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

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

Manchester 90's Street Soul Mix #2

Apologies for the delay, folks.

Here's the second mix from Soul vendor's own DJ Manik. It may be Mancunian street soul flavas but I'm feeling the hell out of this way down South in London.

Please leave the man some love for his skill and generosity. I'll get those compilation albums posted ASAP.

Peace & luvizm one and all (normal service resumed tomorrow).

Tracklist

1. Danny Madden - The Facts Of Life (Acapella) (1990)
2. Shades Of Black - Blurton Road (A Chance In Life) (1991)
3. Funhill - Me My Turn (1991)
4. Michael Tarone - I Can Tell By The Look In Your Eye (Broadway Rude Boy Mix) (1991)
5. SWV - Right Here (Funkyman 12" Mix) (1993)
6. Jade - Don't Walk Away (Acapella Walk) (1992)
7. The Sindecut - Tell Me, Why? (1990)
8. The Family Stand - Ghetto Heaven (Soul II Soul Acapella Version) (1990)
9. Janet Jackson - Because Of Love (Muggs 7" W/Bass Intro) (1994)
10. Kiss The Sky - Living For You (1992)
11. Samuelle - So You Like What You See (1990)
12. N-Zone - Genie (1995)
13. 52nd Street - Tell Me (How It Feels) (1985)
14. Blue Zöne - Big Thing (Extended Version) (1988)
15. Intelligent Hoodlum - Back To Reality (Ragamuffin Mix) (1990)
16. Soul II Soul ‎- Fairplay (Ethnic Boys Mix) (1993)
17. Simplē E - Play My Funk (Shaded Gold Remix) (1993)
18. Sybil - Make It Easy On Me (The Drumming Remix) (1991)
19. Joanna Law - First Time Ever (Acapella) (1990)
20. Variety Feat. Suzann - Free (1996)
21. G. Simone - Music For The 90's (Husband Remix) (1994)
22. China Black - Searching (1992)
23. Lorraine Cato - How Can You Tell Me It's Over? (1992)
24. Gold In The Shade - I Really Love You So (Vip Remix) (1990)
25. Son Of Bazerk - J Dubs Theme (1991)
26. Chanté Moore - Love's Taken Over (1992)
27. Sarah Winton - Aint Got The Business But Still Got The Rhythm (1992)
28. Bô'vel - Check 4 U (Rare B-Line Version) (1996)
29. Elisha La'verne - I Like What You Do (Brother Grant Remix) (1994)
30. Fresh Cut Featuring Ann Cain - Don't Rush (1993)
31. Pure Soul - I Want You Back (Breakbeat Mix) (1995)
32. Maxine Braham  Ray Simpson - Seasons (Street Mix For 96)
33. SWV - You're The One (1996)
34. LL Cool J - Back Seat (1993)
35. Monica - Don't Take It Personal (Just One Of Dem Days) (Acapella) (1995)
36. Erykah Badu - On & On (You've Got The Props Remix)(1996)

Manchester 90's Street Soul Mix #1

Something a little different for you today folks. 

DJ Manik reached out to me after my request for folks to help out on the blog and offered up a treasure trove of urban UK & US music including the Movin' On and Inside! series'.

I'll make posts of these and get them on here to share the love.

Along with these, Manik also linked me to two of his mixes of Urban 90's flava. I thought I'd quickly check them out but found once on, I couldn't skip or switch off.

Serious business, peeps.

Here's part one of two. Enjoy this man's talent and let him take you back to a time when the music was just so much better.

Show some love in the comments either on here or on Youtube.

