From the hundreds, thousands of easy listening cheese records you can buy in firth stores, charity shops and bargain bins for anything from a few pence to a grand sum of 50p one thing you can be certain of is the amount of covers aimed at selling to us fellas. Strings and orchestras under the influence of a band leader, conductor happily means you can get a sexy gorgeous lady selling the goods. Most of the records are pretty bad but I’m a sucker for a lovely looking girl smiling at me from the dusty boxes especially when my knees and back are hurting from the bending down record digging. So 50p for a sweet girl and maybe the chance of some super strings to brighten the day, the record has to be bought. Here’s a little selection of some of the records purchased over the years, some good some pretty bad but all have a certain charm that a vinyl junkie just loves.
Unfortunately the ladies rarely get a mention, so who any of them are? I won’t have a clue. Hope you enjoy the look at what only can be described as perv corner!! Hehe
The Latin Sound Of Henry Mancini – RCA
Jeez this girl is mighty fine!
The World Of Easy Listening Vol 4 – Decca
Not leaving much to the imagination, steamy. Not seen the other volumes of ladies!
Stereo Perspectives In Percussion – Marble Arch
Gatefold sauciness! Naked lady and a whole drum kit. Now that’s what I’m talking about. Photo By John Prosser.
Back To Brazil – RCA
Hello! Pretty good music on this one too.
Black Is Beautiful – Windmill Records
This has been one of my treasures. So love the design and used it as a logo since I first started Mad Mongos. Lovely lady, needlework and butterflies.
Stereo 99 Volume 2 – Polydor
Double vision of this lovely lady. Super cover design by Hamish and Gustav whoever they maybe?
Michel Legrand – Beautifully Yours – Springboard
Always worth picking up a Michel Legrand lp when you see it. Normally a few great arrangements on them. Plus some nice girls too. This record has some top tunes on, worth picking up.
Here’s three Legrand’s in a row.
Michel Legrand With His Orchestra And Voices – Lovers Concerto – Polydor Special
Michel Legrand And His Orchestra – Strings On Fire – Philips
Nice and bonkers cover. Sexy lady on one side, fire on the other?
Blues And Brass – Deacon Stereo
The exciting combination of blues and brass seems to have made this black chick rip her clothes off and grab a trumpet!
I love the quote on the back cover “A tremendous rhythm section! A terrific instrumentalist! A great brass section! It all adds up to excitement which is Blues and Brass!!”
The Hits Of Burt Bacharach By The Singers And Chorus Of Manhattan – Spectro – Stereo Dimension
Looking very thoughtful chilling in the ferns!
Gunter Kallmann Choir – Somewhere My Love – Contour
Wide eyed and fancy free!
Duncan Lamont – Summer Sambas – MFP
Everyone loves a bit of of samba when the sun starts shining and this gorgeous beauty would be mighty fine to dance with. As with all the covers there is no mention to the models. Photographed by Dick Swayne he did work for Duncan Lamont’s other lp below with the same girl on the same shoot day I can only imagine.
Duncan Lamont – Best Of The Bossa Novas – Music For Pleasure
She so nice I wanna see her twice! Unfortunately I can’t seem to stop the reflection when taking images of the covers so my hands seem to be an a naughty place?
You can never judge a book by its cover art work, that same description goes for vinyl record covers too. Here’s a little post on some random record pulls off the shelf to show the contrast between different peoples ideas. Really some of these must of gone through various people to get checked off. See the JJ Band and Paul Kelly covers down the page for examples of WTF!! Then there are the concept cover, utilising the gatefold cover to the max to tell a story. The Dells pull off some pretty mad shit with their Musical Menu and Blood Sweat and Tears look liked they had a right laugh. Then there is the damn right cheesy, step forward Paul Delicato. A brilliantly fun one from Jimmy Maelen playing the congos. Plus I’ve added a few which I just love from a photographic or graphic point of view, that would be the Charles Wright and the Pat Metheny. I will add more at a later date. Weirdly as I took the photos I noticed that most are from the CBS camp.
>First three covers that got it right in my eyes….
Pat Metheny Group – Offramp ECM Records 1982 (Cover by Gerd Winner)
Love the grainy image on the dark black cover. The orange turn left sign and yellow lines setting it off. Stunning cover I think. Great LP too. The tune Are You Going With Me? is mellow and ace.
Charles Wright – Doing What Comes Naturally (Photography Michael Lawton)
Great use of the gatefold sleeve using two panoramic shots. Clever to have two Charles’s in the inside shot.
Spirit – Spirit – CBS Records (Cover photo Guy Webster Album Design Corporate Head)
This one is awesome. From 1968. Fantastic image of the five members of the band collaged together to make one. One I would like to one get framed.
>Now three WTF moments……
Paul Kelly – Hooked, Hogtied and Collared (Illustration by Peter Palombi)
Really what the hell were they thinking with this one? Maybe it’s in the lyrics of one of the tunes? I have to admit to not really listening to it.
Even though he’s been “hooked, hogtied and collared” he does look like he’s in ecstasy! and having much fun. I do hope he has a good “safe” word and I hope the lady looked after him! An image for a record cover? Haha how did that one get a pass?
JJ Band – CBS Records 1971 (Cover photos by Hans and Toto Kellerman)
I know half the band are from Brussels and the peeing boy is some kind of icon but still guys who the heck thought this was a good idea? Wrong on so many levels. But hey this is one brilliant record and one you need in your collection. Check Requiem For A Lost Planet, Shades Of Goodbye and the stomper Out Of The Darkness. Quality recording, bonkers art design.
