Archive for category Fresh stock
Rappin’ for Rolex
Posted by Rex in Fresh stock, Gigs, In the crates, News, People on September 2nd, 2010
What’s new at Northside?
Last weekend I was down at the Croft Institute for the Kon & Danielsan show (aka Wax Museum Jam) and I ran into one of Melbourne’s most prolific gig-goers and certified hip hop head, Rolex. He told me this blog was getting a little tired at times, so here’s some news to keep him happy!
FRESHNESS:
Chris has just put out a bunch of Funk+Soul 7’s. Stay tuned for the email-out or call Chris or Elle at the shop to get the jump on super digger Arks!
Plus, there is an insane amount of good second-hand hip hop falling from the sky at the moment. Get in quick to check the crate upon crate upon crate of classics. I’m not usually a fan of Serato or any other digital-based DJ system – but you have to love it when peeps are selling the records they’ve been collecting for the last 25 years. Keep it coming!
FEATURED NEW RELEASES:
KOOLISM “The Umu”
Oz hip hop is back on the map with the best release for a long time. Hau and Danielsan raise the bar (again) with a solid album. Thankfully - this doesn’t fall into the narrow cliched sound and content that is oz hip hop; it’s another world class release from the the ex-Canberra duo. It’s been a long time coming, but it’s def worth the wait. The beats are great and Hau is on point as usual. Some seriously good tunes on here – and a little taste of what Daniel is cooking up in his lab for future releases.
HYPNOTIC BRASS ENSEMBLE “Heritage”
This is a dope arse 12″! It features a tasteful selection of tunes - the highlight of which is Fela’s Water Get No Enemy. Plus covers of Art of Noise, Jay Z, Doom+Madlib and more. Cover pictured here. Don’t sleep on this.
SEU JORGE AND ALMAZ s/t
Seu Jorge? It’s that dude from the movie “The Life Aquatic” who does Bowie covers… Almaz is his band. Produced by Mario C (Beastie Boys/Jon Spencer etc). Their album is both warm and dark; psychedelic and yet grounded, uplifting but at times somber. Nice artwork, Sure to be a classic.
THE WORLD ENDS (Afro Rock & Psychedelia in 1970’s Nigeria) VOLUMES 1 + 2
They never sleep at Soundway Records. The is a monster set of funky afro madness. The World Ends is the latest title from Soundway Records showcasing a wave of guitar driven and psychedelic groups that sprung up in Nigeria during the early 1970s. Featuring electrifying and funk laden grooves, this is the sound of a generation attempting to pick up the pieces after the devastation of the Nigerian civil war. CD and LP.
GIGS
CHICO MANN: WED 22 SEPT. TOFF IN TOWN
From Antibalas and direct from New York City, the undisputed James Brown of the Casio…CHICO MANN.
Live Electro, Afro-beat, Afro-Cuban and more! Marcos Garcia aka Chico Mann grew up in a musical family in New York and New Jersey. His father was the owner of a Latin record label based in Hell’s Kitchen in New York City and a young Chico observed the ins & outs of the biz while practicing his guitar and piano. It was then that he began to propagate his deep musical roots with such influences as Afrika Bambaataa, Lisa Lisa, Willie Colón, Celia Cruz and Fela Kuti.
Last in Australia as one of the key collaborators and musicians in the worlds finest Afrobeat band ANTIBALAS. Chico has also worked his magic with such artists as TONY ALLEN, THE ROOTS, RAEKWON, MEDESKI, MARTIN & WOOD, DAM FUNK, DJ SPINNA, TROUBLE FUNK, BRAND NUBIAN, RICH MEDINA, TICKLAH, NICODEMUS, THE BUDOS BAND and many more.
This is Chicos first trip to Australia with his acclaimed three piece live act.
If you want a taste of the richness of New Yorks musical underbelly then come down and feast on this super funky show.
Support from the undisputed James Brown of the Dunlop Volley, Chris Gill. Sho’ is funky in Chris’ shoes! More guests to be announced. Get the lowdown at chicomann.com
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
I see Chris added a Thought for the Day to the View from the Northside. Just to stick with the program, here’s a quote of the week from one of Melbourne’s finest wordsmiths!
