2006
DECEMBER 2006 |
 DAVID RUFFIN - SO SOON WE CHANGE
Great Ruffin album from 1979 produced by Don Davis for Warner Bros gets a welcome CD release in Japan. 'Let Your Love Rain Down On Me' is an epic mid tempo modern dancer, 'Break My Heart' and 'Morning Sun Looks Blue' are nice ballads allowing David's soulful voice to shine through. The catchy mid tempo 'I Get Excited' and dancer 'Lets Be Together' will please the modern soul fraternity and the mid tempo title track and driving dancer 'Chain On The Brain' are also great.
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 DAVID RUFFIN - SO SOON WE CHANGE
David's second Warner album dating from 1980 was also produced by Don Davis, and contains the great mid tempo floater 'I Wanna Be With You' a duet with Laverna Mason, who also appears on the great two stepper 'Love Supply'. There are two other good steppers 'Slow Dance' and 'Don't You Go Home' , a modern dancer 'Still In love With You' and a couple of mid tempo ballads 'Can We Make Love One More Time' and 'I Got A Thing For You' and a nice ballad 'All I Need' . Great album from a great singer.
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 WEE GEE - HOLD ONTO YOUR DREAMS
One of Soul's undiscovered 70's gems, this set from ex-Dramatics singer Wee Gee aka William F Howard's gruff and soulful vocals soar on the mid-tempo 'Hold On' and the upbeat dancer 'Ain't Nothin But The Music'. He excels on the ballads like 'Let Me Lay With You' and 'You've Been A Part Of Me'. Standout is the 2 step 'I Remember The Love'. Classic album.
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 STARVUE - UPWARD BOUND
Best known for the great orchestrated two step classic 'Body Fusion' , this album is actually surprisingly good. 'Upward Bound' is an uptempo brassy dancer in the style of Brainstorm/Aquarian Dream , whose sound is also evident on the frantic 'Starvue' and the bass led stepper 'Put The BS Aside'. 'Love Affair' is a good funky disco dancer, and the dancers 'Love Struck' and 'You And Me' also work well.
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 MAGIC LADY HOT N SASSY
1982 album that mainly consists of 80's boogie tracks like 'Freaky' , 'Sexy Body', and 'Shake', along with mid tempo 'When We Love' and 'Give It up' , but the albums killer track is 'Hold Tight' , one of the best 80's Two step rare grooves, worth the price just for this track alone.
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 ATLANTIC STARR - BRILLIANCE
Probably the best album from this great 80's band. Contains their great hits 'Circles' and 'Love Me Down' plus a couple of good 80's dancers 'Sexy Dancer' and 'Love Moves' , the nice mid tempo ' Perfect love' and 'You're The One' and a couple of good ballads 'Lets Get Closer' and 'Your Love Finally Ran Out'.
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| NOVEMBER 2006 |
 SOUL SEARCHERS WE THE PEOPLE
One of the best Funk albums of all time, dating from 1972 includes the Funk winners 'We The People', '1993', 'Soul To The People' , the driving 'It's All In Your Mind' and their great instrumental version of Lyn Collins' Think', plus the slightly jazz groove of 'Blowout'. (Chuck Brown) & The Soul Searchers were up there with JB's, Mandrill, Fatback Band, Mandrill and War as one of the leading Funk bands with their Brassy sound, and this is Essential to anyone into that sound. It has also been sampled numerous times.
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 SOUL SEARCHERS SALT OF THE EARTH
Another great Funk album , dating from 1974 including funky hits 'Blow Your Whistle, 'Funk For The Folks', 'If It Ain't Funky' , and one of the most sampled tracks ever 'Ashley's Roachclip', a great mid tempo funky instrumental with a perfect beat. Also check their great version of 'Close To You' which has been popular on the London 2 step scene, showing a mellow soul side to the band, who at this time featured Bennie Braxton as singer along side Chuck Brown. Essential Funk and Breaks album.
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 DAVID RUFFIN MOTOWN SOLO ALBUMS VOL 2
David's final three Motown albums 'Who I am', 'In My Stride' and 'Everything's Coming Up Love', all produced by Van McCoy plus 13 unreleased tracks, mainly from the late 60's in nice packaging with 24 pg booklet. Includes 'Walk Away From Love', 'Heavy Love' , 'Questions' , 'Rode By The Place' , 'I Cant Stop The Rain', and 'Which Way To My Baby' , J Bristol Prod 'Crime On The Street' , and his versions of 'Cant Get Over Losing You' and the Spinners 'Bad Bad Weather'. Excellent don't miss out.
