Tag Archives: 45s

The Darling Dears – I Don’t Think I’ll Ever Love Another

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Test pressing for The Darling Dears

Great nod to the old Flower City label by COS

I had been hearing a lot about this Holy Grail Soul record for a long time, and when Jeff over at Cultures of Soul send me a message that they were reissuing it and asked if I wanted a test pressing, well, how could I say no? The original record, for those of you who are into this type of thing, has fetched upwards of three thousand bucks and more on online auctions. With only about 1000 45′s pressed up in originally, this record has been on many a want list (and apparently a dude found 50 copies in the remains of the Fine Records Studio in Rochester). The Rochester, NY band is backed up by fellow Flower City mates Funky Heavy on this track (which was originally done by the band Rock Candy) for some really sweet, beautiful, Soul. It seems that COS hooked up with the Darling Dears themselves, as well as long time music promoter Alvin (Lawrence) Lofton and the rest they say, is history. A reissue of some of the sweetest girl group Soul you will ever hear is getting put out for all to consume, and not for $3K.

If that’s not enough, it seems that Now Again with help from NY Funk and Soul researcher and archivist David Griffith have teamed up to also release this record through their Orivious Records label. It looks like both parties have done their homework and released it through the proper channels. Props to both of these great labels for making sure these artists get paid. This is something I like to see here at FMF. Now for all you collectors, diggers, DJs, and Soul lovers, you can go over to Cultures of Soul and get your “special limited edition issue of this 45 licensed courtesy of Alvin Lofton and the Darling Dears. Limited to 500 copies and fully remastered with a special replica label of the original issue. The first 50 pre-orders will also receive a reprinted photo of the group.” That’s the photo used above. Hot damn for some sweet Soul.

The Darling Dears – I Don’t Think I’ll Ever Love Another on Flower City Records

Order the 45 from Big Cartel.

More info on the Darling Dears from Cultures of Soul

Keep Diggin’!

Funky Bijou – Funky Bijou Anthem

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Funky Bijou – Funky Bijou Anthem, the video

Straight out of Rennes, France comes Stereophonk Records. Headed up by DJ Deheb and DJ Marrrtin, this French label is releasing some scorching Funk, Soul, and Hip Hop 45s. Funky Bijou’s “Funky Bijou Anthem” is their first, with a run of 800 which sold out immediately. I can completely understand why. A perfect B-Boy anthem: a sad guitar loop, some tabla and Indian percussion, funky flute, plus some drums of death which make this rocker complete that keeps all the dancers uprocking all night long. These guys have a facebook page where you can check out more videos and information on the Stereophonk posse. This particular track has been adopted as a B-Boy anthem, recently played at the Redbull BC One in Moscow in 2011:

It’s a scorcher, reminiscent of “The Baden Persuader” from Starla Records and one of my favorite sitar break records, “Mather” by the Dave Pike Set. They’ve also got some pretty great remixes too, a funk filled remix of “Ooh Baby” from Smokey Robinson , and Patti Drew’s “Tell Him” (for the romantic B-Boy in you!). The promo videos they have created for each track are a great collage and just like putting sliced truffles under the skin of game fowl, it’s a nice pairing to say the least. They’re tagline at Stereophonk is: French Groove Recordings, and they more than live up to their name. Keep an eye and ear out from this crew, as they will stay on your radar after you hear some of these sides and remixes.

Funky Bijou – Funky Bijou Anthem

Stereophonk on Soundcloud

Keep Diggin’!

Big Ups with Jazzman Gerald

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Of all of the Big Up interviews (which btw have all been great in my opinion), this has been the most anticipated. Jazzman Gerald is a guy who does things the way he wants. In other words, he is the guy who set the bar for reissues and bringing the underdog artist to the public’s eyes and ears. He has been doing it well, taking care of the artists he reissues, all the while running a record label dynasty that is quite impressive. When not DJing rare music all over the world, he’s keeping all the record collectors, DJs, producers and artists scrambling to get his latest releases and compilations. Heard he’s a football supporter, but no mention of it in the interview. Gerald get at me on that! It is an honor for us to have Gerald in this latest installment of Big Ups. Enjoy!

Jazzman Records on the web.

TheJazzman Gerald Blog. See what he’s up to.

