The Gentlemen Of Leisure

Kelenkye Band - Highlife.wmv

2011-10-06T19:55:00.000-07:00

Our good friends at "Superflyrecords" in Paris have re-issued this incredible holy grail ghana funk record. "Kelenkye Band".

available for the first time in 30 years this high quality re-issue is one of the best attempts to adapt american funk and disco to the african market. Includes the african rare groove anthem "Jungle Music". limited to 1000 copies worldwide. Don't sleep.

Disco Blaze!

2011-09-20T11:00:00.001-07:00

Rare as hell afro-disco-funk from outta Nigeria in the late 1970's. This is only taken from a reissue 'cos this one never shows up and when it does, it inevitably goes for some insane amount of money. I don't know anything about it, except that it is serious fire on the dancefloor. Check it out!

Disco Blaze - Jump Back (Comm' Of The Fireballs) (African Sun LP 'Jump Back' 2010 reissue)

Melbourne TPOAO 45 launch!

2011-09-20T09:57:00.000-07:00

Holy crap.

We just toured Cairns, Sydney and Katoomba and we are feeling pretty damn good. 45 has been out for a week and the people are digging it! We are so excited about this one.
Also launching are the amazing Bombay Royale with their insane Bollydisco 45 'Sote Sote Adhi Raat'. Backed by the incredible Cactus Channel and with myself manning the decks this is shaping as my Gig Of The Year TM. If you live in Melbourne and you don't come... well I'm sorry buddy, I just can't help you.

Check out The Bombay Royale 45 here

Check out the recent 45 from Cactus Channel here

To buy yourself some tickets call 03 9427 9198 or click here

The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra - Mr Clean 45

2011-09-20T09:10:00.000-07:00

My band 'The Public Opinon Afro Orchestra' has a new 45 out - Mr Clean... this is it!

The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra - Mr Clean (Full Version) by HopeStreet Recordings

If you dig it, buy it on vinyl kid! It's really the only way to experience quality music. And this wonderous experience can be all yours for unbelievebly low, low, low $12! That's right, 12 freaking dollars (that's only 11.50US or 9.5EU, wow!)
http://www.hopestreetrecordings.com/releases/mr-clean/

This was my first attempt at writing a press release thingamy too, tells the tale a bit I guess.

Following up on their ARIA-nominated album “Do Anything Go Anywhere” and their sold-out 12” “Two Sides of the Truth” The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra bring some more hard-hitting afro-funk to the dance-floors of Australia and beyond with the new release “Mr Clean”. Comprising 17 Melbourne-based musicians, many with origins in Africa, they draw from these diverse backgrounds in creating a heavy afro sound that is uniquely their own.

“Follow your leader!” comes the chorus as guitarist Dave Marama, channeling the power of freedom fighters past, steps up to the mic and delivers his funky sermon. Mr Clean is his vision of leading his native Africa with wisdom and empathy, as something virtually unheard of these days; a clean, honest politician. You might say “he’s dreaming” but give this man a chance and by the end he’ll have your vote I promise! And don’t worry he’s not out fighting on his own – he’s there with the hardest rhythm section as his foot soldiers, the meanest horn section as his cavalry and a frontline of singers and dancers that would make a grown man weep.

This up-tempo afro-funk stormer has ‘club hit’ stamped all over it. It might be over 8 mins long, spread over both sides of the 45 (DJ’s, you neeeeed doubles!) but if you’re on a dancefloor when the needle hits the groove, you’ll find yourself a heaving, sweaty mess by the end.

Available on 7″ 45rpm vinyl and digital, “Mr Clean” was recorded live to analogue tape in the abandoned textile factory that serves as the HopeStreet recording studio. This rarefied atmosphere coupled with the warmth of the beautiful vintage gear can be really felt in the raw, dirty power of this groove.

ESKILL & VICKY ECOUTE MA MELODIE

2011-09-19T22:42:00.000-07:00

ESKILL & VICKY - ECOUTE MA MELODIE

Just picked up this great afro LP backed by the legendary Beninese "Poly rythmo Orchestre".

Includes the Killer dance floor number "Ecoute Ma Melodie".

nice drums on intro and amazing horns. very nice indeed.

Peep the DL below

http://www.divshare.com/download/15762444-efa

LOU COURTNEY - HOT BUTTER N' ALL

2011-09-08T00:31:00.000-07:00

LOU COURTNEY - HOT BUTTER N' ALL

A 45 I've been after for a while now, finally picked it up. I've been rocking "Hey Joyce" for a few years now and always loved the rawness of it.

But I gotta say I think this little slice of heavy JB'S style funk wins.

mid tempo, strong drums, lots of screams and wails everything I want in a funk 45

peep the dl in usual gentlemen wav format below.

http://www.divshare.com/download/15683004-411

STEVO - PAY THE PRICE!!!

2011-08-31T21:51:00.000-07:00

Nice little disco/funk 45 arrived in the mail.

I first heard this record on a Kon & Amir mixtape (the one they did for 101 apparel) and just had to had it. When Kon was in town I hit him up and was like I need to know what 2 tracks of that mix are, He told me this one and another that was so rare he only knew one other guy with the 45.

the track is by the US BAND and is called "you did it to me" if anyone has this please hook a brother up.

I don't know anything about Stevo but I do know that tommy stewart is playing horns on this track.

That is Tommy (bump n' hustle music) stewart.

this is the 45 rip but there is an extended 12" mix available on TK records 1979.

peep the Dl below

http://www.divshare.com/download/15643950-1df

New Mix tape

2011-08-23T20:16:00.000-07:00

so I'm a bit sick of people telling me

"Hip Hop Sucks These Days" I'll admit

theres a lot of garbage out there but

if you look and listen you'll find the good

shit.

So this is a mix of brand new hip hop

even got a few of the homies on there,

Kid Tsunami (watch out for this kid),

RuCL & Taku.

1. hassaan mackey/ apollo brown - volume
2. elzhi - detroit state of mind
3. pete rock & smiff n wessun - monumental ft tyler woods
4. marcus - I shine ft royce da 5'9, justis & kid vishis
5.Thurz - riot ft black thought
6. taku - hey kids
7. kid tsunami - catch wreck ft o.c
8. RuCL - driving me crazy
9. j. cole - who dat
10 . Pharoahe monch - shine ft Mela Machinko
11. jay z & kanye west - welcome to the jungle
12. Termanology - welcoome to the jungle freestlye
13. Ghostfunk - dem back
14. Dynas - it's my turn
15. Trek Life as the world turns ft oliver day soul
16. Common & Nas - ghetto dreams

peep the dl here

http://soundcloud.com/charlie-bucket/just-listen-new-hip-hop-mix

R.I.P NICK ASHFORD

2011-08-22T21:02:00.000-07:00

We say goodbye to another legend of soul music today as "Nick Ashford" from husband and wife duo "Ashford and Simpson" has passed away from complications with throat Cancer.

Ashford's input into Soul music, disco and his influence in Modern forms of dance music is undeniable. From the early days of writing hits for Motown with his partner in crime "Valerie Simpson", The duo were responsible for such hits as "Aint no mountain high enough" (Marvin gaye & tammi terrell & "Cry like a baby" (Aretha Franklin).

To the proto disco sounds of "Chaka Khan", "Diana Ross" & "Teddy pendergrass".

In 1974 Ashford & Simpson got married and continued their career as a duo with the Warner bros album "Gimme something real" Followed by the hit singles "Don't cost you nothing", "It seems to hang on", "Is it still good to ya", and one of my personal favourites "Street corner".

I have been playing "Ashford & Simpson" records regularly for about 10 years and most likely always will. You will be missed "Nick Ashford" R.I.P

http://www.divshare.com/download/15585927-13c

Sample Nerds On The 23rd

2011-08-22T09:11:00.000-07:00

A bit of mid tempo funk from Sly Stone. This was the first record he did without 'The Family Stone' attached to the end of his name and it came during the most off-his-face period of his career. His previously sizeabe musical influence was on the wane and he was getting heavier and heavier into cocaine. I heard a story that for the front cover they wanted to have a photo of him jumping in the air. When they got to the shoot though he was just too high (apparently no 'on you' either) and they couldn't even get him on his feet, let alone jumping. The solution was to get a sheet of thick glass, lay him on it and shoot from underneath. Look at his eyes and tell me that isn't true!