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 EDDIE KENDRICKS THIN MAN MOTOWN SOLO ALBUMS VOL 2
5 of Eddie's Motown albums 'Boogie Down', 'He's A Friend' , The Hit Man', 'He's A Friend', 'Goin Up In Smoke' and 'Slick', plus 8 unreleased tracks mainly out takes from his 'People Hold On album. Includes 'Son Of Sagittarius', 'Happy', 'Get The Cream Off The Top', 'Its Not What You Got', 'Intimate Friends',, plus 'Go On With Your Bad Self', 'If I Cant Love You Then I Cant Love Me', 'Nothing Is Real' and 'I'll Be Your Servant'. Excellent presentation with 32 pg booklet, another must have for Motown fans.
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 RAMSEY LEWIS SALONGO
Arguably Lewis' finest 70's album includes the superb EWF sounding Rare Groove classic 'Brazilica'. Co-produced by Maurice White, this 1976 set features several Jazz Funk gems such as 'Slick', 'Salongo' and 'Seventh Fold' that mix the Fusion of the day with Brazilian/ Latin flavours and classy production.
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 RAMSEY LEWIS DON'T IT FEEL GOOD
Little known 1975 set produced by Charles Stepney and Ramsey himself has an Earth Wind and Fire feel, with their classic 'That's The Way Of The World' given a jazzier workout. Mid-tempo gems like the title song and the 2 step 'Something About You' emphasize that vibe. Try also the humourous Funk grooves of 'Fish Bite' and 'What's The Name Of This Funk'.
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 NINETEENTH HOLE SMILIN
Backing trio's - who toured with Grant Green only album is a corker if you like the funky organ Jazz that Prestige and Eastbound specialised in, this is for you. The vibes led interpretation of the War classic 'Slippin Into Darkness' is fantastic also check the deceptively funky 'You Got Me Smilin', which kicks off in a mellow Blackbyrds like groove and develops into a furious Funk workout. Strong throughout.
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JULY 2006 |
GRANT GREEN LIVE AT CLUB MOZAMBIQUE
This previously unreleased 1971 live date sits chronologically and musically between his famous 'Alive' and 'Live At The Lighthouse' sets. The incessant 'Jan Jan' kicks things off in ultra funky style, whereas 'Farid' adds a Middle Eastern flavour to a model theme. 'Bottom Of The Barrel' is urgently funky. This album is superbad, but with a band the includes Idris Muhammad, Houston Person and Ronnie Foster what else would you expect ?
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CRUSADERS - 1
Crusaders 1 is a timeless classic and is one of the best Jazz Funk records ever recorded. From the down home Funk of 'Put It Where You Want It' to the beautiful rendition of Carole King's 'So Far Away', this album delivers track after track of quality. Check also the heavy 'That's How I Feel', the riff laden 'Mystique Blues' and 'Three Children. Probably this is their finest work,
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CRUSADERS - 2ND CRUSADE
'2nd Crusade' is also a strong album, try the gentle Texan Funk of 'Take It Or Leave It' or the subtle 'Ain't Gonna Change A Thing'. The Bluesier side surfaces on the beautiful 'A Message From The Inner City', the Funk dominates 'Tomorrow Where Are You' and the wistful 'Do You Remember When' is simply sublime.
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McTYNER TYNER LOOKING OUT
Classic 1982 album features Phyllis Hyman, Gary Bartz, Stanley Clarke and Carlos Santana. This set is best known for the three vocal tracks such as the beautifully arranged 'In Search Of My Heart', 'Love Surrounds Us All' and 'I'll Be Around'. 'Hannibal' is a stonking Latin Jazz Fusion cut (infl of Santana). Probably McCoy's strongest Soul/fusion album.
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| JULY 2006 |
 JR BAILEY - JUST ME 'N YOU
Fantastic 1974 soul album, from the prolific songwriter, was made in the shadow of and musically the same vein as Marvin's 'Whats Going On'. Highlights are his original of 'Love Love Love', 'After hours' , 'Heaven On Earth' the fantastic title track and 'I'll Always Be Your Lover', but this album is strong throughout. JR's lyrics and vocals are great throughout and the arrangements and production compliment perfectly. It is a classic, up there with Lou Courtney, Leroy Hutson, Tom Brock and the other great albums we have reissued. This album should be in every soul collection.
