Just when Al Green's "Back Up Train" from Grand Rapids, Michigan, went on a whistle-stop tour to the top of the charts, producer Palmer James started to look at another Furniture City side line: Tommy McGee. The result was the album 'Positiv-Negativ' from 1976, the creative highlight of a career that was peppered with endless lows. For the first time, McGee's timeless album, singles for Golden Voice, Mercury, TMG and Tosted, as well as the complete edition of his upcoming radio combo in the mid-1960s, the TMG's, are gathered.
I, Ced has been something of a “best kept secret” among creators and aficionados of modern soul music. His wide array of skills ranges from production to vocals, keys, and studio mixing. His talents have found him in the company of many heralded contemporaries, including Jean Grae & Quelle Chris, Coultrane, Jimetta Rose, & Dam Funk. After having lent his talents to so many other luminaries in the underground music scene, Ced is now poised to make an impact with his own material, via his next project on Los Angeles-based MoFunk Records. As a label best known for synth-heavy west coast funk tunes, the partnership with I, Ced marks a daring expansion of the MoFunk sound. After debuting on MoFunk with an XL Middleton remix of his “Percu” single, Ced is now prepared to drop his first full-length with the label, Interpretations. Ced’s songs are cinematic, expansive, and lush, a world removed from simple loops with vocals on top. Every instrument played, every vocal inflected, every chord change implemented, is treated more like a singular brush stroke on a painting you have to step back and take in as a whole to appreciate. In a musical landscape driven by catchy singles and viral promotion, it’s become exceedingly rare to find an album which plays out as an experience. Interpretations is exactly this. If Ced’s inspirations were colors on a painter’s palette, you might see dabs of Jam & Lewis, or Prince, or maybe Shuggie Otis, or even Sun Ra. But Ced does far more than pay tribute to his influences by intimating their unique styles. Indeed, he pays them the highest tribute of all by working them into his own sound - his Interpretation."
The funky, atmospheric, evocative and sometimes downright weird output of companies such as DeWolfe, Cavendish, Burton and the ubiquitous KPM have always been a guiding inspiration for ATA Records, as evidenced in the spooky soundtrack works of The Sorcerers, the big band brass of The Yorkshire Film & Television Orchestra and even in the soul-jazz of The Lewis Express ('Theme From The Watcher). Everything released on ATA is written and guided by the label heads Neil Innes and Pete Williams, who frequently dip their toes in the Library pond while working on other projects. These occasional one-off tracks have accumulated over the past few years and have now found a home on the first volume of an ongoing series: The Library Archive Ranging from heavy big band brass (Whack, Slap & Blow, Kaye Okay) to evocative thriller soundtrack (Midnight Heist, Wiretap, The Needlenose) via introspective ethereal soundscapes (Nuclear Wind, Siren's Sea) these 11 tracks faithfully recreate the feel of the Library music catalogs of the 60s and 70s. The Library Archive Vol. 1 will be available as 180g heavyweight Vinyl, CD
Finally available again - Donald Glover's masterpiece!
Ayalew Mesfin stands aside the likes of Mulatu Astake, Mahmoud Ahmed, Hailu Mergia and Alemayehu Eshete as a legend of 1970s Ethiopia. Mesfin's music is some of the funkiest to arise from this unconquerable East African nation. Mesfin's recording career, captured in nearly two dozen 7 ”singles and numerous reel-to-reel tapes, shows the strata of the most fertile decade in Ethiopia's 20th century recording industry, when records were pressed constantly by both independent upstarts and corporate behemoths, even if they were only distributed within the confines of this East African nation. Though Mesfin was forced underground by the Derg regime that took control of Ethiopia in 1974, he has returned almost 50 years later with this triumphant set albums - the first time that his music has been presented in this form. These albums give us a chance to discover a rare and beautiful moment in music history, in anthologies built from Mesfin's uber-rare 7 ”single releases and from previously unreleased recordings taken from master tapes. Good Aderegechegn gives us a chance to discover a rare & beautiful moment in music history, in an anthology built from his uber-rare 7 ”single releases. Contains an oversized 11 "x 11" 16 page book that tells the story of modern Ethiopian music and Mesfin's role within it.