“Remember Breaks? They used to be so good before all the trance / prog people got involved and neutered the sound, really, one minute it’s Raw on 45 with a jamaican style sub bass and some Yardi yelling stuff on top then you turn around and it’s asshats like Sasha and Digweed claiming the sound, fuck was that?“ DJ Ransom
More magic words from Ransom and the Late Show crew here: late-show.blogspot
I just read the latest addition to this blog - I’m in tears after checking what DJ Stiffy had to say about Ben Cousins!
OTHER NEWS:
I’m tired after trying to excite Rolex. Stay tuned for attempted weekly updates of Rappin’ for Rolex. ALWAYS OPINIONATED, SELDOM INFORMATIVE, OFTEN ENTERTAINING!
Sealed for Freshness!
Posted by Rex in Fresh stock, Funk 45 of the Month on July 2nd, 2010
Funk 45 of the Month
Mountain Mocha Kilimanjaro
(Ain’t Got Nobody)
Just A Rambling Man
bw. Tell Me A Bedtime Story
Chris had this to say:
“Insane!! Australian Exclusive…heavy heavy dancefloor funk from the Japanese KINGS of the funky JB sound. Shin tells me this 7″ is just about ALL SOLD out around the world. And we have the last 20 copies in the world!! Not only are these funky but they are sealed 7″s!!! The A side is really a super heavy dancefloor bomb, very fast and very heavy on the drums! The B Side is a super dope prestige flavoured number that would get them wiggling on the floor as well!! Starting off with the wah wah sound and then rolls into great solos. Do your self the favour!”
And I should add:
“Side B is of course a cover of Herbie Hancock – from the Fat Albert Rotunda LP (on Warner, not Prestige!). Man – this 45 is smokin’ hot! Sinister drumming on the plug side - burning guitar, searing horns – get on the floor or get burnt… Did I say this was smokin’ hot? Check it ya damn self. Don’t sleep, they’re flying out the door. ”
Comes in a factory sealed plastic sleeve. So fresh!
While you were sleeping…
Posted by Rex in Fresh stock, Recent releases, Record of the Month on June 18th, 2010
Records of the Month
Lee Fields: My World
Kings Go Forth:
The Outsiders Are Back
I love these records, my 4 year old daughter loves these records, my 62 year old mother loves these records, and even my friends in Sydney like these records! Pretty much says it all if you ask me.
Neither are actually new releases – BUT, both have dropped recently and are available at Northside. This is some heavy heavy shit. They’ll tear out your heart and soul - and then they’ll do it again. This is the kind of music that is dangerous to listen to while driving – it will have you zoning out; missing turn-offs, running red lights and exceeding the speed limit. They are so f*cking good I just can’t find words to describe… but let me try…
My World is amazing! Lee Fields and the Expressions take soul above and beyond all previous attempts of the new millenium. This is serious soul music with a healthy does of funk nastiness to boot. Tunes like ‘My World’ and ‘Honey Dove’ are beautiful; rich and lush like classic Philly and Chicago Soul, raw and lean like the best James Brown, and heart wrenching like Otis Redding or the deepest funk 45’s. Then - you have tunes like ‘Money is King’ – still soul, but with a funk edge that just makes you wanna smash some fool. The Expressions are an all-star line up that features Leon Michels (El Michels Affair), Homer Steinweiss + Tommy TNT Brenneck (The Dap Kings), Toby Pazner (The Olympians), Michael Leonhart (The Avrimina 7). Damn, Enough talk – buy this record today.
KIngs Go Forth follow up their succession of amazing 7-inch releases with what is perhaps the greatest funk record of the decade. The Outsiders Are Back is definitely an apt title for this incredible album. This Milwaukee-based group serves up heady mix of funk, soul and RnB with a spoon full of disco and pinch of reggae. Every cut is a stone-cold monster. Just ask the heads around town like Miss Goldie, Callum Flack or DJ Manchild – this shit is the shit. It’s hard to pick a favourite from this record (CD), but the instant-classic ‘One Day’ and latest single ‘I Don’t Love You No More’ are definite stand outs. Other tunes like ‘Now We’re Gone’ have become standards at nights like Soul A Go Go and every other credible soul night in the world. Get up, get in to it, get involved! This is an album that anyone with any inclination towards soul or funk music should own.
The vinyl release of the KGF album is not out yet, but we should have it really soon. In the meantime we have the CD and some of the singles (on Mr. C’s). Don’t sleep any longer – and take care when driving.
