Tammy Payne - In Deeper Life EP - 12" Re-Up - (1996)

Cup Of Tea Records COT 018

Re-Up: Originally posted 03/09/2008.

I do not own this EP but I did download from Mick back in the day.
Apologies it is not in 320! - Kym

In 1996 this EP, written by Tammy Payne & produced by Jim Barr*, was released on the obscure Bristol label, Cup Of Tea, serving Jazz oddities like Junkwaffel & Purple Penguin. I apologise for the sizzling bacon on some tracks but I'm not aware of this vinyl being available elsewhere.

It's not as accessible as Take Me Now and gives an idea how much of a difference the Loop Mix made to the original version. One for the Jazz Heads out there. I like it, left-field and out there but it's interesting and I'm feeling it.

*Jim Barr was bass player with Portishead (1993-1997) before becoming a producer and shortly after this EP, teaming up with Tammy Payne as Sissi on Cup Of Tea in the late 90's and more recently Jukes on Twisted Nerve.

• A1 Reason
• A2 Voices
• A3 In Deeper Life
• B1 This Is Where
• B2 Voices (Seamus 'C' Horse Mix)

Download: TP-IDL.7z | Size: 23.7 MB

McKoy - Family - (1994)

RighTrack Records CD TUM 8

Originally posted 23/07/2008

1990-92 was busy time for Noel McKoy. At the same time as he fronted the acid jazz cult band The James Taylor Quartet, he also had some success with Snowboy (doing a cover of Leroy Hudson's Lucky Fellow and Leo's Sunship's Give Me The Sunshine) and his family as McKoy. 

The album 'Full Circle - Within A Spiritual Social Soul' was released in 1993 (If you like this then you need a copy) and that prompted a re-release of the highly rated but underexposed Family.

The Original Version is a beautiful slice of soul but this release called in Ray Hayden of Opaz Studios. Hayden, knowing a good song when he hears one, done the right thing and left it virtually as it was but in true Opaz style, he gives it a great big helping of schmoove. You can't fault this guy, he's a master. Walter Turbitt turns out a short but sweet Live Band Mix which is a joy to hear. Personally, I'm not keen on the Gussie P. Reggae Mix but different strokes and all that?

Tracklist

1. Family (Ray Hayden's Extended Mix)
2. Family (Original Version)
3. Family (Gussie P. Reggae Mix)
4. Family (Live Band Mix)

Download: M-F.7z | Filesize: 39.0MB

'For those who know Soul is what you feel not what you hear.'

Noel McKoy

Leena Conquest - Boundaries - (1994)

Natural Response 74321208522

320 Re-up of this fantastic track originally posted by Mick back in 01/09/2008. Over to you, Mr P...

Texas-born Leena Conquest has a unique phrasing style that places her among the best singers in urban music. She has worked with Roy Ayers & Mulgrew Miller on her album Come Fly Away, and on William Parker's 'Raining on the Moon' album and an upcoming release with pianist Dave Burrell.

The full artist title is Leena Conquest and Hip Hop Finger, (a.k.a. Hans Holler, Walter Malli & Werner Popp) whose album Sub Pop, (Aurra 22123) originally showcased this little ditty. Boundaries was produced by Werner 'Les Demon Flowers' Geier (who remixed Omar's Keep Steppin' amongst others) and Rodney Hunter for Uptight Productions. It samples Stop the Rain by Average White Band. Adrian 'Tricky' Thaws (Massive Attack) is responsible for the Tricky Mix obviously, whilst the Six In The Morning Mix is a Tony 'Dobie' Campbell (SIIS, Wookie, Tricky) creation but it still sounds best in its original Full Length Mix. Love Is Blind is simply beautiful, showcasing Leena's jazzy vocal abilities to great effect.

Tracklist

1. Boundaries (Full Length Mix)
2. Boundaries (Tricky Mix)
3. Boundaries (Six In The Morning Mix)
4. Love Is Blind

 Download : LC-B.7z |  Filesize: 53.6MB

M-Beat featuring Jamiroquai - Do U Know Where You're Coming From - (1996)

Renk Records, CDRENK63

320 Re-Up!

Back in 1996, seemingly from out of nowhere, a weird collaboration happened. M-Beat (a guy best known for the jungle track Incredible with General Levy) made a funky slice of Drum & Bass with perennial Acid jazz faves Jamiroquai.

