LA Mix - We Shouldn't Hold Hands In The Dark 1991

AM:PM Records AMCD 755

Les 'The Mix Doctor' Adams recorded mastermixes of the highest quality back in the day, In the mid to late 80's, Adams was 'the' leading light on the DMC front. While others used all sorts of effects to nail their selection together, the Mix Doctor would turn out countless perfect mixes, always faultless in both content and design. It's important to remember that most of this work would have been produced on a couple of Technics 1200's (yes, they have been around that long!) and maybe a bit of tape splicing

Toward the turn of the decade, under the name LA Mix he released his own original material, mostly Pop/Dance, two albums on A&M and also scored 5 national chart hits including Check This Out. We Shouldn't Hold Hands In The Dark is sublime soul though, featuring vocals from Emma Freilich. The Candlelight 12" Mix is all you need. Enjoy!

• The Candlelight 7" Mix
• The Candlelight 12" Mix
• The Secret Lovers Mix

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: LA Mix.rar Filesize: 25.65 MB

Loose Ends - Don't Be A Fool 1990

Ten Records TENX312


Well, this one's for 'Our Kymba' and I certainly don't need to tell you about this, do I. What, I do? Oh..... OK then?

Loose Ends formed in London in 1980, initially comprising vocalist and guitarist Carl McIntosh, vocalist Jane Eugene, and keyboard player, writer and founder Steve Nichol. The latter two left the group in 1989, bringing an end to a legend.

In 1990 McIntosh wanted to move forward, leading the way for the 90's. Eugene and Nichol decided to leave, and were replaced by Linda Carriere and Sunay Suleyman. Look How Long was the only studio album released by this line up, and featured this, their final hit single, Don't Be A Fool.

While the rest of the music world was sticking Whoo and Yeah samples into everything from Bananarama to Timmy Mallet, Carl McIntosh utilised the technology in a far more classy and soulful way. The awesome bubbly bass line works it's magic on the feet while Carriere voice weaves into your consciousness. Five minutes and fifty seconds of highly infectious groove, Resistance is futile, dance mutha!

On the flip the Instrumental is worth checking out. There's more to this than just a plain backing track. It has a life of it's own. Let's Wax A Fatty, on the other hand, is a strange affair.

"Buy this record! You heard me..."

It's an advert? Fair enough, it's an advert with a bitchin' groove but I think it's a shame that such a good backing track gone to waste.

McIntosh himself went on to work behind the recording desk following the group's peak popularity, he has produced and remixed for many artists, most notably Caron Wheeler.

• Don't Be A Fool (Extended Version)
• Don't Be A Fool (Instrumental)
• Let's Wax A Fatty

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Loose Ends.rar Filesize: 31.32 MB

Diana Brown & Barrie K. Sharpe - Blind Faith 1989

ffrr Records FX144

Up there with Masterplan but this calls to mind 1989, the 2nd 'Summer of Love'. This is soulful, groovy and timeless, it may not be as perfect as Masterplan but it has something else. Masterplan brings to mind Acid Jazz whereas Blind Faith brings to mind Blind Faith. It is not as memorable but it carries less baggage?

Jazzie B & Nellee Hooper on the production and there is a remix 12" but I don't have it. Still, here we have The Masterjam so who needs Soul II Soul mixes.... OK, I wouldn't mind them but... The Masterjam is an excellent mix. Dubwise Selection is just beats from the Groundbeat Mix which is nice and sparse, a great bit of groove but unfortunately it shows up the weak song lyrics.

• The Masterjam
• Dubwise Selection
• Barrie K. Sharpe Groundbeat Mix

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Diana Brown.rar Filesize: 34.33 MB

Perception - Guilty 1993

Talkin Loud Records TLKCD36

Guilty was originally on an album released by Barbra Streisand in 1980. After the success of the Bee Gees in '77 - '78, Streisand asked Barry Gibb to write an album for her. It became her best-selling album to date with sales of over 20 million copies and was produced by Barry Gibb, Albhy Galuten and Karl Richardson.

The title track, vocal duet between Barbra Streisand and Barry Gibb, a member of the Bee Gees. was written by all three Bee Gees: Barry, Maurice and Robin Gibb, Guilty peaked at #3 on the US Billboard Hot 100 pop chart and also won a Grammy Award. In the UK, the song reached #34 on the UK Singles Chart (because we have more taste). I recall back at the time, proclaiming the song a dirge to my long-suffering Mum, who liked it of course. I was young and foolish at the time. The song is a fine piece of music ruined by the vocalists.

