Disco | Boogie Vinyl 324 Items

After a long hiatus Marius Våreid returns home debuting his new The Inner Sleeves moniker. Already a mainstay on Full Pupp under his own name and in tandem with Jarle Bråthen as Ytre Rymden Dansskola (and not to mention his pioneering work in the norwegian electronic music scene with the "norwegian Grammy"-winning Päronsoda) this release represents a new chapter in Marius' long and varied musical story. Free floating ideas and sketches written over time, then stretched out and given a final massage by Prins Thomas.

The highly anticipated debut LP from Say She She, the all female discodelic soul band that will transport you with their dreamy harmonies, catchy hooks and up tempo grooves! The band's sound is a hat tip to late 70's girl groups with the three strong female lead voices of Piya Malik (featured in El Michels Affair, and backing singer for Chicano Batman), Nya Gazelle Brown, and Sabrina Cunningham - whose vocals soar through a set doused heavily with funky bass lines, rhythmic wah guitar, melodic synths and lilting bansuri flute lines, bursting into a seamless blend of dreamy harmonies and catchy hooks. A multicultural, multi-instrumental, collaborative melting pot, pulling sounds and styles from all corners of their record collections. The largely self-produced debut album `Prism' features contributions from Dap Kings Joey Crispiano & Victor Axelrod, Max Shrager (The Shacks) Bardo Martinez (Chicano Batman) Nikhil Yearwadekar (former Antibalas) Andy Bauer (Twin Shadow) and Matty McDermot (nypmh).

The Neapolitan producer makes a comeback on Horisontal Mambo with an ideal follow-up to his previous LP “Palinuro Phonebox” and once again teams up with label boss Prins Thomas for some mixdown touches. Halfway between italoboogie and Balearic beats, Chalet Miseno is a nostalgic ode to some 90s “estate italiana” holidays seen through the eyes of a kid. From the catchy beats of the title track (with its roaring motorbike intermezzo) and “Dragonara Punch”, to the dreamy soundscapes of “Luna Mirabilis” this album is guaranteed to be the perfect soundtrack to a hot summer (and a refresher for the long winter).

Heap (who runs Wiener Brut): „While working on the release we kept on jokingly referring to the record as the „Austrian Mashisa“ due to the similarity in sounds it provides. I first played the Megamix on last year’s Dekmantel Selectors festival, where it showed its potential for being a Summer hit. In fact, the original 7'' release was the result of a final school project with the goal to substitute the Austrian tradition of compiling a class magazine when graduating from school.“

Here we are at the dawn of a new compilation series and we’re kicking things off with an absolute gem that features a selection of hard-to-find records (some impossible to find) and some that have been hiding in plain sight all along. They all share common qualities, being that they are beautiful, soul quenched songs that sing of love, peace and unity.

‘With Love: Volume 1’ has been compiled by Miche and presents a curated selection of rare Brazilian, gospel, modern soul and jazz-fusion fire. We have Brazilian rarities by Alcione and Quientaessencia, UFO gospel by Keith Chism & Light, the jazz-funk/AOR sounds of City Lites taken from a Radio Station album, and the anthemic feel-good emotional soul of Belita Woods to name but a few.

Tracking down artists and musicians from the past is an art form. Like a seagull swooping for treats, sometimes the prizes are easily found, and at other times, it’s the result of very late nights trolling through Facebook profiles, message boards, hitting dead ends and following red herrings, and yet still the search goes on. This compilation is a true labour of love with all the artists tracked down and licensed by Miche. It has long been an ambition of the London based musical connoisseur to compile an album, and like anything that requires craft, care, and knowledge - it takes time. There are many twists and turns in the hunt for those records that make your jaw drop.

In 2018, when just 24, Miche became a music programmer for London’s illustrious Spiritland group of venues. From this musical sanctuary, he was able to listen, learn and meet some of the best selectors from around the world. It was a musical education, and he was particularly drawn to the deep sessions by DJs such as Mark Taylor, George Arthur, Kev Beadle, Patrick Forge, Dr. Bob Jones, and Colin Curtis to name a few. He also used this time to begin running his re-issue label Discs of Fun and Love with co-owner and friend Frederika.