However, the results were most definitely not weird. Anything but, in fact. The combination of D&B tempo drums and 70’s funk permeating this track (you’ve got to love those wah-wah guitars) work very well indeed alongside Jay Kay's always catchy vocals, giving Jamiroquai one of their punchier, funkier moments.

This is proper future funk.

There are several versions, with not a great deal to pick from between them, but I always err on the side of the Extended Mix, which kicks some serious bootie (and has more wah-wah's and vibes).

Essential stuff!

An edit of this track made its way onto certain editions of the Travelling Without Moving CD as an unheralded bonus track.

PS - Stop the press... I've added the vinyl only Jumping Jack Frost remix, which is highly chilled full D&B version. Well worth adding to your collection.

Tracklist

1. Do You Know Where You're Coming From (Original Mix)
2. Do You Know Where You're Coming From (Touch Of Horn Mix)
3. Do You Know Where You're Coming From (Extended Mix)
4. Do You Know Where You're Coming From (Full Horns Mix)
5. Do You Know Where You're Coming From (Intelligent Groove Mix)
6. Do You Know Where You're Coming From (Dextrous Remix)
7. Do You Know Where You're Coming From (Jumping Jack Frost Remix)

Download: MB&J-DYKWYCF File size: 67.1 MB

Triviality: The tracklisting differs slightly between the back of the inlay card (displayed above, and which I've included in the .ZIP file), and the folded "lip" part of the inlay card. Have a look and see what I mean. I've gone with the ones listed above, but you might want to amend the track names if you feel I should have gone for the others.

Tammy Payne - Do You Feel It (Like I Do) - (1992)

Talkin' Loud ‎– TLKCD 19, Talkin' Loud ‎– TLKCD19, Talkin' Loud ‎– 866 827-2

While not as immediate and awesome as the slice of perfection that is Take Me Now, Do You Feel It (Like I Do) is a nice piece of early 90s socially conscious jazzy funk, A sound that really typified not just Talkin' Loud records but the UK underground music scene of this era.

Initially, when she first sings the line about "I had a dream" my gut feeling is to cringe, but as soon as that tried and tested jazz funk Talkin' Loud sound kicks in, you know this is gonna be wicked.

The Jazzy Feelin' mix comes courtesy of Roger Sanchez, and sounded pretty good to me at the time, but on revisiting it with my modern ears, sounds a little by the numbers? Maybe you'll feel differently.

The other version on here (in three separate varieties) comes from Mr Ceri Evans of the Brand New Heavies (and later Sunship), and is the definitive version, for my money.

Jump straight into the 12" mix (track 3) in my opinion.

Tracklist

1. Do You Feel It (Like I Do) (Jazzy Feelin' 7")
2. Do You Feel It (Like I Do) (12")
3. Do You Feel It (Like I Do) (7")
4. Do You Feel It (Like I Do) (Ceri Evans / Tammy Payne Dub)

Download: TP-DYFILID.7z | Filesize: 42.8 MB

Raw Stylus - Pushing Against The Flow (1996)

Wired Recordings WIRED 224

Kymba says: Re-upped this magnificent CDS in 320! Over to you, Micky...

Raw Stylus was 'Class-A Sound System Soul'. Ron Aslan and Jules Brookes, released white label vinyl records into the funky London club scene which bloomed post Soul II Soul in the early 90's. The best known Raw Stylus track this side of the pond, would be Pushing Against The Flow which was originally spread about on white label, as early as 1992. At that time Debbie Ffrench was on vocal duty. When the band travelled to the US, to record with Gary Katz, Donna Gardier had replaced her. I assume the 1995 versions have retained the Ffrench vocal.

Pushing... was a big underground tune and eventually became the title track of the album. Giles Petersen named it his track of the year and Paul Weller (Jam, Style Council) claimed it 'should have been a No.1 record' in The Face. Other early singles were: Bright Lights, Big cities (White Label), Many Ways (Mo' Wax) & Use Me (Acid Jazz).