Right Click, 1-2, 1-2…
Posted by Rex in Afro Funk, DJ Mix (Downloads), Fresh stock on May 3rd, 2010
By-products of the Timeless Series:
Quantic presents ADDIS to AXUM Mix
Northside has been a fan of Quantic’s explorations of African music for a long time now. In some ways we can thank Quantic for helping bring Mulatu to Melbourne for the first time this week. Here’s a hot little link to a recent posting of a super Quantic DJ set featuring some of the best Ethiopian music the west has uncovered so far!
Check it, DOWNLOAD HERE: exclusive-quantic-mulatu-show-mix
The Timeless Concert Series wasn’t just a series of stunning performances. All the shows were framed by our favorite DJs. From Madlib to J.Rocc to DJ Nuts and more. Cut Chemist even raised the bar with a one turntable romp!
For the Mulatu show, Quantic brought along something very special .
In 2004 Quantic, Miles Cleret and B+ went to Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia to find records and meet with Mulatu Astatke. It was there and then the first thoughts of bringing Mulatu to LA were hatched. So it was fitting that Quantic came to LA to DJ for Mulatu and brought with him records almost all found on that first unique trip.
Ethiopia has many musical traditions indeed not all of them have made it to vinyl. But those chunks of plastic contain some secrets that you really have to go to Addis to find. Trawling ebay is never the same as a trip to East Africa.
Quantic made that trip. And at the Luckman Theater on February 1st, 2009 he buckled everyone in, and took us on a one hour flight back. Here is his DJ set in its entirety. Don’t be alarmed by the crackle, that’s what 30 plus year old records sound like.
Quantic and Mulatu records and CDs instore at Northside. I hear Chris even has a couple of autographed Mulatu LPs up his sleeve. Lean on him.
Lagos Disco Inferno
Posted by Rex in Afro Funk, Fresh stock, Recent releases, Record of the Month on April 13th, 2010
Believe the Hype
WOW! This record and the dedication that has gone into making it happen is amazing. In doing a little research for this release, I’ve found one of the best things on the web! Check out the VOODOO FUNK blog. The info, pics and love here is hard to beat.
From the press release:
Compiled by Frank Gossner of Voodoofunk.com, this record contains 12 tracks that represent the sound of Lagos in the late 1970s.
Dean Disi (Music Journalist and formerly Director of Lagos based label TYC Records) wrote the liner notes for this album: ”It was the era of sheer ecstasy. The music not only represents the vibrancy of youthful expressionism of the time but is also deeply rooted in African rhythm though not traditional in phraseology… This collection of songs marks the development of Nigerian urban pop culture… There was diametric difference in the music of the discos and the music play by the groups. Disco music as played by the DJs was essentially western. The fans could connect with this easily. It was hip, urban and stimulating. The young Nigerian groups were hooked on it and tried to play it but with a distinctive African stamp of their own.”
Some of the artists on this record were stars of their times while others remained in obscurity.
And here is what makes Nigerian Disco so special:
Lagos by the 1970s was a huge metropolitan city. Due to the oil boom, there was money to be made with music and nightlife and big international record labels like EMI, Decca and Philips had set up their recording studios that for a big part got equipped with vintage hardware handed down from their European franchises. So as the sound of the late 70s and early 80s in Europe and in the US got more and more modern and from todays point of view just plain shitty, overloaded with ugly sounding Roland keyboards, the sound of Lagos was dominated by powerful horn sections, heavy drums and percussion instruments. There’s plenty of early Moog synthesizers but no synth-generated strings or fake horns.
EMI’s house producer Emmanuel Odenusi had worked with Fela for many years, defining the sound of Afrobeat. Kayode Salami who produced another couple of tracks on this album also was responsible for the incredible sound of the famous debut LP by Psych-Rock group Ofege.
Lagos, a uniquely vibrant, gritty, energetic and sometimes quite dangerous tropical metropolis has always been much more than just a city. A state of mind where third world poverty met the oil boom, where African traditions clashed with Western decadence.
Make no mistake, this stuff will have you dance in a feverish rush in no time.