Sometimes the cynical knock compilations, there is certain snobbery amongst some about the original pressing, but music shouldn't just be about lucky collectors giving over large sums of money to record dealers. It's also about a bridge to the past, a celebration of the legacy of somebody’s art, and a second chance for initially overlooked work to shine. As with all the best compilations, it has been compiled with love…

The pony rides again! Royal Athlete Records returns to the great racetrack of the record industry with the latest instalment of their Various Artists series. Four dancefloor winners for any competition and worthy of only true contenders bags. Kicking off with the nine minute epic live-drums-meets-juno-funk of ‘Hustle Never Ends’ by Galaxians followed by UK legend Paul Withey with the oh so smooth 80s-esque groove of ‘Confessions’. Side B opens with the retro Jam & Lewis style slammer ‘I Believe In Boogie’ by Germany’s First Touch and rounding off the release is the amazing new-wave freestyle anthem ‘Tell Me’ by California’s Sky Tony. Keep your eye on the prize and don’t miss out!

‘And The Beat Goes On’ remains unpublished for 33 years until when Devil Dee decides to bring it to light by exploiting his own talent and that of the jazz-blues singer Joan Faulkner, former supporting voice of Boney M and Milli Vanilli, also known by her stage name ‘Dee-Vah’. Yes, Devil Dee is Davide Mancori - a cinematograph, son of filmmakers, with a flattering career as a club-dj from 80s-90s onwards - who lovingly produced the track which differs considerably from most of the vinyls released by Best Record. ‘And The Beat Goes On’, written in Germany in 1989 by Leonie Gane and Ryan Paris, detaches itself from most European and American productions, but winking at the "boogie" made in USA thanks to the soulful contribution of Joan Faulkner ‘The Voice’, at that time defined by the music producer Frank Farian "The best black voice in Europe!".

Nobody is worried doing a ‘step back’ laying the crucial foundations again for an evolutionary thrust of the disco-music - identical to projects that emerged in the 2nd half of the 70s - because at the same time, still for certain themes, this is a ‘step forward’ for the ’Italic vein’ movement which at the end of the 80s was been considered obsolete, defunct. In fact, the track is also referring to the latest Italo-Disco which entirely covered the scene of the 1980s with furious activity.If the meeting between Devil Dee and the famous interpreter of ’Dolce Vita’ creates the alchemy, the explosive mix is completed with the precious work of Marco Magrini, the last of the brood, but already important DJ-remixer. His extended and re-edited version is sublime, certainly more exciting to listen to than to describe it. The arrangement by Pierluigi Cerin and the executive work of Claudio Casalini close the magic circle

Five friends and a great singer from Indiana to fill the dance floors all over Europe, while the images of the provocative and surreal video-clip capture the audience by splitting in two. There are those who do not want to see certain issues publicized and those who appreciate their cheekiness, such as Best Record which by publishing the vinyl celebrates the 40 years of activity, with the aim of making ‘And The Beat Goes On’ one of the most covered and danceable songs of the year.

During the summer youth program of 1970 and '71 at St Paul's Catholic church a young Tunnie Smith was singled out by Father George Artist for his outstanding singing abilities. He was soon introduced to Joe Delpit and Reginal Brown to sing along with their show and dance band "The 13Th Amendments. It didn't take long before Tunnie was a full member of the band and became a featured singer performing throughout Louisiana. After a year and a half of performing at nightclubs, military bases and universities Tunnie landed a record deal with Rick Hall's Fame/UA record label. His first single from 1973 was a wonderful mid-tempo number entitled "Finders Aren't Always Keepers" flipped with "Do That To Me" It gained National distribution and had some good success. Tunnie left Fame records and was introduced to Stax record executives Al Bell and John Smith. After signing with Stax Tunnie met legendary writer and performer David Porter where they recorded an album which was scheduled for release around 73/74.Unfortunately Staxs association with CBS came to a halt and the project got shelved. Tunnie went home and carried on performing around the Louisiana area with his new band Sweet Music Orchestra" Fast forward to 1983 Tunnie whilst recording some vocals at River City Recording met Chicago producer and arranger George "Paco" Patterson. George was musical director and had worked with The Isley Brothers Wilson Pickett and many other well known artists. During this period Tunnie along with George formed a great partnership and along with some top session musicians record some incredibly lush, well produced and atmospheric songs The A Side "Dancing On Da Cloud" kicks of with female backing vocals and cascading strings layered over each other to create a full bodied 2 Step Rare Groove classic, which we can only compare in the highest esteem to an out take from Marvin Gaye or Leon Ware. It oozes sheer class with rasping horns and Tunnie showing he hasn't lost any of the singing prowess he got singled out for as a young boy in1971. "I Found A Miracle" is a slightly slower affair than the A side but still kicks a punch. It starts with pounding drums and again those cascading strings whilst Tunnie's scatting vocals flow until the verse arrives. It is a powerful beat ballad-esque song that sits perfectly back to back with "Dancing On Da Cloud." We at Super Disco Edits are very excited to be able to bring you the first instalment of Mr Tunnie Smith!