Sly Stone - Crossword Puzzle 320kbps mediafire dl

Now I don't really think I need to post up Hall & Oates flip but I will include the guitar that Prince Paul sped up and looped nicely. I'm a massive Prince Paul fan and would have him in my Top 10 producers ever, easy. I just love the way he crams all those layers in and even when they feel bumpy, they feel right. I supported him once and can say that he is not only a great party DJ but also a real top bloke. Anyways this was a 1972 Westbound release from The Detroit Emeralds. Speaking of record covers too, how good is this one? Can never go wrong with a fur coat, a caddy and a fine lady in hot pants!

The Detroit Emeralds - Baby Let Me Take You In My Arms 320kbps mediafire dl

Of course I could post up the track that sampled these two but jeez, surely you own De La Soul's '3 Feet High & Rising', everybody does. Don't they? So instead let's just check the first promo clip that De La did for the track

Bonus:

Sly in form

Sly out of form. But still awesome

You can catch myself and Chris down at this...

2011-08-22T07:24:00.001-07:00

Melbourne people take note, this will be killer!

Ivan 'Boogaloo Joe' Jones - Right On Brother

2011-08-22T05:33:00.000-07:00

Was wandering down Gertrude St with my daughter today and stuck my head in to say what's up to Chris at Northside Records. I saw this little baby on the wall and man... I just had to go home, lay the monkey down for a nap and listen to it again immediately. I'm such a sucker for 70's Prestige jazz records, I could listen to Funk Inc, Charles Kynard, Gene Ammons et al for days. All those crazy jazz muso's (the absolute A-team of Pretty Purdie, Charles Earland, Rusty Bryant and Jimmy Lewis join him on this one) exploring the emerging funk sound but all still retaining their own flavour of jazz. All different and all so damn fine in their own right. This one is no exception. This one is unbelieveably the 5th solo record he layed down in a three year period and it features some fieriest funk guitar work you will ever hear. I love how you can hear it all in his sound in this track; blues, jazz and soul combining and hitting it so hard for the dancefloor. If you hurry it might still be on that wall!

Ivan 'Boogaloo Joe' Jones - Brown Bag (Prestige LP 1970, 'Right On Brother')320kbps mediafire dl

Leon Haywood

2011-08-14T05:19:00.000-07:00

Time for a dancefloor jam

Leon Haywood - Don't Push It, Don't Force It (20th Century 12", 1980) mediafire dl 320kbps

MC 1/6

2011-08-13T21:24:00.000-07:00

My man MC 1/6, a fellow member of The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra, has been killing it of late. One dope solo EP out and another set to drop anytime now; his supports shows for the likes Mos Def, MF Doom and Del Tha Funky Homosapien (amongst many others) have been slaying them. Now Del has also chosen of his tracks for a mixtape he put together... check it out!

link to Del's Funky Leak Pack Aug. 2011 @ bandcamp

Check out his solo EP 'Inbox' on his own bandcamp page:
oneslashsixmusic.bandcamp.com

Keep an eye out for his upcoming release 'Electronic Mail' too... I'll let you know for sure!

Soul-A-Go-Go

2011-08-04T05:29:00.000-07:00

Don't forget about this on Saturday night either gang - the finest funk party in the southern hemispere if not the world!! Get down early because we are always full by about 10.30... it's going to be a stormer.

I Can't Write Left Handed

2011-08-04T05:11:00.000-07:00

Fuck me, how good is this?

We do like comments here too by the way!

Some Sharp Indictor Siblings

2011-08-04T01:03:00.000-07:00

Alright... that was a reeeeaaaal fun weekend and it's pretty much taken me until know to recover. Nothing but drinking and top-notch wax for 54 hours straight and then back to my side of the continent. For those who don't know that's the best part of a 3400km trip but there was a whole lotta fun had by all so big ups to my main man Charlie Bucket for hooking a brother up.

Now for some music.

So I was at the record store (Northside Records, where I work) and I came across this Pointer Sisters record from 1977 that I'd never seen before. It was only a fiver and to be honest I didn't really hold a lot of hope for it's quality. But The Sisters did some great stuff in the '70's so on it went and out popped a couple of dope jams. Jams like this!

The Pointer Sisters - Don't Drive You Crazy (Blue Thumb LP 'Having A Party', 1977) mediafire download 320kbps

Apparently it was the least successful record they ever did but I real dig the laidback, slightly spacey disco vibe and so much better than the cheesey nonsense the became known for later. Gadson on the skins never hurts either! So this would be the most recent Pointer Sisters track I heard but the first one I ever heard would still have to rate as my favourite...

The Pointer Sisters - Pinball Number Count (DJ Food Re-edit) mediafire download 320kbps

I'll be returning to the airwaves tomorrow afternoon on PBS 106.7FM in Melbourne but you can stream it live or indeed at time by hitting www.pbsfm.org.au... Plenty of killer funk, african and latin to be heard so tune in!

THE GENTLEMEN OF LEISURE RTRFM

2011-08-01T00:05:00.001-07:00

So last weekend Manchild joined in perth for some killer shows and a very special radio show on the 30th of july.

If you dig afro restream this show here

http://www.rtrfm.com.au/shows/globalrhythmpot

nothing but super rare afro being dropped from our personal collections including an exclusive unreleased public opinion afro beat orchestra joint, and a record so rare its the only copy in Oz.

Charlie Bucket -- Think Twice Mix

2011-07-31T23:56:00.000-07:00

Howdy folks

So I have been co running a Promotional company called "Think Twice" for two years now with my business partner Jimmy "the lips" murphy.

We've had the pleasure of bringing some amazing artists over such as "Kurtis Blow" pictured with us.

I decided to put a mix together of the kind of music we spin at our friday club night at "The Manor". More on the party, hip hop vibe I hope you enjoy. cut and paste the URL below.

http://soundcloud.com/charlie-bucket/think-twice-mix-tape-charlie

oh word? i forgot to be a sample nerd. on the 23rd.

2011-07-26T00:02:00.000-07:00

what a turd...

so don't believe what you heard
i didn't forget, just a few days deferred

the bass was third. this bobby's a byrd.

Bobby Byrd - Hot Pants... I'm Coming, I'm Coming, I'm Coming (Brownstone 45 1971)

3rd Bass - Oval Office (Def Jam LP 'The Cactus Album' 1989)

Seun Kuti moves that booty

2011-07-24T18:56:00.000-07:00

Seun Kuti has embraced his family musical legacy, taking the lead from his father Fela & older brother Femi, producing a second album full of fire and fury. He is backed by The Eypyt '80, his father's last group and enlists Brian Eno and John Reynolds on production duties.

Interestingly when I was in Nigeria people didn't seem to rate him that highly and thought of him more as a 'Fela cover band'. The general consensus was that his brother the true keeper of the music as he had evolved and taken the music somewhere new, whereas Seun took a more traditional approach. I don't give a shit about any of that because I really dig a lot of Seun's stuff and can't wait to hear more as he becomes more comfortable in his own musical skin over the next few years.
Rise is from his second album 'From Africa With Fury' and he has posted it up for free!

Rise by Knitting Factory

Also check out this very cool interview with Seun by Wax Poetics TV

Colombian heeeet

2011-07-23T01:46:00.000-07:00

Just a little bit of Colombian latin heat for your weekend - Fruko Y Sus Tesos! That scoundrel Charlie Bucket will be going there in a few months so he better be copping me some nuggets...

Fruko Y Sus Tesos - El Preso (Colombia, Discos Fuentes 45, 1976) mediafire download

Spaticus Autisticus

2011-07-23T01:06:00.000-07:00

Having inflicted upon myself a serious degree of self analysis I have come to the conclusion that I, like a great deal of the population it may appear, am mildly (mildly) autistic.

You know I used to work with these autistic kids and those motherfuckers were crazy as shit. Johnno used to eat cigarette butts off the ground and then sprint away with his hips bent forward at 90 degrees, his head staring at the ground, arms trailing behind like a blind super-ostrich.

Kevin was the 130 kg, 16 year old who loved to eat. No I mean loved to eat. He once escaped from his teachers, broke into the staff room and ate an entire 4L tub of ice-cream. He'd been gone no more than 5 minutes. Another time he scaled the 12ft fences and 'ran' to the nearest KFC. From there he jumped the counter, grabbed as much chicken he could stuff in a box and headed off down the Western Ring Road on foot. The cops pulled him soon enough but I pity the poor 15-yr old KFC employee who had to encounter this brute charging them, screaming like the proverbial autistic-kid-bumrushing-a-KFC and pounding his forehead with both fists like it was the only thing between him and his non-retardation. Oh yeah, sorry but I forgot to mention that if Kevin encountered any obstacle during the day, his first response was to beat against his forehead to the point where he had developed an obscenely prominent calluse in the middle of his forehead over the years. His side-on profile really did resemble that of one of Wile E. Coyote's stray boulder victim's.