The self-titled album by The Perfect Circle from 1977 has long been considered a classic among rare groove and soul jazz circles. Copies of the original LP retail for hundreds of dollars. This is the first real new edition of the album and will be pressed on HQ vinyl weighing 180 grams.
Romanticism is back and headed in a new direction with Loren Oden’s debut album, My Heart, My Love. This album the listener to experience a uniquely curated sound: a sound with lyrical transparency and vulnerability, reminiscent of classic black soul and progressive R&B. Produced and orchestrated by multi-instrumentalist Adrian Younge, this is one of the most meticulously crafted albums ever to be released on Linear Labs. Being born into a musical family in Compton, Ca., Oden grew up in the church, studying gospel as well as secular greats like Marvin Gaye and Sam Cooke. Throughout the years, his affinity with lyricism and vocal arranging grew, catching the ear of his long-time friend, Younge. With this connection, Oden became the mellifluous bedrock of Younge’s psychedelic sound: Oden sings lead on most of Adrian Younge’s expansive musical catalog, including but not limited, to Black Dynamite, Something About April, and Marvel’s Luke Cage. Oden is one of the premiere vocalists on The Midnight Hour alongside icons like CeeLo Green, Raphael Saadiq, and Marsha Ambrosius. With the world-renowned success of The Midnight Hour, touring for the last six years, and being musically featured on Ava Duvernay’s When They See Us, it was only a matter of time before Oden finally released his own body of work. Loren’s undeniable connection to Marvin Gaye’s poetic susceptibility paired with the genius of Younge’s soothing orchestral creations, comparable to Quincy Jones, this is the collaboration you always wanted, but could never get. My Heart, My Love is a cultivated body of work, for the sophisticated lover, going deep into the guarded emotions we all try to avoid. The inspiration has always come from timeless music, and Oden and Younge have created an aural treasure that is sure to live on.
Back in stock! Originally released by Solid Smoke Records in 1981, and becoming a rare groove staple and classic in the '90s and early 2000's. This is the first proper reissue of the highly sought after album on 180gm vinyl and housed in a heavyweight tip-on jacket. Featuring the title track "Movin 'In the Right Direction" along with "Sadness In My Samba".
Another thematic sampler compiled by Saint Etienne's Bob Stanley ('English Weather', 'Tears Of Technology' etc.). The summer of 1976 went down in history as one of the hottest, not only where it is always warm at that time, but also in England. Bowie's 'Station To Station' or a 'Best Of' by Abba must have served as the soundtrack for these months. Time to put together radio hits that weren't so much in focus, but had a musical impact on the summer of 1976. Jefferson Starship, David Ruffin, Steve Miller Band, Liverpool Express, Blue Mink or even Cliff Richard are represented on the carefully curated sampler. The beautifully presented double LP comes in a deluxe heavy-duty gatefold sleeve with a bonus track ('Inspiration Information' by Shuggie Otis).
It is a privilege to present to you, our esteemed Daptone Family, a selection of fan-favorites by thee legendary Sharon Jones and her Dap-Kings available for the very first time on 45! Over the years Daptone HQ has been flooded with suggestions and requests for certain album tracks to be available on 45, so we've gone ahead and pressed up a few that are consistently at the top of the heap. First up we have "Keep On Looking", a track that debuted on SJDK's breakout album 100 Days, 100 Nights, which subsequently became a stack in the groups live set. The incessant backbeat and tight horn arrangement, coupled with Miss Jones' powerful plea to a lost lover provides unadulterated dance-floor fuego! On the flip is a new discovery of sorts. While digging through the tape archive we stumbled across a box labeled "Natural Born Lover- Instrumental with Strings". Much to our delight what we found is precisely that: an unreleased instrumental version of the SJDK classic, featuring a string arrangement that was cut from its initial release. And as if the nasty drum break at the top wasn't enough to make this a shoe-in addition to Dj boxes and playlists alike, the gorgeous quirky string arrangement places this one soundly into "must have" territory.
