Philly to Forest Gate - Another Disco Haul

I hit up one of my regular sellers last week for a couple of slates of shiny disco goodness.

MFSB 'Universal Love' Philadelphia International Records LP
I first heard Philadelphia International Records house band MFSB ("Mother, Father, Sister, Brother") on the Paradise Garage classic 'Love Is The Message' and I'm familiar with the track 'TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia)' (which was the theme tune to Don Cornelius' seminal 'Soul Train' TV show), both of which were on the LP immediately proceeding this one. MFSB were a 30-musician strong collective, formed and utilised by Gamble & Huff on a myriad of classic disco cuts through the seventies. The eponymous title track is more of their signature sound and the second half's cover of The Nite-Liters 'K-Jee' was later used to notable effect on the 'Saturday Night Fever' soundtrack.

'The Sound Of Philadelphia - Philadelphia Roots Volume 2' Soul Jazz Records 2 x LP
More recently issued on the ever dependable reissue label Soul Jazz, this is the second installment of a collection of tracks originally issued on Philadelphia International. There's another five Gamble & Huff productions on here for my collection as well as The Delphonics, (whose producer later moved onto The Stylistics, whom I own a few LP's by)'s 'Ready Or Not'. (Which has been heavily sampled and was later covered by The Fugees).

Bobby & Steve/Kiss FM Presents 'Garage City' Beechwood 3 x LP 

Originally playing Philly Soul and disco, twin brothers Bobby & Steve Lavinière started in a wine bar in Forest Gate, London before becoming two of the most popular DJ's on the Warehouse party scene of the mid 1980's (alongside another of my favourites, Norman Jay). Their mix of Salsoul, Philadelphia International and Prelude 12"s evolved with them becoming some of the earliest UK DJ's playing the emerging house sounds from Chicago. This comp (from '99) supports their 'Garage City' radio programme on London's Kiss FM and alongside some disco orientated material features more commercially successful house from that era ('Sing It Back' by Moloko and Armand Van Heldens perennial 'You Don't Know Me' make an appearance).

It's not the first Bobby & Steve collection I've bought, with their disco orientated Bobby & Steve - The Anniversary Collection 1984 - 2004: Past, Present, Future (LP 1) SuSu Records 2 x LP set having been in my collection (largely unplayed) for many years.

What I've found a little bit strange about digging this out of the stack (post-arrival from the UK) is that many of the Philly soul/disco artists that I've discovered more recently (The Jones Girls for instance), have actually had appearances on records in my collection for a long while. (The comp also features Rufus, who I've bought a couple of LP's by recently as well, even before I realised the Norman Whitfield connection).

'Stax: The Soul Of Hip-Hop' Stax LP

The concept is fairly simple for this modern reissue collection, in that the LP is made up of original Stax Releases from the 1960's and 70's which were later sampled on popular hip-hop tracks. 

I actually looked for a review of this and found a very snooty comment on Crate Kings, saying that any  collector should have the tracks on this already. 

Well, I don't, though this isn't the first compilation I've got with a 24 Carat Black track on it and increasingly, I really, really want that record... 

It's an attractively packaged, well pressed comp with tracks that are variously well known, ('Melting Pot' by Booker T & The MG's), well named ('Do The Funky Penguin (Part 1)' or well and truly incredible ('I Forgot To Be Your Lover' by William Bell, which seems very close lyrically to 'Have I Told You Lately' by Van Morrison).

Morrissey Live

Artist – Morrissey, Kristeen Young (Support)
Event - Down Under Tour 2012
Venue - Town Hall, Wellington
Date – Friday 14th December 2012

Many years ago, I took much influence in my guitar playing from an article about Throwing Muses' leader Kristen Hersh, whom it claimed "plays guitar like she's pulling out her own hair". 

Fridays opening act, St. Louis' Kristeen Young, is the first act I've come across that I can truly state plays piano in exactly the same way.

Imogen Heaps evil twin? Kristeen Young

In advance of the show, I'd heard that her live act consists of Young singing and playing keyboards with a live drummer. I don't know whether it's a permanent change, but on this tour her live act is just her and the keyboard, augmented with a lot of midi backing, which she seemed to be operating with her feet. 

Before I even mention her voice, her keyboard playing is simply breathtaking, dissonant, aggressive and totally particular. Her songs are very dynamic, with orchestral flourishes, ambient breakdowns and dance breakbeats at points.

Her oft-discussed voice however is the most startling point about her. Young absolutely belts it out, carrying melodies perfectly over four octaves. Having read reviews I was expecting Kate Bush or Florence Welch style histrionics but wasn't really prepared for vocal operatics more in the realm of Diamanda Galas. She was startling.

After an interval where performances by some of Morrisseys key influences were projected onto a screen (The Faces 'Itchycoo Park, David Bowies 'Jean Genie', as well as showings for The New York Dolls (about whom a pre-stardom Stephen Morrissey wrote and published a book) and Sparks), Morrissey took to the stage and immediately took a bow stage centre with his five piece backing backing band to rapturous applause. 

Having noticed the audience on the way in (a 50/50 mix of greying Smiths-era fans and camp Morrissey clones), I was prepared for the fact that Morrissey was playing to an audience of absolute devotees but the level of devotion and feeling of closeness to him was still awe inspiring.

