Kokoroko - Could We Be More

I had a rough sleep so I needed something less intense this morning. Accept when I popped this on I remembered it was not intense enough.

Floating between Jazz and Highlife this band were given huge praise by Gilles Peterson and released this on his label. Live, I reckon they would be tops. I think from memory I bought this on the back of listening only to a handful of tracks and not the whole album. Mistake. I’m not saying it’s a bad record. The second side has more high life sounds and variety. It’s very beautiful, but doesn’t go anywhere and a bit too smooth for me as an overall album. Could they be more? Yes in my view.

I commented this to my husband who said, "well get ready for an album that does go somewhere ...fast" and proceeded to put on Judas Priest.

#Vinyl #records #nowplaying #nowspinning #Kokoroko #Jazz #Highlife #afrobeat

Northern Soul - The Soundtrack

Some years ago my friends introduced me to Northern Soul through local Northern Soul dance nights in the winter time. I didn’t have a clue what Northern Soul was. I thought soul music was just soul music. Something clicked in my brain after my first night and I’d go monthly and dance my little feet off.

This is the soundtrack to the 2014 film. I don’t have Northern Soul record money so this is a good mix of tunes. I popped this on whilst doing my Saturday Cleaning. It was a bop.

#Vinyl #records #nowplaying #nowspinning #NorthernSoul #soul

Thee Oh Sees - Warm Slime

Remember when everyone sang in a well drowned in reverb? It’s 2009 and San Francisco garage rockers Thee Oh Sees were iconic for that sound. I bought this from the now closed Polyester Records in Melbourne when it came out after hearing a on my local community radio station. They have a prolific back catalogue but I find it all starts to sound the same. This one and their 2009 release Help are my go to albums of theirs.

Unfortunately when I saw them live it was a bit shit – but I think that was more about surrounding circumstances then them per se. It was a stinking hot (like 45 degrees) and they were playing in a DIY art space basement. The local bands before had pissed me off, we went to go get a bite to eat and when we came back Thee Oh Sees had started early so I only got to see half the set, whilst dripping in sweat, with shitty sound and a very mixed crowd. The band, though were having a blast.

#TheeOhSees #Vinyl #records #nowplaying #nowspinning

Emel Mathlouthi - Everywhere We Looked Was Burning

An example of when the live show is better then the album.

Emel is a Tunisian political singer songwriter, based currently in New York. In 2008 her works were banned by the Tunisian government and she relocated to Paris. She preformed at Womad 2024 and it was spectacular! You couldn’t hear a pin drop in the crowd whilst her powerful voice sang for freedom in Palestine with drums and electronic beats thumping, whilst she twirled like Kate Bush on stage waving a giant Palestinian flag. There wasn’t a dry eye around me. This album has a similar ethereal sound, with percussion, and electronics that build throughout – think Bjork influence. But it doesn’t quite hit the spot. Maybe it’s because live it was so dam powerful and this doesn’t quite capture that.

#Vinyl #records #nowplaying #nowspinning #EmelMathlouthi

Public Enemy - Fear of a Black Planet

Zorhan Mamdani won the New York mayor election this week and I don’t remember the last time I felt a hence of hope during such a bleak political time. Also one of the best speeches I’ve seen in years.

Subsequently, I’ve had the remix stuck in my head all week.

Inspired me to pop this on today.

Years ago, when I was feeling disheartened about my career and workplace I use to drive to my CD copy of this in the car each morning loudly to pump me up and face the working day. It was a time.

#PublicEnemy #hiphop #ZorhanMamdani #Vinyl #records #nowplaying #nowspinning

Hiroshi Suzuki – Cat

I’m still on call, it’s raining and stormy, and I’m still sorting out my records. Whilst moving things I was reminded of this.

Hiroshi Suzuki is a Japanese Trombonist (also plays keys in this) but spent a majority of his time living in America. This album was recorded in 1975 when he returned to Japan briefly. When released it was a flop. It’s now a become a bit of cult hit. This is the repress on We Release Jazz, the sub label of We Release What Ever the Fuck We Want Records which is a great name for a label and their logo design is top notch too as is the little cat on the label of this.