Nino Ferrer – Nino And Radiah (Photography Richard Bennett)
When you’re rocking the old French farmer look what better way to finish the style off with a beautiful naked black goddess strutting a cool big afro on your arm. Nino a cool guy mind and this is one top album through out. Yeah of course I’m jealous!
>Now a few cheesy but fun ones……
Paul Delicato – Cara Mia – Artists Of American Records – 1976 (Cover Design Saul Saget)
Paul’s rocking The Disco Sound. Super cheesy cover but had to get this as soon as I saw it in a charity. Did have a little hope for some outrageous funky craziness but unfortunately it’s a bit wack. Still it’s a great novelty record to have.
Roger Mcguinn & Band – CBS Records – 1975 (Photography Norman Seeff)
CBS records strikes again. This one is pretty cool with the former Byrd’s guy straddling with his arms back on his chair in front of a whole heap of monitors, dials, buttons, knobs and reel to reels. No idea what they are for. I really should of taken a photo of the back cover too. Which has four members of the band in the monitors looking down at Rogers laughing as he twiddles with stuff.
Jimmy Maelen – Beats Workin – CBS (Photography Bill King. Design Paula Scher and Cheryl Machat)
CBS really going for it. This is one of my favourites. Shame the music isn’t all that but hey that is all made good by the absolute joy on Jimmy’s face playing those congos. Could he be any happier. Photographed in a record pressing plant too. This cover ticks all the right boxes. Flip the record round and production staff or maybe the band are getting in on the action. With seven inch singles all over the place. Is that actor John C Reilly at the back with the cymbal?
>To finish off the post here are two gatefold story covers.
The Dells – Always Together – Cadet 1968 (Photos by Ray Klein, Album Design by Jerry Griffith, Cover Concept by Bobby Miller)
The Dells Musical Menu. This is a splendid funny idea which someone came up with and surprisingly it got to go into production and what a joy it is. The band start off by being shaken out of the salt and pepper pots on too two slices of bacon and the words Dells written in “egg”! Then open the cover to see the gang getting chased by a folk, get scooped up by a lovely looking lady on a journey to her mouth. Best shot the one with the guys serious faces looking out from behind her teeth, getting ready for certain doom. Cue picture of satisfied lady, turn over to the back cover for an empty plate and the words “Salt and pepper, always together? Obviously….. What else is always together?….. The Dells! Naturally………. Did you enjoy your meal? hehe
Blood, Sweat and Tears – No Sweat – CBS 1973 (Cover designed by John Berg, Photos by Horn/Griner)
Sat in a steam room fully suited in their jacket and dicky bow ties. The band are surrounded by a bunch of sweaty miserable old fellers, naked apart from their towels. Open up the cover and the band look like they are having a take over of the place. Clothes are starting to come off and the old fellers looking like they are getting ready to move on. Clothes strewn over the floor they get ready to relax in the heat. Happy band members on the back. Work hard play hard – No Sweat….. Guys in a sauna! Not sure thats sells a record! Fun though.
Just a few from many many many bonkers, weird, strange, brilliant and wonderful record covers. I will do another post with some more pieces soon. Really hope you enjoyed having a look.
All the best
Mike Mongos
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Check the SHOP and categories for Reggae, Dub, Soul, Funk, Rasta, Jazz, Hip Hop, Beats, Brazil, Plus custom made T Shirts.
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Was at the checkout on Discogs where beneath the shopping cart you get recommended things you might like. Intrigued by that name, Wildcat and a picture of a lovely looking lady on the cover in black and white, see below not above! I jumped over to youtube to see what I could check, first hit up the lp title track “Personal Reasons”. Early house meets soul. Loving the noises. Great track but wasn’t what I was looking for (can’t stop playing the tune now I must add). Checked another, this time “Recall My Love” now that got my attention. Mikey’s spider senses started tingling. Sweet mellow early 90’s soul. Beautiful chords and with tender touching keynotes. That was enough, back to Discogs to see what was on offer. Bit of digging and find out the girl on the cover is not Wildcat, boo, but could be one of the many vocalists on the recording but Wildcat is the producer engineer aka Colin “Wildcat” Tyson. An early original member of the classic electronic dance music group Shades Of Rhythm out of Peterborough.
Members from Shades are present on these recordings with Kevin “Lanx” Lancaster and Nick Slater giving a helping hand with mixing and mastering.
To my joy I see there was two lps and Essex based record shop Crazybeat had both in stock at their usual best value prices. Straight to the shopping cart they went. The two lps consist of Volume one and Volume two. One hitting all manner styles from street soul, house, and even Ragga. All the tunes have a certain lovely charm. Vol two has a mix of vocalists and looks more in line with a compilation. Both are White labels under the WCAT name with Vol 1 having a picture cover sleeve but vol two is a blank sleeve with a tracklist sticker identifying the tunes. Both lps feature a cover version, one has Tashan’s Read My Mind, two has Happy by Surface and giving them a distinctly UK soul dance feel from that decade.
The recordings feature a real slice of beautiful British soul music tied very deep with a personal love of music as that track “Love My Music” lyrics explain.
Freedom is a pretty great standout track too and Ragga is very fun, fast and furious, am I right in thinking us guys are getting a right trashing in the lyrics? They so fast it’s hard to tell. Be great dropped at a party that tune.
Unfortunately I can’t find much info on the very talented Colin “Wildcat” Tyson to see what other great recordings he did. Let me know if you have any information.
