Anna Mwale - Get Free - (1990)

CBS Records XPR 1563

320 re-up - Originally posted by Mickey P on 15/06/19 - Kym

Absolutely stonking track, you want this. Written by Jean Bronte, John Ritt, Raymond Boye & Anna Mwale and produced by Zed Lovedust.

I don't know anything about her or any of the names on the label but The Eden Upstairs Remix is baaaad!

Tracklist

1. Get Free (Radio Edit)
2. Get Free (The Eden Upstairs Remix)
3. Get Free (The Eden Downstairs Remix)

Download: AM-GF.7z |Filesize: 40.5MB

Intelligent Hoodlum - Back To Reality (CJ Mackintosh Mixes) - (1990)

A&M Records, AMCD 598

Originally posted 09/04/2009. This was posted by me (Kym) but is attributed to Mickey P in the great Soul Vendor/Blogger cock-up haha.

Not so sunny here in North London today, but I thought I'd post another BBQ classic regardless. I'm not sure really how well you'll receive this one, as it's not soul as such, but a nice, chilled out slice of Hip-Hop, reminiscing about simpler times.

Intelligent Hoodlum (born Percy Chapman, although he would later switch to the moniker "Tragedy Khadafi") is an extremely eloquent rapper from Queens, New York. His first, self-titled album was a politically charged affair featuring the excellent Arrest the President, and a whirl of other contentious tracks. I loved it but it wasn't for everyone.

However, amongst the anger and social commentary on his debut there lurked a rather good party jam, the Soul II Soul sampling Back To Reality - no surprises for guessing what sample was used there, huh? ;)

On its release in the UK, Back To Reality was given a suite of remixes by one CJ Mackintosh. The pick of which for me is CJ's Drum And Bass Mix (no, it's not that kind of Drum & Bass), which cranked up the Soul II Soul elements, added nice piano chords, strings stabs, and made a great summer vibe kinda tune out of it. 

The Ragamuffin Mixis also pretty dope (love the strings), and has a different vibe. Worth checking and would be the one I'd recommend if the Drum And Bass Mix didn't exist.

The Raggamuffin Mix is also dope, Hope you dig this as much as I do. If you don't know it, give it a try and tell us whatcha think.

- Kymba :)

Tracklist

1. Back To Reality (Drum And Bass Mix)
2. Back To Reality (Back To Basics)
3. Back To Reality (Ragamuffin Version)
4. Back To Reality (Ragadub)

Download: IH-BTR.7z | Filesize: 43.8MB

Innocence - A Matter Of Fact - (1990)

Cooltempo COOLCD 223

320 Re-up originally posted by Mick 13/05/2008. This was the third single from Innocence, but unlike Mick, for me there is better in their repertoire. Over to you, Boss-Man - Kymba

The addictive writing of Jolley, Harris & Jolley, the beautiful voice of Gee Morris & the genius of Frankie Knuckles on this Def Mix Production culminate in the defining moment here for Innocence, in my humble opinion of course.

Decide for yourself which version is best, the Classic Club Mix got the most play on my decks, piano by John Poppo, Eric Kupper on keyboards, David Morales on percussion....

Hey! Whatd'ya want for nothing, a rubber biscuit?

Tracklist

1. A Matter Of Fact (7" Mix)
2. A Matter Of Fact (Classic Club Mix)
3. A Matter Of Fact (Extended Mix)

Download: I-AMOF.7z |  Filesize: 41.6 MB

Rhythm N Bass - Can't Stop This Feeling / Tell Me - (1993)

Epic ‎– 659200 2

I can't find anything about these guys online so info will be a little sparse.

Members included Alistair Tennant (born 1973, London) & Wayne Hector, but there were also two further members. Tenant did a lot of writing for bands such as Damage, Boyzone(!), Ant & Dec(!) and more. Hector did backing vocals for artists such as Peter Andre, Westlife, Boyzone and Maxi Priest - and writing for many more. (Damage and Maxi Priest aside, there are a bunch of names that have never surfaced on The Soul Vendor before... and never will do again!)

Rhythm N Bass were lauded in certain quarters as the UK answer to the US R&B influx, alongside artists & bands like Wayne Marshall, Damage, Truce and Kreuz.

They released a couple of joints back in the early 90's including the catchy Roses and this track, which was backed up by the Groove Theory penned Tell Me (If You Want Me Too).

So this is a dope party cut and I wholly recommend jumping right into the Extended Version for maximum enjoyment. It's a great track.

