Courtesy of Jon Freer (mosoul.co.uk) here are nineteen reviews (phew, someone’s been very busy) of soon to be released 12″ singles (sorry no cover shots or tracklistings this time):
The Source feat. Candi Staton – You Got The Love (Positiva)
Due to the personally affecting nature of music, certain records can become incredibly significant to one person and mean next to nothing to the next. Sometimes, the significance can be down to the situation in which the record was heard or the memories that it invokes, which can have little or nothing to do with the actual music. However, other times, it can be the record itself that is the important factor, and certain tracks can alter your perception or even change lives. For me, hearing the Source’s version of “You Got The Love”, which places Candi Staton’s faithful vocals over the arresting synth led groove of Frankie Knuckles’ “Your Love”, for the first time, was an incredibly special experience. This mindblowing record showed me the emotional power that electronic music can have. On this release, the ‘Original Bootleg Version’ is accompanied by well-made steadying string led revision, but for me, the original mix will never be eclipsed.
Antibalas / Psyco – Family Affair / Mr. President (Mind Records & Services)
This Afrobt 7″ doubleheader finds both Antibalas and Psyco in fine form. Antibalas supply a fine cover of “Family Affair”, where relation tribute paying vocals are subjected to attack from full-bodied guitars and nifty bass work. Psyco show their annoyance at political set-ups on “Mr. President”, backed by fluttering flutes and serious percussion.
Spirit Catcher – Rise And Shine (Rotax)
Spirit Catcher have been rather busy of late, here turning up on France’s ace Rotax imprint with a gorgeous cosmic House effort. Dazzing synths and shimmering guitars provide the sparkle on the original. Pascal Rioux’s ‘Philly Remix’ amplifies the strength of the original, as primed strings and tantalising keys prove their worth.
Lee McDonald – We’ve Only Just Begun (Favourite)
Originally released in 1981, this smile-inducing slice of dancefloor moving soul deserved another outing. Life-giving strings, buoyant guitars and happy drums back those euphoric vocals on the original version. Meticulous brass and cute guitars do the work on TM Juke’s remix.
Lindstrøm – Another Station (Feedelity)
Norweigan Cosmic Disco disciple Lindstrøm has seen his profile soar of late, with clueless tastemakers claiming to have ‘discovered’ this talented multi-instrumentalist in the last few months. Lindstrøm has been an underground leading light for a while, and this sky gazing 12″ should bring him even more converts. Flamboyant synths take centre stage on the excellent original version, as trustworthy keys and unruffled guitars provide encouragement. Todd Terje gives “Another Station” a housier treatment, where quick beats and an eager bass guitar join those hypnotic synths.
SUMO – Nini (Heya Hifi)
“Nini” is another great afro-nodding Houser from the heavyweight SUMO duo. Willing beats, high-spirited brass and a typically bouncy guitar groove back Clarisse Muvemba’s positive vocals on the original version. Claude Monet adds babbling synths and caring strings, whilst stretching out those vocals a little bit further on his remix. “Boningisa” is likely to tire the listener out, courtesy of Clarisse’s energetic vocals, military band type percussion and threatening bass action.
Lindstrom & Prins Thomas – Mighty Girl (Eskimo)
L & PT show no sign of slowing down their production output, dropping another likeable release for Belgium’s igloo dwelling Eskimos. Gorgeous keys, order following synths and likeable percussion meet on
the title track. An untameable bass calls the shots on “Feel PM”, as crazed synths wreak havoc on “Vrang Og Vanskelig”.
Broken – Dreams (FAT/Mind Records & Services)
Fractured jazz is the sound of choice on this EP from Doctor L. “Dark Soul Aiff” is the standout track, where pushy keys and frowning sitars back smudged vocal imagery. Confused keys and twitchy percussion meet on the computer praising “Click To Move On”, whilst “No Fashion” is a hyper beaten number and “Got Something To Say” mixes whiny vocals with a corrosive bass.