Side A
What A Feeling (Extra Def Mix) Ft Cheryl Duncan
Personal Reasons (Urban Recycle Mix) Ft Denise Lee
Love My Music (Wicked Tune Mix) Ft Valerie Burke
Ragga (Asher Mix) Ft Sister Asher Side B
Freedom (African Dance Mix)
Read My Mind (Soul-A-Sonic Mix) Ft Cheryl Duncan, Denise Lee, Jackie Lee
Love My Music (Worship Mix) Ft Valerie Burke
Lyric Field (Rootical Mix) Ft Whitie Dan
Wildcat – Personal Reasons Volume Two
Side A
Michelle Fredricks – Life
Valerie Octave – Stay Together
Wildcat – Back Home (Instrumental)
Dawn Dawkins – Happy
M.S.J.R – Wanting U Side B
Janine Cangy – Nobody But You
Norva Burke – In Love With Music
Michelle Fredricks – Recall My Love
Valerie Octave – Feelings Within
M.S.J.R – You’re My Lady
Intro – Emotion
Everyone of a certain age will recall with big nostalgia the old video format of VHS cassette tapes. First memories of their beloved machine being introduced to the house. Choosing a movie from a video store where racks and racks of crazy small rectangular boxes sat with intriguing art work covers promising action packed thrills and excitement. Getting home and turning your front room, bedroom into a “movie theatre”. The constant tweaking of those tracking buttons to rid the picture of lines across the screen. And probably the most exciting element! being able to watch films way out of your age certificate range. They were brilliant times and I got to see some fantastic, terrible and damn right hilarious movies which you wouldn’t give the time of day to now but that was all part of the fun. Sometimes the more ridiculous the better, well certainly the fun levels were sky high.
All these memories plus more are presented in this superb little documentary called Rewind This. Great interviews with collectors, geeks, movie buffs, directors and the fans. Topics range from video nasties, the adult market, home made videos, the Betamax VHS battle and the life of a collector. It’s all great fun and very worth tracking down.
My first memories of VHS was a few days before my 13th birthday, my super Dad brought home our first player, a Panasonic front loader. My first thoughts were film party and invited about 20 kids from school. We had a superb video shop called Take One which was chock full of movies, like any good rental should be.
I still remember to this day the 3 we rented. Big respects to my Dad for letting me get them, he must of got a right ear bashing from my Mum, it still gets brought up time and again.
The first was recommended by the owner, Rambo First Blood so went for that. Still a classic. Second was The Warriors and that still remains one of my favourites films of all time. Then there was the third choice and this is where my Dad became a guy of legend. I handed him Emmanuelle trying our luck. Sure it crossed his mind to say no but in a nano second it probably flashed by him sitting and watching it on his new machine with a beer and whisky, smoking a cigar.
13 years old and turning up to your party with three 18 certificate films and one being of a naughty nature. How could I forget that day!
Still remember the best line from a friend, who won’t be named. As Emmanuelle or some other flossie was happily playing with herself through her panties, the camera panned in for a close up. Then this loud voice at the back of the room in a slight panic shouts out “OH MY GOD I DIDN’T KNOW THEY COULD MOVE LIKE THAT!!!!” and we all fell about laughing. A few years later I was happy to find out they didn’t and I’m sure this was the case of relief for most of the guys 🙂
Next edition of the British reggae selection mixes I’m currently working on. Real pleasure going back through the records. To be honest I’ve been totally loving digging out the tunes. The best thing about setting myself a task for a music selection is finding my love of music again. Mountain high piles of records, dusting off the vinyl and reminiscing on old times, past loves and forgotten tunes. Getting that feeling of “oh my god” that tune is so amazing and “why oh why have I not listened to it for such a long time”. The old classic vinyl junkies dilemma of always looking for that perfect beat, new tune, new sound, new to you music which unfortunately means you’re always buying new records and not spending enough time listening to what you have. So yes these projects are wonderful moments for me to listen to old classics which I do so very much love. Hope you enjoy this one and any other mixes you might find on my music blog. Part 3 soon come!
Pauline Of Brown Sugar – Me And My Dread
This has to be one of my favourites, a pure dread cut, raw, pure and immense. Backed by the incredible talented musicians Dambala and produced by Gus Anyia. Pauline Catlin has a beautiful voice which sits so well with this deep tune. On the Dread Lion label, also released on a Isis Music 7″ single which I haven’t seen before. Check out the Revelation Side dub. Wow music indeed.
Lion Youth – Three Million On The Dole
On the excellent Virgo Stomach label Lion Youth sings about the unemployment problem in Thatcher’s Britain. Tough times. He did quite a few lovers tunes but this one and the almighty Rat A Cut Bottle are stellar tunes. I believe both have been repressed and are very recommended if you wish to search them out.
Jah Warriors – Can’t Take No More
The only record I own my them I think but what a super tune it is. On the Bushman label. Don’t know much about them to be honest but read they were from Ipswich. I need to get my hands on their LP called Poor Man’s Story. The cuts on youtube called Can’t Cook and Licquor are great.
Junior Brown ft Ranking Ruebin – Jah Find Babylon Guilty
Another cut from Junior Brown, see part one for his sublime Warriors tune with the Almighty Jah Shaka. This one is on the Tempus Record label from 1980. I love that label. He’s had a whole heap of 12’s and 7’s out but those are the only one I have. Let me know of any other of his works I need to check. Thanks.
Aswad – Finger Dub Style Dub
Good old Aswad strike again. This is an all firing dub. Pressing all the right buttons. Played it out on numerous occasions and that end which keeps stopping and starting is a dj’s nightmare hehe, Available on a single but you really need this 12 for the extended dub. Produced by Mikey Campbell. Warrior Charge has to be coming to a next edition soon hey, be rude not too!