The surprisingly heavyweight band kicked off proceedings with The Smiths 'Shoplifters Of The World Unite' to rapturous applause. He quickly followed with a brace of familiar Morrissey solo tracks including 'You're The One For Me, Fatty' and 'You Have Killed Me' (written with current touring guitarist Jesse Tobias). 

Perhaps the biggest applause of the night came from an extended, cathartic rendition of (my favourite Smiths track) 'How Soon Is Now'. I saw a patchy Auckland show early in the year by New Order, at which some older tracks ('Temptation') were incredible but many ('Blue Monday') sounded weary and paint-by-numbers. Morrisseys vocals on 'How Soon Is Now' remain perfectly fresh and heartfelt.

The set was littered with what could only be described as Morrissey-esque moments; touching hands in his devoted audience, taking cards and letters from the front row, an extended version of The Smiths 'Meat Is Murder', complete with video backdrop of animals being slaughtered, his legendary "Would you like to speak" Q&A sessions - where he passes the microphone to those same devoted fans to speak to him directly (indeed, Morrissey is perhaps the only artist I'm aware of that could claim a dialogue with his audience even more involved that most Metal bands) and nearly causing a riot by removing his shirt and throwing it into the audience.

His stage presence is legendary and my companion at the gig, whom had seen The Smiths in London (circa 1986) said that he's just as good now as he ever was. His vocals were absolutely perfect and the gig actually made it clear to me why he's got such a large Southern American/LA Latino following: it's drama. The shiny shirts, the theatricality, the gesturing - he's like a Mexican Corrido singer.

After introducing the band (which included long-time songwriting companion, Musical Director and one-time Polecat Boz Boorer, who played the entire gig with his guitar on a stand and his arm in a sling) Morrissey closed the set with another Smiths classic, 'Still Ill'.

About a month ago, an old colleague of mine was ranting about his loathing of Morrissey on Facebook, to which I answered that I was due to be attending a gig, but wasn't "really sure why". In this live setting, his solo material is every bit as strong as The Smiths output and he is absolutely deserved the reputation he has as truly incredible performer.

I was eight years old when The Smiths split up so can't claim to have been a contemporary fan, (indeed the first album that I regularly listened to with Johnny Marrs guitar playing on would probably have been The The's 'Dusk' album from 1993) so the only Smiths records that we have in the house actually belong to my girlfriend:

Disco, not Disco?

No, I've not bought the Joey Negro curated Strut LP, (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disco_Not_Disco), though I would quite like to.

My plan for the New Year is start putting some themed mixtapes together to post on here and Soundcloud, with a disco/post-disco themed collection being one of the objectives.

I've picked up a few further titles of note off of a seller discussed in a recent post (http://vinylology.blogspot.co.nz/2012/11/more-disco.html) to that end.

Rockers Revenge Feat. Donnie Calvin 'Walking On Sunshine' London Records 12" Single

Arthur Baker produced, written by Eddie Grant, engineered by Jellybean Benitez and recorded at Blank Studios in New York. (At some point, I'll do a post regarding all the records I own that came out of that studio. It's a lot). Released in 1982, 'Walking On Sunshine' is an electro/post-disco classic and was an anthem at The Paradise Garage. 

Roy Ayers/Wayne Henderson 'Heat Of The Beat' Polydor 12" Single

I wasn't actually familiar with this, but bought it on the strength of it being Roy Ayers. (His 'Virgo Vibes' LP is a personal favourite, as mentioned at http://vinylology.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/unboxing-day.html). What d'ya know: it's great. Funky disco of the highest order with a great drum break on it. 

Unsurprising really; Ayers pedigree I know, but I've learned that Henderson was actually a member of The Crusaders, whom I also really like and own a couple of records by. I probably first came across them as the backing band on the Randy Crawford track, 'Street Life'.

New Order 'Blue Monday/The Beach' Factory Records 12" Single
Sadly not the legendary 5p loss version, but what I believe is a pretty clean example of the less expensively packaged second pressing, with a silver inner but not the computer disk styled cut-outs. (Still released under the catalogue number FAC73). New Order are one of my favourite bands ever and this is one of my favourite tracks of theirs. It's not specifically a post-disco/New York track but it's heavily influenced by that school of music. Indeed their next single ('Temptation', which is my second favourite New Order tune) was produced by Arthur Baker. New Order also played at the Paradise Garage around the time that it was recorded.

Whilst the FAC73 release is new to my collection, it joins a copy of the '88 remix which I already had.

I've got a couple of 7"s as well, but the copy of 'Blue Monday' joins a few other Joy Division/New Order releases, including my absolute favourite New Order track, 'True Faith'.

Donna Summer 'Hot Stuff' Casablanca 12" Single (Red Vinyl)
I've not bolded this because I actually bought this for my girlfriend (whom loves the 'Bad Girls' LP that this is off of and courtesy of yours truly not realising that she already had it on vinyl, owns two copies) but have put it on here because coloured vinyl is always cool. Having scenes from the cheesefest that is 'The Full Monty' movie (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Full_Monty) burned into my consciousness has left me unable to judge this Giorgio Moroder produced track on it's own merits. 

