Saturday, November 28, 2015

Ring The Alarm playlist, Nov 28



Joe Tex - Don't cry over spilled milk
5000 Volts - Calling Dr Kiss Kiss
Churchill stage band - Superstition
Aim - Just passin thru
Madd Rackett - Get it (good God!)
Tony Alvon and the Belairs - Sexy coffee pot
Smokey Robinson and the Miracles - Going to a Go-Go
Marvin Gaye - Can I get a witness
Ike Noble and the Uptights - That's what I get
Rufus - Rufusized
Stephanie Mills - Sweet sensation
Herbie Hancock - Rockit
The Timelords - Doctorin' the Tardis
B52s  -52 Girls
Screaming Jay Hawkins - I put a spell on you (unissued version)
Zilla Mayes - Calypso blues
Percy Mayfield - Louisiana
Curtis Mayfield - Mighty, mighty, spade and whitey
Voices of East Harlem - Cashing in'
Sly and the Family Stone - Thankful n thoughtful, Sing a simple song
Bacao rhythm and steel band - Bacao suave
Willie Royal - General alarm
Elaine and Romax - Am leaving
Earl Zinger  - Song 2wo
Horne singers - Flat Foot
Metrophonics feat Mel Collins - Latin racer
Cal Tjader - Soul sauce (Fila Brazilia remix)
Pete Rodriguez - I like it like that
Joe Bataan - The bottle (La botella)
Hughie Izachaar - Jungle fever
People under the stairs - Underground run
Outlines - Waiting in line inst
Kenny Dope - Get on down
DLT feat Che Fu - Chains remix

Thursday, November 26, 2015

Soul Sok Sega Digs Up Funky Séga Sounds From 1970s Mauritius



Via Strut: "Séga is the traditional music of Mauritius (a small island off the coast of Madagascar) and is known as the “blues” of the Indian Ocean. The music was born during the 17th to 19th centuries by African slaves dancing to improvised music incorporating rhythms from their homelands in West Africa, Mozambique, Zanzibar and Madagascar. From these diverse influences sprang a new, insular dance and music, the séga.

Though initially marginalised, by the mid-1960s séga music had become a symbol of national pride and identity for Mauritius. With the advent of electric instruments, the influx of funk, soul and jazz from the West and the growth of LPs, séga went commercial.

Dancefloors started grooving to a more soulful, funky séga beat and séga artists popped up across the island with a new generation of charismatic singers becoming national stars including Claudio, Jean-Claude and Coulouce. Séga, sung in Créole, now united all the communities of the island. Mauritians from the European, African, Indian and Chinese communities, Hindus, Muslims, Christians, all danced and enjoyed séga.

Following excursions into rare tropical and island sounds with the Sofrito series, and the Haiti Direct and Calypsoul 70 albums, we’re proud to present a collection exploring the incredible séga sounds that emerged from Mauritius during the 1970s, Soul Sok Séga, compiled by DJ duo La Basse Tropicale (Natty Hô and Konsöle), based in the neighbouring island of La Reunion.

Soul Sok Sega (out 22nd of January 2016) features extensive sleeve notes from long time Mauritian cultural champion, Percy Yip Tong, including new artist interviews, photos and original vinyl artwork. All formats (1CD / 2LP / digital) are unmixed, made up completely of tracks that have never been re-issued internationally.

Pre-orders are available now via the Strut store, and a preview track (“Sega Lenoir,” by Les Stardust) is streaming. As always, vinyl on the label store ships on 180g 2LP stock while supplies last

Monday, November 23, 2015

Maggie Somers - The name game, free DL




Via ATA Records, who "are proud to present the latest instalment of their series of free downloads "Hard Work, No Pay". This month's instalment comes from soul singer Maggie Somers. Available as a free download on bandcamp.com from Friday 20th of November, this cover of the Shirley Ellis hit from 1965, "The Name Game" features, as usual, the ATA Records house band and is a compelling version.

Recorded at ATA's analogue studios in the heart of Leeds, "The Name Game" has a driving backbeat and insistent percussion that acts as the perfect foil for the effortlessly cool vocals of Soul chanteuse Maggie Somers.

Maggie Somers was first brought to the Attention of ATA Records by way of an old demo that was passed onto them by a friend of the label. Her tone and delivery instantly piqued their curiosity and a session was arranged that resulted in this version of The Name Game."

Sunday, November 22, 2015

Label Love Vol. 7


Free download of this cool series: "The seventh installment of Label Love is here, tapping into these times of heady musical diversity and discovery. Presented by veteran electronic soul label Tru Thoughts, and carefully curated by the imprint’s US label manager Jasmine De La Paz, Label Love Vol. 7 showcases 16 free tracks from nine labels around the world. With each label bringing a unique sonic signature and ethos, the compilation seamlessly unites genre-bending tunes, pulling together nostalgic classics, unreleased rarities and exclusive gems.

