Funk | Soul Preorder 235 Items

NYC multi-instrumentalist Darian Donovan Thomas releases his long awaited debut solo album following high profile guest appearances on records by Moses Sumney, Wild Up, So Percussion and many more.

The year is 1971, a time when nightclubs still had live bands perform the musical hits of the
day. Every city had its local stars and for the club scene of the city of Columbus, Ohio it was
the CROWD PLEASERS. Founded in 1968 by June Carey along with her younger brothers,
twins El & Al, the seven-piece band grew into an in-demand act that performed all over the
city. In April 1971 they went into the studio to record eight songs, but an actual release
never materialized. In time the master tape was destroyed and all that was left were two
acetates. But as time passed, these too were lost. Over the years, a growing market for
obscure funk and soul albums emerged. When one of the acetates went up for sale on eBay
in 2011, it sold for $3,900! Eleven years later, in 2022, the last remaining copy also appeared
on eBay. Collectors drove the price up until it finally sold for a staggering $7,000! So now,
after more than 53 years, Al Carey & Regrooved Records proudly presents the previously
unreleased 1971 album of the CROWD PLEASERS featuring renditions of hits by Marvin Gaye,
Sly Stone's Little Sister, Neil Young, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Cold Blood, Dionne Warwick,
The Lettermen and the original funk break track “Eggs & Bacon”.

THE 7000 DOLLAR ACETATE
The year is 1971, a time when nightclubs still had live bands perform the musical hits of the
day. Every city had its local stars and for the club scene of the city of Columbus, Ohio it was
the CROWD PLEASERS. Founded in 1968 by June Carey along with her younger brothers,
twins El & Al, the seven-piece band grew into an in-demand act that performed all over the
city. In April 1971 they went into the studio to record eight songs, but an actual release
never materialized. In time the master tape was destroyed and all that was left were two
acetates. But as time passed, these too were lost. Over the years, a growing market for
obscure funk and soul albums emerged. When one of the acetates went up for sale on eBay
in 2011, it sold for $3,900! Eleven years later, in 2022, the last remaining copy also appeared
on eBay. Collectors drove the price up until it finally sold for a staggering $7,000! So now,
after more than 53 years, Al Carey & Regrooved Records proudly presents the previously
unreleased 1971 album of the CROWD PLEASERS featuring renditions of hits by Marvin Gaye,
Sly Stone's Little Sister, Neil Young, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Cold Blood, Dionne Warwick,
The Lettermen and the original funk break track “Eggs & Bacon”.

Colonel Red & Inkswel continue their creative collaboration with the new project “Joy” on Liquid Beat Records. With a message that the moment calls for, Colonel Red & Inkswel explore themes of freedom, liberation, emancipation, and reinvention with music that is soulful and immediate. The layered and rhythmic backbone of the production, coupled with the poetic songwriting all speak to the idea that there is joy in freeing oneself from mental & economic slavery, and that joy is a necessary mindset pertaining to being on the right side of history and this side of humanity. We here at Liquid Beat are very proud to present this incredible project from Colonel Red & Inkswel that pushes forward a bold and decisive artistic vision, rooted in the human spirit. Vinyl comes with a download code for an exclusive digital-only track featuring Libretto, Remixes from Roane Namuh & Hot16, plus instrumentals.

Transparent Green Vinyl.Introducing Cold Diamond & Mink's latest offering on Timmion Records: an instrumental soul album that strips away the vocals from their collaboration with Jonny Benavidez "My Echo, Shadow and Me".The instrumental version of the well-received Daptone release unveils a rich tapestry of soulful melodies and captivating rhythms that speak volumes on their own.With each track, Cold Diamond & Mink invite listeners on a trip through deep and uncompromising soul terrain. From the haunting ballads such as the previously unheard instrumental of "Your Last Song" to the infectious grooves of the early single releases "Tell Me That You Love Me", their instrumental mastery shines through stringing the songs together into a well-rounded album experience.This album is more than just a collection of songs - it's a proof point of Cold Diamond & Mink's skill in composing and arranging with feeling and authenticity. Whether you're lost in introspection or grooving to the beat, this instrumental soul record offers a unique listening experience that will leave you wanting more.