World Party 'Goodbye Jumbo' Chrysalis LP

World Party have (very non-intrusively) been following me around for a little while, so it was fortuitous that today, whilst looking for a Christmas present for someone, I came across a copy of their second LP, 'Goodbye Jumbo' in fairly good condition (the covers got a split in the spine, but the platter itself is mint) for just $2.00.

I've been planning to put a new mix CD for my Mother together which is to include the lovely (and, as with many of Karl Wallinger's songs, very Beatlesy) 'Put The Message In A Box'.

I recorded the video for 'Put the Message In A Box' off of the ITV Chart Show (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Chart_Show) around the time it was released as a single (May 1990) and used to listen to it repeatedly.

It came front of mind again recently, when I read the page concerning World Party's 1990 LP in my very well thumbed copy of 'The Mojo Collection' book. (Basically, a chronological review of all the albums that a muso should own by Mojo Magasine contributors).

On picking the LP (which according to the Mojo write-up, was tortuous to make) up, I was interested to see that Guy Chambers, (who's better known as Robbie Williams songwriter) collaborated with Karl Wallinger on a some songs on the album.

Maybe this goes some way to explain why Williams later covered World Party's 'She's The One' (written by Wallinger solo for the disastrously received 'Egyptology' LP, but one can only presume suggested to Williams by Chambers).

100 x 7" Singles ORIG Soul Funk Disco

A couple of weeks ago a box lot came up on Trademe that looked like something I didn’t want to let get away, namely: “100 x 7" Singles ORIG Soul Funk Disco”.

The original haul

I figured that even though there’s bound to be a load of rubbish, there’s likely to enough in there to hold my attention:

Despite some disappointment on my part, (BT Express are named as being one of the singles here and I’ve not found them), I’ve done an initial sift and whilst there’s a load that’ll be going back on sale shortly (not least 80’s pop and some bandwagon jumping Hansa Studios Euro-disco) there's enough here to keep me reasonably happy. Frustratingly, there’s also two copies of three of the good tunes that I decided to keep. (I’ve nothing against keeping doubles of things, but one of those singles I’ve already got three of…)

This afternoon I sat and went through them. This is the order that the singles that I chose to keep came out of the box:

Graham Central Station ‘My Radio Sounds Good To Me’ Warner Brothers 7” Single

It’s Larry Graham, more than anything else. I’ve actually kept this for the B-Side (‘Turn It Out’), which exhibits some of the amazing funk bass playing that made Larry Grahams name in Sly & The Family Stone.

The Brothers Johnson ‘Love Is’ A&M 7” Single

Again, kept for a stronger B-Side ‘Right On Time’. If I could get, ‘Strawberry Letter 23’, (probably first heard by my generation on the soundtrack for the movie, ‘Jackie Brown’) I’d be rather happy. (The tune was later sampled on Outkast’s ‘Ms. Jackson’).

Barry White ‘It’s Ecstasy When You Lay Down Next To Me’ 20^th Century 7” Single

Famously sampled on Robbie Williams ‘Rock DJ’ but don’t let that put you off.

The Blackbyrds ‘Happy Music’ Fantasy 7” Single

Agreeably cheesy vocal R&B on the A-Side and possibly something for a “Quiet Storm” type mix, ‘Love Is So Fine’ on the B. Sadly not quite ‘Rock Creek Park’ (from 1975, which is one of the most sampled tracks in hip-hop) but hey, I’ve only just opened the box.

Michael Jackson ‘Rock With You’ Epic 7” Single

Off his classic, Quincy Jones produced, ‘Off The Wall’ LP and here in mint condition.

The Jacksons ‘Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground) Epic 7” Single

After leaving Motown, the Jackson 5 changed their name to The Jacksons and, keeping up with the times, went disco. This is just before Michael did ‘Off The Wall’ and shows his developing solo vocal style. (“ee-hee” etc.)

Stargard ‘Theme Song From “Which Way Is Up”’ MCA Records 7” Single

Norman Whitfield written and produced theme song from a Richard Pryor movie: what’s not to like? Was apparently on a Studio 54 themed compilation LP, which does little to convince me that it was ever played there, but who knows. It’s very Norman Whitfield, which is fine by me.

Chic ‘Le Freak’ Atlantic 7” Single

I think this qualifies as the third copy of this that I own on vinyl. I have a repress 12” and another contemporary 7” with a different label. That means that I’m keeping it. The B-Side is ‘Savoir Faire’, which I think is also different.

Dorothy Moore ‘Misty Blue’ RCA 7” Single

Soul single from 1975 but sounds like it’s from earlier. Later covered by Mary J. Blige.

Shalamar ‘The Second Time Around’ RCA 7” Single

‘Right In The Socket’ by Shalamar is on the ‘Larry Levan: Live At The Paradise Garage’ compilation that Strut put out. This is a bit cheesier than that, but it’s alright. I’ve got a later Solar Records 12” of theirs called ‘Circumstantial Evidence’, which is thinly veiled Prince plagiarism. One imagines times got a bit tight after the whole, “Disco sucks” thing for a while.

