Harry Templeton - Baby

Again, another tune I don't know a thing about. But, it's a nice mellow modern soul number with some simple drum machine and nice horn arrangements. Modern soul from 1982 out of the Los Angeles area. Has a style similar to what was being played and created in the L.A. area around that time. In fact sounds a bit like the grooves of Homeboy and the C.O.L. and a few other L.A. acts. I can imagine L.A. lockers doing their thing to this track.

We hope you enjoy this one!

Harry Templeton - Baby

McIver - Trying To Be True

Been waiting to post this one up. Not gonna be a long story here as I don't know anything about this artist. This has been getting a lot more exposure recently, and painfully that coincides with higher prices. It's well worth getting more notice, but may be slower catching for most peoples tastes. It took a while for the hook and backing vocals to grow on me.

This is quintessential modern soul. Written by Richard Turner and affectionately the publishing is credited to 'Turner-you-on' music. It's also a prime example of mid 80's modern soul sound. Smack dab in 1985 to be precise. This is also a New York city record that makes me wonder what the club scene was really like in NYC during the mid eighties. There was so much going on in punk, funk and emerging hip hop cultures. I can see how this subtle groove fell by the wayside. But, I can also easily imagine a New York club getting it as thoroughly as the folks in THIS clip.

Far as I know this is a premier 45 for us. Earlier this year when I got it, I couldn't even find it on youtube. Often times that's a huge compelling factor in what I purchase. If it's not really uncovered yet, I'm liable to snatch it up before it really gets expensive. I also checked around and couldn't find this on any other blogs. So, another world wide premier for you here on Sound Boutique. We work hard and dig deep to share goodies like this with you. We hope you enjoy.

McIver - Trying To Be True

Leroy Hutson - Paradise

A few things have been simmering in my world, amidst the fight for family health, I got involved in Vamp the record shop, the art and consignment spot I just posted about, and also have now put a release out on my own imprint label Sound Boutique. You'll hear more about that in a few posts to come. Gonna need some room to expand on that whole story. But, first the record release party already happened and was held at Sweater Funk. It was a fun night with a guest set by Ben Johnson, a special guest appearance by Luke Holton of the Nightwind band (whose release is the first project for Sound Boutique) and for those that dared stay into the wee hours a special appearance by none other than Dam Funk. Great nite we all had, and incredible music was played on so many levels. We also had several releases on Ben and my record labels for sale. Ben's label is Risque records and he's got some great stuff already out. And, he keeps me in the loop about future releases and they are all sounding super good. Most of this stuff is mastered from cassette tape and never before released. He's also now writing for the Beat Electric site. We'll dive into more about him and Risque Records very soon.

Dam Funk spittin' fire on the mic as usual.

Little know secret about Dam, usually when he's in town he'll roll through and DJ with us. He rocked an excellent set. Such an educator when it comes to Djing. He grabbed the mic like he always does and this time he sang a cameo of his and Baron Zen's Burn Rubber tune. It's a treat for us always to have him. He didn't disappoint with an all 45 set. He never does. Infact, I can safely say...probably the best DJ I have EVER seen. On some many levels he comes correct. Hopefully I'm preaching to the choir, and you're already familiar. This jam by Leroy Hutson was one of the tunes he played, and I felt like sharing it up on here. I really wished we record that nite... Some major magic went down. Ben dropped wicked tunes and Dam killed it as well. Next item to purchase has GOT to be a recorder!!
Every time Dam Funk comes thru Sweater Funk it's like Paradise for us!!

Leroy Hutson - Paradise

Big Tony - Sound Of Music

Back to Boogie basics here. I have a really nice relatively unknown UK boogie heater for you. This isn't the same Big Tony as the famed percussionist for Trouble Funk. But, this bomb is just as heavy. It;s the flip side of his 'Bubble up' single and can be found for cheap on 7 inch and 12 inch. Don't know too much about him, but you probably heard this on European airwaves if you're old enough. Time for me to unload some newer fresher tracks to my boogie brethren. I know a lot of readers enjoy our chapters of modern and boogie stuff quite a bit.

I think I'll start mixing this tune into my bag for the Sweater Funk parties that are coming up. We've got some big ones that I'll tell you about in the near future. The most pressing one is this Saturday with live performances by Bay Area modern funk outfits B. Bravo Starship Connection and none other than K-maxx. Ken, aka K-maxx will hopefully be putting out a few records on our Sound Boutique Record label. 

