Record reviews Archives

Crate Diggers Ep#16

01/13/2019

80's Boogie, 80's Funk, 80's groove, 80's Soul, Modern Funk, Record reviews, Record stores, Top shelf, Vinyl collection

Top Shelf is entirely dedicated to vinyl selection. In these videos the Boogie80 crew will be reviewing records from our personal collection in various genres including Soul, Funk, Boogie, Disco, Jazz Funk/Fusion & Modern Funk.

In this 16th episode , we London DJ Adrian Burton aka Optimus Funk who is sharing with us some of his favorite records.

Records presented:

01.Amuzment Park – “So Inspired” (1982)

02.Mighty Fire – “Love Fantasy” (1981)

03. Honey Sauce Band – “Boy Toy” (2018)

04. Pegasus – “Attractive Sleaze” (1987)

05. Bryan Loren – “Easier Said Than Done” (1984)

06. Logg – “I Know You Will” (1981)

Crate Diggers Ep#15

10/28/2018

Crate Diggers

80's Boogie, 80's Funk, 80's groove, 80's Soul, Modern Funk, Record reviews, Record stores, Top shelf, Vinyl collection

In this 15th episode , we welcome French Michael Jackson specialist, Richard Lecocq who is sharing with us some of his favorite Michael Jackson’s records.

Records presented:

01. Michael Jackson – “You Can’t Win” 7” Picture Disc (1979)

02. The Jacksons – “Walk Right Now” 7inch (1981)

03. Michael Jackson – “Thriller” Promo France (1987)

04. Michael Jackson – “9 Singles Pack” (1983)

05. Children Of The World Project – “We Are The World” (1985)

06. Michael Jackson & Paul MacCartney – “Say Say Say” (2015 Remix)

07. Michael Jackson – “Liberian Girl” Acetate (1987)

Crate Diggers Ep#14

10/02/2018

Crate Diggers

80's Boogie, 80's Funk, 80's groove, 80's Soul, Modern Funk, Record reviews, Record stores, Top shelf, Vinyl collection

In this 14th episode , Boogie80 co-founder Marwan is back again to share with you a selection of 5 records from his personal vinyl collection. Enjoy!

Records presented:

01. Mirage – “Summer Groove” (1980)

02.Charms “One Step Closer” (1986)

03.Chosen 3 – “Mr. Turbulence” & “Just Been Home” (1984)

04. Cerrone – “Back Track” (1982)

05.The Snapp – “Snapp Rap” (1986)

Crate Diggers Ep#13

08/28/2018

Crate Diggers

80's Boogie, 80's Funk, 80's groove, 80's Soul, Modern Funk, Record reviews, Record stores, Top shelf, Vinyl collection

In this 13th episode , Boogie80 co-founder Albin is back again to share with you a selection of 5 records from his personal vinyl collection. Enjoy!

Records presented:

01. Fresh Band – “Come Back Lover” (1984)

02. Noriki – “Do What You Do” & “Cozy’s Melody” (1983)

03. The N.M. Band – “She Wants” (198?)

04. Lisa Taylor – “You And Me Just Started” (1982)

05. Joao Donato E Donatinho – “Lei Do Amor” (2017)

Pick Your Tunes #21

08/13/2018

Pick Your Tunes

80's Boogie, 80's Funk, 80's Soul, Funk Freaks, German scene, Modern Funk, Record reviews

Offenbach based Pepe is founder and label manager of the german label Born to Shine. Born & raised in saxony, his time in Dresden and its amazing subculture at this time was the launch for his open-minded taste of music. Beneath the label he loves to collect records and travelling. Mostly he connects both and digs deep in all corners of the planet for unknown nuggets. He loves to experience new cultures, new people, new music and tries to spread the message of positive lifestyle & love with his label.

1. What’s your favorite tune to cruise at night?

Kool & The Gang – “Summer Madness” (1974)

The perfect song for a warm summer night. The title says it all. Can’t imagine a better situation to sit under a clear night sky in good company. Then you
know: Life is good !
PS: Who doesn’t love the Rocky scene when he comes home & turns the radio on…?