Emotional Rescue is delighted to debut a first. Rather than a straight reissue of an (obscure) classic or a collection of music by an artist or label, here presented is a compilation of various artists centered around a sound and movement reggae-tinged music and how it influenced and spread from the Caribbean and diaspora.

Drawn from the off kilter digging of archivist, DJ and collector Bruno (perfectliv.es), Nowhere Like Here is not a follow up, but a sideways accompaniment, to his recent and already cult like 'Perfect Motion' collection of left field pop and new wave, recently self-released with Flo Dill (nts).

This is a special release to celebrate the label's 10th year and beyond, offering a treasure trove of lo-fi and often pop inspired reggae cuts, mixing heartfelt Lovers Rocks style paeans and quirky private press oddities, all guaranteed to 'make-a-move and tap', these are, in the main ridiculously rare or impossible to find alternative bombs, that are just as sound system rocking and massive bass line quaking showcases of the enduring legacy of this Jamaican music phenomenon. As with much of the early 80s period, the music community was in the throes of a Do-It-Yourself cultural renaissance as small labels, where crazy limited, one off White Labels Onlys came and went. Songs like Avalanche 's 'Your Love is Such a Good Thing 'or Warp Speed's 'Take It To The Night' were part of the claiming the means of production in to their own hands, pressing up the records and self-distributing. This raw, naive exuberance can be heard in the songs themselves. This is not reggae or Lovers as known, but something more expressive. Musical, simply produced, but with intelligible and uplifting optimism that is just superlatively catchy.

While Paul Thompson's 'Can I Take You Home' and Ras Ibuna's 'Black Beauty' are more straight-ahead Lover's style cuts, there is the parallel dance pop private pressing vibrations of the two Keith Robinson songs and Majority's 'Caroline' included all part of a thread; a joining the dots that Nowhere Like Here is at its most basic, a warmth the whole album exudes.

This is not a Lovers Rock Hits of some, but a left-of-center versioning, spread across Double Pack and cut loud for DJ play, fitting the ethos of Emotional Rescue by presenting something most will not have heard before and all the better for it.

Limited to 100 handnumbered copies. Better be fast!

Completing a trilogy of reissues from the Indipop label, Emotional Rescue celebrates its 10th Anniversary by looking again at the ground-breaking music of Steve Coe and his label. Founding Indipop in 1981 to debut the single of his new project, Monsoon and the soon to be hit 'Ever So Lonely' that brought to the world (dance) music stage the singing talents of young actress and vocalist, Sheila Chandra. Having worked with Steve right at the start of Emotional Rescue, it's fantastic his special mix of Indian Classical and Dance Pop under the spotlight once more, highlighting his role in helping to kick start the 1980s huge interest in world music, while achieving considerable commercial success and cross-appeal. The reissues of The Ganges Orchestra's The Dream (erc010) and Jhalib's Mysteries Of The East (erc029) were tinged with sadness as both Steve and John (Jhalib) passed shortly after each was released. Working with Sheila Chandra over a number of years, the idea to bring the sole East-West release back has been a long labour of love.

Only ever released as a white label promo in 1984, the reasons the song remained a mega rarity have been lost over-time; however, its sheer scarcity means it now trades for dizzying sums. Appearing later on compilations, here at last is the first-time full reissue of the Club and Dub Mixes, plus a long-form remix in 2 parts, by label honcho Chuggy. Possibly the most song based of Steve's projects working away from Sheila, he again teams up with Martin Smith to work with unknown vocalist Usha on what became an unfinished band project idea. Presented in Club Mix, they craft a one-off, uplifting sitar and bass heavy 80s disco-inspired "Klab hit", as well as the instrumental focused Dub Mix that accentuates the sitar play for a slower and steady build. As this project was painstakingly formed, the B side remix took shape, diving in to the studio with label affiliate DanyTyler Idjut Boys / Nad), rearranging the best of both mixes, extending and dubbing over 12 minutes of Indian Classical meets 80s Psychedelic clubland Ecstasy and is presented alongside a digital only bonus long Dub for the more nuanced minds.