 

Just check out the stunning Artwork done by Freddy Anzures. He takes your eyes right out of them sockets. Kills it every time! Just wish he had made a limited edition black lite poster!

Also, please check Tres Lingerie who will be spinning at Sweater Funk this Sunday.
Peace. See you in the streets!

Big Tony - Sound Of Music

Frank Alstin - It Must Be Love This Time

Here's another jam that seems ripe for the summertime. I know very little about Frank Alstin, however he had quite a few tries at this particular jam. This version has a very home spun almost demo tape sound to it. He recorded it again in 1986 with the fabulous Jean Carne. And, in 1992 it was revamped and given a few 'house' remixes and released in the UK. We know close to nothing about the rest of his career, but this little slab of funk boogie soul definitely increases the desire for more of the same caliber. He did pen a few songs for First Choice, Loleatta Holloway, Sandra Phillips and The Jones Girls. Not a bad gang of folks to be associated with!

This earliest version is the best version in my eyes, but it's hard to deny the excellent vocals from Jean Carne. This version lacks those extra female vocals but does have a crisp snappy funk feel and some excellent synth soloing. Although a lot of the versions out there are dated 1983 but, seem to be the later version from 86. I'm happy to share this track as it seems to be the hardest version to come by and doesn't go for cheap these days. I hope you enjoy.

Frank Alstin - It Must Be Love This Time

Joy - The Time Is Right

Joy was a gospel group from southern California, San Diego to be exact. They recorded this pearl of an album and that was it. This is about the strongest tune on the LP, but they showed tremendous potential. This tune is pure magic, straight up good gospel groove with a very simple premise of positivity and action. The lyrics boast 'It's time we treat each other like true sisters and brothers' and i couldn't agree more. We need more songs like this in our world today. Again they proclaim 'It's time we forget denominations and come to the realization that god just wants us to show our love' and 'It's time to be strong and take a stand, reach out your hand and help someone when they fall'. Just how silly new music these days can be, and how vulgar and negative it can be, it truly makes you appreciate songs like this. Very Stevie Wonder-ish sounding vocals, brilliant simple production, and a smart little bass and drum 'breakdown' from this perfect title cut from this album. In the gospel scene, bands like this in the late 70's and early 80's turned towards making more straight soul records and moved away from more traditional sounds. Packing up the Hammond, and subbing in the Rhodes. Putting down the Tambourine and replaced it with slapping the bass. Basically it's a pop/soul record and I'm thankful for this trend during that time.

This sat firm at the top of my want list for over three years and last year finally came to me in the mail. Do you understand how hard it was searching for the key words 'Gospel' and 'Joy' on the interweb! It took me forever to track this one down, and it was a frustrating journey. But, now it's here like a ray of sunshine. I had every intention of posting this when I got it, but sometimes things slip through the cracks and after a few plays out in the clubs it was filed away. So good to be giving it it's proper due and sharing here on SB. I hope that somehow the band finds this post and sheds a little light on how this album came about and what the San Diego Gopsel scene was like in the early 80's.

This is actually our first 'actual' request for a song. A fellow artist and enthusiast just recently told me 'more Gospel please!' and I'm very happy to oblige. It's you, our readers and followers of this blog that make all the difference in the world to this music and the artists, and give me purpose to searching high and low for good music . The fact that I'm getting feedback and 'requests' for gospel here...is fabulous. So, here ya go...A special dedication to my homie Alika Cooper and hoping this track pleases her growing Soundboutique mix tape collection, and provides additional music for her while she's painting.




Check out her amazing work here...
www.alikacooper.com/











Joy - The Time Is Right

Superior Movement - Wide Shot

Superior Movement's 'Wide Shot' 45 could possibly have been one of the very first boogie 45's that I started spinning with. It's an 80's funk classic and thanks to proper distribution back then most folks seem to know about it now.  Not rare, but still hard to come by in good shape. This song, in a bouncy groove, is the kind of jam I will always be a sucker for. Something about the simple orchestration of an array of synthesisers. This albums title cut, 'The Key To Your Heart' is tasty too... a slow, creeping funk ballad from these Chicago Brothers. A few other songs stand out as well and the LP had sky high potential written all over it.

Stanley Ratliff's book 'A Dream, A Goal, Never a Reality' tells the story of the bands climb to success and tragic fall. The 'Movement's' battle with the record industry's dishonesty, excursions into drugs, and prison time are all chronicled in the book. The band had a knack for rockin' a party and prove just that in this live clip of Wide Shot. This band had endless potential. Just a shame it was the case of another short lived career.