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 VALENTINE BROTHERS - FIRST TAKE
First album from the Valentine Brothers from 1982 co produced by and featuring Bobby Lyle on keyboards includes the original version of 'Money's Too Tight' later a hit for a certain Manchester band. John and Billy are strong vocally throughout and the album is in demand for the classic two steppers 'This Kind Of love' and 'Just Let Me Be Close To You'. Also check the dancer 'I'll Make You Happy' that has been overlooked.
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 RONNIE McNEIR - SELF TITLED
First time on CD for this excellent 1975 album that is best known for the atmospheric mid tempo 'Wendy Is Gone' and the great two stepper 'Im Your Lover'. Dig deeper and check the mid tempo 'Since I Dont Have Your Love', the breezy 'You Are Everything', the pulsating 'Saggitarian Affair' and the Willie Hutch style 'Now Shes Gone'.
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 HARLEM RIVER DRIVE - S/T
Eddie Palmieri and his brother Charlie team up with the best NY Latin musicians to create probably the best Latin/Funk/Soul albums of all time, a perfect illustration of the cultural and musical melting pot that was NYC in 1970's. Ronnie Cuber's baritone sax and Jimmy Norman's soulful vocals are outstanding across the five tracks, the funky 'Harlem River Drive', 'Seeds Of Life' and wonderful 'Idle Hands', the beat ballad message song 'If We Had Peace' and the atmospheric 'Broken Home'. Outstanding.
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 JACKSON SISTERS - COLLECTION
The female equivalent (no relation) of the Jackson Five scored big-time in the Rare Groove era with 'I Believe In Miracles' here in its 7", album and the classic extended versions. The girls resemble their famous namesakes on the Motown sounding 'Why Do Fools Fall In Love', but try a wild impromptu version of 'Rock Steady' or the sweet ballad 'Boy You're Dynamite'.
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JUNE 2006 |
JEAN TERRELL - I HAD TO FALL IN LOVE
First time on CD for this 1978 solo album from the former Supreme. It is a heavily in demand album featuring the outstanding two-steppers 'How Can You Live Without Love' and 'Rising Cost Of Love', both written by Grey and Hanks. They also wrote the modern soul favourite 'No limit' a great string laden dancer. Also worthy of note are the mid tempo ballad 'Change Up', the dancers 'That's The Way Love Grows', 'No One Like My Baby' and 'You've Been So Good To Me'. Remastered to a high standard this under rated album is classic 70's soul and worthy of any soul collection.
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 JAMES D TRAIN WILLIAMS - MIRACLES OF THE HEART
 JAMES D TRAIN WILLIAMS - IN YOUR EYES
Powerfully voiced 80's soul star delivers 2 albums that have become iconic for the era in which they were recorded. 'Miracles Of The Heart' from 86 includes the catchy 'Misunderstanding' and the mid/uptempo 'Let Me Love You' plus the typically mid 80's dancer 'Stand Up And Fight'. Bonus tracks include 12" dub mix of 'Misunderstanding Highlights of 'In Your Eyes' include the dancers: 'In Your Eyes', 'Runner' and 'Smile', but it is the ballads like 'Shadow Of Another Love' and 'Child Of Love' that capture the Soul James' voice
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 ETTA JAMES - ETTTA JAMES
Renowned for the all-time classic 'All The Way Down' with its atmospheric orchestrations that ooze inner city menace and is defined by Etta's autobiographical interpretation, this set mixes her Blues roots with 70's funky Soul. Check also 'Leave Your Hat On' and 'Lay Back Daddy' that are fine examples of this style.
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 PHYLLIS HYMAN - I REFUSE TO BE LONELY/FOREVER WITH YOU
The last two albums released by Phyllis include some of her greatest tracks like 'Set A little Trap', 'No One But You', 'The Strength of a Woman', 'The Kids', both title tracks and her version of 'Hurry Up This Way Again'. Classic Phyllis.
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| MAY
2006 |
VOICES OF EAST HARLEM - CAN YOU FEEL IT
The second Voices Of East Harlem album for Just Sunshine label was produced by Leroy Hutson in 1974.
