Compiled by DJ Floro, ‘Republicafrobeat Vol. 2’ further explores the sound of modern Afro-beat. From it’s West African roots this music has truly spread worldwide particularly during the past decade and this disc draws together fine examples from Spain, France, US, UK and of course the motherland. ‘Elephants’ by Karl Denson & Tiny Universe featuring Fred Wesley, Raw Deal’s ‘Afro Rainbow’, the Hi-Perspective Remix of Franck Biyong’s ‘Power Brain’ featuring Wunmi and Bukky Leo’s take on Timmy Thomas’ ‘Why Can’t We Live Together’ all hit the spot. Al Green is not a name you would normally associate with Afro-beat, but the rare 1989 Bwana Mix of his 1975 cut ‘Love Ritual’ works perfectly. This album is worth the purchase price for this track alone.

Andy Allen

More boogie business this month from Soul Brother and their 2nd volume of ‘Groove On Down’. Classics of the genre are present and correct; Cheryl Lynn’s ‘Got To Be Real’, the Larry Levan remix of ‘Seventh Heaven’ by Gwen Guthrie and Carol Williams’ ‘Can’t Get Away (From Your Love)’ which was recently covered by Only Freak on Freerange Records. Also included are Brooklyn Express’ version of Eddie Kendricks’ ‘You Need A Change Of Mind’ and ‘Help Is On The Way’ by The Whatnauts which Fat Larry’s Band lifted the groove from for their ‘Act Like You Know’ a year later (1982). The real winners here though are Mandrill’s intoxicating ‘Stay Tonite’, ‘Bizzaar’ by Rhyze which has more than a hint of the Spinners’ ‘Ill Be Around’ and the super slick production of ‘Our Hearts Will Always Shine’ from Ozone.

Andy Allen

This latest edition of ‘The Great Collectors’ features a further 12 early to mid 80s independent boogie cuts. As is often the case with tracks from this period, not all of the productions have stood the test of time. However there are some real gems contained within, such as the gospel flavoured ‘Lovelight’ by Love Light, Eddie Cornelius’ ‘Release Yourself’ plus Gift Of Dreams’ ‘Better Day’ and ‘Hold On For Love’ from Sho Nuff, both of which have been on my wants list for some time. Takes me back to the good old days of curly perms and formation dancing!

Andy Allen

Joey Negro and Sean P are back with another selection of disco delights. The sleeve notes estimate that to buy the originals featured here would set you back over £2000! With the likes of the northern soul favourite ‘How Can I Tell Her’ by Curtis Anderson, Sparkle’s funky New York styled ‘Let Yourself Go’, the awesome ‘Can I Take You Home’ by Mel Shepperd and Sabatta’s George Kerr produced ‘Man For My Lady’ you know this is the real deal. As if that wasn’t enough you also get the remixed version ‘Movin On’ from GD & The Big J, here credited as ‘Summer Groove’ by The Joneses, Charles Mann’s ‘Sho Nuff No Funny Stuff Love’ and a great version of David Bendeth’s ‘Feel The Real’ by Adrenalin. The standouts for me though are the killer groove of ‘We Had Enough’ from Arnie & The Lovlettes and Vance & Suzzanne’s ‘I Can’t Get Along Without You’ as sampled on the house track ‘Eyes Of Love’ by Brother Of Soul (Guidance 2000).

Andy Allen

Back some ten years I was very lucky to be working in a record shop when the limited first releases on Phono records appeared with productions by a new name – Herbert. Still to this day, I dig out those first 12″s and of course he churned out some brilliant albums and remixes over the years. Herbert has been known to sample all manner of things over the years and this album cover features 37 pictures of the 723 objects sampled in the making of “Scale”. As with all of Herbert’s previous albums, there is a serious message behind the songs, which will certainly make you think. “Scale” is the most obvious album to date with disco, jazz and house bits thrown in there but it just goes to prove this man is a modern day genius.

Simon Harrison

Sonar Kollektiv have been amazingly consistent with every release over the last few years, with a slight bias towards things with a 4/4 beat but whatever the style, quality seems to be the most important thing. Michel Baumann is the man behind Soulphiction and also helped set up the well known and sought after Philpot Records, mainly due to the Moodyman/Theo Parrish influences in releases. “State Of Euphoria” is a big nod to the two legendary Detroit producers and covers downtempo and midtempo building up to good quality house. Baumann certainly knows his music and has injected jazz riffs, disco loops and broken beat influences into his productions. This has been hailed as house album of the year by many: it’s maybe a little early to say but it’ll certainly be up there.

Simon Harrison

Sound in Color have been quiet in 2006 but have an amazing line-up for the rest of the year. For those who don’t know, Exile has been around for over a decade as a member of Emanon and has also worked with Stones Throw artist Aloe Blacc, who features on “Dirty Science”. Exile has produced some heavyweight beats and then hunted around to find the right vocalist for each of his productions. M.E.D. seems to be guesting on all manner of projects recently and turns out a corker here. Blu is maybe a name you’ve not heard before and has an album due on Sound in Color later this year, and judging by these tracks, it’s gonna be interesting. All in all, Sound in Color deliver another cracking album.

Simon Harrison

This is the first compliation from Manchester’s Phuture Lounge and even though their singles to date have been broken beat influenced, Rainbow Soul Vol.1 features some of the finest soul music that you’ll hear in 2006. You may not recognise any of the artists but I can assure you they are names you need to keep an eye out for in the future. I’ve been lucky enough to have had the Vaceo album sampler for some time and two of my favourite tracks are featured here. There are also two tracks from the amazing Ozlem, two from Fyza who featured on Phuturistix’s single “Fly away”, two from ace vocalist Mr J and two from Michelle Amador. Hopefully you get the idea, it’s bloomin’ fantastic. The four track album sampler will on its way soon.

Simon Harrison

Some labels get slated for churning out compilation after compilation of their back catalogue, putting new names to the compilations and different spins on the themes. With the results still ending in the same old tunes just shuffled into a different order. Trojan, however, manage to avoid this process. Perhaps it’s because the Trojan archive is so extensive it’s almost impossible to churns out the same old songs. For this next chapter in Trojan’s ‘mixtape’ venture they have drafted in Portishead DJ, Andy Smith. This experienced DJ and self confessed vinyl addict has compiled his own ‘Document’ series over the last few years which mainly focused on the sounds of soul, funk and hip hop. This ‘Trojan Document’ glides through some of Trojan’s best, rarest and most popular releases. It’s rocksteady, it’s reggae, it’s dancehall, it’s very good. There are tracks from The Upsetters, Hopetown Lewis, john Holt plus loads of other top notch reggae producers. Reggae heads will have heard the tunes and riddums before no doubt, but Andy Smith glides them all together to suit the summer vibe down to a tee. Bless up!

Jax

Without doubt, YT is one the hottest reggae producers in the UK. This debut album is totally brilliant. In fact I’m gonna push da boat out here and say this is one of the best albums 2006 has had to offer so far. The production is tight, the lyrics are superb and the riddums are the dogs down belows.
There is a load of reggae, a slice of dancehall and ragga with a sprinkle of drum & bass thrown in for good measure. YT has been kickin’ about on dinked 45’s for long time, so to finally release a full length of this quality is a real treat. ‘Straight Outta Britain’ features some toasting from Luciano, Horseman and JD but to name a few and each and every track is a belter. This album will not be off my stereo all Summer for sure. Do yourself a favour and check this out and turn it up!!!

Jax