18 years on from its original release Studio One Women remains one of our Studio One releases most in-demand titles and like all our earlier special coloured editions is sure to sell out fast! Ska, rocksteady, funky reggae, roots, dub mixes, disco mixes, they"re all here from the queens of the Jamaican music scene - Studio One Women features a wide mix of classics and obscurities from the finest female voices in reggae.
Tracklist
1.1Claudette McLean - Give Love Another Try
1.2Jennifer Lara - My Man
1.3The Soulettes - A Deh Pon Dem
1.4Della Humphrey - Dream Land
1.5Jennifer Lara - Consider Me
1.6Denise Darlington - War No Right
1.7Hortense Ellis - I'm Just A Girl
1.8Angela Prince - No Bother With No Fuss
2.1Jerry Jones - There's A Chance For Me
2.2The Soulettes - King Street
2.3Jennifer Lara - Tell Me Where
2.4The Tonettes - I'll Give It To You
2.5Marcia Griffiths - Tell Me Now
2.6The Jay Tees - Come To Me
2.7Angela Prince - You A Fool Boy
2.8Jennifer Lara - I Am In Love More
Tracklist
1.1Claudette McLean - Give Love Another Try
1.2Jennifer Lara - My Man
1.3The Soulettes - A Deh Pon Dem
1.4Della Humphrey - Dream Land
1.5Jennifer Lara - Consider Me
1.6Denise Darlington - War No Right
1.7Hortense Ellis - I'm Just A Girl
1.8Angela Prince - No Bother With No Fuss
2.1Jerry Jones - There's A Chance For Me
2.2The Soulettes - King Street
2.3Jennifer Lara - Tell Me Where
2.4The Tonettes - I'll Give It To You
2.5Marcia Griffiths - Tell Me Now
2.6The Jay Tees - Come To Me
2.7Angela Prince - You A Fool Boy
2.8Jennifer Lara - I Am In Love More
More records from Soul Jazz Records
1
Betty Wright - Clean Up Woman
2
Miami - Party Freaks
3
Gwen McCrae - All This Love That I'm Giving
4
Beginning Of The End - Monkey Tamarind
5
Latimore - I Get Lifted
6
Raw Soul Express - Burn The Candle
7
Chocolateclay - Free (I'll Always Be)
8
Betty Wright - I Love The Way You Love
9
Little Beaver - Concrete Jungle
10
Jimmy 'Bo' Horne - Clean Up Man
11
Timmy Thomas - Africano
12
Charles Allen - Winterman
13
T-Connection - Do What Ya Wanna Do
14
Robert Moore - Jimmie Bo Charlie
15
Milton Wright - Keep It Up
16
Clarence Reid - Ten Tons Of Dynamite
17
Timmy Thomas - Why Can't We Live Together
18
Little Beaver - We Three
19
Paulette Reaves - Do It Again
20
Lynn Williams - Kisses, Kisses, Kisses
Soul Jazz Records" new Miami Sound 2 is a superlative collection of 70s soul, funk, disco and boogie featuring tracks from legendary artists such as Betty Wright, Timmy Thomas, Gwen McRae, Milton Wright, T-Connection and many more, all released on the mighty TK Records musical empire based in Miami, Florida.
More
1
Dub Specialist - Bionic Dub
2
Dub Specialist - Take A Ride Version
3
Dub Specialist - Sky Rhythm
4
Dub Specialist - Tauraus Dub 2
5
Dub Specialist - Hooligan
6
Dub Specialist - Dub Rock
7
Dub Specialist - Rastaman Version
8
Dub Specialist - Jah Jah Version
9
Dub Specialist - Creator Version
10
Dub Specialist - Running Dub
11
Dub Specialist - Hi Fashion Dub
12
Dub Specialist - Pretty Version
13
Dub Specialist - Race Track Version
14
Dub Specialist - Spawning
15
Dub Specialist - In Cold Blood Version
16
Dub Specialist - Chase Them Version
17
Dub Specialist - Feel The Dub
Repress!
18 years on from its original release Studio One Dub remains super-hard hitting featuring classic + rare Dub tracks from Studio One, many available on vinyl for the first time in over thirty years.
Studio One Dub includes the dubs of many classic tracks such as Horace Andy’s “Skylarkin”, Johnny Osbourne’s “Truth and Rights”, John Holt’s “Hooligan”, Freddie McGregor’s “Bobby Bobylon” plus many more rare tracks.
The album also comes with two rare interviews - one with Clement 'Sir Coxsone' Dodd about dub and dubplates and one with the sound engineer Sylvan Morris, talking about his groundbreaking period at Studio One and his many innovations that he evolved there.
In short, this is a 100% essential album!
REVIEWS:
"Almighty slab of dub featuring loads of rare and classic dub versions of Studio One's foundation tracks." Rough Trade
“Quite a treat awaiting here for the unsuspecting reggae faithful - as always with Soul jazz chock full of a bunch of big tunes - but here in version form lies some of the freshest rhythms and most radical revisions of some of the greatest Studio One music. The darkest and the absolute deepest in the series - naturally essential”. Boomkat
"Continuing the Studio 1 Series this album features classic and rare Dub tracks from Studio One, many available for the first time in over thirty years. Studio One Dub includes the dubs of many classic tracks such as Horace Andy’s “Skylarkin”, Johnny Osbourne’s “Truth and Rights”, John Holt’s “Hooligan”, Freddie McGregor’s “Bobby Bobylon” plus many more rare tracks. In short, this is an essential album!" Wax Museum
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“Soul Jazz’s Studio One Dub collection, cannot help but to serve as loving tribute to Sir Coxsone Dodd. This giant of a man not only defined popular music for the isle of Jamaica, but for the world over, his innovations laying the foundations for hip-hop, dance and post-rock.”
“Dodd's dubs drew on such a fertile ground of classic Jamaican rhythms that he rarely missed. As such, it's difficult to find fault with the versions presented here and many of these cuts are ridiculously rare.”
“This burning set celebrates Dodd's extraordinary life by mashing time and space until it's joyfully suspended. What better tribute could there be?” Pitchfork More
18 years on from its original release Studio One Dub remains super-hard hitting featuring classic + rare Dub tracks from Studio One, many available on vinyl for the first time in over thirty years.
Studio One Dub includes the dubs of many classic tracks such as Horace Andy’s “Skylarkin”, Johnny Osbourne’s “Truth and Rights”, John Holt’s “Hooligan”, Freddie McGregor’s “Bobby Bobylon” plus many more rare tracks.
The album also comes with two rare interviews - one with Clement 'Sir Coxsone' Dodd about dub and dubplates and one with the sound engineer Sylvan Morris, talking about his groundbreaking period at Studio One and his many innovations that he evolved there.
In short, this is a 100% essential album!
REVIEWS:
"Almighty slab of dub featuring loads of rare and classic dub versions of Studio One's foundation tracks." Rough Trade
“Quite a treat awaiting here for the unsuspecting reggae faithful - as always with Soul jazz chock full of a bunch of big tunes - but here in version form lies some of the freshest rhythms and most radical revisions of some of the greatest Studio One music. The darkest and the absolute deepest in the series - naturally essential”. Boomkat
"Continuing the Studio 1 Series this album features classic and rare Dub tracks from Studio One, many available for the first time in over thirty years. Studio One Dub includes the dubs of many classic tracks such as Horace Andy’s “Skylarkin”, Johnny Osbourne’s “Truth and Rights”, John Holt’s “Hooligan”, Freddie McGregor’s “Bobby Bobylon” plus many more rare tracks. In short, this is an essential album!" Wax Museum
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“Soul Jazz’s Studio One Dub collection, cannot help but to serve as loving tribute to Sir Coxsone Dodd. This giant of a man not only defined popular music for the isle of Jamaica, but for the world over, his innovations laying the foundations for hip-hop, dance and post-rock.”
“Dodd's dubs drew on such a fertile ground of classic Jamaican rhythms that he rarely missed. As such, it's difficult to find fault with the versions presented here and many of these cuts are ridiculously rare.”
“This burning set celebrates Dodd's extraordinary life by mashing time and space until it's joyfully suspended. What better tribute could there be?” Pitchfork More
1
Lloyd & Devon - Push Push
2
Judah Eskender Tafari - Rastafari Tell You
3
Doreen Schaefer - Ain't Gonna Change My Mind
4
Dub Specialist - Kampala
5
George Allen - Be Wise Brethren
6
Jackie Mittoo - Night In Ethiopia
7
George Dudley - Gates Of Zion
8
The Silvertones - Come Forward
9
The Ethiopian - Muddy Water
10
Willie Williams & Brentford Disco Set - Armagideon Time
11
Willie Williams & Brentford Disco Set - Armagideon Time (Version)
12
Norma White & Brentford Disco Set - I Want Your Love
13
Norma White & Brentford Disco Set - I Want Your Love(version)
14
Alton Ellis - You Make Me Happy
15
Suagr Minott - Love And Understanding
Repress!
Studio One's music in the 1970s took the label to new heights. The new style of Disco Mix brought many areas of Reggae together Roots, Lovers, Disco and Dub all came together in extended form, re-versioning classic hits, experimenting with new studio technology, over-dubbing, syn-drums and more producing what many fans describe as the most creative and innovative phase in the history of the legendary Studio One Records.
This Studio One Disco Mix album includes many sought after classic tunes only ever released in very small quantities (on Studio One's very first 12" records as well as it's infamous Music Lab 10"s out of New York) and consequently many of these track s have been unavailable since their day of release. Studio One Disco Mix features many of the classic Studio One artists such as Alton Ellis, Sugar Minott, Jackie Mittoo and Willie Williams (with his classic re-versioning of his own "Armigideon Time") alongside less well artists such as Doreen Schaeffer, Judah Eskender Tafari and George Dudley and many more. More
Studio One's music in the 1970s took the label to new heights. The new style of Disco Mix brought many areas of Reggae together Roots, Lovers, Disco and Dub all came together in extended form, re-versioning classic hits, experimenting with new studio technology, over-dubbing, syn-drums and more producing what many fans describe as the most creative and innovative phase in the history of the legendary Studio One Records.
This Studio One Disco Mix album includes many sought after classic tunes only ever released in very small quantities (on Studio One's very first 12" records as well as it's infamous Music Lab 10"s out of New York) and consequently many of these track s have been unavailable since their day of release. Studio One Disco Mix features many of the classic Studio One artists such as Alton Ellis, Sugar Minott, Jackie Mittoo and Willie Williams (with his classic re-versioning of his own "Armigideon Time") alongside less well artists such as Doreen Schaeffer, Judah Eskender Tafari and George Dudley and many more. More
1
Delroy Wilson - I Don't Know Why
2
Basil Daley - Hold Me Baby
3
Myrna Hague - Touch Me Baby
4
John Holt & The Paragons - Darling, I Need Your Loving
5
The Sharks - How Could I Live (1st Cut)
6
The Mad Lads - Ten To One
7
Jackie Mittoo - Reggae Magic (2nd Cut)
8
Larry & Alvin - Your Love
9
Freddy & Jenny - Too Long Will Be Too Late
10
Alton Ellis - Let Him Try
11
Albert Tomlinson - Don't Wait For Me
12
Horace Andy - Got To Be Sure
13
Carlton & His Shoes - Never Give Your Heart Away
14
The Heptones - Ready To Learn
15
Bob & Marcia - Really Together (No Strings)
16
Ernest Wilson - Undying Love
17
Bob Marley & The Wailers - I'm Still Waiting (1st Cut)
18
Doreen Schaeffer - We're All Alone
Repress!
Lovingly compiled, this album features only the finest Lovers from Jamaica’s finest label. From Blues parties in London, Birmingham, Bristol etc Lovers Rock quickly became one of the UK’s finest-ever musical movements.
Sweet harmonies, soulful reggae, love songs – the key ingredients of Lovers Rock - were all based on the revival of many of the classic Rocksteady harmony groups of the late 60s and early 70s, such as The Heptones, Carlton and The Shoes, Larry & Alvin, The Paragons, that Clement "Sir Coxsone" Dodd’s Studio One and rival Duke Reid’s Treasure Isle label produced hit after hit with as they fought for dominance in the dancehalls of Kingston.
As well as these classic harmony groups, this album also features fine contributions from many of the reggae greats – Horace Andy, Alton Ellis, Bob Marley and The Wailers, Delroy Wilson – All artists who became stars at the legendary Studio One Records which Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records, describes as "The University of Reggae". More
Lovingly compiled, this album features only the finest Lovers from Jamaica’s finest label. From Blues parties in London, Birmingham, Bristol etc Lovers Rock quickly became one of the UK’s finest-ever musical movements.
Sweet harmonies, soulful reggae, love songs – the key ingredients of Lovers Rock - were all based on the revival of many of the classic Rocksteady harmony groups of the late 60s and early 70s, such as The Heptones, Carlton and The Shoes, Larry & Alvin, The Paragons, that Clement "Sir Coxsone" Dodd’s Studio One and rival Duke Reid’s Treasure Isle label produced hit after hit with as they fought for dominance in the dancehalls of Kingston.