The Emotions ‘Flowers’ CBS 7” Single

Produced by Maurice White out of Earth, Wind & Fire. Really pretty girl harmony R&B.

Earth, Wind & Fire ‘Fantasy’ CBS 7” Single

A classic. This has clearly been in a DJ’s box (it’s got “Disco – fast”, written on the A-Side and “Slow”, written on the flip). How much easier things must have been in those pre-beat matching (at least outside of New York…) days.

The survivors

Chaka Khan ‘Life Is A Dance (Edit) Warner Brothers Records 7” Single

Chaka, without Rufus, but still in full on funk mode. The B-Side ‘Some Love’ is pretty good too.

The Brothers Johnson ‘Runnin’ For Your Lovin’’ A&M 7” Single

This has got some pretty awesome Moog’ing on the intro and is produced in inimitable style by Quincy Jones. This is off their second LP, ‘Right On Time’, which I don’t have. (I’ve got their next two LP’s though, which are great).

Barry White ‘What Am I Gonna Do With You’ 20^th Century Fox Records 7” Single

Absolute belter. Next!

Lee Garrett ‘You’re My Everything’ Chrysalis 7” Single

A bit cheesy, but I’ve kept it on the basis that Lee Garrett co-wrote ‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours’ by Stevie Wonder, which I love.

Esther Phillips ‘What A Diff’rence A Day Makes’ Kudo/CTI Records 7”

A disco-fied over of the Dinah Washington classic by Esther Phillips, who’s probably better known for her 1950’s sides as Little Esther and 60’s R&B under her own name. I’m really keen to find, ‘Home Is Where The Hatred Is’, which proceeds this and was written by none other than Gil Scott Heron.

Hot ‘Angel In Your Arms’ Big Tree/WEA Records 7”

A three piece white/black/Hispanic female vocal group (not a big thing now, but would have been in the mid-seventies). The A-Side was apparently a big hit, but the good one here’s ‘Just ‘Cause I’m Guilty’ on the B-Side, which is a decently chugging vocal funk tune.

Rose Royce ‘Love Don’t Live Here Anymore’ Warner Brothers 7” Single

I now own three versions of this on 7” (as well as a copy on 12”). It might be time to get rid of a couple. Maybe.

Roberta Flack ‘The Closer I Get To You’ Atlantic 7” Single

Not billed on this release as the duet that it is, but features Donny Hathaway, whose ‘The Ghetto’ is one of my absolute all-time favourite tracks.  Roberta, as always, makes it sound absolutely effortless.

Chic ‘Dance, Dance, Dance (Yowsah, Yowsah, Yowsah)’ Atlantic 7” Single

I got Nile Rodgers autobiography (‘Le Freak’) for Christmas this year. I don’t think is as well-known as many of their others, but it’s still Chic. It’s also got a really good breakdown.

Sister Sledge ‘We Are Family’ Atlantic 7” Single

I’ve stuck everything else even approaching this cheesy in the re-sell box, but this was written and produced by Niles Rodgers and Bernard Edwards from Chic, so makes the grade based on that alone.

The Spinners ‘The Rubberband Man’ Atlantic 7” Single

I’ve got an amazing Spinners live-LP. A great, all-encompassing soul-revue of a band. It’s The Spinners, so it’s in. A bit of research tells me that the backing band on it is MFSB. It’s definitely in.

Johnny Guitar Watson ‘I Need It’ DJM Records 7” Single

You had me at ‘Johnny Guitar Watson’. A blues great, whom had a strange second wave of fame by donning a pimp suit and going disco. (In the best possible way).

Ray Charles ‘Georgia On My Mind’ W&G/Ampar Records 7” Single

I bought this bundle thinking it would be a mix of ‘60’s/70’s releases but this is the only ‘60’s release that I’ve yet come across. Jamie Foxx didn’t quite manage to ruin Ray Charles for me, though he came close.

Stevie Wonder ‘Bonus Record For “Songs In The Key Of Life”’ Motown 7” EP. (1.Saturn 2.Ebony Eyes 3. All Day Sucker 4. Easy Goin’ Evening)

I’ve bought ‘Songs In The Key Of Life’ for a couple of people over the years, but only just (a few weeks back) got myself a copy. Disappointingly, this was missing from it. As I’ve said before, you make your own luck as a record collector. One complete version coming up….

Spinners ‘Working My Way Back To You’ Atlantic 7” Single

It’s later, after the departure of Philippé Wynne and a lot more pop than it’s R&B, but it’s still the Spinners, after all.

Meco ‘Empire Strikes Back (Medley): Darth Vaders/Yoda’s Theme’ RSO Records

About 12 years ago, me and some friends tried to get a live trip-hop band off the ground. Our DJ had an amazing disco 7” remix record with Star Wars themes on it, that he used to scratch with. I don’t think this is it, or it’s as good as the one that he had, but I’m sure that it’ll find its way onto a tape at some point. Incidentally, biggest regret of my record collecting life: before I seriously started collecting records, I had a BBC Phonographic Workshop 7” of the original Dr. Who theme tune. I gave it to that same DJ.

Chaka Khan ‘I’m Every Woman’ Warner Brothers 7” Single

I’ve already got this on 12”, but different formats don’t count.