The Government ft Trevor Laird – In Brixton
The eagle eyed out there will no this is sang by none other than Beefy aka Trevor Laird from the classic reggae film Babylon. I’m going to do a separate post about this lp and the connection soon so please pop back to have a read. I love this tune, a real punk reggae rocker to bounce up and down too. On the Cavalis label with a mad drawing of Trevor with a what exactly I’m not too sure, flamethrower?. The lp is called Mama Dragon and music from a play. Never seen it, have you?
Talisman – Lick And Run
There debut album from 1984 called Takin The Strain on Embryo Records. Great label artwork by the way. One of my favourite cuts from the lp is I’m Sorry, a very bizarre and quirky tune but rather brilliant in my ears. Very different. There’s some nice touches of experiment in the musical style.
Martin Campbell – War And Plunder
Massive fan of Martin Campbell ever since I picked up the album The Dream Is Over when it got released “See The Youths In Their Jackets And Ties” love those lyric. It also had that killer tune
Wicked Rule. Went on to pick up the sublime singles Richman and Got To Pray. On the Jah Works label. Still a love his work which has stayed constant with conscience lyric and sound. His 2005 lp on Log On called Take A Look is on the deck religiously. War And Plunder is from an album called Historical Tracks – The Foundation and features unreleased tunes from 1978-1981. I also like Bad Propaganda from that record.
Creation Rebel – Creation Rebel
Almighty roots band with a high class back catologue of releases. From Dub From Creation, Starship Africa and Close Encounters Of The Third World to name a few. All mixed down by Adrian Sherwood for his Hit and Run or Ou-U Sound or off shoot labels. The track I picked for this mix is from their Lows and Highs LP from 1982 on Cherry Red Records. Superb article on Creation Rebel and On-U Sound
Tradition – Herbs Tree Dub
Here comes a brilliant little raw funky tune from Tradition. I love this band. They always hit the right notes from sweet lover smouching, to deep roots to heavy freaked out dub. A cracking band which I will do a seperate post for one day soon. Herbs Tree Dub is from the RCA Venture label record Tell Your Friends About Dub. Mainly a version recording of Alternative Roots but this cut sits and stands out in its differing style. Check dem.
Mad Professor – Bengali Skank
One of the pure masters of the controls with a fantastic imagination for creating different style riddims and sounds. You always know the sound when you see his label Ariwa. The Dub Me Crazy series is legendary for sure. This tune Bengali Skank is from the 1983 The African Connection aka Dub Me Crazy 4
The Detonators – I Don’t Believe It
Coming out of Tottenham producer John Collins was busy making records for his Local label on a 4 track home studio. He is noticed by one Jerry Dammers from The Special and is asked to produce the sound for the classic Ghost Town. Read about the story and the recording process on John Collins own site. This tune is from an album he did under The Detonators from the 1979 cut lp Gangster. Top recording. Working Dub and Robber Dub superb.
The back cover of the Talisman album Takin The Strain on Embryo Records.
Coming soon for part three, Tribesman, Capital Letters, another Dennis Bovell produced goodie this time from a punk band, A single from The Detonators and Steel Pulse plus that deep than dread tune from Misty In Roots and you know Dennis Bovell solo dub is gonna pop up somewhere right?
Much Love … Mike
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Check the SHOP and categories for Reggae, Dub, Soul, Funk, Rasta, Jazz, Hip Hop, Beats, Brazil, Plus custom made T Shirts.
Keep up with updates on mixes and radio shows if you like at my FACEBOOK page or TWITTER
Starting part two this week. Hence updating this post. Check back for it soon. Been going through the record racks recording the tunes to MP3, been skanking reminiscing and getting that lovely buzz to buy more tunes, which I have been. Man I love buying music. Reckon there’s sure to be a part 3 on the cards soon. Watch this space!
Track List 1.Militant Dub by Dambala
B-side from the 12″ Rebel on Isis Music. Heavy tune. Raw deep and filled with energy 2.Warriors by Jah Shaka
From the legendary top Sound System The Almighty Jah Shaka. This tune features Junior Brown on vocals. Check the dub when it hits, turn the speakers up, jump up and down. TUNE 3.Behold by Aswad
Wonderful deep music from 1979 on the Island Label. Very talented musicians. A beautiful arranged tune. Check Hulet, a bliss flowing soundscape with jazz influences 4.See them a come by X-o-dus
Dennis Bovell produced tune from 1979 on Factory Records. This is the flip of English Black Boys 5.Little way different by Errol Dunkley
What’s not to like with this happy positive tune with Bovell’s magic touch re imaging Errol Dunkley original tune. A party favourite 6.See then ah come by Misty In Roots
The A-side from the People Unite label 12″ with the equally wicked and deep as hell How Long Jah Think about it this tune really should hit part 2 or 3 7.Wicked Dem by Talisman
This is the B-side to the awesome Run Come Girl on Recreational Records. Excellent 12″. These dudes are still gigging and have a new album out too. Great article on there website 8.Prodigal son by Steel Pulse
From the sublime debut album Handsworth Revolution on Island Records. This LP should be in all record collections. They are still performing and have a great website 9.Red Up by Aswad
Another cut from Aswad, this time from their debut self titled album from 1976 and don’t they look young. With Brinsley Forde under the name Chaka B 10.Tribal War by Black Roots
This great band out of Bristol did quite a few recordings for the BBC and released on their label with sessions for John Peel. 11.Enemies Dub by Liberators
Sadly I don’t know anything about the Liberators. Please let me know any info if you do. I can image they went down well with the punk scene. Great lp from 1979 on the Pearl Label. This tune has always been my favorite. 12.Nough – More Cut by Blackbeard
From the brilliant I Wah Dub recording. This is a fun record. Dennis Bovell hits the buttons again bring this deep, fun and simply incredible album. Recorded 1980 on the More Cuts Record label. Just check Electrocharge BOOM!