As well as these classic harmony groups, this album also features fine contributions from many of the reggae greats – Horace Andy, Alton Ellis, Bob Marley and The Wailers, Delroy Wilson – All artists who became stars at the legendary Studio One Records which Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records, describes as "The University of Reggae". More
1
The Cyclones With Count Ossie - Meditation
2
Cornell Campbell & The Brentford Rockers - Natty Don't Go
3
Freddy Mcgregor With The Sound Dimension - Africa Here I Come
4
Bunny & Skitter - Lumumbo
5
Willie Williams & The All Stars - Addis A Baba
6
L.Crosdale With Drummond Bago & the... - Set Me Free
7
Leroy Wallace & The New Establishment - Far Beyond
8
Lennie Hibbert - More Creation
9
Alton Ellis & The Sound Dimension - Blackish White
10
Winston Jarrett & The Sound Dimension - Fear Not
11
Devon Russell - Drum Song
12
The Gaylads - Africa
13
Black Brothers & The New Establishment - School Children
14
Linton Cooper & The Brentford Disco Set - You'll Get Your Pay
15
Sound Dimension - Congo Rock
16
Zoot Simms - African Challenge
20th Anniversary Repress!
Studio One Roots set the standard for Soul Jazz Records’ long-standing series of Studio One collections and features many of the classic artists from Clement 'Sir Coxsone’ Dodd’s mighty roster of reggae.
This album includes Freddie McGregor, Willie Williams, Cornell Campbell, Alton Ellis, Devon Russell alongside some of the defining crack-session men groups of Jamaican reggae history - The Sound Dimension, Brentford All-Stars, The Skatalites, New Establishment and more. As ever the album is filled with a mixture of seminal cuts and super-rarities from the vast vaults of 13 Brentford Road.
Stand-out tracks include Alton Ellis’s Blackish White, a surreal and powerful Afro-centric dream, Count Ossie Nyabinghi and Rastafarian drummers genre-defying interpretation of Booker T and The MGs ‘Meditation’, Willie Williams awe-inspiring versioning of the Skatalites' seminal Rastafari anthem Addis Ababa and many, many more.
This album has been fully digitally remastered, analog cut and packaged complete with the following: Original sleevenotes by Lloyd Bradley (author of When Reggae Was King), compiled by Mark Ainley (Honest Jons), high-quality Soul Jazz mastering, wicked images of Count Ossie and the Mystic Revelation of Rastafari on the cover, and a rare image of Clement Dodd and musicians inside the studio at Studio One on the full colour inner sleeves.
REVIEWS:
"Having established himself as one of Jamaica's top producers the day Studio One opened its doors in the early '60s, Clement "Coxsone" Dodd was unable to maintain his status during the roots era of the subsequent decade. This can be attributed to a couple of factors. One was Dodd's apparent reluctance to record the new, overtly Rasta-inspired music. The other was an infusion of new blood into the Jamaican music business. Eager to make a name for themselves, producers like Joe Gibbs, Bunny Lee, Lee "Scratch" Perry, and Winston "Niney" Holness managed to supplant the island's "big three" (Dodd, Duke Reid, and Prince Buster) in the process, driving the music's evolution in the '70s.
There isn't a weak number across these 16 tracks, from the Gaylads' ode to "Africa" and Devon Russell's version of the heavyweight "Drum Song" rhythm, to a trio of stunning instrumentals: Jackie Mittoo and the Cyclones with nyahbinghi drummer Count Ossie on "Meditation," Lenny Hibbert's sparkling vibe work over Mittoo's "Ghetto Organ" ("More Creation"), and Sound Dimension's "Congo Rock."
The music of this compilation is of a rare, rare beauty and is essential to anyone's reggae collection." All Music More
Studio One Roots set the standard for Soul Jazz Records’ long-standing series of Studio One collections and features many of the classic artists from Clement 'Sir Coxsone’ Dodd’s mighty roster of reggae.
This album includes Freddie McGregor, Willie Williams, Cornell Campbell, Alton Ellis, Devon Russell alongside some of the defining crack-session men groups of Jamaican reggae history - The Sound Dimension, Brentford All-Stars, The Skatalites, New Establishment and more. As ever the album is filled with a mixture of seminal cuts and super-rarities from the vast vaults of 13 Brentford Road.
Stand-out tracks include Alton Ellis’s Blackish White, a surreal and powerful Afro-centric dream, Count Ossie Nyabinghi and Rastafarian drummers genre-defying interpretation of Booker T and The MGs ‘Meditation’, Willie Williams awe-inspiring versioning of the Skatalites' seminal Rastafari anthem Addis Ababa and many, many more.
This album has been fully digitally remastered, analog cut and packaged complete with the following: Original sleevenotes by Lloyd Bradley (author of When Reggae Was King), compiled by Mark Ainley (Honest Jons), high-quality Soul Jazz mastering, wicked images of Count Ossie and the Mystic Revelation of Rastafari on the cover, and a rare image of Clement Dodd and musicians inside the studio at Studio One on the full colour inner sleeves.
REVIEWS:
"Having established himself as one of Jamaica's top producers the day Studio One opened its doors in the early '60s, Clement "Coxsone" Dodd was unable to maintain his status during the roots era of the subsequent decade. This can be attributed to a couple of factors. One was Dodd's apparent reluctance to record the new, overtly Rasta-inspired music. The other was an infusion of new blood into the Jamaican music business. Eager to make a name for themselves, producers like Joe Gibbs, Bunny Lee, Lee "Scratch" Perry, and Winston "Niney" Holness managed to supplant the island's "big three" (Dodd, Duke Reid, and Prince Buster) in the process, driving the music's evolution in the '70s.
There isn't a weak number across these 16 tracks, from the Gaylads' ode to "Africa" and Devon Russell's version of the heavyweight "Drum Song" rhythm, to a trio of stunning instrumentals: Jackie Mittoo and the Cyclones with nyahbinghi drummer Count Ossie on "Meditation," Lenny Hibbert's sparkling vibe work over Mittoo's "Ghetto Organ" ("More Creation"), and Sound Dimension's "Congo Rock."
The music of this compilation is of a rare, rare beauty and is essential to anyone's reggae collection." All Music More
1
Count Machuki - More Scorcha
2
Prince Francis - Rock Fort Shock
3
Dennis Alcapone - Power Version
4
Dillinger - Natty Kung Fu
5
Jah Scotchie - Man Of Creation
6
Jim Brown - Seen Him
7
Jah Buzz - Love In The Arena
8
Prince Francis - Street Doctor
9
Lone Ranger - The Answer
10
Prince Jazzbo - Crime Don't Pay
11
Brigadier Jerry - Every Man A Me Brethren
12
Big Joe - Version Of Rights
13
Lone Ranger - The Big Match
14
Jah Jesco - Warning
15
Prince Far I - Natty Farmyard
16
Charlie Ace & Scorcher - Father And Dread Locks
Reissue!
For this Studio One release we return to the roots of Reggae music-The Soundsystem. Throughout the late 1950s and 1960s Soundsystems played throughout the city of Kingston, Jamaica. As well as Sir Coxsone's Downbeat Soundsystem other famous Soundsystem operators included Duke Reid (the Trojan), Prince Buster, Tom the Great and King Edwards.
These Soundystems were the birthplace of much of Jamaica's musical culture Soundclashes, Dancehall and the idea of the Toaster who sang over records- theDJ. As ever Clement "Sir Coxsone" Dodd led the field and so for this release the focus is on DJ's at Studio One and features legendary toasters such as Denis Alcapone, Dillinger and Prince Far I as well as a host of rare material by lesser known artists. Also included is Count Machuki the original DJ- the first man ever to speak over the mic-at Sir Coxsone¹s Downbeat Sound System- from where it all began.
As Steve Barrow (author of The Rough Guide to Reggae/Blood and Fire Records) writes in the sleevenotes, Jamaican deejay music is the source for all Rap music: From Count Machuki talking over records on Sir Coxsone's legendary Downbeat Sound System this style would eventually travel to America when the Jamaican-born Kool Herc began playing at Block parties (a version of the Kingston Soundsystem parties) in the Bronx. Cutting up rare-groove classics for the first B-Boys to rap over, Hip-Hop was born and theDJ music that had started on the early Soundsystems of Kingston would go on to conquer the world!
Studio One Records is the original Jamaican record label. Studio One Records started the career of hundreds of Jamaican artists from Bob Marley to The Skatalites, from Horace Andy to The Heptones. Studio One DJs (compiled by Mark Ainley) is the next in the series of releases where Soul Jazz Records are showcasing the music of Studio One, the label that literally defines Reggae. More
For this Studio One release we return to the roots of Reggae music-The Soundsystem. Throughout the late 1950s and 1960s Soundsystems played throughout the city of Kingston, Jamaica. As well as Sir Coxsone's Downbeat Soundsystem other famous Soundsystem operators included Duke Reid (the Trojan), Prince Buster, Tom the Great and King Edwards.
These Soundystems were the birthplace of much of Jamaica's musical culture Soundclashes, Dancehall and the idea of the Toaster who sang over records- theDJ. As ever Clement "Sir Coxsone" Dodd led the field and so for this release the focus is on DJ's at Studio One and features legendary toasters such as Denis Alcapone, Dillinger and Prince Far I as well as a host of rare material by lesser known artists. Also included is Count Machuki the original DJ- the first man ever to speak over the mic-at Sir Coxsone¹s Downbeat Sound System- from where it all began.
As Steve Barrow (author of The Rough Guide to Reggae/Blood and Fire Records) writes in the sleevenotes, Jamaican deejay music is the source for all Rap music: From Count Machuki talking over records on Sir Coxsone's legendary Downbeat Sound System this style would eventually travel to America when the Jamaican-born Kool Herc began playing at Block parties (a version of the Kingston Soundsystem parties) in the Bronx. Cutting up rare-groove classics for the first B-Boys to rap over, Hip-Hop was born and theDJ music that had started on the early Soundsystems of Kingston would go on to conquer the world!
Studio One Records is the original Jamaican record label. Studio One Records started the career of hundreds of Jamaican artists from Bob Marley to The Skatalites, from Horace Andy to The Heptones. Studio One DJs (compiled by Mark Ainley) is the next in the series of releases where Soul Jazz Records are showcasing the music of Studio One, the label that literally defines Reggae. More
1
Theo Beckford - Easy Snapping
2
The Skatalites - Guns Of Navarone
3
Delroy Wilson - Dancing Mood
4
Michigan And Smiley - Nice Up The Dance
5
Heptones - Baby
6
The Abyssinians - Declaration Of Rights
7
Alton Ellis - I'm Still In Love With You
8
Tommy McCook - Tunnel One
9
Sugar Minott - Jah Jah Children
10
The Skatalites - Man In The Street
11
Dub Specialist - Banana Walk
12
Dennis Alcapone - Run Run
13
Larry Marshall - Nanny Goat
14
Brentford Allstars - Throw Me Corn
15
Lone Ranger - Love Bump
16
Jackie Mittoo - Freak Out
VINYL ALBUM ONLY REPRESS (COMES WITHOUT DVD/CD)!
Soul Jazz Records’ feature-length documentary/CD/Book ‘Studio One Story’ is being re-released on 1 August 2011, and is also available for the first time as a stand alone DVD.
The DVD is being issued as a prelude to the forthcoming deluxe-hardback book ‘Original Cover Art of Studio One Records’ released this autumn by Soul Jazz Records as well as a new Studio One album compilation on Soul Jazz to coincide with the new book.
Studio One Story is a documentary this is both a staggering slice of musical history and a definitive guide to Studio One, Jamaica’s greatest ever record company, and its legendary founder, Clement ‘Coxsone’ Dodd. ‘Studio One Story’ was filmed in 2002, two years before the death of the legendary Clement ‘Sir Coxsone’ Dodd, a man famously reticent of being interviewed - until the making of this film. Described by Chris Blackwell as the Motown of Jamaica, or ‘The University of Reggae’, Studio One is where the careers of literally hundreds of reggae artists began: Bob Marley and the Wailers, Alton Ellis, The Heptones, Ken Boothe, The Skatalites, Burning Spear and Sugar Minott, to name but a few! Studio One is the ‘foundation’ label of Jamaican Reggae and Clement ‘Sir Coxsone’ Dodd is seen by many as its father.
One and a half years in the making, Studio One Story is a truly unique documentary in which the late Clement Dodd gave unprecedented personal access to tell the previously untold story of how he and the many artists and musicians at Studio One literally shaped the rise of Reggae music from the 1950s onwards through to the late 1970s. This is the true story of reggae music and its Jamaican roots told from the inside: From the rise of Kington’s sound systems in the 1940s and 1950s, through to the evolution of a Jamaican music industry (and Studio One’s dominance) in the 1960s and the worldwide success of reggae in the 1970s.
