Darkman - Yabba Dabba Doo Reloaded - (1994)

Wildcard Records, Polydor ‎– 851 131-2

For sake of completion here are the Yabba Dabba Doo remixes, big up the one like the DJ Pugwash for the shout on the original post.

My mix of choice is still to this day the Femi Fem (of the Young Disciples) produced Party Like That Mix, but the remixes are all pretty strong. Pugs was bigging up the Mutiny remix, which is probably the best out of these newer mixes, and my junglist leanings have me appreciating the M-Beat version.

- Kym :)

Tracklist

1. Yabba Dabba Doo (La Smoov 7")
2. Yabba Dabba Doo (Original 7")
3. Yabba Dabba Doo (Party Like That Mix)
4. Yabba Dabba Doo (Mutiny One Time For Your Mind Mix)
5. Yabba Dabba Doo (M-Beat Jungle Mix)

Download: D-YDD.7z | File size: 50.5MB

Darkman - Yabba Dabba Doo - (1994)

Wildcard Records, CARDD6 855781-2

320 reup! Looks like this is another of my old posts being attributed to Mickey. Really odd - Fix up, blogger! - Kym

Here's a total banger!

Wildcard were another label on a roll in the early nineties. They'd signed China Black after their massive indie success on the Reggae charts with the still brilliant Searching (available for download elsewhere on TSV - I'll also post up a rip of the original indie release which had different mixes), and helped propel it into the pop charts. They also had Nu Colours, another up and coming urban act, and then they signed Darkman, who would go on to score the biggest UK Hip Hop chart position to date with the infectious Yabba Dabba Doo.

This track absolutely dominated airplay in the UK in the summer of '94. It was massive both on radio and in the clubs. it would blow up again the following year as well when it was remixed and rereleased (I'll post the re-release at a later date for sake of completion). However, the finest version of it for me was always the Party Like That Mix, available on both releases.

The Ghetto Lab mix is interesting for the more gangsta take on the lyrics, the 7" Mix is thoroughly decent, as is the bonus track What's not Yours, but, as stated above, it's the anthemic Party Like That Mix all the way for this girl.

Some trivia - Yabba Dabba Doo was produced by Darkman AND a guy called Micky P (I'm pretty sure he was the same Micky P who used to be on KISS FM back in the day, when it was actually good) - no relation to our Soul Vending founder.  Also,  there was additional production by the Young Disciples' very own Femi Fem. Cool, huh?

- Kymba :)

Tracklist

1. Yabba Dabba Doo (7" Mix)
2. Yabba Dabba Doo (Party Like That Mix)
3. What's Not Yours (Power Lab Censored Mix)
4. Yabba Dabba Doo (Ghetto Lab Mix)

Download: D-YDD.7z | File size: 40.4MB

Darkman - Who's The Darkman (1994)

Wildcard Records, CARDD8 853489-2

320 re-up!

Today's prime cut I'm serving up is Darkman's follow-on single to Yabba Dabba Doo, which you can find elsewhere on this site - "earth gyrl" had posted in the comments section she'd like to see this one posted, so, this one's for you, Gyrl.

Who's The Darkman was a nice follow-up single, but didn't make as huge a splash as Yabba Dabba did. However, it's still a great sounding funky track (despite the kinda loose rapping style at times), and will sound dope played at volume from your car speakers - please tell me I'm not the only one who's been caning Soul Vendor in my car?? I've got an iPod playlist chock full of beautiful urban goodness from here - but I digress.

I like both mixes of this track, and find it hard to pick between them. I think the Shine Mix just edges it, but it kinda depends on my mood. Wicked isn't a bad song, but you'll really be wanting the title track.

If I recall correctly, there were no more releases from Worldwide, the album that accompanied this and Yabba Dabba, but don't quote me on that. Regardless, the two posted here are HEAVY!

Take care, lovely people.

- Kymba :)

Tracklist:

1. Who's The Darkman? (Power Lab 7")
2. Who's The Darkman? (Shine Mix)
3. Wicked (Ghetto Lab Mix)
4. Wicked (Power Lab Mix)

Download: D-WTD.7z | File size: 38.8MB

Young Disciples - Get Yourself Together (1991)

Talkin' Loud ‎– TLKCD15, Talkin' Loud ‎– 868 993-2

Another strong release from the YD's whom I have well and truly bigged up in prior posts, so I'll get right into the tracks themselves.