Here’s a picture of my copy of Rebel by Dambala. I love that sleeve cover. I picked it up around 1988 so it might not of been the original sleeve for the record but either way I think it looks proper dread.
Dennis Bovell = A genius pure and simple. (Works his magic on the Blackbeard, Errol Dunkley and the X.O.Dus tunes)
His “I Wah Dub” lp under his alias Blackbeard has been worn to the ground with plays ever since I picked up a copy in the late 1980’s. A masterclass of an album. One of Britain’s top producers and engineers for sure. The guy is a LEGEND!
He also did most of the score for the reggae classic dread film from 1980 Babylon from Director Franco Rosso which starred a young and very talented Brinsley Forde from Aswad battling it out with the mighty Jah Shaka. Check the trailer. If you’ve not seen it! get on it as soon as humanly possible. One of the best, of not many mind, British reggae films.
As always I really hope you enjoy the mixes. Say hello if you want, please feel free to share and I would love to hear any stories on the scene, about the artists, gigs etc.
Having just got my first computer at the tail end of 1999 I wasn’t that clued up on the whole file sharing thing and didn’t get to try out Napster. My disc space on that 1st machine was a massive 5GB with most of it being taken up by Windows 3.1. To be fair the poor thing probably couldn’t handle much and was slow as hell.
On hearing all the buzz of downloading I later upgraded to Windows XP and an all round faster machine. Remember delving into Limewire and being overwhelmed by so much stuff that being the of the compulsive mind and eager to hear, learn new things I went in like a kid in a sweet shop. Grabbing all I could until I noticed to the novice a lot of it was filled with spam and tons of viruses. Later heard of the great site Soulseek which I dabbled in for a while, again wishing to enlighten myself with all this unheard of free music. It was very exciting but after a while I realised it didn’t fulfill me. I needed that physical item buzz in my hands which all those years of buying vinyl had given me. So I stopped and carried on digging and gambling on records I didn’t know. Family and mortgage does put a strain on funds for those big buys and nowadays I can’t really afford to do it. Still hit the occasional blogspot to try out albums before I spent money but mostly things have changed. There really isnt a huge urge to download anymore now due to Youtube, Spotify, Bandcamp, Grooveshark etc. Surprising what you can just stream nowadays.
To be fair we have all been file sharing from our youth. Swapping cassette tapes and doing love filled mix tapes for girlfriends, buddies, Mum for christmas!! recording tracks from radio shows, even recording whole records on to cassette. It was all illegal but we all did. Always thought why the hell did they sell 90 minute blank cassette tapes and stereo hi fi systems to record on. What else were you going to do.
A documentary that explores the downloading revolution; the kids that created it, the bands and the businesses that were affected by it, and its impact on the world at large.
The beginning of Napsters rise, through to it’s history of legal battles etc are included in this great documentary. With lots of insight and contributions from bods in the music industry. Mike D from the Beastie Boys, Henry Rollins, Island label boss Chris Blackwell and Lars Ulrich from Metallica to name a few. Some for some against. Interesting watch, especially if you have a love of music and technology.
The film is directed by none other than Bill S. Preston, Esq from Bill and Ted fame Alex Winter.
Very much looking forward to his new project Deep Web: The Untold Story of Bitcoin and Silk Road. Which has just been funded by a Kickstarter campaign and has started filming.
A topic I had heard of but haven’t a clue what is going on. Sounds a dark and mysterious place! Here’s a link to an article on Mashable
Who on Earth is Leon Lowman? I didn’t have a clue until last month when his album Liquid Diamonds hit my palms from Mr Postman. Intrigued to know more about where this wonderful music came from, I went on the search to enlighten me. This brand new compilation of a selection of his works is brought together by Abel Nagengast, Tako Reyenga and Jamie Tiller for their debut release of the Ducth label Music From Memory.
After hearing the super bassy The Want I had to get my grubby hands on this album and didn’t need to hear anything else till I got it. Was a great surprise, really impressed with it. A very recommended record. There is always something so special about these private pressed, self produced recordings. The style, sound and passion, warmth always shines through. There is a certain feel which is different and so refreshing from big over produced sounds. On a simular tip check the Jeff Phelps piece if you don’t know it.
Leon looking cool as surrounded by electronic equipment ready to step into action. Guessing this picture is from his Syntheseas Studios.
This is an album filled with experiments in electronic sounds in bass and strings. I’ve seen quotes with the like of “lo-fi beach funk and lazy synth jams”. I believe that pretty much sums up these feel good tunes. You could easy see yourself chilling down on the beach with the sun starting to set on the West Coast eating nice food, cold beer in hand watching beautiful ladies dipping in and out the sea. Electronic synths flowing over the sound of the waves, chatting and smiling with friends.
Leon uses a mixture of Fender Rhodes, Arp 2600 Synthesizer and a Omni-2 Synth.
Check the Arp 2600. What a mad looking machine. Here’s a picture of Weather Reports main man Joe Zawinul showing off the beast.
The compilation of tracks are pulled together from a couple of Leon Lowman’s privately pressed albums. One called Syntheseas from 1980 and a cassette only release called Sound Horizon from 1982 which were cassette tapes with handwritten labels with Leon Lowman signature. I also noticed another album self released on CD called Cruise Control from 2005. http://www.discogs.com/Leon-Lowman-Cruise-Control/release/3824545 anyone heard this? Would love to know what it is like.
Love the LP title Syntheseas. Synths and Seas.
The Second Safari from Sound Horizon where you can see the cassette cover.
I’m digging the whole LP but the track Open is pure KILLER synths. Jeepers man! this tune is so freaking deep, proper bliss.