2. What’s your favorite tune to chill?

2 Solar Plex – “Why Did You Walk” (1981)

I’m a big fan of cheesy love lyrics. I just love to sit down, relax and listen to lyrics like this. This song has an amazing hook that shows it all. Love,
Pain, Hope … Everybody knows and feels what they are singing about…

3.What’s your favorite tune for a romantic evening?

Brazilian Singers – “O Telefone Tocou Novamente” (2016)

Some of the greatest love lyrics I ever listened too. This song sets me in the special mood. Never get tired of listening to this. The best version of this Jorge Ben classic
in my opinion.

4. What’s your favorite tune to shake your body down to the ground?

Mandingo Brass – “E.L.B. Jam” (1981)

A caribbean classic to me. I don’t remember having listened to a greater brass section. Positive feelings and the need to smile in every second of this song. I can’t
sit down when this is played. Funnily enough this was edited and came out on 12“ these days on BBE but I prefer the OG over everything.

5. What’s the tune that gives you instant nostalgia?

San Francisco Street Music – “Growing Up” (2000)

100% Real Life Raps. No Gangsta shit, just honest lines from this westcoast cult group. I could tell hours & hours how much their positive rap and dusty self produced 4track tape stuff influenced my way of thinking. I love this imperfection , no Hi-Gloss productions or fake attitudes. I’m listening to this for 15 years and still have the same feelings as it was the first time. You don’t need to sell drugs or live in the Ghetto to have something to say. Litlle side fact: This Phil Upchurch sample is taken of one of my first funk records I bought.

Follow Born To Shine:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pepe.hausius

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/born-to-shine-4

Bandcamp: https://borntoshine.bandcamp.com/

Crate Diggers Ep#12

08/02/2018

Crate Diggers

80's Boogie, 80's Funk, 80's groove, 80's Soul, Modern Funk, Record reviews, Record stores, Top shelf, Vinyl collection

In this 12th episode ,we are delighted to welcome collector and DJ Kirollus Elyas (Brighton,UK) who is sharing with us some of his all-time favorite records from his personal collection.

Records presented:

01. Khemistry – “I Can’t Lose With The Stuff I Use” (1982)

02. Logg – “You’ve Got That Something” (1981)

03. Eramus Hall – “Just Me And You” (1980)

04. Raymun – “Do You Feel Like I Feel” (1983)

05. Hard Cover – “Do You Care Like You Say You Do” / “I Bet She Does It Like She Dances” (1984)

Pick Your Tunes #20

06/29/2018

Pick Your Tunes

80's Boogie, 80's Funk, 80's Soul, Funk Freaks, German scene, Modern Funk, Record reviews

DJ Kobex/Funkfreaks based in Hamburg / Germany got into OLD SCHOOL ELECTRO FUNK, VOCODER FUNK and ELECTRO RAP in his early age. His passion for collecting Funk records since 1993 encouraged him right away to figure out scratching and mixing vinyl. By 2008, the BOOGIEFUNK with its strong bass lines and positive vibes inspired hugely his sounds. He became a member of Funkfreaks Crew in 2013 and in 2015 he won the “Omega Supreme Records Mixtape Contest”. For him, Funk is an attitude towards life and a lifestyle. Besides playing Funk music, he also drafts Funk graphic designs and crafts T-shirts in manual serigraphy technique. DJ Kobex performs in European cities like Hamburg, Berlin and Paris, and in spring 2018 he was a guest act in Southern California and Arizona..

1. What’s your favorite tune to cruise at night?

Contrast – “Slippin In The Night” (1985)

Actually,the title of this song gives already the answer to that question. In the foreground groove of this track, there are this clacking snaredrum and intense bassline. This gem producted by Henry A. Hayes has some fresh vocals aswell. This sound is just an allover nasty bass hitter.