There are two versions of Get Yourself Together, one of their very best tracks, both with radically different intros. I can't really pick which one I prefer so I have both in my playlist and listen to whatever pops up. Hey, it works for me.

However, the real treat here is Step Right On, which is one of my favourite tracks on The Road To Freedom. On the album it's called Step Right On (Dub), but is really an instrumental. The two mixes here have a full vocal courtesy of Outlaw Posse, strangely missing from the album - even the reissue with the extra tracks.

Anyway, look, it's a Young Disciples release so just go ahead and grab it. Quality is well and truly assured!

Peace & luvizm.

Tracklist

1. Get Yourself Together (Album Edit)
2. Get Yourself Together (Album Mix)
3. Step Right On (Keep On Steppin')
4. Step Right On (Original Mix)

Download: YD-GYT.7z | Filesize: 40.1MB

Young Disciples - Road To Freedom (reissue) - (1991/2006)

Talkin' Loud Classics ‎– 9840692

I mentioned in a previous that I don't normally do album posts on here but really this place feels kinda incomplete without this iconic release.

Where do you start when talking about a classic such as this? Words fail me when I try to sum up what this represented for many of us us here in the UK in the early '90s, especially if I want to do it justice. 

Marc Nelson and Femi Williams had been kickin' it for a while in 1990 before they were introduced to a certain Miss Carleen Anderson, true funk and soul royalty, being the daughter of James Brown Protege Vicky Anderson (Message From The Soul Sisters), who had relocated to London. A coming together of like minded folk somewhat akin to the stars aligning.

Now, I ain't much of a believer in fate and suchlike, but whatever universal chemistry led to this fortuitous meeting, I am eternally grateful. It birthed such amazing music as Get Yourself Together, As We Come To Be, Move On, the heartrendingly beautiful Freedom Suite and, of course, Apparently Nothin' - a song so perfect and era defining it really needs little said about it (although I do wax lyrical on my Apparently Nothin' CD single post). 

In addition to Carleen's angelic singing, Road To Freedom featured guest spots from the always dope Masta Ace from the US, with my man MC Mell'O and Outlaw Posse repping the UK. The list of musicians involved is even more impressive; Fred Wesley, Maceo Parker, Mick Talbot, Paul Weller (yeah, THE Paul Weller (the album was recorded at his own studio) of The Jam fame), Steve White, Max Beesley, and IG Culture from Dodge City Productions, who all feature.

No wonder it was so damn good!

While a sizeable chunk of the UK demographic were swept along on the crest of a glorious wave of bleepy, intense BPM breakbeat madness and rave culture, there was a parallel musical movement more urban, more soulful and informed by a hip hop sensibility that pulled us in a direction far more nourishing to the soul. It had been around for a while, spearheaded by artists like Loose Ends and Soul II Soul in the late 80s, with bands such as the Sindecut, The Brand New Heavies, Jamiroquai and others following in the early 90s. The YDs were a huge part of that; really solidifying the urban cool identity of so many of us, and in a way, still defining us to this day.

So this is the 2006 reissue which contains 4 bonus tracks at the end. I wanted to put this up so you could get your hands on the Soul Pride Mix of Move On, which is easily one of their best, and really outstrips the original.

They only released the one album, which is a damn shame, but looking back on it, when you've dropped something so timeless and perfect... where would you go after that?

Peace and love x

Tracklist

1. Get Yourself Together (Part 1 & 2) 
2. Apparently Nothin' (Soul River) 
3. Funky Yeh Funki 
4. Talkin' What I Feel 
5. All I Have (In Dub) 
6. Move On 
7. As We Come (To Be) 
8. Step Right On (Dub) 
9. Freedom Suite (Freedom, Wanting, To Be Free) 
10. Young Disciples Theme 
11. All I Have In Me (Young Ideas Mix) 
12. Move On (Soul Pride Mix) 
13. Apparently Nothin' (12" Mix) 
14. All I Have In Me (Original Musiquarium Mix)

Download: YD-RTF.7z | Filesize: 175.256MB

Young Disciples - Apparently Nothin' (1991)

Talkin' Loud, TLKCD 5

Now re-upped in 320.

An anonymous person requested Apparently Nothin’ in the comments section of the Young Disciples EP/Move On EP, and I felt moved to oblige.

To be fair, I can’t believe this track isn’t on here already, it’s such an undeniable, bona-fide, classic, and it’s the sort of track that should be on first, before any other tracks are added, kinda thing - it really is that big a tune.