San Diego's sweetest export is back with two sublime sides of West Coast flavored soul. The soft, tremolo-kissed intro of "Will I See You Again" seeps out of the speakers like a cool Cali breeze, allowing the drop to hit like Thor's hammer on the dance floor. As the groove gets in you, Josh Lane's vocals send you to a place transcendent of time and space ... A world where lovers love, and hate has no place. "It's Our Love" 's mellow but funky feel grinds out a vibe that tempers the "beat" in Beat Ballad. Thee Sacred Souls are raising the bar to heady, elusive new heights.
Two 1960s Northern Soul classics from Pye Records: The 1966 version of "You Baby" produced by Phil Spector for the Ronettes by Jackie Trent, produced by her husband Tony Hatch, which over time was also produced by Sonny & Cher, Lovin 'Spoonful, Lee Barry, The Lovenotes, Salt Water Taffy and John Holt has been covered. And "Lost Summer Love", originally sung by US actress Shelley Fabares, in the 1965 version by Lorriane Silver, which was later to blow up the dance floor at Wigan Casino.
Record Kicks is proud to announce the remake of CALIBRO 35's second studio album "Ritornano Quelli Di (The Return of)", part of a trilogy of remakes of the first albums by the Italian cineast-funk combo. Just like the new edition of the debut album "Calibro 35", "Return Of" will be available on a LP in a limited edition and digitally in a deluxe edition.
What better way to christen Daptone's young imprint Penrose Records than with "Can I Call You Rose," a glorious and fortunately titled mid-tempo premiere of San Diego's burgeoning young soul sera, Thee Sacred Souls. When Josh, Sal and Alex stepped off the stage after their very first club date, they were torn aside by producer Bosco Mann, whose seasoned ears were delighted with their set. They were patted on the back, shook hands, and three days later their heads bobbed in Mann's Riverside studio as the Souls recorded their first tunes.
As one of the most popular groups in today's So Cal soul scene, Thee Sinseers hardly need an introduction. Their performance of "Seems Like" live at the Recordium was known to over a million viewers and made them a sought-after group for So Cal soul parties on the coast. When asked which song they wanted to record for their Penrose session, Joey Quiñones, singer, songwriter and man who knows how to play an instrument, didn't hesitate to reply, "We need a decent recording of this song". And so it was done. In the candle-lit studio, the band gave us an extremely intimate rendition that was downplayed to the core and the melodious admonitions of Joe Q. were revealed.
Slept-on modern soul / funk featuring the break from "Ham 'N' Eggs" by A Tribe Called Quest. Cut loud & proud.
Ultra-rare modern / Northern soul / funk crossover, now extremely expensive in its original form. Cut loud & proud.
Remastered reissue of one of the iconic rare groove tracks of the early 1980s: "Turned On To You" by the Eighties Ladies in the full-length version, produced by Roy Ayers and released in 1981 on his label Uno Melodic. The track was sampled several times, including by A Tribe Called Quest and most recently by Nujabes feat. CL On the 12 "flipside there are two remastered tracks from the album" Ladies Of The Eighties "for the first time.
Penrose Records is proud to introduce the newest addition to the family, Inland Empire's own Vicky Tafoya and the Big Beat. Born in Santa Ana and currently residing in Colton, Vicky began singing a capella doo wop for So in the late 80s. Cal. Doo Wop Society and co-founded Big Beat in 2001. Her debut single on Penrose is a moody minor chord ballad with a reverberating guitar solo and beautiful harmonies from the girl group behind Vicky's effortless but haunting singing about two people who long to be together ... forever.
