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First ever reissue of highly collectible Funk / Boogie album from 1984!

We are proud to present a true gem on our label: the first-ever vinyl reissue of the highly collectible Shake It - Make It Loose LP by J.D. (Puma) Lewis. Originally released on the infamous Metrovynil label in 1984, it stands as the best and most authentic boogie/80s funk album ever produced in Germany.

However, little is known about this legendary release, and the credits are sparse and often confusing. In reality, Shake It - Make It Loose was a collaboration between just two musicians: John Davis (R.I.P., later one of the real voices behind Milli Vanilli for producer Frank Farian) and Reginald Hudson (of Hudson People). Both were first-class, highly talented musicians and composers from the U.S., who spent most of their lives living and working in Southern Germany.

Hudson describes their creative process: "It was just me and Johnny, playing all the instruments. Johnny handled the bass, guitar, and vocals, and we programmed the drum machine together. Most everything else was keyboards." He recalls that Genre: Funk / Boogie / Disco

- they spent only six or seven days recording the album at Hartmann Digital Studio.
- Contains 2 previously unissued bonus tracks
- Deluxe gatefold sleeve

The combination of their musicianship and the cutting-edge technology at the studio resulted in a masterpiece of pure, state-of-the-art funk and boogie. The album features all the hallmarks of great 80s music: fresh synths, drum machines, and powerful lead vocals from John Davis. Upbeat tracks like "The Cat (Puma)" and the title track sit comfortably alongside more soulful songs like "Tears" and "Hearts of Gold," while "Dancing Shoes" remains one of the era's catchiest dance tracks.

Still, Shake It - Make It Loose holds a few mysteries. Why was it released under the unusual name J.D. (Puma) Lewis? And what's the story behind tracks like "The Cat"? While J.D. Lewis stood for John Davis Lewis's full legal name, Hudson sheds light on the "Puma" connection: "At the time, I was working as a promotions manager for Puma sportswear. Jörg Dassler, son of Puma founder Rudolf Dassler, was a friend of mine and financed our studio sessions." As said, these sessions took place at Hartmann Digital, a state-of-the-art studio in Untertrubach, Bavaria, where iconic artists like Nena, Yello, Visage, DAF, and Soft Cell recorded.

The use of such an expensive studio would have been out of reach for the two musicians without Puma's backing, which also explains why there is a title like "Dancing Shoes." When we had licensed the track for the Boogie On The Mainline compilation in 2018, we had the chance to speak with John Davis (who sadly passed away in May 2021 due to COVID-19). Davis revealed that there were plans to make a video for the song in collaboration with Puma, but those plans fell through. In the end, the album was signed to the Deggendorf-based Metrovynil label.

Interestingly, the original contract reveals that the first version of the album only contained six tracks. Metrovynil added two more: "Sexy Highschool Lady," a track Davis recorded solo, and "Party Rap" by The Dynamite Two, which had no connection to Davis or Hudson at all. The album's credits also list a "Fred Fiore" as the person "who made all of this possible." Hudson, who sees himself as the producer, has no idea who Fiore was - likely another fabrication from the label. "That's just the kind of thing Metrovynil did," Hudson comments with some regret.

Despite the behind-the-scenes confusion, the music spoke for itself. The original pressing looked and sounded fantastic, featuring a stylish cover shot of John Davis in a sharp suit. Now, with this first-ever vinyl reissue, we're thrilled to include additional photos and more background information in a deluxe gatefold sleeve.

This reissue includes all six tracks from the original Hartmann Digital sessions, plus two bonus tracks. From the original reel tapes, we unearthed additional material that Hudson and Davis produced together in the early to mid-80s. We're excited to share the previously unreleased tracks "Life's A Party," and "Walk Out On Me." The digital version of the reissue will also feature two more songs: "Red Drops" and "Pick It Up Off The Ground."

