‘Lost’ was released in USA in 2004 and you can see why Definitive Jux has signed it for distribution in Europe. This has been getting some serious attention and is certainly one of the more intelligent Hip Hop albums around at the moment. Cool Calm Pete is one force to be reckoned with his quirky, yet enjoyable lyrics: when was the last time you heard a song about dental hygiene sound so good -the laid-back beats, catchy hooks and the now standard cartoon snippets, which just about every Hip Hop album features, thanks to the influences of Madlib and MF Doom. I hope he’ll be back with more of the same, very soon.

Simon Harrison

Soundway presents its first collection of music from Central America, specifically Panama City, and what a way to kick of the series. Those not familiar with Soundway should take note now and start hunting down their excellent back catalogue. This compilation is based around the sounds of the clubs and bars of Panama City and Colon with influences imported from Jamaica, Trinidad, Europe and South America to create their own unique brand which have not been singled out before. This is simply an awesome selection of rare Jazz, Funk and Soul which has never been released outside of Panama until now. Also included are extensively detailed liner notes and pictures to give us an insight in to this exciting decade in music.

Simon Harrison

This first compilation from Wah Wah is well overdue, and of course, features some of their classics and some unreleased bits, and every single track is essential. Excellent unreleased tracks come from Talc, Max Cole, Aaron Jerome and Jamie Finlay. These four tracks should be enough to have you running to the shops. It’s also great to hear again 12th Floor’s’Take It Back’, Alison Crockett’s ‘Like Rain’ and Unforecene’s ‘Don’t You Worry’ with Alice Russell. Bonus ball are the fantastic Belleruche, who should have more material appearing soon. Top marks to Simon Goss and Dom Servini for mantaining such quality over the years.

Simon Harrison

I believe this will be the last release on this excellent and constant label, and what a way to finish its reign of everything soulful. Here is a mix of unreleased and essential tracks from the back catalogue. Of course Break Reform appears, but here are the essential remixes by Domu, Unknown Quality and Yam Who? Nanar sounds so, so good on unreleased tracks with Low Budget Soul, Kamara and the classic, but rare, Aztec Productions. Other tracks worth mentioning are Low Budget Soul featuring Marcia Escoffery and the Break Reform remix of Alison Evelyn’s ‘Found A New Thing’. This may be the end of Abstract Blue, but Simon S and collective will be back with new label Futuristica very soon: roll on 2006.

Simon Harrison

Here’s the next instalment to ?uestlove’s compilation for BBE, and as the title suggests, it is no surprise this was released on 14th Feb. He again digs back with more classics from Al Green, Delfonics, Natalie Cole, Delfonics and Bobby Womack. If you’re after romantic lyrics for Valentine’s Day, then you’d better give this a miss today, but what it does is give you is a small insight in to the good old days of real soul music, and lyrics which a number of current bands could take some pointers from. BEE never fails to impress.

Simon Harrison

Most people will be interested in this compilation because it features Carl Craig’s excellent remix of Theo Parrish’s ‘Falling Up’, which featured on a limited 10", and has been seen going for silly money on Ebay and played by just about every DJ across the land. This isn’t just about one track because this is a damn fine compilation, with ten more quality remixes, six of which were unreleased until now. Twiddling the knobs are Amp Dog Knight, Marcellus ‘3 chairs’ Pittman, Gilbr and Beatdown Brothers, to name a few. In fact just about every Detroit producer is on here. A mix cd will also follow shortly compiled and mixed by Norm Talley. Third Ear looks after its punters.

Simon Harrison

It’s been around five years since Grupo X broke through with their debut album "X-Posure" and it’s great to have them back, even though they’ve never really been away, with an extensive live schedule. "Food For Your Latin Soul" continues where they left off, with a mix of Salsa, Bugalu, Latin, Brasilia and Jazz. All eleven songs have been written by bandleader Jonny Enright and Jimmy Le Messurier, and once again on lead vocals we have Lisa Millett, who’s caused quite a stir on the house scene, but the six tracks she features on here are much better suited to her vocals. Five years is a long time in the music industry but it’s been well worth the wait.

Simon Harrison

I’ve been holding back buying this album for a few months hoping that vinyl copies might appear but in the end I just couldn’t wait any longer. Nicole Willis has been on the scene for years but I still get the impression that she still hasn’t received the attention she fully deserves. Not many people can say they’ve worked with Brand New Heavies and Curtis Mayfield and that they were one of the original members of Dee-Lite or recorded for the legendary Mo’ Wax. As I’m sure you’ve guessed, this time Nicole teams up with Finland’s funk band The Soul Investigators, who have built their own reputation over the years. The final result is a wonderful 70’s funk mash-up that could easily fool any music purist into believing this was recorded back in the day.

Simon Harrison

Here we have the first collaboration between Roger Eno and Will Thomas aka Plumbline, both of whom have released projects on All Saints and Hydrogen Dukebox. This is a beautiful cinematic album with a whole host of influences, which literally include sounds from clocks, cars and church bells, the kind of thing you would expect from Matthew Herbert. In fact the first track “Transparency” could easily be the work of Herbert himself. The recording “Transparencies” began with joining the dots of various churches and buildings among the beautiful landscape of East Anglia. Things then moved to New York to be manipulated by Will, which gives the album the gritty rhythms, melodies and soft tones. Lovely stuff.

Simon Harrison

Originating from Australia, The Bamboo’s have been rocking dancefloors ever since their self-funded 7". They were then signed to Kay-Dee Records, and Tru Thoughts recognised the talent and signed their debut. The sound is not a million miles away from Quantic Soul Orchestra, and on guest vocals is the wonderful Alice Russell on the single ‘Step It Up’ and also on the fantastic funk-fuelled version of Afronaught’s Broken Beat anthem ‘Transcend Me’. Also featured are updated versions of the Kay-Dee releases, so don’t think you’re being fiddled if you already have the singles. Even though Tru Thoughts are currently firing out albums, every single release is of the highest quality.

Simon Harrison