Black Friday titles 
Soul — Coming Soon 
Great music in many modes -- northern soul, deep soul, harmony soul, modern soul, and group soul -- plus disco, funk, club, electro, rare groove, and more!
Just Added!
Now Again,
CD ... On December 6, 2019
A companion piece to the lost JBs collection These Are The JBs – with a 27 complete take of "When You Can Feel It Grunt (If You Can)", plus the title track and "The Wedge". CD
Deee-Lite
Dewdrops In The GardenElektra/Get On Down, 1994. 2LP (reissue)
LP ... On December 6, 2019
Not the famous debut album from Deee-Lite, but a killer set of grooves that has the trio very much at the height of their powers! So many folks remember these guys as a bigger pop act, they tend to forget how much they brought back to dance music – a real embrace of warmer elements from the ... LP, Vinyl record album
Rapster/BBE (UK), Late 70s. 3LP & CD
LP ... On January 17, 2020
The genius of Roy Ayers knows no end – and as this set of unreleased work from the 70s proves, Roy was always working at top form back in the day – even above and beyond his classic albums from the time! The grooves here are tremendous – funky, soulful, jazzy, and every bit as ... LP, Vinyl record album
BBE (UK), Late 70s. 2LP & CD
LP ... On January 17, 2020
It's like a dream come true – 13 previously unissued recordings by Roy Ayers, all from the height of his glory years on Polydor! Roy's work from this time is some of our favorite ever – a burning blend of jazz, soul, and funk – handled with impeccable charm, and a level of soul ... LP, Vinyl record album
Brainstorm
Stormin (with bonus tracks)Tabu/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1977.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
A set that definitely lives up to its title – a stone stormer from Brainstorm – one of the tightest funky ensembles of their generation, and one of the few who could go deep while still laying down a groove! The set's got a perfect balance of modes – enough of the appeal of ... CD
Brainstorm
Journey To The Light (with bonus tracks)Tabu/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1978.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
A tremendous little album from Brainstorm – funky and clubby at the same time – yet delivered with this righteous energy that few of their contemporaries could ever hope to match! There's a perfect melding of modes going on here that may well rival Earth Wind & Fire at their best ... CD
Billy Butler & Infinity
Hung Up On YouPride/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1973.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
A gem of a record from the great Billy Butler – brother of better-known Jerry from the Chicago scene, and maybe best known for his northern soul work of the 60s – but a hell of a great artist here in a rare group soul date from the 70s! Billy's lead vocals are supported by the Infinity ... CD
Barrino Brothers
Livin' High Off The Goodness Of Your Love (with bonus tracks)Invictus/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1973.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
The only album ever by The Barrino Brothers – a stellar early 70s harmony group, and one who could sing with the best of the east coast scene of the time! The whole set's got a feel that's very much in the best mode of groups like The Modulations, Soul Generation, and even The O'Jays – ... CD
II Close
More To A Man (with bonus tracks)Tabu/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1993.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
An R&B trio from that time when more street-based aesthetics were coming into the mainstream of soul – bits of hip hop that were used to bring a really fresh groove to music like this! The touches are slight, but help add in a nice sort of kick to the groove – even in the mellower ... CD
Chairmen Of The Board
Bittersweet (with bonus tracks)Invictus/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1972.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
An excellent album from this sublime soul trio! The record's got a nice heavy style – similar to the funky soul that was creeping into the sound of other artists on the Invictus label – and it rumbles along with a nice fuzzy edge that adds a whole new dimension to the incredible vocals ... CD
Chairmen Of The Board
Give Me Just A Little More TimeInvictus/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1970.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
A landmark album of 70s soul – and perhaps the most enduring full LP by this enigmatic harmony group! The vocals of General Crook alone are more than enough to win us over – some of the most distinct lead soul singing we've ever heard, pitched perfectly with the backings of the rest of ... CD
Dynamics
What A Shame (with bonus tracks)Black Gold/Solid (Japan), 1973.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
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 ... CD
Touch Of Class
Touch Of Class (with bonus tracks)Roadshow/Octave (Japan), 1979.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
A sweet second set from Touch Of Class – a group who broke big in the indie underground of the 70s with their debut – and who still continue here in a great blend of upbeat rhythms and richer soul styles! Some numbers are clearly aimed at the dancefloor – as on their debut – ... CD
Smith Connection
Under My Wings (plus bonus track)Music Merchant/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1972.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
A sublime bit of east coast soul – and the only full album ever cut by this heavenly-voiced trio! The group have a sound to rival the best of their contemporaries on the harmony soul scene – one that floats along on a light pillow of strings and soul, with just the right amount of ... CD
Street People
Street People (with bonus tracks)Vigor/Solid (Japan), 1976.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
Uptempo east coast club soul – not entirely disco, and more like the indie work of the immediate generation before – a time when groups were picking up their groove a bit more than before, creating some lean, soulful tempos for the dancefloor! Arrangements are by Bert DeCoteaux and ... CD
Upcoming Releases
Tidal Waves, 1971.