Even though it was widely released on 45 and 12", there was never an instrumental version of the 80's funk boogie classic 'Wide Shot' actually released by Superior Movement, but there was this. Lazerock's 'Ballad Of Mr T' has an instrumental version and the story behind how the groove from this song made it into Lazerock, might be revealed in the book.

If you're reading this....
To all the cats in Superior Movement, all the funkateers and disco cats all over the world love your shit. If you are part of Superior Movement, hit us up! We want to see you rock the spot one more time. Just like in the ole days.


Superior Movement - Wide Shot

Ago - Good Time

I have been meaning to get around to this for ages. This has been one of my favorite Italo pieces EVER.  This entire LP is earth quaking robust synth disco madness. It sounds as though its the undiscovered 'Chic' LP with killer backing vocals and some of the tightest drums, bass, and guitar you've heard since 'Risqué'. If you don't know about it, now ya know. Although this is going to take an acquired taste. More Italo with heavy accents but, it works in the album's favor. Certain phrases sound even better when they are not quite grammatically correct. For example this song is obviously about 'Good Times' yet the song lyrics repeat 'We're gonna have good time' and so on. In another instance there's a song on this LP called 'Stop Your Life' and although it appears to be about suicide, it's really about a plea for a romantic affair. Strange yet particularly odd and beautiful. I've been gaga about this LP for about 3-4 years now and its been a secret weapon of mine in the crates. I can't recommend this highly enough, it's really solid from start to finish.

The comparison with Chic doesn't fall short of the title 'Good Time'. This LP is drenched in Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers like hot fudge on a sundae. At one point the singers chant 'I need your love, I need... your love' and I rest my case. The whole things is bright and electric. Most of the tracks are just how I like my boogie, serious heat produced loud and clear and all pack a mean ass punch.

There's not much information on AGO and even though 'For You' seems to be incredibly popular both in Italy and throughout the world, I have not found any videos or footage of these songs. Despite the desire for other songs from this era, this is the entire body of his work. A few things trailed this LP, but they are all pretty bad. A few of these songs came out on 12" and one is extended a few minutes, but no interesting b-side or non-album tracks have surfaced as of yet.

Ago's real name is Agostino Presta and true die hard Italo fans will know the incredible Cavalieri team is behind the curtain on this album. That is also who was behind the recent post I made for the group Nexus. This is also one of the prime works of Luciana Cirrillo, Michele Violante and a few others from other famed Italo group The Rainbow Team and the utterly amazing Electric Mind.

Get the whole album, it's WICKED.

Ago - Good Time

Roy Hamilton And Capiche - Turn Up The Music

On a happy vibe with Capiche for this lovely Tuesday post. I don't know much about Capiche, but it's obvious to me that their influences lie some where between Ray Parker Jr. and George Benson. It's soft rhythmical vocal sweetness. For the record, this is not the same Roy Hamilton known as the golden boy of song, as he passed away in 1969. This heater from 1984 is on the HBS label. Again, I know little to nothing about the label or this artist, just that it's really good. The phrase 'Nice One Big Dave' on the label is a reference to Dave McAleer, who was among many things a mogul of the British music scene. Dave was also one the UK's first club Deejays and oddly enough became the manger for The Rah Band.

Roy Hamilton And Capiche - Turn Up The Music

Nel Oliver - You Are My Dream

Okay, so with a day off in my schedule I've had some extra time on my hands. Great chance to get ahead of the posts here on the blog. So, I'm gonna post a few tracks today, if time permits. Or rather, as many songs as time will allow.
Nel Oliver is a french recording artist probably of African or West indies descent. He's made some fairly amazing LP's all super hard to find over here, but more available in France. This LP, probably his easiest to find overseas, has several nice tracks all in this kind of sleepy soulful style. A groovy mellow sounding soul style is what Nel captures on this album. Another instance of excellence in lyrics sung in English yet soaked in worldly accent. NICE! There are several good treats on here...'Mama Mother', 'I Got A Flash', 'Heart Of The Ghetto' and this tune. Nel produced and recorded many artists over a long period of time at his recording studio. He's been a huge promoter and supporter of African music. He's also a big proponent of anti-piracy. Let's hope he understands his appearance here is strictly promotional.