A plethora of very healthy mixes to suit almost any occasion, bloody aggravating isn't it. Dave Lee, in his Joey Negro alter-ego. turns out another disco house happy clapper in a very Jamiroquai sort of style. Alvin Speight slows things down to a swagger for a soulful funk, gate that snare baby. Yes Tosh, the Frankie Foncett Funk 12" is a superb R'n'B grind with a gangsta lean, I love the dialogue on the intro. A funky groove but ruff with what sounds like a goose punctuating every line? Personally, I still favour the Raw Stylus mixes, the Original White Label just taking the prize. The Raw Stylus Dark Mix is, without doubt, a killa groove! Sliding in with an accapella intro, it drops with a noise that sounds like a jet about to take off just prior to the baddest bass line knocks the cobwebs outta your woofers. You know when you been tango'ed! ;-)

Kymba says: I'm just updating the DL link to a 320, and I couldn't resist adding my own two cents to the above considering how much I love this track. The Frankie Foncett mixes are hot, and Mickey's "Goose" is a distorted lo-fi horn stab - it's basically a sampling, or recreation, of Craig Mack's Flava In Your Ear. That's my third favourite mix. Second fave is the very badass indeed Raw Stylus Dark Mix, but nothing beats the Original White Label Version for both Micky me - and that includes every single track on the remixes CD of this which I will be posting on here very soon.

PS - The Joey Negro versions are pretty good if house is your thang. You've gotta love that cheeky recreation of Diana Ross's anthem Love Hangover bassline too!

Overall, this is a great CDS - the original is flawless and the remixes are on point. What a sublime release.

Tracklist

1. 7" Edit
2. Raw Stylus Dark Mix
3. Original White Label
4. Joey Negro Extended Mix
5. Alvin Speights Main 12" Mix
6. Fronkie Foncett Funk 12"

Download: RS-PATF.7z| Filesize: 80.2 MB

Young Disciples - Get Yourself Together (1991)

Talkin' Loud ‎– TLKCD15, Talkin' Loud ‎– 868 993-2

Another strong release from the YD's whom I have well and truly bigged up in prior posts, so I'll get right into the tracks themselves.

There are two versions of Get Yourself Together, one of their very best tracks, both with radically different intros. I can't really pick which one I prefer so I have both in my playlist and listen to whatever pops up. Hey, it works for me.

However, the real treat here is Step Right On, which is one of my favourite tracks on The Road To Freedom. On the album it's called Step Right On (Dub), but is really an instrumental. The two mixes here have a full vocal courtesy of Outlaw Posse, strangely missing from the album - even the reissue with the extra tracks.

Anyway, look, it's a Young Disciples release so just go ahead and grab it. Quality is well and truly assured!

Peace & luvizm.

Tracklist

1. Get Yourself Together (Album Edit)
2. Get Yourself Together (Album Mix)
3. Step Right On (Keep On Steppin')
4. Step Right On (Original Mix)

Download: YD-GYT.7z | Filesize: 40.1MB

Young Disciples - Road To Freedom (reissue) - (1991/2006)

Talkin' Loud Classics ‎– 9840692

I mentioned in a previous that I don't normally do album posts on here but really this place feels kinda incomplete without this iconic release.

Where do you start when talking about a classic such as this? Words fail me when I try to sum up what this represented for many of us us here in the UK in the early '90s, especially if I want to do it justice. 

Marc Nelson and Femi Williams had been kickin' it for a while in 1990 before they were introduced to a certain Miss Carleen Anderson, true funk and soul royalty, being the daughter of James Brown Protege Vicky Anderson (Message From The Soul Sisters), who had relocated to London. A coming together of like minded folk somewhat akin to the stars aligning.

Now, I ain't much of a believer in fate and suchlike, but whatever universal chemistry led to this fortuitous meeting, I am eternally grateful. It birthed such amazing music as Get Yourself Together, As We Come To Be, Move On, the heartrendingly beautiful Freedom Suite and, of course, Apparently Nothin' - a song so perfect and era defining it really needs little said about it (although I do wax lyrical on my Apparently Nothin' CD single post). 

In addition to Carleen's angelic singing, Road To Freedom featured guest spots from the always dope Masta Ace from the US, with my man MC Mell'O and Outlaw Posse repping the UK. The list of musicians involved is even more impressive; Fred Wesley, Maceo Parker, Mick Talbot, Paul Weller (yeah, THE Paul Weller (the album was recorded at his own studio) of The Jam fame), Steve White, Max Beesley, and IG Culture from Dodge City Productions, who all feature.