Follow Jazzman on twitter.

Keep Diggin’!

Eula Cooper Live! in Brooklyn

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Dope flyer by Soulmarcosa

For all you Funk and Soulsters in the Tri-State area, the good people over at Dig Deeper have got another hot show for you. In the past, they have brought you artists like Syl Johnson, Winfield Parker, Sugar Pie DeSanto, Willie West, Kings Go Forth, Marva Whitney, Darrow Fletcher and more. On January 28th they bring back Soul Sister Eula Cooper for the second time since 2008. Eula Cooper, known for her small string of sides released on Tragar and Note Records, as well as Atlantic, will be bringing her Georgia heat to the stage at Southpaw, backed up by The MAP Legends. Meah Pace will be the opener, and as usual, Mr. Robinson and DJ Honky will be spinning the Funk and Soul 45′s in between acts and late into the night.

Dig Deeper does a great job bringing these sometimes long forgotten Funk and Soul artists to NYC, many who have never performed here during their early careers. Their events have grown pretty huge, getting spotlighted in magazines like The New Yorker, and drawing audiences from pretty far. So if you’re in the market for some real, live, Funk and Soul, Dig Deeper have got your fix this weekend.

Dig Deeper
Southpaw
125 5th Ave
Brooklyn, NY
2,3 to Bergen/ B, Q to 7th
718.230.0236

Buy tickets to this event here.

Keep Diggin’!

Eula Cooper Live! at The 5 Spot in Brooklyn, NY 2008

Diazpora – Song 2

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I find that the best cover songs are usually in the Funk and Reggae realm. Early Reggae that was covering Motown and R & B that they heard on American airwaves, or from the records that were brought back from the States just can’t be beat. In the modern sense, it seems like a lot of Funk and Soul bands were resurrecting the sounds of artists like JB and Marva Whitney, but also dabbling in covers of Rock songs. Adam aka Lack of Afro has a cracker of a cover of Arctic Monkeys “When The Sun Goes Down”, and now our friends in Germany at Our Records have released a little Rock cover of their own. The most well known Blur song, “Song 2″, or the Woo Hoo song if you will, has been “reinvented as an uptempo Deep Funk tune by Diazpora with tight horns and featuring the vocal talents of Hamburg’s Nora Kinga Becker, who gives the song the soulful edge it deserves.” It’s the second record produced by Our Label’s own Gu, and it’s a belter.

Nora Kinga Becker channels N’Dea Davenport via Damon Albarn’s lyrics, while Diazpora’s tight drums, wah wah guitar, and horn section move your body and shake your ass to the groove. Lest we not forget the bass line, which will keep you dippin’ for the entire 2:12. As Keb Darge once said: “I play fucking records that I think are great, and that’s my style”. I couldn’t agree more with that statement in terms of this record.

Snippet of Diazpora – Song 2 on Soundcloud

Hear the full length on Our Records You Tube Channel

Buy this record here.

Keep Diggin’!

Creative Source – Who Is He And What Is He To You

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Creative Source was a short lived band out of Los Angeles, California. Comprised mostly of mostly unknown musicians, the band put out four Lps, 2 on the mighty Sussex label, and 2 on the equally big Polydor Records. Here’s their biggest hit, a cover of Bill Withers’ “Who Is He And What Is He To You” on Sussex Records from 1974.

Bill Withers, when he wasn’t assisting the whole of the country procreate with his music, was writing solid, Soul music. There is no way you can deny “Use Me” or “Just The Two Of Us” (among others). However, Creative Source took his song “Who Is He And What Is He To You” and elevated it to something else. Members Barbara Berryman, Barbara Lewis, Don Wyatt, Steve Ranagan, and Celeste Rose went the funky Disco route and hyped up this side. Although they would make the move from Sussex to Polydor after Migration, clearly a bigger record label, they didn’t find the success they wanted. In fact, after just two more records with not much promotion, Creative Source would be put back onto a dusty shelf. Even though they would reach the top fifth of the US R & B charts with several of the records, it seems like it’s the same old song and dance with the old record industry. No money, no promotion, and in a world where there was no social media let alone computers or Twitter, you actually had to rely on radio stations, A & R, and a record company to push a certain record or band. While they had a good run, Creative Source faded back into normal life as quickly as they came in.

