Tight hard popcorn soul from Syl! Both cuts have a nice hard sound – in the best manner of Syl's classic funky work on Twinight! "Get Ready" is a cover of the big hit, but done nice and soulfully by Syl – and "Same Kind of Thing" is deep Chicago soul, with the ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
An obscure one with arrangements by Richard Evans. "After Dark In The Ghetto" is partially sung, partially spoken – in the mode of hipster inner city lonely songs, like the 50s jazz work of Langston Hughes, Frank Minion, and perhaps Babs Gonzales. "When You Say You're ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
A train-oriented groover, in the tradition of "Express" or "Monorail", with a sort of chugging heavy funky groove, and lyrics about a party on a train! 7-inch, Vinyl record
Two tasty deep soul numbers from Bobby Jones! Both cuts have that heavy west side sound that you'd expect from Syl Johnson – and "Lovin Hard" has a weird groove, strange arrangement, and an echoey production approach that gives the cut a nice nice edge! 7-inch, Vinyl record
A fantastic funky single from Sharon Jones – a tune that dips, turns, swells, and grooves – all with an even more fantastic demonstration of her vocal skills than usual – and support from the Dap-Kings that show again that they're one of the best funky bands in the business! ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
Fast guitar steps out quick on "Firewalker" – setting a groove that's followed by fast congas and some heavy riffing horns – all burning together with just the right sort of intensity you'd guess from the group's name! "Chalupa" continues with a sweet tropical ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
Faduma Kassim/Ahmed Sharief Yusuf —
Majogo/Berflasana ... 7-inch Kah/Jazzaggression (Estonia), Mid 70s. New Copy (reissue)...
$11.99
Two rare grooves from Somalia – both of them great! "Majogo" has a romping style that's almost Ethio funk, but maybe a bit looser overall – nicely upbeat, and with great interplay between a female singer and a really tremendous tenor sax solo! "Berflasana" has more ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
A fantastic bit of modern soul – both cuts are great! "If You Don't Want My Love" begins with this cool moogy keyboard part over the groove – then Bobby King comes in to warm the whole thing up with his nicely measured vocal approach – really flowing along with the ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
A nicely obscure tune from southern soul singer Frederick Knight – and a lot grittier than some of the work you might know from his full length albums of the 70s! There's a fast-burning organ that sets up the groove on "Steppin Down" – along with riffing guitars, blasting ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
Krzysztof Komeda with Bernt Rosengren —
Knife In Water ... 7-inch Polskie Nagrania/Cacophonic (UK), 1961. New Copy (pic cover)...
$11.99
A seminal moment in Polish jazz – and in the soundtrack career of Krzystof Komeda, too! The rare EP features reedman Bernt Rosengren working with Komeda's trio – laying down amazing music from the film Knife In Water – but in a live performance from the the 1961 Jazz Jamboree ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
A Spanish group, but one who draw inspiration from all over the globe – as they criss-cross Southern Hemisphere sounds from both sides of the Atlantic on "Canto Negro" – a tune that's got a nice sing/songy groove! "Cerbatana" is even deeper – a rich tune with ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
Two rare slices of Nairobi funk – back to back on a great 45! "Gkinumanze" is a fast-moving number with horns riffing over the top of a bass-wrapped rhythm – one that's complex, but completely infectious – topped by lyrics at the start, then this very unusual guitar (?) ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
One of Francis Lai's more successful soundtracks, written shortly after his legendary work on Un Homme et Une Femme and Vivre Pour Vivre. The theme of the film is one of Lai's most instantly recognized ones. Titles include "Un Homme Qui Me Plait" and "Concerto Pour La Fin D'Un ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
Incredible sounds from the postwar avant scene in France – a small record, but one that's had huge impact over the years! This 3 track EP features compositions based around the "structures sonores" of Jacques Lasry and Bernard Baschet – both of whom create and play these ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
A beautifully soulful track from Almeta Lattimore – an obscure Detroit singer, but a great one too! "These Memories" has a warmly mellow feel, but it still moves a bit too – with a full sense of sound and style that reminds us a lot of Gloria Scott at her best! "Oh My ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
"Ten Commandments" is a hilarous version of the crazy song by Prince Buster. Nickie belts it out, delivering 10 solid commands to his woman, with a nice sax solo in the break. Great stuff! 7-inch, Vinyl record
(Dark blue no-line label pressing in an Atlantic Group sleeve.)