LP ... About November 15, 2019
An insane treat for any fan of the early years of the P-Funk empire – that time when George Clinton and crew were taking in plenty of trippy influences from the heady Detroit scene of the time – and fusing it all into their own really unique blend of soul! The set features the group ... LP, Vinyl record album
King Hannibal
TruthAware/Tidal Waves, 1973. (reissue)
LP ... About November 15, 2019
Mad funky soul from King Hannibal – a down and dirty singer from the Atlanta scene of the 70s! The notes on the back say "He's black, he's proud, he's arrogant – the combination is powerful" – and we've gotta say that we agree with that assessment, because King really ... LP, Vinyl record album
King Hannibal
Truth (clear vinyl pressing)Aware/Tidal Waves, 1973. (reissue)
LP ... About November 15, 2019
Mad funky soul from King Hannibal – a down and dirty singer from the Atlanta scene of the 70s! The notes on the back say "He's black, he's proud, he's arrogant – the combination is powerful" – and we've gotta say that we agree with that assessment, because King really ... LP, Vinyl record album
Cairo/Mississippi, 1960s/Early 70s. 2LP
LP ... About November 15, 2019
A beautiful collection of vintage soul music – the latest crowning achievement in the Cairo series from Mississippi Records – and, like the rest, an excellent combination of classics and little known gems from the golden years! The package is as before – 2 LPs in a great cover, ... LP, Vinyl record album
Cairo, Late 50s/1960s/Early 70s. 2LP
LP ... About November 15, 2019
A great little set of rare soul music – served up by the Cairo imprint of Mississippi Records – and done with a very similar approach to their other reissues of folk, blues, and world music! The set focuses in on rootsier sounds, especially from the 60s – with lots of deep soul ... LP, Vinyl record album
Rainbow Team
Song For YouFull Time, 1982. (reissue)
LP ... About November 15, 2019
... LP, Vinyl record album
Donna McGhee
Make It Last ForeverRed Greg/We Want Sounds (UK), 1978.
CD ... About November 22, 2019
A holy grail, and one of the only records ever cut by Donna McGhee – an incredibly soulful club singer who worked with both Patrick Adams and Roy Ayers! This album's her legendary side for the team of Adams and Greg Carmichael – and it's got a sweet and mellow groove that's unlike ... CD
Donna McGhee
Make It Last ForeverRed Greg/We Want Sounds (UK), 1978. (reissue)
LP ... About November 22, 2019
A holy grail – and one of the only records ever cut by Donna McGhee, an incredibly soulful club singer who worked with both Patrick Adams and Roy Ayers! This album's her legendary side for the team of Adams and Greg Carmichael – and it's got a sweet and mellow groove that's unlike ... LP, Vinyl record album
Real Gone, Late 60s/Early 70s. 2CD
CD ... On November 22, 2019
Blinky is best known for her duo album with Edwin Starr – but this set features a huge amount of unreleased material! CD
Daniel Grau
El Magico Mundo de Daniel GrauEl Palmas (Spain), 2019.
LP ... About November 22, 2019
The long-overdue return of Daniel Grau – the Venezuelan artist who gave us some mighty soulful music in the 70s – still sounding great after quite a long passage of time! The music here is very much in Daniel's classic tradition – a warm approach to club music, with some nicely ... LP, Vinyl record album
General Johnson
Generally Speaking (180 gram pressing)Invictus/Demon (UK), 1972. (reissue)
LP ... About November 29, 2019
A great solo album by this member of Chairmen of the Board – done with some wicked Holland Dozier Holland production, at a level that almost makes Johnson sound heavier here than in his work with his more famous group! The vocals have that same sort of crazy pinched sound that he had with ... LP, Vinyl record album
Velvert Turner Group
Velvert Turner Group (colored vinyl pressing) (2019 Black Friday Release)ORG, 1972. (reissue)
LP ... On November 29, 2019
The funky rock & soul blast of a self-titled set from The Velvert Turner Group – with some pummeling, post-Hendrix fuzz and vocal inflections, but also some big left turns from that vibe into trippy psychedelic soul! It's works really well, particularly with such a killer group backing ... LP, Vinyl record album
Motown, Mid 60s-Early 70s.
LP ... On November 29, 2019
(Note: This item is not for sale online until after the opening of business on Saturday, November 30. It is in limited supply – and by nature of the Record Store Day rules, it will be offered for sale first to customers who visit the Dusty Groove retail outlet in Chicago on Black Friday. It ... LP, Vinyl record album
Interscope, 2019.
LP ... On November 29, 2019
(Note: This item is not for sale online until after the opening of business on Saturday, November 30. It is in limited supply – and by nature of the Record Store Day rules, it will be offered for sale first to customers who visit the Dusty Groove retail outlet in Chicago on Black Friday. It ... LP, Vinyl record album
Polydor,
LP ... On November 29, 2019
The after show set featuring extended versions of rare cuts, with new mixes, plus a duet with Marva Whitney! (Note: This item is not for sale online until after the opening of business on Saturday, November 30. It is in limited supply – and by nature of the Record Store Day rules, it will ... LP, Vinyl record album
Chess/Elemental, Mid 60s.
