Top 5 Funk Comps

Unia — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 08:00:58 +0000

I know that in the world of the hardcore digger and producer the comp gets looked upon with some disdain. However, they can be a useful tool for many. Including those just starting out on their break-beat path through life, for playing in the club when you don’t want the £$£ original to get trashed and also as the only way to get hold of some of those highly elusive rarities.

1. New Orleans Funk (Soul Jazz)

I think this is one of the first comps that I ever bought. Packed full of drum filled treats from New Orleans finest including The Meters, Professor Longhair, Eddie Bo and Dr John available on triple vinyl with a good loud press so ideal for playing out.

2. Saturday Night Fish Fry (Soul Jazz)

The follow up record to New Orleans Funk, with another absolutely stunning track list including classics such as Rodger & The Gypsies “Pass The Hatchet” and “Iko Iko” by the Dixie Cups.

3. Blue Break Beats Volume 4 (Blue Note)

A heavy, heavy selection from the legendary Blue Note back catalogue. Bob Dorough’s “Three Is The Magic Number”, David Axlerod with the heavily sampled “Holy Thursday” and “Bring Down The Birds” aka “Groove Is In The Heart” by Herbie Hancock make this album perfect for rocking the dancefloor . Alternatively, just kick back with your choice of poison and let these unforgettable grooves take you to another place.

4. Dusty Fingers Volumes 1-15

Classic compilations with more drums & loops than you could shake a stick at! And some helpful person has compiled a Wikipedia page with the full track listings. These records don’t turn up in record shops as often as they used to, especially the earlier volumes. So if you happen across one, definitely give it a listen.

5. Ultimate British Breaks and Beats

Part of the seminal Ultimate Breaks & Beats series, this one is made up entirely of British artists and includes a killer version of Light My Fire and the drum break from the” Are You Being Served” theme tune (if anyone has a copy of the OST, I will pay top dollar).

Words: Unia

London Digging Spots

Unia — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 08:00:01 +0000

What with the rise of eBay and the online record shop, more and more classic digging spots seem to be closing their doors. I popped into Soul Brother in Putney at the weekend for the first time in ages and reminded myself that I had planned to list a few of may favourite London record shops (the ones that are still trading).

Most of them are struggling to stay open these days, so next time you’re thinking of spending some cash, go and support your local record shop and keep the dust alive for a little longer.

In no particular order:

Soul Brother Records
1 Keswick Rd,
East putney
London
SW15 2HL

Tel: 020 8875 1018

Good for originals, reissues, new Funk & soul, soundtracks.

Intoxica
231 Portobello Road
London
W11 1LT

Tel: 020 7229 8010

Loads of soundtracks and exotica. Also put out the odd bootleg reissue.

Sounds Of The Universe
7 Broadwick Street
Soho
London
W1F 0DA

Tel: 020 7734 3430

The home of Soul Jazz Records.

Sister Ray (Selectadisc)
34-35 Berwick Street
LONDON
W1V 8RP

Tel: 020 7734 3297

Soundtracks and Funk & Soul reissues, decent-ish Hip Hop section.

Revival Records (Reckless)
26 Berwick Street
London
W1F 8RH

Not as good as it used to be.

Audio Gold (Retrobate Records)
308-310 Park Rd
London
N8 8LA

Tel: 020 8341 9007

Hi-Fi shop with small vinyl section

Music & Video Exchange

Several locations in London

These shops are always worth a look, especially the Soul & Dance Exchange in Notting Hill. Pretty much all the shops have a bargain basement as well.

Deal Real
3 Marlborough Court
Off Carnaby St
London

UK & US Hip Hop, regular instores, open mic every 1st & 3rd Friday

Hopefully people can add to this list…

Words: Unia

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Top 5 Funk Comps

London Digging Spots