1
Keni Burke - Risin' to the Top
2
Keni Burke - You're the Best (12 Inch Mix)
Repress!
Keni Burke’s signature hit ‘Risin’ To The Top’ gets an official remastered, reissue alongside the 12 inch mix of his ’81 killer jam ‘You’re The Best’.
‘Risin’ To The Top’ quickly became a clear favourite of the soul crowd back in the ‘80s, with Keni’s sensuous vocals, a timeless bassline of epic proportions and those dreamy, sunshine chords proving a winning combination. Since then countless producers, from the likes of Doug E Fresh and Slum Village, to LL Cool J and Mary J Blige, have utilised ‘Risin’ To The Top’ as a choice sample for their own productions. A quick glance at this seemingly endless list, just goes to show how much of an impact this record ended up having.
On the flip, ‘You’re The Best’, takes a more boogie paved path, filled with an undeniably groove laden bass synth, cosmic keys and Keni’s infectiously soulful vocals. It’s early eighties synth boogie at it’s best, placing the electronic elements at the forefront whilst holding onto that unquestionable funk at its core.
Two Keni Burke classics for soul heads, sample spotters and anyone with a keen ear for a gem. More
Keni Burke’s signature hit ‘Risin’ To The Top’ gets an official remastered, reissue alongside the 12 inch mix of his ’81 killer jam ‘You’re The Best’.
‘Risin’ To The Top’ quickly became a clear favourite of the soul crowd back in the ‘80s, with Keni’s sensuous vocals, a timeless bassline of epic proportions and those dreamy, sunshine chords proving a winning combination. Since then countless producers, from the likes of Doug E Fresh and Slum Village, to LL Cool J and Mary J Blige, have utilised ‘Risin’ To The Top’ as a choice sample for their own productions. A quick glance at this seemingly endless list, just goes to show how much of an impact this record ended up having.
On the flip, ‘You’re The Best’, takes a more boogie paved path, filled with an undeniably groove laden bass synth, cosmic keys and Keni’s infectiously soulful vocals. It’s early eighties synth boogie at it’s best, placing the electronic elements at the forefront whilst holding onto that unquestionable funk at its core.
Two Keni Burke classics for soul heads, sample spotters and anyone with a keen ear for a gem. More
More records from Keni Burke
1
Keni Burke - Shakin' (5:52)
2
Keni Burke - Hang Tight (4:10)
3
Keni Burke - Can't Get Enough (Do It All Night) (4:10)
4
Keni Burke - Who Do You Love (5:23)
5
Keni Burke - Changes (4:48)
6
Keni Burke - One Minute More (4:48)
7
Keni Burke - Risin' To The Top (5:16)
8
Keni Burke - All Night (4:46)
Territories: Worldwide no restrictions
Format Notes: 2023 reissue, 140g vinyl
Track List:
A1 Shakin' 5:52
A2 Hang Tight 4:10
A3 Can't Get Enough (Do It All Night) 4:10
A4 Who Do You Love 5:23
---
B1 Changes 4:48
B2 One Minute More 4:48
B3 Risin' To The Top 5:16
B4 All Night 4:46
Release Notes:
Keni Burke's seminal Changes yielded the eternal club classic "Risin' To The Top". You need this record for this iconic steppers anthem alone. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that the whole of Changes, first released in 1982 on RCA but now a tricky one to find, is something truly special. It's a masterpiece of sophisticated 80s groove, containing first class funky soul that sounds as fresh as ever. This is multi-tempo soul music conceived in heaven.
Ace bass player, songwriter, arranger and producer, Keni Burke was discovered by Curtis Mayfield and a childhood member of the Five Stairsteps. Emanating from that magical 81-83 era and pristinely recorded at Philadelphia's legendary Sigma Sound Studios, his third solo album Changes really perfected Keni's groove. It incorporated tight, snappy rhythm arrangements which, despite the era, featured *real drums* courtesy of Steve Ferrone (from Average White Band) to compliment Keni's meaty bass lines. With Dean "Sir" Gant on synths and keyboards and Ed Walsh handling the Vocoder-OBX and Prophet 5, wonderful lines from Earth, Wind & Fire's legendary horn section and hooky rhythm and lead guitar riffs courtesy of Ed "Tree" Walsh, Keni was truly spoiled for excellence. With Doc Gibbs on percussion and Vince Montana on vibes elevating the sensational writing and arrangements, Keni couldn't really go wrong.