LP ... On November 29, 2019
One of the most continually inventive musicians from the rock years on Chess – stepping out here for a UK performance! (Note: This item is not for sale online until after the opening of business on Saturday, November 30. It is in limited supply – and by nature of the Record Store Day ... LP, Vinyl record album
Atco/Get On Down, 1968. (reissue)
LP ... On November 29, 2019
Seminal work from Dr John – one of his key late 60s albums that set the world on fire at the time – and which still stand as some of the doctor's greatest achievements! The approach here is a fantastic abstraction of older New Orleans roots – not nearly as rigid as in some of ... LP, Vinyl record album
Now Again,
LP ... On November 29, 2019
A companion piece to the lost JBs collection These Are The JBs – with a 27 complete take of "When You Can Feel It Grunt (If You Can)", plus the title track and "The Wedge". (Note: This item is not for sale online until after the opening of business on Saturday, November ... LP, Vinyl record album
Warner, 1982. 10LPs/DVD
LP ... On November 29, 2019
Here begins the period that Prince went from a fascinating, genre defying hitmaker to an unstoppable cultural force – bringing a bit of a new wave pop punch to the funky synth soul – and somehow crafting some of the most irresistible singles of the 80s! We can't imagine anyone being ... LP, Vinyl record album
Warner, 1982. 5CDs/DVD
CD ... On November 29, 2019
Here begins the period that Prince went from a fascinating, genre defying hitmaker to an unstoppable cultural force – bringing a bit of a new wave pop punch to the funky synth soul – and somehow crafting some of the most irresistible singles of the 80s! We can't imagine anyone being ... CD
Warner, 1982. 4LP
LP ... On November 29, 2019
Here begins the period that Prince went from a fascinating, genre defying hitmaker to an unstoppable cultural force – bringing a bit of a new wave pop punch to the funky synth soul – and somehow crafting some of the most irresistible singles of the 80s! We can't imagine anyone being ... LP, Vinyl record album
Prince
1999 (2CD deluxe edition)Warner, 1982. 2CD
CD ... On November 29, 2019
Here begins the period that Prince went from a fascinating, genre defying hitmaker to an unstoppable cultural force – bringing a bit of a new wave pop punch to the funky synth soul – and somehow crafting some of the most irresistible singles of the 80s! We can't imagine anyone being ... CD
Warner, 1982. 2LP
LP ... On November 29, 2019
Here begins the period that Prince went from a fascinating, genre defying hitmaker to an unstoppable cultural force – bringing a bit of a new wave pop punch to the funky synth soul – and somehow crafting some of the most irresistible singles of the 80s! We can't imagine anyone being ... LP, Vinyl record album
Prince
1999Warner, 1982.
CD ... On November 29, 2019
Here begins the period that Prince went from a fascinating, genre defying hitmaker to an unstoppable cultural force – bringing a bit of a new wave pop punch to the funky synth soul – and somehow crafting some of the most irresistible singles of the 80s! We can't imagine anyone being ... CD
Positive Force
Positive Force With Denise VallinListon/P-Vine (Japan), 1983. (reissue)
LP ... About December 1, 2019
A great set of mellow soul from the start of the 80s – not the Positive Force of "We Got The Funk" fame, but a different groove that has a nicely smooth groove! The style here is halfway between soul and AOR, but handled with an indie charm that really keeps things compelling ... LP, Vinyl record album
Brainstorm
Stormin (with bonus tracks)Tabu/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1977.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
A set that definitely lives up to its title – a stone stormer from Brainstorm – one of the tightest funky ensembles of their generation, and one of the few who could go deep while still laying down a groove! The set's got a perfect balance of modes – enough of the appeal of ... CD
Brainstorm
Journey To The Light (with bonus tracks)Tabu/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1978.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
A tremendous little album from Brainstorm – funky and clubby at the same time – yet delivered with this righteous energy that few of their contemporaries could ever hope to match! There's a perfect melding of modes going on here that may well rival Earth Wind & Fire at their best ... CD
Billy Butler & Infinity
Hung Up On YouPride/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1973.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
A gem of a record from the great Billy Butler – brother of better-known Jerry from the Chicago scene, and maybe best known for his northern soul work of the 60s – but a hell of a great artist here in a rare group soul date from the 70s! Billy's lead vocals are supported by the Infinity ... CD
Barrino Brothers
Livin' High Off The Goodness Of Your Love (with bonus tracks)Invictus/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1973.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
The only album ever by The Barrino Brothers – a stellar early 70s harmony group, and one who could sing with the best of the east coast scene of the time! The whole set's got a feel that's very much in the best mode of groups like The Modulations, Soul Generation, and even The O'Jays – ... CD
II Close
More To A Man (with bonus tracks)Tabu/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1993.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
An R&B trio from that time when more street-based aesthetics were coming into the mainstream of soul – bits of hip hop that were used to bring a really fresh groove to music like this! The touches are slight, but help add in a nice sort of kick to the groove – even in the mellower ... CD
Chairmen Of The Board
Bittersweet (with bonus tracks)Invictus/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1972.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
An excellent album from this sublime soul trio! The record's got a nice heavy style – similar to the funky soul that was creeping into the sound of other artists on the Invictus label – and it rumbles along with a nice fuzzy edge that adds a whole new dimension to the incredible vocals ... CD
Chairmen Of The Board