Side 1: DORIS EBONG - Boogie Trip 5:28 GEALDO PINO - African Hustle 5:25 GROTTO - Bad City Girl 5:34
Side 2: POGO LTD. - Don’t Put Me Down 4:37 ASIKO ROCK GROUP - Everybody Get Down 8:17 PARADISE STARS - Boogie Train 5:31
Side 3: DORGU - Rover Man 4:37 MFB - Boredom Pain 5:06 ESSIEN - Take Life Easy 4:14 TIROGO - Dancing Machine 4:03
Side 4: BLO – Root 3:24 NANA LOVE - Hang On 14:45
New SJ&DKs @ Northside
Posted by Rex in Fresh stock, News, Recent releases on March 29th, 2010
I Learned The Hard Way…
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings
If you live in Melbourne and shop for tunes at Northside or listen to any of our great indie radio stations - you already know Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, and we don’t really need to tell you what to expect…. y’all know it’s gonna be good! For those who don’t know, here’s the blurb from our distributor:
“Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings have released I Learned the Hard Way, their fourth full-length on Brooklyn’s independent Daptone Records. The record marks a bold step forward for a band who almost single-handedly stewarded today’s return of soul music to its more traditional sound. From the lush Philly-Soul fanfare that ushers in “The Game Gets Old” at the top of the record, to the stripped down Sam Cooke-style “Mama Don’t Like My Man” at the tail, the Dap-Kings dance seamlessly through both the most crafted and simple arrangements with subtlety and discipline. I Learned the Hard Way is the “Daptone Sound” at it’s finest.”
The stand out tune for me on this record is “Better Things”, written by DK’s drummer Homer Steinweiss. It’s simple, it’s raw and it’s just plain good without trying to be anything other than real soul music. There’s no fronting from Sharon Jones or the Dap-Kings – they’re just doin’ what they love, and making a whole lot of people look (and sound) like amateurs. GBTTD (Got Better Things To Do)… remember this acronym for text messaging your friends next time they want you to go see some over-rated, over-hyped, over-priced try-hard innovators of soul bullshit.*
As always - we’ve got enough copies of the vinyl to go around, but these records move fast so don’t wait too long to get yours. Available now on LP + CD.
There’s plenty more Daptone goodness instore too. Don’t forget the amazing Daptone Gold comp that pulls together all the crucial Daptone moments since the label’s inception. And, we’ve always got a tasteful selection of Daptone 45’s for those who like it with a big hole in the middle.
* The opinions expressed in this post represent only those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of management or staff of Northside Records - nor perhaps anyone else, anywhere, ever.
POAO!
Posted by Rex in Fresh stock, Recent releases, Record of the Month on March 11th, 2010
THE PUBLIC OPINION AFRO ORCHESTRA
“Do Anything Go Anywhere”
I’m a little slow getting to the new releases lately. Here’s one that dropped a couple of weeks ago. It’s the hip new thing after they amazed everyone at WOMADELAIDE.
CHRIS HAD THIS TO SAY:
An incredible debut album from this perfect Melbourne afrobeat collective. Hot on the heels of their impeccable vinyl-only release Two Sides of the Truth/Do Anything Go Anywhere, (picttured right) The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra have made an album to command the attention of world music fans, hip hop aficionados, jazz cats, funk and soul freaks and indie hipsters alike. There are strong echoes of the Afrobeat movement from the 1960s-70s, as well as the influences of the African diaspora in Australia over the past decade, yet this is boundary free, totally modern music that sounds as fresh in the clubs as on the streets of Melbourne where it was born.
Do Anything Go Anywhere delivers seven irresistibly loose-limbed, exotic jams which resonate with ferocious grooves, positive messages, conscious hip hop and gutsy soul. Lyrical odes to the power of resistance and the spirit of the African and Australian people hit home with smoking hot sing song vocals, heavy duty horns, gritty guitar grooves, jazzy solos, all snaking out on top of the infectious polyrhythms of the percussion section. EXTREME LOCAL PRIDE
REX HAD THIS TO SAY:
12″ Cover artwork is crazy. Props to Suzie Bates. I haven’t seen the CD cover yet, but I’ll insert it into the blog once I get my hands on it.
Limited Edition 12″ still available in strictly limited quantities. Includes instrumental versions… nice.
Gil Scott-Heron: I’m New Here
Posted by Rex in Fresh stock, News, Recent releases on February 4th, 2010
Here’s a man who needs no introduction. If you’re on your game, you’ve probably already bagged this release and checked out the amazing sounds on the record.