2. What’s your favorite tune to chill?

2 Of The Crew – “All Day Chill” (1997)

This track catapults me right away into DJ Ney’s/Funkfreaks ) pick up in California. He played it loudly while cruising through Santa Ana during my visit in April 2018. That was the first time I heard that song and I was blown away! This feeling embodies that local funk lifestyle in California and it gives me goose bumps thinking about it. G-Funk for me is directly connected to Modern Funk and 80s Funk – for sure, I will extend my G-Funk record collection.

3.What’s your favorite tune for a romantic evening?

Ken Chaney – “Ready For Your Love” (1985)

This is a record I do not own that long, but it’s definitely one of those records that stands out from others – this rhythm is unique. A strong bass line with marvelous rounding-up piano insertions. When I listen to this song, an incredibly positive vibe impacts me. I could hear it all night long… in an infinite loop! Ready for your love…

4. What’s your favorite tune to shake your body down to the ground?

Gift Of Dreams – “Funkincise” (1982)

This track makes me freak out, this is just PARTY! To keep it short, all at this sound is freaky and heavy at the same time: synths, guitar, beat and vocals. All around a big production.

5. What’s the tune that gives you instant nostalgia?

The Evasions – “Let’s Dance (The Passage)” (1982)

Yeah, this track moves me back to my early years, 1992-1993, when I was a 13-year-old kid starting listening to 80s Rap and Electro Funk. Grandmaster Flash “The Message“ was – of course – one of those must have records. The according Boogie Track Evasions – “Let’s Dance The Passage“, I discovered 20 years later and I reached out for that record immediately. Absolutely a real blast! It feels like being 13 years old again when all began.

Follow DJ Kobex:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dyscjockey.kobex

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/djkobex

Pick Your Tunes #19

06/08/2018

Pick Your Tunes

80's Boogie, 80's Funk, 80's Soul, Hobo Camp, Loose Shus, Mint Condition, Modern Funk, Record reviews, Voltaire Records

Brackos is a French DJ from Paris born in 1985. At the age of 10, he discovered the wonderful world of Disco Funk through various CD compilations, including the famous STAR-FUNK compilations released by Unidisk (Canada) in the early 90’s . By 1999, his passion has completely invaded him and he started to purchase his first turntable as well as classic 80s Funk album on vinyl. His debut will be strongly influenced by other DJs such as Kheops, Mouss or Abdel. He will perfect his mix technique and his own selections while continuing to deepen his musical culture for several years.

In 2006, with the creation of his Myspace account, Brackos is quickly spotted and contacted to mix in Parisian nights. Since 2008, he ‘s regularly booked to blast his explosive Boogie-funk sets showcasing his favorite producers like Kashif, Narada Michael Walden, Leroy Burgess, Nick Martinelli … and Nickee B more recently. Brakos made very good contacts with 80’s artists during all these years, a production should see the day, one day or the other … Something to follow!

In March 2018, Howard Johnson choosed him to do the warm-up and after show of his 2 Parisian dates.

1. What’s your favorite tune to cruise at night?

A track that makes you want to burn the road! A catchy rhythm, easy to sing… Pure ecstasy! Henry Horne from THS is well known for his boogie monster “Kinky Girl”, with the band Creations. One of my favorite tracks. A New York sound as I like.

2. What’s your favorite tune to chill?

Colorblind – “Crazy” (1984)

I got hooked on this song right away! The piano at the beginning reminds me of George Benson”s classic song “Turn Your Love Around”. A perfect sound to listen to late afternoon on the French Riviera (our French equivalent of California lol !)

3.What’s your favorite tune for a romantic evening?

B.B. & Q. Band – “Genie” (1985)

Definitely the most difficult choice! I am often considered by my female audience as a “lover”. In each of my playlists, you would find 80% of songs that talk about love! I chose “Genie” because its the perfect tune to close an evening and accompany couples who have just formed.