Introducing Cold Diamond & Mink's latest offering on Timmion Records: an instrumental soul album that strips away the vocals from their collaboration with Jonny Benavidez "My Echo, Shadow and Me".The instrumental version of the well-received Daptone release unveils a rich tapestry of soulful melodies and captivating rhythms that speak volumes on their own.With each track, Cold Diamond & Mink invite listeners on a trip through deep and uncompromising soul terrain. From the haunting ballads such as the previously unheard instrumental of "Your Last Song" to the infectious grooves of the early single releases "Tell Me That You Love Me", their instrumental mastery shines through stringing the songs together into a well-rounded album experience.This album is more than just a collection of songs - it's a proof point of Cold Diamond & Mink's skill in composing and arranging with feeling and authenticity. Whether you're lost in introspection or grooving to the beat, this instrumental soul record offers a unique listening experience that will leave you wanting more.

The soulful instrumental mastery of Cold Diamond & Mink takes center stage in this release that versions two essential tracks from their collaboration with the singer Jonny Benavidez. Both songs are lifted from the album My Echo, Shadow and Me that the group recorded together with the golden-voiced Chicano soul brother for New York's Daptone Records.On the A-side, you get to immerse yourself in the enchanting crossover soul beats of "My Echo, Shadow and Me", the instrumental rendition complementing the previous gems by Benavidez and the band on Timmion Records. Flipping the record exposes another soulful groover in "Playing The Fool" that showcases Cold Diamond & Mink's love for iconic `60s and `70s indie soul by groups like The T.S.U. Toronadoes and The Commands.The whole My Echo, Shadow and Me LP is getting an instrumental treatment on Timmion, and this single shows that even without the vocals Jonny Benavidez's strong influences from Texas Chicano soul shine through loud and clear.

One of the prominent growing voices in Timmion Record'sroster, singer Emilia Sisco blesses your turntable withanother deep soul ballad. Joining hands with ColdDiamond & Mink, Emilia pours a generous helping of deepsoul magic into "Let Me In", gliding over the southerntinged beat with melodic grace.It's almost impossible to remain ambivalent to Emilia'stalent when the spine-tingling chorus with its clever twistsrolls in. The bittersweet love song's timeless feel poursover the listener like the flooding Mississippi, anthemic butunderstated. Flipping the single, we get to revisit Emilia'sprevious single "Love Can Carry Me" but this time ininstrumental mode, titled as "Way Past Midnight". It's notjust a vocal strip down, but this time Cold Diamond & Minkhas equipped the track with a jazzy Grant Green styledlead guitar. Tasty.You would have to be a cold-blooded robot not to feelsomething from this soulful double sider. Forget the dancefloors and bedrooms for a minute, these songs are the bestfertilizer for your personal mind garden.

Rose in the Dark 12" Deluxe Vinyl with artwork.

“I’ll Keep Loving You” and “No Use Hidin’” are the final demos from the group Class of ‘78, which is the 7-piece band that predated the duo of McKenzie and Gardiner. It showcases a more loose live group feel on these two unearthed cuts recorded in 1982. “I’ll Keep Loving You” and “No Use Hidin’” are proper boogie-funk era tunes: both are spacey upbeat love songs with elements of disco, funk, lounge, and new wave.

Citron Citron is back! The ethereal sister-and-brother duo has worked hard over the past two years on their new album "Maréeternelle," set to be released next autumn on Les Disques Bongo Joe. Maintaining their majestic compositions, dual lead vocals, and home-made organic sound machinery, Citron Citron delves deeper into their sonic universe, singing about daily life, death, and love with the same poetic and personal vibe.

Miraculous 7inch collaboration single "I don't know" by Chara and In-sist is finally re-released after 10 years! The superb hip tune "On & On" by In-sist is included on the B-side. Chara, a singer who has established a strong position in the J-Pop scene as a Japanese girl pop icon, has clearly etched her roots in black soul music on this eternal soul classic!

The second single from the well-received previous release, "Samurai," is now available. This time, the song "Pastime Paradise," written by Stevie Wonder and released in 1979 by Ray Barretto, has been updated in the Central style! In 2024, Central is preparing to release its first album in many years, but before that, another strong 7-inch is on the way. The groove created by the percussion, bass, and keyboards working in unison, and the exquisite arrangement of the horn ensemble, which is full of Central style, is a true gem.