The title track is a typical Hutson semi-funky upper mid tempo track, ‘So Amazing’, ‘So Rare’ and ‘Take A Stand’ are all good modern dancers, whilst ‘March Across The Land’ is another typical string laden Hutson production. Strong album that has stood in the shadows of their classic album for too long
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RICK SMITH - WE SHOULD BE LOVERS
OUT OF STOCK Suprisingly good obscure soul album from 1982. The title track , ‘I’ve Got To Love Again’. ‘I Never Give Up On love’ are good soulful punchy dancers. ‘We Belong In Love’ is a good mid tempo track, and the ballads ‘Just Like In The Movies’ and ‘Last Night Made My Day’ are also worthwhile. A solid soul album that was overlooked at the time, so don’t miss this limited edition CD before it disappears again
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SIDNEY JOE QUALLS - SO SEXY
Chicago Sidney’s second album was recorded for 20th Century in 1979. It includes the great modern dancers ‘I Don’t Do This’ and ‘Bad Risk’. Also check the great mellow two stepper ‘I’ll Run To Your Side’ and the dramatic ballad ‘Where Have You Been’ and the uptempo Chicago soul of ‘I Could Be So Good For You’ and ‘Let The Woman Know’.
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SPECIAL DELIVERY - SPECIAL DELIVERY
Superb Soul album from 1978 that has not received the props it is due. From sweet Soul gems like ‘Your Love Is My Love Song’ to full-on dancers such as ‘Get Up – Express Yourself’ and ‘Day Dreamer’, this set has everything including the underground mid-tempo classic ‘This Kind Of Love’. Simply quality Soul.
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HEAVEN AND EARTH - I CAN'T SEEM TO FORGET YOU
Philly style production suit the falsetto lead vocals perfectly on sweet soulful cuts like ‘Now That I’ve Got You, I’ll Be Flying High’ and atmospheric title song plus the ballads ‘Nature’s Miracle’ and ‘Happy’. Try also the Norman Whitfield production sounding ‘The Message’ and ‘The Window Lady’. The hidden bonus track ‘Promises’ is a bouncy mid-tempo head nodder.
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TRUE REFLECTION - WHERE I'M COMING FROM
Recorded at Philly’s Sigma studios, this 1973 set bears all the hallmarks of that famous sound. Standout is the upbeat title song, but try the string laden ‘Whisper’ and the archetypal Philly groove ‘What Don’t You Know’. If sweet harmonies and soulful leads do it for you, check the ballads ‘It Really Hurts’ and ‘Helpless Man’
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 BOBBY TAYLOR - ANTHOLOGY
Bobby’s two Motown albums (and The Vancouvers/Tailor Made Soul) in their entirety plus a few singles and ten previously unreleased tracks. Includes his ballad hit ‘Does Your Mama Know About me’, his uptempo take on ‘I Heard It Through The Grapevine’, ‘Malinda’ , the dancers ‘Its Growing’ and ‘Ive Been Blessed’ and of course the excellent modern monster ‘Don’t Be Afraid’. Best of the unreleased tracks are ‘Save Yourself A Cup Of Happiness’, ‘Memories’ ‘I Can feel The Pain’ and the cover of ‘Harlem’.
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| APRIL
2006 |
WILSON PICKETT - DEFINITIVE COLLECTION
Sadly Wilson passed away earlier this year, but this 38 track tribute (of his Atlantic work) is a fitting epitaph. All the classics are here: ‘In The Midnight Hour’, ‘634-5789’, ‘Mustang sally’, ‘Land Of 1,000 Dances’,, ‘Everybody Needs Somebody To Love’, ‘Engine No9’, ‘I’m A Midnight Mover’, ‘Don’t Knock My Love’, ‘She’s Looking Good’ and many more.
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KLEEER - WINNERS
 KLEEER - LICENSE TO DREAM
2 classic late 70’s/early 80’s sets from Kleeer whose epitomises the era of Chic and early Change. ‘Winners include two dancers ‘Close To You’ and ‘Winners’ plus the awesome mid-tempo groover ‘Open Your Mind’. ‘Licence To Dream’ has more of an 80’s feel with dancers ‘De Kleer Ting’ and ‘Get Tough’ standing out.
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LOVE COMMITTEE - LAW AND ORDER
Classic Salsoul ‘Philly’ album produced by Baker Harris Young, is out on CD at last, remastered by Tom Moulton. Includes the monster Club tracks ‘Just As Long As I Got You’, ‘Where Will It End’. ‘Law And Order’ and ‘Cheaters Never Win’.
