Dread Flimstone- From The Ghetto 1991

Urban Records URBX 87

"Y'know, I think we should play a lil' music for the nice people listening... FROM THE GHETTO!"

"Dread Flimstone" was a monicker adopted by white California resident Rex Morgan, formerly a punk, who gave it up to become a Rastafarian(!) and then started making hiphop/funk tinged reggae based dance music. He toured with such luminaries as Burning Spear, Yellowman, Ziggy Marley, Third World, and Big Audio Dynamite.

The "Modern Tone Age Family" consisted of Dread Flimstone, vocalist Jah T and Papa Yaie, alongside producer Freddy Bastone.

This little gem burst onto the music scene back in 1991, and was really massive. Although never followed up with another hit single, Dread Flimstone still recorded three albums and had modest success with them. I haven't got any of his albums, so can't really vouch for quality, but I'm willing to bet calling yourself something like Dread Flimstone instantly pigeonholes you as a novelty act.

So, "From The Ghetto", then. It's a great, catchy song, and this 12" comes with no less than six(!) mixes. In honesty, there's not THAT much variation between them. My pick is the Modern Tone Family Album Mix, which is nice and funky - the others all veer a bit too close to four-to-the-floor house music for my liking, and get a bit samey, but are all worth a listen.

Enjoy!

- Kymba :)

• From The Ghetto (Radio Mix)
• From The Ghetto (Modern Tone Family Album Mix)
• From The Ghetto (Freddy's Bronx Mix)
• From The Ghetto (Fully Radical Mix)
• From The Ghetto (Bastone's Mix)
• From The Ghetto (Carpeteria Mix)

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: From The Ghetto (Mixes).zip File size: 35.6 MB

PS - I've placed both the resized artwork for the Soul Vendor site, as well as the full-size scans, in the .ZIP file.

Also, as this is a vinyl rip, there may be a few crackles and a bit of "hum" - as usual, I've kept the original .WAV files of the vinyl rip, so if anyone wants them to remove the vinyl noises, just holler and I can arrange to send them.

"Not wishing to rain on Kymba's impressive parade...."

For the CD download, click here

Filename: Dread Flimstone.rar File size: 28.6 MB

Be aware that the CD has only four mixes and does not include the Album Version.

M-Beat featuring Jamiroquai - Do U Know Where You're Coming From (1996)

Renk Records, CDRENK63

I dug this one out especially for Mickey, whom I know is something of a Jamiroquai fan.

Back in 1996, seemingly from out of nowhere, a weird collaboration happened. M-Beat (a guy best known for the jungle track Incredible with General Levy) made a funky slice of Drum & Bass with perennial Acid jazz faves Jamiroquai.

Like I said, weird.

However, the results were most definitely not weird. Anything but, in fact. The combination of D&B tempo drums and 70’s funk permeating this track (you’ve got to love those wah-wah guitars) work very well indeed alongside Jay Kay's always catchy vocals, giving Jamiroquai one of their punchier, funkier moments. This is proper future funk.

There are several versions, with not a LOT to pick from between them, but I always err on the side of the Extended Mix, which kicks some serious bootie (and has more wah-wah's and vibes).

Essential stuff!

An edit of this track made its way onto certain editions of the Travelling Without Moving CD as an unheralded bonus track.

• Do U Know Where You're Coming From (Original Mix)
• Do U Know Where You're Coming From (Touch Of Horn Mix)
• Do U Know Where You're Coming From (Extended Mix)
• Do U Know Where You're Coming From (Full Horns Mix)
• Do U Know Where You're Coming From (Intelligent Groove Mix)
• Do U Know Where You're Coming From (Dextrous Remix)

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Do U Know Where You're Coming From.zip File size: 33.1 MB

Triviality: The tracklisting differs slightly between the back of the inlay card (displayed above, and which I've included in the .ZIP file), and the folded "lip" part of the inlay card. Have a look and see what I mean. I've gone with the ones listed above, but you might want to amend the track names if you feel I should have gone for the others.

