Don-E - Fakin' The Funk - UKCDS - (1995)

4th & Broadway BRCD 290

320 RE-UP! Originally posted by Mickey P 13/07/2008

Mick says: After the hype, the success and the mistake, Don-E slipped away to produce his sophomore set. His return was greeted with a lot less fuss, many people have likely not heard of Changing Seasons, the album was certainly nowhere near as successful as Unbreakable. 

This was, I believe, the first single released before the album was released (but don't quote me) and Dodge from Dodge City Productions was called in for remix duty. The Soul Inside Mix gives a different slant to what is already a fair track but it don't raise it to essential. 

It is still a release worth having though and a promise of better to come.

Kymba says: I personally think Don-E gets better with age and his Try This album is near flawless. 

Back on track, this a wicked release. every track is good but Dodge's Soul Inside mix is the pick for me. There were also a set of "Crooklyn Dodge" mixes that I haven't got and would love to hear, if anyone out there has them?

Tracklist

1. Fakin' The Funk (Album Edit)
2. Fakin' The Funk (Soul Inside Mix)
3. Fakin' The Funk (Fakin' It Mix)
4. Tonight 

Discogs page 

Download: D-E-FTF.7z | Filesize: 46.2MB

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

Sinclair - (I Wanna Know) Why - UK CDS - (1994)

Dome Records ‎– CDDOME 1009

What's this? Do I spy a funky, soulful re-working of the chorus of Annie Lennox's dreary old hit?? Well no actually, it's more like Louisa Mark - Six Sixth Street!

Welcome back one Mr Sinclair to the Soul Vendor archives.

Mickey's already written about Mike Sinclair elsewhere here, sadly as seemed common for UK artists in the 80's and 90's, he wasn't well supported by his home nation and despite making a moderate splash, especially on urban radio, eventually faded into obscurity. What a damn shame.

Anyway, like Ain't No Cassanova before it, (I wanna Know) Why is a great, catchy little slice of quality UK R&B. I don't much like the Masters At Play house mix but the original vibes are the best. Jump straight into track one.

I do really like the Ska Mix as well, which flips the vibe and has echoes of Message To You, Rudi by The Specials in this mix.

Wicked stuff once again, Mr Sincair!

I'm not sure if Mike is still performing but, as ever, I urge you all to support the artist and go see a show or something, when we are once again allowed.

Tracklist

1. (I Wanna Know) Why
2. (I Wanna Know) Why (Ska Mix)
3. (I Wanna Know) Why (Masters At Play Dub)
4. Music Is The Key Of Life

Discogs page

Download: S-IWKW.7z | Filesize: 43.2MB

Sinclair - Ain't No Cassanova '95 - UK CDS - (1995)

Dome Records ‎– CD DOME 103

So Mickey P had already posted the original 1993 version, re-upped in 320 by yours truly. 

I've got a lot of love for that release. I remember it being big on UK street soul radio in the early 90's (KISS FM (when it was good), Choice FM & others) and I always loved that bassline. So good! I was also taken with the naughty reworking of the Sammuel So You Like What You See sample, which is a monster of a cut in its own right.

The Groove 95 remix features a cheekily little interpolation of the Jackson 5 I Want You back bassline, which will forever be associated with Eric B & Rakim in my mind.

The Ken Kessie U.S. Mix has a rap by Pepperhead aka Jeffrey Wiltshire, who I've seen named on a couple of cuts but I'm not too knowledgeable about. The drums are mad crisp and the bassline nods back to the original, which is nice, but it lacks the Sammuel sample. Probably my pick of the bunch on this CD.

2B3 are Neville Thomas and Pule Pheto and they were all over any urban act worth their salt in the 90s including D'Angelo, Jodeci, Silent Eclipse, Beverley Knight, Evelyyn Champagne King and many, many more. You can find many of their productions on this blog. Here 2B3 sample Levert's superb classic Casanova (see what they did there?) to build something new but familiar with. I'll be posting that Levert track in the coming few weeks.

Ultimately however, despite liking these newer three versions, I keep coming back to the regular and/or US Encore Mix from the original 1993. There's something in the originals bassline that speaks to me.

Tracklist

1. Ain't No Casanova (Groove '95 Remix)
2. Ain't No Casanova (Ken Kessie U.S. Mix)
3. Ain't No Casanova (2B3 Back To Basics Remix)
4. Stay With Me Tonight

Discogs page

Download: S-C-95.7z | Filesize: 40.7MB

Sinclair - Ain't No Cassanova - UK CDS - (1993)

Dome Records CDDOME 1004

320 re-up! originally posted by Mick back in 16/04/09 - can you believe it was over ten years ago?
That makes it even more funny reading the comments below of us folks moaning about getting old lol
I love this track which cheekily borrows heavily from Sammuel's dope So U Like What U See but puts an entirely new spin on it. Wicked UK summertime jam tingz!

 - Kymba

Mike Sinclair sprung onto the UK Soul scene in 1992, thanks to some great support from specialist radio. I Want You Back was the tune that launched him but it was this tune in 1993 that nailed his colours to the mast. Championed by the likes of Choice FM and Echoes, Ain't No Casanova was played by everyone everywhere. It was a great example of Brit Street Soul during that time and came very close to crossing over, denting the UK Top Twenty at #28 in September of '93.