Thrasher is the soundtrack to a virtual reality video game about a creature that has a life cycle that traverses different psychedelic realities. Thrasher was composed and performed by Brian Gibson, bassist of Lightning Bolt. It is the follow up to the acclaimed best-selling game and soundtrack Thumper. The central character in Thrasher is a giant centipede like creature, so Gibson employed a lot of melodic sequences that resonated well with its segments moving through space.The soundtrack has the drive you might expect knowing Gibson"s work in Lightning Bolt combined with complex melodic structures that are absolutely irresistible. In addition to bucking the hyperreality trend in gameplay, Gibson"s DIY ethos and warehouse culture roots permeate the entire soundtrack. He says it best: "Thumper has that combination of psychedelic and iconic that takes me back to the Fort Thunder days. Thrasher is a further exploration into some of those motifs." We recommend that you play this record VERY loudly.

Thrasher is the soundtrack to a virtual reality video game about a creature that has a life cycle that traverses different psychedelic realities. Thrasher was composed and performed by Brian Gibson, bassist of Lightning Bolt. It is the follow up to the acclaimed best-selling game and soundtrack Thumper. The central character in Thrasher is a giant centipede like creature, so Gibson employed a lot of melodic sequences that resonated well with its segments moving through space.The soundtrack has the drive you might expect knowing Gibson"s work in Lightning Bolt combined with complex melodic structures that are absolutely irresistible. In addition to bucking the hyperreality trend in gameplay, Gibson"s DIY ethos and warehouse culture roots permeate the entire soundtrack. He says it best: "Thumper has that combination of psychedelic and iconic that takes me back to the Fort Thunder days. Thrasher is a further exploration into some of those motifs." We recommend that you play this record VERY loudly.

Diamonds & Freaks is the second studio album from producer/artist/visionary, BLK Odyssy. Following up the critically acclaimed debut album, BLK Vintage, Diamonds & Freaks is a concept album that tells the story of a man enslaved by his lustful addictions. The record is presented as an erotic novel by Keisha Plum with narration by Bootsy Collins, both of whom offer a stark contradiction to the vivid and edgy content of the songs. The record contains elements of soul, hip-hop, and pop—seamlessly blended to create a fresh and distinct sound true to BLK Odyssy. Diamonds & Freaks showcases BLK Odyssy’S talent for crafting colorful characters and vivid scenes to tell stories through music. The 15 track masterpiece features appearances by Cory Henry, Bootsy Collins, Kirby, Rapsody, Eimaral Sol, Grace Sorensen, Stout, & The Alchemist. Pressed on Amber vinyl, housed in a Diecut Gatefold Jacket and includes a 32pg Booklet, 2 Double-sided 12x12 Inserts, Postcard, Marketing Sticker & Black Polylined Sleeves.

As mood changers go, this track is up there with the best. Last year whilst DJing with miche at Shapes festival in the snow-capped mountains of Switzerland, a breathtaking yet ominous Alpine sky suddenly became a picture postcard moment. The clouds parted and a double rainbow formed, as miche dropped Studio Rio's bossa nova remake of Bill Withers’ all-time classic 'Lovely Day'. From there, the dancefloor shifted gears and morphed into full-swing feel-good vibes, in a beautiful, spontaneous moment nobody could have planned for.

Mr Bongo now proudly presents a reissue of this brilliant, bossa-channelling Bill Withers reinterpretation from Studio Rio’s 2014 release ‘The Brazil Connection’. Masterminded by the German Grammy award-winning Berman Brothers, the project was born out of their deep love of Brazilian music. “Our goal was to bring the Brazilian joie de vivre to iconic performances by well-known artists. What would these classic songs sound like had they been recorded in the studios of Rio de Janeiro in the first place, with the best Brazilian musicians and arrangers?” the brothers reflect.

Capturing the life force of Brazil, the beating heart that is its music, they set out to find the musicians who would fit best with their concept. Landing in Rio in 2013 a series of coincidences led to them being introduced to their idols Marcos Valle and Roberto Menescal, who both agreed to come on board. The Berman Brothers also wanted to find some of the musicians who recorded with one of Brazil’s most influential composers Tom Jobim. “Fifty years after Jobim made the music that really defines bossa nova, we found that many of his sidemen were still active, including Paulo Braga of Jobim’s famed rhythm section. It was magic; everything just fell into place.”