Kane would call out the names of each street as you drove past them as he new them by name; your very own kiddie singsong GPS. He also used to steal my mix cassettes from the van (which I made in a vain effort to impress a girl) and tape over them with Craig 'Huggy' Huggins from Gold 104.3, who-ever the fuck he is (curse his soul).

Max farted blood into a doctors face once but we are going to have to get really, really high before I can let that one out (pun intended).

The thing is these kids didn't really get the consequences of what they were doing, they just did stuff. The world didn't exist outside of their head so they'd better make sure that crazy movie happening out there is nice and interesting. They just did things for themselves. Sometimes it kinda made sense, sometimes it really didn't. Maybe all we do is the same and hope that what we do doesn't result in anyone getting covered in poo and blood and please let that be all. I remember I met a lady who classified herself to me as 'a bit autistic' and she looked and sounded just like anyone else. Then one time she reached across me and grabbed a glass of water from my hand and started drinking it without hesitation before a cursory glace in my direction stopped her dead. She explained that she was sorry but she only realised that the water not for her to drink after my face looked shocked. She didn't recognise it as 'mine' but she was thirsty and it was water. She only knew it was 'mine' because when people look at her like that when she had a drink, that's what must have just happened.

There is a theory that we all fit somewhere on 'the autism spectrum'. I like that theory. If I'm thirsty why can't I drink that water? We're always working for ourselves anyway, just some of us can manage to do it while affecting less people negatively. Shit, do we ever do anything truly altruistically? Don't you just give money to charity to make yourself feel better? Is it empathy or the satisfying of guilt? Won't that even up the karma scales given I wear Nike and don't give a fuck about the kids that make them?

We're all on that spectrum somewhere.

Time to hear from the greatest spazmo of them all...

Ian Dury & The Blockheads - Spasticus Autisticus mediafire download

Ian Dury & The Blockheads - Reasons To Be Cheerful pt. 3 mediafire download

*Note: all the names have been changed for this story, obviously

Quantic

2011-07-21T06:26:00.000-07:00

Not wanting to state the obvious but how good is Quantic? One of the only contemporary musicians that is continually envolving and expanding his sound and slipping chameleon-like into whichever guise he chooses. Soul to cumbia to hip-hop to dub-step, he manages to do it all and do it all well. Everytime he releases something I almost underestimate it on first listen - it's good but everything he does is good and I've got plenty of his records. I kind of feel like that with James Brown, Curtis Mayfield and Roy Ayers records. But just as it is when I find a new one of their records, I listen again and the gold just sticks out proper and I have to get it. This is how I have invariably and most accidentally become a Quantic completist.

The recent 12" he did, 'Caliventura remixes', is just like that. Remixes from the 'Tradition In Transition' album by the likes of Cut Chemist, J-Boogie and Daedelus, I was a bit indifferent at first but it just keeps growing on me.
This one is a remix by DJ Day and I've been playing it all about town...

Quantic & His Combo Barbaro - Mas Pan (DJ Day remix) mediafire download

You also get a free download card with the vinyl that includes the instrumentals and a bonus, most excellent Jeremy Sole dub so go cop it

Quantic Y Su Conjunto Los Miticos Del Ritmo - Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang (Dr. Dre cover) by Cover Me

I'm still waiting for this one in the post but it sounds pretty cool; cumbia-style covers of Dre, Dilla, Outkast, et al. Sadly sold out all over the world so I hope you already got yourself one.

Tune into myself and Arks later today on 'The Breakdown' on PBS 106.7FM 3-5pm in Melbourne. We'll be playing all kinds of funk & funky business and you can listen live on the net at pbsfm.org.au/breakdown as well as go back and stream it back anytime in the future.

JAYMES MARQUES - BERIMBAU

2011-07-20T00:40:00.000-07:00

JAYMES MARQUES - BERIMBAU

Jaymes Marques is a brazilian musician born in 1936 in campo grande.

He moved to spain in the 60's and made a dozen or so decent bossa records.

this particular track a cover of the baden powell original which has been covered by almost every artist worth mentioning from brazil.

released in 1995 this version has gone unnoticed which is weird because it is an absolute rare groove monster. Peep the DL below

http://www.divshare.com/download/15348328-f4c

A funky social-conciousness

2011-07-14T06:04:00.000-07:00

Got a real nice slice of that 'social concious funk' that all the ~~kiddies~~ old people seem to be talking about these days. Coming outta Detroit, Michigan in the Mid Wes' US, Laurence Thomas is a man on a mission and he has an important message for us. Something about kids and pimps and some other dude chilling with a cigar. But seriously this is a real cool, laidback funk groove set against some tough fatback drums (open break at the start for the heads!) and it never hurts for a vocalist to be singing about something they are really feeling now does it?

Laurence Thomas - Why Young Kids Stray (Soul'o'Sonic 45 1974)

I will be playing this on my radio show tomorrow afternoon ('The Breakdown' on PBS 106.7FM 3-5pm in Melbourne) and if you wanna check it out it not only streams live but can be listened back to here...

pbsfm.org.au/breakdown

manchild out!

Ghostfunk

2011-07-14T05:41:00.000-07:00

Holy crap. So I thought I was The King Of Shit starting up my little Sample-Nerd on the 23rd thing and then almost instantly the universe pulled me up like 'a-yo you missed one son'. Indeed I did universe, indeed I did...

Ghostfunk - 01 - Make It N.Y. by Max Tannone

This was from a project put together by that kid Max Tannone who did the very-much-on-point Mos Dub and Dub Kweli remixes. It's essentially Ghostface Killah remixes using samples from afro-funk and afrobeat records... MF genius I tells ya. He has also taken it upon himself to pull a serious big-dude move and put the whole thing up as a free download on Soundcloud. So why are you still reading my nonsense? Get over there and get you some dammit!

soundcloud.com/maxtannone/sets/ghostfunk-1

LA BANDA DE LISANDRO - MARTA LA REINA

2011-07-10T22:14:00.000-07:00

LA BANDA DE LISANDRO - MARTA LA REINA

This track is a Colombian cumbia from the 80's and is as deep as it gets.

Quantic has been rocking this for a minute and its a slow tempo, hypnotic cumbia much in the style of lito barrientes or michi sarmiento.

The Lp "Arrinconala" also contains a cover of "El Lobo" by "wganda kenya".

peep the DL below.

http://www.divshare.com/download/15284291-b9d

FAIR NICK STARS - ARRETE MAI PALE

2011-07-10T21:58:00.000-07:00

FAIR NICK STARS - ARRETE MAI PALE

This jam is a caribbean club classic recently compiled on the sofrito tropical discotheque compilation. The Album is self titled, and this is the stand out track.

Don't know much about these guys other than this tune is banging. never fail on the tropical tip. Peep the DL below

:	http://www.divshare.com/download/15284258-170

WHAM BANG

2011-07-05T23:33:00.000-07:00

WHAM BANG - EARTH AND SPACE

Okay gonna get super record nerdy here for this one. Wham bang were a Kraut rock fusion 3 piece from hamburg. This Lp ES cam out in 1979 on a private press.

This album has a real jazz funk twist and is littered with breaks. The combination of strong drums, funky bass and awesome fender piano and moog sounds make it a very funky affair but probably not everyones cup of tea.

The track "Earth and Space" is in my opinion the strongest joint on there. If not only for the awesome break intro.

peep the dl below

http://www.divshare.com/download/15248366-ef9

Sample nerd-out on the 23rd: Make It Fast

2011-06-23T01:33:00.000-07:00

Right-o.

Starting today and appearing everyday on the 23rd of the month is the great monthly 'Sample Nerd-Out'. Don't ask me why, it just is what it is, deal with it, next issue. I'm a nerd and so are you, get over it, next issue. I like sample spotting, just do, don't know why, it is what it is, next issue...

You might have noticed that we reeaaally dig african records, specifically afro-funk. One of my favourite artists from Ghana is a man simply known as Rob who released a couple of hard-out funk records in the late 70's both of which trade hands for $500-$1000 - if you can actually find one that is. Originally out on Essiebons the first (and best) is about to be re-issued on the always on-point Analog Africa imprint and is essential!

Anyway this track is actually from the second record and is my favourite track he did. And how often do you hear a male orgasm on record and it not be all creepy?