“Risin’ To The Top” is undoubtedly the defining crown and lasting legacy of this album. Wth its instantly captivating bassline, slowly creepin' groove and uplifting lyrics, it was a favourite among both the 80s soul steppers and hip-hop crowd and remains canonical to this day. Written by Burke, Allan Felder, and former Chic member Norma Jean Wright, it incredibly failed to garner much American radio play or really trouble the soul charts. Whilst it was an instant classic in the U.K., in the States it took the hip-hop generation and later R&B and hip-hop samples of the tune to finally make it popular, many years later. Of note, Big Daddy Kane sampled it for "Smooth Operator", LL Cool J for "Around The Way Girl", Pete Rock & CL Smooth for "Take You There" and O.C. with "Born 2 Live".
But the highlights are not restricted to this one behemoth. For example, the track which precedes "Risin'" on Side B is another steppers favourite. "One Minute More" is a perfect mid-tempo ballad and the epitome of deep modern soul. A truly timeless work of genius. We, for one, struggle to think of a better song segue than the moment you're still reeling from the intense beauty of "One Minute More" and "Risin'" elegantly stirs into action. Frisson in excelsis. The propulsive, bass-heavy opener "Shakin" is an indisputable cracker and its followed by the timeless mid-tempo class of "Hang Tight". Just gorgeous. Next up, "Can't Get Enough" is another emotional, horn heavy chugger. The side closes with the sparse, tender, floating sl-o-o-w jam "Who Do You Love"; a truly divine ballad. The B-side beings with the title-track, "Changes", a squelchy, melodic boogie banger with fantastic keys, incredible vocals, ace shuffling percussion and spacey synths. It's followed by the ultimate one-two in "One Minute More" and "Risin'" before this sensational set closes with the glorious easy glide "All Night".
An absolutely essential record for fans of deeply soulful modern-funk, Changes was mastered for vinyl by Simon Francis and cut by Cicely Balston for Alchemy at AIR Studios. The artwork was restored at Be With HQ over many painstaking months so, hopefully, this fresh new edition ensures this long-lusted after album is no longer so awkward to find. More
Format Notes: 2023 reissue, 140g vinyl
Track List:
A1 Shakin' 5:52
A2 Hang Tight 4:10
A3 Can't Get Enough (Do It All Night) 4:10
A4 Who Do You Love 5:23
---
B1 Changes 4:48
B2 One Minute More 4:48
B3 Risin' To The Top 5:16
B4 All Night 4:46
Release Notes:
Keni Burke's seminal Changes yielded the eternal club classic "Risin' To The Top". You need this record for this iconic steppers anthem alone. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that the whole of Changes, first released in 1982 on RCA but now a tricky one to find, is something truly special. It's a masterpiece of sophisticated 80s groove, containing first class funky soul that sounds as fresh as ever. This is multi-tempo soul music conceived in heaven.
Ace bass player, songwriter, arranger and producer, Keni Burke was discovered by Curtis Mayfield and a childhood member of the Five Stairsteps. Emanating from that magical 81-83 era and pristinely recorded at Philadelphia's legendary Sigma Sound Studios, his third solo album Changes really perfected Keni's groove. It incorporated tight, snappy rhythm arrangements which, despite the era, featured *real drums* courtesy of Steve Ferrone (from Average White Band) to compliment Keni's meaty bass lines. With Dean "Sir" Gant on synths and keyboards and Ed Walsh handling the Vocoder-OBX and Prophet 5, wonderful lines from Earth, Wind & Fire's legendary horn section and hooky rhythm and lead guitar riffs courtesy of Ed "Tree" Walsh, Keni was truly spoiled for excellence. With Doc Gibbs on percussion and Vince Montana on vibes elevating the sensational writing and arrangements, Keni couldn't really go wrong.
