YoYo Honey - Groove On - UKCDS - (1991)

Zomba Music JIVE T 289

Reup: Originally posted by Mickey P 02/05/2008

Mick said: This is the reason I like YoYo Honey so much, the second single prior to the album and another Perfecto Mix. Hardly necessary though because the Club Mix is more than adequate but still, Oakenfold & Osbourne make it silky smooth. This for me, is Shoniwa's finest hour, Groove On does exactly what it says on the can. Infectious, this groove goes straight for the jugular.

The producer behind this excellent groove is Michael Peden who was also a member of The Chimes.

Kymba note: This is a rip from the CD single and as such the tracklist doesn't wholly match Mick's original post images.

Tracklist

1. Groove On (7" Radio)
2. Groove On (Perfecto Mix)
   
3. Groove On (12" Club Mix)
   
4. Groove On (12" Dub Mix)

Discogs page

Download: YYH-GO.7z | Filesize: 48.4 MB

Souled Out - In My Life - (1992)

Columbia Records 657836 2

320 Re-Up - Originally posted by Mickey P 27/05/2008 - Kymba

1991 introduced those of us fortunate enough to be in the right place, to the wonderful vocals of Sarah Warwick singing Shine On for Souled Out. The following spring this beauty dropped and although our Sarah isn't credited, I've always assumed that she's singing In My Life too. The collective known as Souled Out (a.k.a. Sold Out) comprised of Alessandro Sommella, Domenico "GG" Canu, Ricky Rinaldi and Sergio Della Monica. You may be familiar with some of their later work on the global clubland dancefloors. Hondy (No Access) and the mighty Planetfunk (Chase The Sun) being the most well known to me.

The version of Shine On included here is a club mix by Joey Negro (a.k.a. Dave Lee) and although it's a credible club mix, the Andalucian Mix on my 12" is far superior IMHO. I'll post it when I come across it. Souled Out released an album 'Shine On' in 1992 which I have never been able to find.

"Produced for S.O. Productions. Special versions taken from the CD/MC/LP, "Shine On" LC 0162 MCPS/BIEM/STEMRA

1, 2, 3, ℗ 1992; 4, ℗ 1991 Sony Music Entertainment Italy (SPA) © 1992 Sony Music Entertainment (UK) LTD."

Tracklist

1. In My Life (7" Remix)
2. In My Life (12" Remix)
3. In My Life (Dub Mix)
4. Shine On (Joey Negro 12" Mix)

Download: SO-IML.rar | Filesize: 54.2 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

Incognito Featuring Jocelyn Brown ‎– Always There (1991)

Talkin' Loud ‎– 868 359-2, Talkin' Loud ‎– TLKCD 10

Oh my god. What a classic track I've got for you today my Soulistas as birthday month rolls on!

Incognito were always something of a favourite of mine with their sunny blend of funky, jazzy, soul-infused dance music. Real good "up" music. Bluey was always all about the vibes and they put out some amazing stuff.

Teaming up this time with soul POWERHOUSE vocalist, the mighty mighty  Jocelyn Brown, to release an era defining track. No hyperbole meant, it is that great a tune. Jocelyn's particular brand of power-soul could knock down skyscrapers, I am quite sure. What a voice! Although this a cover of a classic Ronnie Laws track from 1975 they really made it their own.

So Bluey's Mix is on the CD and is as fabulous as you'd expect, having that trademark Incognito sound to it. However, a special note needs to be made on how David Morales finessed the track and made it shine so brightly. His work on remixing here cannot be overstated.

I don't need to say much more about this release. It speaks for itself (Oh, by the way, the backup track, Journey Into Sunlight, is incredibly nice as well).  

I'd pick between either the 12" Mix or Bluey's Mix, depending on my mood. You can't go wrong either way. 

I love this track!

Tracklist

1. Always There (Edit)
2. Always There (12" Mix)
3. Always There (Bluey's Mix)
4. Journey Into Sunlight

Download: I-AT.7z | Filesize: 42.8MB

Incognito - Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing - (1992)

Talkin Loud, TALKCD 21

Kym - 320 re-up of another of my older posts that has somehow been attributed to Mickey (again). Very weird. Original posted 08/04/2009 - where does that time go??

The sun is shining here in North London, so I thought I'd post something with a Summery vibe to match the weather outside.

What better, then, than a Talkin' Loud track? One that's a remake of a Stevie Wonder classic?

I'm a huge Stevie Wonder fan, I know most of his songs backwards, and can't get enough of his 70's period. That brother had the funk down to a T. 

Now, I would normally consider anyone daring to cover one of his songs as utter blasphemy, but Incognito did a brilliant job with this tune, and, dare I say it, improved it by making it a little more dance-friendly, with a more pronounced groove.

Just listening to it now takes me back to summers gone by where I had it on a playlist, along with various other acid jazz type tracks, playing loud during barbecue's with family and friends, the rosé wine flowing, the smell of cooking burgers and J* being passed round...

I better stop now, as I'll be boring you.

There's a Frankie Foncett mix, as well as another track, a remix of Colibri, which sounds, for all the world, like a latin-tinged Roy Ayers/George Benson collaboration. Really good stuff!

However, what you'll really want are the Edit and LP Versions (the LP Version being my personal pick). Essential summertime listening.

Enjoy the sun, y'all!