Two Ray Charles standards – both given a special twist by the versatile Johnny Lewis! "I Got A Woman" romps along with really raw instrumentation – including something that sounds like a tambourine about to go off the rails – while Johnny belts out the lyrics, and makes ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
Despite the familiarity of these two titles, they're not covers of more famous tracks, but very very good Little Beaver stuff from his Party Down album, which is an excellent funky soul LP. Nice spare synth percussion, plus dope guitar. 7-inch, Vinyl record
Two great tracks from the Okeh Records years of Little Richard! "Poor Dog" is a tune by Larry Williams and Johnny Watson – and it's got the same hard-rolling soul of their own great work at the time – a quick-stepping groove that really lets Richard's vocals soar! Williams ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
The group may be named Living Funk, but "Fools Love" is a great bit of mellow sweet soul – a tune that moves at a slow pace that really lets the vocals unfold in a heartbreaking kind of way! The funk returns on the flipside – as "Silver Black Summer Day" has loads ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
A wicked bit of Kenyan funk from the early 70s – a tune that starts with a fast-romping drum/percussion break, builds with excellent bass, the rolls into a riffing guitar groove that changes moods and flavors to meet the spirit of the rising/falling vocals from the group! "Mungwana" ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
"Love Tempo" has a mighty fast groove – these really strong congas at the start, which are warmed up with guitar riffing, then topped with fantastic harmony vocals that really let the whole thing take off! The tune's almost a mix of sweet soul vocals and late 70s underground club ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
Hard-rolling funk from LT & The Soulful Dynamics – a tune that moves along at a nice little clip with fast conga urging on the drums – all while LT sings out these strong lead lyrics amidst the horn blasts of the band! "Crazy About You Baby" is slower, but still has a ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
Two sweet cuts from mid 60s Mombassa – both very different, and both very groovy! "Harambe" has this vamping vibe that's topped with ultra-cool work on some unusual keyboard, which serves up a great solo over the tune's mix of riffing guitar and congas in the rhythms – as ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
There's a great break at the start of "At Jody's" – the kind you'd have to search hundreds of vintage records to find – and which is also followed by some completely wonderful slow-bumping bassline and wicked wangly guitar – almost like a slow-grooving number from the ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
"Finnish Funk" might well be the best kind of funk – especially if you dig a nicely snapping drumbreak at the start of a tune! The drums are great, then these keyboards come in to pave the way for monstrous wah-wah guitar and basslines – all working back and forth in this ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
One of the most legendary tracks ever from Philly's Magnum – a well-rounded bit of funky percussion, tight horns, and these electric piano lines that feel more Nigerian than the usual American funk of the time! This edit brings up the beats a bit more, but leaves the core groove nicely ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
One of the most legendary tracks ever from Philly's Magnum – a well-rounded bit of funky percussion, tight horns, and these electric piano lines that feel more Nigerian than the usual American funk of the time! This edit brings up the beats a bit more, but leaves the core groove nicely ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
A never-heard groove from the 70s – and one that's completely amazing too! The tune's got everything going down right on the money – drums, basslines, guitar riffs – save maybe for the saxophone line, which is nicely offbeat in a way that gives it a slightly eerie feel – ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
A newly-reformed version of 70s funk legends Manzel – but one that hits with all the hard, raw power of the group on their vintage funky 45s! "High & Tight" comes on strong with this nicely overblown keyboard over the beats – setting up this freaky little groove that ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
A rare bit of Brazilian funk from the 70s – served up with this fast-riffing groove that's totally great, which is then punctuated by very soulful piano – and topped with vocals that are in that totally cool style of Brazilian production that was big at the time! In other words, ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
A mariachi group, but one with a real difference – as these young ladies are intent on taking their music into a great new direction – one that still respects its roots, but also finds a way to thrive with the energy of a younger generation! Guitars, horns, and violins all share equal ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
Tight couple of cuts from a combo featuring members of Soulive, New Master Sounds & Orgone! "Get Ready" is a stormer from the get go, with unstoppable drums and a snapping bass groove, Psych funk guitars and a heavy organ groove. The flipside instrumental is a little looser, but ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
Two more obscure tracks from this great Brazilian singer – recorded after her early albums for Columbia – two live performances from the Festival Internacional Da Musica Popular! 7-inch, Vinyl record
2 sides of the funky soul sound of Toronto's Wanye McGhie in the early 70s! "Love Is The Answer" have a more tightly snapping funk sound than you might from the tender hearted title, with really commanding vocals by McGhie – backed by a great group including members of The ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
Deep soul from Old Town Records – two overlooked 60s gems from Beverly McKay! "Say It With Feeling" definitely lives up to its title – with a bumping, blasting groove from the horns and drums – which is then given this raspy power by Beverly's lead vocals! "Conscie ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
Sublime work from Prince Phillip Mitchell – warm modern soul from his great years at Atlantic Records! "I'm So Happy" has a groove that definitely brings a smile to our face – crackling vocals from Mitchell, and this soaring blend of horns and rhythms that's a great evolution ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
A fantastic take on the classic "Beggin" – a lost Four Seasons tune from the 60s that's gone onto much greater fame in recent years! The Monophonics present the tune in a way that keeps all the glory of the original – from the funky drums, to the romping keyboards, to the ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
A beautiful example of why the west coast scene was great when it was working at its finest! Jack Montrose cut a rare few albums in the 50s, but this one's a gem – done with help from frequent partner Bob Gordon on baritone sax, and with other players that include Conte Candoli, Shelly Manne ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
A killer from Bobby Moore! Sure, he's best known for the classic southern soul number "Searching For My Love" – but the one we die for is "Hey Mr DJ", a slow vamping instrumental with a honking tenor all over the top, and bubbling organ and really heavy drums underneath. ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
(Fading blue label pressing, with some marker and a small sticker on one side.)