High Inergy ‘You Can't Turn Me Off (In The Middle Of Turning Me On)’ Motown 7” Single

I’ve seen this credited to both “High Energy” and “High Inergy”. The single here is on Motown, but I think that the album is on sub-label Gordy. This has crept in, but (again) I think I’ve actually got a 7” of this already. I’m well overdue a clear out, clearly.

Lionel Richie ‘Truly’ Motown 7” Single

I don’t watch reality television so the antics of his daughter haven’t gone any way to damage my perception of the man. (Though I understand that she’s calmed down a bit). I’ve been planning to do a “quiet storm” mixtape for a while for a laugh (it’d be a good thing to put on right at the end of a big night, I thought). This would probably work on something like that.

The Commodores ‘Brick House’ Motown 7” Single

Lyrically, far closer to Spinal Tap’s ‘Big Bottoms’ than they were probably aiming for, but actually my favourite Commodores track. An old girlfriend used to have a Lionel Richie live album and according to him, one of his favourites as well (though it was actually Commodores drummer Walter "Clyde" Orange that did the vocal on the original version).

Rose Royce ‘First Come, First Serve’ Warner Brothers 7” Single

This is off of the third Rose Royce LP (which I don’t own) which, as per earlier works, was produced (and largely written by) Norman Whitfield. (Whose other releases litter this blog). This has the same bass sound at the start as ‘Love Don’t Live Here Anymore’, which I’d always taken for being a synthesiser, but I now think might be a bass with an auto-wah on it. This is a pretty driving dancefloor track, anyway.

Anita Ward ‘Ring My Bell’ TK/Epic 7” Single

A massive popular hit, but driven by a propulsive drum machine a la ‘I Feel Love’.

Diana Ross ‘Upside Down’ Motown 7” Single

Another one kept because it’s a Nile Rodgers & Bernard Edwards creation (as is the accompanying ‘Diana’ LP). He’s really nice about her in his aforementioned autobiography.

Faze-O ‘Riding High’ Atlantic 7” Single

Much, much sampled in later hip-hop tracks. They really sound like they were ‘Riding High’ when they made it.

Osibisa ‘Dance The Body Music’ Bronze 7” Single

One of the first (if not the first artist) to put a direct contemporary African music influence into the pop charts. Not as big as ‘The Coffee Song’ (which I also own) but strangely listenable.

The Whispers ‘And The Beat Goes On’ RCA 7” Single

As sampled on ‘Miami’ by Will Smith, fact fans. I really thought that this was someone else.

Jimmy ‘Bo’ Horne ‘Dance Across The Floor’ TK/CBS 7” Single

Stuck this on and was taken aback by a somewhat robust bassline. No surprise on further investigation that it was later sampled by several leading Hip-Hop producers. 

Commodores ‘Flying High’ 7” Single

It’s Lionel on the vocal and a more 70’s pop single than anything else. The B-Side’s called ‘Funky Situation’ and the rules say that you have to keep anything with “drum, funky or Africa” in the title.

George Benson ‘Give Me The Night’ Warner Brothers 7” Single

Never again was he this funky.

Candi Staton ‘Young Hearts Run Free’ Warner Brothers 7” Single

Obviously, Candi Staton holds a special place in the heart of all British house fans because of ‘U Got The Love’ (by The Source Feat. Candi Staton. Effectively, a bootleg of the dub of Frankie Knuckles edit of Jamie Principle’s Chicago classic ‘Your Love’, with a gospel accappella performed by Staton over the top). I’ve always liked this tune.

The Love Unlimited Orchestra ‘Midnight Groove’ 20^th Century Records 7” Single

Certainly not as big as ‘Love’s Theme’ from three years earlier but great and exactly what you’d expect: creeping funk groove with lush strings washing back and forth over the bassline.

Donna Summer with Brooklyn Dreams ‘Heaven Knows’ Casablanca 7” Single

It’s certainly no ‘I Feel Love’, but it’s Donna Summer and it’s on Casablanca, so I’m keeping it for completeness sake, if nothing else.

The Brothers Johnson ‘Stomp’ A&M 7” Single

Off their ‘Light Up The Night’ LP, which I got about a year ago. The biggest ever selling single with another amazing breakdown/middle 8.

The Blackbyrds ‘Walking In Rhythm’ Fantasy 7” Single

From ’74 and a beautiful ode to walking in time to the music in your head. I thought that it was only me that did that. It’s The Blackbyrds, so I’ll even forgive the jazz flute solo (though many wouldn’t).

Earth, Wind & Fire ‘Saturday Nite’ CBS 7” Single

The A-Side is frankly rubbish, but saved by ‘Mighty, Mighty’ on the flip which is a proper head nodder.

The Floaters ‘Float On’ ABC Records 7” Single

Cheesy, cheesy R&B, but weirdly familiar. I’ve got a Floaters LP but haven't (I don’t think) ever listened to it. Worst band name ever.

Brass Construction ‘Ha Cha Cha (Funktion)’ United Artists Records 7”

One assumes that the A-Side has nothing to do with the Ed Rush & Optical tune of the same name (‘Funktion/Naked Lunch’ V Recordings 12”). The corker here is the B-Side ‘Sambo’, which has apparently been sampled by Bob Sinclar (on a track called ‘Visions Of Paradise’ that I’m not familiar with). I can see why though; there’s everything here: funky guitars, hand claps, gang chant vocals, disco strings and Moog warblings.