Shake It - Make It Loose is a classic boogie-funk album that belongs in every serious funk and disco collection. It showcases the undeniable talent of two true musicians and stands as a testament to the friendship between Reg Hudson and John Davis.

Derwin Daniels, Soprano Sax player and composer, made this little R&B 45 in 1989. Recorded with vocals by the unfortunately passed away La Donna Wells who brings a Mary J Level performance 3 years before "What's The 411" hit the streets. Slick, deep R&B that's soulful enough for modern soul and disco sets, what's not to love. Flipped with some Jazz Bizznes from Derwin, utter gold!

Soul Survivors is a new young Amsterdam band with a free spirit and a wild heart. The band has immersed themselves in soul, rhythm & blues by mastering all the old soul songs they love. With a setlist full of soul gems, they quickly built up a reputation in the Amsterdam live circuit. The band then used this musical suitcase to write powerful songs of their own. With this bagage, Soul Survivors gave dazzling performances in many Dutch clubs and festivals last season, including Jazz in Duketown, Zoetermeer Blues and Breda Jazz. The band has also gained a foothold in Germany in a short time with a growing fan base.

After the release of a 7” 45 rpm vinyl in 2023, on 13 September 2024 the debut album The Road Ahead will be released with ten soul hits. The compositions are rooted in the classical soul from the 60s and 70s by Motown and Stax, but also have the modern soul vibe. If you have little time, listen at least to focus track 3 "You're the One", a smooth song that can instantly be played on the radio. The band has the Rock Supplies in Amsterdam as its headquarters. This is where guitarist Max de Kok and bassist Dimitri Gelens have a studio where the songs are recorded. Singer Remko Spaaij has that dark soul voice that excites and thrills every room. Soul Survivors, gonna take you higher, higher, higher!

Produced entirely by Norman Whitfield, The Temptations’s "Puzzle People" takes the next step along the path that Cloud Nine started, and takes the Detroit band further away from a classic soul sound, and more towards the realm of psychedelic soul. Although a few ballads, including “Running Away (Ain’t Gonna Help You),” are still present, the album is primarily composed of Sly & the Family Stone/James Brownderived proto-funk tracks such as the lead single “Don’t Let the Joneses Get You Down,” and the number-one Billboard Pop hit “I Can’t Get Next to You.” Also included are psychedelic-styled covers (recorded with distorted guitars, clavinets, and spacy reverb and sound effects) of contemporary songs such as The Isley Brothers’ “It’s Your Thing,” The Beatles’ “Hey Jude,” and Roger Miller’s “Little Green Apples.” "Puzzle People" was released on the same day (September 23, 1969) as "Together", a duets album of covers by The Temptations and label mates Diana Ross & the Supremes. It peaked into the Top 5 on the Billboard Pop Albums chart, and spent fifteen weeks at number one on the R&B Albums chart.

Give It Up Or Turnit a Loose (Edit) by James Brown b/w Web (Edit) by Hampton Hughes / Give It Up or Turnit a Loose (Bonus Breaks) by James Brown| Galaxy Sound Company — Gsc45-044, test pressing | The long-running @galaxy_sound_company imprint has been responsible for some superb re-edits over the years, most of which are pleasingly purist in tone — meaning they are pro rearrangements with no added effects but & needless new beats or cheap trickery like so many out there— making any of their releases cop-on-site. & as you can hear from the test pressing, the 44th in the stellar series delivers yet again.