Mr. K transports us to the golden era of the Loft with two disparate, but equally heavyweight classics from the Mancuso oeuvre mastered and cut loud, deep, and clear for club play.

First up is an edit of a track that embodies the spirit of early ’80s downtown New York City. Released in 1982, “Konk Party” was the band’s calling card and first hit, and represented their multicultural, no wave, hip-hop/disco hybrid perfectly, the opening sax riff itself a sly nod to Wild Sugar’s breakbeat classic “Bring It Here” that the Beastie Boys would later sample. A Loft staple — the video was even filmed there — “Konk Party” was also played widely across the influential clubs of the day, becoming an instant staple at Danceteria, Mudd Club, and other hot spots. The easy-going groove, heavy on the percussion and low-slung bass, complimented by bilingual lyrics from Angel Quiñones, has dated well, and sounds especially ready for action in this new edit from Mr. K, largely inspired by the original 12-inch’s choice Uptown Breakdown Mix. This is the first time “Konk Party” has been available on 7-inch.

The heavy percussion backing is perhaps the only similar element that links our A-side to its flip, but that only goes to show the breadth of styles that coexisted in the audio landscape of the Loft. “Hold On To Your Mind,” first released in 1970 by Northern Irish rock group Andwella, is a heavy, psychedelic tour de force that more than lives up to its cautionary, heady title. Mr. K has outdone himself with his new mix, a supercharged blend of extended percussion breaks — absent on previous 7-inch mixes — driving vocals, and fuzz guitar. For those who have never been able to track down the original single, an expensive proposition, and even for those who have, this new edit is certainly the definitive version.

PPU and Flickk back with this highly anticipated reissue featuring both of his sought after 7"s on one PPU platter. This second round finds Flickk assuming his Sherlock Holmes alter ego as a private investigator on "Prime Suspect", and an attentive human body mechanic on "Body Shop". Both were previously self-released in the mid 80s on Flickk's on West Coast label.

4 monstruous tracks straight from the basement feat. one of the original house music creator RON Hardy. All the real djs were looking for those for years. Grab it before it's sold out, we have very few copies. A must have. Essential Item - Limited Edition - NO Re-press

If you live anywhere outside of Richmond Virginia you may have never heard of Sharpp. The group formed in the early 80s consisting of high school friends led by keyboard player Josh Fertel. They played cover songs mainly, performing around the fan, and at high school dances. With some gig money they managed to record two original titles at the defunct Harbor Sounds Studios. That would be their sole output, released locally on a 7” single, handed out to band members, friends and fam.

We’re happy to announce the reissue of this italo club classic on 12″ vinyl. Written by Goomy aka Duke Lake aka Antonio Gabelli and produced by Alessandro Zanni and Stefano Cundari for the legendary Memory Records imprint back in 1983. This action-packed-track was one of those few italo disco productions that made it to the US airwaves with radio play on stations like Wbmx. The original release was a double A-side while it mistakenly stated it had an instrumental version. This instrumental was nowhere to be found on the master tapes, so our in-house production duo Vanzetti & Sacco made one for the flip side after almost 30 years! Time for changes, time for love.

This fifth volume fulfills the first year of hard work for reasearching, mastering and above all to bring back up to the listeners many lost “disco” gems. The selection, never banal as usual when it comes to the Cosmic Disco Machine series, includes Edgar Froese "Videophonic”, Tom Ware "Chinatown", Future World Ochestra "Mister Y" and many other historical pieces, and for the first time an unreleased track too. So dear collectors and djs, let yourself travel into the world of that alternative disco that you have proven to appreciate so much. As always, limited edition vinyl, this time marbled green pressed.

Italo disco meets Balearic ethno-funk in the third installment of re-edits from DJ collective Siffleur. Side A is your leftfield, sensual 80s nostalgia, your introspective, post-multiverse ‘club tropicana’. Side B will take you on a dreamy night-journey through city streets where love is a pink neon light.

