This is the second volume in what should, hopefully, become an established series and the focus this time is not on the pioneering producers of the ‘80s, but on the contemporary electronic music most directly influenced by those flag-planting disco forefathers. Selected once again by Running Back head honcho Gerd Janson, but left unmixed, the music comes from the cream of the Nu-disco crop in the form of Todd Terje, Prins Thomas, Maurice Fulton, Ray Mang et al. You know the score; 100 – 110 well placed beats per minute, dominated by firm bass-lines and awash with dreamy synths and weird effects. This is a great collection and the inclusion of Mark E’s ‘Fighter’ – an exclusive to this CD – is the worth the money alone.

Tom Breslin

Soulphiction, a.k.a. Stuttgart’s Michel Baumann, the man behind Philpot Records and one third of Manmadescience, is not a guy to be pigeonholed. Despite the tendency in his music to just chug along, lulling you into a groove-induced state of hypnosis, there are so many styles and influences crammed into his productions that he always has you on the hook, just as, say, Moodymann or Theo Parrish might. This whole album is one big tip of the hat to those dons of Detroit, with its scene-setting chords and jazzy, techno sound-scapes intertwining beautifully with twisted disco samples and Afro vocal snippets. Granted, this is not for everyone, but for many – myself included – this will be one of 2008’s real gems.

Tom Breslin

The hype and hope surrounding Quiet Village’s long player has been building ever since their rare-as-hen’s-teeth singles started appearing on New York’s ultra hip Whatever We Want label about 3 years ago. Consisting of Joel Martin and Matt Edwards (better known as DJ and House music star Radio Slave), Quiet Village has garnered an enviable reputation for creating – for want of a less obvious description – surreal, dreamy, mid-tempo music that quite simply soothes the ears. As the title suggests, ‘Silent Movie’ is heavily indebted to the influence of film scores, but don’t be fooled into thinking this is just another ambient, chill-out, Balearic record to play in the background. This is much more than that, and when the Grace Jones-esque, tropical disco-dub of ‘Too High to Move’ is washing over you for the tenth time in a row, you’ll realise why. An excellent album.

Tom Breslin

This two disc set by Nostalgia 77ʼs Ben Lamdin is a great showcase of his talents as a producer, bandleader and DJ. Remixes & B-sides has a little bit of everything. Letʼs start with the soul funk compositions. Ben remakes Alice Russellʼs "Knee Deep" and creates an instrumental that is haunting and funky. Bonoboʼs "In Between The Lines" is a great selection with a combination of a funky horn section and the enchanting vocals of Bajka. Other stellar remixes include Elizabeth Shepardʼs "Reversed." The New Mastersounds, the Leeds UK based group, create the ultimate soul jazz record with help from Corrine Bailey Rae with "Your Love Is Mine". Disc two is an impressive collection of Avant Garde jazz. A great example of that is "Nativeland," a Horace Tapscott tune recorded live is a wonderful exploration of spiritual jazz. The twenty two minute. "Impossible Equation," a previously limited edition record that was only available on vinyl is a must have record for any avant garde jazz fan, is free jazz in it’s purest form. Nostalgia 77 is simply a great collection of music by Ben Lamdin. Just having one of these discs would be worth the price of purchase, but having these two discs together is a bonanza of great music that shouldnʼt be ignored. You could play this record for weeks and not grow tired due to the musical array of selections here. A very satisfying listen.

Reg Dancy

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I can’t count how many dope singles have emerged from the Wah Wah 45s label. So when I heard about the latest installment of Underground Hits & Exclusive bits 3, I couldn’t wait to hear it. Right off the bat, I was rewarded with the seductive vocals of Stac on "Balls Bounce."  The tune starts out soft and warm and after several minutes goes into another gear bursting with energy. "Step Forward" by Jamie Finley is a pensive ballad driven song that’s equally enjoyable. Jamie’s voice is similar to Prince’s falsetto. Jamie’s forthcoming debut, also on Wah Wah 45s is going to be huge. Another anticipated project will be the "Middle Sessions." They contribute two tracks here“ "Used To Be" is a nice up tempo vocal track with strings. "Red Waters" closes the disc with a flurry of high energy jazz that could easily be embraced on any dance floor. It’s always a treat when an anticipated release exceeds your expectations. Treat yourself to one of the most satisfying compilations to arrive this year.

