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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".

Funky madness from the mind of Galt MacDermot – the second volume of rare work from his deep deep vaults! Galt's best known to most of the world as the man who wrote the music for Hair, but to us beatheads, the best stuff is his rare work – a wealth of incredible drumbreaks, basslines, piano riffs, and quirky rhythms – recorded for years on his own, finally now getting out to the public! This album's almost better than the first volume – as it's filled with stripped down instrumental cuts that feature plenty of drums (by either Idris Muhammad or Bernard Purdie), electric keyboards, and other instrumentation like flute or guitar. A few cuts have vocals, but even those are nice and funky – and honestly, the album's maybe even better all the way through than most of Galt's classic albums from the old days! Titles include "Ba Ba Black Baby", "Lost Dreams", "Ghetto Suite Medley", "DD 2 03", "Wurly", "Water Fight", and "Cleanly & Pump".

The best funky album you could ever find by Galt MacDermot! Unlike some of Galt's other records, which have a few funky tracks and some other ones that aren't as great, this hand-picked collection is funky all the way through – and every cut's a monster! All the work still has that great offbeat sound that you'd expect from Galt's funky soundtracks –- and the playing is tight and funky, ver much in a classic early 70s jazz funk mode, especially on the drums, which are often handled by Idris Muhammad or Bernard Purdie. And even better, none of these songs have ever been issued before – and even though a few titles might be familiar from other recordings, the versions on this album are completely funky, often more so than the ones you might know! Titles include "There Was There", "Come Away Death", "Rhinocerous Main Theme", "Prison Life", "Love Knows No Season", and a stunning version of "Ripped Open By Metal Explosions".

Some of the funkiest work ever recorded by Galt MacDermot – the quirky jazz and soundtrack composer who's become a favorite of beatheads over the years! The set combines two albums worth of unreleased tracks by Galt – killer material from his legendary years, all recorded for his own Kilmarnock label, and never issued at the time. The CD's filled with quirky funk tracks that feature loads of tight drums, skittish basslines, and some killer piano and other jazzy bits – all set up with a sound that's incredibly fresh, and which makes the CD a total delight for fans of anything funky. Both these sets were out on vinyl before, but honestly, hearing the work together in this 24 track package makes it come alive even more – as there's a depth to the set that's simply astounding!

The great Luv N' Haight album of unreleased material by legendary Chicago soul jazz group Pharaohs – live tracks that serve as a vital document of the group outside the studio! There's 5 long tracks here, 4 of them recorded live, plus an unreleased gem from the Awakening sessions. Standouts include is a spacey version of "People Make The World Go Round and the extended drum suite of a closer – but it's excellent throughout! Other titles include "Pharaohs Love Y'All", which is a stellar funk jam, plus "African Roots". Nice heavy vinyl, too. Essential!

Nice compilation including some non-LP cuts from the First Priority label, in its prime. All the tracks here are cut from the same, nice middle school hip hop cloth, with not much more than the MC's rhyming over spare beats in the Audio Two style. 11 tracks in all including MC Lyte & Positive K "I'm Not Havin It", MC Lyte "Survival Of The Fittest" – the original and better version, Audio Two "Many Styles" and "Peer Pressure", Positive K "Tramp", the Alliance "Get On Down" and "Kibbles & Bits" and more.

Don't let the Euro-looking guys on the cover put you off, because this is one massively soulful set – filled with jazzy grooves that are mostly from the good ol' US of A! Most of the work here is from the super-deep Fantasy Records catalog – and much of it is from the 70s too – pulled from that great time when Fantasy labels were mixing up a variety of different influences with older soul jazz modes – touches of Brazilian and Latin rhythms, heavy styles of funk, and even some deeper soul too. CD features 17 tracks in all – including "Welcome To The Basement" by Merl Saunders, "You're So Vain" by David Axelrod, "Goodbye So Long" by Funk Inc, "From The Bottom" by Bobby Timmons, "Boogalooin" by Charles Kynard, "The Riot" by Ed Bogas, "Escravos De Jo" by Dom Um Romao, "Milestones" by Mark Murphy, "Scarborough Street Fair" by Merl Saunders, "Agua Dulce" by Cal Tjader, "Forever & A Day" by Mel & Tim, and "Aye Ma Ma" by Pucho & The Latin Soul Brothers.