Give Me Just A Little More TimeInvictus/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1970.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
A landmark album of 70s soul – and perhaps the most enduring full LP by this enigmatic harmony group! The vocals of General Crook alone are more than enough to win us over – some of the most distinct lead soul singing we've ever heard, pitched perfectly with the backings of the rest of ... CD
Dynamics
What A Shame (with bonus tracks)Black Gold/Solid (Japan), 1973.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
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 ... CD
Touch Of Class
Touch Of Class (with bonus tracks)Roadshow/Octave (Japan), 1979.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
A sweet second set from Touch Of Class – a group who broke big in the indie underground of the 70s with their debut – and who still continue here in a great blend of upbeat rhythms and richer soul styles! Some numbers are clearly aimed at the dancefloor – as on their debut – ... CD
Smith Connection
Under My Wings (plus bonus track)Music Merchant/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1972.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
A sublime bit of east coast soul – and the only full album ever cut by this heavenly-voiced trio! The group have a sound to rival the best of their contemporaries on the harmony soul scene – one that floats along on a light pillow of strings and soul, with just the right amount of ... CD
Street People
Street People (with bonus tracks)Vigor/Solid (Japan), 1976.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
Uptempo east coast club soul – not entirely disco, and more like the indie work of the immediate generation before – a time when groups were picking up their groove a bit more than before, creating some lean, soulful tempos for the dancefloor! Arrangements are by Bert DeCoteaux and ... CD
Stylistics
Lion Sleeps TonightDash/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1979.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
A lesser-known album from The Stylistics – at least in comparison to their mega-hits of the early 70s – but a set that's still got the vocal group in beautifully harmonic formation! The group are still produced by the team of Hugo & Luigi, and arrangements are by Horace Ott – ... CD
Sylvers
Sylvers IIIPride/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1974.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
The last in a trio of legendary early records by The Sylvers – a very hip group from the LA scene of the early 70s – and one that would go much greater fame in later years, but who maybe never sounded as great as on their first few records! There's a sharpness, a freshness here that ... CD
Sylvers
Sylvers (with bonus tracks)Pride/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1972.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
The first album by The Sylvers – a soulful band made up of youngsters from the Los Angeles scene, but who had a lot more going on than some of the other kiddie-soul bands of the early 70s! The group's a sextet at this point, with four male voices and two female ones – coming across as ... CD
Brunswick/Solid (Japan), 1970.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
Seminal work from one of the 70s greatest groups! The band had always been great at love songs and uptempo numbers – but this record has them moving into more righteous area, picking up on some of the more socially conscious soul of their generation that had been working its way up the ... CD
Chi-Lites
Half A Love (with bonus tracks)Brunswick/Solid (Japan), 1975.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
Nothing half about The Chi-Lites at all – as the group were always tremendous during their famous run at Brunswick Records – able to come across perfectly on mellow ballads and more upbeat numbers! This set is a wonderful illustration of the really unique Chicago-based approach that ... CD
Chi-Lites
TobyBrunswick/Solid (Japan), 1974.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
A sweet soul killer from The Chi-Lites – and record that really shows them as one of the greatest harmony groups to ever come from Chicago! The vibe here is a bit more mellow than on previous records – and the trio step into some sublime ballads and love songs that really blow us away ... CD
Chi-Lites
Chi-LitesBrunswick/Solid (Japan), 1972.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
One of our favorite albums ever from the legendary Chi-Lites – and a set that's sometimes passed over, because it didn't have a formal title or colorful cover! The self-titled set is a killer all the way through – filled with the kind of sublime harmonies that made the group easily one ... CD
Chi-Lites
Give It Away (with bonus tracks)Brunswick/Solid (Japan), 1969.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
Excellent early material by The Chi-Lites – work that instantly soars above that of most of their contemporaries – with that incredible Windy City soul sound forged by the group's Eugene Record and producer Carl Davis! The groove is wonderful – free and easygoing, yet tight and ... CD
Chi-Lites
Lonely Man (with bonus track)Brunswick/Solid (Japan), 1972.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
One of the biggest records ever from The Chi-Lites – thanks to the "Oh Girl" title hit that's referenced on the cover! But apart from that ballad classic, the record's actually got a heck of a lot more to offer – some incredible harmony soul tracks that show that even during ... CD
Chi-Lites
I Like Your Lovin' – Do You Like Mine?Brunswick/Solid (Japan), 1970.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
A stone stellar batch of tracks from the mighty Chi-Lites – and a record that really shows why the group were such a standout at the time! There's a freshness here that few other groups could ever hope to match – lots of new material, penned by group leader Eugene Record – and ... CD
Glass House
Inside The Glass House (with bonus tracks)Invictus/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1971.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
A great album by one of lost groups on the Invictus label! Glass House were a stellar male/female vocal group with a good deep soul sound – very much in the spirit of other Invictus albums of the era, with a tremendous feel for down home, gritty soul but executed with the smooth HDH vibe ... CD