There's no question that the original of ‘Lovely Day’ is up there as one of the most feel-good, spirit-lifting anthems of all time. Here the brothers, with the help of a whole host of Brazil’s finest musicians, rework Bill’s soul-fuelled groove into a bossa nova slice of sunshine. With the blessing of Bill and Sony, they were given access to the original multitracks so they could incorporate Bill’s vocals perfectly into the new arrangement.

Joy-injected horns and bouncing double bass blend with the smile-inducing samba flavour of Pretinho da Serrinha’s cavaquinho playing. Tying it all together Torcuato Marinao who worked with the likes of Gal Costa, Gilberto Gil and Caetano Veloso, completes the line-up as arranger of the songs.

The perfect end-of-the-night track, mood lifter or soul warmer, remakes don’t get much better than this.

To change your mood or mental state - change your Vibration A fragment from the Kyballion has deeply resonated with the band in recent years. Everything is mental, as Above so Below. Balthvs deeply believes in these tenets, and their manifestation is through music. Melodies that try to resonate deep within and generate a different type of Vibration. From the psychedelic experience arises a more balanced lifestyle, and from arduous and uncertain times arises the desire to have inner peace of mind. Music is medicine for the soul and the trio plays this music to wind down, relax, and be more present. It's music from the 21st century, a time when the world has deeply connected to one another via the digital realm, cultures are now free from geographic boundaries, they influence, mesh, and collide with one another. Turkish melodies meet Latin rhythms, from instrumental tunes to Spanish and English lyrics. The band freely takes from all corners of the world, and it reflects on the global audience they have slowly amassed in the past 4 years. Third Vibration is a celebration of life; a deep respect for the power of music.

Harvest is the first Balthvs album composed by all three band members and the name reflects where the band is currently. After 4 years of the industry grind they have seen massive growth in the digital sphere with over 15 million streams; as well as gracing theaters and festivals across North America and Europe. It is truly Harvest time. Recorded in a villa amidst lush tropical hills in Colombia, Harvest is optimistic, groovy, and relaxing. The trio spent a month-long sojourn at a tropical summer house in La Mesa, Colombia to record. As the band recalls, “More than a studio we wanted to be inspired by nature. So we brought our recording equipment there and started working.” The tropical landscape served as more than just a backdrop; it was the wellspring of inspiration for Balthvs. Unlike their previous albums, where Balthazar Aguirre took the lead in recording, composing, producing, and arranging, this time around, the music emerged as a collective effort, with all three members contributing equally to the creation of every song. It is a sonic testament to a period of profound artistic and personal growth. The band comments, “It defines our closure with this beautiful stage of our life and career as friends and musicians.” The full album features vocals that harmonize like instruments, weaving lyrical poetry into a tranquil groove. Most evident in songs like “Like Coconut Water,” an effervescent song that captures the essence of a tropical escape. “Anouk” is a gorgeous groove dedicated to the house cat at La Mesa, the sphinx-like guardian who set watch during the recording sessions. “Mango Season,” a laid-back, funky, and soulful instrumental groove perfect for relaxing, skateboarding, and looking at clouds. “Aguacero” is one of the few compositions with lyrics and sung in Spanish by bassist, vocalist Johanna Mercuriana. “Lovin’” and “Sun & Moon” were released during the band's first North American tour where they were greeted by sold-out shows and critical accolades from their Sxsw sets.

The Average Guys emerged during the golden age of R&B in the 1990s, a period that saw the rise of renowned R&B groups. Their only album release has since become highly sought after among collectors due to its rarity. Now, the elusive masterpiece "First Come, First Served" is being released for the first time on vinyl by P-vine.

Released in 1995, this album boasts production by Chad Hugo, a member of The Neptunes, the producer duo responsible for countless hits alongside Pharrell Williams. Tracks like "Ride" (a5), produced by Hugo, and "So Good" (b2), featuring a pre-debut Missy Elliott, showcase a musical quality that deserves more recognition. This album's value extends beyond its rarity; it's a work that should be appreciated for its musical merit as well.