In 1993 when Guilty was covered by Perception, I was able to appreciate the song better. OK, I was older... happy now. It's produced by Lati Kronlund and Tony Campbell, who was originally signed to Talkin' Loud with Perception before forming Act Of Faith in 1992 with Nicholas Demetriades. This is a 1993 release with no mention of Anthony M. Campbell. We have Mike McEvoy on production of Reach Out and writing credits go to the usual names, Daly, Rose, Forde & McEvoy. The lady on the front cover looks familiar, anybody know for sure?

All very interesting I'm sure but let's cut to the chase. The Take Two Remix of Guilty is courtesy of Ray Hayden at Opaz Studios. Game over!

• Guilty (Edit)
• Reach Out
• Guilty
• Guilty (Take Two Remix)

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Perception.rar Filesize: 32.04 MB

The Chimes - Love Comes To Mind 1990

Cooltempo Records CHIM C4

For Frank Black and many others that I'm sure will enjoy it. The Chimes fourth single taken from the album The Chimes is Love Comes To Mind. Here is the 12inch Extended Remix, with the CDS mixes, which includes the Remix, the Manasseh 12'' and Stay the Extended Remix, all produced and remixed by The Chimes (except Manasseh remixed by Scruff & Nick) and engineered by Raine Shine.

• Love Comes To Mind (Remix)
• Love Comes To Mind (Manasseh 12")
• Stay (Extended Remix)

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: The Chimes.rar Filesize: 39.23 MB

Spider - Who Do Ya Love 1991

Ten Records TENCD 346

Who the hell are Spider, you may well ask. Check the credits folks, written and produced by Jolley, Harris & Jolley, (the guys behind Innocence, among many others) and Matt Rowebottom (to his Mum). Anna Jolley, Brian Harris, Mark Jolley are Spider and Who Do Ya Love is remixed by Phil Dane and Matt Rowe.

• Arachnophobia 7" Mix
• Arachnophobia 12" Mix
• Original Version

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: .rar Filesize: MB

The Chimes - I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For 1990

CBS Records CHIM C1

"I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" is the second track from U2's 1987 album The Joshua Tree, and was released as the album's second single. It became their second (and last as of 2008) #1 song on the Billboard Hot 100 after "With or Without You", the first single from the album, and peaked at #6 in the UK Singles Chart.

The song grew from another song called Under the Weather Girls, from which Larry Mullen, Jr.'s drum track and Adam Clayton's bass line was used as a foundation. "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" is the most frequently covered U2 song. It was named the 93rd greatest song by Rolling Stone on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

The Chimes were from Scotland, featuring vocalist Pauline Henry with Mike Peden and James Locke. They are probably best known for their hits "Heaven" and this remake of U2's classic which became a UK Top Ten hit.

Bono from U2 famously commented that The Chimes' cover of their hit was the...

"only cover version he had heard that he enjoyed and did the original justice....at last someone's come along to sing it properly".

But then he has also referred to it as a gospel song so Pauline Henry was bound to get it right. I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For has been covered countless times but The Chimes were, to my knowledge, the first and, in my opinion, the best.

• I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For
• Manasseh Mix
• Street Mix
• No Need To Pretend

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: I Still...Chimes CDS.rar Filesize: 27.84 MB

I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For
(U2)

I have climbed highest mountains
I have run through the fields
Only to be with you
Only to be with you
I have run
I have crawled
I have scaled these city walls
These city walls
Only to be with you

But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for

I have kissed honey lips
Felt the healing fingertips
It burned like a fire
This burning desire

I have spoke with the tongue of angels
I have held the hand of a devil
It was warm in the night
I was cold as a stone

But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for

I believe in the Kingdom Come
When all the colors will bleed into one
Bleed into one
Well, yes I'm still running

You broke the bonds
And you loosened the chains
Carried the cross
Of all my shame
all my shame
You know I believe it

But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for

Young Disciples - Apparently Nothin' (1991)

Talkin' Loud, TLKCD 5

Something for the weekend, sir?

An anonymous person requested Apparently Nothin’ in the comments section of the Young Disciples EP/Move On EP, and I felt moved to oblige.

To be fair, I can’t believe this track isn’t on here already, it’s such an undeniable, bona-fide, classic, and it’s the sort of track that should be on first, before any other tracks are added, kinda thing - it really is that big a tune.

You all know this song. It was the gem in the crown of the UK urban music scene in the 90s. A modern day funk masterpiece, no less. I’d even go so far as to say it is arguably one of the finest slices of music to ever come out of the UK (then again, the YD’s are one of my all-time fave bands, so I’m kinda biased). It was covered by the Brand New Heavies (I think I have their version laying around somewhere if anyone is curious), but it plain wasn't as good as this original release. There really isn't much to say about this song that you won't already know, I guess.

