I have no idea what has gotten into the water over in Finland, but the country’s becoming a hotbed of amazing modern soul music. Timmion Records is releasing artists of astoundingly good quality like Willie West, Nicole Willis, and The Soul Investigators. You might want to check out some of their other brilliant artists over at their Bandcamp site here.
Soul
[Music] Yvette Johansson with The Pearly Shells and the Belmar Hummingbirds – Uranium / Jesus hits like an Atomic Bomb
I would never have guessed that Yvette Johansson is a retro artist, as these recordings sound as authentic as anything I heard from the 50s. Good, bopping beat, great vocals, this single is a lot of fun. Belmar Records is the place to go to find similar swinging sounds.
[Music] Alemayehu Eshete – Alteleyeshegnem
Alemayehu Eshete has been considered the golden voice of Ethiopia for nearly sixty years. Thanks to Germany’s Philophon Records, we will be hearing more of his music. This is a old track which was re-done with Philophon’s house band, maintaining the spirit of the original but updating the sound quite a bit.
[Music] Alexis Evans – I Made A Deal With Myself
The Anglo-French singer and guitarist Alexis Evans must have had one hell of a good soul and R&B collection growing up, because he sounds like he studied under the masters.
The last 5 years have been amazing for neo-soul music, especially with the likes of Sharon Jones (RIP) and the Dap-Kings, The James Hunter Six and Charles Bradley, and to thing that Bordeaux, France had such a scene is almost mind-boggling, but this track, from Alexis’ upcoming album, I’ve Come A Long Way, is a barn-burner!
Expect to see a lot more soul reviewed here!
[Music Podcast] Adam Kvasnica – Jazz To Dance
Another fine podcast by Slovakian vinyl hound Adam Kvasnica! The only problem here is that we’d really love a track listing. Otherwise, this is, hands down, the best podcast on Mixcloud!
[Music] Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings – White Christmas
Though I normally prefer listening to hymns during this time of the year, it’s time to break out some soul music as well, courtesy of Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings.
[Music] The Style Council – The Paris Match (Tracey Thorn Version)
A smooth, swanky tune by Paul Weller’s other band, The Style Council, joined by the voice of Everything But The Girl, Tracey Thorn.
[Music] Lucid Fall – Warm Sunshine [루시드 폴 – 햇살은 따뜻해]
This one comes from South Korea, courtesy of my good friend, Max Franosch, who has a taste for music I respect deeply.
Lucid Fall have a sound that remind some chilled-out neo-soul band married to a Dylanesque bossa nova sound. This guy is worth keeping an eye on!
[Music] Irma Thomas – Time Is On My Side
Though The Rolling Stones‘ version is more famous, this version by Irma Thomas packs quite a whallop!
[Music] Mahmoud Ahmed – Hulum bègizéw nèw
Some funky Ethiopian soul, courtesy of Mahmoud Ahmed, one of the best voices of the old guard.
A Miscellany Of Tasteful Music 