Creative Source’s version of “Who Is He And What Is He To You” is something special. What I’m bringing to you today is the instrumental, which I think is the best version. The Lp version is well over 10 minutes long (imagine that playing on FM on a Saturday night), but the single version packs a punch too. A wah wah guitar, some fuzzed out guitars, plus some fantastic horn stabs will keep your head nodding (and the dance floor movin’) until the end of the night. They may have been a flash in the pan, but if Creative Source kept putting out belters like this, they might have had a little longer shelf life. In fact, this has Blaxploitation car chase written all over it. Black Dynamite, get on it will you? FYI, this band also did a great version of “Magic Carpet Ride” from the S/T first LP which I have included on a past FMF mix. Here’s to a funky MLK Day. Keep Diggin’!

Download or Listen to Creative Source – Who Is He And What Is He To You from the Sussex 45

Big Ups with DJ Teepee

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Bristol, UK Selector Tim Partridge aka DJ Teepee has been holding down court with DJ Andy Smith with the Jam Up Twist series of nights around the UK, as well as his Bop & Soul night, spinning everything from Ska to Northern Soul to Jump Blues. FMF is happy to have Tee Pee in our Big Ups series, a veteran of the Bristol scene, and a guy with a very good taste in music.

Check out Tim when he and Andy educate the youngins at Bristol’s Jam Up Twist here .

Also check out Tim’s night at Cosies if you’re in the Bristol area.

Keep Diggin’!

FMF presents: Lost Soul 45 Mix

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After a short break for the New Year’s holiday, we’re back here at FMF. I’ve got a special treat for you. I did this mix at the end of 2011 for a special podcast, which should be out shortly on another site’s series, but since it’s the new year, I thought I would throw it up here to see what you guys think. I was particularly feeling some Soul 45′s that day, most of these records I haven’t used before on a mix (with the exception of a snippet of the the Willie Hobbs tune that was used on the first FMF mix ever in 2007, the Witches and the Warlock, and the Lee Williams I believe). If I’ve repeated some tunes, I apologize, but they are so good!

This mix is a tribute to all the lovers, the fighters, the heartbroken, the love struck, and those that still believe in this thing called love. Please enjoy and pass it on to a friend by spreading the love if you’re feeling this mix.

    Lost Soul Track Listing

Shirley Brown – Love Is Built On A Strong Foundation/ abet
Willie Hobbs – My Goodness Yes/ Silver Fox
Brenton Wood – I Think You’ve Got Your Fool’s Mixed Up/ Double Shot
Unlimited Four – Walk Away Lover/ Chanson
The Gaslight – I’m Only A Man/ Grand Junction
Gloria Taylor – Loving you and Being Loved/ Silver Fox
The Ethics – There’ll Still Be A Sweet Tomorrow/ Vent
Sherry Pye – Gimme A Break/ Match
Thelma Jones – Souvenirs of a Heartbreak/ Barry!
The Ambers – Don’t Go/ Jean Althia Records Ltd.
Gene Burks – You Got It/ Calla
The Omystics – (I’m So) In Love With You/ Castle
Witches and the Warlock – Behind Locked Doors/ Sew City
James Carr – Love Attack/ Goldwax Records
Lou Courtney – What Do You Want Me To Do/ Rags
Ed Townsend – Don’t Lead Me On/ Tru-Glo-Town
The Charmetts – Breaking up Again/ Philomega
James & Bobby Purify – I Don’t Want To Have To Wait/ Bell Records
Lee Williams and the Cymbals – I Love You More/ Carnival Records
Sam & Bill – For Your Love/ Joda

Download or Listen to FMF presents Lost Soul: Forgotten Soul 45′s Mixed By DJ Prestige

Keep Diggin’!

A Flea Market Funk 2011 Retrospective

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2011 has been a banner year here at Flea Market Funk. I’ve got a lot to be thankful for, and I wanted to go over a few highlights this year and shout out the people who have motivated me to keep doing what I’m doing, as well as pushing me to be better as a writer, DJ, and a person.