This CD single contains no real surprises - there's the version we all know and love, as well as a shortened Radio Edit, and an Instrumental version (yay!). There's also the Soul River version, which appears on the album, but isn't quite as good (in my opinion anyway), but does have a lovely wah-wah guitar opening.

Ladies and gentlemen, Soul Vendor is proud to present the mighty Young Disciples, Apparently Nothin’.

That is all. ;)

• Apparently Nothin’ (Edit)
• Apparently Nothin’
• Apparently Nothin’ (Soul River Mix)
• Apparently Nothin’ (Instrumental)
  

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Apparently Nothin'.zip Filesize: 23.2MB

Mo & Beev - Comin' On To Me 1993

Rumour Records RUMAT 63

Early nineties UK street beats produced by The Hockridge Brothers with additional production & remix business by Steve Mac. Aletia handles the vocal duties beautifully while the music kicks in, very much in a Groundbeat style.

I have no info about the artists other than what is on the label. Steve Mac is, I believe, Steve McCutcheon, usually associated with Darren Pearce, the guys behind Gems For Jem and involved with Massivo. Steve Mac also remixed Frances Nero's Footsteps.

• Temptation Mix
• Temptation Instrumental
• Spellbound Mix
• Staccato Mix

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Mo & Beev.rar Filesize: 36.41 MB

Omar - Say Nothin' (1997) - CD1 & CD2

RCA/BMG 74321 50286 2

Back in 1997 our friend Omar came back in fine style with a track, Say Nothin', that plain blew me away.

Sure, we could probably debate all night what this guy's finest hour was (for some, it would obviously be There's Nothing Like This, for me, it could well be Saturday or Keep Steppin' (Uptight Remix), and our boy Nitro argues there's too damn many finest moments to pick from - I'm inclined to agree), but whatever, this song surely has to be up there with the best of them.

Featuring another hero of mine: Russell Tyrone Jones aka Ol' Dirty Bastard aka ODB aka Dirt Dog aka Osiris aka Big Baby Jesus(!) aka Ason aka Dirt McGirt, this tune had a funky '80s throwback feel to it which appealed to me hugely.

For me, it's all about the Original Mix, which still sounds every bit as fresh as it did 12 years ago, although the Structure Rize Remix has re-recorded vocals and a cheeky interpolation of Gwen McCrae's "All This Love That I'm Giving" to make it a remix of note. I bet you can't listen to that chorus without a big grin spreading across your face. Probably my second favourite version after the Original.

The Rae & Christian Remix is pretty groovy, too - as are the Nightmares on Wax, Opaz and Scratch Professor Mixes. All in all, there's not a bad version of the track. Odd really, on most CD singles there's usually at least one remix that makes you think "why on Earth did they bother?" - Or is that just me?

So, here it is, in all its dual CD Single glory.

• Original Mix
• Structure Rize Remix
• Rae & Christian Remix
• Opax Remix
• Nightmares On Wax Remix
• Scratch Professor and Omar's Dark Mix

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Say Nothin' (Disc 1).zip Filesize: 38.3MB

---

RCA/BMG 74321 50287 2

CD2 contains the Original Mix again, as well as a Radio Edit which has no ODB!! Booohoooo! However, this ODB-less version does show off the lovely bridge section our perenially inebriated hiphoppa otherwise drowns out.

Sip N' Taste is fairly standard Omar fare, meaning by anyone else's standards it's excellent. Typical Omar type keyboards on this one. Give it a listen and you'll hear what I mean. Good tune.

Oh Baby is a really sexy track featuring lovely backing vocals from an uncredited female singer, possibly Sylvia Bennett Smith, as she's listed as a co-writer. I really like this track, it's slinky and sexy.

• Say Nothin' (original mix)
• Say Nothin' (Radio Edit)
• Sip N' Taste
• Oh Baby

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Say Nothin' (Disc 2).zip Filesize: 21.4MB

Enjoy!

- Kymba

D'Angelo - Me And Those Dreamin' Eyes Of Mine (US import) - 1996

EMI Records, E2-58570

“Wiz zeese Seee-Deees you are really spoilink us!”

That’s right, my strange accented friend, as a lot of my fellow Brits might not have been able to get their paws on this particular release. It’s an imported US CD Single of a track I’m pretty sure never got released over here in the UK.