Do not overlook Tell Me (If You Want Me Too), though. It's a slow-ish jam with a different vibe, and is also a hell of a track. I do have the Groove Theory version sitting around somewhere, so that'll be a future Soul Vendor post. (have I ever mentioned on here how much I love Amel Larrieux?)

All in all this was a great release from an all-but forgotten UK outfit.

Tracklist

1. Can't Stop This Feeling (Edited Version)
2. Can't Stop This Feeling (House Mix)
3. Tell Me (If You Want Me Too)
4. Can't Stop This Feeling (Extended Version)

Download: R+B-CSTF.7z | Filesize: 41.9 MB

Loose Ends - Hangin' On A String (Frankie Knuckles Remix) - (1992)

10 Records ‎– TENCD 406, 10 Records ‎– 665 357

Firstly, allow me to say that I have nothing against Mr Knuckles, in fact, I think he's one of the best house producers out there. 

Having got that out of the way, now allow me to put out the fact that I find the notion of remixing this track absolute heresy and I am only putting it up for sake of completion. 

It is interesting hearing most of the percussive elements stripped back and leaving the instrumentation in greater clarity, and you do tend to notice stuff in there that never jumped out before, but those four-to-the-floor vibes just do not work for me.

The All Night Mix (Courtesy of Twilight Firm) is more interesting to my ears as the beat is more my thing, as is the scratching, but it is still not a patch on the original.

I guess that is the story of this release for me. The brilliance of the original hangs over and outshines it.

Peace & luvizm x

Tracklist

1. Hangin' On A String (Frankie Knuckles Radio Edit)
2. Hangin' On A String (Frankie Knuckles Club Mix)
3. Hangin' On A String (Original 12'' Mix)
4. Hangin' On A String (The All Night Mix)
5. Hangin' On A String (Frankie Knuckles Classic Club Reprise)

Download: LE-HOAS-R.7z | Filesize: 64.5MB

Loose Ends ‎– Hangin' On A String (Contemplating) - (1985/1988)

Virgin ‎– CDT 39

Loose Ends formed in London in 1980, initially comprising vocalist and guitarist Carl McIntosh, vocalist Jane Eugene, and keyboard player, writer and founder Steve Nichol. The latter two left the group in 1989 due to poor progression and since their departure the newer Loose Ends sound has gained higher chart positions globally and a wider fan base in the R&B genre through Carl McIntosh's production skills.

Hangin' On A String (Contemplating) is one of the UK's biggest ever soul tunes. It's a seminal, I'd even say Legendary cut and is hugely influential to this day, it knocked down the transatlantic doors and set the scene for the crossover success of UK acts like Soul II Soul in subsequent years.

Although this was released first on vinyl in 1985, peaking at #13 on the UK Singles Chart and #1 in the US R&B Singles Charts, that was before the time of the CD, and it was reissued on this (then) cutting edge digital format in 1988.

The Extended Dance Mix is a classic and just over 6 minutes of perfection. Jump right in!

Away from the obvious brilliance of the classic title joint, A Little Spice is a really catchy, latin-infused dance number and is well worth checking out if you're unfamiliar with it. Dial 999 is similarly catchy, and indicative of the 80's soul incarnation of Loose Ends' sound. There are some chords in the bridge that remind me of Saturday Love by Alex O'Neil and Cherelle. Let me know if you agree.

Tracklist

1. Hangin' On A String (Contemplating) (Extended Dance Mix)
2. A Little Spice
3. Dial 999 (12" Extended Mix)

Download: LE-HOAS.7z | Filesize: 39.0MB

Nuyorican Soul featuring Jocelyn Brown - It's Alright, I Feel It! - (1997)

Talkin' Loud/PolygramRecords, TLCD 22

Originally posted 06/03/2009 by me. I'm re-upping it with new artwork scans and 320 rips. Kym  B xx

This is a killer track from the M.A.W. boys that I had to add to The Soul Vendor. It's brilliant in every aspect, and I know Mickey the bossman is also a long-time fan of the Masters At Work duo, "Lil" Louie Vega and Kenny "Dope" Gonzalez.

Here we find them with the lead single off their Nuyorican Soul album, featuring R&B power-vocalist Jocelyn Brown on lead vocals, live drums recorded and then sampled & chopped, a great piano riff, and enough energy contained within the song to surely move even the most adamant of non-dancers.

There are not enough superlatives for this track. It's pretty much perfect - which, of course, is a cross to bear for those who had to remix it. Lucky, then, we have two heavyweights in the shape of Armand Van Helden, who gives us a darkly dubtastic House-cum-Garage remix in the shape of his Live from Da Darkside of the Moon remix, and Roni Size, at the height of his powers back then in '97, and right on the back of his New Forms success, giving us a brilliantly reconstructed Drum & Bass version, which contains all the character of the original, but re-encodes it in a Drum & Bass styley. He must've worked his ass off to reconcile the extreme BPM difference between the original and his version, but it pays dividends.