Side A is a masterclass in breakbeat editing of a b-boy classic sample source. Yes, there are many killer JB edits out in the universe, but when you see that the legendary Black Cash & Theo AKA Thelonious Beats take a turn, you know you gotta cop this mutha on site. Here the edit master bravely returns to one of the main sources of the dawn of hip-hop — JB’s comp “In The Jungle Groove” which was released in 1986 to capitalize on it’s popularity in the genre at the time. The comp is named for a breakdown section that appears in “Give It Up Or Turnit a Loose” which is the workout we have here. JB quiets the band down to handclaps, footstomps & congas played by Johnny Griggs. After he raps a little, JB cues legendary drummer Clyde Stubblefield back in, followed by bassist Bootsy Collins & the rest of the band. JB wasn’t intentionally trying to create a perfect batch of hip-hop samples in the late 60s & early 70s, but he couldn’t have succeeded any better if he had been. This edit may enter well-worn territory but he uniquely delivers an edit that showcases why it inspired so many & still delivers the goods to help you get your party started off right & quickly.

Next up on the flipside we are treated to an edit of “Web” by Hampton Hughes, from his 1974 David Axelrod produced & arranged album “Northern Windows”. Heads will recall it as the core sample for “Off the Record” by Hieroglyphics, from the 1998 LP “3rd Eye Vision”. This jazz-funk burner features a stellar line-up: Piano/keyboards = Hawes Trumpet = Allen DeRienzo, Snooky Young Trombone = George Bohanon Sax/flute = Jackie Kelso, Jay Migliori, William Green Electric Bass = Carol Kaye Drums = Spider Webb

US reissue.

Proudly presenting, ‘Калі ты запытаеш (If You Ask)’, a brand new, blissed-out pop production with a ‘70s AOR touch, by the ever-on-point Soyuz (союз). Coming at a period between albums, the single features guest appearances from the sensational musicians, Biel Basile (O Terno, Sessa) and Anthony Ferraro (Toro Y Moi, Astronauts, Etc.). Friends of the band, they add their signature touch on the drums and synth respectively. To complete the package, Soyuz back the title track with a short but sweet, Wurlitzer-laden, MPB-tinged number, ‘Tenório’.

‘Калі ты запытаеш (If You Ask)’ tells the story of lost dreams. A track that can be interpreted either as a bittersweet longing for childhood times, or for a native place you can’t return to. For the writer Alex Chumak he suggests, "In my case, as in the case of many Belarusians, it’s both".

For this song, Alex chose to sing in his native Belarusian tongue. As he explains this language "to me feels underrepresented in pop music, also it’s a beautiful legacy and sonority that I wanted to share with the listeners of our project around the world". One of the key inspirations was a Belarusian band “Песняры” (“Pesniary”), who produced a host of great progressive folk, jazz fusion and AOR, from the ‘70s to the ‘90s, predominantly sung in Belarusian.

Another key influence was the music coming out of the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais in the ‘70s, drawing inspiration from the sentimental and harmonious music of Beto Guedes, Lô Borges, Fernando Oly and Wagner Tiso.

Having parted ways with their drummer Anton, Soyuz needed to find a new way to produce songs. The answer was to go remotely. Alex contacted the brilliant Biel Basile, who had recorded Sessa's contemporary classic ‘Estrela Acesa’, in which Alex also participated. Utilising Biel and Sessa’s newly built studio in São Paulo, Soyuz had Biel record the drums directly to tape to get the rich sound they were after. Adding the final magic into the mix, California’s Anthony Ferraro provided a beautiful Solina String Ensemble synth arrangement, with drummer/recording engineer Albert Karch expertly assisting with the production.

To capture the essence of the single visually, Alex and the Brazilian one-man-industry visual artist Gabriel Rolim, spent a blazing sunny May day in Berlin shooting film and stills – one of which became the perfect cover image. We hope you enjoy this little nugget of Soyuz mastery, a sweet taster to savour while the new album is recorded.

Why you'll love it...
Recorded inside a geodome at upstate New York's The Outlier Inn, Gently Powerful is a live reimagining of Anna Wise's debut solo LP, As If It Were Forever (and includes one track, ‘’Balance In All'' from Wise's earlier release, The Feminine: Act II). Almost exactly one year to the date of its release, Wise and some of her closest collaborators safely gathered to celebrate As If It Were Forever with these intimate live recordings.