"Something Amazing" is a love song about finding magic in the everyday moments of a relationship. An ode to 90’s r&b, best heard with the windows down and someone you love in the passenger side. Inspired by the warm, super sunny feeling of Lucy Pearl, SAULT, and Moonchild, this Relyae produced track for Ariel is a love song about the time after you fall in love. That calm complete feeling you get when you really trust and connect with someone. This is RnB/Soul/Pop singer Ariel's Mello Music Group debut.

After more than a decade of honing their prodigious improv chops, the Seattle trio enters the musical underground with their magnum opus, poised to be heard by true heads worldwide. Longtime Afrocop fans know, they are inveterate sonic chameleons. They’ve been fine tuning their chops for over a decade on the live circuit, playing everything from corporate gigs to psychedelic-music festivals to residencies at classy Italian restaurants and wine bars, and in many spaces in-between. No matter the setting in which they flex their dynamic creativity, keyboardist Noel Brass Jr., drummer Andy Sells, and bassist Carlos Tulloss flaunt an uncanny versatility: they can beautify the background like ambient masters, get up with it à la Miles Davis’ filthiest electric-era band, or fling you into deepest, fusionoid space on a nanosecond’s notice.

Not much is known about this early 1970's psychedelic soul group from the Germantown section of Philadelphia. But we do know this record was recorded in 1969 released in 1970 - and one of two records on Michael Nise's (Nise Productions Inc) Philadelphia Round Records (see More Below) Brewerytown Records Label & Insert design by Jeremy Zombie 1984 consists of band members - Gerald Foster, Ronald Hynson, Andrea Johnson, Harold Johnson, Arthur "sly" RAY, Stanley Vurton - From Nise Productions INC: Circa 1970 Audio Magazine, a nationally respected magazine and audio authority, recognizes Nise Productions, Inc. in a special campaign. The promotional director for North American Publishing Company initiates this promotional campaign that utilizes the extended relationship between Frank and Michael Nise with Audio Magazine through the years. "Nise Productions, Inc. is a successful sound production company." Audio Magazin In conjunction with sports announcer Gene Kelly (Cincinnati Reds and Philadelphia Phillies), Nise Productions, Inc. produces a commemorative audio record highlighting the 20th Anniversary of the 1950 Phillies pennant-winning home run. Wpbs-fm markets and advertises the product. Nise Productions, Inc. moves into corporate audio-visual and multi-track studio production. They establish an entertainment management, publishing and production entity. They sign The Ghetto Children and later, individually, Joy Stamford, who began with The Ghetto Children. Frank and Michael acquire a Sony Superscope dealership and build a two-track audio recording studio, a graphics department and a record mastering facility. They do this while also producing albums for schools and churches on location and produce over 40 albums. The Nise's initiate their first record label, Philadelphia Round Records, with two groups: American Asphalt and 1984.

Not much is known about this early 1970's psychedelic soul group from the Germantown section of Philadelphia. But we do know this record was recorded in 1969 released in 1970 - and one of two records on Michael Nise's (Nise Productions Inc) Philadelphia Round Records (see More Below) Brewerytown Records Label & Insert design by Jeremy Zombie 1984 consists of band members - Gerald Foster, Ronald Hynson, Andrea Johnson, Harold Johnson, Arthur "sly" RAY, Stanley Vurton - From Nise Productions INC: Circa 1970 Audio Magazine, a nationally respected magazine and audio authority, recognizes Nise Productions, Inc. in a special campaign. The promotional director for North American Publishing Company initiates this promotional campaign that utilizes the extended relationship between Frank and Michael Nise with Audio Magazine through the years. "Nise Productions, Inc. is a successful sound production company." Audio Magazin In conjunction with sports announcer Gene Kelly (Cincinnati Reds and Philadelphia Phillies), Nise Productions, Inc. produces a commemorative audio record highlighting the 20th Anniversary of the 1950 Phillies pennant-winning home run. Wpbs-fm markets and advertises the product. Nise Productions, Inc. moves into corporate audio-visual and multi-track studio production. They establish an entertainment management, publishing and production entity. They sign The Ghetto Children and later, individually, Joy Stamford, who began with The Ghetto Children. Frank and Michael acquire a Sony Superscope dealership and build a two-track audio recording studio, a graphics department and a record mastering facility. They do this while also producing albums for schools and churches on location and produce over 40 albums. The Nise's initiate their first record label, Philadelphia Round Records, with two groups: American Asphalt and 1984.