Flea Market Funk made the switch from Asbury Park, NJ to Brooklyn NY in early 2011. I need to thank my wife, first and foremost for getting me up to NYC, and for always pushing me harder to do more creative things and be a better person. Without her, this site would not have shaped up the way it has. She encouraged me, when I wanted to change the format and add my love of Hip Hop culture (sampling, producing, mixes, DJ culture and the like) to the site to just “go for it”. I believe that this added a whole new dimension to FMF. For that I thank you my dear, you are my best friend, and the best wife I could have ever asked for. This past year I started my most successful venture besides my mixes, the Big Ups interview series. I wanted to showcase the people I respect in this music game, and thank everyone who participated in it. I’ve got a great line up to start 2012, so please stay tuned for that. 2011 also brought my collaboration with Mr. Skeme Richards, The Nostalgia King, and the Hot Peas and Butta Crew. Skeme and I made the hook up, I DJ’d one of their events, and what can I say, he’s my brother from another mother. Look out for some HP&B x FMF collaborations in 2012. Salut! to one of the originators. This past year brought my successful residency over at the Ace Hotel here in NYC. I want to shout out the Friday night staff and booker for always making me feel at home, welcoming my creativity and choice of music throughout the Fridays. Whether I was playing Jay Dilla or Dawn Penn, or a Dre remix of the Rolling Stones, you all supported the night and promoted the hell out of it. I am looking forward to doing more with all of you in this upcoming year. I’d also like to shout out Richard Smith aka Spice of Slice-of-Spice Records, who is one of the hardest working men in the game I know. Churning out releases faster than Gareth Bale scores goals (and he’s a Spurs supporter), looking to hook up with some SOS in the ’12. I again wanted to thank the one and only Heavy Soul Brutha Dave, who has been a huge supporter of FMF as well as my mixes, and has promoted the shit out of me through his site, and Mixcloud. Looking forward to getting together with you in the future over a beer and talking music. Shout out to Terry Cole over at Colemine Records, for keeping the Funk flowing like they used to out in the Midwest. 2011 saw FMF get a shout out (and a link to) on BBC, for an article I wrote on Gilles Peterson and David Rodigan’s Sound Clash (and a retweet by Daddy Rodigan). There were also mentions by Dilla’s mother Maureen Yauncey, who promoted one of my mixes that featured her son, talk about honored! New connections were made with artists like Small Pro out of Philly, Jet Tricks of of the UK, The gang over at Our Label Records in Germany, and the great Jim Thompson from Brooklyn’s own Electric Cowbell Records. A huge thanks to Brett and the people at Nixon, who have kept me fresh dipped in Nixon gear, as well as their new line of headphones, which are top notch. If 2012 is anything like 2011 was, I’m going to be busy. I’ll be busy anyway, as my wife and I are expecting a son in February. I’m looking forward to teaching the little youth all about the music, which will be my best accomplishment yet.

Finally, I’d like to shout out all my DJ people: Larry Grogan, DJ Prime Mundo, DJ Bluewater, Devil Dick, mFasis, Rob None, DJ Andy Smith, DJ Shawn Francis, Neil Nice, and anyone else I have missed. Thank you all for the support, and for driving me to find these records and get them out there. Trying to get an AP 45 Sessions reunion up here in BK or NYC, so let’s make it happen. Lots of projects in 2012, including a second guest mix series, a pledge drive, and lots more. Bring it on! Have a soulful and funky New Year, and I will see you in the ’12.

Keep Diggin’!

Label Profile: Our Label Records

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In 2005, DJ Gu and Brother Tom decided to form their own record label. Gu, a DJ since age 12 had discovered that he loved rare Funk, Soul, and Jazz sometime in the mid 1990′s. His involvement with Urban Jazz Groove in Bremen, Germany (his hometown) put him on the international DJ circuit. One of his stops was in London, with Keb Darge and his Legendary Deep Funk night. Gu decided that in order to be more well recognized as a DJ (as well as a producer and composer), the two would start a record label. With intentions on bringing new and unheard Funk and Soul to the masses, Gu wrote a song, which was performed by the Leeds, UK band The New Mastersounds. The result, after a two hour studio session was a mobile recorded “Give Me A Minute Part 1″. The brothers describe the end result in their words: “… and all of a sudden we were on the train from Leeds to London with a very rough recording of The New Mastersounds on an old mobile.” Our Label Records was born.