The 4 hour documentary (including over an hour of extras) was filmed on location in Kingston, Jamaica and features interviews with Horace Andy, Alton Ellis, Ken Boothe, Sugar Minott, Denis Alcapone, The Ethiopians, Sylvan Morris, Johnny Moore, Lone Ranger, King Stitt and many others. The DVD also includes rare footage of The Skatalites, Jackie Mittoo, Count Ossie, Marcia Griffiths and others. As well as the stand-alone DVD, Soul Jazz Records are reissuing the original (DVD +CD+Book) original box set. More
Soul Jazz Records’ feature-length documentary/CD/Book ‘Studio One Story’ is being re-released on 1 August 2011, and is also available for the first time as a stand alone DVD.
The DVD is being issued as a prelude to the forthcoming deluxe-hardback book ‘Original Cover Art of Studio One Records’ released this autumn by Soul Jazz Records as well as a new Studio One album compilation on Soul Jazz to coincide with the new book.
Studio One Story is a documentary this is both a staggering slice of musical history and a definitive guide to Studio One, Jamaica’s greatest ever record company, and its legendary founder, Clement ‘Coxsone’ Dodd. ‘Studio One Story’ was filmed in 2002, two years before the death of the legendary Clement ‘Sir Coxsone’ Dodd, a man famously reticent of being interviewed - until the making of this film. Described by Chris Blackwell as the Motown of Jamaica, or ‘The University of Reggae’, Studio One is where the careers of literally hundreds of reggae artists began: Bob Marley and the Wailers, Alton Ellis, The Heptones, Ken Boothe, The Skatalites, Burning Spear and Sugar Minott, to name but a few! Studio One is the ‘foundation’ label of Jamaican Reggae and Clement ‘Sir Coxsone’ Dodd is seen by many as its father.
One and a half years in the making, Studio One Story is a truly unique documentary in which the late Clement Dodd gave unprecedented personal access to tell the previously untold story of how he and the many artists and musicians at Studio One literally shaped the rise of Reggae music from the 1950s onwards through to the late 1970s. This is the true story of reggae music and its Jamaican roots told from the inside: From the rise of Kington’s sound systems in the 1940s and 1950s, through to the evolution of a Jamaican music industry (and Studio One’s dominance) in the 1960s and the worldwide success of reggae in the 1970s.
The 4 hour documentary (including over an hour of extras) was filmed on location in Kingston, Jamaica and features interviews with Horace Andy, Alton Ellis, Ken Boothe, Sugar Minott, Denis Alcapone, The Ethiopians, Sylvan Morris, Johnny Moore, Lone Ranger, King Stitt and many others. The DVD also includes rare footage of The Skatalites, Jackie Mittoo, Count Ossie, Marcia Griffiths and others. As well as the stand-alone DVD, Soul Jazz Records are reissuing the original (DVD +CD+Book) original box set. More
Seminal rare groove funk and deep soul album originally released in 1973 on GRC Records now released 50 years later on Soul Jazz Records in this fully remastered edition of this CLASSIC album. The album "Ripple" contains the all-time classic "I Don"t know What It Is, But It Sure Is Funky", one of the most memorable funk tunes of all time and sampled many times over. Ripple"s unique blend of funk, soul, rock, proto-disco and more stood them alongside groups like Funkadelic, Brass Construction, Mandrill, Pleasure, Kool and the Gang and The Blackbyrds, who were all blending these styles while remaining firmly focussed on the dancefloor. Like the group Funkadelic, Ripple hailed from Michigan and in 1976 opened for the group on their Parliament/Funkadelic Mothership Connection tour. This classic album has been out of print for nearly 30 years on vinyl and is now fully remastered and presented here in its original artwork.
Tracklist
1.1You Were Right On Time
1.2Be My Friend
1.3I Don't Know What It Is, But It Sure Is Funky
1.4I'll Be Right There Trying
1.5Get Off
1.6See The Light In The Window
1.7A Funky Song
1.8Willie, Pass The Water
1.9Dance, Lady Dance
1.10Ripplin' More
Tracklist
1.1You Were Right On Time
1.2Be My Friend
1.3I Don't Know What It Is, But It Sure Is Funky
1.4I'll Be Right There Trying
1.5Get Off
1.6See The Light In The Window
1.7A Funky Song
1.8Willie, Pass The Water
1.9Dance, Lady Dance
1.10Ripplin' More
This is a very special one-off new special edition of one of the most popular of all the Soul Jazz Records" collections that has been out of print for many years! Featuring great new sleeve design as well as a special coloured vinyl pressing, Studio One Kings is a "who"s who" of the world"s greatest reggae artists. Studio One"s list of singers launched at the famous label reads like a roll call of Jamaican music. Horace Andy, Alton Ellis, Ken Boothe, Freddie McGregor, Johnny Osbourne and more. This album features classic and rare tracks that span the breadth of the legendary Studio One catalogue: Ska, Roots, Rocksteady, Lovers and more from the 1960s and 70s. The album also comes with sleeve-notes by the great writer Chris Salewicz, author of books on Reggae Explosion, Rude Boy as well as books on Bob Marley, The Rolling Stones, Jimmy Page, Joe Strummer and more.
Tracklist
1.1Larry Marshall - I've Got To Make It
1.2Horace Andy - Every Tongue Shall Tell
1.3Alton Ellis - The Well Run Dry
1.4Johnny Osbourne - Water More Than Flour
1.5Anthony Rocky Ellis - I'm The Ruler
1.6Cornell Campbell - Pretty Looks Isn't All
1.7Alexander Henry - Please Be True
1.8Burning Spear - The A Come
1.9Joe Higgs - Change Of Plan
1.10Devon Russell - Roots Natty
2.1Ken Boothe - Be Yourself
2.2Freddie McGregor - I Shall Be Released
2.3Freddie McKay - Father Will Cut You Off
2.4The Ethiopian - Locust
2.5George Philip - One On One
2.6John Holt - I Don't Want To See You Cry
2.7Delroy Wilson - Won't You Come Home More
Tracklist
1.1Larry Marshall - I've Got To Make It
1.2Horace Andy - Every Tongue Shall Tell
1.3Alton Ellis - The Well Run Dry
1.4Johnny Osbourne - Water More Than Flour
1.5Anthony Rocky Ellis - I'm The Ruler
1.6Cornell Campbell - Pretty Looks Isn't All
1.7Alexander Henry - Please Be True
1.8Burning Spear - The A Come
1.9Joe Higgs - Change Of Plan
1.10Devon Russell - Roots Natty
2.1Ken Boothe - Be Yourself
2.2Freddie McGregor - I Shall Be Released
2.3Freddie McKay - Father Will Cut You Off
2.4The Ethiopian - Locust
2.5George Philip - One On One
2.6John Holt - I Don't Want To See You Cry
2.7Delroy Wilson - Won't You Come Home More
You are about to embark on a new intergalactic journey into black space, fuelled by funk, powered by computers. Soul Jazz Records" new second collection of twisted hyperspace electro/funk "Space Funk 2: Afro Futurist Electro Funk in Space 1976-84", continues its intergalactic journey. Featuring rare and off-the-wall space funk and electro rarities and obscurities, all released on small independent USA record labels in the late 1970s and 1980s. Artists on this release include Alien Starr, Bobby Demo, Maggatron, Mid-City Crew, Tribe, Junie, Rich Cason and the Galactic Orchestra and many more intergalactic space warriors! This is space age bionic funk, programmed to make you dance!!!
TRACKLIST:
A/B
1. Alien Starr - Music-A-Lizer
2. Chance - Master Groove (Instrumental)
3. The Bobby Deemo Band - More Ounce Rap
4. Mack Simmons - Skin Tight
5. Maggotron - Computer Pop
6. Tribe - Vulcan Voyage
7. Command Performance - Breakdance
C/D
1. Junei - Let's Ride
2. The Graingers - Shine Your Light
3. Mid City Crew - Get Right
4. Chapter Three - Smurf Trek
5. X-Ray Vision - Video Control
6. Rich Cason and The Galactic Orchestra - Year 2001 Boogi
7. Frank James and Shadow - Summer Tim More
TRACKLIST:
A/B
1. Alien Starr - Music-A-Lizer
2. Chance - Master Groove (Instrumental)
3. The Bobby Deemo Band - More Ounce Rap
4. Mack Simmons - Skin Tight
5. Maggotron - Computer Pop
6. Tribe - Vulcan Voyage
7. Command Performance - Breakdance
C/D
1. Junei - Let's Ride
2. The Graingers - Shine Your Light
3. Mid City Crew - Get Right
4. Chapter Three - Smurf Trek
5. X-Ray Vision - Video Control
6. Rich Cason and The Galactic Orchestra - Year 2001 Boogi
7. Frank James and Shadow - Summer Tim More
New 20th anniversary edition of Soul Jazz Records" long out-of-print Miami Sound: Rare Funk and Soul from Miami, Florida, 1967-74. This album had been unavailable for more than 15 years and is newly remastered. Soul Jazz Records Miami Sound features rare and classic Funk and Deep Soul from Miami, Florida between 1968 and 1974. The album brings together million-selling artists such as Gwen McRae, George McRae and Timmy Thomas alongside artists little known outside of the sunshine state such as James Knight and The Butlers, Frank Williams and The Rocketeers and All the People.
TRACKLIST
1.1 All The People - Cramp Your Style
1.2 Helene Smith - You Got To Be A Man
1.3 George McCrae - I Get Lifted
1.4 James Knight And The Butlers - Funky Cat
1.5 Gwen McCrae - 90% Of Me Is You
1.6 Little Beaver - Funkadelic Sound
1.7 James Knight And The Butlers - Save Me
1.8 Joey Gilmore - Do It To Me One More Time
2.1 Helene Smith - A Woman Will Do Wrong
2.2 James Knight And The Butlers - Fantasy World
2.3 Timmy Thomas - Funky Me
2.4 The New Clarence Reid - Cadillac Annie
2.5 Frank Williams And The Rocketeers - The Spanish Flyer
2.6 Della Humphrey - Don't Make The Good Girls Go Bad
2.7
Frank Williams And The Rocketeers - You Got To Be A
Man
2.8 Joey Gilmore - Somebody Done Took My More
TRACKLIST
1.1 All The People - Cramp Your Style
1.2 Helene Smith - You Got To Be A Man
1.3 George McCrae - I Get Lifted
1.4 James Knight And The Butlers - Funky Cat
1.5 Gwen McCrae - 90% Of Me Is You
1.6 Little Beaver - Funkadelic Sound
1.7 James Knight And The Butlers - Save Me
1.8 Joey Gilmore - Do It To Me One More Time
2.1 Helene Smith - A Woman Will Do Wrong
2.2 James Knight And The Butlers - Fantasy World
2.3 Timmy Thomas - Funky Me
2.4 The New Clarence Reid - Cadillac Annie
2.5 Frank Williams And The Rocketeers - The Spanish Flyer
2.6 Della Humphrey - Don't Make The Good Girls Go Bad
2.7
Frank Williams And The Rocketeers - You Got To Be A
Man
2.8 Joey Gilmore - Somebody Done Took My More
Mind Maze is, amazingly, Trees Speak"s fifth album to be released on Soul Jazz Records in the space of little over two years - an output matched only by the intensity of their music created during this short time. As with all their previous releases, "Mind Maze" is a mind-boggling tightrope walk across an array of musical influences that seamlessly create the unique present-day world of Trees Speak. The band"s sound is characterized by a combination of German krautrock motoric-beat rhythms, angular New York post-punk attitude, 60s spy soundtracks, psych, rock, jazz, and 70s synthesizers and vocoders. There is also a cosmic spatial awareness to their sound; both personal inner space and galactic outer space, as well as a wilful pushing of sonic boundaries. Trees Speak are a musical duo based in Tucson, Arizona, composed of Daniel Martin Diaz and Damian Diaz. Their music is heavily influenced by the cosmic magic of the natural desert landscapes of Arizona, creating a unique and captivating sound that is both experimental and innovative. "Mind Maze" was recorded in Brooklyn, New York with special guests Gabriel Sullivan, Alex Pope, Craig Dreyer, Ben Nisbet and Stephani Guilmette.