Welcome to that sweet spot where all the influences that first got you into this fabulous mess converge: soul, r'n'b, latin, jazz, the church organ. The A side is a great rendition of the early 70s Willie Bobo classic that had the Rare Groove / Acid Jazz scene doing some fancy footwork a few decades later. The LB's, (under the tutelage of trumpet player, Joel Ricci aka Lucky Brown), give 'Broasted or Fried' the raw, underproduced treatment so that the original, infectious rhythms are sharper than ever. Guitar, organ, percussion, horn section - everyone's gutsy and going for it with equal vigor. This is what you play to the person from planet square who asks you to explain the etymology of 'groove'.
Somewhere between a soul pop concert, South Side jazz club, slam poetry reading, and punk rock dive bar, lives the music of Cole DeGenova. Combining poignant lyricism with infectious grooves and prodigious musicianship, the music seeks to elevate the audience while transcending genre barriers. As a keyboardist, vocalist, and composer Cole DeGenova has spent most of his life crafting his soulfully eclectic artistic voice, beginning his career at age 16 as a jazz pianist around his native Chicago. As a bandleader, he formed Cole DeGenova & The Peoples Republic while at Berklee College of Music, where he released his first album Just People Again in 2009, followed by his second, Another Country, in 2012.
Record Kicks pres. "Another Shot Fired" the sophomore album by Dutch soul band The Tibbs. Record Kicks proudly present the The Tibbs new album "Another Shot Fired" coming out on CD – LP – Digital. Recorded at Electric Monkeys in Amsterdam, produced by Paul Willemsen (Lefties Soul Connection, Michelle David & The Gospel Sessions) and mastered in Nashville by Soul veterans Bob Holsen, who used to cut vinyl for Motown back in the day. "Another Shot Fired" is the second studio album from the Dutch soul combo and introduces a new singer to the project, the young super-talentedRoxanne Hartogwho penned the lyrics of most of the songs on the album. On the new album the formula remains the same employed by classic soul record labels like Stax and Motown: a super tight house band, first class production, some wicked arrangments and a signature vocalist. Think- The Marvellets, Booker T and the MGs, James Brown, The Supremes. From the smashing opener "The Main Course" to the last dark instrumental groover "Circeo" the 12 tracks of the new album prooves that The Tibbs can do no wrong. The sound is vintage, gritty and raw with some extra doses of RNR on the bluesy number "Mama Says" and even throws in some sun soaked reggae vibes in their title track "Another Shot Fired". Roxanne is perfectly at ease and brings the heat as she sweats her way through each number while the rest of the band deliver their unique super tight blend of garage soul. Based around Amsterdam, The Tibbs took off in 2012 - fronted by Elsa Bekman – covering a lesser-trodden path, combining special soul classics with rare beat instrumentals. Their increasing popularity quickly led to a natural desire to expand their repertoire, beyond the confines of others' thinking outside the traditional box and creating their own unique soulful creations. Working right from the start with producer Paul Willemsen (Beans & Fatback, Lefties Soul Connection, Michelle David & The Gospel Sessions), the first EP "Cleaned Out" debuted in 2014. Later that year, the German funk label Tramp Records released their debut single – "Footprints In The Sand/Cleaned Out". Two years later, The Tibbs' first LP, "Takin' Over" marked their debut with Milan based imprint Record Kicks. The singles "Next Time" and "The Story Goes" received critical acclaim on radio stations throughout Europe and North America and the 45s flew out the door in record time. The release of "Takin' Over" delivered the band far richer rewards. Playing sold-out venues in both Milan and Frankfurt. The Tibbs' profile rose further still with wonderful festival performances in Germany and Hungary, followed by a successful sold-out tour of Spain. In late 2018, Elsa decided to follow her heart and focus on a solo career. The Tibbs duly began their search for a truly worthy successor, bringing astonishing vocalist Roxanne Hartog and the band together for the first time. With new recordings in the bag and a great new album about to be released, The Tibbs are once more ready for lift off.