“Risin’ To The Top” is undoubtedly the defining crown and lasting legacy of this album. Wth its instantly captivating bassline, slowly creepin' groove and uplifting lyrics, it was a favourite among both the 80s soul steppers and hip-hop crowd and remains canonical to this day. Written by Burke, Allan Felder, and former Chic member Norma Jean Wright, it incredibly failed to garner much American radio play or really trouble the soul charts. Whilst it was an instant classic in the U.K., in the States it took the hip-hop generation and later R&B and hip-hop samples of the tune to finally make it popular, many years later. Of note, Big Daddy Kane sampled it for "Smooth Operator", LL Cool J for "Around The Way Girl", Pete Rock & CL Smooth for "Take You There" and O.C. with "Born 2 Live".
But the highlights are not restricted to this one behemoth. For example, the track which precedes "Risin'" on Side B is another steppers favourite. "One Minute More" is a perfect mid-tempo ballad and the epitome of deep modern soul. A truly timeless work of genius. We, for one, struggle to think of a better song segue than the moment you're still reeling from the intense beauty of "One Minute More" and "Risin'" elegantly stirs into action. Frisson in excelsis. The propulsive, bass-heavy opener "Shakin" is an indisputable cracker and its followed by the timeless mid-tempo class of "Hang Tight". Just gorgeous. Next up, "Can't Get Enough" is another emotional, horn heavy chugger. The side closes with the sparse, tender, floating sl-o-o-w jam "Who Do You Love"; a truly divine ballad. The B-side beings with the title-track, "Changes", a squelchy, melodic boogie banger with fantastic keys, incredible vocals, ace shuffling percussion and spacey synths. It's followed by the ultimate one-two in "One Minute More" and "Risin'" before this sensational set closes with the glorious easy glide "All Night".
An absolutely essential record for fans of deeply soulful modern-funk, Changes was mastered for vinyl by Simon Francis and cut by Cicely Balston for Alchemy at AIR Studios. The artwork was restored at Be With HQ over many painstaking months so, hopefully, this fresh new edition ensures this long-lusted after album is no longer so awkward to find. More
More records from RCA
1
Keni Burke - Risin' to the Top (A Mike Maurro Mix)
2
Evelyn 'Champagne' King - I'm In Love (A Mike Maurro Mix)
Two iconic 80s Disco/Boogie anthems of the era are set for a re-release on 12-inch vinyl via RCA, with a fresh mix from Brooklyn-based producer, Mike Maurro.
Keni Burke - Risin' to the Top (A Mike Maurro Mix)
'’Risin’ to the Top’, originally released in 1982 on Burke’s third solo album, ‘Changes’, has become Burke’s most successful hit as a solo artist since departing from his former band, Five Stairsteppers. Countless producers have utilised the song as a choice sample for their own tracks with artists such as Mary J. Blige, LL Cool J, Madlib and more.
Maurro’s mix works the stems and gives the record some fresh guitar licks alongside new percussive elements, whilst maintaining a heavy lean into the sensual, laid-back swing of the original.'
Evelyn ‘Champagne’ King - I'm In Love (A Mike Maurro Mix)
'The flip side sees the release of Evelyn 'Champagne' King’s hit single ‘I’m In Love’, originally released in 1981 and taken from King’s fourth studio album of the same name. A feel-good, sing-a-long anthem, once again given a fresh feel thanks to Maurro’s new take on the record.
Both tracks serve as trump cards to whip up any dancefloor at the right time' More
Keni Burke - Risin' to the Top (A Mike Maurro Mix)
'’Risin’ to the Top’, originally released in 1982 on Burke’s third solo album, ‘Changes’, has become Burke’s most successful hit as a solo artist since departing from his former band, Five Stairsteppers. Countless producers have utilised the song as a choice sample for their own tracks with artists such as Mary J. Blige, LL Cool J, Madlib and more.
Maurro’s mix works the stems and gives the record some fresh guitar licks alongside new percussive elements, whilst maintaining a heavy lean into the sensual, laid-back swing of the original.'