No wonder it was so damn good!

While a sizeable chunk of the UK demographic were swept along on the crest of a glorious wave of bleepy, intense BPM breakbeat madness and rave culture, there was a parallel musical movement more urban, more soulful and informed by a hip hop sensibility that pulled us in a direction far more nourishing to the soul. It had been around for a while, spearheaded by artists like Loose Ends and Soul II Soul in the late 80s, with bands such as the Sindecut, The Brand New Heavies, Jamiroquai and others following in the early 90s. The YDs were a huge part of that; really solidifying the urban cool identity of so many of us, and in a way, still defining us to this day.

So this is the 2006 reissue which contains 4 bonus tracks at the end. I wanted to put this up so you could get your hands on the Soul Pride Mix of Move On, which is easily one of their best, and really outstrips the original.

They only released the one album, which is a damn shame, but looking back on it, when you've dropped something so timeless and perfect... where would you go after that?

Peace and love x

Tracklist

1. Get Yourself Together (Part 1 & 2) 
2. Apparently Nothin' (Soul River) 
3. Funky Yeh Funki 
4. Talkin' What I Feel 
5. All I Have (In Dub) 
6. Move On 
7. As We Come (To Be) 
8. Step Right On (Dub) 
9. Freedom Suite (Freedom, Wanting, To Be Free) 
10. Young Disciples Theme 
11. All I Have In Me (Young Ideas Mix) 
12. Move On (Soul Pride Mix) 
13. Apparently Nothin' (12" Mix) 
14. All I Have In Me (Original Musiquarium Mix)

Download: YD-RTF.7z | Filesize: 175.256MB

Young Disciples - Apparently Nothin' (1991)

Talkin' Loud, TLKCD 5

Now re-upped in 320.

An anonymous person requested Apparently Nothin’ in the comments section of the Young Disciples EP/Move On EP, and I felt moved to oblige.

To be fair, I can’t believe this track isn’t on here already, it’s such an undeniable, bona-fide, classic, and it’s the sort of track that should be on first, before any other tracks are added, kinda thing - it really is that big a tune.

You all know this song. It was the gem in the crown of the UK urban music scene in the 90s. A modern day funk masterpiece, no less. I’d even go so far as to say it is arguably one of the finest slices of music to ever come out of the UK (then again, the YD’s are one of my all-time fave bands, so I’m kinda biased). It was covered by the Brand New Heavies (I have their version laying around somewhere if anyone is curious), but it plain wasn't as good as this original release. There really isn't much to say about this song that you won't already know, I guess.

This CD single contains no real surprises - there's the version we all know and love, as well as a shortened Radio Edit, and an Instrumental version (yay!). There's also the Soul River version, which appears on the album, which has that wicked Rhodes/wah-wah opening.

Ladies and gentlemen, Soul Vendor is proud to present the mighty Young Disciples, Apparently Nothin’.

That is all. ;)

Kymba x

Tracklist

1. Apparently Nothin’ (Edit) 
2. Apparently Nothin’ 
3. Apparently Nothin’ (Soul River Mix) 
4. Apparently Nothin’ (Instrumental) 

Download: YD-AN.7z | Filesize: 43.3MB

Tammy Payne - Take me Now - (1991)

Talkin' Loud ‎– TLKCD 12

Wow, what a song this one is. 

You can find this in a couple of places on the Soul vendor; Mick's already posted the 12" and I recently put up a Talkin' Loud compilation CD with it on, but here is the CDS in all its glory.

Take Me Now is such a great track. The jazzy vibes, that breakbeat underpinning it, the little "Uh!" vocal stab, and Tammy's flawless and sexy vocal performance - she really sings her ass off here - all add up to making a perfect song.

The Loop Mix is the version you'll want, being the definitive version. Forgot the edit. Who needs a shortened version of something so great? The Dub Me Now Mix is kinda nice (more on that in a moment) despite the name being misleading, but as stated, track two all the way for me.

In Heart And Mind is a nice, cool, jazzy number and well worth investigating, too.

