Mac Band Featuring The McCampbell Brothers ‎– Roses Are Red - Euro Mini CDS - (1988)

MCA Records ‎– 257 859-2

Secind birthday post of the day and it is a straight classic.

"Roses Are Red" is a 1988 single by The Mac Band featuring The McCampbell Brothers, and produced by the legendary LA and Babyface. The Mac Band WERE the McCampbell brothers, so it's a slightly odd name?

This was their most successful of six chart singles on the US Billboard Hot Black Singles chart, peaking at number one for one week on that chart. "Roses Are Red" did not chart on the Billboard Hot 100. In a weird twist of fate, it fared better this side of the big pond, where it hit #8 on the UK Singles Chart.

This Extended Version is pretty hard to find in good quality, so it is shared with love on here. There's also a nice instrumental version as well for creative mixology. I've also included the regular, non extended version from one of the Nite Flight albums.

"Roses Are Red" is a great, great piece of R&B with LA & babyface at the height of their powers, and is a real favourite of mine.

Tracklist

1. Roses Are Red (Extended Version)
2. Roses Are Red (Instrumental)
3. BONUS TRACK: Roses Are Red

Discogs page

Download: MB-RAR.7z | Filesize: 65.6MB

Bassomatic - Fascinating Rhythm - UK CDS - (1990)

Virgin ‎– VSCDT1274, Virgin ‎– VSCDT 1274

Wow! I'd put money on the fact that I'd already posted this a couple of years ago or more?

It seems not. What an oversight! Still, what better day to correct that than on my birthday, right?

An absolute BANGER from 1990 courtesy of William Orbit, which relies heavily on a Harry J All-Stars Liquidator (love that track) sample. This one is a UK urban classic so don't waste any more time reading my bollocks and go download it while it is still hot.

Now the best version of this track was always the Lisa Loud Mix, criminally overlooked in favour of a shortened edit. I've taken the liberty of fixing that mistake, and you can now find both versions here.

Trainspotters note: The artist name is also written as "Bass-o-matic" on the disc artwork and "Ba$$omatic" on the spine. I've gone with the front cover and Discogs.

Tracklist

1. Fascinating Rhythm (The Loud Edit)
2. Fascinating Rhythm (Soul Odyssey Mix)
3. Fascinating Rhythm (The Blue Mix)
4. Set The Controls For The Heart Of The Bass (Va Va Voom Mix)
5. Bonus - Fascinating Rhythm (The Loud Mix)

Discogs page

Download: B-FR.7z | Filesize: 50MB

Levert - Casanova - US CDV - (1987)

Atlantic ‎– 7 81830-2, Atlantic ‎– 81830-2

This one takes me back! I was barely into double digits in age when I first heard it.

The Levert brothers are the sons of The O'Jays' founder and lead-singer Eddie Levert, and as a result, are something approaching R&B royalty. They released their debut album in 1985 

Gerald Levert was a Soul singer born in July 1966; Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A. and died 10 November 2006 autopsy report concluded accidental overdose of prescription narcotics and over-the-counter drugs and pneumonia.

Sean Levert was born September 28, 1968 and sadly passed away March 30, 2008, 6 days after being admitted to jail (Cuyahoga County Correctional Facility). According to coroner's report his death was caused by complications from sarcoidosis, issues of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and withdrawal from Xanax. His wife won a lawsuit against Cuyahoga County and was awarded 4 million dollars.

Such a sad, sad end to a couple of legendary figures within the R&B scene.

What a great track! A true summertime jam for sure. And is it me, or do those drums sound a lot like the Bobby Brown Don't Be Cruel pattern?

This is the full original extended mix of Casanova, instead of the shorter edit that's been erroneously labelled on some compilations as 'extended'. 

It can be difficult to source so is shared with love and respect, as always. Also included is Throwdown and the regular, radio mix of Casanova.

Peace & luvizm x

Tracklist

1. Casanova (Extended Mix)
2. Throwdown
3. Casanova

Discogs page

Download: L-C.7z | Filesize: 53.5MB

Don-E - Crazy - UK CDS - (1993)

4th & Broadway – BRCD 272

The multi-talented Don-E found initial success, both here and stateside with the brilliant Love Makes The World Go Round, and associated album Unbreakable, back in 1992, which got to 18 on the UK charts.