All tracks on Gently Powerful feature performances by Anna Wise (vocals, loops), Jon Bap (drums, vocals, samples, guitar), Joy Morales (keys, synthesizer, vocals) and Juuwah (bass), recorded and mixed by Steve Vealey, and mastered by Kevin Moo. The arrangements heard on these recordings were originally conceptualized as part of Re/Birth, Wise’s February 2020 residency in Los Angeles produced in partnership with Gxrlschool.

Wise first gained recognition with her band, Sonnymoon, and through collaborations with Kendrick Lamar. Wise won a Grammy for Best Rap/Sung Performance for her collaboration on Lamar's ‘’These Walls,'' and she has appeared on each of his projects since good kid, m.A.A.d. city. In 2016, Wise independently released The Feminine: Act I, her first solo EP, and followed it up in 2017 with The Feminine: Act II. The studio version of As If It Were Forever saw a return to collaboration, featuring Little Simz, Jon Bap, Nick Hakim, Denzel Curry, Pink Siifu and more. Recently, Wise has also collaborated on records from Durand Bernarr, Mndsgn and L'Rain.

Eric Krasno is a two-time Grammy winning guitarist, musician and producer best known for his work with Soulive, Lettuce, Tedeschi Trucks Band & Pretty Lights. Krasno has been nominated for a Grammy a total of seven times for Best Blues Album, Best Contemporary Blues, Best R&B, and Best Electronic Album. Otis McDonald is a producer/multi-instrumentalist best known for his copyright free music released exclusively through the YouTube audio library, amassing over 5 million downloads and over 25 million streams. Mike Chiavaro is a Brooklyn based electric and upright bass player with an impressive history. Combined they form King Canyon, blending their unique styles into an infectious groove filled project with healthy doses of R&B/Soul and funk. The vibe will resonate with fans of Khruangbin, Bobby Caldwell, Allman Brothers, Soulive, Lettuce, El Michels Affair, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Menahan Street Band, Durand Jones and the Indications, and Son Little (who's featured on one of the tracks). In the perfect quarantine story the trio forged a relationship and has yet to meet in person. In April of 2020 in the midst of quarantine, Eric Krasno came across Otis McDonald’s music on Instagram and immediately became a fan. Months later, McDonald who had been working on music with his longtime friend, Mike Chiavaro, enlisted Krasno to add in some guitar to the mix and before they knew it, the trio had an album's worth of material and thus King Canyon was born. The guys have still yet to meet in person, but despite this, the grooves are insatiable. The writing and feel are unlike any other projects these musicians have been involved with previously.

Kool Customer is a collaborative project from B. Bravo and Bay area singer Rojai that brings together the sounds of future funk, 80s boogie, and a little bit of strip club sleaze.

B.Bravo is a 2010 graduate of Red Bull Music Academy with releases on Brownswood, Frite Nite and Ernest Endeavors.

Support from the likes of Benji B (bbc Radio 1), Gilles Peterson, DaM Funk, Sweater Funk Collective .

B. Bravo's shared the stage with artists like Chromeo, Dam-Funk, Flying Lotus and serenaded crowds across the world with his bass heavy outer space boogie and dirty grinding synth grooves at festivals like Sxsw, Detroit Electronic Music Festival, and Sonar in Barcelona.

Rojai (pronounced "row-juh") is a San Francisco born singer emerging as a leading voice in the modern funk scene with a vocal range from a raspy, percussive island vibe, to silky r&b.

As a frontman for Kool Customer and Latin-funk outfit Bayonics, Rojai has proven himself adept at crooning on any groove in his soulful timbre.

Being legally blind hasn't slowed down Rojai's ability to write, record and perform. He has channeled his life experience into songwriting and singing, creating music with a spirit and soul that inspires.

Extensive sync history include Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens, Netflix's Fatherhood, as well as 3 unique songs featured on Tyler Perry's Sistas and more

Original US stereo pressing. Beginning seam split.

