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Big Crown Records is proud to present Perak, the debut album from TheeMarloes.When you rst hear Thee Marloes, their particular soul sound may seemfamiliar enough. There are the weighty drums, a crooning guitar, and a beautifulvoice singing about unrequited love and the complications inherent in affairs ofthe heart. But then there is something undeniably different about Thee Marloesand their music, something new and distinct. And while you may be acquaintedwith soul music, you've probably never heard it from Surabaya, Indonesia_theplace they call home.Thee Marloes are Natassya Sianturi singing and playing keys, Tommy Satwickon drums, and Sinatrya ("Raka") Dharaka on guitar and handling production.Their sound has the universal appeal of soul, jazz, and pop, but with a distinctapproach attributable to their local culture and global inuence. The world'sintroduction to Thee Marloes' debut album Perak, started with "MidnightHotline" the scorching A side to their debut 7" on Big Crown. A punchy dance-oor number with an infectious chorus, vibey piano, and jazzy guitar licks.Contrasting that energy in the classic plug and ballad pairing dynamic, the Bside "Beri Cinta Waktu" has all the makings of a beloved soul ballad but thelyrics are in Indonesian. Regardless of any language barrier, the sentiment intheir music is palpable, helping to make their songs relatable and heartfelt. Therest of Perak ts perfectly in between those bookends of both energy andlanguage, "I Know" is a mid-tempo burner that talks about pulling the veil oflies off a love affair founded on falsehood. "Not Today" is right up there with thegrooviest feel good songs you could ever play on a Sunday morning withNatassya reminding us to make space for ourselves no matter what life throwsour way. "Mungkin Saja" brings the tempo back up with another dance oorsmoker while "True Love" nds Thee Marloes dipping into the soulful side ofjazz with a beat ballad that could soundtrack a Tarantino dance scen...

/ take me to the river

Amazing afro-cinematic funk 12'', perfect for DJs, with 3 previously unreleased cuts, featuring Edda Dell'Orso scat vocals, Oscar Valdambrini's trumpet and Gianni Oddi's funky arrangements. Groovy basslines, dreamy electronics and percussions. A must-have!

Leon Thomas - "Electric Dusk" / Celebrating the 1-year anniversary of Leon Thomas' album, Electric Dusk, with this translucent emerald green vinyl and exclusive poster. Featuring the standout singles "Breaking Point" and "Crash & Burn." Motown; Motown Records; R&B EXPLICIT

The Finnish Crooner, Bobby Oroza, Is Back With A New Set Of Tunes That Pick Up Right Where His Glorious 2018 Debut Album, This Love, Left Off.The A Side 'I Got Love' Is A Sweet Soul Anthem For Those With Their Priorities Straight And An Encouraging Reminder To Those Who May Have Lost Sight Of What Is Truly Important In Life. Bobby Has Penned Another Hit. He Sings About Choosing Love Over All Things Material And Recognizing What You Have When You Have It. Bobby Sings An Earworm Of A Chorus That Sums It Up Perfectly, "I Got Love, And That's Enough".The B Side, 'Loving Body', Is As Seductive As It Is Profound. Bobby Proposi- Tions His Love Interest Over A Gorgeous Cold Diamond & Mink Production For More Than A Light Hearted Love Affair. Mr. Oroza Is Not Your Average Joe, And This Is Not Your Average Roses And Candy Song. Bobby Lays Out His Desire To Become One Loving Body In The Way Two Rivers Become Part Of The Sea. A Beautiful Song About Attraction And Desire That Will Be An Instant Staple In The Sweet Soul World And Beyond.

Operating in a basement studio at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, pipeline man Howard Neal and his appropriately named Shoestring label was Alton, Illinois' answer to a question no one asked. Pressed in minuscule numbers and barely outside the 62002 zip code, the singles by The James Family, Jimmie Green, Pete & Cheez, and Carletta Sue are prime examples of cosmic midwestern disco in search of a break. This heavy weight 10-song LP is housed in a tip-on sleeve, and includes an essay and imagery that complete the picture of this pure expression of smalltown soul.

Thee Marloes give us with another killer of a two-sider while they finish recording their debut album.The A side "Logika" is a laid back tune about where the head and the heart meet and how they often don't see things the same way. Natassya Sianturi's honeyed vocals float over a beautifully arranged track driven by guitar riffs, organ, and reverb drenched stick hits. They manage to put the perfect amount of paint on the canvas with the band sounding tight as ever hitting all the changes that bring in the earworm chorus that stays in your head even if you don't speak Indonesian. The B side "True Love" finds Thee Marloes dipping back into the soulful side of jazz but this time with a beat ballad that could soundtrack a Tarantino movie and hold court with the best of the genre. This one leans you back in your chair setting the mood for a smokey lounge affair and a strong drink. Two more pages from Thee Marloes book on a must have 45 giving a taste of what is to come on the 2024 full length.

Two fine examples of Sweet/Group Soul Harmony that was originally released as vanity project on the local Gibbs label by this former ex Prison group with original copies being excruciatingly hard to find in any condition.