“ When Our Label Records releases the Funk, I take note ”-Professor Groove, WEFUNK

Six years and six releases later, Our Label Records have absolutely made a name in the Funk world. Case in point: the first Osaka Monaurail 7″ and two exclusive Keb Darge productions sold out quickly. After a two year hiatus, Our Label Records is back, and they return with a new side: “ABX”, by Swiss multi-instrumentalist Sir Ali Bengali released in November, as well as four new releases slated for 2012. They have also parted ways with Unique Records who handled their distribution, to take over it themselves. This two year hiatus was used to get back to grassroots and will ensure that they will be able to oversee the whole operation, ensuring better international delivery and distribution and gain full control of the business. Their international artist roster so far has bands from the UK, Japan, Germany, Russia, Switzerland, Canada, Italy and is growing.

Their stable of artists is very strong, the aforementioned Osaka Monaurail, The Magnificent Freedom (which is a great record btw), The Inmates, Wake and Bake!, as well as The New Mastersounds, and the addition of Sir Ali Bengali no doubt will raise eyebrows throughout the Funk and Soul community, if not the rest of the world. Our Label Records is another great example of a label that is putting out great music, even if it’s a bit under the radar. If you’re in the Funk and Soul community, most likely you have heard of these guys. I’ve featured releases on past FMF mixes, and they have gotten considerable airplay in the UK, Europe and Japan. If you’re not in the know, get familiar. It seems that the time out revamped the whole company, the philosophy, and expect to hear a lot from Our Label Records in 2012.

Check out Our Label Records Soundcloud Page.

For Updates, Merchandise, and more info, visit their web site.

Follow these funky brothers from Germany on Twitter.

Snippet of the latest release from Our Label Records, Sir Ali Bengali – ABX

If you like what you hear, sign up for the Our Label Records news letter.

Keep Diggin’!

Big Ups with Akalepse

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Today’s Big Ups is a special one, as I get 10 questions answered from Brooklyn’s own DJ Akalepse. Lepse has been holding down NYC for a long time, throwing proper DJ parties with real music, while also producing and putting out some of the best Funk and Soul music with the acclaimed record label Truth and Soul. His weekly Wednesday night at LPR alongside Rich Medina has had heavyweight guests that included J-Rocc, DJ Spinna, Crazy Legs, Dwele, Easy Mo Bee, and many more, if you thought you could take the night lightly. It is my distinct pleasure to be able to bring him to the pages of Big Ups.

Check Out Akalepse on Facebook.

Read more about Props and Akalepse here.

Follow Akalepse on Twitter.

Respect to Akalepse for taking part in this series. Keep Diggin’!

Wheedle’s Groove 45 Box Set

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Hot Damn ho here we go again! If you thought that the Hot Peas and Butta Crew were just about spinning records (and dropping heat), well you are partially right. If you have been following them around the world, you may have heard of a little documentary project called Wheedle’s Groove, documenting the Seattle Funk and Soul scene in the 60′s and 70′s. Chief Rocker Supreme La Rock has put his heart and soul into this project, and along with Light In The Attic Records (who continue to be one of the best record labels around) have come up with a limited edition, all vinyl box set of the music. It’s one of the nicest, put together packages I have seen in a while. Here’s what you get:

* Only 2,000 hand-numbered copies worldwide
* Ten 45rpm singles featuring original label art and housed in a gorgeous custom made magnetic flip-top box
* 96 page book with new liner notes interviewing the musicians and key players, unseen photos, endless ephemera, replica Seattle SuperSonics trading card, countless photos, and loads of other archival gems
* CD of “lost” Robbie Hill’s Family Affair session, circa 1975
* Meticulously remastered
* Free Download Card for all songs

What’s even better, is that there is a release party on 12/13 with Supreme La Rock blessing the 1′s and 2′s lovely.

Tuesday 12/13
The Crocodile & Light In The Attic presents:
Wheedle’s Groove 45s Box Set Record Release Party
w/ DJ Supreme La Rock spinning all 45′s!
Artists in attendance signing autographs!
8pm / Free / 21+
at Crocodile Cafe (in Back Bar)
2200 2nd Avenue
Seattle, WA 98121

This is what I call a good time. If you’re in the 206, you better be there. Keep Diggin’!