Copy close to VG+

Cover has seam splits and saw caut

“This Is The Breaks” is a 12-track look at the history of the break − and they’re all great jazz, funk and soul records. We have not only included tracks that were sampled back in the first golden age of sampling, but also tracks that have been utilised by some of today’s biggest names.

The curtains open with Millie Jackson’s version of ‘If Loving You Is Wrong I Don’t Want To Be Right’ originally a hit for Luther Ingram in 1972. This version recorded in Muscle Shoals and produced by Brad Shapiro was the opening track of Jackson’s “Caught Up” LP released in 1974. The use of a beat with sweeping strings as a sample, usually at a slow to medium tempo, as pioneered by the Wu-Tang Clan, seems to be especially in vogue at the moment. ‘If Loving You Is Wrong I Don’t Want To Be Right’ has been used over 50 times over the last few decades and was sampled in 2023 by NLE Choppa on ‘Pistol Paccin’’. A similar sound is culled from Debbie Taylor’s 1969 track ‘Let’s Prove Them Wrong’ which was sampled in 2021 by JID on his cut ‘2007’. It was also used in 2023 on ‘Release Me’ by Nasty C.

f this suggests that sampling can be fashion-led, another example is Little Ann’s ‘Deep Shadows’. Ann was a Detroit singer who released only one single − 1968’s Going Down A One-Way Street (The Wrong Way) produced by Dave Hamilton for Ric-Tic Records − but left a handful of soul masterpieces in the vault. While two of those − ‘What Should I Do?’ and ‘Who You Trying To Fool?’ − are up-tempo northern soul dancers, the downtempo ‘Deep Shadows’ is atmospheric, with a plodding beat, memorable vibes and piano parts. Finally released in 1998, it has since been sampled dozens of times by artists like Grand Puba on ‘Think Of U’ (2016), Loyle Carner on ‘You Don’t Know’ (2019), and more recently in 2024 by Your Old Droog’s on ‘dbz’, featuring Madlib, Denzel Curry and Wu-Tang Clan’s Method Man.

One of hip-hop’s greatest producers is DJ Premier of Gang Starr, whose beat picking is exemplary and the way he uses those beats raises him above almost all his peers. Take his deployment of Joe Simon’s ‘Drowning In The Sea Of Love’, which he edited and manipulated to form the hook of Gang Starr’s 1997 single ‘You Know My Steez’. He was also the first producer to sample Billy Garner’s Detroit street funk cut ‘I Got Some’ which went on to be sampled time and time again. From the same Motor City studio − Dave Hamilton’s − came Chico & Buddy’s ‘Can You Dig It?’ which was one of several samples on House of Pain’s 1992 hit ‘Jump Around’.

Classic golden age samples are present in Lowell Fulsom’s ‘Tramp’, which has been sampled over 50 times including by the Wu-Tang Clan and Epmd, and the Fatback Band’s ‘Gotta Learn How To Dance’ which was used by Kool G Rap and DJ Polo on the tough rap of ‘Streets Of New York’ in 1990. For dance music fans it was also the sound of Groove Armada’s ‘My Friend’ in 2001. Another UK dance hit sample is Bernard ‘Pretty’ Purdie’s ‘Heavy Soul Slinger’ which was used by the Prodigy on their 1995 hit ‘Poison’ and by Massive Attack on their 1998 track ‘Mezzanine’. Lonnie Liston Smith’s beautiful ‘Summer Nights’ has been sampled mainly in dance music by artists such as Moody Man and the Swedish House Mafia. New Orleans singer Tami Lynn’s version of the Doors ‘Light My Fire’ was sampled by musician, producer and DJ Howie B on ‘Sore Brown Eyes’ (1997) and also by the Dilated Peoples on ‘Triple Optics’ (1998). Gil Scott-Heron’s harrowing tale of drug addiction, ‘Home Is Where The Hatred Is’, from his 1971 LP “Pieces Of A Man” was sampled on the Kanye West and Common collaboration ‘My Way Home’ from West’s “Late Registration” album released in 2005.