Tracklist

1. Soul Family Sensation - I Could Read All The Letters - The Karen Carpenter Late Night Mix (1990)
2. Love & Laughter - I Surrender (1990)
3. L.D. Jam With Sylvia Tella - Special Way (1993)
4. Loose Ends ‎– Hangin' On A String (Contemplating) (1985)
5. Jay Mondi & The Livin' Bass - All Night Long (Club Mix) (1990)
6. Leniece - Give My Love To You (1990)
7. J.T. And The Big Family - Moments In Soul (1990)
8. Wreckx-N-Effect - Rump Shaker (Back 2 UK life Remix) (1992)
9. Mary J Blige - Real Love (Fairplay Mix) (1992)
10. David Grant ‎– Life (Fairplay Mix) (1989)
11. Tammy Payne - Free Freedom Mix (BW Sound) (1990)
12. Nomad Soul - Candy Mountain (DJ Intellectual Mix) (1991)
13. D.N.A. Featuring Suzanne Vega - Tom's Diner (1992)
14. FR Mystery - I Just Wanna Be (1991)
15. Maxeen - Better Love (Retouch) (1992)
16. Ariya - Just A Touch (Biznizz Hip Hop Mix) (1993)
17. Soul II Soul - Love Enuff (4 Wheel Drive Mix) (1995)
18. Bô'vel - Check 4 You (1996)
19. Gold In The Shade - Over You (Mix 1) (1991)
20. Fresh 4 (Children Of The Ghetto) Featuring Lizz. E - Wishing On A Star (No J.B.Beats) (1989)
21. Aretha Daye - No More (Making Love) (1991)
22. Special Touch Featuring Duval - Your So Good (Retouch) (1990)
23. Beats International - Invasion Of The Estate Agents (Unavailable on Lp) (1990)
24. Smith & Mighty - Anyone... (1988)
25. Mark Morrison - Return Of The Mack (1996 acapella)
26. Maxi Priest - Close To You (Juice & Gin Mix) (1990)
27. Movement 98 Featuring Carroll Thompson - Joy And Heartbreak (The Future Remix) (1990)
28. Bassline Feat Lorraine Chambers - You've Gone Back To Bass-Ics (1989)
29. Freddie McGregor - Push Come To Shove (Street Soul Mix) (1991)
30. Nu Colours - Greater Love (Ethnic Boyz Remix) (1993)
31. Sade - Cherish The Day (Spinbad cutz intro) (1993)
32. Lalah Hathaway - Baby Don't Cry (BW sound) (1990)
33. Brandy - I Wanna Be Down (Don't Cry Mix) (1994)
34. A La Mode - 1 Only Lover (1991)
35. Pinky - Looking For A Love (Retouch) (1991)
36. Gold In The Shade - Shining Through (1990)

Tammy Payne - In Deeper Life EP - 12" Re-Up - (1996)

Cup Of Tea Records COT 018

Re-Up: Originally posted 03/09/2008.

I do not own this EP but I did download from Mick back in the day.
Apologies it is not in 320! - Kym

In 1996 this EP, written by Tammy Payne & produced by Jim Barr*, was released on the obscure Bristol label, Cup Of Tea, serving Jazz oddities like Junkwaffel & Purple Penguin. I apologise for the sizzling bacon on some tracks but I'm not aware of this vinyl being available elsewhere.

It's not as accessible as Take Me Now and gives an idea how much of a difference the Loop Mix made to the original version. One for the Jazz Heads out there. I like it, left-field and out there but it's interesting and I'm feeling it.

*Jim Barr was bass player with Portishead (1993-1997) before becoming a producer and shortly after this EP, teaming up with Tammy Payne as Sissi on Cup Of Tea in the late 90's and more recently Jukes on Twisted Nerve.

• A1 Reason
• A2 Voices
• A3 In Deeper Life
• B1 This Is Where
• B2 Voices (Seamus 'C' Horse Mix)

Download: TP-IDL.7z | Size: 23.7 MB

Eric B & Rakim - Paid In Full (Promo) - Re-Up - (1987)

4th & Broadway 12 BRX 78

Re-Up!: Originally posted by Mick on 12/04/2012.
I reconstructed this from three 320 sources so it's not strictly a vinyl rip. - Kymba

In 1987 when Eric B & Rakim could do no wrong, Coldcut was called upon to remix Paid In Full. Seven Minutes Of Madness turned out to be the most popular mix that year, from the dance-floor point of view at least. It was, quite deservedly, played to death! Eric B was not a happy man though, even though it must have doubled, if not quadrupled the sales of his album. He hated that remix, suggesting that Ofra Haza's Hebrew vocal sample from "Im Nin'Alu" could have been saying "Fuck You" for all we knew. The thing that probably irked him most was that he had no say about the remix and its release.