Here’s a bonus mix from Supreme La Rock courtesy of Hot Peas and Butta: Grab it!

Keep Diggin’!

General Crook – Gimme Some (Part 1)

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This Monday we are traveling to the Windy City, Chicago, mecca of Soul, Jazz and the Blues, deep dish pizza, and Wrigley Field among others to get some. The some I’m referring to today is gritty Funk, courtesy of General Crook on Down To Earth Records. Check out the General with “Gimme Some” (Part 1) from 1970.

Born in Mississippi in 1945, General Columbus Crook Jr. made his way to Chicago in his late teens. It was in Chi-Town that the General befriended another Mississippi transplant Burgess Gardner. Gardner gave Crook a shot at the lead singer of his Soul Crusaders Orchestra, a group based out of Chicago. For a few years Crook and company played shows in clubs and dance halls throughout the area. However, in 1969, the General got his big shot to go out as a solo artist with a contract with Capitol Records. The result was less than stellar, resulting in two obscure 45′s: “In the Warmth of These Arms” and “When Love Leaves You Crying”, both basically flops. It was no surprise that Capitol dropped General Crook. Down but not out, he would go on to sign with Down To Earth Records, run by the brother duo of Burgess and Walter Gardner. He released four sides on DTE, including this side, but would eventually part ways with the Gardner brothers. Four years later the General was back at Scepter, and released a S/T debut full length of Wand. Taking direction from no one but himself (and the fall out over direction with the Gardner brothers long gone), Crook put out a fantastic funky Soul piece, including ballads, pure Funk, and a Marvin Gaye cover, all which was unfortunately lost in obscurity despite his great effort. Releasing a single here and there in the future, Crook focused primarily on production duties in the years to come.

A solid piece of Funk on 7″, and clearly a nod to James Brown (via Archie Bell and the Drells), complete with drummer, bass, and guitar shout outs, General Crook hoots and howls his way thorough out this 2:49 of heat. Backed by the Soul Crusaders Orchestra, both parts of this side really groove. Part II is the instrumental to the track (without the General), so in essence it’s just the Soul Crusaders Orchestra, with just one hook and some goofy General Crook mouth noises thrown in (IMHO ruins it). The Genera asks: “What do you want me to give you baby?” at the end, and my reply is a clean instrumental. A great record over all, and another great Funk and Soul artist who was on the cusp but didn’t make it big. Keep Diggin’!

Download or Listen to General Crook – Gimme Some (Part 1) from the Down To Earth 45

Polyrhythmics – The Imposter

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Today we visit the Pacific Northwest by way of Calgary Alberta, Canada. It’s a well know fact that this area has put out some great music. A little known band called Nirvana, some guitar player named Jimi, Sir Mixalot, who brought his posse on Broadway with SWASS, one of the Kings of Diggin’ Supreme La Rock, and now in 2011: Polyrhythmics. It must be something in the water, because this eight piece outfit out of the Emerald City is on repeat at the moment. Don’t just take my word for it. Their first Ep, Indy received a massive amount of regional airplay, as well as propelling them through the festival and Rock club circuit of the Left Coast. Influenced by the greats of yesterday: James Brown and Fela Kuti, as well as modern giants such as the Budos Band and the Whitfield Brothers, Polyrhytmics are making their mark with own dance floor Afro Funk and Soul dubbed “Worldbeat Music”. Their well received full length, Labador, released in June 2011, has given birth to their first 45 release on Calgary’s Kept Records.

“The Imposter”, point blank, is a great side. Drawing from Afro Beat like Fela, (the horns, the percussion, organ and guitar), but injecting their own style to the side with a tinge of blaxploitation car chase guitar and a smoth bass line, this side is also the definition of funky. While the new Afro Beat movement was lead by bands like Antibalas and the Budos, in 2011, the new kid on the block is Polyrhythmics. There is always room for a band like this who pay tribute to the artist as well as the sound. With an “all live” in one room recording process, they not only keep it real but keep it fresh as well. Papa has got a brand new Afro Beat bag, and it’s name is Polyrhythmics. My bet is they will be opening their bag as they execute their “occupy dance floors movement” in a venue near you.

Buy the 45 from Kept out on 11.11.11 here.

Follow the Polyrhythmics on Twitter.

Keep Diggin’!