Erik Rug feat. Dynamax – Tribute To My People (Les Disques Du Telegraphe)
The Rugster is back with a record that celebrates the work of pioneering Hip Hop clan, The Zulu Nation. Dynamax a member of the crew, blesses the record with his old-time vocals, which are backed by thudding beats. The Dub makes room for vigorous synths and jabbing keys.
Grant Phabao feat. Lone Ranger & Carlton Livingston – Rudie (T.I.M.E.C.)
Made famous by a late 70s cover by The Specials, “(A Message To You) Rudie” returns to Jamaica on this version, which has been put together by Grant Phabao and features the vocal stylings of Lone Ranger and Carlton Livingston. Hearty brass and plucky guitars back the cautionary vocals on the ‘Extended Version’. Grant’s dub is a shootout between valiant brass, gallant guitars and an engulfing bass.
Danny Clark – The Sun EP (Digi-Peng)
Jazzually angled House in the flavour of this delightfully musical two tracker from Danny Clark. “Sunset” places an adorable flute over sweeping brass, likeable keys and ever so nice guitar play. “Sunrise” opts for butterfly flute fluttering and muted trumpet magic.
Sada Brahma – Damodara EP (Digi-Peng)
Sada Brahma is not one person, but the alias of a Finnish pair, Sampsa Kaukua and Jani Jaatinen, two classically trained musicians who make thought provoking House and Downbeat. “Bhakta” is a wow inducing key led number, whilst “Yoga Junkie” is a synthilating number. Precise keys do the work on “50 Metres Of Water Per Head”, as Kaukua’s magnificent bass guitar shines on “Lakshmi & Narayan”.
Isoul 8 feat. Paul Randolph – On My Heart (Still Music)
Isoul 8 aka Volcov hooks up with Paul Randolph on this smooth House outing. Randolph’s hurting vocals ride skating keys and a hazy bass on the vocal version. Overpowering synths and flying keys spread their wings on the Dub, as sweet keys and romanceful strings meet on the ‘Jazzstrumental’.
Eelko & Olaf – Jazzyaa EP (S-Sens)
Hailing from Amsterdam, Eelko & Olaf make lovely jazzed out House. “Jazzyaa” glides an unable to keep still sax over persuasive keys and keen percussion. Remix duty on this release falls to Luke McKeehan (Nordic Trax), Ty Tek and Vernon.
Pete Moss – Keep On Shining EP (Nordic Trax)
Respected Philadelphian Pete Moss has been churning out wonderfully subtle Deep House records for a good long while, and this EP for NT doesn’t disappoint. The finest track is “Keep On Shining”, a shining synth led number tucked away on the B Side. “Let Me Hold U” slides guitars over a heads down bass and beats combo, with “The Big Move” travelling along at a slightly more frantic pace.
D’Julz – Fast-Forward (Brique Rouge)
D’Julz applies the minimal House pressure on this fine three tracker for David Duriez’s respected Brique Rouge imprint. Bleepin’ keys and precise beats are held together by a pitch black bass on “Fast Forward”. Acid dipped synth patterns colour “Forward”, as the controlling bass comes to the fore once more on the nasty “Rewind”.
Ils – Loving You (Atomic Hooligan RMX) (Distinctive Breaks)
Atomic Hooligan has turned “Loving You” from a sweet request to a desperate beg for affection. Nagging synths, heavy cymbadelic percussion and a growling bass meet behind devoted vocals on the Hooligan’s impressive remix.
Future Funk Squad – Audio Damage (Default)
It’s the D Ramirez remix of this cut from Future Funk Squad that is set to cause the mightiest rumpus on the dancefloor. Pounding beats, unforgiving synths and a brutal bass workout colour his tuff House revision.
Andy ‘Touchfingers’ – Touch Of Jazz EP (Kwaito)
A few of the tracks on this jazzually flavoured House EP are a little too polite for their own good, but the final cut, “HaHa Made You Look”, is charismatic enough to demand repeat plays. Heidi Stewart relays the tale of a temptress over pointed keys and a bass that doesn’t mess around this funny little track. Elsewhere, “Are You A Jazz Fan” lays the piano keys on thickly over a chin scratching live bass, whilst “The Key Maker” and “Moving Finger” plod along courteously.