The tune Morning Song has a great Beach Boys feel to it. Bumpin On The Sunset is a bopping along the beach with a groove jumping in your step.
The title track Liquid Diamonds is bonkers. Check the drumming! and with the synths, oh my god so good.
Just one very small moan. One thing I feel the compilation lacks is some liner notes. Would of been mighty fine to have a inner sheet of notes for an insight into this great, unknown to me, artist. His thoughts on the recordings, maybe an interview about his love of music and water and his love of art.
With a search I see Leon is a fantastic abstract artist using the medium of collage in his works.
I spy a saucy lady in that picture too.
Plus here’s a bonus an interview and video of his artwork. Love his style of art.
Big respects to Leon and Music From Memory for making this record happen. It’s going to be on the deck for sometime.
Big love.
Thanks for reading
All the best
Having a rewind selector on the big pile of magazines I’ve just moved from boxes in the loft into my “music” room. They really do stand for a great time capsule of an era. Sneaking a read whenever I get a quiet moment, which normally consists of sat on the lavy!! as if you need to know that. Catching up with old soul stories when confronting nature, best place to not be disturbed I have to add.
Here are some articles, chart lists, stories, record shops, gigs going on from an issue of Blues and Soul from the year 1985.
Been a real pleasure reading back through for notes for this article. Brings back memories, missed tunes which I been checking on Youtube and reading forgotten stories from great artists.
Lots of chat about Washington DC’s Go-Go scene which was hitting pretty heavy at the time.
The main articles in the contents were from Junior, RockwellT.C Curtis and Sade which I must of had the lovely lady posted on my bedroom wall and the centre spread has disappeared! I did have a big crush on the gal.
Blues and Soul (Incorporating Black Music and Jazz Review)
No 427 March 11-24 1985 all for a nice price of 70p for the UK
On the cover is a night shot of a rather slick Junior sat on the a bonnet of a Jag with a copy of The Standard newspaper in his hand!
NEWSFLASHES
Melle Mel had confirmed a London date at The Camden Palace on the 10th of March and you could go see him for £3.
The group Change had got signed up by Chrysalis Records for their Cooltempo label.
Mille Jackson added four tour dates to her UK tour with Dublin Stadium, Edinburgh Playhouse, Manchester Apollo and of all the places right on my doorstep of Poole Arts Centre!
The Dazz Band and Second Image were live and direct at the Pink Elephant in Luton.
TOP BRITISH SOUL SINGLES
Here’s a few choice picks from the top 50 which I think are brill and a young Mikey would of been listening to at the time.
3] Who Comes To Boogie – Little Benny and The Masters
5] Hangin On A String – Loose Ends
7] Anything – Direct Drive
“Having provided us with one of the finest albums of 84, this hugely talented trio serve notice that they are about to do the same in 85. Taken from their forthcoming album “So Where Are You” which is superb, this single has more than enough style to suggest that a big hit is just around the corner.
Once again we find Nick Martinelli at the production controls, providing this extremely classy item with splendid clarity and a luscious feel. And Jane, Eugene and Macca display their cultured, soulful vocals on a very potent melody which is highlighted by a wickedly infectious chorus. The backing is provided by a delightful, sophisticated, midtempo rhythm that is so neatly constructed and is joined later in the track by a hookable, heavy synth line. Make no mistake, 85 will be the year of Loose Ends – and they couldn’t have started off in finer style! A Monster (Rating: 9)” by Justin Lubbock
ZULU MESSAGE
Tim Westwood’s Hip Hop Column
The Go-Go scene was in full effect and hitting our shores nicely around this time.
A nice little piece on the meaning of the label DETT.
“There’s a lot of depth to the Go-Go scene and that’s the one thing that a lot of people are forgetting about. As Max Kidd of DETT explained, the meaning of these initials, which previously had been kept secret within their inner circle, as “D” is for Determination, “E” is for eternal dedication, because we work with one another and the brothers and sisters that come in contact with us during our earthly trip. “T” is for trust, because without trust, there is no honour and with the respect that we have for one another and the blessings we received from Almighty Creator, there is honour and trust amongst us. “T” is for tolerance because we understand the value of compassion and patience!”Kidd reverses the initials for the label TTED to “keep the funk separate as TTED is for the “smooth wave” compared to DETT’s. The bands on TTED are Chuck Brown and The Soul Searchers, Slim, Johnson and D, Rumours and Snap. Artists on DETT included Trouble Funk, Arcade Funk, Hot and Cold Sweat and the Go-Go Allstars.”
Well thats cleared that up LOL.
THE BEAT BOX CHART
Def Jam/Cold Chillin In The Spot – Jazzy Jay Dedication – Fearless Four
Daryll and Joe (Krush Groove 3) – Run DMC
Tommy Boy Megamix – 3D
Girls, Girls (Ah, Ah, Hi) – Solo Live It Up (Dub) – Imperial Brothers
Life’s A Bitch – DR B.S
Groovin With You – Bert Reid http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAi1xW-Kxw0
Zero One – Universal Funk
Movin and Groovin – Redds and The Boys
Bustin Loose – Chuck Brown and the Soul Searchers
Waiting For Your Love – Sweet G
I Wonder If I Can Take You Home – Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam and Full Force
Rap-O-Matic/Little Red Hood – Dumb Guys
Check It Out – Sugar Style
Beat Me Girl – Force MD’s Wild Boys Rapp – G Q G & Slick Sheik
Larry’s Dance Theme – Grandmaster Flash
Boogie Down (Remixed and Relimed) – Man Parrish
Hard To Love (Dub) – Marla Adler
SOUNDCHECK ALBUMS
Streetsounds Electro 6 hits the streets. I remember picking this straight up from Our Price records.
