Soundway have been killing it recently. Everything, and I mean everything, they have put out in the last little while has been 100% on point - from the afro 12's to the Ondatroipica and Konkoma LP's Now they have decided to give us all a little taste of the new Sofrito compilation that will be dropping real soon - a deep funky soca groove from Lord Shorty. I love the way he builds this one like Memphis Soul Stew - bringing in percussion and bass all one by one until it's bubbling along like a ready-to-burst volcano. Dig on the free download!! Thanks Soundway
The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra - How long it go take (Mr. Moonshine Dub)
Oooh yeah! You know when Mr Moonshine from the Woo-ha blog gets his mitts on the audio stems from 'How Long' by The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra, he is going to be producing the goods. And he certainy did come through for the dancefloor, hitting us with a killer little beat heavy, afro-dub flip. We decided to give it up as a free download too so everyone's a winner!!
Kelenyke Band - Jungle Funk
Afro gems uncovered by Miles Cleret and released with the help Of Frank Gossner. 4 previously unheard tracks from Ghana's Afro Kelynke Band that have been blowing my mind. But how did such amazing music remin unheard for so long? Well sadly their amazing 'Moving World' LP didn't garner the attention that the band deserved and soon after recording, these tunes had to be shelved after the band ran out of money. Now some 40 years later I'm loving this new double 7" pack. This track, Jungle Funk is my current favourite; a mid-tempo afro burner that sounds exactly like it's name. Have road tested it at a couple of Scatter Scatter Tropical Discotheque gigs and it has caused some serious mayhem. Get yourself one from Northside Records today!!
Antibalas are back after a few years and in better form than ever!! Returning to producer Gabe Roth and the Daptone studio had yielded some fine results. I don't wanna go so far as to say it's my favorite record they've done but it's gotta be a near thing.
You can dig on an edit of the title track here
And better yet here is them playing it live and in-full on KCRW
Go out and get it on vinyl people - it's the only real way to hear it. You could come buy it from me on a Thursday down at Northside Records even!
The new EP from The Cumbia Cosmonauts is killer! Heavy beats meet Mexican tribal cumbia madness via a couple of Melbourne's best producers Moses Iten aka Saca La Mois DJ!! and Soup aka Sopa Loca. Check out the title track...
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.
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!
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.
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 HopeStreetrecording 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.
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.
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
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
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!
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!
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
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!
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!
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.
Ah yes but just who are these The Gentlemen Of Leisure?
Well sit back and let me learn you up... They are but men. Yet they are men unlike any others, oft separated by 3420kms of continent but drawn together by a love of fine musics, the lost art of moustache wearing and the majesty of expert swordsmanship. You've seen them shirtless, riding stallions in slow-motion on the beach undoubtably off to rescue some hapless, buxom environmentalists. You've heard tale of their exploits fighting hordes of invading Mongols alongside peasant villagers in the deepest Amazon. Sure they have occasion to gad about town quaffing cognac, wearing Blue Stratos cologne and indulging the fairer sex in their charm, wit and sparkling repartee but for all their futuristicness these are no robots. They are men. Men who all the while remain committed to their one true cause - being totally awesome Disc Jockeys.
Such are ways of The Gentlemen Of Leisure. They are men who stand together, alone in the sea of shit that is this interweb thingamy. They are freedom fighters. They are tireless artistes. They are the leaders of free men. They are first among equals. They are equal among firsts. They are each equal part lover and fighter. They are both Man and Beast.
They are the Gentlemen Of Leisure.
DJ Manchild
Biography
DJ Manchild has been bringing his trademark sound combining funk, latin, african, hip-hop, disco and beats to the dancefloors of Melbourne and beyond since early 2001. He has played and dug for records on adventures from Mumbai to Lagos to Tokyo and back; always bringing back booty for his radio show 'The Breakdown' which is now into it's sixth year of Friday afternoons on PBS 106.7FM.
In New York he and two friends were inspired to start an large afro-beat ensemble, The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra, which has since played Big Day Out, WOMAD and Falls as well as sold-out shows across Australia. Their debut album 'Do Anything, Go Anywhere' (which they together recorded, produced, mixed and independently released) was nominated for an ARIA in 2010.
