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

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

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

Nu Colours - Power 1992

Wild Card Records CARDD 3

Nu Colours were the gospel group and looked likely to make a cross over into the mainstream. The Gospel group comprising Lain Gray (Lain provided some great vocals for Jason Chue a.k.a. Wookie on 'Battle' amongst many others), Lawrence Johnson, Sophia Johnson, Patricia Knight and the legendary Fay Simpson.

Fay is one of the most experienced singers on the UK gospel scene. She honed her craft growing up in the Church of God of Prophecy in Harlesden, north west London, and at 19 joined Nu Colours, who had a deal with a secular label. She left the group in 1995 and began song writing and vocal arranging.

After singing on the UK gospel circuit, Lain Gray was asked to join premier gospel outfit Nu Colours in 1991, Lawrence Johnson, founder member of the group, was calling Lain for auditions saying he was putting some band together. Later he said, 'Oh, in case you don't get this, would you be interested in being involved with Nu Colours?'

Power is written by producer Ian Green and group vocalists Lawrence Johnson & Fay Simpson with Monie Love writing and performing the rap. The Evergreen Mix is the Ian Green single release while the Garage Mix and Underground Dub are remixed by Paul Gotel, the dub is a Well Hung Parliament mix along with his sidekick, Spencer Williams.

Tears is the Frankie Knuckles Instrumental which is somewhat odd as it was originally a Frankie Knuckles & Satoshi Tomiie song and without Nu Colours vocals it still is, even though its produced by V Outfit.

• Power (Evergreen Mix)
• Power (Garage Mix)
• Tears (FK Instrumental)
• Power (Underground Dub)

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Nu Colours.rar Filesize: 31.89 MB

Incognito - Out Of The Storm 1996

Talkin' Loud Records TLCD 14

A good song by incognito with some great Def Mix remixes by David Morales who uses the full potential of the song on the Sleaze Mix with trademark piano & drums and some nice string arrangements. The Instrumental Mix is a great addition too. Carl Craig's 10 minute epic Planet E Mix however has left no trace of the song whatsoever but it has a great vibe about it with freestyle drums and a cool synth and heavy bassline, this is certainly more than just a remix. Turn on, tune in and chill out. Bluey's Club Mix is another fine jazzy dancer, as expected, that ties this selection up neatly.

• Morales Radio Edit
• Morales Sleaze Mix
• Morales Instrumental Mix
• C's Planet E Special Mix
• Bluey's Club Mix

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Out Of The Storm CDS.rar Filesize: 56.61 MB

Pride 'n Politix - Hold On 1991

East West Records A8707T

Pride 'n Politix released an album Changes in 1991, written and performed by multi-talented Robyn Smith and vocalist Nikki Romillie (a.k.a. Colnel Red) along with saxophonist Carlton Romillie. The album was produced by Smith and overseen by Merlin Bobb & Sylvia Rhone, recorded in both London and LA and released on East West America and casting doubt on the groups origin. It's pretty damn good but didn't really get the recognition it deserved.

The opening track, Hold On was released as a single prior to the albums release and was handed to the Def Mix Production crew for remix treatment. David Morales turned out this splendid piece of work, engineered by John Poppo, which set tongues wagging on the club scene but possibly let the album down when it came out as a straight soul set. Either way, this release is most excellent. The LP Version gives an insight into the album but the Extended Remix transforms the track into something uplifting and totally awesome. The Bonus Mix is really just an Instrumental version of the remix.

• Extended Remix
• Bonus Mix
• LP Version

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Pride N Politix.rar Filesize: 38.65 MB

Paradise Orchestra - Colour Me 1991

Pulse 8 Records 12 LOSE 10

Italian DJ's and disco pioneers, Corrado Rizza and Gino 'Woody' Bianchi who set up Wax Productions with Dominico Scuteri, a very talented musician. Colour Me by Paradise Orchestra, one of the best Euro House tracks ever released, was their first creation, released by Alvaro Ugolini and Dario Raimondi's Rome label, X-Energy. The record charted (briefly thank God) in the UK on the highly credible Pulse 8 label establishing for them, an excellent reputation on the dance scene.

For my money, the 70's Classic Mix says it all but a song of this calibre works anyway you want it. The hook is in the string section and The Theme is like a Stringapella, listen and it will catch you like a box of fishing hooks. THIS is why it works and yet it sounds so simple?

• 70's Classic Mix
• The Theme
• Heavenly Mix
• Dominic Mix

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Paradise Orchestra.rar Filesize: 30.33 MB

Culture Beat - (Cherrylips) Der Erdbeermund 1989

Epic Records 655633 2

Long before they recorded Mr Vain, (well, three years, that's a lifetime in the music world....) Culture Beat were way cool! We're still in the 2nd Summer Of Love and anything goes. Smiley is on everything, the 808 rules and Bass, Breaks & Bleeps are on the horizon. Suddenly, from Germany of all places, the most beautiful instrumental piece of music slips from my radio and reminds me that all is well with the world!

Culture Beat was formed in 1989 by Torsten Fenslau, who had been working as a deejay at the Frankfurt nightclub Dorian Gray. His first single, the ambient house track Der Erdbeermund, with a spoken vocal in German by Jo van Nelson, peaked at number 11 in the German singles chart. It was also released in English and French titled Cherry Lips & Les Lèvres Cerises. The Instrumental Magic version was a club hit in the UK.