Whilst the music on “This Is The Breaks” has been sampled to construct brilliant new songs the originals have stood the test of time. In fact, someone, somewhere in the world is probably slipping some of this music into a new song right now.

So, drop the needle and challenge your friends to play a guessing game of who used what sample and when.

Little needs to be said about these two Mirwood Monsters, but to have both tracks on the same 45 is a righteous luxury. ‘That Beatin’ Rhythm’ is the epitome of the Northern Soul dance scene and has been a call to the floor for fifty years now.

The instrumental flip (credited to the actual singer of the A side) was equally massive at the time, but has been somewhat neglected in recent years - the vocal version gaining most DJ spins.

Ace Records has been the go-to source of 1960s US girl group compilations since the release of our “Where The Girls Are”, “Girls About Town” and “Stop, Look & Listen” vinyl albums back in the 1980s. The 10-volume “Where The Girls Are” CD series followed over the next few decades, along with a batch of standalone CD collections. These days, however, the vinyl long-player is back in favour as the format of choice for discerning collectors.

“A Good Thing Goin’!”, the latest in our current series of gorgeously packaged 12-inchers, drops this month. The album opens in fine style with ‘What About You’ by the great sounding Mousie & the Traps. Darlene Love kicks off the second side with ‘Let Him Walk Away’, a song written by Jackie DeShannon with noted arranger Jack Nitzsche, no less. Darlene Love, one of the most beloved vocalists of the classic girl group era, also sings lead on the Blossoms’ terrific previously unissued ‘You Had A Good Thing Goin’’, while Jack Nitzsche produced the Satisfactions’ lush ‘Baby I’m So Glad It’s Raining’ and Karen Verros’ castanets-driven version of the Crystals’ ‘Little Boy’.

Other highlights include Brenda Holloway’s silky pre-Motown gem ‘Constant Love’, the Puffs’ hip dancer ‘I Only Cry Once A Day Now’, the Fran-cettes’ latin-flavoured ‘Late In The Evening’ and Linda & the Vistas’ Shrine Records rarity ‘Bad Apple’. As usual in the series, the swanky inner sleeve features a picture-packed 3,000-word track commentary by long-serving compiler Mick Patrick.

Vinyl with light scuffs and hairlines

Admittedly, I'm not a great salesperson when it comes to running our little label. I do my best not to give into hyperbole or build something up too intensely if someone has not heard a new artist yet. I prefer to simply present the music and let the listener decide how they feel about it. However, we live in an age when the "story" put together by publicists, labels, and managers are often the driving force of an artist's ascension into the zeitgeist. And for me, that's always felt rather artificial, even when the narrative is genuine. But every once in a while, a project comes along that takes on a life of its own. And I can say without a doubt that the growth of Pale Jay's reach since we first started working with him has little to do with conjured narratives or clever marketing, but more to do with how the music makes the listener feel. It's that simple. In fact, Jay is so enigmatic and without a narrative that the mere absence of a story has become the story. Who is he? Where is he from? What's next? Some questions are better left unanswered in my opinion, my friend. Including the question, "Why does this music make me feel so much?" You're better off just sitting back, disconnecting, and letting Low End Love Songs by Pale Jay wrap you up. Enjoy and spread the good word. - Terry Cole

Sister funk backed with a wonderful ballad. A real treasure for fans of independently produced soul music from the 1960s. Be quick, limited pressing.