Evelyn ‘Champagne’ King - I'm In Love (A Mike Maurro Mix)
'The flip side sees the release of Evelyn 'Champagne' King’s hit single ‘I’m In Love’, originally released in 1981 and taken from King’s fourth studio album of the same name. A feel-good, sing-a-long anthem, once again given a fresh feel thanks to Maurro’s new take on the record.
Both tracks serve as trump cards to whip up any dancefloor at the right time' More
1
Michael Wycoff - Looking Up To You (Mike Maurro Mix)
2
Michael Wycoff - Looking Up To You (Original Mix)
This 12-inch vinyl, officially licensed by Sony, features a superb remix by Mike Maurro, who masterfully reworks the stems. On the B side, you'll find the original version. Since its release in 1982, "Looking Up To You" has cemented its status as a modern soul anthem, co-written by Leon Ware and Zane Grey (of Grey & Hanks) and produced by Webster Lewis, all titans in the genre. Heavily sampled since it’s original release, notably by artists like Zhane ("Hey Mr. DJ") and Ortega Cartel ("Miami Vice").
More
1
Plush - No Title
2
Plush - No Title
3
Plush - No Title
Three 1982 disco classics from boogie trio Plush formed under the guidance of Angela Winbush, René Moore and Bobby Watson, get the official, remastered reissue treatment from the original tapes.
Opening up the EP, an Angela & Rene original ‘Free & Easy’ is taken on by the Plush troupe, with the legendary Tee Scott providing a trademark extended mix. It kicks off with cosmic synths that dissipate into heavy funk, electric bass riffs, whilst scorching top lines and choice guitar licks trade off over the top. Scott’s magic is clear to see in the composition of this extended mix. A man who clearly knew how to work a dancefloor, his use of breakdowns especially, extending the anticipation and power the track commands on its dancers. From the bass breaks that weave in modulated synths, to those that utilise the glorious sustained piano chords, cutting to just vocals and percussion before everything is added back in for ultimate dancefloor elation.
First up on the B side, ‘We Got The Love’, a more soulful, slowed down tip where staccato guitar plucks and chunky slap bass marries with warm Rhodes chords, and lush vocal harmonies blend with the power of Siedah Garrett commanding the lead vocals. A passion ingrained in their voices that cannot be taught, hanging in the air, as they hang onto their phrases.
Lastly, ‘Livin For Your Love’ a boogie-based serenade written by Herman Chainey and Tony L. Phillips, intertwines Phillips’ deep dulcet tones with Plush’s backing. Add in a dose of pure ‘80s bass synth, twanging funk flashes and juicy bass guitar ripples and you’ve got a recipe sure to woo any wandering hearts out there. More
Opening up the EP, an Angela & Rene original ‘Free & Easy’ is taken on by the Plush troupe, with the legendary Tee Scott providing a trademark extended mix. It kicks off with cosmic synths that dissipate into heavy funk, electric bass riffs, whilst scorching top lines and choice guitar licks trade off over the top. Scott’s magic is clear to see in the composition of this extended mix. A man who clearly knew how to work a dancefloor, his use of breakdowns especially, extending the anticipation and power the track commands on its dancers. From the bass breaks that weave in modulated synths, to those that utilise the glorious sustained piano chords, cutting to just vocals and percussion before everything is added back in for ultimate dancefloor elation.
First up on the B side, ‘We Got The Love’, a more soulful, slowed down tip where staccato guitar plucks and chunky slap bass marries with warm Rhodes chords, and lush vocal harmonies blend with the power of Siedah Garrett commanding the lead vocals. A passion ingrained in their voices that cannot be taught, hanging in the air, as they hang onto their phrases.
Lastly, ‘Livin For Your Love’ a boogie-based serenade written by Herman Chainey and Tony L. Phillips, intertwines Phillips’ deep dulcet tones with Plush’s backing. Add in a dose of pure ‘80s bass synth, twanging funk flashes and juicy bass guitar ripples and you’ve got a recipe sure to woo any wandering hearts out there. More
1
Buari - No Title
2
Buari - No Title
Official, remastered reissue of this disco tinged, afro funk treasure and the first time the ‘Karam Bani’ single has been cut to 12” – maximising every ounce of highlife soul from Sidiku Buari’s productions.