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

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

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

Young Disciples - Move On EP 1992

Talkin' Loud Records TLKCD18

"DON'T FEAR WHAT YOU FEEL
OLD WOUNDS CAN BE HEALED
COME CLOSE TO SEE
ALL I HAVE IN ME"

When the album Road to Freedom emerged in 1991, it blew most of the London Soul fans away. We had all heard Carleen's voice on Apparently Nothin' and the anticipation of what was to come was almost to much to bear.

The group formed in the summer of 1990 Marc Nelson (bass, guitar and organ) and Femi Williams (percussion and programming) after Carleen Anderson (vocals and keyboards) relocated from her native USA to London. She, of course, is the daughter of the singer Vicki Anderson and stepdaughter of Bobby Byrd, both leading lights in the 60's Soul scene with James Brown connections, etc. Safe to say, the girl had roots!

The group were part of the burgeoning Acid Jazz scene and they signed to Talkin' Loud records and getting involved with the UK hip hop scene, MC Mell'O' and Masta Ace cut their teeth with the Young Disciples. Despite Carleen's highly rated and very important involvement with the group, the Young Disciples were always Femi & Marco whenever they were discussed in my circles. When she left in 1992, it wasn't a surprise. The Road To Freedom had happened and it was time to move on. I remember getting a whisper from a friend:

"Ian is producing an album for Carleen"

And boy, didn't he just? While we were waiting for her album, any mention of Carleen was snapped at.

This then, was an absolute gem. Including the incredible epic mix of All I Have In Me (in which Carleen bares her soul) and another superb mix of Freedom. This beauty clocks in at 8 minutes which is almost half the duration of the album version. Freedom Suite on the album is legendary and the idea of a remix edit borders on blasphemy but rest assured people, this is the Young Disciples and they do no wrong. It is as good and the bonus is, you can listen to it when you only have 10 minutes to spare?

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Young Disciples.rar Filesize: 36.55 MB

The Brand New Heavies - Back To Love 1994

FFRR Records BNHCD4

BNH developed a sophisticated sound that screamed classic soul in an era dominated by Hip Hop. Formed in 1985 by London school friends, Jan Kincaid, Simon Bartholomew and Andrew Levy the instrumental group were inspired by James Brown, The Meters and other records its members heard while clubbing the rare groove scene in vogue at the moment.

From the 1994 album Brother, Sister, this is The Brand New Heavies with N'Dea Davenport, who then left to complete her solo album (which she had put on hold to join the group). This great track is turned into an absolute monster by Mr. Ray Hayden on the Opaz Club Version. A stunning remix from the master himself. Baby Don't Use Me is an original track, only available on this release (to my knowledge) and certainly worth having if you like the Heavies.

• Back To Love
• Back To Love (Opaz Radio Version)
• Back To Love (Opaz Club Version)
• Baby Don't Use Me

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: BNH - Back To Love CDS.rar Filesize: 28.99 MB

"It seem to me that we don't always get along
If we are trying now dont seem to try too long
Watching your neighbour seems to fill you with alarm
Just coz hes different now
Dont mean he means you harm
City living has got us all pent up inside
When we have problems it seems we all just run and hide
Time to discover why we are feeling this way
Lets let love have its say

Chorus:
I know you need it, brother said he needs it, sister said she needs it,
were all gonna need it someday
We seem to loose our way, somehow got led astray
Thats why Im here to say, gotta get back get back to love
I know you need it, brother said he needs it, sister said she needs it,
were all gonna need it someday
We seem to loose our way, somehow got led astray
Thats why Im here to say, gotta get back get back to it now

Trouble started when we dont communicate
Well build our future now or we can seal our fate
Wasted energy on promises we break
Weve wasted chance now, but still it aint too late
There is a common goal we must all realize
Its time to make a change, in how we live our lives
Time to discover why, we are feeling this way
Lets let love save the day"

Tammy Payne - In Deeper Life EP 1996

Cup Of Tea Records COT 018

In 1996 this EP, written by Tammy Payne & produced by Jim Barr*, was released on the obscure Bristol label, Cup Of Tea, serving Jazz oddities like Junkwaffel & Purple Penguin. I apologise for the sizzling bacon on some tracks but I'm not aware of this vinyl being available elsewhere.