I probably wouldn't recommend trying to listen to this whilst sorting out your record collection on a Sunday afternoon. It's short and to be honest requires more attention.

#HiroshiSuzuki #jazz #Japanesejazz #Vinyl #records #nowplaying #nowspinning

Flora Purim – Encounter

I’m on call this weekend. One of the hated parts of my job. So I decided to make the most of it by listening to last weeks haul which includes this.

This album is gorgeous and features an array of the usual and other guests. It was the perfect album for sitting in the lounge room with a nice drink and the sun shinning vibe (total opposite of todays thunder and lightning storm).

This one might be my new favourite of hers.

#Vinyl #records #nowplaying #nowspinning #folk #FloraPurim #jazz #Brazilianjazz

Steeleye Span – Hark! The Village Wait

My Steeleye Span tip is confusing my google algorithm which keeps thinking I mean Steele Pan and suggesting me an array of shopping options for pans.

What is also confusing is this record. I'm surprised in my record buying years, this is my first accidental double.

I picked this up in my haul last weekend not realising it wasn’t Please to See the King which was right next to it, and has the same cover design. Turns out, this is the alternate cover to Hark! The Village Wait. Fantastic record but I already own it having no idea it had a different cover. What followed was an an awkward discussion with my local record shop guy who was thrilled I was buying this and wanted to discuss facts, but because I thought I was buying something else I was a tad confused and sort of left awkwardly (story of my life) thinking I was a numpty. I mean I was, but not for the reasons I thought.

#Vinyl #records #nowplaying #nowspinning #SteeleyeSpan #folk #englishfolk

Steeleye Span – Ten Man Mop Or Mr. Reservoir Butler Rides Again

I’ve been on a bit of a folk tip and picked this one up last weekend from Lenny’s. My parents had Steeleye Span albums but not this one.

Fuck it’s great, and LOUD. They turned the mastering dial up. This album is brilliant. It might be my favourite Steeleye Span. Not sure yet.

It's got a textured sleeve which they insisted having and apparently lost money on at the time. Now, in 2025. if I didn't know who Steeleye Span were, and found this in a crate, I'd probably pick this up from the cover alone.

Stand out track - When I was on Horseback.

#Vinyl #records #nowplaying #nowspinning #SteeleyeSpan #folk #englishfolk

Olivia Dean - The Art of Loving

I had no idea this album was a massive pop chart hit. No shame in that. Credit where credit due.

Some tracks do sound very polished but it's a good, short breezy, sunny morning listen. Sometimes you need that.

The standout track for me, and the one that made me listen to the full album, was the non single A Couple of Minutes. Beautiful.

Coffee shop pop? Maybe. But I'm here for it.

#Oliviadean #soul #neosoul #Vinyl
#records #nowplaying #nowspinning

Planxty - The Well Below the Valley

I worked with an Irish doctor once. He was dead set convinced I was Irish. Whilst flattered, it took great convincing to inform him my background was Scottish and German - well at least to my knowldge. I don't think he believed me.

Last night I decided I wanted to get into some Irish folk music but was overwhelmed where to start. So I asked my friend and they suggested a trusted list so off I went to the record store. Whilst I specifically wanted the first Planxty album, I'd already heard bits of this and picked up a copy. It's in beautiful condition and not expensive at all.

What an album! I listened to As I Roved Out 3 times.

#nowplaying #nowspinning #vinyl #records #folk #Planxty

Nala Sinephro - Endless 

This is my favourite post rain album. I open the windows, let the petrichor smell waft through from the garden and pop this on. It's like a meditation I suppose for those who do that. I find the combo of the smells and sounds so beautiful and calming. 

There are so many layers and textures on this album that it sounds different each spin. The orchestral moments remind me of Ryuichi Sakamoto. 

It put my cats to sleep.  

#nowplaying #nowspinning #vinyl #records  #NalaSinephro

The Exciters – Tell Him

I’ve boasted about my love for a girl group before. Dug this one out having not given it a spin in awhile. Surprised how many songs I recognised on this. I had a girl group Rhino cd box set that I bought from my Sunday shifts in the boutique when I was in uni. I’d sing He’s Got the Power at the top of my lungs (amongst others) on my long drives home. Pretty sure I bought this from Porthole for cheep around the same time too.

