of disco and hip-hop met through the styles and influence of earlier 'uptown' DJs - DJ Hollywood and Eddie Cheba. In similar fashion these veteran Harlem-based producers instinctively tapped into a long lineage of African-American rhythm and blues, soul and disco.

Boombox 2 is a triple-vinyl set (+ download code) LP and double CD pack that features extensive text, exclusive interviews and stunning photography by Jamel Shabazz, Martha Cooper and others.

As we boldly enter a new decade, we cap off the pingin' naughties with another four bangers for your intergalactic nappers on this, the tenth instalment of our various artist EP series!

Red Laser Corp. engage tractor beams once again and beam up an elite squadron of galactic firepower for another of their well-lauded V/A EPs. Featuring two new ascending space cadets, ready to prove their worth on the universal playing field, alongside well-decorated star commanders Ste Spandex and Franz Scala; this latest Manctalo mission is destined for undisputed interplanetary acclaim.

First up, it's local interstellar fugitive, RL regular and black listed hardware abuser, Ste Spandex; whose titular tribute to one of dance music's most notorious labels is as fitting and arresting a piece of glistening, space disco-tek as its namesake deserves. Centered on triplet synth shards and a rugged acid line, Spandex-patented perx snap, crackle and pop as the track careers through the asteroid belts protected by a capacious force-field of electrostatic energy.

New signing Baba & Ganoush deploy a sleek, Euro-disco themed energy ball named 'Stockholm'. It's epochal synth array referencing classic Italo disco whilst revealing a precision sign-writing maturity that belies the fact that this is indeed the duo's first release!
Spurting tantalising synth solos and interlocking leads from its holographic sphere, you could easily been sent spiralling into the speaker stacks, eyes-wide-shut upon hearing this piece - note RLC will not be held liable for any injuries sustained!

Next we enter the cockpit of Berlin-residing, Italo-maestro Franz Scala, who on his debut sortie for RLR, directs the mother ship towards an innocuous star cluster where Ka Zan’s 'Give Me Your Heart' is on permanent repeat. Scala utilises advanced time shift and audio defragmentation devices to re-engage its citizens with this hardcore cosmic climax, transforming it into an erupting supernova of Italo that blasts so far it's now detected across our own stratosphere.

Ondata's Martin Lefteri and Szymek Lawik are two new rookies snapped up from London and whose 'Feel The Drive' parties have established an alliance with Red Laser Disco members nationwide. Delving perilously into deep space via some meticulously programmed sequences and a dark, cold synthesis method, the pair show a fearless exploration of the outer cosmos on this initial exercise for the label. .

A real classic from the disco era, one for the countless gems mixed by the champion Jellybean. The Chain Reaction were definitely at the forefront of the US dance scene, and still considered among the most respected and fully talented funk-disco band. The reissue come courtesy of Harold Sargent, the driving mind behind the above mentioned project and Sparkle, Wood, Brass & Steel and Hott Ice to name a few.

Rajan James, the Jamaican-born English-raised musician’s ‘Impossible Dreams’ is an inspirational sax-laced single that walks a fine line between North American boogie and British synth-pop influences of the 1980’s, yet manages to sound distinctly her own. Left Ear have salvaged both the unreleased full-length versions, including the instrumental for a 12” single.

In the early 80’s Rajan headed to the States for a 5-week holiday, which turned into a 3 year hiatus. It was here that she was initially looking for inspiration from gospel singers, a natural progression from the choirs she had been singing in back home, even performing solo alongside her drum machine. It was in the States the she saw what she describes as the “future” of music, particularly “dance” music. Rajan returned to England with an open mind and an enriched cultural appreciation for a diverse range of sounds. It’s at this stage that she recorded ‘Impossible Dreams’ and released it on Steve Ayers’ ‘One Giant Leap’ compilation. Unfortunately, due to the release being an album of demos the track was cut short to make way for songs from other artists. Furthermore, it was never picked up for a single release and faded into obscurity. Rajan did release a single the following year called ‘Time’, unfortunately the label went into receivership and the release failed to make ground. After this, Rajan explains that “life got in the way and music had to take a back seat”. Thirty-seven years after the fact and Rajan’s ‘Impossible Dreams’ sounds just as relevant today, with an eternal message of optimism and hope.

“Remember don’t give up on Your dreams it's never too late. If you fall get up and try again” Blessings R T James

Willie Williams' roots rock reggae classic Armagideon Time – the rare 12" extended Discomix version split into two sublime heavyweight slices and cut super-loud on a 12" single. Produced by Studio One supremo Coxsone Dodd this is a huge Reggae anthem on the classic 'Real Rock' rhythm, famously covered by The Clash and sampled by KRS One, The Fugees and many more.

Local Talk ends 2019 with something special, a release by Antony Nicholson & Mark de Clive-Lowe.

Anthony Nicholson aka Miquifaye is deeply rooted in the movement of taking music and art forward in the city we call Chi-town, across the globe and around the world.
Anthony has a discography that has been one of the most respected and sought after collections in dance music.

Mark is an artist in constant evolution, reaching for that next level, to call him prolific is something of an understatement.
Together they've created two tracks that got 'classics' written all over them and executed to perfect precision.

A little mystery goes a long way, but it's fair to say the appetite for unearthing those secret tunes and lost classics has rarely been stronger...

A LOVE THAT NEVER DIES give us a peek inside their formidable archive with four wonderful pieces of coveted music, in very short supply in their original form

One super limited, clear vinyl pressing.

The late 1980s in the rainbow nation was a time when disco was mutating into what was becoming known as Bubblegum: pop music aimed at the black population of South Africa.

Bubblegum was a response to Western styles like disco and the fast spreading house music which originally came from the black ghettos of Chicago and New York. When the second Summer of Love took over the UK in 1988, first house, and other electronic music styles conquered South Africa as well. DIY - do it yourself - a motto that had already appeared in the punk movement, lifted the young local scene to the next level. With a minimal set up - keyboards, some drum machines and samplers it was suddenly possible to make music without having to rent expensive studios.

Kicking off the year in style, with a new album by someone we've greatly admired and whose music we've followed for many a year; the mighty William Burnett aka Willie Burns / Speculator and Black Deer.

We first were introduced to his music through the wonderful Grackle remix by our pals T.Keeler & Capablanca. Over time we've followed his many aliases with much enjoyment and can still recall hearing the first Black Deer music being played one afternoon in Phonica and NEEEEDING to know everything about it. There's also fond boat party memories in Stockholm soundtracked by the UTTU release. Not to mention WT Records putting out some brilliant records by now familiar faces - our favourites include Art Crime, Kartei and Tummy Tummy!

Recently, William has started a new long form interview podcast, Talk Video on The Lot Radio and Marc Maron comparison isn't far off the mark. Well worth digging into. He's also been making music for himself and we're chuffed to be releasing some of that with you now.

Artwork by Belgrade's finest, floating.bstrd