There’s not a lot I need to say about D’Angelo, really – you all know him already. If you don’t, and you consider yourself a fan of soul music, you should be ashamed. Besides, the Boss-Man Mr P has already written about our Neo-Soul hero in previous posts (search out Brown Sugar, or Lady, or Cruisin’). However, I’ll summarise for you: blah blah D’Angelo, blah awesome, blah sexy, blah Brown Sugar blah blah Voodoo blah where the hell has he been? Blah drugs blah new album out in 2010. I Can't wait!!

Now you’re up to speed, I better tell you about this particular release.

Me And Those Dreamin’ Eyes Of Mine was a standout track among a bunch of standout tracks on a standout album. No, really, the Brown Sugar LP was really that good.

Understated production, great keyboard/organ work and D’Angelo at his falsetto high-note hitting best, this track slinks along at a walking pace, aided by a beautifully sung chorus and, trademark D’Angelo fashion amazing harmonies.

There are no fancy remixes, alas. No instrumental. No acapella. Just a radio edit, and an album version. The real highlight of this particular CD single, however, are two live tracks, both excellent; Me And Those Dreamin’ Eyes Of Mine and one non album track, Can’t Hide Love, which is my fave of the two. Recorded right here in London at our pride and joy, the Jazz Café.

Mmmmm!

• Radio Version
• Album Version
• Live Version
• Can't Hide Love

The Download Link is here: Download

Filename: Me and Those Dreamin' Eyes Of Mine.zip Filesize: 21.9MB

Young Disciples - Young Disciples EP Remix (1992)

Talkin' Loud Records TLKXR18

How great a label was Talkin’ Loud? (Don’t answer, rhetorical question.)

Talkin’ Loud had many, many great artists recording for them and really carried the torch for the quality urban UK music scene of the early nineties, but, for me, no Talkin’ Loud artist or band came close to the Young Disciples.

I won’t wax lyrical about the YD's, Mickey has already written a nice piece about them in the post for the original Young Disciples EP. No, I’ll just talk about this particular release.

Move On, the main track from the YD’s EP was always due for release as a single. Like Get Yourself Together and the anthemic Apparently Nothin’ before it, it was much too catchy a track not to be. However, it is the version contained on this remix EP, the Soul Pride Mix, which got heavy rotation in the clubs and radio stations, and is regarded by yours truly as the definitive version of the track. Far superior to the album and original EP version, without being radically different.

Also included are two other mixes, the Hog Mix and the Lynch Mob Beats version, which was also included on the original EP, which vexes me a little, as I’d have liked an Acapella. Still, both tracks are, dare I say it, not bad as filler tunes *ducks something thrown by BadBoy*, but really, it’s all about the Soul Pride Mix.

The views expressed in my posts do not necessarily reflect those of Mickey P, but sometimes they might do, as he has an excellent taste in music.

For the original EP, and more on the YD’s themselves, please see Mickey’s earlier post here.

- Kymba

• Move On (Soul pride Mix)
• Move On (Hog Mix)
• Move On (Lynch Mob Beats)

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Young Disciples EP (Remix).zip Filesize: 17MB

Fyza - Ain't No Sunshine 1993

Stonegroove Records STONED 2

• Reggae Version
• Soul Version

This classic Bill Withers composition has been covered by a plethora of quality musicians and should I wish to hear a reggae take then Jimmy Lindsay cut a splendid job on Gem Records back in the late 70's. No sir, this Reggae Version has been mistakenly put on the A side. It is a fair additional mix but it is no lead track. Everybody knows that Side AA is the B side and in this case, Side B is where it's at.

The Soul Version is a dreamy affair, Fyza Saleh weaves her sexy laidback vocals beautifully on this blissful cover. Superb production from Steve Williams for Theory, who knows how to let a voice breathe. The badass bumpy bass and ethereal jingly percussion are perfect for the job. This isn't as unique as Poetical Love (which I do not have on single, sorry guys) but it is a well written and well executed song. You won't be disappointed.

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Fyza.rar Filesize: 16.82 MB

Yo-Yo - You Can't Play With My Yo-Yo 1991

East West Records 7567-96331-0

Yolanda Whittaker comes from Compton and was nominated for a Grammy. American hardcore rapper and actress (Boyz N The Hood, Sister Act 2, etc.) she's very anti sexism, particularly in rap music. The IBWC mentioned in the lyrics is her crew, the Intelligent Black Woman's Coalition.