#nowplaying #nowspinning #vinyl #records #TheExciters #girlgroups

Blondie - Self Titled

This use to be my favourite Blondie album when I was a teenager. My favourite ultimately became Plastic Letters but I have such a soft spot for this. I bought my copy from DJ Ian (RIP). It was one of a handful of my first records bought.

This is a 1977 pressing on Private Stock, Australia release. $15 then too. Sheesh.

#nowplaying #nowspinning #vinyl #records #blondie #punk

Gogol Bordello - Super Taranta!

It's around 2005 and my friend living in the UK writes to me telling me she went and saw a punk bad that I'll love. Unfortunately, I never got to see Gogol Bordello, missing their Australia tours but my friend was right, they are great. 

I haven't spun this in years. When I opened it there was a receipt still in the cover. Apparently, I bought this from the Bigstar in Norwood in 2008 for $25! Bargain. 

#nowplaying #nowspinning #vinyl #records #GogolBordello

Skyy – Skyyport

Still catching up on posts…

I bought two Skyy albums that weekend. This album cover is so unnecessary I love it. I love that everyone is having the best time in their matching outfits and batons except for guy second in on the right.

The seller was chuffed I was buying some Skyy telling me they were his fave Salsoul band.

#nowplaying #nowspinning #vinyl #records #skyy #salsoul #soulfunk #disco

Skyy – Skyline

Still catching up on posts…

It was my partners birthday day prior and they wanted to pop down to the interstate seller record fair. There seems to be a record fair on almost every weekend these days.

Picked this up, still sealed but not warped after finding all the right band wrong albums.

Today whilst reading about Skyy I read the Dunning sisters in 2007 tried to set a Guinness World Record for the largest kazoo band. Can you fucking imagine!?!

#nowplaying #nowspinning #vinyl #records #skyy #salsoul #soulfunk #disco

Joe Cuba Sextet - Wanted Dead or Alive. Bang! Bang! Push, Push, Push

Friendica was down so catching up on recent spins.

I've had such a soft spot for Joe Cuba and his John Waters mo since I first heard Sock It To Me on my mate's radio show years ago. 

This record had a massive "divorce scratch" as my partner called it on the second side and was pretty worn all over but with a record fair price tag on it. There is an underlying sexism you experience being a female record enthusiast and nothing highlights it more than a record fair. Props to the stall owner despite giving me the look of "what would you know" gave it to me for half price. 

Gave it a good clean. Plays great which, honestly is quite remarkable. 

#nowplaying #nowspinning #vinyl #records #Joecuba

Niagra - SUB

German percussionist Klaus Weiss collaborating with musicians to create some fusion. Lots of drum breaks and chicka wow wow guitar noodles on this.

#nowplaying #nowspinning #vinyl #records #Niagra #fusion

Sister Sledge – We Are Family

Another pick up from today. I do love a girl group and I’ve been meaning to grab a copy. This one was cheap, bit worn and the the cover is falling apart but it plays ok. He's The Greatest Dancer has to be up there with some of the best intros IMHO. When I hear them sing about Fiorucci my mind goes to the 90’s angel T-shirts that were all the rage. To be honest I didn’t realise the brand still existed until I looked it up whilst playing this.

#nowplaying #nowspinning #vinyl # records music #SisterSledge #NileRodgers #BernardEdwards #soul #disco

Pop Makossa (The Invasive Dance Beat Of Cameroon 1976​-​1984) - Compilation

Back in the early days of our radio show I got heavily into the Analog Africa label. My friend put me on to them after doing some work for one of their early comps. These comps and reissues are a labour of love. They feature detailed booklets with backgrounds and interviews. I don't quite understand why the cover has Japanese text on it given the album features music from Cameroon but it is a cool cover. It references the original photo by Michel Huet from Hoa Qui studios in France. Their photography featured on a bunch of records from the 60s under "world/folk". All feels a bit colonial and awks.

I haven't dug this one out for awhile. I don't buy many comps these days. But this one is glorious! It's staying out on the high rotation shelf for the moment. 