The real shame was that nobody else got a look in. This promo 12" (handed out at the DMC Convention if I remember rightly) is a remix created by South London's own Derek Boland. Boland had been a DJ on the pirate stations (LWR 92.5) for sometime where he created his own remixes for his show.


This remix of Paid In Full uses a nice sample from John 'Cougar' Mellancamp's - Jack & Diane and a chunk of Chuck Brown's - We Need Some Money. That's Rock Music and Go-Go in this Hip-Hop mix. It's a great version and it deserved more airplay. 

Try it, you'll like it.

Tracklist

• Paid In Full (Derek B's Urban Respray)
• Paid In Full (Album Mix)
• Eric B Is On The Cut 

Download: EB&R-PIF-P.7z | Filesize: 27.7MB

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

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

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

Steven Simmonds - Tears Never Dry - (1998)

Rhythm Series – CDRHYTHM 14, Parlophone – 7243 8 86116 2 6

Note - I originally posted this back in June 2012, but now re-upping in glorious 320! Enjoy!

Wow. This is such a badass, sexy track. You get the impression that poor Stephen Simmonds had been dumped by his woman when these tracks were recorded. He's really taking it hard, and beating himself up for having screwed up. Still, his pain seems to make for good music, and so we have the tracks Tears Never Dry featuring popular Swedish singer Lisa Nilsson, and One, which is track two (heh). Tears Never Dry is a catchy, nice little slice of pop soul. One is a man vs piano slow jam of repentance that's a little too self absorbed for me.

No disrespect to tracks one and two, but skip 'em and head straight into track three: the Soul Inside Mix. It's perfection. Dodge brings something really special to the table, and turns a good song into a f***ing great one. Better bassline, better beat, and you've got to love that mournful guitar. It's wicked (I'm sure that's Ronnie Jordan, considering his ties with the DCP boys, but he's not credited).  Anyway, this remix really brings the track to seductive, moody life, and is so good that I will always go straight for it.

Stephen Simmonds, big up your naughty, got caught cheating behind your girls back, chest.

By the way, his album Spirit Tales, which is the only other release I have by him, is excellent, and comes highly recommended by me.

Here's an artist bio stolen from LastFM:

Stephen Simmonds is a Swedish Alternative Soul recording artist, son of a Jamaican musician Father and Swedish Mother was raised in the south of Stockholm, the United States and Israel.

After completing a high-school education at the Stockholm music school Södra Latin, Swedish producer Peter Cartriers heard of Stephens talent in 1995 and invited him to his studio in Stockholm where they made a demo that first attracted the attention of a Swedish indie label and then secured a record deal with the UK major label Parlophone/EMI Music as well as Priority Records in the US. Stephen wrote and Peter produced Stephens first critically acclaimed and 5 times Grammy nominated album “Alone” (the album was re-mixed and re-named “Spirit Tales” for his UK and US release) and Stephen Simmonds had his breakthrough in 1997 with the hit “Tears Never Dry” a duet with Swedish superstar Lisa Nilsson that quickly became the most played track on radio that year.

Since then his talent has brought him to the US and the UK where he has collaborated with renowned artists such as Raphael Saadiq, Masters At Work and Mica Paris. His US release “Spirit Tales” was highly recommended by Prince and the New Power Generation on their official website.

He has performed for Stevie Wonder and Amnesty and he is the only Swedish artist who has been reviewed in the Quincy Jones founded Soul and R&B bible Vibe Magazine.

PS - I think there are some other mixes of this floating around, which I've never heard, so if you have these, why not share the love with us?

Tracklist

1. Tears Never Dry
2. One
3. Tears Never Dry (Soul Inside Mix)

Download: SS-TND.7z | Filesize: 33.6MB

Aaron Hall featuring Redman - Curiosity - (1995)

MCA Records, MCADM-55143

320 re-up! This is yet another in a long string of my old posts that have somehow become attributed to Mickey P. - Kymba

Aaron Hall (born August 10, 1964), is an American soul singer and songwriter. He was the silky-voiced lead singer of uber-producer Teddy Riley's New Jack Swing trailblazers Guy. He also sounded more than a little like Charlie Wilson of the Gap Band - no bad thing at all.

