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Nice batch of classic New Jersey soul singles from one of our favorite labels of the 70's. 16 tracks in all "Pillow Talk" and "Sweet Stuff" by Sylvia, "Hey There Sexy Lady" by Hank Ballard, "In The Bottle" by Brother To Brother, "I'll Erase Away Your Pain" by The Whatnauts, "Sexy Mama" and "Look At Me" by The Moments, "Hey Girl" by George Kerr, "Where Did Our Love Go?" by Donnie Elbert, "(Sending Out An) SOS" by Rhetta Young, "More Shame" by Seldon Powell, "I'm Needing You, Wanting You" by Chuck Jackson, "Your Precious Love" by Linda Jones, "Shame, Shame, Shame" by Shirley & Company, "Beautiful Woman" by Derek Martin and "7-6-5-4-3-2-1 (Blow Your Whistle)" by the Rimshots.

A very weird record – and one of the most compelling albums ever cut by organ whiz Dave Baby Cortez! The record's a mixture of many different styles – the pop soul instrumentals of Dave's earlier career, the funky soul jazz of the early 70s, and some trippier sounds that have a wild spaced out feel – hardly what you'd expect from Dave's early 60s hits! Arrangements are by Sammy Lowe, and the approach is mostly in the small combo format, with some added backings on a few of the cuts – all nicely run through the rougher New Jersey edges of the All Platinum label – which really helps enforce the sound of the record! Titles include the classic "Funky Robot (parts 1 & 2)", plus the cuts "Funk Shack East", "Pretty Eyes", "P's and Q's", "Born Funky", and "Tongue Kissing", which has a spoken voice narrating how to French kiss!

The great debut from First Class – an east coast harmony group from the 70s, and one who work proudly here in some of the more uptempo styles of the time! Tracks here are often a bit extended, and filled with warmly clubby touches that are a nice All Platinum answer to the sound of Philly at the time – recorded in New Jersey, with orchestrations by Sammy Lowe and Mike Terry, who both take the music past standard dancefloor work. Tommy Keith plays some mean guitar in the backing group, and he also wrote and produced the whole record. Tracks include the wonderful stepper "Me & My Gemini" – a cut so good it makes us want to change our horoscope sign – plus the titles "Foxy Lady", "Let's Make Love", "This Is It", "Filled With Desire", "I've Got You", and "Lady Of The Evening". CD features lots of bonus tracks – including "Me & My Gemini (7" version)", "Me & My Gemini (inst)", "I Do", "So Glad That I Got You", and "This Is It (7" single)".

The rare second set from First Class – and a set that's every bit as heavenly as the first! The album's a great slice of later New Jersey soul – still very much in the mode started by groups like The Moments or Whatnauts, but showing a stronger Philly influence on the groovers – which are mixed in here with gentler, mellower cuts that really show the group's great harmony talents! Although never as big as contemporaries like Blue Magic, First Class have a great approach that really holds on strong throughout the set – working here with production from George Kerr, Donnie Elbert, and Tommy Keith – all of whom know how to get the sound right for the feel of the tunes. Titles include "Give Me Lend Me", "Let's Make Love", "Coming Back To You", "Lucky Me", "Hypnotized", and "Going Out Of My Head". CD features four bonus tracks too – "It's Never Too Late", "Beginning Of The End", and "Don't Know What You're Doing" in both stereo and mono versions.

Probably the funkiest record ever by this landmark soul combo! The Rimshots are one of these groups that you always find their later work, but in their early days they were an absolutely killer combo – with a hard funky groove that virtually defined the funky 45 sound. In fact, their singles were the stuff that funky collectors were going for way back in the day – when nobody collected funky 45s – and this album may well be the only full-length piece of wax that comes close to matching the strength of those singles. 9 tracks in all: "Neighbor! Get Your Own", "Born Funky", "Soultrain (parts 1 & 2)", "Coastin & Crashin (parts 1 & 2)", "In Cold Blood", "Love, True Love! (Please Pass My Way)" and "A Hot Day In Harlem".

A stunning set from Machine – not the late 70s disco group, but a combo who were essentially the backing group for The Whatnauts – stepping out here in their own album of raw New Jersey funk! The set's a stunner right from the start – and features production by George Kerr, who gives the whole thing the same feel as the best Whatnauts material on All-Platinum – that unique blend of raw and sweet, funky and mellow – although in this case, probably a lot more funky overall! The Whatnauts guest on vocals at a few points, but the main vibe of the set is instrumental – with amazing guitar, bass, and drums that really set the grooves on fire. Titles include "World", "Why Can't People", "Time Is Running Out", "Only People Can Save The World", "Boots In The Snow", "Trails", and "Lock Your Door". CD features two bonus tracks – edits of "Time Is Running Out" and "World".