Tracklist
1.1Mind Maze
1.2Minotaur
1.3Syndrome
1.4Sospetto
1.5Illusions
1.6Scanner
1.7Burner
1.8Rare Earth
1.9Pathways
1.10Skip Breath
1.11Odyssey
1.12Passage
1.13Signals
1.14Black Phone
1.15Mirror
1.16Stone Tape
2.1Seraphim (Bonus 7Inch)
2.2Orpheus (Bonus 7Inch) More
Tracklist
1.1Mind Maze
1.2Minotaur
1.3Syndrome
1.4Sospetto
1.5Illusions
1.6Scanner
1.7Burner
1.8Rare Earth
1.9Pathways
1.10Skip Breath
1.11Odyssey
1.12Passage
1.13Signals
1.14Black Phone
1.15Mirror
1.16Stone Tape
2.1Seraphim (Bonus 7Inch)
2.2Orpheus (Bonus 7Inch) More
"There is no Acid in this House" is Hieroglyphic Being"s third solo album on Soul Jazz Records, a resolute and powerful statement of Jamal Moss"s raw, vital, pioneering, Afro-Futurist electronic (dance) music. On his new album Moss once-again draws upon the vast scope of experimentation that has defined Chicago"s musical universe over the last half a century - from the birth of house music with the pioneers Ron Hardy, Marshall Jefferson, Lil Louis and others to the radical avant-garde jazz legacy of the city, The Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians, The Art Ensemble of Chicago and Sun Ra. Chicago"s musical universe continues to push-further forward today with artists such as Hieroglyphic Being, Angel Bat Dawid, Makaya McCraven, and labels such as International Anthem label and Hieroglyphic Being"s own Mathematics, all continuing to explore radical new music while drawing upon the city"s decidedly Afro-futurist lineage.
Tracklist
1.1Communion Of The Highest Order
1.2We Are The Light Vessels
1.3When Situations Get
1.4Look Over There 9 O'Clock
1.5Beyond The Outrage
1.6Frantic Moments
1.7Mephisto's Pulpit Of Stank
2.1Deconstructing The Path
2.2Nights Under The Nubian Sky
2.3Dark Acidic Organs From The Void
2.4Private Runner
2.5Let Me Know How U Really Feel
2.6There Is No Acid In This House (Just Emotions Remix)
2.7Dogs Don't Wear Pants More
Tracklist
1.1Communion Of The Highest Order
1.2We Are The Light Vessels
1.3When Situations Get
1.4Look Over There 9 O'Clock
1.5Beyond The Outrage
1.6Frantic Moments
1.7Mephisto's Pulpit Of Stank
2.1Deconstructing The Path
2.2Nights Under The Nubian Sky
2.3Dark Acidic Organs From The Void
2.4Private Runner
2.5Let Me Know How U Really Feel
2.6There Is No Acid In This House (Just Emotions Remix)
2.7Dogs Don't Wear Pants More
Disco Reggae Rockers features wicked reggae disco versions of funk, soul and disco classics! This new album follows on from Soul Jazz Records" earlier highly successful "Hustle: Disco Reggae" and features reggae covers of classic songs by Earth, Wind and Fire, Michael Jackson, The Isley Brothers, Candi Staton, Curtis Mayfield and more as performed by Derrick Harriott, Devon Russell, Hortense Ellis, Glen Adams, Dave Barker and others.
TRACKLIST:
1.1 Devon Russell - Move On Up
1.2 Crashers - Flight To Jamaica
1.3 Valerie Harrison - Fool's Paradise
1.4 Bill Campbell - For The Love Of You
1.5 Risco Connection - It's My House
1.6 Dave Barker - Glow Of Love
1.7 Derrick Harriott - Caught You In A Lie
1.8 Hortense Ellis - Young Hearts Run Free
2.1 Ed Watson and Brass Circle - Wanna Be Startin' Somethin
2.2 Devon Russell - We The People Who Are Darker Than Blue
2.3 Seventh Extension - Reasons
2.4 Derrick Harriott - Brown Baby
2.5 Ed Watson and Brass Circle - Let's Groove
2.6 Pete Campbell & The Sunshine Girls - Don't Let Love Get
2.7 Webby Jay - In The Rain
2.8 Glen Adams Affair - Just A Groove
More
TRACKLIST:
1.1 Devon Russell - Move On Up
1.2 Crashers - Flight To Jamaica
1.3 Valerie Harrison - Fool's Paradise
1.4 Bill Campbell - For The Love Of You
1.5 Risco Connection - It's My House
1.6 Dave Barker - Glow Of Love
1.7 Derrick Harriott - Caught You In A Lie
1.8 Hortense Ellis - Young Hearts Run Free
2.1 Ed Watson and Brass Circle - Wanna Be Startin' Somethin
2.2 Devon Russell - We The People Who Are Darker Than Blue
2.3 Seventh Extension - Reasons
2.4 Derrick Harriott - Brown Baby
2.5 Ed Watson and Brass Circle - Let's Groove
2.6 Pete Campbell & The Sunshine Girls - Don't Let Love Get
2.7 Webby Jay - In The Rain
2.8 Glen Adams Affair - Just A Groove
More
3xLP + 7" SINGLE, DOWNLOADCODE, ART PRINT, MAG/ZINE
Like Sun Ra"s Arkestra and John Coltrane are to jazz, the Mystic Revelation of Rastafari are to reggae - the ultimate expression of roots music and Rastafarian ideology in reggae music, music functioning at a high level of spiritual consciousness combined with an equally avant-garde and forward-looking approach to sound. The group"s stunning, unique and groundbreaking 1973 album "Grounation", a mighty conceptual triplealbum (the first ever reggae triple!) is, similar to Marvin Gaye"s "What"s Goin" On", a definitive allencompassing cultural statement of its time and place. A sprawling album of raw and unique cultural expression that combined Rastafari consciousness with deep spiritual jazz music - an absolute and essential classic of Reggae music. The Mystic Revelation of Rastafari group came into existence at the start of 1970s, the union of two artists (and groups) of equal repute - Count Ossie and his African Drums and saxophonist Cedric "Im" Brooks" and his group, The Mystics. Both Ossie and Brooks were alumni from the great Studio One Records.
TRACKLIST:
1.1 Bongo Man
1.2 Narration
1.3 Narration Continued
1.4 Mabrat (Passin Thru)
1.5 Poem I
1.6 Four Hundred Years
1.7 Poem II
2.1 Song
2.2 Lumba
2.3 Way Back Home
2.4 Ethiopian Serenade
3.1 Oh Carolina
3.2 So Long
3.3 Grounation
3.4 Grounation Continued
4.1 Blacker Black 7" Single
4.2 Grounation (Excerpt) 7" Single More
Like Sun Ra"s Arkestra and John Coltrane are to jazz, the Mystic Revelation of Rastafari are to reggae - the ultimate expression of roots music and Rastafarian ideology in reggae music, music functioning at a high level of spiritual consciousness combined with an equally avant-garde and forward-looking approach to sound. The group"s stunning, unique and groundbreaking 1973 album "Grounation", a mighty conceptual triplealbum (the first ever reggae triple!) is, similar to Marvin Gaye"s "What"s Goin" On", a definitive allencompassing cultural statement of its time and place. A sprawling album of raw and unique cultural expression that combined Rastafari consciousness with deep spiritual jazz music - an absolute and essential classic of Reggae music. The Mystic Revelation of Rastafari group came into existence at the start of 1970s, the union of two artists (and groups) of equal repute - Count Ossie and his African Drums and saxophonist Cedric "Im" Brooks" and his group, The Mystics. Both Ossie and Brooks were alumni from the great Studio One Records.
TRACKLIST:
1.1 Bongo Man
1.2 Narration
1.3 Narration Continued
1.4 Mabrat (Passin Thru)
1.5 Poem I
1.6 Four Hundred Years
1.7 Poem II
2.1 Song
2.2 Lumba
2.3 Way Back Home
2.4 Ethiopian Serenade
3.1 Oh Carolina
3.2 So Long
3.3 Grounation
3.4 Grounation Continued
4.1 Blacker Black 7" Single
4.2 Grounation (Excerpt) 7" Single More
Like Sun Ra"s Arkestra and John Coltrane are to jazz, the Mystic Revelation of Rastafari are to reggae - the ultimate expression of roots music and Rastafarian ideology in reggae music, music functioning at a high level of spiritual consciousness combined with an equally avant-garde and forward-looking approach to sound. The group"s stunning, unique and groundbreaking 1973 album "Grounation", a mighty conceptual triplealbum (the first ever reggae triple!) is, similar to Marvin Gaye"s "What"s Goin" On", a definitive allencompassing cultural statement of its time and place. A sprawling album of raw and unique cultural expression that combined Rastafari consciousness with deep spiritual jazz music - an absolute and essential classic of Reggae music. The Mystic Revelation of Rastafari group came into existence at the start of 1970s, the union of two artists (and groups) of equal repute - Count Ossie and his African Drums and saxophonist Cedric "Im" Brooks" and his group, The Mystics. Both Ossie and Brooks were alumni from the great Studio One Records.
TRACKLIST:
1.1 Bongo Man
1.2 Narration
1.3 Narration Continued
1.4 Mabrat (Passin Thru)
1.5 Poem I
1.6 Four Hundred Years
1.7 Poem II
2.1 Song
2.2 Lumba
2.3 Way Back Home
2.4 Ethiopian Serenade
3.1 Oh Carolina
3.2 So Long
3.3 Grounation
3.4 Grounation Continued More
TRACKLIST:
1.1 Bongo Man
1.2 Narration
1.3 Narration Continued
1.4 Mabrat (Passin Thru)
1.5 Poem I
1.6 Four Hundred Years
1.7 Poem II
2.1 Song
2.2 Lumba
2.3 Way Back Home
2.4 Ethiopian Serenade
3.1 Oh Carolina
3.2 So Long
3.3 Grounation
3.4 Grounation Continued More
1
Krikor Kouchian - Biceps Brachii
2
Krikor Kouchian - Epicranial Aponeurosis
Krikor rolls out a bass flexing mutant dancehall rhythm on the a side with some deep hypnosis synth on the flip. Ltd edition 12". Big Tip!
More
1
Hortense Ellis - Can I Change My Mind
2
Marcia Griffiths - Melody Life
3
Myrna Hague - New World
4
Marcia Griffiths - Shimmering Star
5
Nora Dean - Heartaches
6
The Jay Tees - Buck Town Corner
7
Jennifer Lara - Turn Turn Turn
8
Doreen & Alton - I'm Still In Love
9
Doreen Schaeffer - Sugar Sugar
10
Denise Darlington - Feel So Good
11
Angela Prince - My Man Is Gone
12
Nana McLean - Till I Kissed You
13
Nina Soul - Barb Wire
14
Jackie and Doreen - Welcome You Back Home
15
Nina Soul - Sleeping Trees
16
Rita Marley - Friends and Lovers
17
Hortense Ellis - Secretly
18
Marcia Griffiths - You're No Good
Soul Jazz Records follows up one its most popular Studio One releases with a brand new selection of rare and classic releases by women in reggae. Featuring legendary artists such as Marcia Griffiths, Rita Marley and Hortense Ellis (with a guest appearance by her brother Alton), alongside a host of rarities from lesser known names such as Nina Soul, Nana Mclean, Denise Darlington, Myrna Hague and also Doreen Schaeffer, a vocalist who was a founding member of The Skatalites. There are notable covers (from Tyrone Davis' soul classic Can I Change My Mind to the Band's 60s psychedelic classic Turn Turn Turn in a rub-a-dub style!). Doreen Schaeffer reversions Alton Ellis's seminal I'm Still in Love with You, Nina Soul reversions the slack rocksteady anthem Barb Wire. A number of these tracks are almost impossible to find and many have never been issued ever since their initial release. The music on the album is of course 100% killer and features backing from all of the seminal groups at 13 Brentford Road including The Skatalites, Sound Dimension, Soul Brothers and the Brentford All Stars, and ranges from ska, rocksteady, roots, lovers and more from the 60s, 70s and 80s. All produced by Clement 'Sir Coxsone' Dodd at Studio One Records, the number one sound in reggae music.
Tracklist
1.1 Hortense Ellis - Can I Change My Mind
1.2 Marcia Griffiths- Melody Life
1.3 Myrna Hague - New World
1.4 Marcia Griffiths - Shimmering Star
1.5 Nora Dean - Heartaches
1.6 The Jay Tees - Buck Town Corner
1.7 Jennifer Lara - Turn Turn Turn
1.8 Doreen & Alton - I'm Still In Love
1.9 Doreen Schaeffer - Sugar Sugar
2.1 Denise Darlington - Feel So Good
2.2 Angela Prince - My Man Is Gone
2.3 Nana McLean - Till I Kissed You
2.4 Nina Soul - Barb Wire
2.5 Jackie and Doreen - Welcome You Back Home
2.6 Nina Soul - Sleeping Trees
2.7 Rita Marley - Friends and Lovers
2.8 Hortense Ellis - Secretly
2.9 Marcia Griffiths - You're No Good More
Tracklist
1.1 Hortense Ellis - Can I Change My Mind
1.2 Marcia Griffiths- Melody Life
1.3 Myrna Hague - New World
1.4 Marcia Griffiths - Shimmering Star
1.5 Nora Dean - Heartaches
1.6 The Jay Tees - Buck Town Corner
1.7 Jennifer Lara - Turn Turn Turn
1.8 Doreen & Alton - I'm Still In Love
1.9 Doreen Schaeffer - Sugar Sugar
2.1 Denise Darlington - Feel So Good
2.2 Angela Prince - My Man Is Gone
2.3 Nana McLean - Till I Kissed You
2.4 Nina Soul - Barb Wire
2.5 Jackie and Doreen - Welcome You Back Home
2.6 Nina Soul - Sleeping Trees
2.7 Rita Marley - Friends and Lovers
2.8 Hortense Ellis - Secretly
2.9 Marcia Griffiths - You're No Good More
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MKWAJU ensemble (Midori Takada) - Mkwaju
2
MKWAJU ensemble (Midori Takada) - Shak Shak
3
MKWAJU ensemble (Midori Takada) - Lemore
4
MKWAJU ensemble (Midori Takada) - Tira-Rin
5
MKWAJU ensemble (Midori Takada) - Pulse In The Mind
6
MKWAJU ensemble (Midori Takada) - Flash-Back
- Beautiful 1 LP Edition CLASSIC with 350g cardboard sleeve, Sticker Noen in a 2023 Repress Edition in BioVinyl (co2 neutral in zteh Vinyl Production process)
- THE holy grail album MKWAJU by acclaimed Japanese percussionist Midori Takada's MKWAJU ensemble
WRWTFWW Records is proud to announce the highly anticipated official reissue of holy grail album MKWAJU by acclaimed Japanese percussionist Midori Takada's MKWAJU ensemble, sourced from the original masters and available in two versions: a vinyl LP cut at Emil Berliner Studios (formerly the in-house recording department of Deutsche Grammophon) and a digipack CD.