Nel Oliver - You Are My Dream

Glass - Getty Up

Probably one of my favorite electro boogie LP's ever. This tune 'Getty Up' uses some nice vocoder and has a bubbly robotic feel. I think this was just used by Onra for a tune, but I can't verify. It's not that I can't buy the new stuff, I just haven't had a chance yet. Actually most of my cash is tied up in buying 'old stuff' at the moment. Give it 15 to 20 years and I'll be struggling to find a rare 12 inch from 2009. If even that long. This is one tune with some very clean backing vocals. Favorite part...when the bridge comes and they sing 'getty-up to-the-beat' ...very nice indeed. It does kind of bubble doesn't it? This is some serious space port action, gear up into your space suit, check your lunar landing gear, type of future funk.

Glass had this one LP and a few 12 inch releases, one of which 'Bedrock', was a minor hit for them. They were from Houston, Texas and this LP came out in 1983 on the Houston Connection Recording Corporation label. John Williams headed Glass and after the band broke up, he recorded and released several records under the names Mikki Bleu and Jonnie Baby.
You should really seek out his LP for the other tracks that are in the same vein as this tune. 'Bedrock', 'What's Your Name' and 'Stomp' are all slamming. It's a solid LP of well rounded boogie funk.
Now. Getty up to the beat. Pronto.


Glass - Getty Up

Mac Thornhill - Boogie Fire

Mac Mugshot

I can't claim this being in my DJ sets due to my own research and digging. But, props due to the fine gentlemen Johan and Jordan also known as Tres Lingerie. With killer DJ sets, tasty remixes and a brand of their own music that's afforded them a spotlight performance on the Beat Electric Television Show they're simply 'killin' it'. I've flipped thru a few Mac Thornhill records and none have stuck out quite like this one. Thanks to Johan for playing this one out and bringing it to my ears.

This tune is brought to a simmer by lovely percussion accents and the talented singing of a mysterious 'April' who we know nothing about. It seems that the term boogie fire was adept at describing something that sets the club a blazin' even back in 1981. This is indeed 'boogie fire' and getting major play from me right now. Thanks again to Johan of Tres Lingerie.

Mac is originally from Quebec, Canada and still resides there to this day. Canadas' contributions to the grails of boogie is quite heavy including one elusive monster 'Ooh Wee Babe' by Ron Richardson and this release on the M.A.D. Label. Joe Freeman's 'Sneakin'' and Hypnotics 'Are You Lonely' are among other Quebec monsters. There is one other release on the M.A.D. label, 'Don't You Do It' from the same year, but I don't have it. 'Make Life Worth Living' released in 1983 on Savoir Faire Records is also tasty booginess by Mac. Most of his other records came out mid to late 80's and are loved in the house and pre-house genre.

Mac Thornhill - Boogie Fire

Warren Burris - Get Up Off Your Love

So back to business... and back to boogie basics. Modern soul appreciation 101A. With NO pre-requisite. I'm catching a lot of flak these days for not knowing what the hell I'm talking about. Guess what? I don't. I don't know SHIT. Other than the hot ass shit that goes around the turntable and gives me that 'baby on a tit' face. Just the tunes that make me 'Goo-Goo Ga Ga' and all hairs stand up on end. Really folks, I do tend to whip things up into a meringue pie sometimes. A meringue pie of shite! Lol. Ultimately you should know that it's really just about the music. I honestly can't help with a little chitterlings and chatterlongs here and there and hopefully you won't mind. As long as we DJ for you along the way right? Dropping tasty little goodies along the way. But, onto the chuuunes.. 'cause that's the ONLY thing that really matters here at Soundboutique.

Today we have the mighty sounds of Warren 'Big-beard' Burris.
From 1988(!) this LP was only available in the UK. My goodness, it is quite an exceptional beard he has. Well, the music is perfectly groomed as well. Immaculate if you will. This funk dancer bomb 'Get Up Off Your Love' has been thrilling my heart lately and is what I will play when I can ever find my way to Sweaterfunk in San Francisco. Man, I miss that party. Perhaps I should look for an apartment in Chinatown. If you haven't been... You need to check it out. From where ever you are.... You may need to travel around the world to catch it. The best music night I've EVER been a part of. They've come super far too. From a room with me and five other DJs all just kinda standing around jocking each other tunes, nerding out. It had all the makings of another record nerd sausage fest, but turns out we knew what the hell we were doing. Vets of the rare groove game and pirates of various worlds of music came together to champion boogie music and preach it to the San Franciscans.