Two of my favorites from the comp. Captain Rock – Cosmic Blast
It got a rating of 6 out of 10 with the footnote of
“Overall, I would say that this set uses rather more specialist material than previous ones and as such I’m sure that it will go down very well with all the permed kids who hang around the streets of our larger cities – but to be honest, I can’t really see this album achieving the same kind of mass appeal as it’s predecessors”
STREET NOISE
The Mouth’s Fortnightly Foray On Fax, Fads, Fallacy N Fun
This was always a fun section where the anonymous Mouth word rant and tell behind the scenes gossip on the what ever had happened in the week. This issue he/she, I’m assuming it is a guy, has a pop at Prince at the BPI Awards (British Phonographic Industry Awards later became what we now know as the Brit Awards). “My experience of overblown egos is substantial enough, I’m afraid, but even I was not prepared for the conceit and weirdness of Prince at the crashingly dull BPI Awards Show” He goes on to say about the show “The most incestuous of events where the awards are determined by the record companies, after all the behind the scenes lobbying has been carried out!”.
Also a piece about who the D.C All Stars where? What with their Bustin Loose 12″ coming on Streetwave. Was this a direct cash in on Chuck Brown’s original which was re released at the same time. Two quotes where ” A cheap recording of an enthusiastic sound” and “merely bandwagon jumping”. Advertised on the cover of the 12″ with a Washington DC stamp, rumours of the identity of the band where flying around and it was hinted that it was indeed HI-Tension! a comment from one of the Mouths spies “Washington, Pah!! it sounds to me as if it was recorded in Tottenham”
Another little section made me laugh about Chuck Mangione. “Did you catch super hippy flugel horner Chuck Mangione making a marvellously poor job of his six syllables on Magnum PI the other weekend? Chucky boy should of kept his trumpet in his gob and let the PI with the rat under his nose cock up the thespianism as he does perfectly well each week!” Haha
CITY SLICKERS
These was always the chart to look at in Blues and Soul. This was a compiled chart of 12’s and LP’s from some of the big record stores around. With the likes of Bluebird, Groove Records, City Sounds, Hot Waxx, Record Shack, Lending the lists of what was flying off the shelves, hitting the dance floors etc.
Here’s just a few of the goodies.
Lonnie Hill – You Got Me Running(rating of 7)
I have the lp and admit to not really listening to that much. I got it for Galveston Bay and did not venture further after flicking through and not being grabbed by anything. I really should dig it out for a another listen. They recommend “Keep On Dancing” and the before mentioned G Bay. They go on to say “Two tracks which spoil the album open each side respectively “You got me running” and “Something special to me” which are noisy rock numbers with plenty of that guitar!!!!” That is probably what put me off on my first listen.
Alex Malheiros – Atlantic Forest (rating of 7)
The bass player from the sublime Azymuth first solo lp. A great expansion to add to your Azymuth collection. Keeping the vibe going. Best track has to be the brilliant Papaia. “Without a doubt, the best track has got to be Papaia – an infectious mid-tempo instrumental driven by solid drums and bass then flavoured by with some scat vocal, trickling guitar and some dreamy synth work” Yeh that sums it up. Great tune. I quite like Traveling Through Your Body brilliant brill title! Smooth mellow jazz.
RECORD SHOPS
JIFS
Jazz Funk Soul Records.
I always wanted to visit this shop. “The One Stop Funk Shop”
This was up in Chadwell Heath, Romford and I never got to go! Was too young and I guess it shut down at the end of the 80’s? Did you used to visit? Would love to know what it was like.
RECORD VILLAGE
Walthamstow.
Don’t think I ever got to this one. Used to go to Hit And Run and the over big one across the road, what was that called? Sounds Familiar records?
MUSIC POWER RECORDS
Harringay.
“H and Nick invite you to North London’s BEST soul shop”
GROOVE RECORDS
Greek Street W1
“The Ultimate shop for Electro – Funk – Disco – Jazz – Soul”
BLUEBIRD RECORDS
Paddington Green W2
“We’ve got your soul under control” Great tag line.
CITY SOUNDS
Holborn WC1
Featured Dave’s Dozen top picks on the advert.
HITMAN RECORDS
2 Lexington Street W1
“Import Specialists”
JOCKS RAPP
Bob Killbourn reports on what going on in clubland around country.
Was always sad to read the South West section. Was too young to go to anything BOO. especially as when you read ” Tragic news to report the demise of what had become one of the UK’s very best soul clubs “Upstairs At Eric’s” Anyone who caught Eric’s will know what i’m raving about, but if you missed it, it looks like you won’t get another chance.”
A rather funny picture of Chad Jackson. Not sure where he was performing but the caption made me laugh.
“Chad Jackson continues to bring the deejay fraternity into disrepute with his silly attire Tch Tch”
You also got the playlists of deejays and club nights here. I won’t list them all but will pick one.
Baz Fe Jazz: Rock City – Nottingham
Fever – Peggy Lee
Sambop – Cannonball Adderley & Bossa Rio Sextet
Noa Noa – Sergio Mendes @Brazil 65
A Giant Step – Charlie Palmieri
Brazilian Jazz – Lalo Schifrin
Kenya – Machito & Afro Cuban Jazz
BJ’S Samba – Barney Kessel
Batucada – Marcos Valle
Barbarbitiri – Willie Rosario
Afro Jaws – Eddie Lockjaw Davis
BACKCHAT
At the back of the mag you have reader mail and the pen pals wanted section. Which were always worth a read.