Yo-Yo first appeared as a guest on AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted, Ice Cube's 1990 album. Her critically acclaimed debut was 1991's Make Way for the Motherlode. The album's biggest single was You Can't Play With My Yo-Yo, which also features Ice Cube. In 2008 it ranked #92 in VH1's Top 100 Rap Songs and Yes, she is still performing.

Produced by Sir Jinx and Ice Cube for Lench Mob productions, Ice Cube features on the track too, quite heavily actually although Yo-Yo needs no support, this girl can hold her own. Of the three tracks featured here, it really don't get any better than the Real Remix on the A Side. It has soul in the music and yet the rap flows just like it should. The other mixes are interesting but superfluous.

• Real Remix
• Hip Hop Remix
• Radio Eidt

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Yo-Yo.rar Filesize: 25.22 MB

Yo-Yo feat. Ice Cube
You Can't Play With My Yo Yo
(Yo-Yo, Ice Cube, James Brown & Charles Sherrell)

Yo Jinx man, we gotta find somebody thats down for hers, man
All these girls stupid man, who you think fit the category?

Its me, the brand new intelligent black woman Y-O-Y-O
Which is Yo-Yo, but I'm not to be played
Like I was made by Matell
But this Yo-Yo is made by woman and male
I rhyme about uprights upliftin the woman
For that are superior to handle by any male
Any time, any rhyme, any flow, and any show
And if you ask my producers that we fly and you know

You can't play with my Yo-Yo
"Don't try to play me out, don't try to play me out"

My name is Yo-Yo, I'm not a ho, no
I like to flow so swift, its got to be a gift
So yo, let the beat lift, as I rip and rhyme
And rap and slap all the girls who can't adapt

To the fact I get the 8-ball, or the jam
The earrings I wear are called dophins
Check the booty, yo its kinda soft and
If you touch, you livin in a coffin (word 'em up)

I'm in the 90s, your still in the 80s right
I rock the mic, they say I'm not lady like
But I'm a lady, I pull a stunt though
I kill suckas, and even hit the block

So what you wanna do?
Ya must play it wrong (ay yo)
Cause to me, you simply can't get none
You wetter, then a hotter ho in snow
Tell em Ice Cube,

No, you can't play with my Yo-Yo
Suckas
Whats yo name baby?

Thats right, my name is Yo-Yo, but know I'm not a dunkin
As I rap, chilly chill bring in the funk and
I steal yo man, thats if he is a hunk and
He'll call me baby, yo, or even pumpkin
Or maybe Buttercup, or even Ms.Yo
We had dinner, and know we drinkin Cisco
Hit the slow jams, its gettin cosy
Your home alone, so now you gettin' nosy
Your kinda young, so of course
You had to call my place, hang up in my face,

It's a sad case of who the man's givin' the dollars, Word
Oops, I put some lipstick on his collar
At home, hes gotta listen to ya holla
But he'll slap ya, and smack ya, so why bother?
But if you come knockin at my do'(ay yo)
I'll smoke her, tell 'em Ice

You can't play wit my Yo-Yo, Sucka

Fool, 1990 stands sucka free, yeah
Tell em whats up

Yo, I hope you realize one day
That ya week is Monday through Sunday
So listen to my Y-O, here's my bio
And next to me, ha, you're not fly yo

Ya lack the skills to be a woman that's black
Fake hair in the back, plus green contacts
Yo-Yo, is just tryin' to stop ya
Because the world ain't a big soap opera
It only takes one punch to drop ya
And then the I.B.W.C. will come mob ya
But no, I'm not livin' like that first
Although I pack, a real small gat in my purse (right, right)

But no, its not to cause corruptions
Just to fight back, on destruction
Just thought you wanna know about the Y-O-Y-O
Yo, should I tell em Ice
They know what time it is

You can't play with my Yo-Yo
"Don't try to play me out, don't try to play me out"

Yo-Yo, the brand new intelligent black lady
Stomp into the 90s!
For all y'all suckas
Aye Jinx, I knew they couldn't fade it

You can't play with my Yo-Yo
"Don't try to play me out, don't try to play me out"

Syllable to a metaphor,make someone to yell on
To keep it at a limit where they're yellin' "more, more!"
I am very versatile, changing my ways to different styles
Knowledge is the key, expense is for my background

Label me as a woman, and sometimes I feel inferior
Following on the hands of time, makes no man superior
Should we get up and take the stand, and dis' back all the
Men who know no more than a slut
And thinks wit his ding-a-ling?

I think its time that we defeat
By standing on our own two feet
If we wanna live with justice and harmony
How many more rounds must I go
In order to let my people know
Times were hard, things have changed

"Don't try to play me out"

Yay, yay, yay, yay