For me, the pick of the tracks is the M.A.W. Remix, which is essentially just an extended version. I also really love what Roni Size has done on his Drum & Bass version.

- Kymba :)

Tracklist

1. It's Alright, I Feel It! (Edit)
2. It's Alright, I Feel It! (M.A.W. Remix)
3. It's Alright, I Feel It! (Live from Da Darkside of the Moon)
4. It's Alright, I Feel It! (Roni Size Remix)

Download: NS-IAIFI.7z | File size: 81.7 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

Innocence - Silent Voice - (1990)

Cooltempo ‎– COOLCD 212, Cooltempo ‎– 3235362

Innocence was a British R&B band fronted by vocalist Gee Morris that achieved success in the UK in the early 1990s. Masterminded by the production team of Anna Jolley, Mark Jolley and Brian Harris, Innocence's sound was a blend of R&B/Soul with elements of Ammbient house, Downtempo and Chill-out music.

This was their second single, and it is a great track. The beat is slamming, and Gee's vocals are perfection. This was one of the first tracks I heard of theirs... I have a feeling it was on a Dance Daze live show on TV?

It has that sound they nailed - dance-floor friendly, but chilled. There's a touch of classiness about it that many contemporaries lacked.

There's also a remix of Natural Thing, their first single. It features a really cheeky Doors/Riders On The Storm sample, and is much more of a rave kinda track, despite still maintaining some chill-out vibes. 

I'd suggest jumping straight into track one, if it floats your boat get the Extended Mix on rotation.

Tracklist

1. Silent Voice
2. Silent Voice (Extended Mix)
3. Natural Thing (No-One Here Gets Out Alive)

Download: I-SV.7z | Filesize: 39.2MB

Innocence - Natural Thing - (1990)

Cooltempo ‎– COOLCD 201

Innocence was a British R&B band fronted by vocalist Gee Morris that achieved success in the UK in the early 1990s. Masterminded by the production team of Anna Jolley, Mark Jolley and Brian Harris, Innocence's sound was a blend of R&B/Soul with elements of Ammbient house, Downtempo and Chill-out music.

Way back in the day they were one of my favourite bands with their melting pot fusion sound ticking a bunch of boxes for me.

This was their first track, and we're off to a flying start with a ridiculously catchy hook. Seriously, listen to the hook a few times, and try and get that chorus out of your head. The beats are serious and the extra instrumentation sounds dope.

The Natural Thing (7 Inch) is perfect. Natural Thing (Elevation) is not so much a 12" mix as a 24", weighing in at ten minutes long, and is most welcome, although some folks may find the duration of this version a bit of a stretch.

The Original isn't bad, though very much wannabe Soul II Soul sounding, as most things were back then in the UK club scene. Completely different vibe to the other two versions though and not quite as good.

So jump right into the Natural Thing (7 Inch). Boom!

Tracklist

1. Natural Thing (7 Inch)
2. Natural Thing (Elevation)
3. Natural Thing (Original)

Download: I-NT.7z | Filesize: 39.9MB

Nomad Soul - Candy Mountain - (1991)

Island Records CID 505

I'm reupping this Mickey P post from 13/10/2008. I don't have the CDS so I'm having to put up the version I DL'd back in the day. Over to you, Mister P - Kymba x

Diane Charlemagne is one of those rare UK sparkling talents. Her voice has been described as a soulful, sensual, swooping energy to flow through an eclectic collection of music. Her songwriting claims an innocent beauty with her use of pseudonyms. Achieving stand-out in the musical genres of drum and bass, jazz, dance and pop cannot be claimed by many artists.

Diane has an exceptional flair for songwriting, and so it comes as no surprise the majority of the material she appears on has in fact been both arranged lyrically and melodically by herself. She writes carefully crafted lyrics and beautifully balanced melodies - often shaded by the twinkling stars of leading artists.

Her roots began in Manchester's Moss Side in the early 80s scene. Starting off in a battle of the bands scenario Diane soon became an associated member of legendary R'n'B group 52nd Street. Diane continued her early successes with the band to include Tell Me How It Feels (coming soon) which went on to tear up the US Billboard Charts reaching number 15.

The early nineties saw Diane working with Howie B and Dobie (Soul II Soul), Howie B & Dobie were offered a deal with Island Records. Along with Charlemagne they, allegedly, recorded an album as Nomad Soul. After only one single, Candy Mountain, Dobie apparently left because he wasn't happy with where things were heading.