It's not as accessible as Take Me Now and gives an idea how much of a difference the Loop Mix made to the original version. One for the Jazz Heads out there. I like it, left-field and out there but it's interesting and I'm feeling it.

*Jim Barr was bass player with Portishead (1993-1997) before becoming a producer and shortly after this EP, teaming up with Tammy Payne as Sissi on Cup Of Tea in the late 90's and more recently Jukes on Twisted Nerve.

• A1 Reason
• A2 Voices
• A3 In Deeper Life
• B1 This Is Where
• B2 Voices (Seamus 'C' Horse Mix)

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Tammy Payne EP.rar Size: 23.97 MB

Tammy Payne - Take Me Now 1991

Talkin' Loud TLKX 12

In 1991 there was a whole heap of dance, trance, house, garage (uplifting vocal house at this point in time), rave not to mention the new style soon to arrive 'bass, breaks & bleeps' On the other side of the fence hip hop, trip hop, rap & acid jazz.... Hmmm?

From this Acid Jazz genre came Talkin' Loud Records who had the foresight to release this beautiful song with a jazzy lilt. Tammy Payne is a name I'm familiar with but I know very little about her. Take Me Now, written by Tammy & produced by Billy Osbourne*, came from nowhere and after another release, Do You Feel It (Like I Do), that had little impact she disappeared again. I believe she featured on some of Smith & Mighty's songs before hooking up with Jim Barr for some obscure releases on Cup Of Tea and Twisted Nerve Records.

*Billy Osbourne is the brother of Jeffrey Osbourne, and an original member of L.T.D.
Thanks Mr V. ;-)

• Take Me Now (Loop Mix)
• Take Me Now (Loop Instrumental)
• In Heart And Mind
  

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Tammy Payne - Take Me Now.rar Size: 19.9 MB

Leena Conquest - Boundaries 1994

Natural Response 74321208522

Texas-born Leena Conquest has a unique phrasing style that places her among the best singers in urban music. She has worked with Roy Ayers & Mulgrew Miller on her album Come Fly Away, and on William Parker's 'Raining on the Moon' album and an upcoming release with pianist Dave Burrell.

The full artist title is Leena Conquest and Hip Hop Finger, (a.k.a. Hans Holler, Walter Malli & Werner Popp) whose album Sub Pop, (Aurra 22123) originally showcased this little ditty. Boundaries was produced by Werner 'Les Demon Flowers' Geier (who remixed Omar's Keep Steppin' amongst others) and Rodney Hunter for Uptight Productions. It samples Stop the Rain by Average White Band. Adrian 'Tricky' Thaws (Massive Attack) is responsible for the Tricky Mix obviously, whilst the Six In The Morning Mix is a Tony 'Dobie' Campbell (SIIS, Wookie, Tricky) creation but it still sounds best in its original Full Length Mix. Love Is Blind is simply beautiful, showcasing Leena's jazzy vocal abilities to great effect.

• Boundaries (Full Length Mix)
• Boundaries (Tricky Mix)
• Boundaries (Six In The Morning Mix)
• Love Is Blind

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Leena Conquest.rar Filesize: 34.83 MB

Sandals - Nothing E.P. 1992

FFRR Records FCD 199

The Sandals were Will Blanchard, John Harris, Derek Delves & Ian Simmonds. Acid Jazz owner, Eddie Piller was the Sandals' manager for their one album history. This release is produced and remixed by Paul Daley and Neil Barnes (Leftfield) who could do no wrong at the time.

• Nothing
• Nothing (Extended Version)
• Nothing (Dub)
• Nothing (Hard Hands Ritual)
• Nothing (Distant Dub)

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Sandals - Nothing EP.rar Filesize: 44.99 MB

The James Taylor Quartet - Love Will Keep Us Together 1996

Acid Jazz Records JAZID 112 CD

Featuring Alison Limerick on vocals. Alison is a London girl, who started out as a backing vocalist in the 80s. She is best known for her 90s club anthems, her most successful being Where Love Lives, which was originally a massive club success in 1991. After her appearance on this track, Where Love Lives was remixed and made the top ten smash in 1996.