A very weird record – and one of the most compelling albums ever cut by organ whiz Dave Baby Cortez! The record's a mixture of many different styles – the pop soul instrumentals of Dave's earlier career, the funky soul jazz of the early 70s, and some trippier sounds that have a wild spaced out feel – hardly what you'd expect from Dave's early 60s hits! Arrangements are by Sammy Lowe, and the approach is mostly in the small combo format, with some added backings on a few of the cuts – all nicely run through the rougher New Jersey edges of the All Platinum label – which really helps enforce the sound of the record! Titles include the classic "Funky Robot (parts 1 & 2)", plus the cuts "Funk Shack East", "Pretty Eyes", "P's and Q's", "Born Funky", and "Tongue Kissing", which has a spoken voice narrating how to French kiss!

Lost Philly soul from the end of the 70s – great falsetto vocals from the mighty Matt Covington! Covington was the lead singer in the Philly Devotions, but somehow shines even more brightly on his own – with a gentle, heartfelt style that's almost more east coast early 70s soul than you'd guess from the date of this record – a great reminder that there was still some rootsier energy going on in the Philly scene, even as some of its artists were hitting big mainstream fame. Covington's vocals work especially great on the ballads, but they also hit nicely on the groovers – in the way that some of the All-Platinum/Stang artists made a decent transition to the dancefloor as the 70s moved on. But the mellower cuts are still the killers here – and titles include "If Love Can Be Magic", "Dust Is On Our Shoes", "Baby Blood", "Finally Got Oer On You", "Go Away & Leave Me Girl", "Philadelphia Dreaming", "Country Folks", and "Muhammad Ali".

Dylan & The Band's legendary Basement Tapes – those amazing late 60s Woodstock recordings – and an album that was a classic long before it was officially released in the mid 70s! Bootleg after bootleg of some these recordings might have sold enough copies on the grey market in the early 70s to go platinum back in the day, so there's little wonder that Columbia would finally get some kind of official release out there – and it lives up to the legend! Dylan's conversational, seemingly spontaneous lyricism stretches over a good portion of it, with some much more soulful numbers, too – and those are all the more effective with The Band's incredible instrumentation, backing and occasional lead vocals. Includes "Odds And Ends", "Million Dollar Bash", "Tears Of Rage", "Tiny Montgomery", "Nothing Was Delivered", "Too Much Of Nothing", "Clothes Line Saga", "You Ain't Goin Nowhere", "Open The Door, Homer", "This Wheel's On Fire, "Crash On the Levee (Down In The Flood)", "Long Distance Operator".

Lost bit of soul by Chuck Jackson, recorded in LA in the early 70s, between his Wand hit years, and his later stuff on All Platinum. The sound is sort of a rootsy studio soul sound, if that makes any sense – but some of the tracks are also a bit funky. There's a great sample on the cut "Talk A Little Less", which is also a killer soul number itself – and other titles include "Maybe This Will Be The Morning", "Put A Little Love Away", "If That's The Way That You Want It", "Just a Little Tear", and "I Only Get This Feeling". Surprisingly great work from Chuck – and a record that should have been bigger, but which got buried when it came out.

One of the few funky late Chess gems for Etta James – recorded during the period when the company was owned by the All Platinum family of labels in New Jersey – with incredible vocals by Etta! Most of the record was cut in NJ, and features Etta's bluesy style meeting some nice funky arrangements by Mike Terry – plus a couple of tracks cut in Hollywood that fit right in stylistically. One of those is the strong opener "Woman (Shake Your Booty)" – with production credited to Etta – and other tracks include "Groove Me", "A Love Vibration","Only A Fool", "Jump Into Love", "Ain't No Pity In the Naked City" and a great version of Randy Newman's "Leave Your Hat On". This first ever CD version from Kent UK has 10 bonus tracks – featuring even more overlooked Chess recordings from the early-to-mid 70s – including a cover of "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling", "Down So Low", "Feeling Uneasy", Power Play", "Let's Burn Down The Cornfield", "Lovin' Arms" and more.

Loads of classics – including "Calling Dr Love", "Love Gun", "Hotter Than Hell", "God Of Thunder", "Deuce", "Detroit Rock City", "Beth", "Black Diamond", "Rock & Roll All Nite", and "Rock Bottom".