Anyway, post-Guy, Aaron had a few solo hits like the superb Don't Be Afraid from the excellent Juice OST, and this track, Curiosity, taken from the Dangerous Minds OST - yes, that's the film that *THAT* Coolio song came from.

It's a nice, funky slice of street-soul, produced and writted by Mr. Dalvin of Jodeci and one Missy Elliott, but the Marley Marl Remix is the one you'll want. It's much, MUCH funkier, and features Redman, probably my favourite rapper, doing a couple of verses that again help lift it above the original.

There's also a nice instrumental for you mixologists out there - something I always look for in a release, although no acapella.

As a point of interest, I've just seen some Youtube vids called Aaron Hall's Dog Rehab with our man working out of LA, training and rehabilitating doggies. As an animal lover that makes me love Aaron even more.

- Kymba :)

Tracklist

1. Curiosity (Marley Marl Remix - Radio Version)
2. Curiosity (Misdemeanor)
3. Curiosity (LP Version)
4. Curiosity (Marley Marl Remix - Instrumental)

Download: AH-C.7z | File size: 38.8MB

M-Beat featuring Jamiroquai - Do U Know Where You're Coming From - (1996)

Renk Records, CDRENK63

320 Re-Up!

Back in 1996, seemingly from out of nowhere, a weird collaboration happened. M-Beat (a guy best known for the jungle track Incredible with General Levy) made a funky slice of Drum & Bass with perennial Acid jazz faves Jamiroquai.

However, the results were most definitely not weird. Anything but, in fact. The combination of D&B tempo drums and 70’s funk permeating this track (you’ve got to love those wah-wah guitars) work very well indeed alongside Jay Kay's always catchy vocals, giving Jamiroquai one of their punchier, funkier moments.

This is proper future funk.

There are several versions, with not a great deal to pick from between them, but I always err on the side of the Extended Mix, which kicks some serious bootie (and has more wah-wah's and vibes).

Essential stuff!

An edit of this track made its way onto certain editions of the Travelling Without Moving CD as an unheralded bonus track.

PS - Stop the press... I've added the vinyl only Jumping Jack Frost remix, which is highly chilled full D&B version. Well worth adding to your collection.

Tracklist

1. Do You Know Where You're Coming From (Original Mix)
2. Do You Know Where You're Coming From (Touch Of Horn Mix)
3. Do You Know Where You're Coming From (Extended Mix)
4. Do You Know Where You're Coming From (Full Horns Mix)
5. Do You Know Where You're Coming From (Intelligent Groove Mix)
6. Do You Know Where You're Coming From (Dextrous Remix)
7. Do You Know Where You're Coming From (Jumping Jack Frost Remix)

Download: MB&J-DYKWYCF File size: 67.1 MB

Triviality: The tracklisting differs slightly between the back of the inlay card (displayed above, and which I've included in the .ZIP file), and the folded "lip" part of the inlay card. Have a look and see what I mean. I've gone with the ones listed above, but you might want to amend the track names if you feel I should have gone for the others.

Tammy Payne - Do You Feel It (Like I Do) - (1992)

Talkin' Loud ‎– TLKCD 19, Talkin' Loud ‎– TLKCD19, Talkin' Loud ‎– 866 827-2

While not as immediate and awesome as the slice of perfection that is Take Me Now, Do You Feel It (Like I Do) is a nice piece of early 90s socially conscious jazzy funk, A sound that really typified not just Talkin' Loud records but the UK underground music scene of this era.

Initially, when she first sings the line about "I had a dream" my gut feeling is to cringe, but as soon as that tried and tested jazz funk Talkin' Loud sound kicks in, you know this is gonna be wicked.

The Jazzy Feelin' mix comes courtesy of Roger Sanchez, and sounded pretty good to me at the time, but on revisiting it with my modern ears, sounds a little by the numbers? Maybe you'll feel differently.

The other version on here (in three separate varieties) comes from Mr Ceri Evans of the Brand New Heavies (and later Sunship), and is the definitive version, for my money.

Jump straight into the 12" mix (track 3) in my opinion.