Originally recorded in February and March 1981 and released by fabled Japanese avant-garde label Better Days (home of Ryuichi Sakamato's debut album, Yasuaki Shimizu's Kakashi, Colored Music self-titled LP and many more) MKWAJU is the fruit of the collaboration between Takada's crew and world-famous composer/musical director Joe Hisaishi, the man behind most of of Hayao Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli anime soundtracks and over 100 other films scores, including Takeshi Kitano's Sonatine, Hana-Bi, and Kikujiro. The ensemble's transcendental wonder is, in fact, the first-ever Midori Takada album and the first-ever Joe Hisaishi-produced album. Historic.
Led by Midori Takada on marimba, gong, vibraphone, and tom tom, MKWAJU is an inventive and riveting take on Eastern and Western minimalist traditions, African rhythms, and early electronica. Drawing from its jazz-rooted polyrhythmic improvisations in the most inventive ways, the album covers a wide spectrum of sounds, from colorful dance floor-ready percussion pieces that stand somewhere between proto-techno and experimental synth-pop, to cinematic ambient landscapes and ethereal drone delicacies. The feverishly sought-after full-length is a stepping-stone in Midori Takada's career and an all-around pioneering album.
Alongside Takada and Hisaishi (who not only produced the album but also played synthesizers), personnel on MKWAJU includes famed Japanese musicians Yoji Sadanari and Hideki Matsutake of KI-Motion fame, Junko Arase (heard on Satoshi Ashikawa's legendary Still Way - Wave Notation 2), and Pecker (whose stacked resume boasts collaborations with Ryuichi Sakamoto and Jun Fukamachi).
Tracklisting Vinyl LP
A1. Mkwaju
A2. Shak Shak
A3. Lemore
B1. Tira-Rin
B2. Pulse In The Mind
B3. Flash-Back
NO SALES TO JAPAN! More
- THE holy grail album MKWAJU by acclaimed Japanese percussionist Midori Takada's MKWAJU ensemble
WRWTFWW Records is proud to announce the highly anticipated official reissue of holy grail album MKWAJU by acclaimed Japanese percussionist Midori Takada's MKWAJU ensemble, sourced from the original masters and available in two versions: a vinyl LP cut at Emil Berliner Studios (formerly the in-house recording department of Deutsche Grammophon) and a digipack CD.
Originally recorded in February and March 1981 and released by fabled Japanese avant-garde label Better Days (home of Ryuichi Sakamato's debut album, Yasuaki Shimizu's Kakashi, Colored Music self-titled LP and many more) MKWAJU is the fruit of the collaboration between Takada's crew and world-famous composer/musical director Joe Hisaishi, the man behind most of of Hayao Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli anime soundtracks and over 100 other films scores, including Takeshi Kitano's Sonatine, Hana-Bi, and Kikujiro. The ensemble's transcendental wonder is, in fact, the first-ever Midori Takada album and the first-ever Joe Hisaishi-produced album. Historic.
Led by Midori Takada on marimba, gong, vibraphone, and tom tom, MKWAJU is an inventive and riveting take on Eastern and Western minimalist traditions, African rhythms, and early electronica. Drawing from its jazz-rooted polyrhythmic improvisations in the most inventive ways, the album covers a wide spectrum of sounds, from colorful dance floor-ready percussion pieces that stand somewhere between proto-techno and experimental synth-pop, to cinematic ambient landscapes and ethereal drone delicacies. The feverishly sought-after full-length is a stepping-stone in Midori Takada's career and an all-around pioneering album.
Alongside Takada and Hisaishi (who not only produced the album but also played synthesizers), personnel on MKWAJU includes famed Japanese musicians Yoji Sadanari and Hideki Matsutake of KI-Motion fame, Junko Arase (heard on Satoshi Ashikawa's legendary Still Way - Wave Notation 2), and Pecker (whose stacked resume boasts collaborations with Ryuichi Sakamoto and Jun Fukamachi).
Tracklisting Vinyl LP
A1. Mkwaju
A2. Shak Shak
A3. Lemore
B1. Tira-Rin
B2. Pulse In The Mind
B3. Flash-Back
NO SALES TO JAPAN! More
1
Grauzone - Eisbär
2
Grauzone - FILM 2
3
Grauzone - Ich Lieb Sie
2024 repress
The First Authorised, Official Re Edition of this Electronic, New Wave, Cold Wave, Pop, Synth, Post-Punk Classic, Personally Overseen by Stephan Eicher, Everything Original: Art, Tracklist, Cut on 45 rpm - Printed on 350 GSM Paperstock incl. Sticker!
WRWTFWW Records is very honored to announce the official reissue of Grauzone’s essential 1981 maxi single with timeless classic "Eisbär", proto-techno beast "FILM 2", and romantic synth ballad "Ich Lieb Sie", just in time for the 40th anniversary of the Swiss band’s formation. The three-track vinyl is sourced from the original reels, cut at 45rpm, and comes with its iconic artwork on a 350gsm sleeve.
Tracklisting:
A1. Eisbär
B1. FILM 2
B2. Ich Lieb Sie
Info:
WRWTFWW Records is very honored to announce the official reissue of Grauzone’s essential 1981 maxi single with timeless classic "Eisbär", proto-techno beast "FILM 2", and romantic synth ballad "Ich Lieb Sie", just in time for the 40th anniversary of the Swiss band’s formation. The three-track vinyl is sourced from the original reels, cut at 45rpm, and comes with its iconic artwork on a 350gsm sleeve.
Ich möchte ein Eisbär sein…Written by Martin Eicher after a nightmare in which he saw talking polar bears on the walls, and with music by the Grauzone crew consisting of Martin and his brother Stephan Eicher, Marco Repetto, Christian "GT" Trüssel, and Claudine Chirac (on saxophone), "Eisbär" is the most recognizable title from the band, a sublime mix of ingredients reflecting the transitional era it comes from - the raw energy of punk music still palpable, combined with the audacity of early electronics, the warm groove of a disco gem, beautifully fragile lyrics, and one of the best basslines ever. It became a mega hit, totally unplanned, but how could you resist such a track?
"FILM 2" is the ultimate b-side monster, a menacing all-instrumental pre-techno masterpiece, slowly building to a magnetizing frenzy. An instant underground favorite, it was famously heard played at both speeds depending on the scenes and DJs you were frequenting, 45rpm as it was first intended, and 33rpm for the cosmic experience (search Daniele Baldelli’s Cosmic C75 1982 mixtape online for a great example of this).
The maxi single ends with "Ich Lieb Sie", a synth-pop meets doo-wop ballad, a true love song oozing with innocence. Simple, stylish, and just right.
At the crossroads of post-punk, new wave, pop, and electronic experimentation, the Eisbär maxi offers three songs that are technically different but hold the same spirit, the perfect embodiment of Grauzone’s music - wild, unpredictable, and youthful, yet sophisticated, catchy, and ingenious. The magic recipe for the good stuff.
Stephan Eicher went on to be, arguably, the most successful Swiss musician ever, with an international career extending from pop chanson to experimental escapades and collaborations with Moondog, artists Sophie Calle and John Armleder, and author Martin Suter among many other luminaries. Marco Repetto flourished as a techno and ambient producer, releasing multiple projects including releases on Aphex Twin’s Rephlex label.
Grauzone and WRWTFWW will continue to collaborate on the band’s 40th anniversary reissue campaign, with numerous projects planned for the year, including a vast selection of music, visuals, and literature never available before.
More
The First Authorised, Official Re Edition of this Electronic, New Wave, Cold Wave, Pop, Synth, Post-Punk Classic, Personally Overseen by Stephan Eicher, Everything Original: Art, Tracklist, Cut on 45 rpm - Printed on 350 GSM Paperstock incl. Sticker!
WRWTFWW Records is very honored to announce the official reissue of Grauzone’s essential 1981 maxi single with timeless classic "Eisbär", proto-techno beast "FILM 2", and romantic synth ballad "Ich Lieb Sie", just in time for the 40th anniversary of the Swiss band’s formation. The three-track vinyl is sourced from the original reels, cut at 45rpm, and comes with its iconic artwork on a 350gsm sleeve.
Tracklisting:
A1. Eisbär
B1. FILM 2
B2. Ich Lieb Sie
Info:
WRWTFWW Records is very honored to announce the official reissue of Grauzone’s essential 1981 maxi single with timeless classic "Eisbär", proto-techno beast "FILM 2", and romantic synth ballad "Ich Lieb Sie", just in time for the 40th anniversary of the Swiss band’s formation. The three-track vinyl is sourced from the original reels, cut at 45rpm, and comes with its iconic artwork on a 350gsm sleeve.
Ich möchte ein Eisbär sein…Written by Martin Eicher after a nightmare in which he saw talking polar bears on the walls, and with music by the Grauzone crew consisting of Martin and his brother Stephan Eicher, Marco Repetto, Christian "GT" Trüssel, and Claudine Chirac (on saxophone), "Eisbär" is the most recognizable title from the band, a sublime mix of ingredients reflecting the transitional era it comes from - the raw energy of punk music still palpable, combined with the audacity of early electronics, the warm groove of a disco gem, beautifully fragile lyrics, and one of the best basslines ever. It became a mega hit, totally unplanned, but how could you resist such a track?
"FILM 2" is the ultimate b-side monster, a menacing all-instrumental pre-techno masterpiece, slowly building to a magnetizing frenzy. An instant underground favorite, it was famously heard played at both speeds depending on the scenes and DJs you were frequenting, 45rpm as it was first intended, and 33rpm for the cosmic experience (search Daniele Baldelli’s Cosmic C75 1982 mixtape online for a great example of this).
The maxi single ends with "Ich Lieb Sie", a synth-pop meets doo-wop ballad, a true love song oozing with innocence. Simple, stylish, and just right.
At the crossroads of post-punk, new wave, pop, and electronic experimentation, the Eisbär maxi offers three songs that are technically different but hold the same spirit, the perfect embodiment of Grauzone’s music - wild, unpredictable, and youthful, yet sophisticated, catchy, and ingenious. The magic recipe for the good stuff.
Stephan Eicher went on to be, arguably, the most successful Swiss musician ever, with an international career extending from pop chanson to experimental escapades and collaborations with Moondog, artists Sophie Calle and John Armleder, and author Martin Suter among many other luminaries. Marco Repetto flourished as a techno and ambient producer, releasing multiple projects including releases on Aphex Twin’s Rephlex label.
Grauzone and WRWTFWW will continue to collaborate on the band’s 40th anniversary reissue campaign, with numerous projects planned for the year, including a vast selection of music, visuals, and literature never available before.
More
1
Hortense Ellis - Can I Change My Mind
2
Marcia Griffiths - Melody Life
3
Myrna Hague - New World
4
Marcia Griffiths - Shimmering Star
5
Nora Dean - Heartaches
6
The Jay Tees - Buck Town Corner
7
Jennifer Lara - Turn Turn Turn
8
Doreen & Alton - I'm Still In Love
9
Doreen Schaeffer - Sugar Sugar
10
Denise Darlington - Feel So Good
11
Angela Prince - My Man Is Gone
12
Nana McLean - Till I Kissed You
13
Nina Soul - Barb Wire
14
Jackie and Doreen - Welcome You Back Home
15
Nina Soul - Sleeping Trees
16
Rita Marley - Friends and Lovers
17
Hortense Ellis - Secretly
18
Marcia Griffiths - You're No Good
Soul Jazz Records follows up one its most popular Studio One releases with a brand new selection of rare and classic releases by women in reggae. Featuring legendary artists such as Marcia Griffiths, Rita Marley and Hortense Ellis (with a guest appearance by her brother Alton), alongside a host of rarities from lesser known names such as Nina Soul, Nana Mclean, Denise Darlington, Myrna Hague and also Doreen Schaeffer, a vocalist who was a founding member of The Skatalites. There are notable covers (from Tyrone Davis' soul classic Can I Change My Mind to the Band's 60s psychedelic classic Turn Turn Turn in a rub-a-dub style!). Doreen Schaeffer reversions Alton Ellis's seminal I'm Still in Love with You, Nina Soul reversions the slack rocksteady anthem Barb Wire. A number of these tracks are almost impossible to find and many have never been issued ever since their initial release. The music on the album is of course 100% killer and features backing from all of the seminal groups at 13 Brentford Road including The Skatalites, Sound Dimension, Soul Brothers and the Brentford All Stars, and ranges from ska, rocksteady, roots, lovers and more from the 60s, 70s and 80s. All produced by Clement 'Sir Coxsone' Dodd at Studio One Records, the number one sound in reggae music.
