Bluestaeb
Giseke

The dominant 80s & 90s UK genre 'Street Soul' is having a real moment of late, and Heels & Souls continue to contribute with this standalone album from Secret Touch. 29 years on, this largely forgotten album is as warm as ever, full of lo-fi charm, unashamedly positive messages and a nice mix of low-slung grooves and upbeat shufflers. TIP!

This collection of ’70s rhythmic gospel rarities doesn’t feel like Gospel in the traditional sense. These working musicians were deeply entwined with the funky, soulful sounds of their time. The tracks are a subset of 1970s-era Gospel, not directly talking about Jesus or God, but instead tackling how we live with ourselves and each other. Compiled by Gospel guru Greg Belson, these are undeniably soulful, passionate, and urgent songs long forgotten on obscure 45s and rescued from attics and sheds across the American south. Incredible release!

As its title suggests, Analog Africa has compiled the band's work across the lion's share of the 70s. Tracks like 'Hot Coffee' and '2nd Avenue' are irresistibly, instantly groovy, but overall there is also a fascinating sonic crossroads where African jit music meets the funk and soul of the US. All are executed in the most natural, free-flowing style, which makes this package even harder to resist. Gorgeous comp from one the best African music reissue labels.