The series growing in stature with each edition, Vol. 7 presents music from Erased Tapes, Five Easy Pieces, Finders Keepers, Soundway Records, Strut Records, Tru Thoughts, World Circuit, ZZK Records, and !K7. This rare selection brings cuts from Sun Ra Quartet, Jane Weaver, Quantic Presents The Western Transient, Rival Consoles and Flako, to name a few, setting truly iconic artists side-by-side with the cream of current talent."

Saturday, November 21, 2015

Ring The Alarm playlist, Nov 21



3 Generations Walking -Midnight bustling
Manasseh - Maga dub
Tiger - Who planned it
Grand Wizard Theodore - Can I get a soul clap
Eric B and Rakim - Lyrics of fury
Marva Whitney - Unwind yourself
The Soul Searchers - Ashley's roachclip
Gladys Knight and the Pips - Who is she and what is she to you
Patti Jo - Make me believe in you
Bill Deal and the Rhondels - What kind of fool you you think I am
Shirley Ellis - Soultime
The Demures - Raining teardrops
Chuck Wood - Seven days is too long
Bonnie Pointer - Ah shoot
Nile Rodgers - Land of the good groove
Side effect - Goin bananas
Billy Preston - Struttin
Kraftwerk - Man machine
LCD sound system - 45:33 (Theo Parrish remix)
Beat Pharmacy feat Paul St Hilaire - Sunshine
Nitin Sawhney - Dead man (Fink dub)
Salmonella dub - Johnny  (Dubmariner remix)
McKay - Take me over
Thievery Corporation - 38:45
Nostalgia 77 - Simmerdown (Grant Phabao remix)
Baba Brooks - Watermelon man ska
Lee Thompson ska orchestra - Eastern standard time


Monday, November 16, 2015

Soul Sugar x Courtney John 45

 
Scored this cool little 45 recently, some info on it from Groovement: "Recorded in Jamaica when Parisian Guillaume ‘Gee’ Metenier (aka Soul Sugar) and Courtney John hooked up a while back, this is only the first fruit borne from those sessions. I love the bridge especially on this: Gee’s instrumentation is uplifting, and Courtney has the voice of an angel when the chorus hits again.

Pre-order the vinyl and digital versions on Bandcamp. Soul Sugar have previously released on Mocambo Records and Freestyle."

Saturday, November 14, 2015

Ring The Alarm playlist, Nov 14



Pointer sisters -Yes we can can
Benny Spellman - Fortune teller
Lee Dorsey and the Meters - What you want
Betty Harris - Mean man
Allen Toussaint - We the people
The Meters -Look-ka-py-py
Charles Wright and Watts 103rd st rhythm band - Express yourself (alternate version)
Sly and the Family Stone - If you want me to stay
Ananda Shankar - Jumpin Jack Flash
Azymuth - Estrada dos deuses (Recloose re-edit)
Osibisa - Keep on trying (Whiskey barons edit)
Was not was - Walk the dinosaur
Heaven 17 - Height of the fighting
Blabbwona - Elite beat
Manasseh - Skenga
Jackson 5 - ABC (Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra justa root rock mix)
The Pharaohs - The Pharaohs love y'all
Arthur Conley - Funky street
Kenny Smith and the loveliters - Go for yourself Pts 1&2
The Up Tights - There's gonna be a better day coming
Hank Jacobs  -Elijah rockin' with soul
Brenton Wood - Some got it, some don't
Quantic - Creation East LA (Reflex revsion)
Mighty Mocambos  -1-2 b boy suite in B flat minor
DJ Spinna - Abyzmal
The Mantarays - Originator
New mastersounds - Cigar time
Dionne Warwick - Zip a dee doo dah
Ruth Brown - Mama he treats your daughter mean
Aaron Neville - Over you
Allen Toussaint - Tequila


Thursday, November 12, 2015

Gloria Ann Taylor - Love Is A Hurtin' Thing



Via Ubiquity: "Amidst much anticipation from collectors, record stores, DJ’s and producers alike Gloria Ann Taylor’s musical output on Selector Sound have been compiled and will be presented in a deluxe triple-gatefold double LP package complete with photos and extensive liner notes.

Soul singer Gloria Ann Taylor has no rags to riches tale to tell. Her story is one of personal sacrifice, failed relationships, and missed opportunity. She was leading a hard knock life before being swept-up by the flash and promise of a marriage and business partnership with a successful record producer.