You all know this song. It was the gem in the crown of the UK urban music scene in the 90s. A modern day funk masterpiece, no less. I’d even go so far as to say it is arguably one of the finest slices of music to ever come out of the UK (then again, the YD’s are one of my all-time fave bands, so I’m kinda biased). It was covered by the Brand New Heavies (I have their version laying around somewhere if anyone is curious), but it plain wasn't as good as this original release. There really isn't much to say about this song that you won't already know, I guess.

This CD single contains no real surprises - there's the version we all know and love, as well as a shortened Radio Edit, and an Instrumental version (yay!). There's also the Soul River version, which appears on the album, which has that wicked Rhodes/wah-wah opening.

Ladies and gentlemen, Soul Vendor is proud to present the mighty Young Disciples, Apparently Nothin’.

That is all. ;)

Kymba x

Tracklist

1. Apparently Nothin’ (Edit) 
2. Apparently Nothin’ 
3. Apparently Nothin’ (Soul River Mix) 
4. Apparently Nothin’ (Instrumental) 

Download: YD-AN.7z | Filesize: 43.3MB

Tammy Payne - Take me Now - (1991)

Talkin' Loud ‎– TLKCD 12

Wow, what a song this one is. 

You can find this in a couple of places on the Soul vendor; Mick's already posted the 12" and I recently put up a Talkin' Loud compilation CD with it on, but here is the CDS in all its glory.

Take Me Now is such a great track. The jazzy vibes, that breakbeat underpinning it, the little "Uh!" vocal stab, and Tammy's flawless and sexy vocal performance - she really sings her ass off here - all add up to making a perfect song.

The Loop Mix is the version you'll want, being the definitive version. Forgot the edit. Who needs a shortened version of something so great? The Dub Me Now Mix is kinda nice (more on that in a moment) despite the name being misleading, but as stated, track two all the way for me.

In Heart And Mind is a nice, cool, jazzy number and well worth investigating, too.

Sadly, I don't have much trivia to share on Tammy Payne or this particular track, but looking at the sleeve there are some some things of note. Although Billy Osbourne is listed as the producer, also credited on additional production and remix are the Young Disciples as well as some of their regular crew (Brendan Lynch, Max Beesley and Demus), which is a real treat to know. I'm pretty sure that they're only involved with the Dub Me Now Mix, which isn't particularly dubby, but I wonder if they had anything to do with the Loop Mix?

According to Discogs, Tammy seemed to stop recording after 2004. Such a shame.

tracklist

1. Take Me Now (Loop Edit)
2. Take Me Now (Loop Mix) 
3. In Heart And Mind
4. Take Me Now (Dub Me Edit)

The Download Link is here: TP-TMN.7z | Filesize: 43.1MB

Various - Talkin Loud Two (1993)

Talkin' Loud ‎– 516 061-2

This one's going out to JayBilla, and to the rest of the MIA Soul Vendor crew who have yet to return.

I used to love the trend that we enjoyed in the 90s of labels releasing "sampler" compilation albums. It was a great way to get hold of some phatt tunes at a reasonable price. In my other life as a hiphop and Drum & Bass fan, Rawkus Records and Moving Shadow used to do a wicked line in the things.

I digress though. Talkin Loud's second compilation album is a belter with highlights including Galliano's Prince Of Peace, All I have In Me and Move On from the seminal Young Disciples, MC Solaar dropping some dope French hiphop in Qui Seme Le Vent Recolte Le Tempo, Omar's two joints, Incognito's fab Stevie Wonder Cover Don't You Worry Bout A Thing (as posted elsewhere on here) and the always brilliant Take Me Now by Tammy Payne. And that's just my faves. The others ain't exactly filler.

What this all adds up to is a strong release from a fantastic label highlighting their trademark blend of bohemian/urban/hippy/soul/acid jazz.

I'd actually forgotten what a great album this was. What are YOUR highlights?