Artist Bio:

The Mansion were initially a prison group formed by Charles Lorenzo Blakely in 1970 while serving time in the Green Bay Reformatory at Allouez, Wisconsin. The Mansion’s line up included at different times Michael Locke, Stanley Newburn, Carl Anderson, John Crawford, Michael Smith, Larry Moses, Ronald Hardin, Jerome Wagner, Larry Lister, Maurice Payne and Charles himself. One day while rehearsing in the prison chapel, the Mansion attracted the attention of the warden’s wife who happened to be showing some local dignitaries around. Impressed by what she heard the warden’s wife was instrumental in the Mansion being invited to perform for the city’s television station Wbay, where they recording two holiday programs. The warden later gave them permission to perform outside the prison which brought them to the attention of a Milwaukee neighbourhood program adviser by the name of Al Dunlap of the Commando Project One. It was through Dunlap that the Mansion recorded their solitary 45 release in 1974 “The Girl Next Door /Stop! Let Your Heart Be Your Guide” for a local Milwaukee label Gibbs (406). The label’s owner Bill Gibbs held the release back until some of the members of the Mansion were granted their release papers as at that time prisoners were unable to sign any contract agreements while still incarcerated. Although Charles Blakely remained incarcerated, he was later moved to a medium security prison in Fox Lake County, Wisconsin. While there he formed a gospel group, called the ‘Bell Tones’ who’s line up included Charles, Mayweather Lee, Joe Hayes, and Levell Rudd. The formation of this group was seen as major factor in Charles’s rehabilitation which led to his eventual parole in 1976. Once on the outside Charles with former ‘Bell Tone” member Mayweather Lee were joined by Charles (Sonny) Bryant and Jimmy Taylor to form a new ensemble by the name of The “Final Chapter”. As the final Chapter they recorded a solitary release for Marvel Love’s New World Label “Now I Know/Get Down For Your Action” (nw800) during 1980, a brief association that for several reasons was to eventually brake down. Although Jimmy Taylor left to pursue a career as a blues musician the remaining three members of the ‘Final Chapter’ continued to perform until they finally disbanded in 1987. Three previously unissued Final Chapter songs can be found on Soul Junction Various Artists CD compilation “We Got A Sweet Thing going On” Volume II. The Mansion’s Gibbs 45 is now is a highly prized and sort after item amongst Sweet and Group Soul collectors.

A year and a half after releasing his self-produced, independent full-length LP Saturday Morning to critical acclaim, producer and multi-instrumentalist Carrtoons plans his return to music with his next album, Homegrown. Evolving his trademark Modern Motown sound, Carrtoons continues to expand his already diverse musical repertoire in jazz, soul, hip-hop, and more. Set for release on April 20th, 2022, Homegrown is Ben Carr's inaugural release with renowned Wichita Recordings (Bloc Party, First Aid Kit, My Morning Jacket, Yeah Yeah Yeahs.) The youngest son of jazz violinist Richard Carr (Bill Laswell, Bootsy Collins), Ben received his college degree in Jazz Performance, made his debut with Mad Satta, and opened for artists like Thundercat, Nick Hakim, Gabriel Garzon Montano, and Mac Ayres. Over the last few years, he has become one of the most sought-after producers in music through his eye-catching Instagram videos, powerful bass lines, and memorable melodies. His unique fills, phrases, and compositions made him an instant favorite, leading to recent collaborations with Robert Glasper, Alex Isley, Kiefer, and Butcher Brown. The success of Saturday Morning was the first sign of evolution in Carrtoons career, with the album surpassing 2 million streams on Spotify in mid-February. The ad placement of his track "Give It Up" with Green Mountain Coffee gave him exposure to a whole new audience, while his guest feature on the Tiny Desk series rearranging the NPR theme songs for their 50th anniversary was also a hit. Starting 2022 off strong, Carrtoons' recent work with The Kount led to the release of their ultra-viral video "On My Way" and the organic growth of over 100,000 followers in 4 weeks on Instagram. His continued strides in music, along with astonishing growth across several platforms is clear indication of Ben Carr's promise and potential. More than just an album; Homegrown characterizes the hard work, seeds sown, and natural growth of a gifted musician. An artist you will want to watch!

Les Imprimés is back in the studio working on their sophomorealbum and treats us to a smashing two-sider with thefirst two songs from these sessions.The A side "With You" is an instant hit for the DJs and dancefloors. An uptempo, uplifting tune about a eeting encounterthat leaves you craving more. Frontman Morten Martensdoesn't waste a word over the shuffling drums and dancingpiano lines. He sings about the pleasantly surprising impact ofa chance encounter with a woman, whom he winds up piningfor. Martens longs for her, but joyfully, as if just rememberingsuch a connection is possible is what he really needed.The B side "Only Love" is built over a gritty, punchy drumbreak with a chorus that is simple yet profound, and thearrangement leans into the message. Martens sings of lettinggo of inhibition and fear and allowing love to have a chance tothrive. "Only love can set us free_"

Japanese pressing without OBI!

Big Crown is proud to present our first compilation on the label, Crown Jewels Vol. 1. This is something of a highlight reel for what we have released in the three years that we've been around.Some of our artists are world famous at this point while some of them are still under the radar. It's been extremely satisfying for us when the fans of one Big Crown artist discover another one because they are label mates. We are putting out this comp with the hope that it will continue that process, and, this is a damn good listen. Even though not all BC artists can be found in the same aisle of the record store, after listening to Crown Jewels Vol. 1, it should be clear how they all fit on the same record label. When we started Big Crown we wanted to have a label that's only boundaries were defined by our taste, not by genre. We think that this is a perfect example of that; and this is only volume one. Thank you to everyone who has supported us thus far and please stay tuned as we have plans to continue pushing the envelope and putting out tunes we believe in.