Reg Dancy

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Australian born Kylie Auldist first came to my attention from appearing with the Bamboos on their previous release "Rawville". When performing with the Bamboos,  Kylie is clearly part of an ensemble but with her debut CD "Just Say"  she stands out on her own. "Just Say" is a wonderful disc that embraces the formula that reaches back to the golden era of 60’s soul music. "Still Into You" is a nice track with a mean groove that features some funky horn play, courtesy of the Bamboos. "Community Service Announcement" is a great record that feels like one of those summertime songs you grooved to in the park with your girlfriend by your side. Kylie shifts gears on "Pretty Things" and creates a nice mid tempo acoustic gem that displays her powerful voice. Kylie succeeds in creating songs that are rich in melodies and despite the old school feel, sounds fresh and current. At just under 50 minutes, it has just the right amount of songs to keep you engaged from start to finish. Kylie is part of the new generation of artists making uncut quality soul music. A real gem.

Reg Dancy

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George Evelyn, the man behind Nightmares On Wax (NOW) has built an impressive resume of quality discs that have featured experimental downtempo beats that are supported by a soulful landscape and hip hop beats. His latest release, “Wax On” doesn’t stray too far off course. George has assembled a list of musicians to elevate “Wax On” beyond a studio unit. The opening track “You never Know” is a perfect example of that. A nice chilled out lounge track with lush vocals. Paris based DJ Guts Le Bienheureux , now a member of the Waxon records roster reworks two selection here. “Skunkfunk” is a downtempo bass heavy tune with an infectious beat. The classic “And The Living Is Easy” gets the reggae dub makeover courtesy of The Dynamics. A solid release by George Evelyn but it’s not one of his best. If you’re new to the work of Nightmares On Wax I would suggest “Smokers Delight” or Carboot Soul” before you get this one.

Reg Dancy

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It’s become obvious that when soul music reached it’s peak in the 60’s and 70’s, it planted seeds all over the world. One area where those seeds are continue to bloom is the Netherlands. Say hello to the Soul Snatchers, a nine piece band that delivers 12 original songs of hot buttered soul. They don’t reinvent anything here but prove that they can burn, and they burn real well.  On "Crushed Ice"” the strength of the band is in full display with blaring horns, a pulsating rhythm section and stellar organ work. Special guest, Jimi Bell, lays down his soulful vocals to the high energy, guitar driven "People People." Not be outdone, vocalist YoYo adds warmth and passion to the slow jam, "Ask For Love." I’m not certain how long these guys have been together but they sound like seasoned veterans. The Soul Snatchers take you back to an era when raw funk was the rule and not the exception. Quality soul music that shouldn’t be missed.

Reg Dancy

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Thank goodness for labels like Jazzman Records to search where no man has searched before to resurrect the rare grooves of the 70’s. Last year, they released "Florida Funk" and it was a huge success. They’ve done it again with "Carolina Funk." The man responsible for this year’s release is North Carolina resident and record collector, Jason Perlmutter. He’s assembled 22 of the rarest funk gems to emerge from the Carolinas. There are songs that will make you get on the good foot like Dynamite Singletary’s "Super Good," a high energy track similar to James Brown’s "Super Bad." The Soul Drifters certainly burned up the dance floor with "Funky Soul Brother." The mood slows down for a moment with Paul Burton’s "So Very Hard To Make It”"  Make no mistake, this disc lays the funk down hard and heavy from start to finish. It provides a glimpse into an era so rich in musical talent that the artists displayed here are now getting the attention they never received before. When you think of vintage soul, you can now add the Carolinas as a contributor to the conversation. We have Jason Perlmutter to thank for that.

Reg Dancy

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At a time when the linguistic divide in Belgium between the French-speaking Waloons and the Flemish-speaking populations has intensified, it is refreshing to know that a musical antidote exists which takes on board both traditions and is open to myriad external musical influences throughout the globe. They are the Antwerp based collective Think of One and this highly eclectic fusion of musical styles is quite simply a breath of fresh air on the musical landscape. Whereas previous albums have focused on Brazilian music and even that of the Arctic, this latest project is firmly rooted in the shaabi music of Morocco with diverse western influences thrown in to great effect. The opener, ‘J’etais jetee’ is an intriguing fusion of traditional shaabi with dance rhythms and this is typical of the album as a whole which even incorporates Jamican dub. Indeed the sheer eclecticism is exemplified further on ‘Gnawa power’ with a Led Zepplin style guitar suiprimposed over gnawa rhythms and chants. In contrast, ‘Wereld ni’ is a hypnotic piece with vocals in Flemish. The exotically designed gatefold sleeve truly reflects the music within. A brief DVD short sheds light on the raison d’etre of this new project. With a host of guest musicians, this must surely be one of the year’s most original sounding world roots albums.

Tim Stenhouse