A great group – much better than their name! Forget the "dub" part – because there's no reggae jams, or bargain basement Kingston sounds on here. Instead, the group's a really warm and jazzy combo – a quintet of 5 Japanese musicians, all playing in a lovely, laidback fashion. The instrumentation includes flute, violin, acoustic guitar, bass, and percussion – and the style is a gentle blend of bossa, jazz, and acoustic swing – really sparkling with a fresh take on all the genres, and coming together with a confidence that's really compelling. A really lovely little record – almost lost in the wash of current work – and packaged here with a bonus CD of remixes! Titles include "Ama No Hamaguri", "Sayonara No Kodoma", "Sabara", "Ham & Egg", "Musik Liebe & Daisy", and "Rensa Hannoh" – plus remixes by Daishi Hisakawa, Takeshi Habu, Gak Sato, and Paine.

A much-needed look at the mighty Sugar Pie DeSanto – a singer who really rocked Chess Records back in the 60s! DeSanto came to the label already boasting one hell of a groove – a rock-solid sense of rhythm that made all of her tunes groovers right from the get-go – and a raw vocal power that easily rivaled, if not beat, that of Etta James – her labelmate at Chess, and partner on a few duet tracks here! The collection's a non-stop soul party throughout – as upbeat as Northern Soul, but with plenty of deep soul elements as well – and it's the first time many of these cuts have been brought together on CD, and certainly never before as wonderful as this. Kent serves up some great notes and vintage photos with the package – the latter of which show Sugar Pie in action on stage, clearly one of the sexiest singers to work the circuit back in the 60s! Titles include "In The Basement (parts 1 & 2)", "Soulful Dress", "Witch For A Night", "Ask Me", "Good Timin", "Mr & Mrs", "Mama Didn't Raise No Fools", "Crazy Lovin", "There's Gonna Be Trouble", "Jump In My Chest", "Somewhere Down The Line", "Use What You Got", "Never Love A Stranger", "I Love You So Much", "Go Go Power", and "I Don't Wanna Fuss".

Sweet remixes from Robert Glasper's Black Radio album – all of them tunes that sound even more soulful than the originals! Given that the core record itself was a bit of a "remix" – Glasper's keyboards, funky beats, and hip contributions from a range of soul singers – the expansion of those sounds works perfectly here – stretching out the wonderful mix of modes through some sweet tracks that still leave plenty of room for Robert's keyboards. The set includes a totally great 9 minute "Dillalude #2", plus "Twice (?uestlove's Twice Baked rmx)", "Afro Blue (9th Wonder's blue light basement rmx with Phonte)", "Black Radio (Pete Rock rmx)", "Consequences Of Jealousy (Georgia Anne Muldrow's sassy geemix)", and "Letter To Hermione (Robert Glasper & Jewels rmx)".

A 60s classic from the great Eddie Harris – and proof that his move to Atlantic Records was a very good thing! There's a punch here that Harris didn't have in his earlier sides for Vee Jay – a bite that shows an even stronger focus than before – a willingness to mix soulful undercurrents with some of the more exotic styles in his music – all in a blend that's completely captivating all the way through! The set features some wicked work from Cedar Walton on piano, adding in some lyrical lines that are mighty nice – and other players include the mighty Melvin Jackson on bass, the great Ray Codrington on trumpet, and Sonny Phillips on organ – adding in some sweet electricity to the set. Harris goes a bit electric at times – bringing in some great sounds on the Varitone – and titles include an early take of "Listen Here", with Eddie on electric piano – plus "Goin' Home", "Blues In The Basement", and "Mean Greens".