That undeniable US funk flavour coupled with Buari’s Ghanaian rhythms bring a zest to these grooves even the tangiest of forbidden fruits couldn’t draw out. Those fuzzed keys and dusty highlife guitar licks sprinkle the West African flavour, whilst drumming demi-god Bernard Purdie provides the wizardry behind the infectious, yet precision like beats that make the track so unique. Purdie’s killer breaks combined with Buari’s jubilant vocals give a spirituality to this cut that’ll liven up any dancefloor - alongside being a gold mine for samples.
Flip it over and you’re hit with the joy filled jam, ‘Ye Koaba’. Tribal drums lead the way for a chorus of jubilant chants supplemented by glistening synth sounds and funk fuelled guitar riffs. It’s a feel-good slice of Ghanaian sunshine, capturing that community spirit and good-hearted nature Ghana’s famous for.
Two afro funk sensations sure to put a smile on your face, even when the skies are grey and you’re 5000 miles away from the glorious West African coastline.
More
That undeniable US funk flavour coupled with Buari’s Ghanaian rhythms bring a zest to these grooves even the tangiest of forbidden fruits couldn’t draw out. Those fuzzed keys and dusty highlife guitar licks sprinkle the West African flavour, whilst drumming demi-god Bernard Purdie provides the wizardry behind the infectious, yet precision like beats that make the track so unique. Purdie’s killer breaks combined with Buari’s jubilant vocals give a spirituality to this cut that’ll liven up any dancefloor - alongside being a gold mine for samples.
Flip it over and you’re hit with the joy filled jam, ‘Ye Koaba’. Tribal drums lead the way for a chorus of jubilant chants supplemented by glistening synth sounds and funk fuelled guitar riffs. It’s a feel-good slice of Ghanaian sunshine, capturing that community spirit and good-hearted nature Ghana’s famous for.
Two afro funk sensations sure to put a smile on your face, even when the skies are grey and you’re 5000 miles away from the glorious West African coastline.
More
1
jon lucien - No Title
2
jon lucien - No Title
The infamously velvet tones of Jon Lucien get a much welcomed official remastered, reissue - with the original ‘Rashida’ 7” e.p., that contained four of Lucien’s tracks, now split into two 7”s for a louder, more refined pressing of each song.
First up, ‘Lady Love’, with it’s bossa nova inspired style, drawing every last drop of emotion from Lucien’s infamously voluptuous voice. Once dubbed by Herbie Hancock as “the man with the golden throat”, it’s easy to see why - Lucien’s rich baritone evoking dreams of summer sunsets, glistening blue seas whilst wrapping you up in a blanket of warmth and tenderness that few can rival.
On the B side – ‘Love Everlasting’, another of Jon Lucien’s bossa nova leaning tracks, swells with jazz flutes, plucked acoustic guitars and a soul drenched string section to compliment Lucien’s beautifully calming tones.
With the original Rashida 7” exchanging hands for over £150 on Discogs, here’s a chance to get Jon Lucien’s golden-throated voice in the collection without raiding the savings.
More
First up, ‘Lady Love’, with it’s bossa nova inspired style, drawing every last drop of emotion from Lucien’s infamously voluptuous voice. Once dubbed by Herbie Hancock as “the man with the golden throat”, it’s easy to see why - Lucien’s rich baritone evoking dreams of summer sunsets, glistening blue seas whilst wrapping you up in a blanket of warmth and tenderness that few can rival.
On the B side – ‘Love Everlasting’, another of Jon Lucien’s bossa nova leaning tracks, swells with jazz flutes, plucked acoustic guitars and a soul drenched string section to compliment Lucien’s beautifully calming tones.
With the original Rashida 7” exchanging hands for over £150 on Discogs, here’s a chance to get Jon Lucien’s golden-throated voice in the collection without raiding the savings.