This summer, dive with us into the often-overlooked sea of late '70s/early '80s Italian Soul, AOR and Disco. Compiled by journalist, producer and digger extraordinaire David Nerattini (with a little help from our own Pierpaolo De Sanctis), Paisa' GOT Soul is the smooth and near-danceable soundtrack to a decade that is somehow still with us. A time of gentle grooves, summer loves and sweet escapism – one beautifully captured by Claude Nori in his photographs of Italian beaches and summer holidays. Welcome to the mood of an era.

Precious gems mined from a wall of vinyl. Cut, polished and mounted for maximum love.

Black vinyl, insert

Giorgio Moroder in Finland

The pioneer of electric pop music, Giorgio Moroder (born April 26, 1940 in Ortisei, Italy) is an internationally acclaimed songwriter and producer who left his trace also in Finnish popular music. Several Moroder’s compositions and productions were released in Finland with Finnish lyrics in the 1970s and 1980s, when Moroder had his most creative peak. This compilation includes twelve Finnish Moroder-covers from early bubblegum pop to electronic disco.

Giorgio Moroder began his musical career as a singer. He gained success performing bubblegum pop in the late 1960s. He wrote some of his hits himself, but he also sang songs written by others. During his singer years he succeeded with songs Looky Looky (1969) and Son of My Father (1971). The latter became well known also in Finland, where it was covered by one of the most famous Finnish singers in 1960s and early 1970s, Ilkka Lipsanen alias Danny. The song found its way to Finland via Britain, where British band Chicory Tip had covered it first and made it to the charts with the song.

Danny was not the only Finnish singer in the early 1970s who looked at Moroder’s repertoire when searching for good songs. Koivistolaiset was a singing and dancing duo of sisters Anja and Anneli Koivisto who were well-known celebrities in 1970s Finland. They released Moroder’s composition Good Grief Christina as On siitä aikaa in 1973. This song was also discovered from Chicory Tip’s repertoire.

Cheerful and danceable bubblegum pop was an early 1970s phenomenon and in Finland it was the most popular music played in discos during those years. In the mid-1970s the style called disco music was born and the popularity of bubblegum pop faded. Also Moroder quit writing bubblegum pop and got interested in disco and electronic music. Synthesizer and drum machine technology developed and created new possibilities for producing electronic disco that can now be seen as proto-techno.

Virve Rosti was one of Finland’s most popular disco and pop singers in the late 1970s with her strong soulful voice. Rosti’s fourth solo album in 1979, Oon voimissain, was packed with her versions of late 1970s disco hits like Ring My Bell, I Will Survive and Knock On Wood. The album included also two Moroder’s compositions originally released by American disco group The Three Degrees, Antaudun (Giving Up, Giving In) and Ohari (The Runner). Both are excellent cover versions compared to the originals, even though the long instrumental section in the middle of The Runner is cut to a shorter one in the Finnish version. Rosti’s singing performance is also high quality.

Among Rosti one of Finland’s most popular female disco singers was Mona Carita, whose second album in 1980 was called Soita mulle and named after her cover version of Moroder’s composition Call Me, originally released by Blondie in the same year. Mona Carita’s version with lyrics by Raul Reiman is still among the best known Finnish disco and pop covers of the era.

Moroder’s most creative era ended in the early 1990s, though he has returned to music business within the last ten years. Finnish record producers also began looking in other directions when searching for songs. During the 1980s it became less and less popular to make Finnish cover versions of international hits. There were several reasons for this, from the improving quality of Finnish compositions to improvement of Finnish people’s understanding of other languages. When the audience began to understand the English lyrics of international songs, there was no need to make Finnish versions of them anymore. However, Moroder’s work is still recognized and played frequently today, and the same goes with the best Finnish cover versions of his compositions.

The independent label Six Nine Records Ltd. UK, based in Newcastle upon Tyne, proudly presents the astonishing Tracy Cruz and her first release on the label! A double A side record with both the original mix of “Find A Way” and a boogie-fied edit of the same from the genius that is Yuki “T-Groove” Takahashi! Definitely not to be missed as it is a limited UK press with full colour printed picture cover.

