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Unmissable LP from 1973; round about the same time as Coffy.
Murderously pimped versions of Ain’t No Sunshine and Papa Was A Rolling Stone open and close. There is a slinky, bubbling go at Aretha’s gorgeous Day Dreaming, and the classy, tricky jazz-funk of Cocoa Butter. Not to mention the Pan-African title track: stone-cold-killer, energising, utterly essential Roy Ayers funk.

Expertly ecstatic disco-house treatments of Marvin’s Come Live With Me Angel and You Oughta Be Dancin’, by People’s Choice. Prime Leon Ware, prime Tom Moulton, brilliantly filleted and lovingly arranged on the plate.
In short supply. Don’t miss this.

Perhaps her greatest LP, recorded at FAME in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, with Rick Hall and the gang, released by Cadet in 1968. A handful of belters, a couple of Don Covay songs, excellent interpretations of Steal Away and Otis’ Security… the marvellously sympathetic musicianship of Carl Banks, Roger Hawkins, Barry Beckett and co… and the almighty I’d Rather Go Blind.

Quality sweet soul, ballads, thumping dancers, girl-group and the rest from Abe Epstein’s San Antonio label, late-1960s. Curtis and co in the air. Fine singing, big drums, strong horns, sophisticated arranging.

‘Rhino Reserve, cut from analog tape.’

‘Hey, fellahs…The sisters are not going for that no more…’
Stone cold feminist funk classic from the Female Preacher. The JBs sound like they know there’s no turning back.

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