She would be nominated for a Grammy, rub shoulders with James Brown and Bootsy Collins, and turn heads from Motown. But in the end she rejected professional singing, the music business, and the lifestyle that came with it. 

Thankfully for music lovers, before Gloria closed the doors on her singing career, she left us with some amazing soul songs. Deeply shaded by gospel roots, her haunting sound clearly comes from the gut. Gloria did not fake the funk."

Love Is A Hurtin' Thing: Release date: November 27, 2015

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Bongo slapping latin jazz n mambo bangers: Jack Costanzo reissue




Via Jazzman Records - "The phrase 'living legend' is undoubtedly overused but there can be few people more deserving of such an accolade than Jack Costanzo. Born on the 24th September 1919, Costanzo is arguably the most significant percussionist of the modern era.

Playing with many key orchestras, leading his own band, appearing in numerous TV shows and films and tutoring bongo playing to the stars, more than any other figure Jack Costanzo brought percussion, specifically Latin percussion and his trademark bongos, to widespread attention. 

But he wasn't merely a popularist, he was in turn revered by his peers and critics alike for his natural ability, invention, and perhaps most importantly his sheer versatility. He became known as 'Mr. Bongo' (first coined by jazz critic Leonard Feather), and the tag could hardly be more appropriate.

Latin music and its influence in general is often criminally overlooked in music history, but as a white Italian American who rose to prominence playing Latin music at the height of the mambo craze of the 1950s, Jack Costanzo has probably even more neglected. 

But hopefully not for too much longer as this 23 track retrospective seeks to redress the balance and give him the special treatment his spectacular career deserves. 

Showcasing many of the musical highlights of his mid-50s peak and featuring extensive liner notes based on new interviews with Costanzo himself, 'Mr. Bongo' serves as a perfect introduction to the many who may not yet be aware of Jack Costanzo, as well as providing those who are already fans with the ultimate collection of his work."

· All tracks digitally restored from original sources. Deluxe double-gatefold 2LP vinyl WITH FREE 'HOW TO PLAY THE BONGOS' 20 PAGE BOOKLET INSIDE!
· Both formats contain pics & notes provided personally by Jack Costanzo himself. Out November 13. 

Monday, November 09, 2015

BFM Bombathon returns!


Via Radio 95BFM: "Over its 45-year history, bFM has infiltrated itself into  a unique place in the broadcasting spectrum. Nourishing a community of independent thinkers, providing a home for the best music and culture we have to offer, and sending some of New Zealand’s most original and non-crap broadcasters out into jobs where they may finally be able to afford rent.
 
It’s a legacy that has survived spoiler stations, network radio clout, changing media consumption habits, and the odd own-goal; through our resolute attitude to independence, authenticity, creativity, and the fierce support of a loyal community.
 
Back in the early 90s before crowdfunding was a thing, that community put their money where their mouths were during weekend pledge-drive campaigns called Bombathons. Once again, bFM calls out to the believers as we bring back the Bombathon to help build the foundation for our next 45 years.
 
From Monday November 16 to Sunday November 22, bFM’s Bombathon will be a non-stop carnival of broadcasting mayhem, including the live Breakfast Bus each weekday, specialist show outside broadcasts, gold archive moments replayed, live-to-air bands live streamed, special guests and alumni, a Friday night video telethon and on Saturday a special party at Real Groovy Records to release a limited edition 45RPM 12” LP of Darcy Clay’s Jesus I Was Evil with some original band members and special guest vocalists performing cover tributes.
 
All on-air and off-air activity will be to drive contributions to our Givealittle page in an effort to help fund our growth into digital, better equipment for our volunteers, plus other sexy equipment in need of replacement such as a UPS, Axia node, a lick or two of paint, an FM Exciter and maybe even a second toilet."

The 95bFM Bombathon
Monday November 16 to Sunday November 22

Holiday soul from Miss Sharon Jones



Some mighty entertaining xmas music from Miss Sharon Jones and her Dapkings, out now on Daptone. Also comes with some cool seasonal attire....


Saturday, November 07, 2015

Ring The Alarm playlist, Nov 7



The Believers - Mr hot pants
Graham central station - The jam
Sylvia Striplin - You can't turn me away
Barbara Trent - Heartbreak hotel
Sheila Wilkerson - Baby you're a jive cat
Muddy Waters - Mannish boy
Herbie Hancock - Wiggle waggle
Blundetto - Nautilus (dub version)
Augustus Pablo - Song of the east
Junior Murvin  and the Upsetters - Roots train number two
Adrian Sherwood and Lee Scratch Perry - Yellow fever
Laurel Atkin - Rise and fall of Laurel Atkin
Desmond Dekker - 007 Shanty town
Soul Sugar feat Courtney John - All I know
Lord Echo - Digital haircut (dub)
Johnnie Taylor - Sexy lady
Larry Graham  - Sooner or later
Zapp - More bounce to the ounce
Mark Williams - House for sale
Sam Dees - Lonely for you baby
Sam and Kitty - I've got something good
Luther Ingram - Oh baby don't you weep
Moodorama - Sweet toffee
Boozoo Bajou - Yoruba road
Treva Whateva - Singalong
Miguel de Deus - Black soul brothers
Pigbag - Papa's got a brand new Pigbag
Johnny Osbourne - Budy bye (Kenny Dope remix)