A great little soundtrack – to one of the creepiest baby films ever! The score is one of the last from the legendary Bernard Herrmann – and it's one that's got all the depth and majesty of his best work for Hitchcock – an amazing sense of tone and texture that's hardly what you'd expect to such a gory little thriller! Herrmann was always one to bring his a-game to the studio, but he really knocks it out of the park with this one – using classic modes to hit some newly-creepy styles – in a way that's almost as if he's trying to show a whole younger generation of soundtrack artists that things can still be done best the old way. This reissue presents the music for the first time ever in its entirety – with amazing sound, and a very well-done booklet filled with notes and spooky photos. Titles include "Father & Child/Father Protects Child", "Raid On The School", "Frank Visits Basement", "It's Alive", "Charley's Dead", "The Big Search", and "Empty Fridge/Father Stalks Baby".

Classic work from Al Hudson – pre One Way, but in the same uptempo soul vein. Al's working here with arrangements by Kevin McCord, Rudy Robinson, and Dave Roberson – in a mix of club-heavy tunes that are augmented by a few welcome mellower numbers. Titles include "I Don't Want You To Leave Me", "Another Love Song", "You Can Do It", "In The Basement", "Call me", and "Rock".

Classic 70s work from KC & The Sunshine Band – a record that's not as hit-heavy as previous efforts, but still a plenty great set that's filled with catchy dancefloor funk! KC's clearly feeling the heat of the disco fire he helped to ignite a few years before – and there's definitely an ear hear towards tracks that would boom out nicely on a heavier sound system – kind of a deepening of the sometimes bargain basement production the group got on earlier TK records. That approach doesn't dampen the groove, though, and there's still a nice mix here of soul, funk, club, and tropical modes – sometimes a bit off the mark, but still a heck of a lot better than most of the group's contemporaries! Titles include a remake of "It's The Same Old Song", plus "Who Do Ya Love", "How About A Little Love", "Sho-Nuff'" and "Come To My Island".

The 1992 CLASSIC jazzy soulful hip hop album from one of the best producers in hip hop! You get a whole 18 tracks ranging from laid back smooth molasses tracks to sing along party bouncers. How could your collection be complete without this?!! Tracks include the unforgettable "They Reminisce...(TROY)", "Mecca & The Soul Brother", "Straighten It Out", "Soul Brother #1", "The Creator (remix)",the sensual "Lots of Lovin", "Wig Out", "Anger In The Nation", "Act Like You Know", "Skinz" featuring Grand Puba, and "The Basement" featuring Heavy D, Robo-O, Grap, & Dida, plus plenty more.

The coolest funky 45 package we've seen yet from Peoples Potential – featuring Kurtis Scott's private press low-fi cosmic funk jams "If You Feel It" and "Get Up And Dance" – plus a booklet with a brief bio, black & white photos and the poetry of Curtis Futch Jr, aka Curtis Scott! We’re not sure of the dates of recordings for the tunes – there's an 80s basement funk atmosphere, though, and it serves these jams for the better, in our opinions. Raw funk and vocals highlight "If You Feel It (Get Up And Dance)" (you just might do that), tripped out by some echo – and the cosmic wierdness hits washes over fully on the flip "Uncrowned Champion". They booklet is nicely put together, too!

Enough funk to stop a truck – and a rare collection of tracks made by Senor Soul, a heavy-hitting LA group from the 60s – and the precursor to War! The tunes on the set are pulled from the group's sessions for the Whiz and Double Shot labels, plus a few previously unissued tracks – and the sound is completely sublime for fans who like their funk hard, heavy, and instrumental! Beats are rough, bass is fierce, and there's a good smattering of some Latinized elements – like percussion, flute, and tasy guitar. A few tracks have vocals, but the overall feel is mostly instrumental – and together, the tracks make the set feel like you've just stumbled upon a whole box of rare funky 45s sitting in the basement of a shop on Central Ave! 20 tracks in all – including "The Mouse", "Soul Fiesta", "Make The Funk Jump", "El Loco", "I Dig Rock & Roll Music", "I Ain't Got No Soul Today (What It Is, Y'All)", "Get On Up", "Hypnotizer", "The Sneak", "Poquito Soul", and "Don't Lay Your Funky Trip On Me".