More
1
jon lucien - No Title
2
jon lucien - No Title
Part two of the official remastered, reissue of Jon Lucien’s ‘Rashida’ e.p. see’s ‘Would You Believe In Me’ and ‘Kuenda’ lovingly housed together on either side of a dinked 7 inch record.
‘Would You Believe In Me’ is a top down, soulful cruiser, bringing a slice of jazzed up funk gold to the fore. As smooth as silk, Lucien’s dulcet tones leave you in awe - a voice destined to bring joy to souls the world over, it oozes charm, passion and elegance from beginning to end.
On the B side, ‘Kuenda’ washes away any worries that the day-to-day mind might have conjured up, with the soft sounds of the sea leading into a beautiful layered vocal performance by Lucien, perfectly accompanied by a solo plucked Spanish guitar.
It’s an alluring example of the Brazilian aesthetic Lucien would carry through his Rashida album and provides an apt ender for this two-part reissue.
More
‘Would You Believe In Me’ is a top down, soulful cruiser, bringing a slice of jazzed up funk gold to the fore. As smooth as silk, Lucien’s dulcet tones leave you in awe - a voice destined to bring joy to souls the world over, it oozes charm, passion and elegance from beginning to end.
On the B side, ‘Kuenda’ washes away any worries that the day-to-day mind might have conjured up, with the soft sounds of the sea leading into a beautiful layered vocal performance by Lucien, perfectly accompanied by a solo plucked Spanish guitar.
It’s an alluring example of the Brazilian aesthetic Lucien would carry through his Rashida album and provides an apt ender for this two-part reissue.
More
1
the main ingredient - No Title
2
the main ingredient - No Title
Main Ingredient's fantastic take on the Average White Band's original funky classic - for the first time ever on 7" too. Backed with a Main Ingredient track that's shot-up in popularity over the last few years - welcome to the long 7" version of "Instant Love" previously only available on the U.S. promo 7" which will set you back circa £80 large. 7 inch vinyl with a large dinked centre hole.
More
1
the main ingredient - No Title
2
the main ingredient - No Title
Some records are timeless and never age - "Happiness Is Just Around The Bend" by The Main Ingredient is one of those records. Originally released in 1974, "Happiness" was a record before it's time - had it been released a year later it would undoubtedly have been one of the first 12" discs - so as a result, most discerning DJs at the time chose to play the album cut. The song is actually a cover of UK Prog-Jazz band Brian Auger's Oblivion Express's version from the year before but Main Ingredient took the song to a whole new level and, 44 years later, it has become one of the most revered dance tunes of all-time. Main Ingredient were unlucky with 12" releases, which is why we're delighted to give "Evening Of Love" it's first-ever 12" release! Once again this was a 1981 album track which years later it would become a Modern Soul anthem and rightfully be regarded as one of their best records.
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Alleviated Records is proud to present the new Mr. Fingers EP. After many years of the moniker being dormant and a long journey trying to get back into a creative mindset, we have a new offering. First up, "Outer Acid" delivers up a Minimal-Space-Acid flavor. Next, "Qwazars" continues the Space motif with a Minimal-Tech touch. "Nodyahed" moves toward a Dark Club Bouce with a dash of Tribal flavor. "Aether" offers up a more late-night Ambient-Space-House flavor. Hope you enjoy these selections at the club and at home for a long time to come. Musically Yours... More
Alleviated Records is proud to present the new Mr. Fingers EP. After many years of the moniker being dormant and a long journey trying to get back into a creative mindset, we have a new offering. First up, "Outer Acid" delivers up a Minimal-Space-Acid flavor. Next, "Qwazars" continues the Space motif with a Minimal-Tech touch. "Nodyahed" moves toward a Dark Club Bouce with a dash of Tribal flavor. "Aether" offers up a more late-night Ambient-Space-House flavor. Hope you enjoy these selections at the club and at home for a long time to come. Musically Yours... More
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2024 Repress!
Michael Gray’s ‘The Weekend’ has become more than just a seminal clubbing anthem. ‘The Weekend’ has become a soundtrack for many a night out, an evergreen, life anthem for a whole generation, a record that has stayed popular since the naughties through its sheer brilliance and been brought back to the attention to a new generation through social media like TikTok.