Tracklist
1.1 Hortense Ellis - Can I Change My Mind
1.2 Marcia Griffiths- Melody Life
1.3 Myrna Hague - New World
1.4 Marcia Griffiths - Shimmering Star
1.5 Nora Dean - Heartaches
1.6 The Jay Tees - Buck Town Corner
1.7 Jennifer Lara - Turn Turn Turn
1.8 Doreen & Alton - I'm Still In Love
1.9 Doreen Schaeffer - Sugar Sugar
2.1 Denise Darlington - Feel So Good
2.2 Angela Prince - My Man Is Gone
2.3 Nana McLean - Till I Kissed You
2.4 Nina Soul - Barb Wire
2.5 Jackie and Doreen - Welcome You Back Home
2.6 Nina Soul - Sleeping Trees
2.7 Rita Marley - Friends and Lovers
2.8 Hortense Ellis - Secretly
2.9 Marcia Griffiths - You're No Good More
Tracklist
1.1 Hortense Ellis - Can I Change My Mind
1.2 Marcia Griffiths- Melody Life
1.3 Myrna Hague - New World
1.4 Marcia Griffiths - Shimmering Star
1.5 Nora Dean - Heartaches
1.6 The Jay Tees - Buck Town Corner
1.7 Jennifer Lara - Turn Turn Turn
1.8 Doreen & Alton - I'm Still In Love
1.9 Doreen Schaeffer - Sugar Sugar
2.1 Denise Darlington - Feel So Good
2.2 Angela Prince - My Man Is Gone
2.3 Nana McLean - Till I Kissed You
2.4 Nina Soul - Barb Wire
2.5 Jackie and Doreen - Welcome You Back Home
2.6 Nina Soul - Sleeping Trees
2.7 Rita Marley - Friends and Lovers
2.8 Hortense Ellis - Secretly
2.9 Marcia Griffiths - You're No Good More
1
Grauzone - A1. Film 2
2
Grauzone - A2. Schlachtet!
3
Grauzone - A3. Hinter Den Bergen
4
Grauzone - A4. Maikäfer Flieg
5
Grauzone - A5. Marmelade Und Himbeereis
6
Grauzone - B1. Wütendes Glas
7
Grauzone - B2. Kälte Kriecht
8
Grauzone - B3. Kunstgewerbe
9
Grauzone - B4. Der Weg Zu Zweit
10
Grauzone - B5. In Der Nacht
11
Grauzone - C1. Eisbär
12
Grauzone - C2. Ich Lieb Sie
13
Grauzone - C3. Moskau
14
Grauzone - C4. Ein Tanz Mit Dem Tod
15
Grauzone - D1. Träume Mit Mir
16
Grauzone - D2. Ich Und Du
17
Grauzone - D3. Wütendes Glas (Maxi Version)
18
Grauzone - D4. Raum
19
Grauzone - D5. Film 1
Double LP: Heavy 350gsm Sleeve, Liner Notes, Sticker
- Official reissue of Grauzone's album with 9 bonus songs including the megahit "Eisbär" and more, straight from the original reels!
Genre: Post-Punk, Electronic, New Wave, Cold Wave, Pop, Synth, Industrial, Experimental
Tracklisting Double LP Album
A1. Film 2
A2. Schlachtet!
A3. Hinter Den Bergen
A4. Maikäfer Flieg
A5. Marmelade Und Himbeereis
B1. Wütendes Glas
B2. Kälte Kriecht
B3. Kunstgewerbe
B4. Der Weg Zu Zweit
B5. In Der Nacht
C1. Eisbär
C2. Ich Lieb Sie
C3. Moskau
C4. Ein Tanz Mit Dem Tod
D1. Traüme Mit Mir
D2. Ich Und Du
D3. Wütendes Glas (Maxi Version)
D4. Raum
D5. Film 1
WRWTFWW Records is very happy to reissue Swiss cult band Grauzone's self-titled album in an expanded 40 Years Anniversary Edition packed with the original 1981 album plus 9 extra songs, as well as extensive liner notes by Swiss music historian Lurker Grand. The 19-track album is available as a double LP vinyl in heavy 350gsm sleeve and a digipack CD, both sourced from the original reels and put together under the supervision of band member and all around legend Stephan Eicher.
The pioneering band from Bern (Switzerland) had a short-lived but highly-regarded career which birthed a cult discography that still fascinates and resonates today. Consisting of core members Martin Eicher, Stephan Eicher, and Marco Repetto, and on-and-off participants Christian GT Trüssel, Claudine Chirac, and Ingrid Berney, the elusive group broke new grounds in the early 80s, experimenting with punk and industrial music, early techno sounds, minimalism, new wave, pop, and various electronics. With an innovative and polished approach to design, visuals, performance, and all around style and philosophy on top of their superb music, the constantly transforming unit developed a whole experience - the Grauzone experience: wild and unpredictable, yet sophisticated and cohesive, or as Swiss music historian Lurker Grand would call it, "an Art band with a Punk attitude".
Completely rejecting the music industry rules and refusing to play the game of promotion, touring, release schedules, and TV appearances even though they had a multi-platinum international hit with the song "Eisbär", the band quickly disintegrated in full convention-defying glory, leaving behind an inspiring music legacy for the world to discover and discover again, one generation after the other.
This extended version of their debut (and only) album beautifully crystallizes the Grauzone miracle/accident - where pop and youthful experimentation meet at (new/cold/no) wave and industrial crossroads, and where classic hits ("Eisbär", "FILM 2", "Raum", "Träume Mit Mir", "Der Weg Zu Zweit"…) flawlessly mesh with unconventional deep cuts ("In Der Nacht", "Film 1", "Maikäfer Flieg"…). Very simply put: GOOD timeless music with an edge.
Stephan Eicher went on to be, arguably, the most successful Swiss musician ever, with an international career extending from pop chanson to experimental escapades and collaborations with Moondog, artists Sophie Calle and Sylvie Fleury, and author Martin Suter among many other luminaries. Marco Repetto flourished as a techno and ambient producer, releasing multiple projects including releases on Aphex Twin's Rephlex label.
Points of interests
- For fans of electronic, post-punk, new wave, cold wave, Swiss wave, no wave, Neue Deutsche Welle (Welle means wave!), synth, pop, industrial, proto-techno, 80s, Stephan Eicher, Marco Repetto, Liaisons Dangereuses, Tristesse Contemporaine, Young Marble Giants, The Cure but weirder, Switzerland, romance, mountains, polar bears, contemporary art, wearing nice (white) shoes in dirty basement squats, and xerox machines.
- New release from WRWTFWW Records (Grauzone's Eisbär and Raum, Midori Takada's Through The Looking Glass, Kenji Kawai's Ghost in the Shell Original Soundtrack, John Carpenter's Dark Star Soundtrack, Ryo Fukui's Scenery, Dominique Guiot's L'Univers de la Mer, Bernard Parmegiani soundtracks and more).
More
- Official reissue of Grauzone's album with 9 bonus songs including the megahit "Eisbär" and more, straight from the original reels!
Genre: Post-Punk, Electronic, New Wave, Cold Wave, Pop, Synth, Industrial, Experimental
Tracklisting Double LP Album
A1. Film 2
A2. Schlachtet!
A3. Hinter Den Bergen
A4. Maikäfer Flieg
A5. Marmelade Und Himbeereis
B1. Wütendes Glas
B2. Kälte Kriecht
B3. Kunstgewerbe
B4. Der Weg Zu Zweit
B5. In Der Nacht
C1. Eisbär
C2. Ich Lieb Sie
C3. Moskau
C4. Ein Tanz Mit Dem Tod
D1. Traüme Mit Mir
D2. Ich Und Du
D3. Wütendes Glas (Maxi Version)
D4. Raum
D5. Film 1
WRWTFWW Records is very happy to reissue Swiss cult band Grauzone's self-titled album in an expanded 40 Years Anniversary Edition packed with the original 1981 album plus 9 extra songs, as well as extensive liner notes by Swiss music historian Lurker Grand. The 19-track album is available as a double LP vinyl in heavy 350gsm sleeve and a digipack CD, both sourced from the original reels and put together under the supervision of band member and all around legend Stephan Eicher.
The pioneering band from Bern (Switzerland) had a short-lived but highly-regarded career which birthed a cult discography that still fascinates and resonates today. Consisting of core members Martin Eicher, Stephan Eicher, and Marco Repetto, and on-and-off participants Christian GT Trüssel, Claudine Chirac, and Ingrid Berney, the elusive group broke new grounds in the early 80s, experimenting with punk and industrial music, early techno sounds, minimalism, new wave, pop, and various electronics. With an innovative and polished approach to design, visuals, performance, and all around style and philosophy on top of their superb music, the constantly transforming unit developed a whole experience - the Grauzone experience: wild and unpredictable, yet sophisticated and cohesive, or as Swiss music historian Lurker Grand would call it, "an Art band with a Punk attitude".
Completely rejecting the music industry rules and refusing to play the game of promotion, touring, release schedules, and TV appearances even though they had a multi-platinum international hit with the song "Eisbär", the band quickly disintegrated in full convention-defying glory, leaving behind an inspiring music legacy for the world to discover and discover again, one generation after the other.
This extended version of their debut (and only) album beautifully crystallizes the Grauzone miracle/accident - where pop and youthful experimentation meet at (new/cold/no) wave and industrial crossroads, and where classic hits ("Eisbär", "FILM 2", "Raum", "Träume Mit Mir", "Der Weg Zu Zweit"…) flawlessly mesh with unconventional deep cuts ("In Der Nacht", "Film 1", "Maikäfer Flieg"…). Very simply put: GOOD timeless music with an edge.
Stephan Eicher went on to be, arguably, the most successful Swiss musician ever, with an international career extending from pop chanson to experimental escapades and collaborations with Moondog, artists Sophie Calle and Sylvie Fleury, and author Martin Suter among many other luminaries. Marco Repetto flourished as a techno and ambient producer, releasing multiple projects including releases on Aphex Twin's Rephlex label.
Points of interests
- For fans of electronic, post-punk, new wave, cold wave, Swiss wave, no wave, Neue Deutsche Welle (Welle means wave!), synth, pop, industrial, proto-techno, 80s, Stephan Eicher, Marco Repetto, Liaisons Dangereuses, Tristesse Contemporaine, Young Marble Giants, The Cure but weirder, Switzerland, romance, mountains, polar bears, contemporary art, wearing nice (white) shoes in dirty basement squats, and xerox machines.
- New release from WRWTFWW Records (Grauzone's Eisbär and Raum, Midori Takada's Through The Looking Glass, Kenji Kawai's Ghost in the Shell Original Soundtrack, John Carpenter's Dark Star Soundtrack, Ryo Fukui's Scenery, Dominique Guiot's L'Univers de la Mer, Bernard Parmegiani soundtracks and more).
More
1
Gesaffelstein - Variations
2
Gesaffelstein - Selected Faces
3
Gesaffelstein - Atmosphere
Format: 12” Vinyl (140g, Black)
Tracklist:
A1 / Variations
B1 / Selected Faces
B2 / Atmosphere
Release Info:
Turbo celebrates the 10th anniversary of Gesaffelstein’s seminal work on the
Montreal-based imprint with a long-awaited repress of all three EPs: Variations,
Conspiracy Pt. 1, and Conspiracy Pt. 2.
Every track on 'Variations' is a battle-tested bomb. Gesaffelstein’s sound is clearly
influenced by New Wave and the Gigolo-era electro (2001-2) of fellow Frenchmen
The Hacker and David Carretta, but it sounds like a fresh update rather than
pastiche, revitalized and refined down to a modern and versatile core. These tracks
work in Tiga's festival sets alongside some of the summer's biggest anthems, yet are
equally at home in a more underground setting, e.g. Von Party's 5am warm-up
before Ivan Smagghe at a London warehouse party.
The title track has the most attitude, establishing a palette of dark staccato basslines,
crunching hi-hats, hands-in-the-air cowbells and trippy synth leads. Selected Faces
and Atmosphere are arguably even more straightforward club weapons, their
breakdowns creating just enough 'insanity' without getting annoying, their grooves
dropping back in with a cool, restrained power that will win over hiss-weary DJs.