- Kymba :)

Tracklist

1. Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing (Edit)
2. Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing (LP Version)
3. Colibri (Remix)
4. Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing (Frankie Foncett Mix)

Download: I-DYWBAT.7z | File size: 46.7MB

* I don't nowdays, honest! My boyfriend at the time of writing this was a cop! lol

Azizi - Trouble 1991

Arista Records 211 685

Azizi are Nanci Williams and Eileen McKoy, about whom I know little but they seem to be a project. The names that crop up on the vinyl are production by Alun (with a 'U') Lane & Ted Hayton and additional production or remix by Phil Bodger.

For my part, in 1991 Midnight Lover (Young Girl) got played on Essex FM and I thought it was good. I heard no more about them but found the album 'Trouble' purely by chance, some time later.

Thanks Saleiz for pointing out the obvious reference (when you know) to Minnie Ripperton's 1975 'Adventures In Paradise' album.

I also found that my favourite track from the album, the Slam Jam Phil Bodger tweaked 'Don't Say That It's Over' was released with Frankie Knuckles remixes.

Thanks to Finest Def Mix for making it available. ;-)

• Midnight Lover (Young Girl)
• Don't Say That It's Over
• Sweet Thing
• Evermore
• Don't Make Me Wait
• Trouble
• Free
• Things Are Not The Way
• I Betcha
• (They Long To Be) Close To You

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Azizi - Trouble.rar
Filesize: 73.09 MB

Azizi - Midnight Lover (Young Girl) 1991

Arista Records 614 092

Another band I know nothing about except that they appeared in 1991 and disappeared shortly thereafter?

This was their first release which I heard on Essex FM, played by John Leech. He was a pretty cool local DJ who managed to break the new without upsetting the mainstream listeners.

• Club Mix
• Instrumental
• Full Moon Mix

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Midnight Lover.rar
 Filesize: 25.99 MB

Atmosfear - Invasion EP 1981

Elite Music DAZZ 8

The Invasion EP features a female vocal (uncredited) on an uncredited track.

The B-Side is cut into three tracks and although tracks 2 & 3 are joined together, track 2 seems to be a different track. A damn fine track, mind!
(Any info appreciated?)

• Invasion
• Alternative II
• Interplay
• Starburst (Reach Out To The Stars)

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: DAZZ 8 Invasion EP 1981.rar Size: 43.43 MB

Lisa Stansfield - What Did I Do To You? EP 1990

Arista Records 613 168

A totally unnecessary but likable, David Morales remix for the Rochdale Lass but the great thing about this release was the 3 cracking, brand new Stansfield/Devaney/Morris tracks which, to my knowledge, never turned up anywhere else?

My favourite, A2 My Apple Heart... choon!

• What Did I Do To You? (Morales Mix)
• My Apple Heart
• Lay Me Down
• Something's Happenin'

The download link is: Download
Filename: What Did I Do To You_.rar Size: 25.38 MB

Corky Hale - Harp Beat 1986

Affinity Records AFF 150

Corky Hale is probably the greatest jazz harpist ever and is, apparently, considered by many jazz greats to be one of the finest musicians in Hollywood. She plays piano, harp & flute, considering herself a pianist. She played piano backing for Billie Holiday a couple of years before her demise. This album also features Randy Brecker in the brass line-up.

If I'm honest I'll say that much of this album borders on lift muzak territory but, simply for the novelty of hearing jazz played on a harp, it's a must. Her rendition of 'Roof Garden' makes it worth having IMHO.

• Nothing Higher
• Paradise
• Roof Garden
• So Much In Love
• Up In Smoke
• I'm The One
• Yesterdays
• The Best Thing

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Corky Hale - Harpbeat.rar Filesize: 65.57 MB

Be Be & Ce Ce Winans - Celebrate New Life 1989

Capitol Records 12 CL 551

This track from their Heaven album is remixed by Clivilles & Cole of C&C Music Factory fame. I liked a lot of their music and many of their remixes but, personally speaking, I think this one sucks.

However, the third track is an extended mix, by Jeff Balding, of the album title track. Heaven is one of my all time favourite soul tracks and this mix is simply more of the most gorgeous harmonies and sublime refrains.

You can't teach this, it's God-Given. The Heavenly Mix: It does exactly what it says on the can!

• Celebrate New Life (Celebration Mix)
• Celebrate New Life Milkyway Beats)
• Heaven (Heavenly Mix)

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Winans - Celebrate New Life 12_.rar Filesize: 21.38 MB

Watergates - Never Gonna Give You Up 1992

Bump 'N' Hustle Music BUMP 12

This wonderful piece of soulful dance arrived in 1992. I read about it, as with most of my purchases, in Blues & Soul magazine (hey Marcus, would you believe it, they are mostly all gone!) where Steve Hobbs gave it the thumbs up.

Julian Jonah behind the project and Janette Sewell on vocals convinced me it was a must. Never seen it since and I've never heard anybody else play it. It's trés, trés good, try it, you'll like it.

Club Mix
Instrumental

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Watergates - Never Gonna Give Yo..rar Filesize: 23.27 MB

Watergates - Don't Go Walking Out That Door 1991

Bump 'N' Hustle Music BUMP 18CD

A superb release from Julian Jonah featuring the voice of Janette Sewell. I already posted the excellent Never Gonna Give You Up but this is also good.

It's all about the Real Deal!

• Radio Edit
• Real Deal Mix
• Instrumental
• Magic House Dub
• Original Demo Mix

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Watergates - Dont Go Walking.rar Filesize: 33.06 MB