Now the worldwide dance hit has had new life breathed into it new live strings/dance version from Michael himself.
As Michael goes on to say in his own words:
“I have been working with live strings and horn sections a lot recently and it occurred to me to try ‘The Weekend’ as a totally different concept while keeping the integrity of the original…and it worked!
I got chills when I first heard Stephen Hussey’s (Soul to Soul) arrangement. I think it makes Shena’s lead vocal (and Xavier’s backing vocals ) sound so good!
When I made the record back in 2004 I didn’t realize how much this record would endure and appeal to younger and younger generations in its original form alone. I still get a buzz, particularly when I see DJ’s such as Claptone and Low Steppa playing it to huge crowds. Radio play has been amazing over the years too.
It makes me smile that there are thousands of TikTok videos to it as well! More
Michael Gray’s ‘The Weekend’ has become more than just a seminal clubbing anthem. ‘The Weekend’ has become a soundtrack for many a night out, an evergreen, life anthem for a whole generation, a record that has stayed popular since the naughties through its sheer brilliance and been brought back to the attention to a new generation through social media like TikTok.
Now the worldwide dance hit has had new life breathed into it new live strings/dance version from Michael himself.
As Michael goes on to say in his own words:
“I have been working with live strings and horn sections a lot recently and it occurred to me to try ‘The Weekend’ as a totally different concept while keeping the integrity of the original…and it worked!
I got chills when I first heard Stephen Hussey’s (Soul to Soul) arrangement. I think it makes Shena’s lead vocal (and Xavier’s backing vocals ) sound so good!
When I made the record back in 2004 I didn’t realize how much this record would endure and appeal to younger and younger generations in its original form alone. I still get a buzz, particularly when I see DJ’s such as Claptone and Low Steppa playing it to huge crowds. Radio play has been amazing over the years too.
It makes me smile that there are thousands of TikTok videos to it as well! More
1
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Label:clone aqualung series
Cat-No:cal011/c#31lp
Release-Date:07.12.2017
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The proggy trance/house opener “Breath Control” sighs into existence, emerging like the head-rush of euphoria that accompanies surfing the sadistic tease between suspense and bliss. High resonance and acid sounds punctuate the track, supplying a dominant bodily cue amidst the melodies, gated vocals and loops. “What If You Fly” observes the void below and decides to jump anyway, finding its faith rewarded in a free-fall through chords and synths that knit into a dark, groovy soundscape - soaring over an underscore of conga drums as though caught in exhilarating flight.
On the B-side, “Concur” looks up from the void back into the ether, embracing the danger of the pale blank space above. At 135BPM it glitches and dances through a cyclone of atmospheric synths, pads and cult sci-fi film samples, grinding like a serrated blade under a soft-focus lens. For the close, “Delight” flirts with the comfort of another, tantalising its approach before erupting in slow-motion from its amniotic state. It blisters, bubbles and gasps - and then takes a roll-eyed descent into breakbeats and arps that glide like menacingly slow fingertips over hot skin.
The record from Laars has a precious message: when was the last time that you really let go and listened to the steady rise and fall of your own breath, or sank into the discomfort of not knowing, but continued anyway? The outcome is still the same: jump. More
The proggy trance/house opener “Breath Control” sighs into existence, emerging like the head-rush of euphoria that accompanies surfing the sadistic tease between suspense and bliss. High resonance and acid sounds punctuate the track, supplying a dominant bodily cue amidst the melodies, gated vocals and loops. “What If You Fly” observes the void below and decides to jump anyway, finding its faith rewarded in a free-fall through chords and synths that knit into a dark, groovy soundscape - soaring over an underscore of conga drums as though caught in exhilarating flight.
On the B-side, “Concur” looks up from the void back into the ether, embracing the danger of the pale blank space above. At 135BPM it glitches and dances through a cyclone of atmospheric synths, pads and cult sci-fi film samples, grinding like a serrated blade under a soft-focus lens. For the close, “Delight” flirts with the comfort of another, tantalising its approach before erupting in slow-motion from its amniotic state. It blisters, bubbles and gasps - and then takes a roll-eyed descent into breakbeats and arps that glide like menacingly slow fingertips over hot skin.