All in all, not a life changing, but still respectable haul.

More Disco

I saw a few interesting tunes come up on TradeMe recently, realising that I was dealing with a serious audiophile and collector when I read the following statements on his profile page, "I am having a big cull of my record collection, amassed since the '70's. It is now time for someone else to get listening pleasure from these discs of sound. Most of this vinyl has been lovingly cared for from new by me, and carefully played on a Rega Planar 3".

Now, some might think that this is just an idle boast about his chosen (and rather droolworthy) record player, but having now received these records (which were actually very reasonably priced) I'm pretty taken aback by what amazing condition (particularly the vinyl itself) they're in.

Donna Summer 'I Feel Love (Patrick Cowley Mega Mix)/ I Feel Love (Patrick Cowley Edit' Casablanca/Phonogram 12" Single

This is one of the real big ones. Up there with the original 5p loss leader FAC73 'Blue Monday' 12" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Monday_(New_Order_song)), or 'Rockit' by Herbie Hancock (http://vinylology.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/conch-records-visit.html). An absolute must-have 12" for any dance music obsessive like myself.

A few months ago, I discussed acquiring a (http://vinylology.blogspot.co.nz/2012/07/discogs-purge.html) Unabombers curated 'Electric Chair' compilation LP, that had this 15 minute 45 second analogue synth oscillator overload remix of the Donna Summer classic and now I have an absolutely mint copy of the original to boot. (Urban myth has this as the first ever disco tune to feature a drum machine and as such, the first house tune. I'd do little to disagree). 

Parliament 'Funkentelechy Vs. The Placebo Syndrome' Casablanca LP

George Clinton's Parliament project are one of those bands that I'm not that familiar with but I know that I should be. I'm reliably informed that this 1977 set is one of his most consistent. The concept album backstory is so ridiculous that I won't go into it here (it contains an intergalactic bad-guy called 'Sir Nose D'Voidoffunk') but the LP (of which this example is in absolutely mint, as new condition) has not only a poster but a comic book explaining it. I'm going to enjoy spending an evening truly wigging out to what's on here, I'm sure. 

Rose Royce 'II: In Full Bloom' Whitfield Records LP 

For some reason, I always assumed that Rose Royce was a female solo artist, rather than a band. I don't know whether I didn't get the oblique 'Rolls Royce" reference or just didn't think it relevant. Funk/Disco svengali Norman Whitfield's earlier projects (The Temptations/Undisputed Truth) are also favourites, so it's no surprise that I love what's available here. 

The LP features guest spots from (Motown House Band's) The Funk Brothers Melvin "Wah Wah" Harris (whom plays on The Temptations classic, 'Papa Was A Rollin' Stone') and legendary drummer, James Gadsen. (Whom amongst many other soul/funk classics, plays on 'Use Me' by Bill Withers, which is one of my absolute, all time favourites).

Despite not knowing that Rose Royce were actually a band, I've been a fan for a while, up to the point that I own three copies of their weepy favourite, 'Love Don't Live Here Anymore', which I think is the most copies of a single record in my collection. (On one format. I've probably got a few multiple format double ups).

In my defence, my early noughties 12" reissue has 'Is It Love You're After' on the A-Side (notably sampled on nineties dance classic S-Express' 'Theme From S-Express'), the UK Whitfield Records 7", has 'Do It, Do It' on the B-Side, whilst my NZ 7" version (licensed by Warner Brothers) has 'That's Wrong With Me' on the B-Side. 

It's therefore completely logical that I own that many copies. Isn't it?

Beastwars Live

Beastwars ‘Tower of Skulls’ Release Tour

San Francisco Bath House, Cuba Street, Wellington, NZ

Friday 23 November 2012

Support for local heroes (and 2012 Taite Music Prize Finalists) Beastwars, came from Arc of Ascent and Von Thundersvolt – both of whom were sadly forgettable. (They have however convinced me to not make efforts to start my own stoner rock band, which Beastwars advancing years had inspired me to do, so a sensible purpose was served).

The ‘wars (as I expect no one calls them) were involved on a brief, four date mini-tour to promote their new single, ‘Tower Of Skulls bw/ The Sleeper’.

In the relatively short space of time since I first saw Beastwars opening for Fu Manchu (I also attended a gig where they opened for Kyuss in Wellington, though I arrived as they played their last note and similarly arrived too late to see them play at a Melvins/High On Fire) I have managed to acquire two rather fantastic Beastwars T-Shirts (one of which glows in the dark) and what I understand to be the sum and whole of their (albeit small) vinyl output.

Any speculation that I might have had whether my fanboy antics might be some sort of local team supporting instinct were pretty much blown out of the water, when Beastwars came on stage on Friday and were frankly, well, awesome.

The hometown gig confirmed my feelings that not only are Beastwars a great New Zealand band, but that they’d be a great band anywhere.

I’ve read somewhere the original blueprint for the band came from a conversation between their guitarist and drummer, whereby the speculated on whether a band with the riffs of Kyuss and the anthemic chorus’ of The Cult would work.