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RAY BARRETTO - ACID
Probably Ray Barretto’s finest album recorded in 1967 mixes the Latin Boogaloo vibe with Jazz and a touch of Soul. ‘El Nuevo Barretto’ is a joyous example of this feel that still sounds fresh,, and grooves like ‘Acid’ and ‘Soul Drummers’ will get any party jumping.
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| MARCH
2006 |
TOWER OF POWER
- DINOSAUR TRACKS (LTD ED)
Very limited edition album feat 14 Unreleased tracks from one of the best
soul/funk bands of all time. Most of the tracks date to early 80's and its
great throughout but the best tracks are the funky soul 'Something Special' ,
the brassy dancer 'Why Do You Do My Heart Like That', 'Your Love Is Like A
Little Rain', and ' I Think You'll Like It', along with the mid tempo soul
tracks that the group excel on. Of these the best are 'You Took The L Out Of
Love', 'Move You Lose', 'Never Let Go Of Love' and 'I Want To Love You More.
Great album , get it while you can.
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ISSAC HAYES - ULTIMATE : CAN YOU DIG IT
32 classic tracks from one of soul music greatest heros. 'Shaft',
'Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalymistc', 'Aint That Loving You', 'Never Can Say
Goodbye', 'Soulsville', 'Do Your Thing', 'Joy','If Loving You Is Wrong', 'Walk
On By', 'Disco Connection', 'Chocolate Chip' etc plus DVD of Ike's Wattstax
performance. Classic Soul.
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STARPOINT - ALL
NIGHT LONG
Probably, this classic 80's group's finest album, 'Bring Your Sweet Lovin Back'
is the definitive 80's groover, whilst 'All Night Long' is an ultra fine 2
Step. 'Get Your Body Up' 'I Like It' and 'Show Me' are strong boogie dance
cuts. Try also the ballad 'It's You'. Still available on CD 'Wanting You' and 'Keep On It' - each.
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WELDON IRVINE
COSMIC VORTEX
The late Weldon Irvine has become an iconic figure on the Rare Groove scene.
This 1974 set is possibly his strongest with cuts like the driving Jazz Funk
'Walk That Walk, Talk That Talk', the uplifting 'Love Your Brother' and the
heavier 'Cosmic Vortex' standing out. Check the mid-tempo Salsa tinged 'Let
Yourself Be Free'.
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WELDON IRVINE
SPIRIT MAN
Classic jazzy grooves from the pianist/arranger that contains 2 outstanding
cuts the lush orchestral 'We're Getting Down' and the earthier 'Jungle Juice'.
Try also the spacey 'Blast Off' and the quirky 'Pogo Stick'. The Jazz dance
groove of 'The Power And The Glory' hits the spot too. Great stuff.
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WELDON IRVINE
SINBAD
Weldon's most eclectic RCA set touches the soulful side of things with the Don
Blackman penned 'I Love You' a fine 2 step floater. 'Music Is The Key' adds a
leftfield edginess to the set, whilst the title song is a full-on Jazz Funk
groove. 'Sinbad' completes Weldon's triology of RCA albums all of which are
essential.
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LARRY YOUNG'S
FUEL LARRY YOUNG'S FUEL
Young abandoned his Hammond for his Arista work and attacked the moog with
reckless abandon on this set that includes the Rare Groove classic 'Turn Off
The Lights' featuring Laura Logan's sensual vocals . The funky 'Fuel For The
Fire', the Headhunters-ish 'New York Electric Music' and the typical mid 70's
Jazz Funk of 'H + J=B' contribute to a very fine set.
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LARRY YOUNG -
SPACEBALL
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ROCKY ROBBINS -
ROCKIE ROBBINS
First time on CD this 1985 MCA album inc mid 80’s boogie tracks
‘I’ve Got Your Number’, ‘Work For Love’,
‘Caught In The Act’ and ‘You Finally Find The One’.
Check the ballads ‘Stay With Me’, ‘I Found Love’ and
the two stepper ‘We Belong Together’. Bonus tracks inc the floaters
‘An Act Of Love’, ‘Time To Think’ and ‘Hang
tough’ and the dancer ‘Look before you leap’ from his A&M
albums.
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INSTANT FUNK -
ANTHOLOGY
The key tracks from all six Instant Funk Salsoul albums on a double CD. Inc
‘Got My Mind Made Up’, ‘Crying’ , ‘Wide World Of
Sports’, ‘Dark Vader’, ‘Looks So Fine’,
‘Slam Dunk The Funk’, ‘Bodyshine’,
‘No Stoppin That Rockin’ etc. Funky disco.
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