Sweetly stepping funk from The Rimshots – here moving from their rawer early sound into a tighter mode that was much more in keeping with the Philly scene of the time! The set's got a really full ensemble group feel – similar to other All Platinum classics by Brand New Funk and Wood Brass & Steel – a style that might be called disco at times, but which has a more laidback approach, and a more organic funk-based sound at its core. There's some great tripped-out guitars on a few cuts – stepping over the grooves with a chromatic sound that reminds us a bit of The Spirit Of Atlanta – and the best numbers burn with a rolling groove that would make the Rhythm Makers proud! Tracks include "Groove Bus", "Do what You Feel", "Walter's Inspiration", "Now Is the Time", and the group's cover of "7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 (Blow Your Whistle)".

A wicked little set from singer Debbie Taylor – a vocalist who really only shone brightly for this one album – but who's left more than enough of a soul legacy with its greatness! The record's an important early effort from Patrick Adams – and it's cut with a rough-edged style that's a bit like Adams' work with Black Ivory – especially on the mellower, more fragile ballads. Debbie's style is earthy and personal throughout – no soul cliches at all, and an overall mode that's really like some of the best up-and-coming east coast acts at the time – particularly those on the All Platinum label. Titles include "No Ifs Ands Or Buts", "Touchin' You", "Romance Without Finance", "Eye Doctor", and her great version of "No Deposit No Return".

A repackaging of tracks put together in the late 70s, collecting some of War's "jazzier" moments. Although it was War's more succinct, funkier numbers and singles that we dug most about the band at first, it's these numbers where the group opens up a bit more that they really shine, if you ask us. There's still a great groove, with more than a little Latin influence creeping in here and there underneath, and all of the members of the group are more than respectable soloists, with solid playing throughout this collection. Titles include "LA Sunshine", "Platinum Jazz", "Slowly We Walk Together", "River Niger", "H2Overture", "City Country City", and "Deliver The Word".

The dancefloor just got a whole lot funkier – thanks to an incredible selection of rare disco and club tracks from the best years of the genre! The set list here is really amazing – the kind of tunes that rarely turn up this easily, and never in such a cohesive package – and our hats are off to compiler Al Kent for putting together such a wonderfully tasty set! Most numbers here are from the mid to late 70s – and showcase a soulfully grooving approach to disco – one that's free from the cliches of the mainstream side of the genre, and which features plenty of real soul vocals alongside uptempo funky instrumentation that usually features a few odd twists and turns! Most numbers are edited by Al Kent, sometimes in very subtle ways, and include "cover ups" billed to other artists – and the package essentially brings together material from Kent's previous CD series of the same name – but with revised track order, wonderful packaging, and a bonus poster! Limited vinyl 1 features the tracks – "Love Is All Around" by Sizzle, "I've Been Searching" by Arts & Crafts, "Get Ready" by Allan Harris & Perpetual Motion, "Sweet Jazz Music" by Panache, "To Be With You" by Jimmy Sabater, "Funkathone" by The People's Workshop, "Just Friends" by Silver Platinum & Gold, and "Why In The World Do They Keep On" by Executive Suite.

Another stellar batch of Simply Good Music – a far-reaching selection of boundary-stretching jazzy soul – collected by Giant Step Records! The set features singles, album tracks and lesser known numbers from long-established talents such as Raphael Saadiq, Bebel Gilberto, Fertile Ground and Los Amigos Invisibles, nusoul divas Liz Fields and Adriana Evans, plus some incredible heaters by Platinum Pied Piers, Plantlife and others! 13 tracks in all: "I Know Shuggie Otis" by Raphael Saadiq, "Your Day Is Gone" by Platinum Pied Piepers feat Georgia, "Live In The Light" by Fertile Ground, "Appreciate" by Plantlife, "Ever After" by Jiva Vs. Seek, "In Search Of" by Adriana Evans, "Antonia" (TKN Re-edit) by Renovation Unlimited featuring Roy Ayers and more!

An overlooked groover from late 70s Motown – served up on a record that might look more like a heavy metal outing, but which is tight clubby soul all the way through! Platinum Hook are a bit in the funky territory of early Commodores – save for the fact that they've got one female singer in amongst the guys – and like that more famous combo, they have a really great way of balancing bassy groovers with a few mellower moments to really round out their sound – some slower-stepping cuts that still bring funk into the rhythms, but in a nicely laidback way! Titles include "City Life", "Gotta Find A Woman", "Til I Met You", "Hooked For Life", and a cover of George Clinton's "Standing On The Verge (Of Getting It On)".