• Instrumental Magic
• Get Into Magic Vocal Mix

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Culture Beat.rar Filesize: 42.54 MB

Du, Du, ich bin so wild nach Deinem Erdbeermund
Ich schrie mir schon die Lungen wund
Nach Deinem Leib - Du Weib

Im Klee da hat der Mai ein Bett gemacht
Da blüht ein süsser Zeitvertreib
Mit Deinem Leib - Die lange Nacht
Da will ich sein im tiefen Tal
Dein Nachtgebet und auch Dein Sterngemahl

Im tiefen Erdbeertal im schwarzen Haar
Da schlief ich manchen Sommer lang bei Dir
Und schlief doch nie zuviel
Komm - komm - komm her
Ich weiss ein schönes Spiel
Im dunklen Tal im Muschelgrund,

Ach, ach, ach Du, ach Du, Du
Ach ich bin so wild nach Deinem Erdbeermund

Ach, ach...
Die graue Welt macht keine Freude mehr
Ich gab den schönsten Sommer her
Und Dir hat's auch kein Glück gebracht nicht war
Hast nur den roten Mund noch aufgespart

Für mich, für mich, für mich,
So tief im Haar verwahrt
Ich such ihn schon die lange Nacht
Im Wintertal im Aschengrund
Ich bin so wild nach Deinem Erdbeermund

Im Wintertal im schwarzen Erdbeerkraut
Da hat der Schnee ein Nest gebaut
Und fragt nicht wo die Liebe sei
Ich habe doch das rote Tier so tief erfahren
Als ich bei Dir schlief
Ach oh wär der Winter erst vorbei
Und wieder grün der Wiesengrund

Und Du, Du ach Du
Ich bin so wild nach Deinem Erdbeermund

Adeva - I Thank You 1989

Cooltempo COOLX 192

Adeva (born Patricia Daniels) is an American singer from New Jersey. Her big voice debuted on a Smack Productions dance cover of the Aretha Franklin/Otis Redding hit "Respect" in 1989 her debut album, Adeva!, came out in the same year. A critical and commercial success in the UK, it contained several hit singles of which I Thank You was the fourth reaching #17 on the UK chart. Along with Troy Patterson, Kevin Lewis & Brenda Mickens on backing vocals Adeva kicks up a storm but this 12" release fares well due to the additional production of SimpHouse legend Paul Simpson and engineer Dave Darlington who's name always seems to be on the best tunes. Respect is still a favorite, especially for New York City radio but for my personal preference, this beats Musical Freedom (another SimpHouse production) for the dance floor and I'd much rather hear the sublime Beautiful Love than Respect anyday.

Despite collaborations with Frankie Knuckles and being much sampled by numerous artists including Onephatdeeva, she allegedly now teaches 7th graders.

• I Thank You (The Philadelphia Mix)
• I Thank You (Philly Dub)
• I Don't Need You

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Adeva.rar Filesize: 28.11 MB

Lance Ellington - Love Scared 1990

A&M Records AMY 585

The son of English bandleader Ray Ellington, Lance has been a successful session vocalist working with many of the big names, including Al Green, Johnny Gill and Tina Turner. Although his own 1990 album, Pleasure And Pain, didn't create waves on either side of the Atlantic, those in the know valued the 12" dancefloor mixes with good reason.

Treat Me Right was remixed by Def Mix Productions but it's predecessor remained in-house. In fact, Love Scared is the album track, referred to on the sticker as Love Scared Part I, the rest of this 12" comprises new recordings, untouched by Flyte Tyme and remixed by Lance himself. Going by the wordy title of, Love Scared Part II (Let's Talk It Over), this knocks spots off of Part I. Losing the sugarey 80's dance of the Steve Hodge production, this track features one seriously bad-ass bassline. The Original and the Mellow Version are both killer dancefloor tracks whilst the Piano Version is an off-kilter, leftfield jazz track.

• Love Scared
• Love Scared PT II (Let's Talk It Over)
• Love Scared PT II (Mellow Version)
• Love Scared PT II (Piano Version)

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Lance Ellington.rar Filesize: 37.29 MB

Lance Ellington - Treat Me Right 1990

A&M Records USAT 683

The opening track from his 1990 debut album Pleasure and Pain, this is Lance Ellington. Lance is British but the album was produced by Steve Hodge at Flyte Tyme Studios.

This 12" features remixes by Def Mix Productions' David Morales who, I believe, at this time was still Frankie Knuckles protégè.

• Club Mix
• The Right Dub
• 7" Radio Mix

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Treat Me Right.rar Filesize: 34.87 MB

T-Empo - Saturday Night, Sunday Morning 1994

FFRR Records FCD 232

This superb update of the Thelma Houston classic hit in 1994 and tore up dancefloors everywhere. Loretta Johnson handles the vocals with confidence and the whole thing sounds very authentic. I still love the original but this works well too.

• T-Empo Radio Edit
• T-Empo Mix
• Madhatters R&B Mix
• Matthew Roberts Mix
• Scat-A-Day Mix

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: T Empo 94.rar Filesize: 46.02 MB