With remixes upcoming for Turbo and Institubes, a follow-up EP for Turbo in the
works... if you want an idea as to how big Gesaffelstein will get this year, just think of
him as 'Brodinkelstein.'
More
Tracklist:
A1 / Variations
B1 / Selected Faces
B2 / Atmosphere
Release Info:
Turbo celebrates the 10th anniversary of Gesaffelstein’s seminal work on the
Montreal-based imprint with a long-awaited repress of all three EPs: Variations,
Conspiracy Pt. 1, and Conspiracy Pt. 2.
Every track on 'Variations' is a battle-tested bomb. Gesaffelstein’s sound is clearly
influenced by New Wave and the Gigolo-era electro (2001-2) of fellow Frenchmen
The Hacker and David Carretta, but it sounds like a fresh update rather than
pastiche, revitalized and refined down to a modern and versatile core. These tracks
work in Tiga's festival sets alongside some of the summer's biggest anthems, yet are
equally at home in a more underground setting, e.g. Von Party's 5am warm-up
before Ivan Smagghe at a London warehouse party.
The title track has the most attitude, establishing a palette of dark staccato basslines,
crunching hi-hats, hands-in-the-air cowbells and trippy synth leads. Selected Faces
and Atmosphere are arguably even more straightforward club weapons, their
breakdowns creating just enough 'insanity' without getting annoying, their grooves
dropping back in with a cool, restrained power that will win over hiss-weary DJs.
With remixes upcoming for Turbo and Institubes, a follow-up EP for Turbo in the
works... if you want an idea as to how big Gesaffelstein will get this year, just think of
him as 'Brodinkelstein.'
More
You are about to embark on a new intergalactic journey into black space, fuelled by funk, powered by computers. Soul Jazz Records" new second collection of twisted hyperspace electro/funk "Space Funk 2: Afro Futurist Electro Funk in Space 1976-84", continues its intergalactic journey. Featuring rare and off-the-wall space funk and electro rarities and obscurities, all released on small independent USA record labels in the late 1970s and 1980s. Artists on this release include Alien Starr, Bobby Demo, Maggatron, Mid-City Crew, Tribe, Junie, Rich Cason and the Galactic Orchestra and many more intergalactic space warriors! This is space age bionic funk, programmed to make you dance!!!
TRACKLIST:
A/B
1. Alien Starr - Music-A-Lizer
2. Chance - Master Groove (Instrumental)
3. The Bobby Deemo Band - More Ounce Rap
4. Mack Simmons - Skin Tight
5. Maggotron - Computer Pop
6. Tribe - Vulcan Voyage
7. Command Performance - Breakdance
C/D
1. Junei - Let's Ride
2. The Graingers - Shine Your Light
3. Mid City Crew - Get Right
4. Chapter Three - Smurf Trek
5. X-Ray Vision - Video Control
6. Rich Cason and The Galactic Orchestra - Year 2001 Boogi
7. Frank James and Shadow - Summer Tim More
TRACKLIST:
A/B
1. Alien Starr - Music-A-Lizer
2. Chance - Master Groove (Instrumental)
3. The Bobby Deemo Band - More Ounce Rap
4. Mack Simmons - Skin Tight
5. Maggotron - Computer Pop
6. Tribe - Vulcan Voyage
7. Command Performance - Breakdance
C/D
1. Junei - Let's Ride
2. The Graingers - Shine Your Light
3. Mid City Crew - Get Right
4. Chapter Three - Smurf Trek
5. X-Ray Vision - Video Control
6. Rich Cason and The Galactic Orchestra - Year 2001 Boogi
7. Frank James and Shadow - Summer Tim More
1
NO MORE - Suicide Commando
2
NO MORE - In A White Room
Format: 7" / 1000 copies, purple vinyl, additional stamp on label
Tracklist
A1: Suicide Commando
B1: In A White Room
File under: PostPunk / Wave
Release Info:
The year is 1981. The Kiel-based PostPunk / Wave underground outfit NO MORE releases their second ever single „Suicide Commando“ and their world changes forever. Well, not only their world – THE world.
What began as an independently published 7“ single became a cult classic, a genre defining – and defying – song, an all-time dancefloor favorite of many, a timeless signature piece that escaped its original realm of PostPunk x Wave x Indie x Alternative to also become engrained
in the DNA of modern electronic dancefloor culture most prominently in the beloved late 90s permutation presented by DJ Hell which became a classic in its own right.
Now the year is 2021. Four decades have passed and NO MORE's „Suicide Commando“ is back once again - well... the song actually never left! -, this time harking back to the very beginning, the original vibe and the original format.
Remastered and re-released with the original tracklisting and paying homage to the original artwork „Suicide Commando“ will be available in 7“ format for the first time since 1981.
And staying true to the underground blueprint this 40th anniversary re-release edition once again is put out on the circuit through a small independent label: the Intrauterin Recordings offspring El Caballo Semental which also released NO MORE's „123456789 *baze.djunkiii
& Herr Brandt Dream A NuDream Remix“ as a limited to 200 copies one-sided, colored whitelabel 7“ edition in 2019.
More
Tracklist
A1: Suicide Commando
B1: In A White Room
File under: PostPunk / Wave
Release Info:
The year is 1981. The Kiel-based PostPunk / Wave underground outfit NO MORE releases their second ever single „Suicide Commando“ and their world changes forever. Well, not only their world – THE world.
What began as an independently published 7“ single became a cult classic, a genre defining – and defying – song, an all-time dancefloor favorite of many, a timeless signature piece that escaped its original realm of PostPunk x Wave x Indie x Alternative to also become engrained
in the DNA of modern electronic dancefloor culture most prominently in the beloved late 90s permutation presented by DJ Hell which became a classic in its own right.
Now the year is 2021. Four decades have passed and NO MORE's „Suicide Commando“ is back once again - well... the song actually never left! -, this time harking back to the very beginning, the original vibe and the original format.
Remastered and re-released with the original tracklisting and paying homage to the original artwork „Suicide Commando“ will be available in 7“ format for the first time since 1981.
And staying true to the underground blueprint this 40th anniversary re-release edition once again is put out on the circuit through a small independent label: the Intrauterin Recordings offspring El Caballo Semental which also released NO MORE's „123456789 *baze.djunkiii
& Herr Brandt Dream A NuDream Remix“ as a limited to 200 copies one-sided, colored whitelabel 7“ edition in 2019.
More
1
Various Artists - Rhythm For Reasons - "The Smokers Rhythm"
2
Various Artists - Babylon Timewarp - "Durban Poison"
3
Various Artists - The Terrorist - "RK1"
4
Various Artists - DJ Dubplate - "Tings A Go On"
5
Various Artists - Leviticus - "Burial"
6
Various Artists - The Freaky - "Time & Age"
7
Various Artists - Trip One - "Snowball Remix"
8
Various Artists - DJ Krome & Mr Time - "Ganja Man"
9
Various Artists - New Vision - "Way Of Life"
10
Various Artists - DJ Dubplate - "Original Rubadubstyle"
11
Various Artists - Hi Fi Power - "Chill Out"
12
Various Artists - Nu Jacks - "House Sensation"
Soul Jazz Records’ new Black Riot: Early Jungle, Rave and Hardcore is a brand new collection of heavyweight ragga-influenced hardcore jungle tracks from the early 1990s. Dark and heavy!
Featuring classic and seminal tracks from the likes of Levictus and Krome &Time, alongside a host of rare and little-known ragga & junglist hardcore tunes from the likes of Babylon Timewarp’s hypnotic Durban Poison, Rhythm for Reasons’ mad ‘The Smokers Rhythm’, The Freaky rave-y breakbeat sound of ‘Time and Age,’ Trip One’s super dark ‘Snowball’ and loads more!
Expect super heavy basslines, equally heavy twisted Amen drum loops, even heavier ragga vocals! Original jungle style - roots and culture - from the earliest days of drum and bass.
Included with the CD version of this album is a free limited-edition graphic mini-novel “Black Riot: The Mysterons save Planet Earth from the Xatheroid Angels.” This is the third collaboration between Soul Jazz Records and writer/illustrator Paulo Parisi, the highly respected author of graphic books on Jean Michel Basquiat and John Coltrane.
This new graphic story continues the story of black electronic dance music – this time set around the birth of Jungle and continues onwards from Soul Jazz’s earlier ‘Invasion of the Killer Mysterons’ (Jamaican electronic Dub, co-compiled by Kevin Martin (The Bug)) and Mysterons Invade the Jackin’ Zone (about Chicago Acid & Experimental House).
Tracklist:
01. Rhythm For Reasons - "The Smokers Rhythm"
02. Babylon Timewarp - "Durban Poison"
03. The Terrorist - "RK1"
04. DJ Dubplate - "Tings A Go On"
05. Leviticus - "Burial"
06. The Freaky - "Time & Age"
07. Trip One - "Snowball remix"
08. DJ Krome & Mr Time - "Ganja Man"
09. New Vision - "Way Of Life"
10. DJ Dubplate - "Original Rubadubstyle"
11. Hi Fi Power - "Chill Out"
12. Nu Jacks - "House Sensation"
More
Featuring classic and seminal tracks from the likes of Levictus and Krome &Time, alongside a host of rare and little-known ragga & junglist hardcore tunes from the likes of Babylon Timewarp’s hypnotic Durban Poison, Rhythm for Reasons’ mad ‘The Smokers Rhythm’, The Freaky rave-y breakbeat sound of ‘Time and Age,’ Trip One’s super dark ‘Snowball’ and loads more!
Expect super heavy basslines, equally heavy twisted Amen drum loops, even heavier ragga vocals! Original jungle style - roots and culture - from the earliest days of drum and bass.
Included with the CD version of this album is a free limited-edition graphic mini-novel “Black Riot: The Mysterons save Planet Earth from the Xatheroid Angels.” This is the third collaboration between Soul Jazz Records and writer/illustrator Paulo Parisi, the highly respected author of graphic books on Jean Michel Basquiat and John Coltrane.
This new graphic story continues the story of black electronic dance music – this time set around the birth of Jungle and continues onwards from Soul Jazz’s earlier ‘Invasion of the Killer Mysterons’ (Jamaican electronic Dub, co-compiled by Kevin Martin (The Bug)) and Mysterons Invade the Jackin’ Zone (about Chicago Acid & Experimental House).
Tracklist:
01. Rhythm For Reasons - "The Smokers Rhythm"
02. Babylon Timewarp - "Durban Poison"
03. The Terrorist - "RK1"
04. DJ Dubplate - "Tings A Go On"
05. Leviticus - "Burial"
06. The Freaky - "Time & Age"
07. Trip One - "Snowball remix"
08. DJ Krome & Mr Time - "Ganja Man"
09. New Vision - "Way Of Life"
10. DJ Dubplate - "Original Rubadubstyle"
11. Hi Fi Power - "Chill Out"
12. Nu Jacks - "House Sensation"
More
1
Hako Yamasaki - Mukai Kaze
2
Hako Yamasaki - Shiroi Hana
3
Hako Yamasaki - Himawari
4
Hako Yamasaki - Tenjo
5
Hako Yamasaki - Help Me
6
Hako Yamasaki - Hitori Uta
7
Hako Yamasaki - Harmonica Fuki No Otoko
8
Hako Yamasaki - Tsunawatari
9
Hako Yamasaki - Utaitaino
10
Hako Yamasaki - Tanjo Iwai
Genre: Folk, Alternative, Psychedelic
LP: 180g, Heavy 350gsm Sleeve, Stickers
Tracklisting LP
A1. Mukai Kaze
A2. Shiroi Hana
A3. Himawari
A4. Tenjo
A5. Help Me
B1. Hitori Uta
B2. Harmonica Fuki No Otoko
B3. Tsunawatari
B4. Utaitaino
B5. Tanjo Iwai
Release Info:
WRWTFWW Records is proud to present the first official worldwide reissue of the sophomore album from fabled Japanese folk singer-songwriter/actress/writer Hako Yamasaki, Tsunawatari. The limited edition 180g vinyl LP comes in a heavy sleeve with the original artwork, and the digipack CD has one bonus track. Tsunawatari is also available in digital formats.
Recorded right after her outstanding debut Tobimasu, Tsunawatari was released in 1976 on Elec Records, one of the first independent labels in Japan, and solidified Hako Yamasaki as one of the most gorgeous voices of the country and an exceptional musician and singer. A truly perfect follow-up, it immortalizes the bitter beauty of heartache with tearful performances and nostalgic empowerment.
The beauty of melancholic songs reaches heartbreaking heights in Tsunawatari, a magnificent ode to the sorrow of lost love and the time that passes offered to the world with a very unique brand of folk music. The kind of folk that goes for the guts, folk that shamelessly flirts with tearful blues, contemplative soft pop and psychedelic nostalgia. Put the needle on "Help Me" - there’s simply no holding back.