4. What’s your favorite tune to shake your body down to the ground?

Master Jam – “Dancin’ All Night” (1982)

A sound that I love mixing during my dj sets. If you don’t dance on it or even move, then there’s nothing I can do for you… This big track was mixed by the great Nick Martinelli. It was not easy to choose a song in this category, I could have chose hundred other tracks!

5. What’s the tune that gives you instant nostalgia?

Passion – “Don’t Stop My Love” (1982)

My anthem! This sound has everything unlocked. I discovered this sound on the mixtape “Total Prelude” by DJ Kheops, released in the summer of 2001. I’ve never stopped listening to it since! This song made me discover Kashif’s productions afterwards … On this awesome song you will find Dr. York (executive producer), François Kevorkian(mixing), Herb Powers Jr. (mastering) and of course the master Kashif (writing). This song will be featured in Kashif’s album one year later. Dr. York’s version of 1985 is softer, which contrasts with the story of the character …

Follow DJ Brackos:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/djbrackos/

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/djbrackos

Weekly Dig ep4 - Ren Woods - Get It Right

THE WEEKLY DIG | EP#4

06/04/2018

The Weekly Dig

80's Soul, Average White Band, Blue-eyed Soul, Record reviews, Vinyl

For this fourth edition of the Weekly Dig, we are reviewing the underrated 80’s Boogie cut “Get It Right” by Ren Woods released on Elektra Records in 1982. This killer track was supposed to be added in her album Azz Izz but was finally not selected for the album.

Weekly Dig - Average White Band - Whatcha Gonna Do For Me

THE WEEKLY DIG | EP#3

05/28/2018

The Weekly Dig

80's Soul, Average White Band, Blue-eyed Soul, Record reviews, Vinyl

For this third edition of the Weekly Dig, we are reviewing the classic Blue-eyed Soul cut “Whatcha Gonna Do For Me” written by Ned Doheny for Average White Band. This killer track was covered by Chaka Khan a year later in her 1981 album. Enjoy!

Pick Your Tunes #18

05/24/2018

Pick Your Tunes

80's Boogie, 80's Funk, 80's Soul, Hobo Camp, Loose Shus, Mint Condition, Modern Funk, Record reviews, Voltaire Records

Randy “Hotthobo” Ellis is a co-owner and label manager of Hobo Camp Records and Voltaire Records in California, longtime vinyl DJ/collector, host of the NTS radio program “Mint Condition”, as well as a producer, re-mixer, arranger, event promoter/coordinator and frequent contributor/collaborator to projects like Loose Shus, Chautauqua, Elegant Borzoi and Relish. His DJ sets journeys deep into an abyss of new, classic, and obscure 12″ and 7″ records, with a focus toward high-end boogie, disco, two step, sweet soul, italo, house and modern funk.

1. What’s your favorite tune to cruise at night?

Wah Wah Watson – “Good Friends” (1976)

A true cruiser, the guitar licks get you instantly prepped for the ride, and quickly the whole arrangement just builds and falls right into place. The bass is heavy and repetitive enough, but still totally live with licks and feels galore. Wah Wah (born Melvin Ragin) was a seriously in-demand session guitar player, so if you ever want to trip out, check out the long list of classic tunes he played on.

2. What’s your favorite tune to chill?

General Lee & The Space Army Band – “We Did It Baby” (1979)

“We Did It Baby” sonically replicates the same feeling that I get levitating through clouds in my dreams. The instrumentation, chords, strings and vocal glide along lushly, and instantly put me at ease.

3.What’s your favorite tune for a romantic evening?

Leroy Hutson – “Paradise'” (1982)

Saxophones, synth bass and heavy breathing with Leroy’s amazing vocals rounding it out…can’t think of anything much more sensual than that. Chicago soul always seems a step deeper than the rest, Leroy being a perfect example of the Chicago sound throughout his career, with this particular track exemplifing that notion.