Roadshow/Octave (Japan), 1979.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
Great grooves from Enchantment – a set that has the group very much in their dancefloor-oriented mode, but still singing with some incredibly warm harmonies throughout! The backings are a nice blend of late 70s disco elements and softer soul modes – just the right mix to let the group's ... CD
Anacostia
Anacostia (1978) (with bonus tracks)Tabu/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1978.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
Anacostia make the move to Tabu Records for this sweet second set – and they seem to have picked up more of a groove along the way! The same elements as before are firmly in place here – production by Charles Kipps, with supervision from Van McCoy – but the groove is a bit more ... CD
Tabu/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1985.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
An obscure funky soul combo from the 80s – but one that includes key work from some older funky talents as well! ROAR gets lead vocal support from Alex Ligertwood, but really takes its strength from the instrumentation – which includes lots of keyboards from Chester Thompson, who you ... CD
Hot Wax/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1972.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
A standout set from the great Laura Lee – a deep soul singer with power to rival the greatness of Aretha Franklin, but one who's also got a funkier punch to her music too! The album's a great blend of late 60s female southern and tight 70s bad sister funk – a style that's a bit like ... CD
Betty Wright
Travelin In The Wright CircleAlston/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1979.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
Betty's got a smoother sound here than on some of her chunkier, funkier earlier records – but the approach is still a nice one – and we've gotta give Betty credit for pushing her sound into a whole new direction! The album follows nicely in the spirit of the live set issued a few years ... CD
Betty Wright
Danger High Voltage (with bonus tracks)Alston/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1974.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
Massive music from Betty Wright – an album that really has her coming into her own – and showing the world how great Miami soul can be, when it's done this right! The album's overflowing with key help from TK legends like Willie Clarke, Clarence Reid, Steve Alaimo, and KC – all ... CD
Betty Wright
This Time For RealAlston/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1977.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
Betty Wright always keeps it real – as the singer's one of the sharpest talents to emerge from the southern scene at the start of the 70s – a badass vocalist who always tells it like it is! This album has Wright at the height of her early powers – working in that growing Miami ... CD
Betty Wright
I Love The Way You LoveAlston/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1972.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
A breakout album by Betty Wright, the record that spawned the cut "Clean Up Woman" – the choppy funky track that really pushed her over the top in a big way, and which has remained fresh for years –thanks to a strong sample history in hip hop! That cut's more than enough ... CD
Freda Payne
Band Of GoldInvictus/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1970.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
A landmark album from Freda Payne! Freda had been knocking around a bit as a more jazz-oriented singer, and had cut one album for Impulse and one for MGM before this one – but when she hooked up with the hitmaking Holland-Dozier-Holland team for this record, her career really went over the ... CD
Freda Payne
Contact (with bonus tracks)Invictus/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1971.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
A totally great album from Freda Payne – a set that moves strongly past her initial early hits for the Holland Dozier Holland team, into a realm that's even more sophisticated overall! There's a full approach here that's really wonderful – almost a higher-concept version of soul music, ... CD
Honey Cone
Take Me With You (with bonus track)Hot Wax/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1970.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
A brilliant early set from Honey Cone – and a perfect illustration of the way the trio really moved past simple girl group modes of the 60s! There's a bold, proud, righteous tone to the record right from the start – thanks to these soaringly soulful vocals from the girls, and these ... CD
Honey Cone
Sweet Replies (plus bonus tracks)Hot Wax/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1971.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
The second album by Honey Cone – and the one that really broke them out of the box! The record's got a groove that gets going right from the start – a sense of upbeat, soulful energy that really shows why the Honey Cone approach was so different than most of the girl groups who came ... CD
Sharon Ridley
Full Moon (with bonus track)Tabu/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1976.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
One of the few full albums ever cut by the great Sharon Ridley – a hell of a great singer from the east coast scene, and one with the fullness of the best club divas of the time – but an approach that goes way way deeper overall! There's a sexy slink to the album that echoes Ridley's ... CD
De-Lite/Solid (Japan), 1980/1982.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
Two great albums from Coffee – back to back, and with a bonus track too! First up is Slippin & Dippin – work by a wonderful female soul trio from the Chicago scene of the 70s – and one we'd stand strongly next to the best gal groups from the Philly or New York scenes! In ... CD
Gwen McCrae
Gwen McCrae (1974)Cat/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1974.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