Following up on the massive worldwide success of their debut album 55, Bacao Rhythm & Steel band is back with another heavy duty offering. Picking
up where they left off and incorporating a ton of new recording techniques they take a huge step forward with The Serpent’s Mouth. Named after the
eight-mile strait between the island of Trinidad and the coast of Venezuela, The Serpent’s Mouth is a journey through both originals and covers,
combining classic elements that wide-eared music fans already know, and mashing them up in new and unique ways.
Take “1 Thing” – on it, the group attacks the galloping, chopped Amerie smash hit, with singing pans that follow the R & B vocal. The sound is crisp
and up-front, arguably more muscular than the 2005 original. On “Great To Be Here,” they take on the Jackson 5 B-Boy favorite (which stretches back
to the Zulu Nation / Bronx block party days) – uncoincidentally, the original version featured a guitar lick that emulated a steel pan run. Here, it gets
an even more pulsating groove, adding open-drums breaks throughout, to get DJs salivating. The group veers through more inventively-constructed
covers as the album’s sequence continues, including Gang Starr’s “All For The Cash”, Mary J. Blige’s “I Love You”, and the recently unleashed first
single, “XXplosive” and “Burn,” paying tribute to both Dr. Dre and Mobb Deep for a bi-coastal funk party. And, as band leader Bjorn Wagner states,
“My favorite cover on the album is probably ‘Crockett Theme,’ which is the theme to ‘Miami Vice.’ I always loved the melody, and the cosmic vibe of
the song, and I was honestly surprised that it worked without synthesizers.”
This time around the group’s originals are even stronger, as evidenced by cuts like the flute-fueled break-fest of “Hoola Hoop”, the slow and spacey
“Touchdown”, and the album’s title track, the future-epic-adventure-movie-soundtrack cut “The Serpent’s Mouth.” Wagner explains, “I wrote the song
with Bernhard Hummer as an instrumental fantasy story – think of pirates, smugglers and a dangerously beautiful sea passage towards the island. It
became an allegory for our mind travels into the world of the steel pan.”
The Serpent’s Mouth is sure to please past fans and newly-minted ones alike. It seems like a new era for Steel Drum music is upon us, and Bacao is
firmly leading the way into the hearts of music fans around the world.

180g vinyl

- "Look What You've Done to Me" sampled by Arrested Development for "Warm Sentiments"

- "Simply Beautiful" sampled by Mike Zoot for "Fat Chance",
Nefarius for "Ill Rhyme" and
Talib Kweli for "Good to You"

- "Love and Happiness" sampled by Above the Law for "G-Rupies Best Friend",
Al Tariq for "Think Not",
Busta Rhymes for "Turn it Up",
Cannibal Ox for "Painkillers",
Deacon for "Soul Saviour",
Encore for "Love and Hate",
Ganjah K for "Love Got My Mind Trippin'",
Mobb Deep for "3 from NYC",
Prodigy for "Freestyle",
Redman for "On Fire",
Special Ed for "The Bush" and
Tony, Toni, Tone for "Thinking of You"

- "I'm Glad You're Mine" (Drums) sampled by 113 for "Face A La Police",
A-Track for "Enter Ralph Wigum",
Abstract Rude for "Musically Inclined",
East Flatbush Project for "Tried by 12",
Eric B & Rakim for "Mahogany",
Freestyle Fellowship for "We Will Not Tolerate",
High & Mighty for "Open Mic Night Remix",
India Arie for "Video",
Jodeci for "S-More",
K-Otix for "Take My Life",
Lauryn Hill for "Sweetest Thing (Mahogany Mix)",
Mary J. Blige for "Time",
Massive Attack for "Five Men Army",
MC Lyte for "Paper Thin",
Morcheeba for "Trigger Hippie",
Mormon Ghetto Projectz for "Blaring Broadcast + Rap Professionals",
Notorious B.I.G. for "Dead Wrong" & "Story to Tell",
Obie Trice for "I'm a Hustler" and
RZA for "My Lovin is Digi"

JApanese pressing without OBI!

Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band, The Kings Of "Wait, What Is This!!!" Are Back With Another Two-Sider That Has A Little Something For Everyone. Both Of These Songs Are Pulled From Their Forthcoming Full Length Album Expansions.The A Side Is A Gritty, Gully, And Neck Snapping Cover Of The Timbaland Produced Jay-Z Club Hit "Dirt Off Your Shoulder". The Signature Crushing Bacao Drums Start The Show And The Moment They Start Playing The Top Line On The Steel Pans All Bets Are Off. They Push The Tune To New Heights And Places Adding Brass Arrangements And Working Around The Original Riff Never Losing The Groove. The Way They Walk The Line Between The Original And Making It Their Own Will Woo Hip Hop Heads And Funk Enthusiasts Alike.The B Side Finds Brsb Taking It Straight To The Discoteque And Ushering Everyone To The Floor As They Cover Sylvester's Underground Classic "I Need Somebody To Love Tonight". While Bacao Have Laid Down A Few Four On The Floor Numbers On Previous Albums This Is The First One Making Its Way To A 7" And We Are Sure It Will Get Their Music Into A New Sector Of DJs Playboxes.

Holy Hive, the group that coined the genre Folk/Soul, comes out swinging with this monster of a two-sider. The A side "Oh I Miss Her So" is pulled from their recently released Harping EP: a drop dead gorgeous tune of love and longing, featuring the harping of Mary Lattimore. The tune serves as a testament to The Hive's gift for songwriting and arrangement, taking the listener on a ride from the first notes of Paul's falsetto to the outro featuring Dave Guy's (The Roots) gorgeous trumpet solo. The B Side is The Hive's crushing cover of Sunny & The Sunliners' classic "If I Could See You Now". Homer's world renown drumming provides an instant dance floor backbone to the tune while Paul's signature vocals add a welcome twist giving the original version a proper run for its money. This cover is pulled from the forthcoming Big Crown Records label compilation "Dear Sunny" a collection of Sunny covers done by the roster of Big Crown artists.

