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This afternoon I had fLako‘s “Lion’s Mane” featuring Dirg Gerner on repeat! Like a good boy I decided to keep the audio to myself, but when I saw XLR8R was giving away “Mating Dance” away as an exclusive free download, I knew I had to post this one. Expect another post next weekend right before his “Eclosure” EP drops on Five Easy Pieces. Should be November 26th. I already ordered me some limited edition clear vinyl…and so should you!

I grew up buying vinyl so for me music was always something special. Something you would go out and search for. The first record store I grew fond of was Dance Tracks (R.I.P.) and after that Fat Beats came to Amsterdam. I spent many hours (and all my allowance) hangin’ out in records shops, soaking up every bit of knowledge I could. Just a few blocks from my house was this dusty old record spot that had a huge basement full of records. Must have spent weeks in there. I still visit this place on the weekend and hang out and talk music with old guys.

In the second half of the nineties I came in contact with Soul, Funk, Jazz, Disco and many other forms of black music. Before that it was all about Hip Hop and R&B music. Now when I first met Nevill, he wasn’t into vinyl as much I was. It wasn’t something of his generation, yet years later we share the same passion. He introduced me to music from FlyLo, AFTA-1 and Sa-Ra. I introduced him to Leon Ware, Pleasure and Leo’s Sunshipp.

We’ve been talking about posting about our love for old records and thought now would be as good as timing as ever to start. These Random Record Rants will shine some light on our personal taste in music and might open a whole new world for some people. For us it’s just a way to share our passion!

Yesterday Front2blaq helped me remember about this Samuel Jonathan Johnson record I hadn’t heard in quite a while. Arranged by Richard Evans (Soulful Strings) and with John H. Hammond as executive producer this album can only be good. It’s no secret I love smooth & sexy songs, so if I have to pick a winner of this album I’d personally go for “Just Us”. After having read the following quote on the back of the sleeve, I soon realized Samuel was one smooth fellow. “Age exists only to disclose the perpetual advancement of time, but love exists mainly to unveil the resolute purpose of man’s existence.”

This Samuel Jonathan Johnson record is going straight into my record bag that I’m bringing this Sunday to the North Sea Jazz club this Sunday. Going to play some mellow rare groove classics for sure!

After some tasty free give aways from UK’s finest, Tatham, Mensah, Lord and Ranks, it’s about that time for their “Tatham, Mensah, Lord & Ranks” album to drop. With a little help from music friends Eric Lau, Bembe Segue, Mark Force, Sarina Leah and Ferraz, TMLR spread some funky fly broken vibes guaranteed to bring a smile on any music lover’s face. Make sure to buy your copy on or wait for the CD to drop via Juno.

Tatham, Mensah, Lord & Ranks – Celebrate

Way under the radar we stumbled upon the “Chips N Chittlins” project from Paul Randolph & Zed Bias. This was released via P-Vine earlier this year and has been available on CD and digitally for a while as well. Head over to Juno if you’d like to buy the CD or try your luck on Japan.

Paul Randolph & Zed Bias – Surrender

The most wonderful music keeps flowing from Syd tha Kyd and Matt Martians aka The Internet. Let yourself drift away to the lovelyness that is called “Give It Time” which features Incubus guitarist Mike Einziger playing guitar and co-producing. Watch out for their upcoming “Feel Good” EP to drop in December.

Little over half an hour ago Kaidi Tatham uploaded some crazy fly demo, “Molten”, to his Soundcloud. As he puts it he was ‘just messing around on his new computer’. Later this month “Mr Pickles” will hit the stores so keep you ears open for that new TMLR (Tatham, Mensah, Lord & Ranks) goodness! In case you missed the free give away, please click here..

Kaidi Tatham – Molten

Shafiq Husayn & Dove Society Rehearsal got together to record some real music. On “Le Star” we hear Jimetta Rose, J Mitchell, MPRVS Johnson, Sam Seven Davis, Kelsey Gongalez, Vicky Nyguen and Brian Hargrove.

Shafiq Husayn & Dove Society Rehearsal – Le Star

Continuing the momentum of the “O.B.E” Vol.1 project, producer/drummer Breezy Lovejoy has just released his “Lovejoy” album. This new album features Tiron, Ayomari and SA-RA Creative Partner’s Master Teacher Shafiq Husayn. Our 2 favorite tracks were produced by a talented new producer named Keith Phelps. Breezy’s Lovejoy album is available for $10 on Bandcamp.

Breezy Lovejoy – Too Familiar

Heard this one a while ago, but after hearing this again today we decided Freekwency deserves a proper mention. Melbourne producer Benny Badge revives that lush eighties Funk with a little help of the homey Inkswel on “By My Side”. Watch out for miss Charli James on the vocals, cuz she comes mean on this one! Just a snippet for now, but make sure you pick this up when it drops on ISM Records.

Freekwency – By My Side Ft. Charli James (snippet)