Tracklist

1. Do You Feel It (Like I Do) (Jazzy Feelin' 7")
2. Do You Feel It (Like I Do) (12")
3. Do You Feel It (Like I Do) (7")
4. Do You Feel It (Like I Do) (Ceri Evans / Tammy Payne Dub)

Download: TP-DYFILID.7z | Filesize: 42.8 MB

Mica Paris - One - (1995)

Cooltempo Records, CDCOOL304

Originally posted in 2009 by me. Now re-upped in 320. This is another of those odd ones that is now being attributed to Mickey. Really weird, that. - Kymba

Following on from Mickey's The Chimes post, "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" which is a U2 cover version par excellence, I thought I'd do the same. We're all about the continuity here!

So take one pretentious rock/pop star's arguably finest moment. Get someone hugely talented, vocally, in to re-sing it and voila - instant magic! (Ah... but it was 'a good song' and Mica is probably the only singer who could've truly improved it? Mickey)

Yup, you're right, Mick. I'll take my slap on the wrists there - it is a classic song with truly beautiful lyrics, and I'm letting my dislike for Bono & Co colour my words, but listening to Mica Paris sing it is like hearing it the way it should be rather than just a mere cover.

Mica sings with effortless grace, and real passion. Her smokey vocals - I almost melt when she ups the emotion with the line "...did I disappoint you..." - over the slick, non intrusive beats, really are a match made in heaven. Having said that, Mica could ride over a Gun N Roses beat and make it sound wicked.

There's a suite of mixes, and I'll hazard a semi-educated guess and say that our Mickey would go for the lovely Perfecto mixes, but, for me, the Ethnic Boyz mix is the best (points awarded if you can tell me what song is sampled for the main loop), closely followed by the Original Mix. 

That's not to say the others are bad at all, though!

Tracklist

1. One (Perfecto 7" Edit)
2. One (Original Mix)
3. One (Perfecto Mix)
4. One (Ethnic Boyz Mix)
5. One (Perfecto Dub)

Download: MP-O.7z | Filesize: 58.9MB

Loose Ends - Don't Be A Fool - (1990)

Ten Records TENX312

Kym says: 320Reup. This is another post from Mickey P circa 2009. I forgot I had requested it - not being able to find my CDS at the time. I've since recovered it and am re-upping here in 320. 

Mick gives us a great write up as always and I'd like to add how much I love the breakbeat - sampled from The Demon Boyz legendary track Recognition (that break itself is a heavily modified Synthetic Substitution by Melvin Bliss which I have bigged up here and here and probably other places, too!). 

..Wait a minute, I'm coming off sounding like a real nerd, aren't I? 

"Sort ya life aaaht!" 🤣

Well, this one's for 'Our Kymba' and I certainly don't need to tell you about this, do I. What, I do? Oh..... OK then?

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, bringing an end to a legend.

In 1990 McIntosh wanted to move forward, leading the way for the 90's. Eugene and Nichol decided to leave, and were replaced by Linda Carriere and Sunay Suleyman. Look How Long was the only studio album released by this line up, and featured this, their final hit single, Don't Be A Fool.

While the rest of the music world was sticking Whoo and Yeah samples into everything from Bananarama to Timmy Mallet, Carl McIntosh utilised the technology in a far more classy and soulful way. The awesome bubbly bass line works it's magic on the feet while Carriere voice weaves into your consciousness. Five minutes and fifty seconds of highly infectious groove, Resistance is futile, dance mutha!

On the flip the Instrumental is worth checking out. There's more to this than just a plain backing track. It has a life of it's own. Let's Wax A Fatty, on the other hand, is a strange affair.

"Buy this record! You heard me..."

It's an advert? Fair enough, it's an advert with a bitchin' groove but I think it's a shame that such a good backing track gone to waste.

McIntosh himself went on to work behind the recording desk following the group's peak popularity, he has produced and remixed for many artists, most notably Caron Wheeler.

Tracklist

1. Don't Be A Fool
2. Don't Be A Fool (12" Extended Version)
3. Don't Be A Fool (Instrumental)
4. Let's Wax A Fatty

Download: LE-DBAF.7z | Filesize: 39.2MB