LaRose Jackson, who you may remember from "Luv Jones" - the 2014 party-cer tified smash duet with the incomparable Charles Bradley - steps into the spotlight with her funky solo debut, "How Did I Get Here ". Born and raised in Coney Island, LaRose's rich timbre and asser tive vocal deliver y caught the attention of producer Tommy "TNT" Brenneck one night when he was in attendance at Charles Bradley's legendary "Black Velvet" show at Club Essence - where Jackson was also a regular performer. The two hit it of f and began collaborating on several sides, the fruit of which we humbly of fer up here. LaRose's tough-as-nails delivery coupled with the infallible groove and sure-shot horn arrangement courtesy of the Menahan Street Band distills the track down to Soul in its purest form, without sacrificing any of the rawness one comes to expect from a TNT production. Expect much more on the horizon from LaRose and Co.. This is just the tip of the iceberg!
Während ihrer gesamten Karriere blieben Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings sowohl öffentlich als auch privat sehr gefragt, um Songs anderer Künstler nachzuspielen und oft neu zu erfinden. Meistens wurden diese Cover auf Anfrage aufgenommen - als Auftragsarbeit für die Platzierung in Filmen, Fernsehsendungen, Tribute-Alben oder für Kostproben. Auf diesem Album sind einige ihrer beliebtesten und noch nie gehörten Aufnahmen zusammengestellt.
Following the reissue of Marta Ren "Stop Look Listen" album, Record Kicks is proud to present the reissue of another mega rare and super in-demand vinyl from its vaults: Sydney soul/funk outfit DOJO CUTS' second legendary album "Take From Me". The second studio album from the Aussie band will be finally back available on vinyl on a classy limited edition clear LP. "Take From Me" was originally released in 2012 and once again features the sizzling, smoky vocals of Miss Roxie Ray. This much anticipated follow-up to their 2009 debut on Record Kicks, has rapidly became a "classic" in the deep funk and soul scene with millions of streamings on the digital platforms. The originally LP has never been repressed and the few available copies change hands for crazy money on Discogs. This is the album where all of Dojo Cuts' experience and hard work reaches its deeply soulful zenith, with tracks such as in "Easy to come home", "Sometimes it hurts" and title track "Take From Me". With the liner notes written by dj and collector Russ Dewbury (Jazz Rooms) and the support of the entire Daptone Records family aka Gabriel Roth, Neal Sugarman and Homer Steinwess, this is a must have for all the funk & soul lovers. Watch out the repress is limited to 500 copies worldwide.
Tales of Kidd Funkadelic is the eighth studio album by the band Funkadelic, released in 1976 on the Westbound record label. It was actually released after Funkadelic had left the label, in order to capitalize on Funkadelic’s new-found fame. The tracks were outtakes recorded around the same time as Hardcore Jollies and given to Westbound by George Clinton as a contractual obligation. The tracks were belatedly thrown together by Westbound to form another album for release, Tales of Kidd Funkadelic. The song “Let’s take it to the people” has been sampled by hip-hop band A Tribe Called Quest for their song Everything is fair, from their cult album The Low End Theory. Kidd Funkadelic was/is the nickname for guitarist Michael Hampton.