Rob - Make It Fast, Make It Slow

You know when you hear a killer hip-hop beat and then when you go back to the original it always feels like a hip-hop beat even though it's a funk record and you think 'why didn't I think to just loop it up and make it?'. Yeah, me too. But I guess that's why J Dilla was J Dilla and you serve me my fries. It helps if you have Guilty there to throw down some ridiculously gangsta hype over the top. A recipe for awesomeness no doubt. Big shouts to my man Edd Fisher for putting me onto this

Guilty Simpson - Make It Fast

Accordion

2011-06-23T01:12:00.000-07:00

Hands up if you like MF Doom? Keep 'em up if you like the Roots. Now sit down on the ground and put both feet in the air if you like Weird 'Al' Yankovic too.

This is for you...

That is what you are hearing people; 'Accordion' by Madvillain as played by The Roots and Weird 'Al' Yankovic. One of my favourite beats ever, sounding just as beautiful as ever.

And if you've been sleeping...

Madvillain - Accordion

Bonuses...

Madvillain/Daedelus/Hudson Mohawke - Accordion (Flying Lotus mash-up)

Madvillain - Accordion (Four Tet remix)

DANCING AT THE DISCO

2011-06-21T19:40:00.000-07:00

JABO - DANCING AT THE DISCO

"Must be jelly, jam don't shake like that".

A strong slept on 45, midtempo funky discoish groover.

awesome drums that keep in the pocket. When I first heard this I thought maybe it was "Jabo starks" ex james brown drummer (the funky drummer). But as it turns out its not. I don't know much about Jabo but I know this record is dope. A rare one too. "Your Welcome".

peep the DL below.

http://www.divshare.com/download/15150279-dc4

Akua Naru

2011-06-15T23:42:00.000-07:00

Slept on this for a bit but I'm digging this nice little groove coming outta Germany via the states - female MC's represent!

Akua Naru - The World Is Listening

Elmatic

2011-06-15T20:48:00.000-07:00

We all copped this yeah? Elzhi from Slum Village doing his thing over Illmatic beats played live by Detroits Will Sessions band. No arguments.

Elzhi - Elmatic

Vibes from The Tribe

2011-06-15T20:29:00.000-07:00

Can't wait to check this out. Saw Tribe for the first time last year and was blown away for real - I've always loved Tribe but had been burnt by too many of my heroes turning up and just going through the motions for a payday but Tip and the boys seriously brought the fire.

LUCKY FELLOW

2011-06-15T02:15:00.001-07:00

LUCKY FELLOW - LEROY HUTSON

Taken from the 1975 LP "Hutson"

a seriously essential record!!! including the rare groove winner with the crazy break "All because of you". as well as the smooth jazzy "cool out", but I have always loved "Lucky Fellow"

A smooth excursion in Jazz funk, that plays on the heartstrings too. cop the DL below

http://www.divshare.com/download/15103840-f2f

but this is a record you need!!!

I've got what you need...

2011-06-14T03:03:00.000-07:00

and that is this killer tune. Now download, listen, repeat.

So last Friday at about 7.30pm I get the call: would you like to come and play a support slot at the Biz Markie gig tonight? Um, perhaps...

Been on a high all the week since then so time for a little sample-spotting nerdness!

Freddie Scott - You Got What I Need

Dexter Wansel

2011-06-14T02:48:00.000-07:00

So I finally got around to copping a copy of this and I found out exactly why it's such a classic. Really loving the spacey production and tight drum sound. And how can you argue with that cover... the nerd from outta space!

Yeah he might look like a dork Mr Manchild but don't be disrespecting the man behind the group Yellow Sunshine; the man who helped shape the Philly sound with our friends Gamble and Huff; the man who penned 'Nights Over Egypt' for the Jones Girls... how many times did you get sampled in 'Jack Of Spades' hey?

You're in line for a slap kid.

I'm sorry voice in my head that's responsible for that paragraph, this voice in my head won't do it again.

You'd better not.

Dexter Wansel - You Can Be What You Wanna Be

SWEET MOTHER OF MERCY

2011-06-13T23:22:00.000-07:00

NASTY (PRODUCED BY SALAAM REMI) NAS

okay so normally here at the gentlemen headquarters we try to keep things on the discerning tip afro,jazz, soul, funk, latin and all that other good ish

BUT SOMETIMES

we get so crazzzy make us wanna smack a bitch hahahahahahahahaha

this is what we listen to when we wanna do that!!

http://soundcloud.com/nasirjones/nasty-produced-by-salaam-remi

For real

2011-06-11T23:52:00.000-07:00

For Real - charlie bucket

new beat nice fun feel good funk tune blending some Dramatics with black heat drums.

to get the DL follow this link

http://www.divshare.com/download/15070069-988

or check my soundcloud here

http://soundcloud.com/charlie-bucket

Soul-A-Go-Go

2011-06-02T00:49:00.000-07:00

Melbourne peeps, this Saturday the biggest funk & soul party in the southern hemisphere makes it's way back to the northside aka the right side!! Apologies to my southside brethren but sometimes it just is the way it is! Come down and check out the new venue at Bella Union, Trades hall and get down like you know you should. Hit me up for guestlist action kids...

BLACK HEAT

2011-06-02T00:41:00.000-07:00

BLACK HEAT - ZIMBA KU

Zimba Ku taken from the 1975 LP " Keep on running". A solid rare groove classic with killer break intro.

This is my favourite Black heat joint and can make a smooth transition from playing deep funk into rare groove.

http://www.divshare.com/download/14995669-5fa

Mos Def live blend/remix

2011-06-01T23:12:00.000-07:00

Ok, just a little live remix of Mos Def's 'Ms. Fat Booty' that I've been playing around the traps recently. It's essentially me blending the Mos Def acapella off the 12" over an african percussion track (on 45). I came up with it during a freestyle session with MC's Nfa & 1/6 a coupla weeks back. I finally got around to recording so get ya'selves over to my soundcloud page and cop it immediately! Hope ya dig...

Mos Def - Ms. Fat Booty (dj manchild live blend) by djmanchild

I'll be giving it a spin on The Breakdown tomorrow arvo so check it at www.pbsfm.org.au/breakdown

The Breakdown radiofestival

2011-05-30T22:46:00.001-07:00

And a big thankyou to anyone who subscribed to my radio show The Breakdown here in Melbourne on PBS 106.7FM, it was a real buzz to see that so many people are digging the quality music - it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside... if you are still yet jump on check pbsfm.org.au/breakdown and do your thing!

So anyways here is another special thankyou from me and the second funkiest highschool band of all time (shouts to The Cactus Channel) The Kashmere Stage Band

The Kashmere Stage Band - Thankyou (album version)

El Rego et Ses Commandos

2011-05-30T22:28:00.000-07:00

Hot damn! Charlie is slaying me on the afro/tropical tip at the moment so I just gotta come back with a little afro-heeeeeet for you all...

Now here's a tight little 45 from Cotonou, Benin (previously Dahomey) and features band leader Theophile Do Rego aka El Rego on Contra-Bass alongside his new Ghanese soul singer named Eddy Black Power. Earlier playing latin-influenced sounds as a member of Gnonnas Pedros 'Los Panchos' group, Djobime is one of El Rego's earliest forays into funky territory and it represents his heaviest work in my opinion.

Enjoy!

El Rego et Ses Commandos - Djobime 45

APOSTLES

2011-05-19T23:52:00.000-07:00

"WISDOM"

This Lp is a feel good dance floor orientated afro excursion from Nigeria on EMI records.

it includes the dance floor winner

"Feeling Happy". Definitely the standout track but the rest of the album is nice too.

http://www.divshare.com/download/14886314-5f3

AVOLONTO HONORE

2011-05-19T23:36:00.000-07:00

LA MORT N' A PAS DE DATE FIXE

just picked up an o.g of this incredible record by Avolonto Honore, an artist from benin backed by the masters of Afro-funk "The Poly Rythmo orchestre".

check this track "NA MI DO GBE HUE NU".

Pure dancefloor afro funk at its best.

http://www.divshare.com/download/14886286-b50

EKAMBI BRILLANT

2011-05-11T22:50:00.000-07:00

EKAMBI BRILLANT - AFRICA OUMBA FROM 1975

His Rarest and in my opinion best LP super awesome afro disco funk with the top track being

"ABOKI"

enjoy.

http://www.divshare.com/download/14813635-289

SOM TRES

2011-05-11T22:41:00.000-07:00

SOM TRES self titled Lp from 1969 heavy brazilian breaks and a sure shot dancefloor winner at "homenagem a mongo".

enjoy

http://www.divshare.com/download/14813563-e5f

ALFREDO LINARES

2011-05-09T22:21:00.000-07:00

Alfredo Linares is such an important figure in colombian music. He changed the way salsa piano was played forever. Now he resides in Cali Colombia and is a part of UK artist Will Hollands new project "Quantic's Combo Bario".