Sophie Lloyd returns to Classic Music Company for another stunning soulful delivery, this time teaming up with Faithless vocalist Pauline Taylor on ‘Angels By My Side’. Much like Sophie’s previous works on Luke Solomon’s imprint, this record brims with the same joyous energy sure to uplift, as live recorded strings, horns and keys give an added richness to the release. With Sophie’s Classic debut ‘Calling Out’ a modern day dancefloor anthem with 10 million streams and counting, and her latest offering garnering early support from the likes of NYC legend Danny Krivit, there is no doubt ‘Angels By My Side’ will follow suit as an essential record for discerning selectors.

Twisted percussion-forward kosmiche club brilliance from Düsseldorf’s Niklas Wandt. Stepping cosmic house, new beat hypnotism, tribal piano breakdown madness & wavey vocoded synth make up the four track EP for the Animals Dancing imprint’s first release of the year.

The underground music scene in Asia has experimented a notorious rise in the last years, Taiwan, Indonesia, Thailand or South Korea are more inside the radar than ever, contributing actively with amazing djs and super talented producers; creating an effervescence subculture where to keep an eye on. Multifaceted producer Mogwaa is not an stranger anymore, awarded in 2021 with best electronic album of the year in South Korea, his versatility and skills have found a place in labels as "Klasse Records", "Spring Theory" or Sound Metaphors' "Bless You" among others. We are glad to present one of the most awaited records on MM Discos; “Del Mar” is a bliss of fresh air, a story about all this little things that make us dream everyday. “The Sea” as the main actor of the movie orchested by Mogwaa and supported by crackles, waves and little islands where to get lost in.

Get inside the gambling den. Das Wettbüro is the new music on candomblé that will make you want to never stop playing. Toggling between love infested disco and droner Krautrock, leaning into Kosmische and Late 80s House - it is a pleasure to be surprised as their vision unfolds. These men don’t play for free. And they always win. Now bet your Money on this record

Mike Maurro does it again. Another slice of Philadelphia International Records gold from the legend Lou Rawls, officially licensed, taken from the master tapes and given that signature Maurro touch. Two all-time classics ‘You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine’ and ‘See You When I Git There’ re-worked for the modern dancefloor.

Equally renowned for her song writing as much as her amazingly sultry soul vocals, Barbara Mason was widely known for her early solo ‘60s hits as well as her ‘70s collabs with the likes of Curtis Mayfield before her late ‘70s/early ‘80s disco/boogie dancefloor phase…but the heads at Selector series have unearthed a never released LP of classic cover gems from this evergreen diva of Soul. Limited press.

An Italo Disco rarity from 1983 with remixes by Flemming Dalum and Vanzetti & Sacco!

Formed in Ohio, Dayton were formed by: David Shawn Sandridge (lead vocals / guitar) Chris Jones (lead vocals / keyboards / trumpet), formerly of the group Sun. Other members were: Dean Hummons (keyboards) Derrick Armstrong (vocals) and Jenny Douglas (vocals) who originally recorded as Magnum. Kevin Hurt (drums / percussion) Rachel Beavers (background vocals) Elaine Terry (background vocals) Rahni P. Harris (lead and background vocals, piano and synths) and Karen Harris Chappel (lead and background vocals) We chatted to Shawn Sandridge who presented us with a few previously unissued cuts. Many hitting the funk sound that was very en vogue around the 1980's. But our pick of the bunch was the smooth syncopated drum sound of "Sky's The Limit". It jumped out straight away and hit all the right buttons at SDE Hq . Criminally overlooked for some reason as an lp cut. With the release you get the full 6 mins version on the B-Side. Whilst we trimmed it down for a nice loud radio friendly cut on the A Side

When producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Diogo Strausz arrived in France for the first time, he already had an impressive CV. First, as part of the duo Balako, his music was released on Razor-NTape, Barefoot Beats and Greco-Roman after gaining the attention of Joe Goddard of Hot Chip. His tracks also have been played by Gilles Peterson on BBC 6. He also produced Brazilian indie artists such as Castello Branco and Alice Caymmi and remixed a track by Brazilian legend Gal Costa. Arrived in France, it is by signing the co-production of the disc "Les Bruits de la Ville" of Voyou or tracks for Julia Jean-Baptiste that he drew attention. Freshly signed on Goutte d'Or Records, affiliated label of Cracki Records, to whom we can thank for Agar Agar, Saint DX or Alma Elste, Diogo Strausz will present his first EP Flight of Sagittarius in April 2022. Flight of Sagittarius is both retro and current. Between the old school boogie of Marcos Valle and the jazz funk of Azymuth but also the sunny groove of Nu Genea or the electro-funk productions of Guts.