A pivotal moment for Shoes – demo material that pre-dates their classic Present Tense album – pulled from the vaults, and issued here as a wonderful pre-Elektra slice of their career! The tunes were originally cut in the basement of a bridal shop in Northern Illinois – yet already have Shoes sounding a lot sharper than their Black Vinyl album – a tightness that shows a tremendous growth on all fronts in a really short space of time – yet no too-commercial production to smooth out any of the bite of the music! Had these tunes come out in this format, the record may well have reached ears the big label debut had missed – and hat's off to the folks at Numero for finally bringing these gems to light. Titles include "I Don't Wanna Hear It", "Say It", "Three Times", "Tomorrow Night", "I Don't Miss You", "Cruel You", "Somebody Has What I Had", and "Now & Then".

8 stunning groovers from London's Bitasweet Records – part of the NuSoul underground led by IG Culture and Phil Asher, both of whom contribute work to the set, along with G Force, Afro Force, and New Sector Movements. Titles include "Thrill Seeker" by Dub Basement, "Locust" by 12 Bit Rephugeez, "Goza (dub)" by Afro Force, "Universal Music" by BB Boogie, "The Mind (the mind rub)" by Da One Away, "My History (raw dub)" by New Sector Movements, and "Pleasure Ride" by Blacktonez. Lots of material exclusive to the set, too!

Captain Sky is sort of a bargain-basement version of Bootsy Collins. He plays lots of heavy bass riffs, lays down long funk tracks with wicked vocals and trippy space funk lyrics – but somehow he's never worthy of a ride on the mothership. The record's not a bad one, and it's an interesting example of the huge space-funk influence the work of George Clinton had on the soul underground during the late 70s. Not that anyone did it nearly as good as the P-Funk crew, but there were always a host of folks like Captain trying their best. Tracks include "Moonchild", "Fearless", "Cream & Sugar", "Rebirth", "Hero", and "Ker-Runch".

Whether you're a pitmaster or a sous chef, you always need a little coverage in the kitchen – and if you're like us, you're most likely spinning a bit of music while you cook – so why not combine the two, and host your folks with a Dusty Groove Apron? We actually created these for our used record department – so that they could spend a day digging through vinyl, and not get completely covered in dust. But due to customer requests, we're also offering them to the public – perfect for everyday use in the kitchen, hosting a BBQ in warm weather, or even working around the woodshop in your basement! Heavy cotton denim, with the Dusty Groove logo at the top, two pockets below, a pen pocket, and an adjustable neck strap – so that we can confidently say that one size fits all.

Sweet remixes from Robert Glasper's Black Radio album – all of them tunes that sound even more soulful than the originals! Given that the core record itself was a bit of a "remix" – Glasper's keyboards, funky beats, and hip contributions from a range of soul singers – the expansion of those sounds works perfectly here – stretching out the wonderful mix of modes through some sweet tracks that still leave plenty of room for Robert's keyboards. The set includes a totally great 9 minute "Dillalude #2", plus "Twice (?uestlove's Twice Baked rmx)", "Afro Blue (9th Wonder's blue light basement rmx with Phonte)", "Black Radio (Pete Rock rmx)", "Consequences Of Jealousy (Georgia Anne Muldrow's sassy geemix)", and "Letter To Hermione (Robert Glasper & Jewels rmx)".