This album Mi nuevo Ritmo contains the classic "Ritmo Caliente" and the jazzy "Alma Y Sentimiento" but the whole album is dope.

ritmo caliente.wav

ORLANDIVO

2011-05-09T00:06:00.000-07:00

"Orlandivo" with his self titled LP. The hottest track being "Onde Anda O Meu Amor"

A silky smooth Brazilion joint with nice keys on the intro and a dope bass line.

http://www.divshare.com/download/14788005-eca

Toni Tornado

2011-05-09T00:03:00.001-07:00

Toni Tornado "Me liberte" taken from the album BR3. A sweet slice of brazilian funk. I thought I had struck gold until I realised "NASA" had already used this for their joint "Hip hop" feat KRS1.

http://www.divshare.com/download/14788016-c8b

Cinnamon suns

2011-05-08T23:57:00.000-07:00

This record is straight fire coming out of trinidad with the top track being " Party time" a hot very clubby tropical funk jam. But the whole record is dope.

http://www.divshare.com/download/14788023-b5a

Battle in RIo

2011-05-08T23:55:00.001-07:00

http://www.divshare.com/download/14788070-b44

okay so new beat here an 80's brazilian funk Jam turned tropical future beat with synthy breakdown

enjoy.

The Breakdown: a visit from Peril & Prequel

2010-10-19T07:14:00.000-07:00

Listen to the whole thing here

I started off with a little Fela thing due to the fact that it was his birthday and I'd gotten some crazy Fela records recently. Have been trying to decide on a cover to play at Scatter Scatter with The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra too. Right now I'm leaning towards this:

But for now you fine people get to dig on:

Fela Kuti - Who're You? (Makossa LP 'Fela's London Scene' 1971) mediafire

This bad boy was recorded in '71 and features Ginger Baker on another track. Was released about the same time as the live record and it shares a couple of songs. Yeni Kuti told me her father that once he had recorded a song he would never play it live again but I think that rule like anything with Fela was pretty flexible. I do like that idea though, that the record was the end process of the life of a song. The stories he was telling, the moods he was creating they were of their time and no other. It was like the daily newspaper, once it was recorded it was already old news.

Friday October 15 2010 Setlist

1. Fela Kuti - Who're You? (Makossa LP 'Fela's London Scene' 1971)

2. Fela Kuti - Wayo (2nd version) (Knitting Factory 10")
3. Christy Essien - Take Life Easy (Academy LP 'Lagos Disco Inferno' 2010)

4. The Jimmy Castor Bunch - It's Just Begun (RCA LP 'It's Just Begun' 1972)
5. Juice - Catch A Groove (Greedy Records 45 1976)
6. Creative Source - Who Is He And What Is He To You (Sussex 45 1974)

7. Bobby Caldwell - Open Your Eyes (Clouds 45 1980)
8. The O'Jays - Give The People What They Want (Philadelphia LP 'Survival' 1975)
9. Curtis Mayfield - Kung Fu (Curtom LP 'Sweet Exorcist' 1974)

10. DJ Peril set

11. DJ Prequel set

12. DJ Peril set

13. Fatback - King TIm III
14. Jazzy Dee - Get Down

15. The Psyde Projects - Kay Pee Em (Groove Penguin LP 2010)

Scatter Scatter!

2010-10-14T06:37:00.001-07:00

This will be THE jam...

There will be DJ's spinning raw afrobeat and afro-funk 45's, my band The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra will be rocking with a slew of new tunes, percussion & dance performances and the Scatter Scatter market where you can get palm wine or have your hair braided (you know you want it Chico). This night is the opening party for a regular 3-monthly party featuring all the finest things afro, it's going to be a monster party...

'Scatter Scatter: voodoo afro-funk' 30th of October @ The Hi-Fi, Melb

www.thepublicopinion.net or scatter scatter stalkbook

Oh yeah and check this vid I found of my man Lamine Sonko doing his thing on stage with us

The Breakdown: Songs for Poppy Lea & some words from Mulatu

2010-10-09T19:52:00.000-07:00

Listen up to the full show here

This show had two pretty distinct sections - the first hour and last song were dedicated to my beautiful brand new little daughter Poppy Lea and then in the second I busted into a bit of ethio-jazz with an interview and showcase of tunes from Mulatu Astatke. Was so awesome to spend an hour or so listen to rattle on (what? he's like 70, he went on on and was happy to listen!). The show on Sunday was great, hope you had chance to catch the man. If you didn't just dig on this youtube clip of him with the Heliocentrics. Catto is king!

Some tunes what I reckon youse should check:

Bobby Caldwell 'Open Your Eyes' (Clouds 45, 1980) mediafire

Man have I been sleeping on this one or what? Don't often venture into the 80's for funk/disco/soul but Bobby took me there and thank crap he did. Of course I was first suckered in by the lure of some sample-spotting-nerdery but I love everything about it and it's been on lock in my little brain since I scooped a month ago.

Delegation 'Oh Honey' (Shady Brook 12", 1977) mediafire

This tune just makes me feel good on the inside, you know what I mean? I had the 45 for years and then recently came up on it on 12" (which I didn't realise existed) on the el cheapo courtesy of my friend and yours, ebay. Makes me think of my little girl a lot now so hopefully it takes you where you want to go

Friday October 8 Setlist

1. Ramp 'Everybody Loves The Sunshine' (Blue Thumb 45, 1977)
2. Delegation 'Oh Honey' (Shady Brook 12", 1977)
3. Bobby Caldwell 'Open Your Eyes' (Clouds 45, 1980)
4. The Voices Of East Harlem 'Wanted, Dead Or Alive' (Just Sunshine LP 'ST', 1973)

5. Pamoja 'Ooh Baby' (Keiper 45, 1975)
6. Ohio Players 'Ecstasy' (Westbound 45, 1973)
7. Notations 'Superpeople' (Gemigo 45, 1974)
8. Sweet Charles 'Yes It's You' (People LP 'For Sweet People...', 1974)
9. Myra Barnes 'Super Good' (King 45)

10. Les Tres Femmes 'Listen Yo Your Mama' (Phil-La 45)
11. Patrizia & Jimmy 'Trust Your Child' (R&R 45)
12. Ann Alford 'Gotta Get Me A Job' (Hy Sign 45)

13. Freddie Scott '(You) Got What I Need' (Shout 45)
14. Spider Harrison 'Beautiful Day' (Lulu 45)
15. Chet 'Poison' Ivey 'Shake A Poo Poo' (Tangerine 45)

16. Cook E. Jarr & His Krumbs 'Whole New World' (Prince 45)
17. Bill Withers 'Kissing My Love' (Sussex LP 'Still Bill', 1972)
18. Terry Callier 'You're Going To Miss You Candyman' (Cadet LP 'What Colour Is Love', 1972)

19. Mulatu Astatke interview, featuring;
'Masengo' with The Heliocentrics
'Munaye'
"Netsanet'
'Kulunmanqueleshi'
'I Faram Gami I Faram'
'Kasalefkut Hulu'
'Sabye'

20. Hugh Masekela 'Dyambo' (Chisa 45)
21. Fela Kuti 'Open & Close' (EMI 12", 1975)
22. Kool & The Gang 'Funky Granny' (Delite LP 'Music Is The Message')

Leon's Creation & Tunde Williams

2010-09-22T08:29:00.000-07:00

This Is The Beginning (mediafire)

Oh yes. Big things are coming our way my friends, big things indeed.

Feels like a change blowing through... could it be the end?

Or just the beginning (mediafire)

oh wait...

2010-09-15T09:01:00.000-07:00

i'm back (mediafire)

Boogie Mix by dj Charlie Bucket

2010-06-09T02:46:00.000-07:00

What is up you crazy mofo's???????