Über Charles Bradleys außergewöhnlichen Lebensweg und seinen Aufstieg zum Soul-Star - allen Widerständen zum Trotz - ist schon viel erzählt worden. Nach harten Jahren auf der Straße und Gelegenheitsjobs wurde Bradley von Daptone-Chef Gabriel Roth entdeckt und konnte endlich Musik aufnehmen. Dann folgte Triumph auf Triumph, einschließlich einer bahnbrechenden Performance beim SXSW-Festival, sowie etliche TV-Auftritte und Nennungen auf vielen Jahresbestenlisten nach der Veröffentlichung von No Time For Dreaming. Der Aufstieg des Soul-Sängers ging mit dem erfolgreichen Album "Victim Of Love", das 2013 erschien, kontinuierlich weiter. Bradley machte aus seinen Schicksalsschlägen und seinem Leid Musik voller Stärke, Selbstbewusstsein und Liebe. Der 67-Jährige aus Brooklyn kündigt nun sein drittes Album Changes auf Dunham Records, einem Imprint von Daptone Records, dem "House Of Soul", an. Der amerikanische Rolling Stone hat Changes schon jetzt als eines der "am heißesten ersehnten Alben 2016" beschrieben: "Der ewig junge, grenzenlose ‚Screaming Eagle Of Soul' kommt im Sturzflug mit ‚Changes'." Bradleys Coverversion des Songs Changes von Black Sabbath gibt dem Album seinen Titel. Zu der "schwelenden" (SPIN) Coverversion sagt Bradley: "Der Text zu ‚Changes' berührt mich jedes Mal sehr, wenn ich den Song singe. Ich muss dann an meine Mutter denken und an die changes, die Veränderungen in meinem Leben, seit sie gestorben ist." Bradley stand seiner Mutter sehr nahe, was auch in der Dokumentation Charles Bradley: Soul of America zu sehen ist. Nach einer schwierigen Beziehung fanden sie Mitte der 90er wieder zusammen. Seitdem kümmerte sich Bradley um sie. Anfang 2014 ist sie gestorben -am selben Tag war Bradleys bereits ausverkauftes Konzert in der Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn angesagt. Um seine Fans nicht zu enttäuschen, ging er trotzdem auf die Bühne und widmete ihr seinen herzergreifenden Auftritt - ebenso wie nun "Changes". Das Album mit 11 Songs beginnt nach einem von Bradley gesprochenen Intro mit seiner leidenschaftlichen Version von "God Bless America" und dem neuen Track "Good To Be Back Home", der auf seinen vollen Terminkalender und seine internationale Tour anspielt. Auf "Changes" finden sich eine Menge Songs, die Bradley auch schon live gespielt hat, einschließlich "Ain't It A Sin", der von SPIN als "voller Hingabe und sündiger Ekstase, wie es zum Titel passt" beschrieben wurde. "Der ‚Screaming Eagle of Soul' brüllt und braust so wild, dass man Gänsehaut bekommt." Noch mehr als auf seinen Vorgängeralben beschwört er in den neuen Songs die Kraft der Liebe, wie im luftigen "Things We Do For Love", in der Ballade "Crazy For Love" und im langsam brennenden Abschluss "Slow Love". An Bradleys neuem Album ist auch sein langjähriger Produzent und Co-Songwriter Thomas Brenneck wieder beteiligt. Trotzdem setzt sich "Changes" von seinen Vorgängern ab. Während die ersten beiden Alben mit Dunhams Hausband The Menahan Street Band aufgenommen wurden, sind bei "Changes" Musiker des gesamten Daptone-Universums dabei, wie die Menahan Street Band, die Budos Band, die Dap-Kings und The Extraordinaires, mit denen Bradley auch auf Tour geht. Als Backgroundsängerinnen unterstützen ihn die Sha La Das, die Gospel Queens und Saun & Starr. Songs wie "Change For The World" und "Ain't Gonna Give It Up" machen "Changes" zu Bradleys bisher zeitgenössischstem Album. Charles Bradley ist für seine Liveauftritte und seine fesselnde Bühnenpräsenz bekannt. In den letzten Jahren ist er auf Festivals in der ganzen Welt aufgetreten, darunter Coachella, Glastonbury und Primavera Sound. Im New Yorker Beacon Theatre hat er The Afghan Whigs und die Tedeschi Trucks Band supportet. Und sogar im Apollo Theater stand er schon auf der Bühne - jenem Ort, an dem er mit 14 sein großes Idol James Brown zum ersten Mal sah. Für das Frühjahr 2016 hat Bradley eine Reihe von Konzerten in Europa angekündigt. Charles Bradley ist eine Maschine, und "Changes" ein Album für Fans jeden Alters. Seine unvergesslichen Songs wird er auf den Bühnen der ganzen Welt spielen. Das Album, das am 1. April 2016 via Dunham/Daptone Records veröffentlicht wird, ist ein Grund zur Vorfreude.