Why you'll love it...
"‘I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You’ runs the stylistic gambit without feeling Franklin is doing things just for show. The album isn’t trying to function as a resumé of her skills. Genre shifts feel organic and natural. “Don’t Let Me Lose This Dream” is built on a bossa nova groove, while “Do Right Woman Do Right Man” has a little country ballad flavor. “Dr Feelgood (Love Is A Serious Business)”—one of four songs penned by Franklin herself—is a bluesy belter. She might have been Queen of the genre, but pigeonholing Franklin in soul is like calling Sugar Ray Leonard just a welterweight. She could shuffle through styles as smooth as velvet. Everything is stamped with her own distinct character."

Music, Sweet Music" sounds like a perfect little song with lovely summer vibes, a bit of vocal scatting and lovely organ licks from the multi talented Ellis Hall. We love the feel of this one that sounds like The Crusaders/Blackbyrds, and Stevie Wonder rolled into 2:38 of soulful pleasure. Flip it over and "Forward Motion" kicks off with some pretty generic 70's horn play, boom, rasping drums and melodies kick in with some fun interplay between Ellis , Patty Unitas and Pat Thomas on the background vox. The full line up from these recordings are Ellis Hall Jr (Keyboards/Vocals) Patty Unitas (Vocals) Pat Thomas (Vocals) David Fuller (Drums/Vocals) Michael Thompson (Guitar) Stanley Benders (Percussion)

Every LP will come with a hand signed postcard by Pale Jay.
Admittedly, I'm not a great salesperson when it comes to running our little label. I do my best not to give into hyperbole or build something up too intensely if someone has not heard a new artist yet. I prefer to simply present the music and let the listener decide how they feel about it. However, we live in an age when the "story" put together by publicists, labels, and managers are often the driving force of an artist's ascension into the zeitgeist. And for me, that's always felt rather artificial, even when the narrative is genuine. But every once in a while, a project comes along that takes on a life of its own. And I can say without a doubt that the growth of Pale Jay's reach since we first started working with him has little to do with conjured narratives or clever marketing, but more to do with how the music makes the listener feel. It's that simple. In fact, Jay is so enigmatic and without a narrative that the mere absence of a story has become the story. Who is he? Where is he from? What's next? Some questions are better left unanswered in my opinion, my friend. Including the question, "Why does this music make me feel so much?" You're better off just sitting back, disconnecting, and letting Low End Love Songs by Pale Jay wrap you up. Enjoy and spread the good word. - Terry Cole

Every LP will come with a hand signed postcard by Pale Jay.

Admittedly, I'm not a great salesperson when it comes to running our little label. I do my best not to give into hyperbole or build something up too intensely if someone has not heard a new artist yet. I prefer to simply present the music and let the listener decide how they feel about it. However, we live in an age when the "story" put together by publicists, labels, and managers are often the driving force of an artist's ascension into the zeitgeist. And for me, that's always felt rather artificial, even when the narrative is genuine. But every once in a while, a project comes along that takes on a life of its own. And I can say without a doubt that the growth of Pale Jay's reach since we first started working with him has little to do with conjured narratives or clever marketing, but more to do with how the music makes the listener feel. It's that simple. In fact, Jay is so enigmatic and without a narrative that the mere absence of a story has become the story. Who is he? Where is he from? What's next? Some questions are better left unanswered in my opinion, my friend. Including the question, "Why does this music make me feel so much?" You're better off just sitting back, disconnecting, and letting Low End Love Songs by Pale Jay wrap you up. Enjoy and spread the good word. - Terry Cole

Longtime friends and part time bandmates Woody and Jeremy return with their new album Hold Up, Look Back. Their junior effort turns out to be their most cohesive, tasteful and mature work yet. It’s also goofy, silly, often dryly funny and pretty much always funky. Or in other words it could be considered a classic Woody and Jeremy record.

It’s got that low-key “Hey folks are over, let’s put on some vinyl and rev up the turntable” kind of energy to it. It’s a break up record but it’s also a get together record. It’s a thinking about the past kind of record but it’s also a moving into the future kind of record. It’s a record about learning from your mistakes and moving towards emotional resolution, but it’s also about enjoying life, being horny, stupid and having fun.