New mix, boogie for the dancefloor most 80's but 1 sneaky 79 beast in there for good measure.

grab it here

just cut and paste url in your address bar.

http://soundcloud.com/charlie-bucket

track listing

1. hipnotise - lonely

2. uncle louie - full tilt boogie

3. Empress - dyin to be dancing

4.royale deelite - freak for you

5.vicki d - this beat is mine

6.cashmere - do it till your satisfied

7. central line - walking into sunshine

8. karen silver - nobody else

9.unlimited touch - I hear music in the streets

10.chemise - she cant love you

11. firefly - love is gonna be on your side

12.komiko - feel alright

13. lisa hill - I'm on the realside

14.sunfire - never too late for your lovin

15. midnight express - dangerzone

16. Final edition - betcha cant love just one.

Charlie in brazil

2010-05-25T07:42:00.000-07:00

yo new mix tape up, full of brazilian goodness check it out and feedback would be most welcome

http://soundcloud.com/charlie-bucket

just cut and paste url

track 1. Marku zamba ben

track 2. os originais do samba falador passa mal

track 3. jorge ben bebete vaobora

track 4. jose roberto crioula multicolorida

track 5. marcia marcia amigo branco

track 6. os originais do samba tenha fe pois

track 7. rosalia do souza bossa 31

track 8. os novus crioulus mar afunda

track 9. jorge ben ponta de lanca africano

track 10. antonio carlos kabuelere

track 11. emilio santiago bananeira

track 12. dubben raihno do dub

track 13. black juniors mas que linda estas

track 14. toni tornado podes crer amizades

track 15. som nossa pra swinger

track 16. djaven serrado

track 17. gilberto gill maracuta atomica

AFRODISIA mixtape mixed by Dj charlie bucket

2010-05-13T19:54:00.000-07:00

Howdy y'all here is a recent mix I have done of Afrobeat and afro funk for My Afrobeat night

AFRODISIA.

hope you enjoy.

: http://soundcloud.com/charlie-bucket/

track 1. soul jazz orchestra - negus negast

track 2. kaleta and zozo afrobeat - get up

track 3. oneness of juju - african rhythms

track 4. Ebo taylor - heaven

track5. Manu dibango - dikalo

track 6. Kaleta and zozo afrobeat - the spirit of fela is alive and well

track7.the sahara all stars - take your soul

track 8. willi colon - che che colo ( antibalis afrobeat orchestra remix)

track 9. karl densons tiny universe - elephants

track 10. chicago afrobeat project - superstar part 7

track 11.Aiff - let it roll

track 12. the public opinion afro beat orchestra - two sides of the truth

track 13. Fela Kuti - shakara

I like what you give

2010-03-25T04:58:00.000-07:00

http://www.divshare.com/download/10874847-a2e

Nolan I like what you give. Killer new 45" I got the other day on the lizard lable. Starts out like a sweet summer jam. Nice bass line, nice percussion. then about 3/4 through drops into a killer B boy break.

check it out and if ya dig it.....buy it!!

"MASS APPEAL" 90'S hip hop mix

2010-03-16T06:27:00.000-07:00

Hey y'all apologies for the lack of posts been pretty damn busy any how. As my new 90's hip hop night "Mass Appeal" is starting in about a week here is a new mix dedicated to golden era hip hop mixed by yours truly "Charlie Bucket".

http://soundcloud.com/charlie-bucket

just cut and paste url into address bar.

track listing:

Chris Rock- Rap music
Gangstarr - mass appeal
de la soul - breakadawn
run dmc - down with the king
trends of culture - off and on
NAS - Half time
Mayer Hawthorne - charlie shout out
naughty by nature - o.p.p
NFA - charlie shout out
the pharcyde - running
slum village - fall in love
tribe called quest - electric relaxation
nubian m.o.b - far way to go
black moon - who got da props
lords of the underground
das efx - they want efx
souls of mischief - 93 till infinity
wu-tang clan - protect ya neck
slick rick - children's story
main source -looking out the front door
Norman Jay - Charlie shout
the beatnuts - off the books
LL cool j - mama said knock you out
run dmc - peter piper
the stop the violence movement - self destruction
ultramagnetic mc's - give the drummer some
3rd Bass - Brooklyn queens
Umc's - one to grow on.

WA gigs

2009-12-22T00:33:00.000-08:00

Okay to all the WA peeps got some heavy shows coming up :

New Years Eve : at Salt on the beach featuring Marva Whitney, Nicodemus, Dexter, Gentlemen of Leisure featuring Mc NFA and More.

New Years Eve : at The Manor featuring the cream of perths talent.

New Years Day : at Marquee burswood a glorious day in the sun Featuring The Gentlemen of leisure and Mc NFA

2nd of Jan : at broadwater farm featuring Tijuana Cartel and the Gentlemen Of Leisure featuring Mc NFA.

3rd of jan : at Malt bar dunsborough featuring swami adima and the Gentlemen Of Leisure.

8th of Jan : Southbound festival busselton, Funkclub leederville and The Manor featuring Quantic .............phew.

9th of Jan : Afrodisia at Mojo's north fremantle with the Askari Afro Beat Orchestra.

10th of jan : Southbound festival busselton.

23rd of jan : Down by the dam margaret river.

highs and lows mixtape

2009-12-22T00:30:00.000-08:00

while I'm at it check the new Highs and Lows mixtape as well.

http://soundcloud.com/charlie-bucket

Mr Bouquet

new mix tape

2009-12-16T23:42:00.000-08:00

Howdy Charlie Bucket here Just thought I would share my new mixtape for triple J, It was aired last week.

enjoy

c.b

http://www.sendspace.com/file/1m0ya4

The Breakdown: Chali 2na

2009-11-06T03:27:00.001-08:00

Chali 2na played with his band at the Nas show and you know what? I was really feeling it. Not that I was hating but I really didn't expect much from him - sure I dug him back in the day with Jurassic 5 but wasn't feeling theor later stuff and rapper's with a band doesn't always really do it for me. But his band had it just right - a bit of bounce and fun and good musicianship, new tracks were good and they dropped a bit of Rick James in the middle. Can't go wrong.
Then my afrobeat band played on the same bill with him again a few days later, they killed it and they were all real good dudes.
This week I got the new record from the radio station and I'm liking it so time to spread love...

Chali 2na - So Crazy (Decon LP 'Fish Outta Water', 2009)
bonus: Rick James - Give It To Me Baby (Trackmasters re-edit)

Chali 2na - Guns Up feat. Damian & Stephen Marley (Decon LP 'Fish Outta Water', 2009)

The Breakdown: Get down (all jazzy like)

2009-11-06T03:27:00.000-08:00

Nas had me all thinking about the get down again so this Friday we were off to something you might find his father Olu Dara on.

Gene Russell - Get Down (Black Jazz LP 'Talk To My Lady', 1973)
It's all about the bass and drums with this one. Real killer funky jazz where the band grooves out but still stays in the pocket the whole time. Nothing else to say...

Weldon Irvine - We Gettin' Down (RCA LP 'Spirit Man', 1975)
Weldon starts off all Herbie Hancock then next thing you know you're into a break and then get's all 'Award Tour' on you. R.I.P. Master Wel, a true genius.

The Breakdown: a Nas special

2009-10-30T19:28:00.000-07:00

I got to play at the Nas show show in Melbourne on Wednesday night which was an honour as he has always been one of my favourite MC's and I still rate Illmatic as my favourite hip-hop LP. It was great fun dropping Shook One's pt. II and seeing a crowd really respond to it. Good to finally see Nas but his band was more of a rock band (think big guitar solo's and accompanying posturing) and I wanted to here the records I know and love. Just him and a DJ would have suited me fine. But anyway I can't really complain cos hey... I supported Nas.
On my show I did a whole Illmatic special, playing the album in it's entirety but extending it out by mixing in and out of the original songs that were sampled. In keeping with that I thought I might throw a few Nas related joints to ya.

Nas - Represent (Colombia LP 'Illmatic', 1994)
Lee Erwin - The Thief Of Baghdad (ripped from a dodgy comp!)

I know you've all heard it a million times but I just love this DJ Premier produced track. This record made so much more sense to me after I had been to New York and listened to it while rolling round on the trains (cheesy I know but do it one time if you get the chance and haven't already). The Thief Of Baghdad is apparently Primo going back to 1924(!) in one of the greatest sample flips of all time. Represent!

Nas - Get Down (Shizola remix, bootleg 12", 2006)

Nice little bootleg party track from a few years back - takes on of my favourite Nas vocals and adds a bit of Kool And The Gang. Not everyone's cup'o'tea but always did the business for me.