Not as great as some of her earlier records for the Vibration/All Platinum label – but still with some nice moments, thanks largely to the strange sexiness that is Sylvia! The record definitely has more of a disco sound than earlier albums – which doesn't sound too bad with Sylvia's slinky breathy vocals. Includes the goofy tribute to Kojak, "The Lollipop Man", plus "Lay it On Me", "Stop (Boy)", "Queen Bee", and a remake of "Love Is Strange".

An obscure later tune by The Whatnauts – issued years after their classics for All-Platinum in the early 70s – but proof that the group is always great, no matter what the setting! This tune's got a mean mean boogie groove – and was sampled to great fame by De La Soul in "Ring Ring Ring", but stands beautifully on is own. There's a rollerskating bounce to the track that's completely sublime – and the tune steps on and on and on without missing a beat! Not on any LP, either!

The dancefloor just got a whole lot funkier – thanks to an incredible selection of rare disco and club tracks from the best years of the genre! The set list here is really amazing – the kind of tunes that rarely turn up this easily, and never in such a cohesive package – and our hats are off to compiler Al Kent for putting together such a wonderfully tasty set! Most numbers here are from the mid to late 70s – and showcase a soulfully grooving approach to disco – one that's free from the cliches of the mainstream side of the genre, and which features plenty of real soul vocals alongside uptempo funky instrumentation that usually features a few odd twists and turns! Most numbers are edited by Al Kent, sometimes in very subtle ways, and include "cover ups" billed to other artists – and the package essentially brings together material from Kent's previous CD series of the same name – but with revised track order, wonderful packaging, and a bonus poster! There's a whopping 45 tracks in all – with cuts that include "Love Is All Around" by Sizzle, "I've Been Searching" by Arts & Crafts, "Get Ready" by Allan Harris & Perpetual Motion, "Sweet Jazz Music" by Panache, "To Be With You" by Jimmy Sabater, "Funkathone" by The People's Workshop, "Just Friends" by Silver Platinum & Gold, "Why In The World Do They Keep On" by Executive Suite, "Dancing Free" by Hot Ice, "Doing Our Own Thang" by Al Tanner, "Fear" by Arthur King, "Party Together" by Superbs, "How Can I Tell Her" by Curtis, "Giving It All To You" by Cheryl Berdell, "We've Got It" by Sylvano Santorio, and "Sound Of Disco Rock" by Stringfield Family.

A bit sweet soul, a bit funky – and a real indie soul classic from the early 70s! The album's the second from The Dynamics – a group from Detroit, but one who work here with a style that's much more in the east coast mode of the All Platinum/Stang generation! The production is nice and mellow on the best cuts – fragile, but never sloppy – and the vocals really dominate nicely on the ballads, sliding forward with a really mellow late nite sound! The album does have one standout funk track, titled "Funkey Key", but most of the set is relatively mellow – and other tracks include "Count Your Chips", "You're The Only One", "Voyage Thru The Mind", "What A Shame", and "You'll Never Find A Man Like Me". CD features a lot of bonus tracks too – titles that include "Beautiful Music", "Get Myself High", "I'm Thinking", "Baby Baby I Love You", "Sweet Games Of Love", and "Let's Start All Over".

The long-overdue return of Coultrain – an artist we've been digging right from the start, when he dropped off a pile of handmade CDs as freebies to give away in our store! Since that time, Coultrain has emerged to become one of the freshest talents of the underground – through work with the Platinum Pied Pipers and Hawthorne Headhunters, and work on other projects as well. But we've always loved the man himself out front of the spotlight – sharing his really unique vision of cosmic soul music – a sublime blend of inventive sounds, creative beats, and songwriting that will take you way way way past the usual! This album's been well worth the wait, and shows that our faith in Coultrain has certainly been well-placed – a beautiful set that features the tracks "A Gem Iza Jewel", "Gazelle's Dance", "Y Not", "Deception", "Sassyphrass", "Wanted", and "Asherah Le Chameleon".

A whole new level of genius for Herb Alpert – a record that's light years away from his earlier work with the Tijuana Brass, and which has the trumpeter stepping strongly into the world of smooth jazzy fusion! The title track here went platinum the minute it was released – and became an end-of-the 70s instrumental anthem that seemed to drift out of speakers around the country. The rest of the album's pretty great too – built on the modes explored by Donald Byrd, Freddie Hubbard, and other soulful fusion players of the 70s – but cast out with a bit more drama overall. Titles include the seminal jazz dance classic "Rotation" – plus "Rise", "Street Life", "Aranjuez (Mon Amour)", "1980", "Angelina", and "Love Is".