Big Crown Records is proud to present this tough as nails split 7”

The A side is Paul Ramos version of the Mandrill classic “Fence Walk”. Originally released on the Harlem label, and later licensed to Falcon only to oddly appear on their Kris Bravo LP. Ramos stays close to the original, but adds enough to the tune to make it a must have for funk collectors.

The B side “Funky Resurgence” comes by way of vibes player/bandleader Ulysses Crockett who was a stalwart on the Bay Area scene of the 1960's first with his Latin Jazz group Afro Blue Persuasion and later Ulysses Crockett Magic. He also played in The Skins w/ the legendary Bill Graham. "Funky Resurgence" was one of several compositions he wrote for the 1971 play "Resurgence." During this period, Ulysses was also going through law school and he remains a legal voice, writer and activist in the Bay Area.

Solid VG copy!

Following up on the success of Lady Wray’s solo debut album Queen Alone, we are
proud to give you another 45 offering, this time showing another side of Nicole.
Known worldwide for her early career as a Hip Hop / R&B singer, then more recently
for her more matured Soul inspired writing, the A side of this one “Underneath My
Feet” shows just how hard it is to put Lady Wray in a box. If you haven’t seen her live
show, you may have no idea that she has a healthy bad ass Rock and Roll side to her,
commanding crowds with a raucousness that likens Betty Davis. Underneath My Feet
is a tough blend of glam rock drums and guitar stabs that Nicole takes to like a fish to
water. A self proclaimed voodoo woman, putting a spell on the listener, warning all of
her unbridled power.
The B side is the heart wrenching Guilty, a song Wray wrote to cope with the
incarceration of her brother. One listen and it is impossible to doubt the sincerity,
again showing Cole’s songwriting prowess with imagery of no one to cheers with, and
not wanting to experience the comforts of home knowing her brother was locked up in
a cell. A solid 2 sider showing a different side of Lady Wray than she is typically known
for all wrapped up in a beautiful picture sleeve cover.

Check out this essential garage Zamrock/Soul/Funk single as the first official reissue of the celebrated band’s one and only album!

The musical style that became known as Zamrock came to embody the economic despair that followed the 1973-1974 oil crisis, which flung Zambia into recession and exacerbated a wide range of social tensions. Much of Zamrock also captured the controversy of wider politics in Africa and the world. Perhaps the finest example of this is Black Power by The Peace. - The Guardian The Boyfriends, from Kitwe’s Chamboli Mine Township, supplied the founding members for Zamrock’s most famous band, Witch, and kick started one of Zamrock’s best bands, Peace. Their sole Zamrock entry, “Black Power”, recorded at Malachite Film Studio circa 1973/4 and issued circa 1975, sounds like nothing else in the Zamrock canon: a lost message drifiting from the flower power era, imbued with a fiery Zambian voice.

Big Crown Records is proud to present Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band’s new 45, “Scorpio” b/w “8th Wonder”. Coming after the smashing success of their debut full length “55” they drop 2 B-Boy classics back to back on this tough two sider that comes in a beautifully illustrated picture sleeve.
The A side “Scorpio” is a killer cover of the Dennis Coffey breakbeat staple. BRSB turn up the tempo a touch on the original doing the tune justice with crushing drums they have become known for. This is sure to be in every breakbeat enthusiasts box. The B side features the non album cut, BRSB’s cover of The Sugarhill Gang’s 8th Wonder, a tune that lends itself to pans like it was written for them. Another dance floor winner sure to be in DJs sets the world over shortly.

Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band return with another set covers bound to get you out of your seat and on your feet. The mysterious German steel pan outt is working on their fourth studio album now and treat us to another must have two-sider to hold us over while they nish it. This one is sure to become another favorite among DJs worldwide. On the A side BRSB take on a huge hit with an eerie cover of Drake's "Hotline Bling". The intro melodica hints at the melody and when the beat drops and the top line plays on the pans all bets are off. The B side is something of a Big Crown family affair as Bacao covers "Murkit Gem" from El Michels Affair's Yeti Season album. The tune lends itself to the pans with its infectious melodies and the way BRSB plays it, it takes on a James Bond spy chase energy that works perfectly.

Distance as a measure of time and place informs Kelly Finnigan's, A Lover Was Born with a grit and grace that turns passion into virtue. The latest solo release from The Monophonics frontman roots itself in the best traditions of midwest soul labels like King, Curtom, Dakar, and the Bodie Recording Company. A Lover Was Born is a testimony that these deep cut grooves are not resigned to nostalgia, instead, they are at the burning heart of longing and hope. The journey Finnigan takes listeners on over Lover's eleven tracks echo the state of motion and growth since his solo debut, The Tales People Tell (2019). These two records bookend a prolific period of output, including a pair of Monophonics albums, a Christmas album, a mixtape, and a full slate of producing other artists (The Ironsides, Alanna Royale, the Sextones). "There's nothing like making records," says Finnigan. "It feels like that's my purpose _ the reason I was put on this earth." Written in California, Ohio, and Staten Island, Kelly Finnigan collaborated with old friends in and outside the studio. "I enjoy working alone but it's not how you want to make a record_almost everybody I brought in for this album I've worked with, toured with or spent a great deal of time with." Max and Joe Ramey (The Ironsides), Jimmy James (Parlor Greens), Sergio Rios (Orgone), Joey Crispiano (Dap Kings) and Jay Mumford (aka J-Zone) all contribute to the overall sound of A Lover Was Born. Dramatic influences like Isaac Hayes (check out the piano on "Be Your Own Shelter") and Jerry Ragovoy are chopped and folded into Northern Soul uptempo numbers to create stompers like "Get a Hold of Yourself" or "Chosen Few". Finnigan's take on Deep Soul is captured brilliantly on "Walk Away from Me" and "Love (Your Pain Goes Deep)", while Boom Bap pervades on hard hitters "His Love Ain't Real" & "Cold World". Slower songs such as "Let Me Count the Reasons", the emotional "All That's Left", and the soul-stirring album closer "Count Me Out" show the honest and tender side that has become Finnigan's calling card. All the while, the voice is raw and earthy _ in the best tradition of R&B shouters like Otis Redding, Lee Moses, and David Ruffin. The songs on A Lover Was Born reconfigure the spliced and sampled DNA of hip hop (extracted by crate diggers like Dilla and Rza) to create something new, underscoring both the spectrum and depth of soul while making a case to the timelessness of Finnigan's sound.