At the end of the 60s, Milt Jackson and Ray Brown cut some very groovy records together – teamed up in a great pairing of styles that pushed both of them way past the more standard sounds of earlier years! This album's one of the best of the bunch – as it features pianist Monty Alexander joining the pair, bringing in some warmly soulful elements on piano – in ways that are a great bridge between his work for MGM and MPS! The set also features great tenor from Teddy Edwards – blowing with a deep tone and a sharp edge – and in addition to vibes by Jackson and bass by Brown, the group also features Dick Berk on drums. The set was recorded live at Shelly's Manne-Hole – and titles include Alexander's "That's The Way It Is", plus "Blues In The Basement", "Wheelin & Dealin", and "Tenderly".

Classic 70s work from KC & The Sunshine Band – a record that's not as hit-heavy as previous efforts, but still a plenty great set that's filled with catchy dancefloor funk! KC's clearly feeling the heat of the disco fire he helped to ignite a few years before – and there's definitely an ear hear towards tracks that would boom out nicely on a heavier sound system – kind of a deepening of the sometimes bargain basement production the group got on earlier TK records. That approach doesn't dampen the groove, though, and there's still a nice mix here of soul, funk, club, and tropical modes – sometimes a bit off the mark, but still a heck of a lot better than most of the group's contemporaries! Titles include a remake of "It's The Same Old Song", plus "Who Do Ya Love", "How About A Little Love", "Sho-Nuff'" and "Come To My Island".

The debut full length from Pete Rock & CL Smooth – and a bonafide hip hop classic if there ever was one – one of the best ever! Pete Rock's trademark mix of heavy soul, jazz & funk beatcraft pretty much set the bar to a level that's been impossible to top ever sense. On top of being a front-to-back perfect album, Mecca & The Soul Brother has one of the great singles of the era, in "They Reminisce Over You (TROY)". What more can be said, really? An absolute essential! Disc 1 includes the original full length album. Titles include "Return Of The Mecca", "For Pete's Sake", "Ghettos Of The Mind", "Soul Brother #1", "Wig Out", "Anger Of The Nation", "Can't Front On Me", "The Basement" feat Heavy D, Rob-O, Grap & Dida, "If It Ain't Rough, It Ain't Right", "Skinz" feat Grand Puba and more. 16 tracks in all. Disc 2 features a wealth of bonus tracks, including 12" versions, remixes, acapellas, instrumentals and exclusives, including "It's Not A Game (Original 12" Version)", "Lots Of Lovin (Remix)" "They Reminisce Over You (TROY)" (Remix, Vibes Mix, and Instrumental versions), "Straighten It Out (Instrumental Version)". 15 tracks of bonus material. Comes in a heavy duty, beautiful deluxe box with a 20 page book with notes by Brian Coleman, Dante Ross, Pete Rock & CL Smooth and a full sized poster!

Glorious and spirit shaking Gospel Funk – a selection of stellar singles from the House Of Beauty label – stirring with Goodness and infused strongly with secular soul and funk influences! The House Of Beauty label started in the basement of Carmen Murphy's Detroit beauty parlor, which became a rehearsal space for local gospel acts, and soon enough a pioneering local label for gospel and some secular vocal groups. By the mid 60s, HOB became a gospel subsidiary for Scepter Records in NYC and things started getting funky! This vinyl only set on Secret Stash includes a tight collection of singles that are steeped in funk, some in a slow cooking way and others more uptempo. The vocals are wonderful and spirited all the way, accompanied by guitar, drums, bass and organ on most tunes. Includes "Power Lord" by The Victory Travelers, "Play It By Ear" by Rev Milton Brunson, "Trouble All Around Me" and "Serve The Lord" by Southland Singers, "If You Think Your God Is Dead, Try Mine" by The Swan Silvertones, "New Testament" (plus a reprise) by The New Testament, "Working People" by Connie Pitts, ""Can't Find No Toher Love" by Messiahs Of Glory and more.