4. What’s your favorite tune to shake your body down to the ground?

Blue Feather – “Let’s Funk Tonight” 12” Mix (1981)

his one gets in the groove and just keeps pushing…once it opens up to the solos, it’s certified dancefloor mania, breaking it down for everyone to actually get into a trance and follow wherever they happen to be taken organically…and you can play this one looooong. When dancing to most songs it’s typical to just grab onto one thing (for me its typically the bass and drum patterns), and just ride that out, but with this track as a dancer you can literally follow any instrument and jump between them.

5. What’s the tune that gives you instant nostalgia?

Michael McDonald – “I Keep Forgettin” (1982)

Although I vaguely remember this track from my childhood, it always reminds me of the G-Funk classic that sampled it: Warren G – “Regulators” … it dually brings to mind the smooth yacht-rock AOR stuff that dominated the radio in the 80s, and also all the Rap and G-Funk stuff that I listened to in the 90s that either sampled or emulated that sound. Also I was trained to do live sound by a sound-guy that used this song to test every single system that we set up…his argument was that he knew this song so well that he could pick out any issue on any system, that it was a safe enough song to play in front of any crowd/client, and that anyone from any background or upbringing would probably like it.

Follow Randy:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/randy.h.ellis

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/hotthobo

Bandcamp: https://bandcamp.com/hotthobo

Pick Your Tunes #17

05/08/2018

Pick Your Tunes

80's Boogie, 80's Funk, 80's Soul, Modern Funk, Record reviews

DK AKI is a former Japanese DJ of the 80’s, he was performing in Osaka most famous discotheques from 1979 to 1985. He’s also a serious vinyl collector with a collection of over 20,000 records. DJ AKI is also running his own music blog since 2014 on which you can find over 1000 articles added on a daily basis. You can check out his mixes on his Mixcloud page. DJ AKI is also making apperances in Osaka and Los Angeles radios.

1. What’s your favorite tune to cruise at night?

Guy Cuevas – “Obsession (Massau Mix)” (1982)

High speed cruising at night is a different space where the night view of a skyscraper glows. The strange feeling of air created by this song increases this feeling even more.

2. What’s your favorite tune to chill?

Martin L. Dumas Jr. – “Attitude Belief & Determination” (Zaf LoveVinyl Slight Edit) (2015)

It is one of the best mellow songs ever from “Windy City · Chicago”. The intro of this song is the entrance of the kaleidoscope world of sound which lasts for 10 minutes. This track features the four members of “Rasputin’s Stash” as well as Teresa Davis, a former member of The Emotions. Defintaley a world class sound!

3.What’s your favorite tune for a romantic evening?

Yasuko Agawa – “L.A. Nights‘” (1986)

Here’s the ultimate song to spend a romantic night with your love of your life. This song was composed by Augie Johnson from Side Effect.

4. What’s your favorite tune to shake your body down to the ground?

Pike – “Good Feelings” (1982)

“Pike” written by Wesley Hall who is a genius guitar player who revived New York’s long-established funk band “B.T. Express” in the 1980s. this single released in 82 years is a raging funk soul gem only released on 12 inch single that demonstrates all the talent of Wesley Hall.

5. What’s the tune that gives you instant nostalgia?

Leo Basel – “Quelle Drôle De Vie” (1986)

French singer/songwriter Leo Basel created- Both vocal and instrumental versions are good, it features a nice piano on the instrumental version, this song has a nostalgic feel that I really like !

Follow DJ AKI:

Disco DJ AKI Blog : http://yaplog.dj-aki.net/

Mixcloud : https://www.mixcloud.com/akihiro-yoshida/

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/akihiro.yoshida.142

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/disco_dj_aki/

record-reviews

Crate Diggers Ep#16

Crate Diggers Ep#15

Crate Diggers Ep#14

Crate Diggers Ep#13

Pick Your Tunes #21

Crate Diggers Ep#12

Pick Your Tunes #20

Pick Your Tunes #19

THE WEEKLY DIG | EP#4

THE WEEKLY DIG | EP#3

Pick Your Tunes #18

Pick Your Tunes #17

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