A landmark album from the Miami soul scene of the 70s – the record that put Gwen McCrae on the map, and showed to the world that the TK sound was about to dominate the charts! There's a really unique groove to the set – part older southern soul, part percolated electric modes – ... CD
Quiet Elegance
Quiet Elegance – The Hi Records Single CollectionHi Records/Solid (Japan), Mid 70s.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
The complete Hi Records singles of Quiet Elegance – a great 70s soul female trio formed by two former members of The Glories, and one of Martha & The Vandellas – who recorded for Hi with some mighty great production work from Willie Mitchell! The girls have a style that's similar ... CD
Little Beaver
When Was The Last TimeCat/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1976.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
An excellent album of smooth soul tracks – very different than Little Beaver's earlier work, but every bit as great! The album's got a warm, mellow finish that's almost a maturation of the sound that Beaver first forged on his Party Down album – with plenty of his deep soul vocals and ... CD
Lamont Johnson
Music Of The Sun (with bonus tracks)Tabu/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1978.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
A soaring solo moment for Lamont Johnson – the bassist whose work was a big part of the Brainstorm ensemble at their start – and who really makes some great magic here on his own! It's clear from the set that Johnson was one of the more spiritual members of Brainstorm – as the ... CD
Lamont Dozier
Love & Beauty (plus bonus tracks)Invictus/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1974.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
A massive album by Lamont Dozier – probably his best ever! Every cut's a winner, and the LP shines with a sharpness and tightness that's missing from some of Lamont's other LPs from the 70s. The songwriting is impeccable – and as the album progresses, you get that eerie "deja ... CD
Don Bryant
Precious SoulHi Records/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1969.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
A real lost treasure on Hi Records – one of the few albums ever cut by Don Bryant, a singer whose talents seemed to be eclipsed by the rising stars of Al Green and Ann Peebles – but who was every bit as great! Bryant's got a sound here that's still firmly in the Hi style forged by ... CD
Dezi Phillips
Kickin' It (with bonus tracks)Tabu/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1989.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
The only full album ever recorded by Dezi Phillips – a set issued at the end of the 80s, but with a bouncy, catchy style that recalls soul music from a few years before! Production is by Bernard Terry – who'd worked with a few other key acts before Dezi – and he brings a strong ... CD
Glades/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1974.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
A Miami soul masterpiece from start to finish – and a lesser-known record from drum machine hit maestro Timmy Thomas! The album's got the feel of Timmy's classic Why Can't We Live Together album – but the overall sound is a bit fuller and richer, with a soulfulness that grabs us right ... CD
Timmy Thomas
Touch To TouchTK/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1977.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
A massive groover from Timmy Thomas – really hitting here on all burners, and moving with a groove that's much fuller than the drum machine fills of his early years! The sound is Miami club at its best – wickedly uptempo rhythms that are played with razor-sharp intensity – still ... CD
Tyrone Davis
Turn Back The Hands Of Time (with bonus tracks)Dakar/Solid (Japan), 1970.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
The second album from Chicago soul legend Tyrone Davis – and every bit as wonderful as his first! Like that set, this one bounces along on a wave of well cast Chisoul arrangements – penned by Tom Washington and Willie Henderson, with a great mix of the sweet and the rough – ... CD
Jackie Wilson
Higher & HigherBrunswick/Solid (Japan), 1967.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
A wonderful little album from Jackie Wilson – one that helped him redefine his sound and save his career! Jackie's earlier work for Brunswick was a mish-mash of styles that ranged from raw R&B to smooth supper-club jazz to silly novelty numbers, all of which had gotten pretty stale by ... CD
James Robinson
Guilty (with bonus tracks)Tabu/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1987.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
One of the few records ever cut by James Robinson – a smoothed-voiced singer who should have been one of the bigger ballad stars of his time! Robinson's got a deep range to his style – and works here in some gently-stepping numbers that really stand head and shoulders above most of the ... CD
Lost Generation
Young, Tough & Terrible (with bonus tracks)Brunswick/Solid (Japan), 1970.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
They're young and tough – and especially wonderful too – easily one of the most compelling harmony soul groups to ever hail from the Windy City! The set's a Chicago soul gem from the early 70s – recorded with a laidback, slightly tripped-out vibe that's different than the tighter ... CD
Lost Generation
Sly, Slick & The Wicked (with bonus track)Brunswick/Solid (Japan), 1970.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
One of the greatest harmony soul albums to ever come out of Chicago – a sublime batch of tracks that showed that the mighty talents of The Lost Generation could easily match the best vocal group work coming out of the east coast at the time! The sound here is somewhere in the moody, mellow ... CD
Syl Johnson
Total ExplosionHi Records/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1975.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
A wicked explosion from the legendary Syl Johnson – one of his smoking sets for Hi Records – done with solid soulful help from Willie Mitchell! Mitchell's familiar Memphis groove is firmly in place here – tightly compressed rhythms and horns, vamping perfectly for Syl's raw ... CD
Ollie Nightingale