Turns out boogie was the dirty little secret passion and guilty pleasure everybody wanted to play but didn't. Or, hadn't hadn't found an ear for. Or, a home. Now, the guest DJ waiting list has grown to epic proportions and notables Dam Funk, Haircut, Kon and Amir, Monk One, Daz-I-Kue have all dropped legendary sets. It's been a match made in heaven for me. Playing a sound that until recently was only available via dancing in the street with winos and their transistor radios. And, this upcoming valentines day, I'm definitely digging out some tear stained soul and mid tempo lovers jams. It's gonna be sick. Come to the Lipo at 916 Grant Avenue (at Washington St) in china town SF on Sunday Feb 13 (or any Sunday for that matter) and you will have a damn good time.
Seriously, Warren...beard of the decade award.   Sweaterfunk...party of the decade.

Warren Burris - Get Up Off Your Love

Veno - Nigeria Go Survive

Another fine Nigerian boogie track. One that is somewhat classic and quite possibly becoming an anthem in this still evolving afro-boogie genre. While on the road from the last Sam Marris post, it was hard not to lead to this stop. Another dusty, scratchy relic I've acquired from the motherland.
In fact, Nigeria has indeed survived. 2010 was the celebration of Nigeria's 50th year of independence. So, on the local airwaves and in the hearts and minds of Nigerians 'Nigeria Go Survive' has already been an anthem and a theme of hope and pride. Flirting with larger success and crossover appeal this song is sung in both native Nigerian tongue and English. It is often called Pidgin or Broken English but is popular among recording artists for a hipper flare. Nigeria is vast in different dialects but some Hausa, Fulfulde, Yoruba, and Ibibio can be heard in these Nigerian records. Many Nigerian artists in the eighties had come full circle with language and attempted to gain that greater appeal that speaking English provided. Written and produced by Jake Sollo of Osibisa fame, this was a marginal hit for Veno Marioghae in 1985. Released on the small but prominent Tabasi record label, it was also the home to many other African artists including Felix Lebarty, The Esbee Family, and Harry Mosco.


Veno - Nigeria Go Survive

J.P.'s Force - Time To Throw Down

It's right about time. Time to 'Throw Down' some new boogie/modern soul fatness. This JP's Force cut is just what you need. From their rare EP on Sensational Records comes this title cut, and it's a bomb tune. Just a sample that funk can still bump with keyboard slap bass and 1986 was just as funky a year as any. In fact, over the next few posts I'll be adding things from the mid to late eighties. Only to further prove my point. I hope all of you are on board and ready. Because I've been deep into a mid eighties soul and funk binge as of late.
Some of you already know I'm a huge fan, promoter and collector of anything on People's Potential Unlimited. I'm often blogging them up, wearing their gear and spreading news of the latest releases.
It's rare I come across originals that PPU have released, those are usually the tunes that get nabbed up with the quickness and disappear from the web. Or, where never there. I blame it on impeccable taste. The label founder Andrew Morgan puts out quality and excellent material. I've had a long history with this cat, buying from him way back when he was virtually the 'only' cat selling records under boogie, electro, and modern featuring sound clips. That was huge. And, a milestone in introducing many folks to tons of material. Myself included. He's been earth's core deep since I first knew about him. PPU has manifested nothing but pure, raw, uncut goodness and done so with immaculate style and vision. Not to mention a solid penchant for honest dealings.

Back to what I was saying... So, its rare I come across originals that have been released by PPU. This J.P.'s Force was released by PPU on 45 perhaps a few years ago now. When I came across this I had to have the original because I genuinely loved this tune. It's robust funk from 86. The rest of the EP is really good too. It's worth seeking out. I think the flip of the PPU 45 has the other best song from this EP. But, a second pressing of this EP originally released in 1990 is available here and there as well.

