March 27, 2007

if this ain't love (don't know what is)

nicole willis and the soul investigators

keep reachin up
2006 / timmion
listen :: download


I think I got it right this time ;). i'm diving into brooklyn born, finland living soul sistah nicole willis. the album is nicely polished and this track is killer. great article about her and the band here and another one here. cheers to bobbalin' hot ... mama feel good!.

March 18, 2007

bud makes me wiser

ex-press

the definitive article
1994 / yellow
listen :: download


uk rapper ex-press was released on the french label yellow productions back in '94; i can't find much info at all about him, but "the definitive article" is a solid hip hop release.

blues for basie

gene harris

funky gene's
1994 / concord records
listen :: download


a great pianist, gene harris mixed blues and gospel influences with his eminent jazz style. this track is a solid example of his work; tightly performed, handled perfectly.

March 13, 2007

hungry like the wolf

richard cheese

unreleased?
2005 / -
listen :: download


cheesy as he can be, dick delivers his swinging take on the duran duran hit.

flute loop [instrumental]

the beastie boys

ill communication
1994 / capitol
listen :: download


the original recording of this song has rap vocals, from the hip hop nugget ill communication. i dig this instrumental version, clearly showcasing the trio's genius in fusing their musical influences into "the nu jazz."

neutron dance

pointer sisters

break out
1983 / planet records
listen :: download


it's classic funky urban pop from the album that brought us other 80s milestones as "i'm so excited" and "jump (for my love)." more of the sister trio goodness can be found on their 1975 record, steppin'.

March 9, 2007

step it up

the bamboos (with alice russell)
step it up
2006 / ubiquity
listen :: download



alice russell is prolific as she is talented, regularly involved in collaborations with the likes of quantic soul orchestra, tm juke, and the bamboos, as well as being a solo artist in her own right (check out under the munka moon). this searing-hot serve of raw funk is the title track off the latest album from melbourne outfit the bamboos. i've also included a live cover of "crazy" by cee-lo (he of gnarles barkley fame). while not as good as the original, it showcases russell's sweet, soulful vocals.

crazy (gnarles barkley cover) - live
alice russell (w/quantic)

March 8, 2007

rehab (d.e.d. remix)

amy winehouse

rehab [single]
2006 / universal
listen :: download


amy winehouse has been getting a lot of attention lately with her latest album rehab, and along with joss stone and alice russell she is one of the premier female talents on the uk soul scene.

running from love

freddie cruger featuring atl

dub selector 3 (compilation)
2006 / quango fontana
listen :: download


hailing from stockholm sweden, freddie cruger has been producing soulful discobeats for over a decade. this is a great reggae joint with a hip hop flavour...

March 7, 2007

family rap (extended vocal mix) / trick me (tm juke mix)

breakestra featuring chali 2na, soup, double k / kelis

family rap 12" / rebtuz ep3 12"
2006 / ubiquity / tru thoughts (?)
listen :: download


a double hit of funky hip hop. the first is another blazing funk track from breakestra, a version of which can be found on their essential hit the floor album. this particular remix is from the limited vinyl 12" single release, and features the unmistakable baritone rap of charli 2na (jurassic 5). the other is a great jazzy rehash by tm juke of the kelis track "trick me." thanks goes to djouls for the smooth mix.