Sweet SurrenderPride/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1973.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
The former leader of Ollie & The Nightingale steps out on his own – hitting a wonderfully deep approach to Memphis soul that's even more sublime than his previous group's records for Stax! There's a quiet genius going on here – a simple but powerful take on southern soul that ... CD
OV Wright
Hi Records Single CollectionHi Records/Ultra Vybe (Japan), Mid 70s.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
Not just singles from the great OV Wright – but also a few live tracks and rare demo titles as well! OV's a hell of a singer – one with a voice that matches all the best on the southern scene of the time – and a great companion to some of the best deep soul material on the Hi ... CD
OV Wright
Live In JapanHi Records/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1980.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
OV Wright at the end of the 70s – working live in front of a very enthusiastic Japanese crowd, and in a groove that's right up their with his best work from earlier in the decade! In fact, there's a rawness here that you won't always find on Wright's other records – great live backing ... CD
Otis Clay
Hi Records Single CollectionHi Records/Ultra Vybe (Japan), Mid 70s.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
A great slice of work from Chicago soul singer Otis Clay – a collection of his 70s singles for the Hi Records label – a number of which never appeared on his albums at the time! Clay's work was some of the best male soul on the label next to Al Green – and he received a similar ... CD
Willie Mitchell
Solid SoulHi Records/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1968.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
They definitely got the title right on this one – as the set's a solid batch of soulful instrumentals all the way through – one of our favorites from the great Willie Mitchell! Willie's got a lot more bite here than on some of his famous warmer productions in the 70s – a gritty ... CD
Alexander O'Neal
Alexander O'Neal – Complete Singles CollectionTabu/Ultra Vybe (Japan),
CD ... About December 4, 2019
... CD
Alexander O'Neal
Hearsay (with bonus tracks)Tabu/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1987.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
One of the crowning achievements of Alexander O'Neal – a set that uses cool little intro tracks to help structure the standout songs on the set – giving the whole thing a much more well-conceived approach than other mainstream soul albums of the time! Some of the cuts draw from O'Neal's ... CD
Alexander O'Neal
All Mixed Up (with bonus tracks)Tabu/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1989.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
The 80s hits of Alexander O'Neal are remixed and compiled here, in a style of album that was briefly the rage for US soul acts at the end of the 80s. All the original tunes were produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and the remixers include Keith Cohen, Steve Beltran, and Ben Liebrand. Titles ... CD
Alexander O'Neal
All True Man (with bonus tracks)Tabu/Ultra Vybe (Japan),
CD ... About December 4, 2019
... CD
Alexander O'Neal
Alexander O'Neal (with bonus tracks)Tabu/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1985.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
The start of a legendary run for vocalist Alexander O'Neal – and a set that really helped redefine the sound of male soul in the 80s! O'Neal got his start in an early version of The Time, and he's working here with Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis – but the sound of the record is way deeper ... CD
Al Green
Free Soul – The Treasure Of Al GreenHi Records/Ultra Vybe (Japan), Late 60s/Early 70s.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
Over 80 minutes of magic from the great Al Green – a special entry into the Japanese-only series of Free Soul collections! The series often mixes together great tracks from different artists, but this volume features only music from the godlike Al himself – a warm, mellow blend of ... CD
Al Green
Tokyo LiveCream/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1978.
CD ... About December 4, 2019
A tasty double-live set from Al Green – one that has him working through longer versions of tunes than you'd hear on his studio albums, and really doing great in front of an appreciative Japanese crowd! The overall approach here is a bit more modern than on some of his older Hi albums – ... CD
Samuel Jonathan Johnson
My MusicColumbia/Be With (UK), 1978. (reissue)
LP ... About December 5, 2019
One of our favorite 70s soul records ever – and a totally unique set as well! To our ears, Samuel Jonathan Johnson belongs in the company of Roy Ayers, Norman Connors, and other spiritual soul heavyweights – even though he only ever cut this one album for Columbia Records back in 1978! ... LP, Vinyl record album
Now Again,
CD ... On December 6, 2019
A companion piece to the lost JBs collection These Are The JBs – with a 27 complete take of "When You Can Feel It Grunt (If You Can)", plus the title track and "The Wedge". CD
Various
Sin City Jukebox Vol 2Stag O Lee (Germany), Late 50s/Early 60s.
LP ... About December 6, 2019
... LP, Vinyl record album
Etta James
Queen Of SoulArgo/Elemental (Spain), Early 60s. (reissue)
LP ... On December 6, 2019
Queen of Soul is right! Heck, on these early albums, Etta practically invented soul – or at least invented a deep soul style of singing that would be taken up by countless other female singers during the 60s, but rarely matched with this kind of brilliance. Straight up beatiful stuff! The ... LP, Vinyl record album
Mary J Blige
HERStory Vol 1Universal, 1990s/2000s. 2LP
LP ... On December 6, 2019
... LP, Vinyl record album
Johnnie Taylor
Who's Making Love (180 gram pressing)Stax/Craft, 1968.
LP ... On December 6, 2019
Killer soul from Johnnie Taylor, and really his first major LP! The record was Johnnie's second for Stax – and although the first one was good, this was the record that really had Johnnie hitting that funky bluesy sound that became his trademark into the 70s. The title cut – "Who' ... LP, Vinyl record album
David Porter
Victim Of The Joke? (180 gram pressing)Enterprise/Craft, 1971.