Sadly, I don't have much trivia to share on Tammy Payne or this particular track, but looking at the sleeve there are some some things of note. Although Billy Osbourne is listed as the producer, also credited on additional production and remix are the Young Disciples as well as some of their regular crew (Brendan Lynch, Max Beesley and Demus), which is a real treat to know. I'm pretty sure that they're only involved with the Dub Me Now Mix, which isn't particularly dubby, but I wonder if they had anything to do with the Loop Mix?

According to Discogs, Tammy seemed to stop recording after 2004. Such a shame.

tracklist

1. Take Me Now (Loop Edit)
2. Take Me Now (Loop Mix) 
3. In Heart And Mind
4. Take Me Now (Dub Me Edit)

The Download Link is here: TP-TMN.7z | Filesize: 43.1MB

The Brand New Heavies - Stay This Way (1992)

Acid Jazz Records BNHCD2

Mick has already written about the Brand New Heavies, so I'll skip all that and get straight into this particular release.

In short, I love the track. It's up there as one of the best joints the BNH's ever recorded in my opinion. It's effortlessly cool, and a beautiful summertime jam. N'Dea Davenport absolutely kills it with her relaxed and effortless vocal performance, and the boys provide a classy sunshine beat for her to flow over.

The single version(s) has some extra instrumentation and percussion compared to the album version, including some nice bongos, with the Extended version getting a sexy sax solo thrown into the mix as well. As is my penchant, the extended mix is my pick of the bunch.

The two backup tracks, Bang, and O-Fa-Fu, are cool too. Bang is very much a typical BNH instrumental. Peep it and you'll know what I mean. O-Fa-Fu sounds for all the world like an extended theme tune to a 70s Cop Show complete with throwback vibes and wahwah guitars - a wholly good thing in my book (have I ever mentioned how much I dig wahwah?).

All in all I think Stay This Way is one of BNH's all time classic joints, and an essential item in your summer playlists.

Tracklist

1. Stay This Way 
2. Stay This Way (Extended) 
3. Bang 
4. O-Fa-Fu 

The Download Link is here: BNH-STW.7z | Filesize: 36.1MB

The Brand New Heavies - Sometimes 1997

FFRR Records BNHCD 8

That sticker alone would have made this CD single essential to me. Anything sporting a Masters At Work remix was a 'must have' in my book but, let's step back a little and look at the list of accolades on this release.

The Brand New Heavies hit the scene via the UK's Acid Jazz movement. In the late 80's they were an instrumental funk outfit playing new retro music to Soul music's 'Rare Groove' crowd. For their first album the group featured the incredible vocals of Jay Ella Ruth on a few tracks. For various reasons, the group then hired the services of the very competent N'Dea Davenport who became a member and brought much polish to the bands veneer. The down side of this was the decision to re-record the debut album which resulted in the Jay Ella Ruth recordings being virtually forgotten. For their third album Shelter, from which this single was taken (fifth if you include the re-recording of the debut and sideline rap release Heavy Rhyme Experience) N'Dea Davenport had split for a solo career and the band brought in Siedah Garrett, a much lauded vocalist who had sung with Dennis Edwards, Michael Jackson & Maysa Leak (Incognito).

As an album track, Sometimes was one of the stronger tracks and it was therefore a logical choice for single release. The remix treatment by 'Little' Louie Vega & Kenny 'Dope' Gonzalez on the MAW Smooth Mix created a nice vocal dancefloor track. Much of the House music fodder was void of vocals and this is why Masters At Work have always been considered a cut (or six) above the rest. I don't consider this mix to be one of their better examples but in 1997 I thought it was great. There were quite a few MAW remixes of this track on vinyl.

Finally, the unique feature on this release for me is Q Tip. The acclaimed rapper/producer from A Tribe Called Quest, who came to the attention of the public via De La Soul and the Native Tongues Posse. Q Tip has since appeared on many releases and remixes but this was a new thing at the time. The Ummah (Arabic for "brotherhood") was a production team consisting of members of A Tribe Called Quest and Jay Dee. Their work on this release is what keeps it fresh. Enjoy!

• Radio Edit
• MAW Smooth Mix
• Ummah Remix
• Nuyoricans Meet The Heavies

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Sometimes (BNHCD 8).zip Filesize: 36.27 MB

Young Disciples - Apparently Nothin' (1991)

Talkin' Loud, TLKCD 5

I originally posted Apparently Nothin’ in February 2009, but since we're on a program of re-upping all the releases that were saved to (and lost by) Megaupload, I figured I'd rip it again at a higher quality.