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

Distance as a measure of time and place informs Kelly Finnigan's, A Lover Was Born with a grit and grace that turns passion into virtue. The latest solo release from The Monophonics frontman roots itself in the best traditions of midwest soul labels like King, Curtom, Dakar, and the Bodie Recording Company. A Lover Was Born is a testimony that these deep cut grooves are not resigned to nostalgia, instead, they are at the burning heart of longing and hope. The journey Finnigan takes listeners on over Lover's eleven tracks echo the state of motion and growth since his solo debut, The Tales People Tell (2019). These two records bookend a prolific period of output, including a pair of Monophonics albums, a Christmas album, a mixtape, and a full slate of producing other artists (The Ironsides, Alanna Royale, the Sextones). "There's nothing like making records," says Finnigan. "It feels like that's my purpose _ the reason I was put on this earth." Written in California, Ohio, and Staten Island, Kelly Finnigan collaborated with old friends in and outside the studio. "I enjoy working alone but it's not how you want to make a record_almost everybody I brought in for this album I've worked with, toured with or spent a great deal of time with." Max and Joe Ramey (The Ironsides), Jimmy James (Parlor Greens), Sergio Rios (Orgone), Joey Crispiano (Dap Kings) and Jay Mumford (aka J-Zone) all contribute to the overall sound of A Lover Was Born. Dramatic influences like Isaac Hayes (check out the piano on "Be Your Own Shelter") and Jerry Ragovoy are chopped and folded into Northern Soul uptempo numbers to create stompers like "Get a Hold of Yourself" or "Chosen Few". Finnigan's take on Deep Soul is captured brilliantly on "Walk Away from Me" and "Love (Your Pain Goes Deep)", while Boom Bap pervades on hard hitters "His Love Ain't Real" & "Cold World". Slower songs such as "Let Me Count the Reasons", the emotional "All That's Left", and the soul-stirring album closer "Count Me Out" show the honest and tender side that has become Finnigan's calling card. All the while, the voice is raw and earthy _ in the best tradition of R&B shouters like Otis Redding, Lee Moses, and David Ruffin. The songs on A Lover Was Born reconfigure the spliced and sampled DNA of hip hop (extracted by crate diggers like Dilla and Rza) to create something new, underscoring both the spectrum and depth of soul while making a case to the timelessness of Finnigan's sound.

Side A's cover of "Tearz" is as much an homage to the Wendy Rene sample as it is to the Wu-Tang Clan track. The song starts as a glazed over cover of "after laughter, comes tears" with Shannon Wise of The Shacks singing Wendy Rene's timeless mantra. Halfway through, the mood dramatically shifts and the drums and organ that drive the original RZA sample take over. A dubbed out Lee Fields taps in like only he can, and the song spirals into outer space.Side B finds EMA dipping into the deeper side of the Wu catalog with Raekwon's "Verbal Intercourse." Mixing the grimy, gritty production aesthetic of the original with elements of dubbed out reggae, El Michels Affair once again pushes the definition of a "cover" and truly makes it a tune of their own.

Distance as a measure of time and place informs Kelly Finnigan's, A Lover Was Born with a grit and grace that turns passion into virtue. The latest solo release from The Monophonics frontman roots itself in the best traditions of midwest soul labels like King, Curtom, Dakar, and the Bodie Recording Company. A Lover Was Born is a testimony that these deep cut grooves are not resigned to nostalgia, instead, they are at the burning heart of longing and hope. The journey Finnigan takes listeners on over Lover's eleven tracks echo the state of motion and growth since his solo debut, The Tales People Tell (2019). These two records bookend a prolific period of output, including a pair of Monophonics albums, a Christmas album, a mixtape, and a full slate of producing other artists (The Ironsides, Alanna Royale, the Sextones). "There's nothing like making records," says Finnigan. "It feels like that's my purpose _ the reason I was put on this earth." Written in California, Ohio, and Staten Island, Kelly Finnigan collaborated with old friends in and outside the studio. "I enjoy working alone but it's not how you want to make a record_almost everybody I brought in for this album I've worked with, toured with or spent a great deal of time with." Max and Joe Ramey (The Ironsides), Jimmy James (Parlor Greens), Sergio Rios (Orgone), Joey Crispiano (Dap Kings) and Jay Mumford (aka J-Zone) all contribute to the overall sound of A Lover Was Born. Dramatic influences like Isaac Hayes (check out the piano on "Be Your Own Shelter") and Jerry Ragovoy are chopped and folded into Northern Soul uptempo numbers to create stompers like "Get a Hold of Yourself" or "Chosen Few". Finnigan's take on Deep Soul is captured brilliantly on "Walk Away from Me" and "Love (Your Pain Goes Deep)", while Boom Bap pervades on hard hitters "His Love Ain't Real" & "Cold World". Slower songs such as "Let Me Count the Reasons", the emotional "All That's Left", and the soul-stirring album closer "Count Me Out" show the honest and tender side that has become Finnigan's calling card. All the while, the voice is raw and earthy _ in the best tradition of R&B shouters like Otis Redding, Lee Moses, and David Ruffin. The songs on A Lover Was Born reconfigure the spliced and sampled DNA of hip hop (extracted by crate diggers like Dilla and Rza) to create something new, underscoring both the spectrum and depth of soul while making a case to the timelessness of Finnigan's sound.