I was also under the impression she was the vocalist with Cool Down Zone but she doesn't record it in her discography? Then came the monumental breakthrough of Inner City Life by Goldie.

The mid Nineties engaged Diane's voice with Urban Cookie Collective, releases include The Key, The Secret. Since then Charlemagne has progressed on the dance scene and moved into house and garage. Working and writing with artists such as K-Klass, Satoshi Tomiie, Mutiny UK, Santos and Judge Jules, prior to being invited to tour as a singer with Moby. Touring for over 3 years, Diane gained worldwide recognition.

Recent years have seen the soulful diva signed with Chrysalis Music and continuing to work with respected acts such as, collaborations with London Electricity, 2020Soundsystem and Prayer Box. Diane was part of The Gospel Choir performance of Cry Of Innocence - the opera in respect of the tragic death of 19 year old Stephen Lawrence.

OK, so this is a request and I found it in the crates. The SIIS boys get a little quirky on this oddball leftfielder. Using that guitar sample that I know so well but can't put a name too, this avoids a pigeonhole by standing firmly astride the Jazz & Soul division. Hard to choose between the Radio Mix and the Nellee Hooper Mix but both work well.

Tracklist

1. Candy Mountain (Radio Mix)
2. Candy Mountain (Nellee Hooper Mix)
3.  Candy Mountain (DJ Intellectual Mix)
4.  Candy Mountain (Bonus Beats)

Download: NS-CR.7z | Filesize: 24.5 MB

Beverley Knight - Get Up! - CD1 & CD2 - (2001)

Parlophone ‎– CDRS 6564, Parlophone ‎– 7243 5 50038 2 9

Beverley Knight, MBE (born Beverley Anne Smith; 22 March 1973) is a UK soul singer and, latterly, musical theatre actress who released her debut album, The B-Funk, in 1995. Knight has released eight studio albums to date and is widely lauded as one of Britain's greatest soul singers. 

Get Up (along with Made It Back) is one of my fave tracks from our Bev and is presented here for your delectation in all its 2-disc glory.


The Original version is best, obvs, The Middle Row Mix is a nice garage re-lick, if that's your ting blud.

The So Solid Mix doesn't really do much for me, but your mileage may vary.

Tracklist CD1

1. Get Up! (Original Version)
2. Get Up! (Middle Row Mix)
3. Get Up! (So Solid Crew Mix)

============

On Disc 2, the Original version gets another airing, along with tracks Never Too late and What If? Both of which are very nice and well worth a spin. Better than your everage filler tracks.

Tracklist CD2

1. Get Up!
2. Never Too Late
3. What If?

Download: BK-GU.7z Filesize: 54.4MB

Joanna Law - First Time Ever - (1990)

ZYX Records ‎– ZYX 6371-8

Classic track alert!!

Mick uploaded this gem back in 2008. I couldn't believe I'd found it after all this time, so I owe him big time for making it available to those of us who love good music. Mick posted a rip of the 12" (which I re-upped in October 2012) and I've subsequently purchased the CD single from Discogs for a premium price... but it's worth every penny, so I'm uploading it to Soul Vendor in lovely 320 goodness.

Unlike the boss man, it was all about the Mellow Groove version for me, with its very cheeky sampling & reworking of the strangely groovy drums from Paul Simon's 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover, although the Bumpy Mix is quality in its own right.

I should also mention that haunting acapella as used to absolutely devastating effect by Coldcut on their 70 Minutes of Madness mix, a CD so awesome that you really ought to own and marvel at.

Anyway, Here's what The Man had to say about it in his original post :

"Another gem engineered by Lee Hamblin. This cover of The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, written by British folk singer, songwriter Ewan MacColl (Kirsty's Dad) and originally sung by Roberta Flack back in 1972. Produced and mixed by Simon 'The Funky Ginger' Law down at The Fallout Shelter in February 1990.

This song is all about the beautiful voice of Ms. Joanna Law, the voice behind many a hit. Simon A. Law, her brother I believe but cannot confirm, is also playing piano with the mighty James 'JTQ' Taylor on Hammond Organ and Ross Anderson on Bass. It includes the Acappella used on the legendary Coldcut - Journeys By DJ mix back in '95. My money goes on the superb Bumpy Mix, lay back, kick it and enjoy the ride. Just under 8 minutes of gently rolling groove with an angel singing on it."