His second album, 1995's Changing Seasons, didn't quite live up to the hype of the first and he parted company with the label, retreating into producing for others rather than being an artist himself. During this time he signed to D'Angelo's label, which is quite the honour!

Between these two albums he dropped the single 'Crazy' (or 'Craz-E' as shown on the cover). It featured on neither album though so I wonder if that was Don-E distancing himself from it?

He would return as an artist in a BIG way ten years later with Try This, in 2005, which is a wicked album, one my my favourites actually, and I urge you to go treat yourself to it. It's Neo soul at its best. More albums would follow: Natural (2008), Ladies Night Part 1 (2012), Little Star (2013), Future Rare Grooves (2014), Future Rares 2 (2015).

Despite our very own Mickey P being disparaging about this release, and the fact Don-E chose not to feature it on an album, I actually quite like it. Don't get it twisted, it is FAR from his best cut, but it isn't truly horrible.

The Brixton Flavour mix is probably the best option, but considering it is a Blacksmith production and features the always wicked General Levy, it isn't elevated much at all. The drums seem too weak and the bassline is pretty by-the-numbers. Shame.

Also included is a bonus rough n ready remix by yours truly, stripping out the drums and replacing it with the beats from Lords Of The Underground's classic cut Psycho. I used an AI to seperate the original track into stems and that's slightly affected the vocals in some parts?

Before I finish, Don-E is still active as an artist, both as part of the British Collective (please search out their album on Amazon or somewhere to support them) and go check out his personal BandCamp page. https://don-e1.bandcamp.com/ which has some heavy releases on there. 

Don-E is one of our own and deserves all the love we can offer him. 

Peace & luvizm x

Tracklist

1. Crazy (Radio Version)
2. Crazy (Brixton Flavour 12")
3. Unbreakable (Radio Remix)
4. Crazy (DON-E's Irie Version)
   

1. BONUS: Don-E - Crazy (Kym B's Psycho Blend)

Discogs page

Download: D-E-C.7z | Filesize: 59.1MB

Blu Cantrell Featuring Sean Paul ‎– Breathe (CD1 & CD2) - (2003)

CD1 CDS: Arista ‎– 82876545722, BMG ‎– 82876545722

CD2 Maxi: Arista ‎– 82876534012

Blu Cantrell (born Tiffany Cobb, October 1, 1976 in Providence, Rhode Island) is an American R&B singer. She was discovered by Red Zone Entertainment heads Tab and Laney Stewart in early 2000. The producers promptly placed her to Antonio "L.A." Reid who offered the singer a contract with his label Arista Records after a successful audition. In 2001, the singer released her gold certified debut album, So Blu.

Breathe is a ridiculously catchy number (produced by Andrea Martin, Ivan Matias, Mark Pitts), sampling Dr Dre & Eminem's track 'What's The Difference' from Dre's 2001 album.

What am I doing explaining this to you? You know this already. 

I'm out! x

Tracklist (CDS)

1. Breathe (Rap Version)
2. Breathe (Radio Mix)
3. Breathe (Ed Funk & D Rok Remix)

Nothing much new here on this disc. The Ed Funk mix is interesting but I still prefer the original.

Tracklist (Maxi)

1. Breathe (Rap Version) (Radio Mix)
2. Breathe (No Rap Version) (Radio Mix)
3. Breathe (Andy & The Lamboy Radio Edit)
4. Breathe (Instrumental)

Download: BC-B.7z | Filesize: 59.4MB

Don-E - Love Makes The World Go Round - UK CDS - (1992)

4th & Broadway 12 BRW 242

320 Re-up! Originally posted by Mick on 16/06/2008.

I LOVE Don-E, and I view him as one of the UK's finest artists. This one is a classic and better still would follow. While you're checking this, make sure to buy all the British Collective stuff you can get your hands on. They are comprised of Don-e, Junior, Leee John, Noel McKoy, Omar and Special Guests such as Carl McKintosh and other classic UK soul voices.

Here's Micky's original write-up (and yes, Don-E is from Brixton).

Kym x

Don-E came out of South London if I remember rightly, can anybody confirm that. A multi talented young lad with a good understanding of what was happening at the time. This debut release had a huge impact on the soul & dance scene with Don-E being proclaimed as both a genius and a Stevie Wonder sound-alike. Oh well, can't please them all but I'd take that as a compliment anyway?