Heads up, and mad respect to People's Potential Unlimited, Andrew, and the Earcave site. If you're not aware of this great resource your seriously a nappin and a snoozzin'
Check them out here.
http://earcave.mybisi.com/

J.P.'s Force - Time To Throw Down

Fonzi Thorton - I Work For A Living

In spirit and celebration of the new Nile Rodgers presents The Chic Organization: Box set ... comes this offering from the lesser know soundtrack to 'Soup For One'. It's only available in this soundtrack. This track by Fonzi Thorton 'I Work For A Living' is some of the finest work by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards. It's really a well hidden secret Chic track. The bass and guitar work together like rapid fire machine guns. I don't think the Chic sound was played this hard or with this fury as it was with this particular track. It's only made even more special by featuring Fonzi who only had a brief glimpse of a recording career. Mostly Fonzi was hidden from the limelight and probably could have been a bigger star. Although he could have had much success on his own, he provided many with excellent backing vocals and gave his time to tour with Chic. This is solid anthem material here... a working class anthem to boot. The other really tasty tune on this soundtrack is the mellow 'Soup For One' title cut by Chic. It too is amazing.
I have to say I was un-impressed by the Chic box set. Disappointed really. I think many of us, huge fans of this particular track, had hoped for a nice edit or re-working at some point. I had (as I assume many others had also) hoped that the re-edit or extended version of 'Work For A Living' on this collection was going to be the grail I had always waited for. But, it falls a bit short. The drum tracks are a bit disco-y (or rather house style.. u know.. um sist um sist um sist) and in fact sound as if they used a drum machine. So, a bit of a bummer for me. Perhaps I'll get around to extending it myself. But, somebody should do it justice. Maybe some of you know of a better edit or version. But, still this tune is a monster. Sooooo good. Further on the Box set....what!? no crazy 'Good Times' extended rhythm tracks or outtakes?? Crazy right? Maybe in Volume Two, they'll go there. They really SHOULD.

You'll be happy to know this rip is from the Original Soundtrack LP and NOT the box set. But, you should still go out and get it too. See if you like the treatment. Anyone out there seen this 'Soup' movie?

Fonzi Thorton - I Work For A Living

Dynasty - Adventures In The Land Of Music

Absolute classic 80's mid tempo stomper here. A tune I have a serious love affair with. I have to admit, the first time I heard it was thanks to the folks in Camp Lo. They were up on sampling 80's stuff way before most. Fortunately this LP was in every dollar bin across the entire bay area. I think I pick it up every time I see it. Probably have ten of 'em at this point. This song just makes you want to move slow and throw your hands in the air. So slow it's almost like moving through water. The string and horn arrangements are among the most powerful I've ever heard. This tune carries an amazing presence that even when played out, regardless of its drippingly slow tempo still gets heads nodding and lovers and slow dancers getting to a grind. Classic stuff here. This song from the album of the same name, was just one of many offerings by Dynasty. Dynasty gave up so many tunes for the Solar label during the late 70's and far into the mid 80's. All dope shit. Solar is a label I loved way back as a kid. I used to buy the 45's right off the rack in the record store. Here now, off the SB rack for you to enjoy.


Dynasty - Adventures In The Land Of Music

Kevin Johnson - You Walked Out On Me

Here's another example of a straight up anthem of mine. It's just indie enough for me to have a strange personal love affair with it. Something so incredibly 'home-spun' about it yet funky as all hell. One song that I sing along with word for word. And, one you can always see me air-keyboarding the funky synthesizer riff to. The deep funk bass line and tight drum machine make it probably the earliest possible appearance of true g-funk sound. Not to mention the vocals sound like the blueprint for Nate Dogg's entire style. It'd be a kick, and totally make sense if this was his relative. From the beginning slow backwards slap of the snare right into heavy funk, it's a serious bomb track. Part of it's appeal is Kevin's total lack of excitement. His lackadaisical approach sets the tone for this ridin' anthem. He's slow and steady and it's a 'ha-ha I told you so...good ridance' kind of vengeful break up song. He simply asks... after you leave, close the door. But, the little bit of melodic scatting he does at the end is priceless. Quality modern soul funk 45 by Kevin Johnson who perhaps never got to record any more. A song that makes you wanna bump it driving in your car, in the summer, with the windows down.
I struggled with this one quite a bit. It wasn't cheap. But, it just was one of those that wasn't turning up for me EVER. So, I had to take the plunge. Couldn't wait to have it any longer. More hard earned dollars going straight to Mr. Craig Moerer. But, I simply just had to have this. Now, you can benefit from my purchasing power with this limited mp3. Wow, I'm watching too much late night TV while writing these posts.