DJ Manchild has supported the likes of Public Enemy, De La Soul, Eddie Bo, The Bamboos, LL Cool J, Eddie Floyd, Grandmaster Flash, DJ Rob Swift, The Jungle Brothers, Marva Whitney, Quantic, Nas, Ghostface Killah, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, The Black Keys, DJ Roc Raida, Betty Harris, DJ Z-Trip, Aloe Blacc, DJ Dexter and Cookin' On Three Burners. In addition he has played onstage with The Beatnuts, Jeru Tha Damaja, Nfa and DJ Z-Trip.
Upcoming gigs:
- Thursday 28.07.10, 11-12am @ The Laundry on Johnson St, Fitzroy playing soul music
- Friday 29.07.10, Perth playing party music with DJ Charlie Bucket, The Gentlemen Of Leisure together! - Saturday 30.07.10, Perth playing party music with DJ Charlie Bucket, The Gentlemen Of Leisure together! - Thursday 04.08.10, 12-1am @ The Laundry on Johnson St, Fitzroy playing soul music
- Saturday 06.08.11, all night: Soul-A-Go-Go @ The Johnston playing funk 45's with Richie 1250, Pierre Baroni & Emma Peel - Saturday 12.08.10, 9-11pm @ Southpaw on Johnson St, Fitzroy playing funk, disco, hip-hop and party tunes for the official launch party! - Saturday 12.08.10, 12-1am @ The Laundry on Johnson St, Fitzroy playing funk, disco, hip-hop and party tunes for the official launch party!
and also...
On the radio each and every Friday 3-5pm on PBS 106.7FM in Melbourne or streaming via www.pbsfm.org.au/breakdown
DJ Charlie Bucket
Biography
Charlie began his musical career as a drummer playing in jazz and funk bands in Perth in the late 90’s but it was upon returning from a European trip he discovered the art of DJ'ing. With an already eclectic and diverse taste crossing the boundaries of funk, soul, hip hop, house, disco and reggae Charlie began to infuse his existing love of performing with his new-found passion for record collecting.
In late 2003 Charlie was introduced to a fellow funk fanatic and they founded a weekly night at the Leederville Hotel aptly named “The Funk Club”. What started out as a bit of fun and a chance to hear the music they loved soon morphed into club night of legendary status drawing huge crowds and playing host to variety of international performers.
As the chief resident of Funk Club, Charlie Buckets career began to flourish and soon he was touring nationally and he became a regular on the Perth festival circuit. He has held down residencies in too many of Perth's acclaimed venues to even mention.
In 2009 Charlie co-founded a promotional company, "Think Twice", alongside fellow Funk Club founder, friend and long-time collaborator Jimmy "The Lips" Murphy. Together they promote boutique club nights as varied as “Afrodisia”, Russ Dewbury’s “Jazz Rooms” as well as weekly hip-hop and disco parties at The Manor. They are also responsible for bringing out high caliber international acts such as Kool & The Gang, Roy Ayers, Kurtis Blow and Mayer Hawthorne.
For the last 5 years running Charlie has been nominated in the "Best DJ" catergory of the West Australian Music Industry (WAMI) Awards and in 2010 had the honour of been selected as the winner.
Charlie has supported many artists including; Femi Kuti, MF Doom, Roy Ayers, Aloe Blacc, Mayer Hawthorne, Arabian Prince, DJ House Shoes, Kurtis Blow, Basement Jaxx, Groove Armada, Blackalicious, Norman Jay, Mr Scruff, Ghostface Killah, Amp Fiddler, Cut Chemist, De La Soul, Giles Peterson, Fat Freddies Drop, Q-tip, The Pharcyde and DJ Dexter.
What's this all about then?
Things you'll find here may include vinyl rips, edits, mixes, music hunted from all corners of the globe, tall stories, pictures of dogs dressed as people and some other general nonsense. Dig it.
Wait.. isn't this tantamount to thievery you impossible cads?
All the music here is for promotional purposes only. If you like it, support it and go buy the record dammit. And don't tell on us to Metallica
Untrustworthy scoundrels to be avoided at all cost