Personally, I think the London Mix is blinding and Mystery is a cool track too. Grab the album if you can, there are some damn good tracks on it.

 

Tracklist

1. Love Makes The World Go Round (Radio Mix)
2. Love Makes The World Go Round (Extended Club Mix)
3. Love Makes The World Go Round (London Mix)
4. Mystery

Discogs page

Download D-E-LMTWGR.7z| Filesize: 43.7MB

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

Hi-Five - I Like The Way (The Kissing Game) - UK CDS - (1991)

JIVE CD 271

Formed in Waco, Texas in 1989, Hi-Five consisted of the original founding members Tony Thompson, Roderick "Pooh" Clark, Marcus Sanders, Russell Neal, and Oaklahoma, native, Toriano Easley (who left the group shortly after release of the first single "Just Can't Handle It") and Hi-Five's management New York native Treston Irby, to complete the five remember, quintet teen group.

Now, the band, in various line-up changes would go on to suffer some really horrific tragedies which I really can't do justice to in a review of a CD Single. I'm so very sorry, boys!

Check here for more info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hi-Five#Tragedy,_Death,_and_Later_years

Also included is the New Jack Swing classic Just Can't Handle It, allegedly a true story from Mr Teddy Riley's history. You can look at this story two ways; a young man's sexual awakening at the hands of a sexy, experienced woman... or a minor being groomed and something where the police should be called.

I pick the former!

Also included is Sweetheart, which is a quite by-the-numbers affair, so just jump straight into track two and three.

Peace & luvizm x

Tracklist

1. I Like The Way (7" Edit)
2. I Like The Way (Full Length Version)
3. Just Can't Handle It (Teddy's 7" Edit)
4. Sweetheart

Discogs page

Download: HF-ILTW.7z | Filesize: 40.4MB

Million Dan ‎– Dogz N Sledgez - UK CDS - (2003)

Gut Records ‎– CDGUT52

Million Dan, actual name Michael Dunn AKA Milli D AKA Million Dappa... AKA Mike J from the legendary Demon Boyz posse. Demon Boyz came from my home town (I should say 'ends' or 'manor') of Tottenham, North London and gained massive respect for rapping with Brit accents along with Lndon Posse back when most were imitating US rappers. Members included Mike J AKA Million Dan (born in Jamaica), Demon D (Almshouse Demon) and DJ Devastate.

They won a rapping contest run by Rebel MC (also from Tottenham) aged 14-15 and were snapped up by Simon Harris and Music Of Life, where they released all their material, up til 1992 when they were on Reb's Tribal Base Recordings label..

Anyway, that was all in the late 80s-early 90s but Million Dan resurfaced in a BIG way in 2003 with the awesome Dogz N Sledgez.

Maybe this cut is a little too ruffneck for the Soul Vendor, and perhaps it doesn't truly belong here, but I love it.

The two other mixes are pretty decent but I advise you to jump straight into the Freestylers produced Original Version for some high octane bad bwoy ruffneck bizznizz.

Tracklist

1. Dogz N Sledgez (Radio Edit)
2. Dogz N Sledgez (Demolition Man Remix)
3. Dogz N Sledgez (The RMen Remix)
4. Dogz N Sledgez (Original Version)

Discogs page

Download: MD-DNS.7z | Filesize: 35.3MB

Mint Condition - Let Me Be The One - UK CDS - (1997)

Polydor ‎– 571713-2

Mint Condition hail from Minneapolis, Minnesota. At the time of writing this they are 8 albums deep and can list things like supporting the man, the legend Prince among their many accomplishments. The have also been nominated for four Grammy and Soul Train Awards.

These boys ain't playin'!!

Let Me Be The One is arguably my favourite cut of theirs. It's an on the DL joint heavy on the groove with a bubbling undercurrent of sensuality and exactly the kinda neo soul vibes that I like. However, it was when it got the remix treatment that it truly elevated for me.

So, the Album versions are fabulous, but it's the Ummah versions you should check for. Track two is much my favourite of them. It's the Ummah Mix featuring Q-Tip. Sublime production from who I assume is J Dilla, lends a blunted, low key sexy vibe to things and the track is all the better for it.