Friday, November 06, 2015

Benjamin drop new album on Cherries Records



"BENJAMIN steps forth with a deep and introspective take on life and love on their first official full-length album for Cherries. With the leading single 'Those Memories' released on 7” vinyl back in June, Benjamin set the stage for their brand of soulful, melodic funk. 

‘Hello’, the introduction into the world of BENJAMIN, starts the album and also sets the tone for this unique and timeless album. 'I Almost Lost My Faith In Love', a live, uptempo disco-esque funk jam is sure to ignite dance floors and please fans of 70’s style and modern funksters alike.

'This Time' appears in its original version, a more raw vocal & guitar heavy take. Benjamin’s musical diversity and range is shown with 'Closer', a beautiful ballad with a slick, swelling synthesizer line and a hard drum machine pattern that will be sure to resonate with boogie & modern soul lovers. 'N-E-E-D-L-O-V-E', is an electro funk jam of the highest caliber. 

With a retro drum machine, a few synthesizers and a grand piano, Benjamin leaves you with an 80s inspired electro beat, but with a deep and inspiring worldly message. The finale ‘Arriving’ is a growing and building modern funk instrumental that ebbs and flows. 

It slinks along through your ears and into the future, giving us a feeling that this is just the beginning, and we are all “arriving” into a new place, a new time, and a brand new sound for Cherries and the world alike."

Out Nov 13 on Cherries Records 

Tuesday, November 03, 2015

Waltel Branco serves up Brazilian soap




Via Mr Bongo, out now: "Originally released on Fermata (Brazil) in 1970, this brilliant - incredibly lengthy titled album contains incidental songs from three soap operas; ‘Assim na Terra Como No Céu’, ‘Passo dos Ventos’and the most well known ‘Irmãos Coragem’.

The album contains elements not dissimilar to Incredible Bongo Band, Nico Gomez, classic Blaxploitation OSTs and lost library gems. Originals are nigh on impossible to find and we are very proud to be able to reissue it, with replica original artwork and packaging, on Mr Bongo.

The Mr Bongo LP reissue is manufactured in Japan, presented in a super high quality card sleeve with replica original artwork. The CD is presented in a 4-page digi-pack.

This is the second Waltel Branco album Mr Bongo have released; the first was ‘Meu Balanco’, recorded in 1965, released in 1975.

Monday, November 02, 2015

Private Wax Vol 2




Via BBE: "Obsessive collector, record store owner and mine of musical knowledge, Zaf is vinyl junkie of the highest order. His first ‘Private Wax’ compilation came in 2012 and immediately became a highly sought after gem, due to the rare and wonderful disco and boogie contained within.

Owning the world’s premiere website for rare records (http://www.zafsmusic.com) and counting Gilles Peterson & Norman Jay among his customers allows Zaf a near superhuman selection of music to choose from, so anyone worried that he might have used up all his best tunes on Volume 1 can relax. 

 A slice of history, but also a collection of tracks that still have so much mileage left in them, we invite you to dive once again into the magical world of Zaf’s Private Wax."

Out now on CD/Digital/LP 



Brand new Mo Kolours album out now



Out now on One Handed Music, on CD/LP/Digital (latter is name your price): "‘Texture Like Sun’ is the follow up to the much-loved self-titled debut by Anglo-Mauritian producer, singer and percussionist Joseph Deenmamode aka Mo Kolours. The Guardian described ‘Mo Kolours’ as “the best album Curtis Mayfield never made with A Tribe Called Quest and Lee Perry”. 

“The Stranglers are one of my earliest memories of music. I had an auntie who was a huge fan and my parents had all their records. ‘Golden Brown’ always gave me such a beautiful feeling, way before I knew what it was supposed to be about”.

Raised on the traditional sega music of his father’s Indian Ocean homeland alongside records by the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Michael Jackson, Mo Kolours adds hip hop, dub, soul and other electronic styles to his individual sound. His approach could find him placed alongside Madlib or The Gaslamp Killer but he would be equally happy in the company of James Blake, Erykah Badu, Theo Parrish or Moodymann."