The tracks move from yacht rock to full on dance funk vibes. Woody and company are operating at an all time high in the rhythm and grooves department.

A usual cast of characters returns to flesh out the sound, including Joe Dart and Andrew Vogt trading off bass duties, Packy Lundholm handling guitar and percussion and Reuben Garza on drums. A few special guests appear as well, including percussionist Brijean Murphy, saxophonist Ted Taforo, multi-instrumentalist David Celia and vocalists Jess Best and Taylor Harvey.

The album was recorded at Rax Trax and Sound Vault Studios in Chicago and in living rooms and backyard sheds all across Los Angeles. Paul Cherry mixed the record and added a guitar lick or two as well for good measure.

The tracks “Love Letter” and “In My Cessna 206” have become band favorites but there’s also two incredible six minute plus jammers on the B-side that aren’t to be missed - “Just A Little Bit” a Bowie-esque dance number and “End Of The Line” which might be the boys at their most Steely Dan yet. But whatever might be your standout track, hopefully this fun and groovy album finds a place in your heart and on your record shelf.

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”.

Dive into the soulful world of Little Beaver with the long-awaited reissue of his 1972 debut
album, Joey. Released on Cat Records, this album showcases the unmistakable talent of a
musician who not only crafted the unforgettable guitar riff in Betty Wright's "Clean Up
Woman" but also delivered the #2 R&B hit "Party Down."
Joey stands out as a masterful blend of Rhythm & Blues, Soul, and a touch of Funk & Blues,
enriched by lush orchestrations that elevate each track. The album features the enchanting
title track "Joey," which was produced by Betty Wright, "I'm Losin' the Feelin'," later covered
by Gwen McRae, and the deeply evocative "Katie Pearl," adding layers of soulful resonance
that speak directly to the heart.
Before his solo breakthrough, Little Beaver was a revered figure in the Miami Soul scene,
known for his work as a bassist and guitarist since his early teens and as an arranger who
brought magic to the music he touched. This release not only showcases his formidable skills
as a guitarist but also highlights his deep, intuitive sense of songwriting that draws listeners
into the emotional landscapes of his songs.
This reissue isn't just a return to the shelves; it's a celebration of a profound musical legacy
that continues to resonate. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to his music, Joey by
Little Beaver is an essential addition to your collection, offering a timeless journey through
the depths of soul music. Don't miss the chance to experience this seminal album,
beautifully remastered to capture the original warmth and spirit of Little Beaver's early work.

Dive into the soulful world of Little Beaver with the long-awaited reissue of his 1972 debut
album, Joey. Released on Cat Records, this album showcases the unmistakable talent of a
musician who not only crafted the unforgettable guitar riff in Betty Wright's "Clean Up
Woman" but also delivered the #2 R&B hit "Party Down."
Joey stands out as a masterful blend of Rhythm & Blues, Soul, and a touch of Funk & Blues,
enriched by lush orchestrations that elevate each track. The album features the enchanting
title track "Joey," which was produced by Betty Wright, "I'm Losin' the Feelin'," later covered
by Gwen McRae, and the deeply evocative "Katie Pearl," adding layers of soulful resonance
that speak directly to the heart.
Before his solo breakthrough, Little Beaver was a revered figure in the Miami Soul scene,
known for his work as a bassist and guitarist since his early teens and as an arranger who
brought magic to the music he touched. This release not only showcases his formidable skills
as a guitarist but also highlights his deep, intuitive sense of songwriting that draws listeners
into the emotional landscapes of his songs.
This reissue isn't just a return to the shelves; it's a celebration of a profound musical legacy
that continues to resonate. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to his music, Joey by
Little Beaver is an essential addition to your collection, offering a timeless journey through
the depths of soul music. Don't miss the chance to experience this seminal album,
beautifully remastered to capture the original warmth and spirit of Little Beaver's early work.