Ain't No Casanova was written and produced by Dwayne Burke & William Flowers at Groove And A Quarter and the Groove Mix is also theirs. Groove And A Quarter released I Want You Back on their own label, G&Q Records. The third mix is the US Encore Remix by Ken 'Dr. Shaft' Kessie who worked on some Tony! Toni! Toné! releases. Back in the day it was all about the Groove mix but listening now, I'm liking Ken's mix which features a rap by Pepperhead.

For the real soul lovers out there (QS), check out It's Over. Penned by Mike himself and produced by Ashley Ingram who clearly has the silky touch required for the Quiet Storm genre. This is Sinclair at his best, a little slice of soul heaven, pure class!

Tracklist

1. Ain't No Casanova
2. Ain't No Casanova (Groove Remix)
3. Ain't No Casanova (US Encore Mix featuring Pepperhead)
4. It's Over

Discogs page

Download: S-ANC.7z | Filesize: 42.9MB

Danny Madden - Facts Of Life - 12" (Re-Up) - (1990)

WEA Records YZ473T

ReUp: Originally posted by Mickey P back in 22nd May 2008.
If anyone has the CD single I'd sure appreciate a 320 rip as I don't own this one!
- Kymba

Danny Madden has worked with the Basement Boys on Ultra Naté's early work, and he was the background singer and vocal arranger on many of the Def Mix productions.

This track was produced by Danny and Carl McIntosh (Loose Ends) with some Dancin' Danny D remix activity. Is it soulful I hear you ask. Look at the cover, see how it pays homage to Marvin, with this kind of pedigree you don't need to ask, just check the acappella and stop worrying.

There was also an album 'These Are The Facts Of Life' but I never got to hear it. This track was featured in the Mario Van Peebles' movie "New Jack City". It's a beautiful thing people!

Tracklist

1. Dancin' Danny D's Accapella Intro Edit
2. Instrumental
3. Dancin' Danny D's 12" Mix
4. Accapella

Download: DM-FOL.7z | Filesize: 26.7 MB

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

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

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

Mica Paris - South Of The River - (1990)

4th & Broadway BRCD 199

320 Re-Up - originally posted by Mickey P back in 5th July 2008!

This incredible release is one of my all time favourites from Mica. South Of The River from the Contribution album, remixed by the Blacksmith crew.

Pretty good stuff but then we have Where Are The Children, an absolute gem, soul music the way it's meant to be. The track is one of two tracks recorded at Ground Control, Santa Monica, written and produced by Patrick Moten & J.A. Greene for Golden Empire, the cherry on top comes courtesy of Gerald Albright supplying sax. This track has everything except Bobby Womack!

In contrast we have I Should've Known Better, written and produced by Mica & Omar. Omar plays all the instruments and it's kept sparse and simple but that does not detract from it's effectiveness in any way. Mica has room to breathe, space to perform and Omar's beats behind that dangerous bass line, this is a killer track. Enjoy!

Kym's Note: What a fantastic release! The title track South Of The River is one of her best (but she has so many classics), coming with two mixes by the mighty Blacksmith crew. Their Upso Mix comes correct with a (then) fresh new jack swing vibe. The Brixton Bass Mix has a more organic, typically Blacksmith vibe and just edges it out of the two for me. A great summer track.

Where Are The Children  is such a sublime piece of true soul, beautifully sung by or Mica. Seems to end too quickly though, just when you think it's gonna peak?

And then we have one of my all time favourite tracks I Should've Known Better - a flawless cut. Omar's bassline is DEVASTATING! (Please note though, this is the regular length version clocking in at 5:08 to be found most places this track pops up at. I will later post the I Never Felt Like This Before single which contains a version with an extra 31 seconds. Hey, when you love this song as much as I do that half a minute is almost orgasmic lol).

My suggestion is hit South Of The River (Brixton Bass Mix) and I Should've Known Better and hit them hard. Several times. Then check the other tracks as they're all great. What a serious release this one is.

Tracklist

1. South Of The River (Upso Mix)
2. South Of The River (Brixton Bass Mix)
3. Where Are The Children
4. I Should've Known Better

 Download: MP-SOTR.7z |  Filesize: 40.8MB

Nu Colours - Desire - (1996)

Polydor/Wildcard, LC0309

320 Re-up! Originally posted 06/04/2009, and yet another one that's incorrectly attributed to Mick. Sort it out, Blogspot!

Well, Nu Colours have been well and truly covered on The Soul Vendor more than once. Mick's already put up Power, and only the other day I put up What In The World/Greater Love; Greater Love being one of my all-time favourite songs.

So that gets me out of having to write anything about the UK's premier gospel outfit.

Onto this track, then.

It's a decent track, second only to Greater Love in their repertoire (in my humble opinion)... but there was only one reason why I bought this CD single, and that was the excellent Linslee's Extended Mix - re-listening now it still stands out as much the best version.

The Ethnic Boyz version isn't bad, but it lacks the power-funk of Linslee's mix. The house mixes are... not my cup of tea. They might be yours? The Gospel Truth According to Mindspell mix is pretty nice, and takes the tune back to a live, stripped-down, purely gospel vibe - it's probably the best mix after Linslee's.

Peace and luvizm,

Kymba :)

Tracklist

1. Desire (7")
2. Desire (Ethnic Boyz Main Mix)
3. Desire (Linslee Extended Mix)
4. Desire (Full Chorus London)
5. Desire (Mindspell Classic Club Experience)
6. Desire (The Gospel Truth According To Mindspell)

Download : NC-D.7z | File size: 71.4 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