Tracklist:

1. First Time Ever (Mellow Groove)
2. First Time Ever (Bumpy Mix)
3. First Time Ever (Acapella)

Download: JL-FTE.7z | Filesize: 37.1MB

Jhelisa - Friendly Pressure - (1995)

Dorado ‎– DOR040CD

Jhelisa (Anderson), cousin of Carleen Anderson (of Young Disciples fame), was born in Jackson, Mississippi. That gospel drenched soul background is clearly evident in her vocals, although I'd argue she sounds a little sensual and raunchy in her delivery for the churchgoers!

She embarked on her remarkable musical career in London circa 1990 as the vocalist for Soul Family Sensation (I Don't Even Know If I Should Call You Baby is posted elsewhere on here and I will be adding the CDS very soon). She gained a platinum disc for her vocal work with the Shamen on Forever People and, after putting out two wicked albums in Galactica Rush and Language Electric, and then working with some of the biggest names in the industry including James Brown, one of my favourite Hip Hop bands The Roots, Michael Franti (the Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy and Spearhead), Bryan Ferry, Courtney Pine, Massive Attack, Chaka Khan, Roy Ayers, Nitin Sawhney, Sting and others.

Not only that, but she's been in films as well. Truly, a rare talent.

However, I digress. This track, Friendly Pressure, is an absolute stone cold classic. It's also another one featured on the obscenely brilliant Coldcut Journey By DJ album.

I've already mentioned her breathless, sultry vocals, and here she is backed up by some truly talented producers. There are seven(!) mixes on this disc, and none of them are sub-par. 

The picks for me are the Pluvio Mix, the Quiet Storm Mix and the two original versions. Pluvio is probably my fave, but it's a pretty close call.

Interesting note: The piano on the original and filter dub mixes are by the legend that is Mr Simon Law. Speaking of, watch out for the next post...

Peace & Luvizm xxx

Tracklist

1. Friendly Pressure (Radio Mix)
2. Friendly Pressure (Album Mix)
3. Friendly Pressure (The Enemy Release Mix)
4. Friendly Pressure (Pluvio Mix)
5. Friendly Pressure (Beautifully Bare Mix)
6. Friendly Pressure (Filter Dub Mix)
7. Friendly Pressure (Quiet Storm Mix)

Download: J-FP.7z | Filesize: 85.4MB

Janet Jackson - Got 'Til It's Gone (UK CDS & UK Promo) - (1997)

Virgin ‎– 7243 8 94600 2 5, Virgin ‎– VSCDT 1666

Sometimes credited as simply Janet, and other times by her full name, I'm opting for the latter here.

The ninth and youngest child of the Jackson family, Janet became a pop icon following the release of her third and fourth studio albums Control (1986) and Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989). Her collaborations with record producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis incorporated elements of R&B, funk, disco, rap and industrial beats, which led to crossover success in popular music.

Janet's 1997 album The Velvet Rope was quite an introspective affair, where she grappled with her depression and demons. Pain makes for great music, however, and this saw some of her best material to date. This single being a great example of that.

Got 'Til It's Gone is really a showcase of beautiful sublime neo-soul style production from Mssrs Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and my man Q-Tip (from A Tribe Called Quest, as if you didn't know) dropping some kinda nice bars, giving us a monster of a cut and arguably my favourite from Miss Jackson.

Featuring samples from the Joni Mitchell recording Big Yellow Taxi. Brit singer Desree would later sue Janet for use of her song Feel So High, later editions would credit Desree.

So on this release you'll be wanting Got 'Til It's Gone (Album Version) for the full experience. Mad props to the Mellow Mix as well, which drops the beats and let's the beauty of the track come to the fore. Really nice with an almost quiet storm vibe.

UK CDS Tracklist 

1. Got 'Til It's Gone (Radio Edit)
2. Got 'Til It's Gone (Mellow Mix)
3. Got 'Til It's Gone (Nellee Hooper Master Mix)
4. Got 'Til It's Gone (Mellow Mix Edit)
5. Got 'Til It's Gone (Album Version)

========

Onto the promo, we have five versions of the regular mix, including an Instrumental for mixologists. Again, Got 'Til It's Gone (Album Version) remains the best version, but you have the option of a No Rap version, minus Tip's bars, or a no Q-Tip version, which is minus his bars and his other background vocals. It's interesting to hear it without him, but it doesn't feel right to me! 

Choose your weapon. As Mickey P would say "Your mileage may vary"...

UK cardboard Sleeve Promo Tracklist

1. Got 'Til It's Gone (Radio Edit)
2. Got 'Til It's Gone (No Q-Tip)
3. Got 'Til It's Gone (No Rap)
4. Got 'Til It's Gone (Instrumental)
5. Got 'Til It's Gone (Album Version)

Download: JJ-GTIG.7z | Filesize: 90.0MB