Sweet remixes from Robert Glasper's Black Radio album – all of them tunes that sound even more soulful than the originals! Given that the core record itself was a bit of a "remix" – Glasper's keyboards, funky beats, and hip contributions from a range of soul singers – the expansion of those sounds works perfectly here – stretching out the wonderful mix of modes through some sweet tracks that still leave plenty of room for Robert's keyboards. The set includes a totally great 9 minute "Dillalude #2", plus "Twice (?uestlove's Twice Baked rmx)", "Afro Blue (9th Wonder's blue light basement rmx with Phonte)", "Black Radio (Pete Rock rmx)", "Consequences Of Jealousy (Georgia Anne Muldrow's sassy geemix)", and "Letter To Hermione (Robert Glasper & Jewels rmx)".

Two Amphonic sound library sets – back to back on a single CD! Shades Of Grey is a great set from Steve Gray – with some killer smooth jazz funk numbers! The feel's like a hip late 70s soundtrack, surprisingly wonderful overall – nice and tight, but never too uptight – that wonderful balance you'd find on some of the best sound library sets of the time! Steve Gray's at his best throughout – leading a large ensemble with the deftness of some of the best soundtrack maestros of the time – and titles include "El Sol", "Finely Fluted", "Simply Sophisticated", "Bill's Basement", "Only A Dream Away", and "Powerdrive". Brit Easy genius Syd Dale takes the helm on It's A Colourful World – a warm set of instrumental tunes dedicated to the west coast – topped with a San Francisco cover image, but with more than enough modes to stretch down highway 101 to Los Angeles! The sound is almost more early 70s than you'd guess from the date – not entirely funky, but quite picturesque – mixing some warm TV-styled soundtrack styles with evocative horns and woodwinds. Titles include "San Francisco Bay", "Redwood Valley", "Flamingo Parade", "The Puppet Factory", "Pink Bacardi", "Dancing At The Palace", and "French Lace".

Produced by Speech of Arrested Development. 15 tracks in all, including "A free Soul", "The Jungle", "Basement Music", "Ya Know", "Big Bowl Of Life" and "Last Night".

A 60s party from drummer and madly grooving instrumentalist Sandy Nelson – way more than a frat party – this one's for the beaches, basements, drag-strips and anywhere else! This is the second dip into the wealth of Imperial singles and albums cut by Sandy – into the mid 60s here – storming instro groovers all the way! It's got rugged takes on TV and movie themes, surf, garage and bits of exotica – all with a tightly thumping, bottom heavy groove that's as insistent as can be! 24 tracks in all: "Nothing's Too Good For My Baby", "Batman Theme", "Sabre Dance', "Just Like Me", "Tim Tom Drum", "The Jerk", "Pipeline", "Peter Gunn", "Good Thing", "Work Song" and more.

An amazing package – filled with loads of rare gems – all vintage vinyl nuggets from the enormous collection of The Cramps! Lux Interior and Poison Ivy are legendary record collectors – and have been digging in thrift stores, warehouses, and basements for many decades – filling a love of music that even predates the formation of their famous group – and which went onto inform the sounds they made on their own! Given that the duo were out there digging for many years before the rest of us, they've definitely gotten their hands on some amazing gems over the years – a good number of which are presented here in an ultra-cool 10" vinyl package – subtitled in ways that really give you an idea of the sounds – "ghoulish exotica", "lip-curling rock n roll", "crazy mixed up sounds", and "instrumental madness". Titles include "The Cave" by Gary Spider Webb, "Wild Man Walk" by The Ebonettes, "Mashed Potatoes" by Noble Watts, "Unitar Rock" by Willie Joe & His Unitar, "Jibba Jab" by Tic & Toc, "From The Top Of Your Guggle" by The Five Blobs, "Gang War" by Gene Maltais, "Sugar Doll" by Johnny Jay, "Bongo Beatin Beatnik" by Joe Hall & The Corvettes, and "Dragon Walk" by The Noblemen.