A guy called Mussy aged 18 into Gwen Guthrie and Stevie Wonder was looking for any Mama’s around his age and ended his message “If you dig my rap, mama, then please write”
Of the letters, Maze gets a praise for not selling out for more dollar with adding rock guitars to all their tunes.
A gay guy wants help finding a good gay club playing soul as he detests Hi-Nrg being played everywhere he goes. Surely he could of just gone to the “straight” clubs and had a good time! I know what he’s saying about the Hi-Nrg though!!
And the best one I thought was a guy having a pop at Chris Hill and Pete Tong for predicting GO-GO was gonna be big in 85. “Where have these people been for the last two years?” “Come on guys stop bandwagon jumping! The best London warehouse parties have been rocking the GO-GO since 82. It’s not new and can you really imagine those suburban wedgeheads dancing away to “Do The Whop” in Washington fur hats whilst snorting angel dust. WOW what would Lonnie Liston Smith say!!”
I have to say I’m not too sure what he’s saying but funny none the less.
Hope you have enjoyed the trip down memory lane.
Let me know your memories on the time. Did you go to any of the club nights, record shops.
Been great going through the mag for this.
Hubert Eaves – Esoteric Funk – Inner City Records – A Digging Story.
Uncle Barry’s was a junk shop filled to the ceiling with bric a brac, secondhand tat and numerous other kinds of stuff you would see at a car boot sale. The shop was in Kinson near Bournemouth on Wimborne Road. Not really a place we would go but always being on the hunt for new records, these places sometimes held treasure.
Who was the mysterious Uncle barry? Not sure we ever saw him but I can imagine he looked like Carl from Aqua Teen Hunger Force
Here’s Uncle Barry’s right on the corner! Can’t believe someone has taken a photo of it. This is 1993 just before it shut down I think.
My good friend Jamie noticed what we were  there for, the box on the floor filled with those sweet dusty records. A man on a mission in he went, a box filled with rubbish after rubbish until he hit this white cardboard blank sleeve with these finger flicking stopping words written on it ESOTERIC FUNK in biro. Well that a name to get your attention and excitement going. Pulls the record out and it’s this curious label called Inner City and an artist by the name of Hubert Eaves. Something like 20p later we were heading back home to Parkstone eager to hear what the funk of Esoteric Funk would sound like. Obviously side one was first with Call To Awareness and this beautiful mellow jazz starts but 2 minutes in the mood changes with this twist of dark, haunting, eerie almost sounds which were filling the speakers. I was so jealous I didn’t get in there first but had the most respect for our Jamie picking up this incredible record of music. It was some time until my turn came and when it did the spontaneous orgasm of seeing it in a record shop for £2.50. So happy I must of been in a daze as I can’t remember where I picked it up from which is very unlike me. Every good record has a place in your heart and this one is buried in there deep. Was out having a few beers with Jamie this weekend and chatted about it again. Both agreed how special this recording is. Every track so well thought out, blissfully arranged and lovingly put together. You have killer jazz fusion then soft touches of pure tranquil bliss. Song For Marlene is an exquisite piece with bubbling bass noises and gorgeous Rhodes electric piano. A delicate jazz ballad Under Standing sang by Cheryl Alexander to the funky as hell Painful Pleasure which goes right off on one in the second half. Crazed synthesizer funky groove, I’ve played that one out on a few occasions. Then there’s another graceful chilled mellow jazz tune in the form of Slow Down. I think because I always went for Song For Marlene poor Flead Dancing got a little neglected. Still a brilliant tune but maybe the weakest from a very strong set of recordings.
Hubert Eaves only solo recording but this guy has worked with, written and arranged so many amazing projects through his career from the likes of D Train, Gary Bartz, Mtume and his name appears on many soul tunes throughout the eighties.
Recorded in 1976. I believe Esoteric Funk was first release in Japan on the East Wind label 77/78 before getting to the US via the Inner City label in 1979. The Japanese copy is near on impossible to find but I’m sure if you dig enough and have the spare cash you’re find it. Best bet is to go for the Inner City one. I reckon if your patient a copy for around £15 would come your way though you could pick one up in excellent condition for around the £20 plus mark. Dude, it’s worth every single penny.
**Here’s something very special to add to the story. There is an interview with the great man himself HERE by DJ Soulswede on Soulinterview.com (Takin it deeper). I’ve never heard of the site before but I’m looking forward to going through the archives. How brilliant to have an interview with Hubert on his career. Big respects to DJ Soulswede.
Two sample IDs. Dr Octagon sampled Call To Awareness on his track Waiting List and Rakim sampled the vocal from Under Standing on his Show Me Love tune.
Tracklist
Side One
1 Call To Awareness
2 Painful Pleasure
3 Slow Down
Side Two
1 Flead Dancing
2 Song For Marlene
3 Under Standing
The Players of Instruments
Hubert Eaves. Acoustic Piano, Fender Rhodes, Hohner D-6 Clavinet, ARP String Ensemble, Micro Moog Synthesizer, Vocal on “Slow Down”
Reggie Lucas – Electric Guitar
James “Fish” Benjamin – Electric Bass
John Lee – Elecrtic Bass “Slow Down”
Howard King – Drums
Mtume – Congas, Percussion
Rene Mclean – Reeds, Flute
James Stowe – Trombone
Malachi Thompson – Trumpet
Cheryl Alexander – Vocal “Under Standing”
Recorded May 15,16, 1976
Here at Minot Sound Studio
Bizarrely it still seems to be going.
I have to say a big thank you to Uncle Barry and whoever sold/gave away and wrote those words on that white card sleeve.
Thanks for reading.
What’s your thoughts on the record. Any info to add. Please feel free in the reply box.
Big love
Mad Mongos Music 