Nas - Nas Will Prevail (Original Demo Tape, 1991
Nas - Back To The Grill feat. MC Serch (Original Demo Tape 1991)

This is supposed to be from Nas' original demo tape to Colombia records but there is a little conjecture over that - it's mostly stuff he did from '89 to '92. First one is an early version of 'It Ain't Hard To Tell' and the second a track that also appeared on the MC Serch (Mr Gas Face himself) LP 'Return Of The Product' of 1992. The rest of the mixtape is pretty decent but you can't go wrong with Nas rocking over 90's boom bap can ya?

The Breakdown: Brazilian stuff

2009-10-23T04:50:00.000-07:00

One of the real good bands I did catch at Bellingen the other week was a Brazilian combo from Sydney called Samba Mundi. I reckon Brazilian music can go wrong pretty quickly and it may have been the pre-mixed gin cans (only thing available, apart from beer and sobriety. no thanks) going to my head but these guys were killer - great musicians with heaps of energy who kept the crowd moving plenty. The tracks I heard on their Myspace don't really do justice to the live sound so if you get the chance go check 'em out. But anyways, when I got home got on a bit of a Brazilian thing so thought I'd share a few of the Brazilian tunes I've been digging on recently...

Wilson Das Neves E Conjunto - Pick Up the Pieces (Underground LP 'O Som Quente E O Das Neves' , 1976)

A samba influenced version of Average White Band with mega percussion performed by an army of men in white slacks? That has to be a winner. Definately one of my favourite Brazilian things and a real dancefloor weapon. Picked this up cheap(ish) in Toronto when I was digging with hardly any cash - found a bunch of stuff I couldn't say no to and ended up having to eat nothing but fruit for a week. It was worth it.

Ivan Lins - Tanaue (Forma LP 'Agora', 1971)

Love the brass and the bouncy bass on this one. Off Lins' debut record he went on to a long and distiguished career in Brazil and the US. He recorded with many international stars like the Q and The Smoothness (George Benson) and is still going today. This is my favourite of his though.

Som Tres - Take It Easy My Brother Charles (Odeon LP 'ST', 1969)

Originally done by Jorge Ben and I'm still not sure which version is my favourite, although at the moment I'm leaning towards this one. If you haven't heard anything from these jazz/funk greats of Brazil go get some, almost everything they did in the late 60's/early 70's is killer. Of course this is going out to my brother Charlie (Bucket)

Tim Maia - O Que Voce Quer Apostar (Polydor LP 'ST'. 1972)

Much love to my girly for buying me this one when I was down one day. You should already know about Tim cos he has so many good, funky tunes.

DJ Nuts - Cultura Copia mix

Insane mix of rare Brazilian breaks and funk by one of Brazil's most respected DJ's and turntablists DJ Nuts. Seriously one of the best mixes I've ever heard period.

The Breakdown: The Majestics

2009-10-16T04:49:00.000-07:00

So myself and my lovely lady took ourselves up to the Global Carnival Festival in Bellingen last weekend and I missed my radio show. It's up the east coast around the Byron Bay area, meaning awesome beaches and some sub-tropical rainforest action - all around pretty spectacular scenery. It was an interesting festival, being all 'world music', whatever the hell that means. The festival itself kind of blurred the lines of your standard music festival, a little too much hippyness and family time for me but it was a nice change of pace and the setting was pretty damn fine. Anyway I saw a few pretty cool bands and a few real average bands but the highlight came when we checked out a secondhand junk shop and amongst all the overpriced crap I pulled out a copy of The Majestics - Instrumental R&B. Now this is one of the rarest records I've ever come up on in such a situation so you imagine I was (and still am) a little excited. It's an instrumental affair (the title gives it away) from this tight little Canadian combo, mostly funked up R&B and southern soul covers but with a couple of hell-fire originals thrown in for good measure.

Check 'em out...

The Majestics -

The Majestics -

The Majestics - Funky Chick

Oh yeah there have been a few bands named The Majestics and these guys are not to be confused with the Texas combo responsible for this little monster (Not from an original pressing by the way, those things change hands for something in the area of $600-$800US, this is from the trusty funk45 reish!).

The Breakdown: Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes (of mind)

2009-09-26T18:53:00.000-07:00

Righty -o. I'm not finished with Tyrone Davis as I'm not sure I impressed upon you all my love of his biggest (and breakthrough) tune 'Can I Change My Mind'. He recorded it in 1968 and it was the b-side to his early Dakar release 'A Woman Needs To Be Loved' but it only became a hit the next year after a Texan DJ played the 'wrong side'. It spent two weeks in the No. 1 slot on the R&B charts in 1969 (either side of Marvin with 'I Heard It Through The Grapevine' and 'Everyday People' by Sly & The Family Stone, what a time for music!). His voice had a unique aching, longing quality and while some of his stuff can be a bit hit or miss he was a big player in the Chicago soul scene in his day. He was pushed as a romantic, soulful ladies man and as his album covers will attest, he was one smoothly dressed dude.

So anyways if you've never heard the original check it here (have always dug the way the horns work alongside Tyrone's pleading vocals) and get down with a few of my favourite cover versions...

Download (320kbps): Willie Henderson & The Soul Explosions- Can I Change My Mind (Brunswick LP 'Funky Chicken', 1970)

Not to sound crude but I do like a bit of Willie. Our man producing down at Brunswick Records alongside Eugene Record and Carl Davis, lending his touch to artists such as Young Holt Unlimited, The Chi-Lites, Barbara Acklin and of course Tyrone Davis. Hey produced the original version of 'Can I Change My Mind' and this LP is a pretty typical producers record - a few originals and a few covers of things he has worked on. I don't know the exact story behind his version but it's partially instrumental and almost sounds as if they have just pulled out the main vocal of the original mix, left the backing parts and just got a trombone to play the main vocal part. There's a couple of other noteworthy tracks on the LP too - 'Funky Chicken' and 'Soulful Football' do the business no trouble at all.

Download (320kbps): Loleatta Holloway - Can I Change My Mind (General LP 'Loleatta', 1973)

This is Loleatta before Salsoul, before disco just doing her funky thang. Awesome LP that's just a good listen front to back and with another absolute funk-soul-sister classic 'Only A Fool' (amongst others) on it. How good is that hair?

Download (320kbps): Dolores Hughes - Help Me Make Up my Mind (Trackdown 45)

I really dig this version because it sounds like a perfect composite of 'Can I Change My Mind' and 'Mr Big Stuff', with just a hint of reggae skank in it. The double tracking thing on the vocals is real nice too, maybe they could have given it a bit of width in the mix but it gives it a bit raw charm that you can't argue with. Also Dolores is a way cool name.

Download (192kbps): Alton Ellis - Can I Change My Mind (Studio 1 45, 1970)

Download (320kbps): Alton & Hortense Ellis - Can I Change My Mind (Studio 1 45, 1970)

Can't do covers without a reggae/soul version and can't mess with Alton and his little sis Hortense. This was a massive hit for Alton in Jamacia and having a listen you can hear why - I love the laidback vibe of the vocals and sparse horn arrangement. I'm also a sucker for reggae/soul covers and therefore really dig pretty much anything Alton 'Mr Rocksteady' did so again I can totally recommend anything with his name on it. My boy Mista Savona recorded with him just before he passed last year too so I'm waiting impatiently for the track to come out and I'll let you know when it does (check his 45's and the LP too, all killer). Oh yeah and it's a cd rip 'cos my 45 is a bit scratchy.

There you has it. One day I might also post up some songs from his 1970 'Turn Back The Hands Of Time' LP too but if you see it in the meantime grab it because it is one the the most beautiful soul records of all time, I shit you not. Until next time people

The Breakdown: a trip to the discoteque

2009-09-19T10:38:00.000-07:00

So every Saturday I plan to post up and highlight a track I played on my radio show 'The Breakdown'. It's on Fridays 3-5pm in Melbourne on PBS FM 106.7 but you can stream it at pbsfm.org.au if you're not in the area. This is the first post of this nature so check it...

We here at The Gentlemen Of Leisure like to get down. And who better to get down with than our man Tyrone Davis. I've always had a bit of a soft spot for Tyrone, especially his late 60's/early 70's Dakar gems like Can I Change My Mind and One Way ticket, mostly all produced by Willie Henderson. But he didn't stop when he left Dakar, no he kept playing and recording non-stop until 1995 when he sadly he passed away. This next track from his post-Dakar Colombia records era when he turned his hand to disco. It was something that so easily could have been poo (as much of the LP is) as so often old soul guys trying out a disco record can go so wrong so quickly (see Syl Johnson 'The Uptown Shakedown' for further evidence) but this 12" is great. It's a killer disco dance floor filler that I decided to put up after being accosted by my homie Mr Moonshine while playing this at a gig, he accusing me of holding out on him after a recent trade. Why I never. So here you go sunshine, go geddit.