Tracklist

1. Urban Species - Hide And Seek (4:35) 
2. Galliano - Hungry Like A Baby (5:12) 
3. Incognito - Colibri (5:39) 
4. Omar - You've Got To Move (5:14) 
5. The K-Creative - Back To The Real World (7:18) 
6. Young Disciples - All I Have In Me (6:06) 
7. Marxman - Theme From Marxman (4:24) 
8. MC Solaar - Qui Seme Le Vent Recolte Le Tempo (4:00) 
9. Perception - Serious Love (5:36) 
10. Bryan Powell - I Commit (3:22) 
11. Tammy Payne - Take Me Now (5:35) 
12. Young Disciples - Move On (3:27) 
13. Omar - Music (5:37) 
14. Galliano - Prince Of Peace (3:59) 
15. Incognito - Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing (5:12) 

PS - I have an alternative version of this CD with a slightly tweaked tracklisting. 3 songs are different. Track 12 is 'Apparently Nothin'' rather than 'Move On', Track 13 is 'There's Nothing Like This' instead of 'Music', and 15 is 'Always There' and not 'Don't You Worry Bout A Thing'. If there's any interest I can always put that up as well. Let me know.

Download: TL2.7z | Filesize: 177MB

Young Disciples - Apparently Nothin' (1991)

Talkin' Loud, TLKCD 5

I originally posted Apparently Nothin’ in February 2009, but since we're on a program of re-upping all the releases that were saved to (and lost by) Megaupload, I figured I'd rip it again at a higher quality.

Apparently Nothin' is such an undeniable, bona-fide, classic, and it’s the sort of track that should have been on this blog first, before any other tracks are added, kinda thing - it really is that big a tune.

You all know this song. It was the gem in the crown of the UK urban music scene in the 90s. A modern day funk masterpiece, no less. I’d even go so far as to say it is arguably one of the finest slices of music to ever come out of the UK (then again, the YD’s are one of my all-time fave bands, so I’m kinda biased). It was covered by the Brand New Heavies (I have their version laying around somewhere if anyone is curious), but it plain wasn't as good as this original release. There really isn't much to say about this song that you won't already know, I guess.

Its flawless retro funk production, coupled with a killer vocal performance from Carleen Anderson (True funk royalty; her mother was one of James Brown's go-to funky divas, recording the classic Message From The Soul Sisters among others), make it a killer release.

This CD single contains no real surprises - there's the version we all know and love, as well as a shortened Radio Edit, and an Instrumental version (yay!). There's also the Soul River version, which appears on the album, but isn't quite as good (in my opinion anyway), but does have a lovely wah-wah guitar opening.

Ladies and gentlemen, Soul Vendor is proud to present the mighty Young Disciples, Apparently Nothin’.

I've re-ripped it in 192kbps for your listening pleasure, so you may want to re-download. Oh, I also bought the US limited edition remixes recently; I'll get those ripped and upped ASAP for you.

Enjoy!

- Kymba

• Apparently Nothin’ (Edit)
• Apparently Nothin’
• Apparently Nothin’ (Soul River Mix)
• Apparently Nothin’ (Instrumental)

The Download Link is here: Apparently Nothin'.zip | Filesize: 26.33MB @ 192kbps

Young Disciples - Young Disciples EP Remix (1992)

Talkin' Loud Records TLKXR18

How great a label was Talkin’ Loud? (Don’t answer, rhetorical question.)
Talkin’ Loud had many, many great artists recording for them and really carried the torch for the quality urban UK music scene of the early nineties, but, for me, no Talkin’ Loud artist or band came close to the Young Disciples.
I won’t wax lyrical about the YD's, Mickey has already written a nice piece about them in the post for the original Young Disciples EP. No, I’ll just talk about this particular release.
Move On, the main track from the YD’s EP was always due for release as a single. Like Get Yourself Together and the anthemic Apparently Nothin’ before it, it was much too catchy a track not to be. However, it is the version contained on this remix EP, the Soul Pride Mix, which got heavy rotation in the clubs and radio stations, and is regarded by yours truly as the definitive version of the track. Far superior to the album and original EP version, without being radically different.
Also included are two other mixes, the Hog Mix and the Lynch Mob Beats version, which was also included on the original EP, which vexes me a little, as I’d have liked an Acapella. Still, both tracks are, dare I say it, not bad as filler tunes *ducks something thrown by BadBoy*, but really, it’s all about the Soul Pride Mix.
The views expressed in my posts do not necessarily reflect those of Mickey P, but sometimes they might do, as he has an excellent taste in music.
For the original EP, and more on the YD’s themselves, please see Mickey's earlier post here.
- Kymba

• Move On (Soul pride Mix)
• Move On (Hog Mix)
• Move On (Lynch Mob Beats)

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Young Disciples EP (Remix).zip Filesize: 17MB