With some of the best DJs and selectors there is a certain mysterious sound or underlying feeling which unites the music they play, regardless of genre, year or tempo. Luke Una is a master of telling a story through music and this compilation is a perfect example of his musical alchemy in action. Featuring tracks from Yusef Lateef, Airto Moreira, Crooked Man, Henri Texier and many more, it is a collection of new, old, rare and under-discovered music from around the world, all united by Luke under the banner of “E-Soul Cultura”.

It’s best described by Luke himself, who writes: “As the 5AM city sleeps and the strobe lights are slowly turned off, we gather on the wrong side of town in a transcendental journey alone together. We are the late night disenfranchised holding on in various after parties, flats, lofts, random kitchens and basements into the outer cosmos with É Soul Cultura. Music from exotic tear jerkers, Afro-spiritual jazz, cosmic Brazilian celestial grooves, machine street soul, dark horses, lost B-sides, £1 bargain-bin bombs, hidden gems, late night Italo dubbing, deep velvet N.Y.C garage, bass buggin sonic futurism, wrong speed 33bpm pitched up +8 new beat, majestic sunset strings, sweet vocals from heaven, no half steppin jazz dancing in outer-space and odd numbers. Yes… magical moments, together, holding on in witness protection suburban cul-de-sacs and Castle Court flats. Cosmic É high, 3000ft above the city getting evangelical to murky, wonky timeless beautiful music. This thing of ours dreaming of better days. Fail we may, sail we must, the sun will come up again.”

Beginning his career as an original Sheffield house young blood in the mid 1980s, Luke’s move to Manchester and partnership with Justin Crawford saw the birth of Electric Chair, a cornerstone cult night in the UK underground club scene, and later Electric Elephant, a Croatian festival paying homage to their wild eclecticism from Balearic to Brazilian to E soul, house, disco and techno. Luke’s much loved, long running Homoelectric night and more recently Homobloc sell out festival for 10,000 souls has been at the forefront of Manchester’s Lgbtq cultural landscape.

Luke’s Friday evening show on Worldwide FM has captured imaginations and has already become a cult four hour must-listen monthly journey with fans all over the world. Today Luke remains, as ever, at the forefront of a changing scene, pairing the momentous legacy of Manchester’s 80s and 90s scene with the delivery of what today’s club communities need to get down.

Favorite Recordings presents Dark Is The Color, the first LP by Alan Shearer reissued on vinyl for the first time. Despite being initially composed and produced for the French library label PSI, this rare and obscure in-demand gem from 1985 sounds retrospectively like a proper album with great coherence and sophistication all along. Indeed, these 11 tracks will delight synthesizers addicts. Expect deeply emotive instrumental compositions, with ingenious analogue sequencing on stimulating chord progressions. The result is a highly retrofuturistic album, sometimes almost anticipating 90's videogames scores. Just imagine Wally Badarou in a bunker with Talking Heads watching New York 1997 from John Carpenter. Composed mostly step by step on a Sequential Pro-One synthesizer, Dark Is The Color is the product of the exciting state of mind from the 80's era with new sounds, new tools and new trends on the music spectrum. Influenced by bands like Talking Head or Japan, the sirens of the new wave scene strongly resonate here with Alan Shearer's familiarity and craftmanship with synthesizers. Back in the days, Alan Shearer aka Frédéric Viger was working for his father’s music label, “Musique Pour L'image”, and their sublabel “psi”. He started with Marathon Life under his real name before taking the Alan Shearer monitor. These records were produced for radio, TV and cinema industries but as well for companies’ internal communication. They represented a real investment from the label and these catalogues are usually full of amazing music from great artists such as Martial Solal, Vladimir Cosma, Joël Fajerman, Harlem Pop Trotters and even Manu Dibango. About his musical illustration process, Alan Shearer tells: "Soundtracks are indeed my biggest influences and I'm a real fan of American composers as Jerry Goldsmith or Elmer Bernstein. I've always considered soundtracks as the new classical music or classical music of our century. There is a real state of mind producing music for illustration: you have to stick to the video. You should not tell what the image is saying but accompany what it is saying. You have to find a unique link, people always told me music should not be noticed for itself in a movie, that's what makes it good.”