As I wait at the Alexander the Great International Airport in Skopje, I am reminiscing about what a wonderful trip this has been. I end my stay here by introducing you to a new Macedonian singer called Dina Jashari, who melds together dream pop with soul. A pleasant combination.
Neo-Soul
Thee Baby Cuffs – There Ain’t Enough Roses
We offer a Chicano soup gem from the now legendary Finnish label, Timmons Records. From the release’s Bandcamp site: “If there’s a group in this age that faithfully carries the torch of real group soul harmony, it must be these three cats from the US west coast by the name Continue Reading
Jonny Benavidez with Cold Diamond & Mink – My Echo, Shadow and Me
Finland’s Timmion Records has released Chicano-soul rocker Jonny Benavidez who provides a radio-friendly (for 1965) soul cut that sounds so authentic that it takes you back at least two generations, which seems to be a specialty for the record label.
Bobby Oroza – Get On The Otherside
The Finns are noted for not only being great musicians, but are masters at cultural adaptation. They make tango even more melancholy than their Argentine friends do, and now, I guess I have to admit that they’re more than holding their own in soul and R&B if this latest album Continue Reading
The Sextones – You’re So Fine / Cowboys To Girls
The Sextones are a neo-soul band out of Reno, Nevada who are signed to the Italian label Record Kicks. The sound is a nice blend of 60’s garage rock blended with elements of Motown soul, especially if you are into the music of Smokey Robinson & The Miracles.
Les Imprimés – I’ll Never Leave b/w If I
Les Imprimés are a Norwegian band who offer up deep neo-soul music. Singer and multi-instrumentalist Morten Martens has a voice that would have sounded perfect for 60’s AM radio, and the production is about as authentic as it gets for the time period.
Eddie Piller & Dean Rudland present... Acid Jazz (Not Jazz)
This compilation, released by Acid Jazz Records‘ managing director, Eddie Piller, along with general manager Dean Rudland, is pure joy. The sounds blend a modern 1990s sound with Swingin’ London of the 1960s. From the Acid Jazz Bandcamp site: “Acid Jazz’s Eddie Piller and Dean Rudland have put together this Continue Reading
Various Artists – Record Kicks 15th
Italy’s Record Kicks has been releasing crime-funk, hip garage rock, deep soul, afro and boogaloo hits for 15 years so the label will be offering, as of May 15th, a compilation of some of their finest moments. Bands on this killer comp include The Tibbs, Calibro 35 and our favorite Continue Reading
The Tibbs – Damaged Heart / Ball and Chain
The Tibbs are a Dutch band who bring on a funky version of Hammond organ-driven retro-soul and 60s R&B. The vocals are warm and sultry, and the musicians are deeply inspired by Stax, Volt and Motown Records. Meaty, funky and beautiful.
Tofa Jaxx – A Guy Like Me EP
In normally more partial to listening to old, stripped down 60s soul than I am to hearing modern R&B, but this gem out of Tanzania, by way of the U.K., caught my ear in a most pleasant way. Our friends at Delicious Tunes do yeoman’s work spending time all over Continue Reading