The record from Laars has a precious message: when was the last time that you really let go and listened to the steady rise and fall of your own breath, or sank into the discomfort of not knowing, but continued anyway? The outcome is still the same: jump. More
1
Drexciya - Black Sea (Aqualung Version)
2
Drexciya - Unknown Journey XI
3
Drexciya - Wavejumper (Aqualung Version)
Repress!
Alternate mixes of two seminal Drexciya tracks. A longer version of Black Sea and a different mix for Wavejumper (without the infamous 'skip'). And an Unknown Journey for good measures.
More
Alternate mixes of two seminal Drexciya tracks. A longer version of Black Sea and a different mix for Wavejumper (without the infamous 'skip'). And an Unknown Journey for good measures.
More
1
Speedy J - Rise
2
Speedy J - Something For Your Mind
3
Speedy J - Tresor
4
Speedy J - De Orbit
Remastered reissue of the second landmark EP for Plus 8 Records by Speedy J. Again expanding on the emerging sounds of Techno Speedy J took it further into euphoric, minimal lofi and bleepy territory with ''Rise'', ''Tresor'' and ''De-orbit''. All while effectively stripping it down to the bare bones rocking only a 909 and a vocal sample on ''Something For Your Mind''. This release and in particular ''Something For Your Mind'' was there at the forefront of techno as we know it these days with a harder, raw and no-nonsense approach and all its variations such as Gabber that grew out of that in Rotterdam the following year.
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1
michael wycoff - Looking Up To You (05:18)
2
michael wycoff - Diamond Real (Tee Scott Instrumental Mix) (07:05)
2024 Repress
Tracklist:
01. Looking Up To You (05:18)
02. Diamond Real (Tee Scott Instrumental Mix) (07:05)
Two seminal 12" mixes of a pair of Michael Wycoff heavy hitters from 1982. One a two-step favourite and one a Loft classic, these sought-after versions have never been paired on the same record. More
Tracklist:
01. Looking Up To You (05:18)
02. Diamond Real (Tee Scott Instrumental Mix) (07:05)
Two seminal 12" mixes of a pair of Michael Wycoff heavy hitters from 1982. One a two-step favourite and one a Loft classic, these sought-after versions have never been paired on the same record. More
1
dj koze - DRIVEN
2
robag wruhme - X-mop 198
2024 Repress
Tracklist
A. DJ KOZE- DRIVEN
B. ROBAG WRUHME - X-mop 198
Info:
Hart & Tief returns. Pampa's dark bastard. The Proverbial black sheep.
For the second statement from the label, we have the twin voices of DJ Koze and Robag Wruhme. Both are masters at remaining simultaneously identifiable yet surprising, and the freedom afforded by this fledgling label sees them push their respective milieus.
Driven see's Koze return to previously mined percussive tropes and plumb a new minimalist clarity of emotion through maximal means. The track thuds, clicks and pumps in a singular trajectory that belies its complexity and compliments its title.
Not to be outdone, Robag Wruhme provides X-mop 198, a slice of linear horror-techno that deftly re-contextualises its simplistic components in to a jagged and constantly surprising listen, creating a form of body music for the mind.
More
Tracklist
A. DJ KOZE- DRIVEN
B. ROBAG WRUHME - X-mop 198
Info:
Hart & Tief returns. Pampa's dark bastard. The Proverbial black sheep.
For the second statement from the label, we have the twin voices of DJ Koze and Robag Wruhme. Both are masters at remaining simultaneously identifiable yet surprising, and the freedom afforded by this fledgling label sees them push their respective milieus.
Driven see's Koze return to previously mined percussive tropes and plumb a new minimalist clarity of emotion through maximal means. The track thuds, clicks and pumps in a singular trajectory that belies its complexity and compliments its title.
Not to be outdone, Robag Wruhme provides X-mop 198, a slice of linear horror-techno that deftly re-contextualises its simplistic components in to a jagged and constantly surprising listen, creating a form of body music for the mind.
More