One of the funkiest cuts ever from reedman Harold Alexander – served up here in the 45rpm single version, which is short, tight, and really concentrates on the funky drums at the core – although still also topped with plenty of fierce funky flute from the man himself! Speaking of funky drums, Pretty Purdie is on the flipside with "Heavy Soul Slinger" – a cut that definitely earns its name, as the funky drums mix with great conga, massive bass, and this warm organ line that really sends the whole thing home! 7-inch, Vinyl record

This is the kind of killer hard soul material that made James' late 60s years so incredible! "There Was a Time" is one of our favorite-ever tracks by him, and it's got a massive kind of soulful energy that's sometimes missing from other tracks at the time. "I Can't Stand Myself" is a winner, too, and features James wailing hard in a pure unbridled soulful moment! 7-inch, Vinyl record

Massive funkiness from the early 70s! "Jungle Fever" is one of those cuts that we never tire of – with pounding slow funk drums that still send a shiver down our spine. "Cha Ka Cha" is a slow Latin groover – with almost an LA Chicano funk sound. 7-inch, Vinyl record

Fantastic early funk from The Commodores – two great tracks on a limited pic sleeve funky 45! "Assembly Line" has a famous break that was big in the old school scene – but is also this massive cut with a really full-on feel that's completely different than any of the group's later hits! "Gonna Blow" is wonderfully wicked too – with a sharp bassline and percussion, and a groove that's almost more like funky fusion than Motown soul! 7-inch, Vinyl record

Two killer early funky cuts from Fatback Band! "Dance Girl" is an incredible skittish groover – recorded with snapping drums, strumming guitar, and this shouted vocal that hangs the whole thing together. (And oddly, this version seems to have a second voice dubbed in, making some comments underneath the whole thing!) "Keep On Brother" has a massive drum break at the start – and the young Johnny King sings with this raw, raspy style that really fits the groove! 7-inch, Vinyl record

Two massive 80s numbers with a futuristic electro sound! 7-inch, Vinyl record

Brilliant stuff – the massive two part single that broke Donny out of the box! The tune's spiritual, celebratory, and downright funky – co-written with Leroy Hutson, and a mixture of electric piano, bass, and conga that's totally sublime! 7-inch, Vinyl record

Two great cuts from Marc Moulin's legendary Placebo group – exactly the kind of funky monsters he did so well back in the day! "Phalene I" has a great mix of offbeat Fender Rhodes lines with chunkier funk rhythms at the bottom, sewn together with a cool soprano sax solo! "Phalene IV" is even heavier funk – with the Rhodes coming down right on the groove in a massive way – Marc opening up the tune tremendously with his keys, while more soprano snakes in for a great run too! 7-inch, Vinyl record

Great stuff! "Love Rollercoaster" was the Ohio Players massive mid 70s hit – a tune that hit pop charts, discos, and car radios alike – all with a joyously romping groove! 7-inch, Vinyl record

Diviniti sings on both cuts here – adding in some mighty soulful vocals! "Shine" is a great clubby groover from a few years back – and definitely showcases the warmer side of dancefloor work that Shuya Okino has been bringing to the world since his days in Kyoto Jazz Massive – a wonderfully uplifting tune! The flipside's a great take on Shuya's excellent "Sun Will Rise" anthem – again with excellent vocals from Diviniti! 7-inch, Vinyl record