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The Now-Again inhouse band returns with a new EP of tracks that feature a heavy psych-funk/ bollywood-sitar/ Egon-has-his-fingers-in-here feel. And it's a welcome sound for the fellas, chopping up their obviously skilled group with the essential busted edges and a few black...
expand review eyes. The guitars are fuzzed a little more, the instrumentation is on the repetitive/hypnotic drive, and there's just a general mist (studio magic?) on top of these cuts that make them very intriguing. Includes 5 tracks total with a cool dub for "Sticks & Stones." -the mgmnt
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In a welcome meeting of past & present artists in the Now Again stable, Connie Price & The Keystones team up with LA Carnival vocalists Lester Abrahms and Leslie Smith for "Wildflowers(1)," one of the label's most engaging tracks yet. The addition...
expand review of Lester & Leslie on vocals lifts the Keystones solid backing up to something much bigger than your usual new funk outing. These guys are not aping JB (or anybody else for that matter) and come through with the kind of soulful and beautiful vocals that are simply non-existent on the new funk scene. The b-side gives us the full instrumental and a bonus beats(2) track that is just Connie banging away on the kit solo. -the mgmnt
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How can you not like this? Great late 70s soul disco reissue on Egon & Peanut Butter Wolf's Soul Cal label. If you aren't into this soul disco shit yet then you better get on it, cuz you're seriously missing out. This...
expand review record has apparently been highly sought after among collectors and has gone for more than $500! Ellis & Cephas definitely have the Bee Gee-esque vocals, but if that puts you off, don't worry - the funk makes up for it. "I'm Gonna Miss You Girl(1)" is the dancey track here, while "Heaven(2)" is a little moodier with a melodic bassline and some light synth in the background. -rikki
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SPECIAL OFFER: Purchase this album and receive a free bonus 7" by Karl Hector and the Malcouns.
Heliocentrics opened the doors or a whole new kind of funk movement this year, and Now-Again is about to blow that door into a portal with...
expand review this release. Introducing Karl Hector & The Malcouns. The band is a kind of super group comprised of the leader of the Funk Pilots, Karl Hector, plus Jay Whitfield from Poets Of Rhythm and Thomas Myland and Zdenko Curlija, the founders of longtime Soul Fire associates the Malcouns. The result is a kind of funk gumbo that blends psychedelic, Afro-beat and Southern funk sounds into an entirely new kind of experience. The album is meant to be listened to in its entirety, complete with intros and abstract transitions. Here are my suggestions, but like I said, it's best as a whole. Check the goods: "Nyx(1)," "Followed Path(2)," "Sahara Swing(3)," "Debere(4)," "Jabore Pt. 3(5)," "Mellow - Version(6)," "Rush Hour(7)," and "Passau Run(8)." Listen for impeccable drum kits, thick with funky basslines, classic solos, and a rhythm section that lives for the pocket. Highly recommended. -C'mish
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This is the third compilation in Luaka Bop's series of "world psychedelic classics," and this time David Byrne's label has hooked up with the west coast young bucks at Stones Throw to explore some sounds from '70s Africa. As the title hints,...
expand review this is not a strictly funky affair. The tracks tend to fall somewhere on the spectrum between baroque acid-laced rock and the more familiar afrobeat grooves we've heard in other compilations. The solid thump of Tunji Oyelana's "Ifa(1)" and the Super Eagles' "Love's A Real Thing(2)" (sounding a bit like an African LA Carnival) bracket the funk and rock ends of the spectrum, while Dahomey's Orchestre Poly-Rythmo presents a perfect illustration of the genres' blend with their heavy "Minsato Le, Mi Dayihome(3)." There are a couple of nice latin cuts (rumba was a popular sound in West Africa), "Allah Wakbarr(4)" being the choice for the traditionalist who might not appreciate the over the top fuzz guitar on No.1 de No.1's "Guajira Van(5)." Also check Moussa Doubia's JB-inspired "Keleya(6)" and Sorry Bamba's "Porry(7)." The ten cuts (spread over two pieces of vinyl) may not be DJ material for most, but are a diverse and interesting addition to the growing library of quality afro compilations. -monk
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