Apparently Nothin' is such an undeniable, bona-fide, classic, and it’s the sort of track that should have been on this blog first, before any other tracks are added, kinda thing - it really is that big a tune.

You all know this song. It was the gem in the crown of the UK urban music scene in the 90s. A modern day funk masterpiece, no less. I’d even go so far as to say it is arguably one of the finest slices of music to ever come out of the UK (then again, the YD’s are one of my all-time fave bands, so I’m kinda biased). It was covered by the Brand New Heavies (I have their version laying around somewhere if anyone is curious), but it plain wasn't as good as this original release. There really isn't much to say about this song that you won't already know, I guess.

Its flawless retro funk production, coupled with a killer vocal performance from Carleen Anderson (True funk royalty; her mother was one of James Brown's go-to funky divas, recording the classic Message From The Soul Sisters among others), make it a killer release.

This CD single contains no real surprises - there's the version we all know and love, as well as a shortened Radio Edit, and an Instrumental version (yay!). There's also the Soul River version, which appears on the album, but isn't quite as good (in my opinion anyway), but does have a lovely wah-wah guitar opening.

Ladies and gentlemen, Soul Vendor is proud to present the mighty Young Disciples, Apparently Nothin’.

I've re-ripped it in 192kbps for your listening pleasure, so you may want to re-download. Oh, I also bought the US limited edition remixes recently; I'll get those ripped and upped ASAP for you.

Enjoy!

- Kymba

• Apparently Nothin’ (Edit)
• Apparently Nothin’
• Apparently Nothin’ (Soul River Mix)
• Apparently Nothin’ (Instrumental)

The Download Link is here: Apparently Nothin'.zip | Filesize: 26.33MB @ 192kbps

Raw Stylus - Change (1996)

M&G Recordings WIRED 228

Raw Stylus kicked off in London, a funk/soul/jazz outfit featuring Donna Gardier, Jules Brookes and Ron Aslan. Dominic 'Ski' Oakenfull was also in the band for a time. after leaving K-Creative. Donna Gardier replaced Deborah French who left in 1993. Originally, Raw Stylus released white label vinyl records into the London club scene in the early 90's. 1992's Pushing Against the Flow was a popular underground song and later became the title track of their album. Other singles from the same period were Bright Lights, Big Cities (White Label), Many Ways (Mo' Wax) and Use Me (Acid Jazz).

The album was recorded Stateside with Steely Dan producer Gary Katz and an array of musical talent including cameos from Donald Fagen, Bernard Purdie and the cream of New York and London Acid Jazz. The group toured as a nine piece until they split at the end of 1999. Head for Paul Waller's Mix and then search for the album.
Raw Stylus

• Radio Edit
• Album Version
• Joey Negro Vocal
• Paul Waller East Coast Mix
• Bone Krusher Mix

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Raw Stylus Change.ZIP
Filesize: 41.38 MB

Raw Stylus - Believe In Me (1995)

Wired Recordings WIRED 220

Raw Stylus recorded an album in the US on Geffen Records who insisted that Steely Dan producer Gary Katz got involved. The music became more live orientated and they turned out a great, timeless but not particularly commercial album. It is filled with musical talent like Bernard Purdie, Donald Fagen, Randy Brecker as well as many cool players from the 90's London and New York Acid Jazz scenes. This US Billboard No.1 single, Believe In Me came off that album. They were signed to Geffen in the US who were busy promoting Beck and Wu-Tang Clan and didn't really take much notice of them.

The Album Version is still my favourite but check out the Antonio Fargasm Mix, eight minutes of R'n'B grind, waaaay cool! For the house heads, E-Smoove on the Essence Mix and Eric Kupper on the 12" Groove but none of them equal the Album Version. I'd be very interested in hearing the Kupper Old Skool & Vision Lorimer remixes if anyone has them?

• Radio Edit
• Essence Mix
• 12" Grrove
• Flava Mix
• Antonio Fargasm Mix
• Lion's Roar Mix
• Album Version

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Raw Stylus Believe.rar Filesize: 54.94 MB