Kevin Johnson - You Walked Out On Me

Dizzy K - You

Speaking of Africa... I think I'm gravitating to Nigerian records from 81-83 like the tractor beam from the death star. Just so happens they are all sounding like complete replicas of Michael Jackson records. From Chris Mba, who I posted here before, to this cat Dizzy K. The squeals and yelps, to the rhythmic scats, it all ads up to MJ. Not to mention the bass heavy brilliant disco boogie production perfection they've all got. Dizzy had a number of albums, all seem to be excellent. Don't have them all yet, but working on it. So far so good. Meaning they've all been worthwhile listens. This particular LP is the best yet. And, judging from the prices his LP's command, this is probably the most desired. I remember buying this on ebay. I heard a few sound samples of the tracks and was completely FLOORED. I had never heard anything so funky and so hotly produced. It blew my mind how incredible the few tracks sounded, even though they were crappy ass little soundfiles. This was approximately 5 or more years ago. I was ready to drop some serious loot on it. I put figures into eBay I had never entered before. I was willing to bet the farm on this one, and didn't want to lose it to another bidder. Surprisingly it ended for 13 or 14 dollars, (totally surprised!) a far cry from the hundreds I was willing to spend. Since then Nigerian Boogie records have gone through the roof. I have no idea what this record would go for now, but the last few copies went for 500 to 1,000$.
To me, it might be worth it. All the tracks on here are bombs. Plus, like I said, I'd never heard anything produced so well. Every track sounds like you could make a new Daft Punk song just by looping it up. The back info on the record reads like a synth and drum machine holy grail want list..some of the hottest shit on earth. Trust me this record is made with some of the sickest sounds you've ever heard. Dizzy is still around, and heavy into gospel music. It's still a fantasy of mine to re-release ALL of his LP's, something I can estimate is only a matter of time.

I'm only posting this one right now.. it's kinda too good to let it all out at once..but, I WILL post more from this same album. I may even do a Dizzy K special once I have ALL the Dizzy LP's.

I hope my buddy Juan finds this one while he's in Africa. He just hipped me to his newest project, his blog about his vinyl discoveries while he's adrift in Ghana and general South Africa. He's finding hot shit. We yucked it up a while ago, over a donut at a greasy spoon breakfast spot I like, about his future trip. We talked about all the previous record hounds that have scoured the land. How they never pay 'jack-shit' for records, sadly keeping those peoples VERY poor while making hundreds themselves. How few record hunters there have been 'other than white' in that biz, and how he might be able to connect further being a person of color himself. Finalizing our conversation we both mentioned we thought the most important things were.. the stories, the connections with these people along the way, the music, the art, the experience, the sharing, and NOT just gripping and flipping. I'm proud to say he's not just trying make a fat loot, but doing something deeper. Something he's always been dedicated to. This time he's working new angles and turning up some tasty goodies. Check them out here.
http://digging4gold.tumblr.com/
This is his second trip to Africa, and the second time I've mentioned him on this blog. Must be I love this dude. word.

Dizzy K - You

The Suttons - So Good

Mike and Brenda Sutton are incredible. They had such a magnetism about every one of their club tunes that elbowed its way onto dance floors. From the Classic boogie bomb "We'll Make It" to the booty scooping monster "Don't Let Go Of Me". They were ripe for the staple of Sam record label's catalog. Seems they got into the studio and set tracks completely on fire. The power of duet, or the power of some incredible singing talent and, perhaps both. The true disco and disco boogie era was all about separating itself from what had become a huge commercial era based on gimmicks. Disco had been engulfed in money making and it's heavily saturated formula was running dry. Mike and Brenda are examples of vocal prowess and 'real' talent that began to turn the tide. They started in Los Angeles and wrote for Motown in the early and mid seventies. In 1984 they dropped the first names, and the "&" to record this LP "So Good" as 'The Suttons'. Strange that they released this LP on Rocshire Records since it was normally a label that released rock and roll groups. There's several tasty tunes on this LP, including the masterpiece of modern soul 'Whole lot of love'...but, none stronger than this slow jam bump and grinder title cut.

I'm feeling these tunes more and more these days. And, mostly they don't have a home. For the most part, you can't play these tunes 'out'. People don't wanna hear 'slow jams' like this in a club setting. I mean, other than Valentines day gigs. Which is why I'm thankful for radio and blogs like this. And, if you're a fan of this blog and others like it, you don't really give a shit anyway. It's good ish... and of the highest order.
Slow flappy fat bass synth and over the top sexy lyrics. Complete syncopated tightness. They were really crafty songwriters and had a grip (no pun intended) on grooves that worked. How many songs talk about 'my baby treats me like a lolli-pop' and shit like 'you taste just like a candy bar'? It's 'finger licking good' for sure.

The Suttons - So Good