In short, it does, (though there’s a fairly large dose of Soundgarden in their sound as well).

Downtuned, sub-Sabbath guitars, (the band’s motto is, “obey the riff”), with Tool-esque time and key changes are the norm with vocalist Matt Hyde’s individual vocals varying from a worried whimper to all out bellowing, with the range particularly evident on (my favourite Beastwars track), ‘Mihi’.

(Mihi being a maori word that describes the formal speaking structure used during powhiri, or formal meeting).

The LP’s opener ‘Damn The Sky’, which came later in their set, is probably the bands catchiest song and was a clear audience favourite at the gig (complete with some Lee Renaldo style atonal guitar jangling that doesn’t appear on the recorded version).

The mini-tour was in support of the bands new single, ‘Tower of Skulls’ and I picked up a limited edition (171/200) glow in the dark vinyl 7” version. Both tracks add a Goth element to Beastwars stoner sound, and particularly the B-side ‘Sleeper’, was another corker live.

During a recent TV interview, Hyde commented that should the band win the Taite prize, that the $10,000 prize money would be put towards tickets to Europe to tour their album, which has now seen wider release on the UK’s Witchhunter Records.

It’s fingers crossed from me, because should these guys manage to get to something like HellFest to play, they’re sure to come away with a wider European audience. 

Jump-Up Drum & Bass Backfill

An Auckland based seller that I've bought a few bits off before recently stuck up a few dancefloor bangers that I missed the first time round.

Sub Focus 'Airplane/Flamenco' Ram Records 12" Single
This came out in 2006, which was really at the end of me following (and buying most notable releases from) the drum & bass scene. I bought his 2005 'X-Ray/Scarecrow' single, which was massive in the clubs (and sounds distinctly like it samples Nirvana's 'Breed') but I have to say, I'm not really a massive Sub Focus fan. His sound is very slick, very "software" sounding techy drum & bass. I'm usually much more into more organic sounding tunes. That aside, this is pretty sedate for Sub Focus (and for the wider Ram Records stable). Andy C was hammering this around the time.

Ebony Dubsters 'Power Of Ra (Original Mix)/Power Of Ra (Original Sin Remix)' Ebony Recordings 12" Single
A 2003 slammer from Shy FX on his Ebony label. I've got a few Shy FX tunes and they're always totally dancefloor orientated. 'Power Of Ra' originally came out on a single sided, Ltd. edition etched 12", which I listened to in the shop, thought it was a bit generic and didn't buy. After then hearing it a few times out on big systems, I regretted that decision. Haven't heard the Original Sin Remix as yet, but I'm interested to see whether it's got a better run-in so I can blend it more in the mix. (That was one of the issues with buying the original).

Adam F Feat. M.O.P 'Stand Clear/Stand Clear (Origin Unknown Remix)' Kaos Recordings 12" Single
The Origin Unknown remix was a bit of a monster circa 2002. 2001 had seen the release of Adam F's 'KAOS: The Anti-Acoustic Warfare' LP. Whilst a leading producer in drum & bass circles, Adam F had assembled a stellar cast (including Redman, M.O.P, LL Cool J, Guru and more) for his first foray into Hip-Hop and was at the time being touted as the new Dr. Dre. 'Stand Clear' recycled the bassline from Adam F's drum & bass classic 'Brand New Funk' from the 1998 V Recordings 'Planet V' compilation, so had an existing drum & bass pedigree. Add to that is a trademark Ram Recordings modulated bassline and you've got the perfect track to open a dancefloor set.

Based on my purchase of the Adam F 12", the seller also offered me a vinyl copy of Adam F's 'Drum And Bass Warfare', which collected all the 2002 drum & bass remixes of the material.

To my surprise, what arrived, rather than being the standard vinyl release, was a 2 x 12" picture disk set:

Adam F Feat. Capone 'N' Noreaga 'Listen Here' (Dillinja Remix)
Without having listened to this yet, at a guess, it's going to have Dillinja screaming "Re-Mix.." into an echo chamber and then a bassline from another Dillinja tune. I'm not a huge Dillinja fan. I don't really get Dillinja tunes.

Adam F Feat. Pharoahe Monch 'Last Dayz' (Mickey Finn & L Double Remix)
Of all the artists here, Mickey Finn probably has the longest track history in doing jungle/drum & bass remixes of hip-hop tunes as part of the Urban Takeover crew alongside Aphrodite, so I'm really interested to hear what's on here. This is pretty late for Mickey Finn as well. Whilst being pretty prolific in the mid/late nineties, he was pretty quiet by this time.

Adam F Feat. M.O.P 'Stand Clear' (Matrix & Fierce Remix)
Fierce used to live round the corner from me in Bristol. Didn't know him though. Matrix is a great producer, though perhaps unfairly underrated when compared to his older brother, Optical.

Adam F Feat. L'il Mo 'Where's My' (J Majik Remix)
Interesting that it's done by Adam F's best mate, J Majik who's possibly the only second wave D&B producer as well regarded as Mr. Fenton himself. Weirdly, I picked up a 12" promo of the original hip-hop version last week in Real Groovy for $2.00.