LP ... On December 6, 2019
Probably the best-remembered solo album from David Porter – one half of the famous Hayes/Porter team that ruled Stax Records in the 60s, although not as successful as an artist on his own as Isaac Hayes! Porter's style is a lot more adventurous – and this album's a wonderful ... LP, Vinyl record album
Billy Martin
Strawberry SoulReturn To Analog (Canada), Early 70s. (reissue)
LP ... About December 6, 2019
One of those lost funk classics that you'll never find in the original! Billy Martin leads a tight little instrumental combo – with a strong brassy finish, and lots of good wah wah guitar – through a set of originals and funky soul covers, all with a nice little groove, and kind of a ... LP, Vinyl record album
Deee-Lite
Dewdrops In The GardenElektra/Get On Down, 1994. 2LP (reissue)
LP ... On December 6, 2019
Not the famous debut album from Deee-Lite, but a killer set of grooves that has the trio very much at the height of their powers! So many folks remember these guys as a bigger pop act, they tend to forget how much they brought back to dance music – a real embrace of warmer elements from the ... LP, Vinyl record album
Jammers
Jammers (plus bonus tracks)Salsoul/Past Due, 1982. (reissue)
LP ... About December 7, 2019
A jamming little project from dancefloor maestro Richie Weeks – early 80s club tracks, done with a sweetly soulful approach! The music's still as heavy on the bass as other Salsoul work from the time, but there's a warmer approach to the vocals overall – a style that's as concerned ... LP, Vinyl record album
Jammers
Jammers (plus bonus tracks)Salsoul/Past Due, 1982.
CD ... About December 7, 2019
A jamming little project from dancefloor maestro Richie Weeks – early 80s club tracks, done with a sweetly soulful approach! The music's still as heavy on the bass as other Salsoul work from the time, but there's a warmer approach to the vocals overall – a style that's as concerned ... CD
Weeks & Co
Weeks & Co (with bonus tracks)Salsoul/Past Due, 1983.
LP ... About December 7, 2019
Maestro Richie Weeks is at the helm of this sweet set of early 80s groovers – funky club in the best second chapter mode of the Salsoul label – served up with a sound that's lean and mean throughout! We're not sure who the "Co" is, since Richie sings, plays keyboards, and ... LP, Vinyl record album
Weeks & Co
Weeks & Co (with bonus tracks)Salsoul/Past Due, 1983.
CD ... About December 7, 2019
Maestro Richie Weeks is at the helm of this sweet set of early 80s groovers – funky club in the best second chapter mode of the Salsoul label – served up with a sound that's lean and mean throughout! We're not sure who the "Co" is, since Richie sings, plays keyboards, and ... CD
Jackson 5
Jackson 5 In Japan!Motown/Culture Factory (UK), 1973. (reissue)
LP ... About December 9, 2019
Early Jacksons in all their glory – presented here in a rare Japanese-only live album from the 70s! The set is great – totally kicking with all the best power of the early Jackson 5 – and served up with a spontaneous live quality that shows a whole new side of the group from ... LP, Vinyl record album
Bohannon
Insides OutDakar/Solid (Japan), 1974.
CD ... About December 18, 2019
A wonderful early record from Bohannon – and with a very different feel than usual! Although most of Bohannon's work from the time is up-tempo and funky, side two of this album has some amazing slow spacey cuts – done with a drum sound that's still quite hard, but just slower than ... CD
Timmy Thomas
Magician (with bonus track)Glades/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1976.
CD ... About December 18, 2019
Timmy Thomas has always been a magician with his music – one of the first cats to really make the spare sound of a drum machine work in soul music, and a singer with a wonderful ability to make sweet little melodies appear out of thin air! Here, Thomas ups his game with some slightly fuller ... CD
Tyrone Davis
Can I Change My MindDakar/Solid (Japan), 1969.
CD ... About December 18, 2019
The debut album from Tyrone Davis – a supreme achievement for the Chicago soul scene of the late 60s, and a record with a sound that would set the standard for years to come! Tyrone had been bumping around as a blusier singer before this set – but here, working with arrangements by Don ... CD
Syl Johnson
Back For A Taste Of Your LoveHi Records/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1973.
CD ... About December 18, 2019
A great second-chapter effort from the legendary Syl Johnson – a sweet little record in which Johnson's raw vocals come into play with the tighter, warmer sound of Hi Records – with amazing results that have made the album a classic for years! The blend here is great – as Johnson' ... CD
Vaughan Mason & Crew
Bounce, Rock, Skate, Roll (with bonus tracks)Brunswick/Solid (Japan), 1980.
CD ... About December 18, 2019
Massive! This is probably the best-ever album of rollerskating grooves – and is the most famous entry into a short-lived funk genre that sprung up around the rollerskating craze of the late 70s and early 80s. The rollerskate sound took a tight stepping funk groove from earlier years, and ... CD
Ruth Copeland
I Am What I Am (with bonus tracks)Invictus/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1971.
CD ... About December 18, 2019
A second sublime set from Ruth Copeland – a funky female singer from the Detroit scene of the early 70s, with key ties to the P-Funk universe, and a unique groove that mixes singer/songwriter modes with the fuzzier funkier elements of artists like Betty Davis or Yvonne Fair! There's a bit ... CD