My only critique is that it's an edit and not a full ength version

Tracklist

1. Let Me Be The One (Album Edit)
2. Let Me Be The One (Ummah Radio Remix featuring Q-Tip)
3. Let Me Be The One (Ummah Remix Instrumental Q-Tip Version)
4. Let Me Be The One (Ummah Radio Remix featuring Phife)
5. Let Me Be The One (Ummah Remix Instrumental Phife Version)
6. Let Me Be The One (Silk's Radio Remix)
7. Let Me Be The One (Album Version)

Discogs page

Download: MC-LMBTO.7z | Filesize: 71.2MB

Guy - Do Me Right - UK CDS - (1991)

MCA Records ‎– MCSTD 1551, Uptown Records ‎– MCSTD 1551

A band that really needs no introduction around these parts, Guy are the combined talents of Teddy Riley alongside brothers Aaron and Damian Hall.

If you need to know anything about the boys then check out one of the other Guy posts.

The version on the album was great, drafting in MCA/Uptown Records mainstay Heavy D, cousin of Pete Rock, he was a nice counterpoint to Aaron's always on point vocals. Here Teddy & Co switch it up a little with a new hook "Been thru heartaches and pain..." and some interesting changes to the percussion. Heavy D returns to the track also with a fresh verse for the new mixes.

All good.

Predictably, my favourite here is The Extended Club Version.

Rest in peace, Heav xxx

Tracklist

1. Do Me Right (7" Edit)
2. Do Me Right (Extended Club Version)
3. Do Me Right (Piano Percapella)
4. Do Me Right (Remixed Radio Edit)

Download: G-DMR.7z | Filesize: 42.0MB

Guy - D-O-G Me Out (Remixes) - US CD Maxi - (1991)

MCA Records/Uptown Records MCADS 54151

Re-up - Orignally posted by me on 24/04/2012.

I make no secret of the fact I Love Teddy Riley and Guy.

Formed in Harlem back in 1988 By Riley and close friend Timmy Gatling, and joined shortly thereafter by Charlie Wilson sound-a-like lead vocalist Aaron "Nasty Man" Hall, Guy's first, self-titled album was a huge hit state-side and went triple platinum. The line-up would change shortly after when Gatling left and dancer Damian "Crazy Legs" Hall filled in the gap.

When they dropped their second album, The Future, in 1990 it flipped my head it was so good. There were a rash of killer singles released including "Her", "Do Me Right", "Teddy's Jam 2", "Wanna Get With You", "Let's Chill", "D.O.G. Me Out" and "Let's Stay Together" among others. (I'll be posting some of these over the next few weeks.)

Back in the day I had a VHS tape of some of Guy's videos which came out on the back of The Future's success. The video for D.O.G Me Out was a version of the track that wasn't on the album or even any of the the CD Singles that got released in the UK. It had the funk cranked way up to eleven, had a slammin' beat and featured Aqil "A+" Davidson from Wreckx-n-Effect dropping a dope verse - anyway, after a lot of searching in vain on my part (these were the days before the internet) I managed to track it down when it finally got released UK side on Mastercuts New Jack Swing Vol.3.

It's superior in every way to all the other mixes (even though I love the original), and was, of course, the Single Edit with Rap, which is a shortened version of the Wreckx-n-Effect Rap mix, contained here along with an Instrumental. Also on the single is a slightly different edit of the album track (Single Edit), an extended version of the album track in the Canine Club Mix, as well as the Dogapella, which might come in useful for your own mixes. There's also a "Dub" Mix by Mike Nice.

All in all, it's a really nice release, and a little reminder of just how dope Teddy & Guy were in their prime. Not that we should need it!

Note: I think the track should actually be named D.O.G Me Out rather than D-O-G Me Out, but I've gone with what's on the CD single. Plus using full stops/periods can mess up windows file extensions. 

Tracklist

1. D-O-G Me Out (Single Edit)
2. D-O-G Me Out (Single Edit With Rap)
3. D-O-G Me Out (Canine Club Version)
4. D-O-G Me Out (Wreckx-n-Effect Rap)
5. D-O-G Me Out (Dogapella)
6. D-O-G Me Out (Wrecks N Effectsrumental)
7. D-O-G Me Out (Mike Nice Dub Mix)

Download: G-DMO-R.7z | Filesize: 87.6MB