Distance as a measure of time and place informs Kelly Finnigan's, A Lover Was Born with a grit and grace that turns passion into virtue. The latest solo release from The Monophonics frontman roots itself in the best traditions of midwest soul labels like King, Curtom, Dakar, and the Bodie Recording Company. A Lover Was Born is a testimony that these deep cut grooves are not resigned to nostalgia, instead, they are at the burning heart of longing and hope. The journey Finnigan takes listeners on over Lover's eleven tracks echo the state of motion and growth since his solo debut, The Tales People Tell (2019). These two records bookend a prolific period of output, including a pair of Monophonics albums, a Christmas album, a mixtape, and a full slate of producing other artists (The Ironsides, Alanna Royale, the Sextones). "There's nothing like making records," says Finnigan. "It feels like that's my purpose _ the reason I was put on this earth." Written in California, Ohio, and Staten Island, Kelly Finnigan collaborated with old friends in and outside the studio. "I enjoy working alone but it's not how you want to make a record_almost everybody I brought in for this album I've worked with, toured with or spent a great deal of time with." Max and Joe Ramey (The Ironsides), Jimmy James (Parlor Greens), Sergio Rios (Orgone), Joey Crispiano (Dap Kings) and Jay Mumford (aka J-Zone) all contribute to the overall sound of A Lover Was Born. Dramatic influences like Isaac Hayes (check out the piano on "Be Your Own Shelter") and Jerry Ragovoy are chopped and folded into Northern Soul uptempo numbers to create stompers like "Get a Hold of Yourself" or "Chosen Few". Finnigan's take on Deep Soul is captured brilliantly on "Walk Away from Me" and "Love (Your Pain Goes Deep)", while Boom Bap pervades on hard hitters "His Love Ain't Real" & "Cold World". Slower songs such as "Let Me Count the Reasons", the emotional "All That's Left", and the soul-stirring album closer "Count Me Out" show the honest and tender side that has become Finnigan's calling card. All the while, the voice is raw and earthy _ in the best tradition of R&B shouters like Otis Redding, Lee Moses, and David Ruffin. The songs on A Lover Was Born reconfigure the spliced and sampled DNA of hip hop (extracted by crate diggers like Dilla and Rza) to create something new, underscoring both the spectrum and depth of soul while making a case to the timelessness of Finnigan's sound.

Green Vinyl Edition.
Includes original inner sleeve.

By popular demand, and following up on the success of LesImprimés debut album Rêverie, we press two more absolutestandouts from the LP to 45 for the DJs and collectors.For the A side we asked Morten to do an edit for the 7" and puta little more bottom in the mix in the spirit of Larry Levan. Nosurprise, it worked to great effect. The "Love & Flowers" 45Edit pushes that much harder and will move the danceoorwhile the message will resonate with anyone who put toomuch effort into the wrong situation in their lives - "It wasn'tworth it, my new girl's perfect"The B side "You" tears out of the gate with an epic crescendoingintro that sets the stage for a gorgeous sweet soul tune. Abeautiful profession of love and reassurance that are ascharming instrumentally as they are lyrically. Morten Martens'gift for arrangement is on full display as he takes the listenerthrough all the tasteful changes, never going too far, neverwasting a moment.

Limited Edition for Record Store Day 2018! Remastered and resissued double A sider for soul aficionados, B Boys and jazz funk lovers.
Both instantly recognisable across the generations, the A side sees a reissue of one of the most feel good records out there in – ‘Express Yourself’. Most famously sampled by the mighty N.W.A. in '89…. ‘Whatever you do, do it good’.
On flip you get pure funk destruction in the form of The Meters – Just Kissed My Baby. An insatiable, groove laden intro which has been prime sampling material throughout the years - most notably in Public Enemy’s ‘Timebomb’. Here’s a chance to own two gems on one limited green Colored Vinyl, with a large / dinked centre hole.

Hailing from Hawthorne, California, Thee Heart Tones are the newest band to join the Big Crown roster. Just out of high school their music has both the innocence and charm of young love and the intensity of young heartbreak. Their forthcoming debut album was recorded at Diamond West Studio in five days with producers Leon Michels and Tommy Brenneck. This first set of songs on this unstoppable two-sider give a glimpse of what is to come while their album is getting the finishing touches.The A side "Forever & Ever" is an instant classic that lifts your mood and gets you moving. Lead singer Jazmine Alvarado's unmistakeable and incredible voice dances over the band's backing track while she professes her desire for a sincere and lasting love. The groove will get everyone on the floor swaying and the chorus sticks in your head long after the needle bumps up against the label.The B side is their rendition of the classic "Sabor A Mi" which brought the house down live at the LA Big Crown Showcase when they performed it for the first time. Not an easy tune to take on, Jazmine does it justice and Thee Heart Tones put their version right up there with the best of them.

