Singles - Leftfield - Issue 549

An interesting mix-up from Magic Feet on this four-tracker that covers all bases, including the classic, via a re-tread of Adamski’s‘Killer’, John Carpenter-styled dark disco from Unisex Audio Club, leaving the standout tracks to come from the label owner himself, Craig Bartley. The polished ‘Photons’ and the metallic percussion of ‘Analogue Voodoo’ set the precedent, especially the latter.

There seem to have been a wealth of edits floating around from this hard-working chap of late. All of which are pretty much bang on the money. This latest EP, taking on the work of '70s soul singer Margie Joseph, is no exception. As with most edits, less is more, and this is a case in point. Hence we have two brilliant edits. One covering the peak-time soul/disco/funk side of things, and the other a more subtle but equally killer slo-mo funk/boogie gem. Props to you, sir!

Joining forces for a typically subtle and well-produced jaunt into broken house and west London boogie, Ladbroke Grove stalwarts Kaidi & Dego do their thing for Eglo.

A super solid five-track digi-dub release from the Reggae Roast camp. Brother Culture adds the toast to the dance with some conscious thought, especially on the war-torn lyrics of ‘Same Old Story’, although it’s the title track and the appropriately titled ‘Soundsystem’ that test the bottom-end to the max. With Rodigan supporting, you know this is well worth looking into.

Apparently it’s been 30 years since Hailu Mergia released any original music. I have to admit I am not familiar with his work. But judged on the strength of this glorious little 7”, I will be righting that wrong very swiftly. Of the two new tracks here (penned with the collaborative know-how of Max Whitefield from Poets of Rhythm/Whitefield Brothers), it's ‘Yegle Nesh’ that really hits the mark. Like the beautifully formed, kindred, musical offspring of Mulatu Astake and Salah Rageb.

The fortunate and beautiful by-product of New York pianist Bruce Brubaker's recent LP ‘Glass Piano’ (an album re-interpreting the music of modern classical hero Philip Glass), this EP finds Plaid working their typically understated magic on the minimal, stripped-back beauty of piano composition ‘Metamorphosis #5' — an incredible piece of music in its own right. As per usual, they apply just the right amount of musical pressure and hit it just right. A damn-near perfect release!

This could have easily been a more miss than hit affair, in terms of authenticity and whether the new Funkadelic material would mesh with Soul Clap's production. Thankfully, both parties have a meeting of ‘loose funk’ minds, with Clinton’s lopsided grooves and occasional politically-charged lyrics proving as timeless as ever. Check for ‘In Da Car’ with Sly Stone playing between the notes on a sweet cameo.

Like a match made in heaven, this new project from Tru Thoughts pairs the none-too-shabby skills of country-soul maestro Jeb Loy Nichols and jazz, soul, funk (and general fingers in pies specialist) Benedic Lamdin. The results, as you would expect, are pretty darn good. Great production, great musicianship and great vocals. Blue-eyed country soul for fans of Tony Joe White, Matthew E White, Dan Penn and Bobby Womack.