MAGIC NUMBER

Herbie Hancock, the man needs no introducing so I won't say too much. This jazzfunk electro disco cut was released in 1981 on Columbia and is the single off the album 'Magic Windows'. Herbie is a well documented artist and is still touring. If you want to read more about him look here and here, for tour dates check out his myspace. It's fair to say Herbie has pushed the boundaries of music in whatever genre he has worked in and this is a fine example of that. It's also worth noting that there is a nice Todd Terje edit of this tune. It has a focus on the 'latin style' keys whilst giving it a balearic feel. A very nice edit and definitely worth picking up.


Herbie Hancock - Magic Number 320kbps


(just click on the link above then click on the 'free user' button to download mp3)

CREDIT CRUNCH??

I don't have a lot of money, I wouldn't say I was made of straw but I am not a wealthy man. I have spoken to a few people who work in the city recently who are talking like its the end of the world. "You'll be out of a job soon" they say.. Bollocks to them. If all these people who are wealthier than me now have less money, maybe I am better off?


Billy and John Valentine formed The Valentine Brothers in the late 70's. They released a couple of singles on Source before recording there 1982 album 'First Take' and releasing it on the small Dutch label Energy. The single off this album 'Moneys too tight (to mention)' is an absolute killer. Later covered by Simply Red, the sweet soulful vocals are what stand out for me. The instrumental is nice too, you can hear Billy Valentines jazz background coming through on the sax. This is very much a Bobby Hands tune and I have to shout out to him for putting me on to these guys. Thanks Bobby!!


The Valentine Brothers - Moneys too tight (to mention)

The Valentine Brothers - Moneys too tight (to mention) (Instrumental)

SWEET DYNAMITE

Claudja Barry... I dig her. Jamaican born but raised in Canada, she stormed onto the scene in 1976 with the album 'Sweet Dynamite'. The title song from the album is her best work for me. Although first released on Lollipop records, it was later released on Salsoul and given a full 12" workout by Tom Moulton. This is a bass driven monster that always works the dance floor. Check the break on about the 4 and a half minute mark.


Sweet Dynamite - Tom Moulton 12" mix

RECORD STORE FEATURE -

This week I am going to let you all in on a little secret, possibly the best kept secret in East London. Eldica Vinyl & Retro.




Fast becoming my favorite record store in London, Eldica is hidden away on small side street in Dalston. With the focus on 2nd hand vinyl, Eldica specializes in Funk, Soul, Disco, Boogie, Hip Hop and Jazz, but you'll also find sections featuring Reggae, Calypso, Latin and African grooves.




Drawing me to this store is not just the great music on the shelves but the way the shop is run. The thing that frustrates me about digging for tunes is the attitude you can get from staff in record stores. Eldica couldn't be further removed from this. A small family business run by record collector and enthusiast, Andy Westbury, you can expect to find a warm and friendly atmosphere. Andy is always willing to sit and chat about music, dig out records for you to listen to and even play you rare cuts he's just found for his personal collection. If you have a want list, email it to him and he'll keep an eye out for whatever it is you after. I have even had a text message telling me he has a 12" that I'm after!


In no particular order, here are my top 10 tunes found in Eldica -

1. Odyssey - Don't tell me tell her
2. Toney Lee - Reach up
3. Sugar Hill Gang - Passion play
4. Eastbound Expressway - Never let go
5. Spyder-D - Rapple (Big Apple Rappin instrumental)
6. Jean Wells - I just can't stop dancing
7. Herbie Hancock - Ready or not
8. Eddie Cheba - Lookin' good (shake your body)
9. The Gap band - Shake
10.Juggy Murry Jones - I'll see you through


Eldica Vinyl & Retro
8 Bradbury st
Dalston
LONDON N16 8JN

www.eldica.co.uk/