Big Crown Records is proud to present Zero Grace, Liam Bailey's sophomore album on the label. Following the success of 2020's Ekundayo album, the tried and true chemistry of Bailey and producer Leon Michels (El Michels Affair) is on full display again as they take the sound they established and push it further. On Zero Grace they lean more into the bleeding heart singer-songwriter side of Liam. The result, much like Bailey himself, is impulsively honest without reserve. Born and raised in Nottingham, England, the son of an English mother and 2nd generation Jamaican English father, Liam will admit his early childhood was fairly chaotic and filled with "all the cliche racism that happens when people started mixing up in the '80s in England." Liam got his early influences from his mom's record collection. Bob Marley and Dillinger, Stevie Wonder and The Supremes, The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix would eventually shape the singer/songwriter we know today. Fast-forward to 2005, Liam is in London performing at every open mic and acoustic night he could, hustling with hopes of landing a record deal. It was through this time that Liam first teamed up with Michels, musician/producer luminary, and the co-founder of Brooklyn's own Big Crown Records. Liam flew out to New York and those first sessions together produced the now classic tunes "When Will They Learn" and "I'm Gonna Miss You" which still gets spins at Reggae spots around the globe and were co-signed by heavy hitters like David Rodigan & Don Letts. That first trip to NYC brought a lot of industry attention to Liam, including being noticed by a just-famous Amy Winehouse who heard one of Liam's apartment-made, lo- recordings, and liked what she heard. Regardless of the audio quality, Liam's particular sound shone through - all guitar, warm-rough and genuine soul. Eventually Liam signed to Polydor and wound up bumping against the typical major label industry obstacles. They already had an idea of the Liam they wanted to make, promote, and push With the typical large advance enticement, Liam did his best to trust that path. "Maybe I can make it work,' that's what you're thinking," Liam remembers, "but, you quickly find out that you can't." Zero Grace is full of freedom and love, in fact, working with Leon Michels and Big Crown Records has encouraged Liam to be himself. On album opener "Holding On '' Bailey speaks to his observations & fears when looking out at the world in front of him and also to the dedication it has taken to get on the other side of his personal trials & tribulations. "Dance With Me" is an instantly infectious two-stepper that nods to those incredible soul records that were coming out of Jamaica during the early Reggae days. Bailey steps into the dance with hopes of finding a new love and pulls us all out on the dance oor with him. "Disorder Starts At Home" is another close to the chest tune that addresses the difficulties he struggles with from his early chaotic childhood and his progress in getting past them. "Mercy Tree" is a powerhouse of Reggae Rebel Music. Bailey addresses the racial tensions that plague humanity and encourages everyone to step up and do their part to help foster equality. What starts out as a declaration of injustice turns into a call for action and an inspiration for hope.

While Brainstory is in the studio finishing their sophomore full-length, they treat us to this bombshell of a 7" as a taste of what's to come. They teamed back up with El Michels Affair who is handling production on the whole album and everything about this is leveled up. This show stopping plug & ballad two-sider is clear evidence of that. Side A is an uplifting, dance floor burning, smash hit that shows what years of touring and backing Lady Wray have brought out of Brainstory. "Nobody But You" is built on drummer Eric Hagstrom's crushing back beat that lays the foundation for this inspirational feel good banger that manages to take the uncomfortable truth that "nobody will save you but you" and turn it into pure blissful motivation. Then they drop a ballad on the flip side that is going to cause an entire scene to reconsider how they are doing it. The B side "Gift Of Life" is drop dead gorgeous, haunting, and profound all at once. An homage to the mysteries of life and the intangible truths that the human experience is built on.

Record Store Day 2021 Release.
Limitation: 5000 copies.
Color: Pink.

Archival recordings from Al Green recorded for Hi Records, accompanied by new orchestral arrangements.

Superjock Records is pleased to bring you a reissue of two long out of print remixes from the “nola Breaks” catalog. The Professor brings back his sureshot rework of Dr. John's classic "Right Place Wrong Time," complete with beefed up drums and tasteful scratches for extra effect. On the flip, The Meters “Hand Clapping Song” gets added breaks and a hook that’ll appeal to Funk and Hip-Hop fans alike. This limited edition 7-inch comes on a half red and half green with yellow splattered colored vinyl.

Exclusive live set for the reverend, right across the release of two influential albums on Hi Records: ‘Livin’ For You’ and ‘Call Me’

Recorded January 1973: NYC, NY - Wnet Studios "soul"

180g vinyl

- "Let's Stay Together" sampled by Little Brother for "Light it Up"

Big Crown Records is proud to present Derya Yidirim & Grup Simsek's debut 7" offering on the label. They came to New York in June of 2024 to record their new album at The Diamond Mine Studio in Queens with Leon Michels handling production. These are the first two tunes from those sessions and they are very telling of what is to come on the new album.The A side 'Cool Hand' is a beautiful juxtaposition of intensity and lightheartedness with lyrics that explore the d...

After Funk Vinyls, rediscover the most beautiful voices of Soul in this amazing double vinyl: Soul Vinyls.Including Aretha Franklin - Ben E.King - Al Green - Barry White - Stevie Wonder - Etta James - Ibeyi - Terry Callier - Al Jarreau - Dionne Warwick - Ray Charles - Aloe Blacc - Sharon Jones...

Big Crown is proud to present the next volume of Crown Jewels, our various artists compilation series that highlights some of the most popular tunes next to some of the more obscure.Every artist on Big Crown stands on their own two feet with ease, but together, something else becomes apparent. If you discover one artist on the roster and it brings you to the label, it's very likely you will find more that you enjoy. The Crown Jewels comps are just that, a chance to get a listen to the whole roster in one place. Even though not all BC artists can be found in the same aisle of the record store, after listening to Crown Jewels Vol. 2, it should be clear how they all fit on the same record label. When we started Big Crown we wanted to have a label that's only boundaries were defined by our taste, not by genre. We think that this is a perfect example of that. Thank you to everyone who has supported us thus far and please stay tuned as we have a lot more music on deck.