#nowplaying #nowspinning #vinyl #records #Makossa #AnalogAfrica

Hollie Cook - Self Titled

I bought this shortly after seeing her live at Womad 2024. It was a stunning performance on a tiny stage. She just oozes cool and chic. This is the repress of her 2011 album on Mr Bongo.

#nowplaying #nowspinning #vinyl #records #holliecook #loversrock #reggae #mrbongo

Miles Davis – On the Corner

This has been on frequent rotation since I picked it up the other week. Jam packed with dense layers of jazz and funk rhythms there is a lot going on here without sounding too overwhelming. Seen as a controversial album at the time – both in sound and artwork I was curious to learn more. There is a great book “sounds from the other side” that contains a chapter about the album. It’s free online and a good read. McCoy, the illustrator, was tasked by Miles with representing the street corner however he went beyond that and went fuck it, lets make this a political as fuck and highlight the communities we don’t see on album covers including black panthers, sex workers and queer communities.

I love this album.

#nowplaying #nowspinning #vinyl #records #music #jazz #milesdavis #onthecorner

Enrico Rava - The Plot

1976 jazz by Italian trumpeter Enrico Rava with a quartet. I bought this on a whim years ago - it was $15, was on EMC, I like trumpets and the cover was gorgeous (except for the guy staring at the couple snogging disapprovingly). I don't pull this one out often but was on a jazz tip this morning. I forgot the second half veers into jazz noodly guitar which isn't really my jam. But I think overall this deserves some more listens.

#nowplaying #nowspinning #vinyl #records #EnricoRava #jazz #emc

David Bowie - Stage

Not normally a fan of live albums but I like this one.

Oddly I woke up thinking about Bowie this morning and in particular this album. I thought it was because we watched Inception for movie night and it was uncovering my subconscious regret for not seeing Bowie live. My partner thinks it's because our cat (also called bowie) kept waking them up all night and they were muttering loudly about the cat.

#nowplaying #nowspinning #vinyl #bowie

Ngozi Family - 45,000 Volts

1970s Zambian Zamrock full of fuzzy guitars and synths. Already famous within the scene they got another wave courtesy of Tyler the Creator's sample of Nizakupanga Ngozi for Noid on their 2024 Chromakopia release.

I suspect this copy is a boot. But given the original is 400 and a represses would ship god knows when it'll do. The original cover is really cool. This international cover is a bit meh.

This is *technically* my partner's record. They'd been eyeing it off for months but it was on the more spenny end. They finally decided to bite the bullet which I'm well pleased about.

On a side note - We were fortunate to see Tyler last month. What a phenomenal performer. Like the Bowie of hip-hop. Constantly reinventing himself both sound, and image.

The sample of Ngozi Family on Noid blasting through the Rod Laver Area sound system was epic!

#nowplaying #nowspinning #vinyl #zamrock #records #Ngozifamily #TylerytheCreator #NizakupangaNgozi

Moment of Truth - Self Titled

These men mean business. They are here to sing to you about love and they are going to do it with a killer beat and killer vocals. Don't let those masks and their turtlenecks intimidate you, they are all heart.

I picked this up from a small market stall in Collingwood. A DJ was selling a handful of records at a hodge podge market. It's in fab condition all things considered. Inside the sleeve I noticed a folded piece of paper. I thought it was going to be a love note. But it was a Salsoul ad for their t-shirts. Shipping in the US was advertised as 75 cents. That hurt to read!

#nowplaying #nowspinning #vinyl #records #momentoftruth #salsoul

James Mason – Rhythm of Life

I first read about this cult classic in a soul jazz e-newsletter back in the day when I didn’t have streaming and e-newsletters was the thing. I listened to it on shitty laptop speakers via youtube. I looked it up on discogs and then promptly shut my laptop when I saw the price. Out of curiosity I looked it up today – an original last sold in April this year for the unusually specific amount of $827.03.

This is of course a repress.

I stumbled across a copy on our recent trip. It had been so long since I’d heard this album that I’d forgotten what it was like except for the title track.

#nowplaying #nowspinning #vinyl #records #jazzfunk #JamesMason #RhythmofLife