If you’re a little slow off the mark – or a relative newcomer to the funk/soul/hiphop world, you better listen up…
Along with ‘The Last Poets’, GIL SCOTT-HERON is the most important proto-rapper of the last five decades. ‘I’m New Here’ is his first album in thirteen years…
Produced by XL label owner Richard Russell, “I’m New Here” sees Gil reflecting on his life with his trademark vocal power and insight, sharing his visions among Russell’s flickering, electronic soundscapes; which at various times conjure up thoughts of BURIAL and THE XX, (+DJ Shadow, Portishead, Tricky) as well as a host of hip-hop influenced sounds. The album is brave, contemporary and quintessentially Gil Scott-Heron.
Check it out ya damn self! It’s in stock now – but tomorrow is a brand new day.
Did you hear that?
Posted by Rex in Fresh stock, Funk 45 of the Month on December 8th, 2009
FUNK 45 OF THE MONTH (November 2009)
BROWNOUT: c130 bw NAWLINS
Brownout is an 8 piece funk band from Texas. Featuring former Ocote Soul Sounds member, Adrian Quesada on guitars, this release blends sax, trombone, flute, trumpet, keyboards, strings and hard percussion. Both sides are instrumental.
“Nawlins” is an uptempo funky disco joint with dangerous amounts of saxophone*. If you’re looking for a bit of a party starter (at the risk of losing all credibility as a funk DJ) this will be a solid addition to any collection.
“C130″ is a bit more laid back, with some tasteful breaks and heavy strings thrown into the mix. There’s a big breakdown in the middle of this tune, reminiscent of “Ashley’s Roachclip /Paid in Full”. Had this tune dropped 35 years ago, it would stand proud with such names as the Skull Snaps and The Soul Searchers. Heavy.
* warning: may induce white man’s overbite.
Daptone Gold!
Posted by Rex in DJ Mix (Downloads), Fresh stock, News, Record of the Month on November 11th, 2009
On November 24th Daptone Records will release DAPTONE GOLD a collection of some of the label’s rarest and most favorite singles and deep cuts on CD and a lovingly packaged double LP, which includes a poster, a sticker and some amount of gold foil. The always fiery Lee Fields appears three times: once on a duet with Sharon Jones, again on his own “Could Have Been”, and on “Stand Up,” previously only available as a 45 RPM single.
Thanks to Daptone & Reverberation we’re proud to you you offer a little taste right here. Available as downloadable MP3, it’s the full unadulterated version of Lee Fields “Stand Up”. Surely one of the dopest 45’s to come out Daptone HQ over recent years, this Lee Fields tune is a future soul monster. Press PLAY, don’t delay, DO IT TODAY!
STAND UP: Lee Fields
Hopefully we’ll have this instore real soon CD & vinyl of course. Watch the newsletter and website for more updates. This LP set is sure to be an invaluable DJ tool for years to come. Don’t let it pass you by – every tune here is a winner – just like we’ve been trying to tell you all along. S.O.U.L.
You listened to the tune yet?
Features: Introduction by Binky Griptite ● Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings “I’m Not Gonna Cry” ● The Budos Band “Up From The South” ● Naomi Shelton & the Gospel Queens “What Have You Done” ● Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings - “How Long Do I Have To Wait For You?” ● Lee Fields “Could Have Been” ● Antibalas featuring Mayra Vega “Che Che Cole Makossa” ● The Budos Band “Budos Rising” ● Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings “Got A Thing On My Mind” ● Charles Bradley & the Menahan Street Band “The World” ● Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings “Make It Good To Me” ● Lee Fields and Sugarman & Co. “Stand Up” ● Naomi Shelton & the Gospel Queens “What Is This” ● Binky Griptite with the Sugarman Three “A Lover Like Me” ● Menahan Street Band “Make the Road by Walking” ● Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings “Tell Me” ● Sugarman & Co. “Down To It” ● The Dap-Kings “Nervous Like Me” ● Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings “Giving Up” ● The Budos Band “Ghostwalk” ● The Gospel Queens feat. Cynthia Langston “I Need You To Hold My Hand” ● Binky Griptite & the Mellomatics “The Stroll Pt. 2” ● Sharon Jones & Lee Fields “Stranded In Your Love”.
Holy Cow!
Like it says in the tags for this post ——> RECORD OF THE MONTH. Certified goodness.
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