Our second LP this month is an unreleased magical modern soul LP from the band Coast To Coast, the full story below by band leader Mark Beiner...

I met Ben iverson in 1976 when I was 17 years old. I was a junior at Newtown High School in Elmhurst, Queens. At that time, I took a part time job as a Produce Clerk at Walbaum's Supermarket on Northern Boulevard in Jackson Heights, Queens, where I met Ben Iverson who was the "Frozen Food Manager." In between the music, this job was steady income, and he and his Wife, Diane, started a family and raised two Daughters, Tonia and Cytherea, whom I am still in contact with today.

Back then, I remember going to work early just to talk to him about his musical background and his time spent in the 50's and 60's with the Ohio Doo Wop Group, "The Hornets", or better known as, "Ben Iverson and The Hornets." However, Ben was somewhat quiet and at a loss for words when I questioned him with regard to "Ben Iverson and the Nue Dey Express", as well as his short career as Manager and Songwriter for Brooklyn's own, "Crown Heights Affair" in the early 70's.

Between the 50's and 60's, "Ben Iverson and The Hornets" shared billing at music events with recording artists such as, The Drifter's, Bill Haley and The Comets, Pat Boone, Etta James, Mary Wells, Nancy Wilson, Jackie Wilson, Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin, Lloyd Price and Al Green. Many of these names got their start in the 50's, which Ben met at music concert events hosted by Radio Disc Jockey, Alan Freed. Alan was truly the first Concert Promoter for Doo Wop, Rhythm & Blues, and early Rock & Roll.

In 1978 after Ben and I discussed getting together and composing music, I started writing poetry and expressing in writing my break up with my college girl friend, Paula Vasta. Paula's middle name was Marie, so in kidding around, I would call her "Paula Marie." Ben thought my lyrics were "powerful" and wanted to put them in music. Thus our first recorded 45 rpm record called "Paula Marie", backed with "I Want You Dear." This launched our musical partnership and within a year, the Coast to Coast Band was formed. Ben and I went on to writing two albums worth of material, which in turn gave us a lot of time and presence on stage at our live gigs.

The regular Coast to Coast Band members consisted of Ben Iverson on Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitarist and Co-Executive Producer, Joe Crowley, who is known today as "New York Congressman Joe Crowley." Carl (Woody Wood) Morton on Bass Guitar, Jimmy Johnson on Keyboards. Woody and Jimmy used to hang and play rap in its early days with "Run Dmc" in St. Albans, Queens. Lead Guitarist, Lou Jimenez, currently owns his own recording studio, Music Labs in Elmont, Long Island. On Drums, Eddie Byam, on Alto Sax, Jay Cohen, who in the 70's used to record for "Gary U.S. Bonds." Gary Pevols on Trumpet. On Bone, Scott Burrows, Trumpet player, Steve Becker, whom we lost to Testicular Cancer at the age of 25, along side Neil Levine, Stan Stockley, Tom Russo and additional members that came and went that we used for live gigs and studio recordings.

In addition, special recognition goes out to our Producer, Recording Engineer and Multi-sound Recording Studio, Owner, Dave Weiner and staff. Dave and I launched Multi-Sound Records under the Multi-Sound label in 1980.

Last, of course myself, Mark Beiner, where I served as Executive Producer, Songwriter, Business/Marketing Manager, and background vocals.

Unfortunately, Ben Iverson passed away on March 21, 2008, and cannot be here to share this with us, but his music and voice still lives on!

Vinyl closer to VG+

/ Bet Your Lucky Star

The psychedelic scene that never was – the perfect subtitle to this compilation. There were barely any drugs in Hungary to begin with. In this era, alcohol, music, and imagination have served as the primary means of mind alteration among the youth. The Communist party had a firm grip on culture through monopole control over venues, the media, and the recording industry, western records were not available, clubs enforced a strict dress code of suits, shirts, and longer skirts, and the police harassed young men for not more than having long hair or wearing blue jeans.
There was, however, an undercurrent of smaller semi-professional bands striving to succeed in the shadow of the very few stars privileged by the sole state owned record company. Given their chances to release music were at best limited to a few 7“ singles at the mercy of said record company powers. Psyched Out Grooves from Hungary compiles ten of the most outstanding singles recorded by the underdogs of this period. Some of the bands featured on here have eventually reached wider success by switching to more commercial styles, like Bergendy, Neoton, and Apostol. Most, like Echo, Meteor, Kék Csillag, Non-Stop, were temporal formations that dissolved after a few years due to personal conflicts, lack of success, or both. Others, like Scampolo or Juventus, lasted a longer time without an actual break through. Most of these bands never had a consistent, lasting ’psychedelic’ repertoire or identity at any point. These tracks were the exception, not the norm. That coherence - the illusion of a scene - comes from the curation and sequencing of Budabeats head honchos Von Yodi and Gandharva. It is the arrangement of these puzzle pieces that makes them fit together.
Limited edition of 300 hand numbered copies. Edited excerpt from the liner notes written by Gábor Vályi (Dj Shuriken)

1970 Seminal 2nd Album by The Meters. Featuring the hit track: "Look-Ka Py Py" Pitchfork: "10/10" Sourced From the Original 1970 Analog Master Tapes. Cut by Kevin Gray of Cohearent Audio. Limited Spring Green Vinyl LP.