Obscure work from jazz singer Azie Mortimer, recording here in a rare single that offers up 2 sides of her style. "Haunted" is a nice uptempo soul number, written and produced by Willie Henderson, with a good rolling groove that has a bit of a northern feel to it. "Cool It" ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
A romping, stomping, sock-soul monster – a cut recorded in the Northwest in the mid 60s, but with a groove that's massively funky overall! Imagine a group like The Capitols or Archie Bell & The Drells getting the chance to work after hours in a tiny studio – just riffing and ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
An early cooker from Gerry Mulligan – working here with a real birth of the cool-styled group that includes Chet Baker and Pete Candoli on trumpets, Bud Shank on alto, John Graas on French horn, Bob Enevoldsen on trombone, and Chico Hamilton on drums. The set is nicely arranged throughout ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
(In a nice gatefold 45 pic sleeve, with light wear and a name stamp.)
Soaring soul from Jerry Naylor – a singer who got his start in The Crickets, but who works here perfectly on an uptempo, blue-eyed soul track that's totally great! There's a positive vibe that really makes the 60s version of the city sparkle in the lyric – more soul than "Downtown& ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
One of the coolest, weirdest early singles from Motown – a guitar instrumental that's more rock than the usual soul we'd expect from Tamla – complete with an exotic shouted chant at the beginning, and some Eastern-styled guitar to match! The drums are mighty romping – and ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
(Beautiful reissue pressing – in a tricycle logo paper sleeve just like the early Tamla pressing!)
One of the best cuts ever by a band that's in the business of putting out monster cuts! "Afro-Strut" could be another take on the JB's "Grunt", slowed down, but still with that same high-pitched sax, just wailing away! 7-inch, Vinyl record
"Ain't It Good Enough" is a nice rolling instrumental, with a good live party feel, and a nice brassy finish. "I've Been Trying" appears to be recorded live too, and is a sweet cover of Curtis Mayfield's famous track. 7-inch, Vinyl record
A romping bit of funk from Orgone – a cut that's one of the group's own, but which almost feels like it could have been lifted from an early Funkadelic album – given the bassline, drums, and the way a chorus supports the energy of the lead vocals! "Hound Dogs" is another ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
A great remake of the classic 60s soul tune "I Sold My Heart To The Junkman" – redone here by Orgone with a bass-heavy groove, and some excellent lead vocals from Cyril Neville! Both the group and Neville give the whole tune a very different flavor – more 70s righteous ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
A haunting, funky samba instrumental, a sweeter vocal tune and spacey bonus track to close – cool stuff from Os Magrelos! "Luz Negra" is quite killer – with funky drums and heavy bass, plus a really thick layer of organ! "Seja Como For" is shows a different side, ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
2 great ones by The Ovations – both done in the Sam Cooke-inspired style that was the group's strongest suit at the time – but also inflected with some nice touches of sweet southern soul – cooking things with a great 70s sort of groove! 7-inch, Vinyl record
Two great deep soul rarities – back to back on a 45! "You Must Leave Her" has the Paramount Four working out a fantastic dance between lead vocal and harmony backup – in a slow-but-hard mode that's completely wonderful, and very suited to the blue-tinged lyrics! Jeanette ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
Righteous harmony soul – with a nice mix of deep and trippy arrangements, in the style of the best Temptations work handled by Norman Whitfield! "Keep On Moving" is a slow chugging tune with voices that dip and turn nicely – and "Your Love" has a slower ballad feel, ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
Sunny soul from the Hawaii scene of the late 70s! "So Good" has a bit of gentle funk at the core, and a rising male lead with female backup doing a great job on the positive lyrics – which get a nice break in the middle for solos on keyboards and guitar! "Could It Be ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
Two giants of the British underground scene – working here together perfectly! "Butterfly" is a fantastic take on the Herbie Hancock tune of the same name – set to some beats that are slightly broken, and graced with these sublime soul lyrics from Omar – followed by a ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
Mr CC is one funky fellow – driven by some heavy drums, blasted by tight horns, and given this wickedly sharp guitar solo in the middle – all while Jim Pipkin calls out some actions during the tune, but mostly leaves the instruments to do all the talking! The band is equally great on ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
Sweet harmony soul! "Bitter With The Sweet" is one of the best cuts ever by this obscure Ohio group – a track that's got a nice little kick to it, with a snapping midtempo groove that adds a bit more punch to the group's youthful vocals, while still preserving all their wonderful ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
Classic sounds on 45rpm 7 inch singles -- Northern soul, deep soul, funk, breaks, rare groove, sample tracks, modern soul, and jazz!
Faduma Kassim/