Adam F Feat.L'il Mo 'Where's My' Kaos Promo 12"
Original, Radio Edit and Instrumental. A bit of a steal if you ask me.

I don't really go out of my way to buy picture disks usually (based on their consistently awful sound quality), but whilst unexpected, the "Drum & Bass Warfare" features the artwork from the original 'KAOS' LP inner sleeves, which link up into a cartoon style depictions of all of the artists featured on the LP:

Adam F Presents 'KAOS: The Anti-Acoustic Warfare) 3 x 12" LP
Horrifyingly, this came out 11 years ago. Whilst it's taken me a while, I think that I can safely say that I comfortably "own" the project on vinyl.

(N.B. Whilst I've not bought it on a couple of occasions that it's come up, I may well end up looking for a copy of Adam F Feat. Redman 'Smash Something' (Roni Size Remix) on 12" out of a sense of completism).

Real Groovy

Real Groovy, 438 Queen Street  Auckland, 1010

Having talked about recent visits to Real Groovy spin-off stores (http://vinylology.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/rpms-1st-birthday-01092012.html and http://vinylology.blogspot.co.nz/2012/10/vinyl-countdown.html), it was auspicious that a change in my companies preferred Auckland hotel, put me staying literally over the road from Real Groovy's old head office (and only remaining site).

After work on Thursday 08th, I wandered down on the off-chance that they would be open. What I actually found, is that yes, Real Groovy is open until 9pm on Thursdays and Fridays and that the shop was actually the venue for a meet and greet with The Lizard Man (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lizardman). I actually slightly regret that I didn't have my photo taken with him. (It's pretty unlikely that I'm ever going to meet him again, I think).

Anyways, I had a couple of hours to kill so had a bit of a dig and came away with a few $2 bargains, as well as a couple of more pricey ($17 a piece) but equally interesting bits.

V/A ‘10.01’ Ltd. Edition Moving Shadow 12” EP & V/A ‘10.02’ Ltd. Edition Moving Shadow 12” EP.
Released as part of Moving Shadow’s 10^th anniversary celebrations in 2000, the colour covers show that these were part of the initial limited release (2500 for each). I’ve also got the ’10.04’ and ’10.06’ releases and absolutely loved the Rob Playford (Moving Shadow label owner aka Timecode) helmed 10^th anniversary mix CD, which had 30 tracks (3 for each of the ten years of Moving Shadow’s operations) crammed into a 60 minute mix. Top track on ‘10.01’ is ‘Oh, So Nice’ by Cosmo & Dibs, with ‘10.02’ being led by 2 Bad Mice’s remix of ‘Music Takes You’ by Blame. Purchasing this has really made me want to put together a breakbeat hardcore/jungle techno mix.

Peter Bouncer ‘So Here I Come’ Shut Up & Dance 12” Single.
So, it’s not ‘Raving We’re Raving’, but I thought that this was a bit of a bargain for $2.00. Still has an insert advertising SUAD merchandise (I’ve managed to convince myself that a SUAD coach’s jacket is a good idea, which is perhaps as interesting as the actual music. One for that hardcore mixtape.

Hatiras feat. Slarta John ‘Spaced Invader’ Defected 12” Single
I loved the original (non-vocalled) version of this when it came out but wasn’t yet buying house. I did however buy the single sided Defected 12” drum & bass remix, which was done by…..

J Majik Presents ‘The Lizard’ Infrared 12” Single
I remember this coming out but didn’t buy it at the time. I particularly enjoyed watching J Majik B2B with Wickaman at The Old Fire Station in Bristol. During a particularly rinsing set, he turned off Skibadees’s (the world’s most overrated drum & bass MC) microphone several times. Yeah, “Deal With Da Matter”, Skibba, you douchebag. J Majik is/was best friends with:

Adam F Presents ‘Where’s My….’ (Feat. Little Mo) EMI Promo 12” Single
I’ve got the 3 x 12” LP set of the Kaos: The Anti-Acoustic Warfare album that this is off already, but y’know – it’s Adam F and it was $2.

 Mathematics + Tactile ‘Chonga/Vibra Theme’ Social Studies 12” Single
Mathematics are a consistently strong liquid D&B act from New York and this is the first release that I’ve bought off their own label. The centre label for Social Studies is actually one of my favourites on any label.

I’ve got a bit of history with Mathematics; having really liked their ‘Jersey Deep’ 12” on Defunked, I bought ‘Black Jack/Sunday Morning’, a very early 12” on Critical and then a Frontline promo 12” of ‘Funhouse/Brass Knuckles’, which I hammered for a good eighteen months after it came out.

Dylan & Facs ‘Blowpipe/Pantsnake’ Fuze Promo 12” Single
This was again $2 and still has the response sheet in it. It’s very early Dylan (late ‘90’s, at a guess). Facs I’ve never heard of, but Dylan I know from his millenial output on Renegade Hardware and Outbreak, then later from his Therapy Sessions night in Bristol. He later moved to Philadelphia, I believe.

Culprit ‘No Need To Ask’ Exceptional 12” Single
Strange, sort of dark ambient/breakbeat. Bought almost solely for the Reso Remix on the B-Side. Worth $2 for that alone.