• Ian Green Radio Mix
• Full Length Album Mix
• Mean Streets Mix
• Love Ballad

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: JTQ Love.rar Filesize: 28.91 MB

JTQ with Noel McKoy - Love The Life 1993

Big Life Records BLRD 93

The James Taylor Quartet are a British four-piece jazz funk band that were formed by Hammond organ player James Taylor. The core line-up includes Nigel Price (guitar), Gary Crockett (bass) and Neil Robinson (drums). Their is also a horn section, The Alive & Kicking Horns, comprising John Willmott (tenor sax/flute) and Nick Smart (trumpet) and a vocalist Yvonne Yanney (not featured on this release). Often referred to as simply JTQ, the group are affiliated to a collective of, mainly, London based UK musicians and groups, members of which, guest on each others recordings.

On this release, Noel McKoy of the group McKoy (backing vocals), is the featured guest vocalist on the track Love The Life, a classic uptempo paean to the joys of life originally included on the 1990 Do Your Own Thing album. The 12" Revisited mix is, I believe, the 1993 remix by Chris Jones & James Taylor but the original 12" came out in 1990 with Morales mixes. Alongside are two JTQ instrumental tracks, the quirky but funky Breakout from the 1993 Get Organised album and the excellent soulful jazzy, Higher World which as far as I know is only available here.

• Love The Life (Revisited Edit)
• Higher World
• Love The Life (12" Revisited)
• Breakout

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: JTQ - Life.rar Filesize: 27.13 MB

McKoy - On The Streets 1993

RighTrack Records CD TUM 7

Following the success of Fight and prior to the re-release of Family, this collaboration with James Taylor was released. Produced in conjunction with Mykaell Riley (Chinablack) it kept McKoy in the public eye. Chris Jones does a fair job of a commercial mix, as far as you can crossover with McKoy and still retain credibility, I guess. Noel's own mix, Soweto Meets Moss Side does a far better job with regard to bringing the best out of the song, in my opinion of course. The Mother Mix is really a dub. Mother (Jools Brettle & Lee Fisher) had some exposure on the dancefloors in 1993, with a tune called All Funked Up (Bosting Records) which worked quite well. This funky mix shows some of that enthusiasm and I can't help but wonder whether there was a full vocal Mother mix.

Noel Mckoy has proved a versatile artist, crossing various musical boundaries. Today, he owns his own label, RightTrack Records, and in 1998 released the album, Please Take This Personal. He has performed duets alongside Juliet Roberts, Mica Paris, Vanessa Simon and Beverley Knight. Today, Noel runs the Dutch Pot nightclub in London, where artists perform acoustic sets. These have included Omar, Lynden David Hall, Tashan and, of course, himself. He is currently working on new material.

• 7" Version
• Extended Mix
• Soweto Meets Moss Side Mix
• Mother Mix

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: McKoy - Streets.rar Filesize: 30.76 MB

McKoy - Family 1994

RighTrack Records CD TUM 8

1990-92 was busy timer for Noel McKoy. At the same time as he fronted the acid jazz cult band The James Taylor Quartet, he also had some success with Snowboy (doing a cover of Leroy Hudson's Lucky Fellow and Leo's Sunship's Give Me The Sunshine) and his family as McKoy. The album 'Full Circle - Within A Spiritual Social Soul' was released in 1993 (If you like this then you need a copy) and that prompted a re-release of the highly rated but underexposed Family.

The Original Version is a beautiful slice of soul but this release called in Ray Hayden of Opaz Studios. Hayden, knowing a good song when he hears one, done the right thing and left it virtually as it was but in true Opaz style, he gives it a great big helping of schmoove. You can't fault this guy, he's a master. Walter Turbitt turns out a short but sweet Live Band Mix which is a joy to hear. Personally, I'm not keen on the Gussie P. Reggae Mix but different strokes and all that?

• Ray Hayden's Extended Mix
• Original Version
• Gussie P. Reggae Mix
• Live Band Mix

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: McKoy - Family.rar Filesize: 27.18 MB

'For those who know Soul is what you feel not what you hear.'

Noel McKoy