Download (320kbps): Tyrone Davis - Get On Up (Disco) (CBS 12", 1978)

I don't own a scanner and could only find the LP cover online so here it is.

That's a real fresh jacket Tyrone.

I really wish it was on this record though

Some records I found in Nigeria

2009-09-08T22:29:00.000-07:00

(mp3 downloads to found at the bottom!)

OK, so the first couple of tracks I'm going to post up are from a recent digging/music/arse-ing about expedition to Nigeria I took with a couple of friends from my afro-beat/afro funk band (The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra). But I thought I might also share a little story about the circumstances that lead me to these records. Nigeria is a pretty crazy place - we're talking 24 hour epic traffic jams, a police force that basically just stands around waiting to find a way to extort money from civilians and an economy run almost entirely underground. But of course it also has some of the happiest and most beautiful people you'll ever meet. Not to mention the joys of a

meat dish called suya. There were many adventures and highlights for us - jamming with Femi Kuti onstage at The Shrine (and going to a BBQ at his house), recording with MC Modenine, being harassed by the army and appearing several times on Nigerian TV and radio.

Through Modenine we met Ladani, a radio presenter (or 'radio personality' as he referred to himself) who invited us in on his show that afternoon. We go down to the studio - a couple of run-down buildings in an overgrown compound and have a pretty informal interview, Ladani assuming something of a hip-hop-Casey-Kasem on-air persona. Having done community radio back home I didn't get the impression that we were being heard altogether too many people but that's not really the point now is it? So we finish and he introduces us to the station manager, a kind of young, Nigerian Ricardo Montalban character who immediately asks us if we are ready for the television. Television? This thing has a television station? He takes us through and showed us the one studio they had - a blue screen room that

they would film everything in, superimposing in a different background for each show (my favourite of which was of a busy office for the news). This allayed our fears - we were happy to go on some community TV station with no-one watching. So dressed like the chumps we are, we appear on the equivalent of a midday Video Smash Hits (or MTV if you will) and standing around talking bollocks with the presenter in front of the blue screen. He asks us all the standard questions; Who are you? Why the hell did you travel halfway around the world to show us a half-rate version of the music we liked 30 years ago? Do you speak german in Austria? That type of thing. Then they play our track but as we had no video to

accompany it they we at a bit of a loss as to what to do visually. First they tried it with a station ID before they decided that was too boring (the track goes for 8 minutes) so from there they cut back to us just standing around in front of the blue screen. They quickly realised that this was a bit shit too so next they tried out us standing there with the station ID sort of ghosted over us. Again a bit shit so they just went back to us and told the host to get us to do something. 'Come on, dance!' he told us. Dance? I don't know what the shade is that is one whiter than white is but that's pretty much how white we are. And if we were to start dancing on live TV next to a jiggy MTV host, no matter how small the audience, we would have certainly being plumbing previously undiscovered depths of whiteness. So we just stood there. 'Come on, come on, I'll teach you a traditional dance' and he started this little thing that was more of a co-ordinated movement than dance so we sort of copied him, laughing and taking the piss. Eventually it all wraps up and we bounce back to the hotel. As we go in all the hotel reception girls start laughing and doing the dance back at us so we ask them how the hell they saw us. Turns out it's no cable station - it was one of the biggest stations in the country and in a country of around 155 million that means a lot of people were watching us act like dicks.

They'd roped us in for a bunch of different shows (they seriously couldn't get over the fact that a bunch of guys from Australia playing afro-beat had come to Lagos and were actually pretty proud of it. Which was cool) so the next morning we were back to be guests on a Mornings With Bert Newton style show where we sat indulged in awkward, earnest conversation about the awesomeness of both ourselves and Nigeria. We were also interviewed for a travel program in which Zvi was somewhat coerced into proposing marriage to his lady-friend, which I have heard very little (read: nothing) about since.

But anyway I digress... it was after this that we decided to go find some records so we headed to a shopping area we had heard mentioned as a place we could find a little something. But an hour or so of fruitless wandering saw our spirits dipping so we stopped across from a underpass/bus stop to discuss our next move. A man came out of a car yard saying he had seen us on TV and asked us what we were doing wandering around in this dodgy area. When we told him we were chasing old records he immediately lead us across the road, under the bridge and deep into a wooden, shanty town area.

Now I don't know if you have heard about the reputation of Nigerian's as being the kings of the scammers (something they seem to be quite proud of) but it's a reputation

that exists for good reason. The always are trying to scam you but if you call them on it they will always just give you a can't-blame-a-kid-for-trying-smile, it's ingrained in them I swear but it's actually a bit funny when you're there. In fact once I was at an Internet cafe and looked over the shoulders of the men either side of me and they were BOTH actually sending out mass Nigerian bank scam emails. It was so hard not to laugh out loud.

So as we negotiated this series of tiny alleyways, in the back of my mind I began considering this and the fact that we were not only following a Nigerian but a secondhand car salesman at that, into god knows where and possibly to our doom. But no we arrive at our destination and much to my joy it is a little shack filled floor to wall with Nigerian recordings, mostly highlife but plenty of the good stuff too.

OG Fela's for all

Unfortunately it was a business that would record any LP they had and give it to you on a cassette tape but the owner said we could purchase any record we found doubles of. We started on the Fela section (about 100 records and pretty much any Fela record I had ever seen) where we got about 8 original pressings, including a Zombie for me. I also dug up

a Funkees LP, the Bunzu Soundz, a Mebusas and few others making it a pretty successful mission. The guys who ran the store were great too, I asked them a few questions about different records and artists and they were happy to answer, in fact one of them was related (I can't remember how) to 'Prince' Joni Haastrap from Monomono. As a result he wouldn't sell me any of their records though, dammit. Of course the hardest part was trying to negotiate an appropriate price whilst trying not to look too excited. These are a couple of the records I found in there

Download (320kbps): Ofege - 'Nobody Fails' (EMI LP 'Try And Love' 1973)

Ofege were a group of teenagers playing in and around Lagos from the early to mid 70's. Taken from the 'Try And Love' LP, this track like much of their work showcases some sublime funky/psych guitar work from Felix Inneh and some incredible nearly-off- kilter timing. According to the guy who sold it to me the name 'Ofege' is Lagos slang meaning 'telling people hey fuck you and doing what you want'. Apparently this record was recorded when they were still in school as well, which is pretty amazing considering the maturity of the sound. You can cop some of their other work on Soundway, check out the killer 'Nigeria Special' comps in particular.

Download (320kbps): William Onyeabor - 'Better Change Your Mind' (Wilfilms LP 'Atomic Bomb' 1978)

How can you not want a record with this cover? So many reasons to dig it. For a start it's called Atomic Bomb. And check the awesome suit, headphones and the little dance he's busting. Not to mention the seven microphones pointed at the man (really, who needs seven mic's?). The first few bars of the song are a touch concerning, sounding a like something left off the soundtrack to Napoleon Dynamite but then it kicks into one of those killer afro grooves, asking the guitarist to sit on that one little line for 8 or 10 minutes turning it into trancey, spacey slice of magic. The organ is bordering on cheesy but William pulls it off beautifully and I really dig how lo-fi the whole album is. He studied cinema in Russia before coming back to start his record label (hence the name Wilfilms, geddit?) and according to what info I could find he now runs his own flour mill. Sounds like a hell of a life!

In the next couple of weeks I'll post up a couple of mixes of stuff I found over there as well as other bits and pieces so stay tuned kids... and don't forget to check out my radio show. Peace!

Posting number one

2009-09-06T09:23:00.000-07:00

Greetings and welcome to official Interweb housing of The Gentlemen Of Leisure. As you may understand we have been charged with the upkeep of this blog and will be posting whenever we fear the good people of Internet need us. Whilst we anticipate the majority of the content we share will be musical, we are unable to offer any guarantee. Things you'll find here will generally follow the lines of funk, soul, hip-hop, disco, African, Latin... got the gist?

Now this 'we' I keep alluding to is in fact myself, DJ Manchild and my esteemed colleague, DJ Charlie Bucket in our guise of The Gentlemen Of Leisure. We live on opposite sides of the continent (myself in Melbourne and he in Perth) and meet every few months or so to perform under this moniker. Check out the bio's on the right hand side if you really care. Which you do.

But enough of this entree of babble, it's time for the main course so just sit back, relax and take a load off - you're in a safe place now. You are about to enter the world of The Gentlemen Of Leisure.