Hako Yamasaki, a pioneer in both the creative boom and the rise of feminism of 1970s Japan, went on to release over thirty albums, building an impressive discography and a fascinating career filled with ups and downs. Her work, inimitable and timeless, deserves the utmost recognition and should be celebrated. Again and again and again.
Tsunawatari is released in conjunction with Hako Yamasaki’s classic debut album Tobimasu, also available on WRWTFWW Records.
Points of interests
- For fans of folk, alternative, ballads, psychedelic, poetic music, the joy of love, the sorrow of love, nostalgia, nature, Janis Joplin, Lana Del Rey, being human.
- Official reissue of Hako Yamasaki’s sophomore album in pristine 180g vinyl.
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LP: 180g, Heavy 350gsm Sleeve, Stickers
Tracklisting LP
A1. Mukai Kaze
A2. Shiroi Hana
A3. Himawari
A4. Tenjo
A5. Help Me
B1. Hitori Uta
B2. Harmonica Fuki No Otoko
B3. Tsunawatari
B4. Utaitaino
B5. Tanjo Iwai
Release Info:
WRWTFWW Records is proud to present the first official worldwide reissue of the sophomore album from fabled Japanese folk singer-songwriter/actress/writer Hako Yamasaki, Tsunawatari. The limited edition 180g vinyl LP comes in a heavy sleeve with the original artwork, and the digipack CD has one bonus track. Tsunawatari is also available in digital formats.
Recorded right after her outstanding debut Tobimasu, Tsunawatari was released in 1976 on Elec Records, one of the first independent labels in Japan, and solidified Hako Yamasaki as one of the most gorgeous voices of the country and an exceptional musician and singer. A truly perfect follow-up, it immortalizes the bitter beauty of heartache with tearful performances and nostalgic empowerment.
The beauty of melancholic songs reaches heartbreaking heights in Tsunawatari, a magnificent ode to the sorrow of lost love and the time that passes offered to the world with a very unique brand of folk music. The kind of folk that goes for the guts, folk that shamelessly flirts with tearful blues, contemplative soft pop and psychedelic nostalgia. Put the needle on "Help Me" - there’s simply no holding back.
Hako Yamasaki, a pioneer in both the creative boom and the rise of feminism of 1970s Japan, went on to release over thirty albums, building an impressive discography and a fascinating career filled with ups and downs. Her work, inimitable and timeless, deserves the utmost recognition and should be celebrated. Again and again and again.
Tsunawatari is released in conjunction with Hako Yamasaki’s classic debut album Tobimasu, also available on WRWTFWW Records.
Points of interests
- For fans of folk, alternative, ballads, psychedelic, poetic music, the joy of love, the sorrow of love, nostalgia, nature, Janis Joplin, Lana Del Rey, being human.
- Official reissue of Hako Yamasaki’s sophomore album in pristine 180g vinyl.
More
Disco Reggae Rockers features wicked reggae disco versions of funk, soul and disco classics! This new album follows on from Soul Jazz Records" earlier highly successful "Hustle: Disco Reggae" and features reggae covers of classic songs by Earth, Wind and Fire, Michael Jackson, The Isley Brothers, Candi Staton, Curtis Mayfield and more as performed by Derrick Harriott, Devon Russell, Hortense Ellis, Glen Adams, Dave Barker and others.
TRACKLIST:
1.1 Devon Russell - Move On Up
1.2 Crashers - Flight To Jamaica
1.3 Valerie Harrison - Fool's Paradise
1.4 Bill Campbell - For The Love Of You
1.5 Risco Connection - It's My House
1.6 Dave Barker - Glow Of Love
1.7 Derrick Harriott - Caught You In A Lie
1.8 Hortense Ellis - Young Hearts Run Free
2.1 Ed Watson and Brass Circle - Wanna Be Startin' Somethin
2.2 Devon Russell - We The People Who Are Darker Than Blue
2.3 Seventh Extension - Reasons
2.4 Derrick Harriott - Brown Baby
2.5 Ed Watson and Brass Circle - Let's Groove
2.6 Pete Campbell & The Sunshine Girls - Don't Let Love Get
2.7 Webby Jay - In The Rain
2.8 Glen Adams Affair - Just A Groove
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TRACKLIST:
1.1 Devon Russell - Move On Up
1.2 Crashers - Flight To Jamaica
1.3 Valerie Harrison - Fool's Paradise
1.4 Bill Campbell - For The Love Of You
1.5 Risco Connection - It's My House
1.6 Dave Barker - Glow Of Love
1.7 Derrick Harriott - Caught You In A Lie
1.8 Hortense Ellis - Young Hearts Run Free
2.1 Ed Watson and Brass Circle - Wanna Be Startin' Somethin
2.2 Devon Russell - We The People Who Are Darker Than Blue
2.3 Seventh Extension - Reasons
2.4 Derrick Harriott - Brown Baby
2.5 Ed Watson and Brass Circle - Let's Groove
2.6 Pete Campbell & The Sunshine Girls - Don't Let Love Get
2.7 Webby Jay - In The Rain
2.8 Glen Adams Affair - Just A Groove
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1
MFSB - Manhattan Skyline 4:27
2
MFSB - Mysteries Of The World 5:27
3
MFSB - Tell Me Why 3:57
4
MFSB - Metamorphosis 5:16
5
MFSB - Fortune Teller 6:08
6
MFSB - Old San Juan 4:27
7
MFSB - Thank You Miss Scott 4:14
8
MFSB - In The Shadow 3:37
Territories: Worldwide no restrictions
Format Notes: 2023 reissue, 140g vinyl
Track List:
A1. Manhattan Skyline 4:27
A2. Mysteries Of The World 5:27
A3. Tell Me Why 3:57
A4. Metamorphosis 5:16
--
B1. Fortune Teller 6:08
B2. Old San Juan 4:27
B3. Thank You Miss Scott 4:14
B4. In The Shadow 3:37
Release Notes:
Mysteries Of The World is the stunning final studio album from legendary Philly supergroup MFSB. Expertly co-written and produced with the mighty Dexter Wansel, it features the untouchable, sparkling masterpiece "Mysteries Of The World". The whole album is truly exquisite; a stylish, classy collection of pure Philly soul and orchestral jazz-funk.
MFSB, an acronym for Mother, Father, Sister, Brother, was formed by producers Gamble & Huff of Philadelphia International Records. The band's roots can be traced back to the house band at the legendary Sigma Sound Studios, where they played on numerous hit records by artists like The O'Jays, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes and The Stylistics. Mysteries Of The World comprises slick jazz-funk grooves, mostly penned by Wansel, who produced a fair chunk of the album in a similar style to his space-funk records. MFSB's smooth sound is retained but it receives a fresh, elegant and jazzy upgrade. While this album is as mellow as the rest of the latter-period MFSB recordings, it never forgets the group's soul music underpinnings.
Swaggering, well-timed horn blasts, sweeping strings and a percolating, hard thumping slap-bassline combine to devastating effect on amazing opener "Manhattan Skyline". It's a sexy mid-tempo instrumental which sets us up nicely for what follows. Essays could be written analysing the perfection of title track. Arguably the finest jazz-funk instrumental ever made, it's absolutely magnificent. Featuring musicianship of the highest calibre, the band play with their trademark tight discipline, cooking up a syncopating rhythm with an array of exploratory keyboard riffs wrapped around a punchy bassline sent from heaven. It sounds like house music, it's that ahead of its time. The string intro is sumptuous, hypnotic and divine and that's all before the beat hits. The track fuses classical, jazz and funk into a musical journey that you never want to end. Absolutely flawless, it's a dramatic disco dancefloor killer.
Says Dexter Wansel himself: "You know, of all the songs I wrote/produced/arranged for MFSB, this is for me the most different. I think it's an experiment in rhythmic, soft sonic synth and live string and harp combinations. I composed it in an effort to blend a funky groove, along with synthesis, and orchestral sounds. There are 3 synthesizers: Oberheim 4 voice, Polymoog, and of course Arp 2600v. And, as I remember, I recorded the track with the rhythm section, string, harp and flute players first. Then I added synthesis."
The profound elegance remains in abundance on the slinky, harp-laced "Tell Me Why"; Carla Benson's beautiful voice truly shines on this sophisticated cut. The side closes out in dramatic style with the string-drenched "Metamorphosis". It's a staccato, Blaxploitation groove workout featuring wah-wah guitar, creeping basslines, rich horn solos and soulful vocals drifting in and out of the mix. The bouncy, irrepressible "Fortune Teller" opens the B side in the bass-heavy orchestral funk style before the beautiful "Old San Juan" glides in, a Balearic-adjacent track with intricate arrangements, building its mellow soul groove around an atypical flamenco guitar hook. Melancholy, guitar-led instrumental "Thank You Miss Scott" is a real highlight, with gorgeous flute, string and percussive elements whilst closer "In the Shadow" works an otherworldly synth line into its bossa nova groove.
An essential record for fans of Philly soul and groovy jazz-funk, Mysteries Of The World was mastered for vinyl by Simon Francis and cut by Cicely Ralston for Alchemy at AIR Studios. The stunning artwork, the work of renowned illustrator Robert Giusti, was restored at Be With HQ to round out this beautiful reissue.
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Format Notes: 2023 reissue, 140g vinyl
Track List:
A1. Manhattan Skyline 4:27
A2. Mysteries Of The World 5:27
A3. Tell Me Why 3:57
A4. Metamorphosis 5:16
--
B1. Fortune Teller 6:08
B2. Old San Juan 4:27
B3. Thank You Miss Scott 4:14
B4. In The Shadow 3:37
Release Notes:
Mysteries Of The World is the stunning final studio album from legendary Philly supergroup MFSB. Expertly co-written and produced with the mighty Dexter Wansel, it features the untouchable, sparkling masterpiece "Mysteries Of The World". The whole album is truly exquisite; a stylish, classy collection of pure Philly soul and orchestral jazz-funk.
MFSB, an acronym for Mother, Father, Sister, Brother, was formed by producers Gamble & Huff of Philadelphia International Records. The band's roots can be traced back to the house band at the legendary Sigma Sound Studios, where they played on numerous hit records by artists like The O'Jays, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes and The Stylistics. Mysteries Of The World comprises slick jazz-funk grooves, mostly penned by Wansel, who produced a fair chunk of the album in a similar style to his space-funk records. MFSB's smooth sound is retained but it receives a fresh, elegant and jazzy upgrade. While this album is as mellow as the rest of the latter-period MFSB recordings, it never forgets the group's soul music underpinnings.
Swaggering, well-timed horn blasts, sweeping strings and a percolating, hard thumping slap-bassline combine to devastating effect on amazing opener "Manhattan Skyline". It's a sexy mid-tempo instrumental which sets us up nicely for what follows. Essays could be written analysing the perfection of title track. Arguably the finest jazz-funk instrumental ever made, it's absolutely magnificent. Featuring musicianship of the highest calibre, the band play with their trademark tight discipline, cooking up a syncopating rhythm with an array of exploratory keyboard riffs wrapped around a punchy bassline sent from heaven. It sounds like house music, it's that ahead of its time. The string intro is sumptuous, hypnotic and divine and that's all before the beat hits. The track fuses classical, jazz and funk into a musical journey that you never want to end. Absolutely flawless, it's a dramatic disco dancefloor killer.
Says Dexter Wansel himself: "You know, of all the songs I wrote/produced/arranged for MFSB, this is for me the most different. I think it's an experiment in rhythmic, soft sonic synth and live string and harp combinations. I composed it in an effort to blend a funky groove, along with synthesis, and orchestral sounds. There are 3 synthesizers: Oberheim 4 voice, Polymoog, and of course Arp 2600v. And, as I remember, I recorded the track with the rhythm section, string, harp and flute players first. Then I added synthesis."
The profound elegance remains in abundance on the slinky, harp-laced "Tell Me Why"; Carla Benson's beautiful voice truly shines on this sophisticated cut. The side closes out in dramatic style with the string-drenched "Metamorphosis". It's a staccato, Blaxploitation groove workout featuring wah-wah guitar, creeping basslines, rich horn solos and soulful vocals drifting in and out of the mix. The bouncy, irrepressible "Fortune Teller" opens the B side in the bass-heavy orchestral funk style before the beautiful "Old San Juan" glides in, a Balearic-adjacent track with intricate arrangements, building its mellow soul groove around an atypical flamenco guitar hook. Melancholy, guitar-led instrumental "Thank You Miss Scott" is a real highlight, with gorgeous flute, string and percussive elements whilst closer "In the Shadow" works an otherworldly synth line into its bossa nova groove.
An essential record for fans of Philly soul and groovy jazz-funk, Mysteries Of The World was mastered for vinyl by Simon Francis and cut by Cicely Ralston for Alchemy at AIR Studios. The stunning artwork, the work of renowned illustrator Robert Giusti, was restored at Be With HQ to round out this beautiful reissue.
More