Robinsongs 黑胶唱片和CD

Review: This definitive triple-disc collection celebrates the pioneering spirit and musical evolution of Brass Construction, a band that consistently pushed boundaries and redefined the landscape of r&b. Spanning their ten albums, this compilation features 43 essential tracks, from the horn-laden funk of their debut to the synth-pop futurism of their final offering. Along the way, they touched upon disco, Latin jazz, rock and boogie funk, showcasing their restless creativity and mastery of diverse styles. Key tracks include the iconic 'Movin'', 'Changin'', and 'Ha Cha Cha', as well as the soulful 'L-O-V-E-U' and the infectious 'Partyline'. With detailed sleeve notes by Charles Waring, this collection is a must-have for any fan of r&b and a testament to Brass Construction's enduring legacy.

Review: Jazz-trained musicians Lauren Rinder and W. Michael Lewis were not only amongst the most prolific producers of the disco era, but also - thanks to a love of synthesiser sounds - genuine pioneers. This double-disc retrospective focuses on one of their numerous projects, studio band El Coco, showcasing cuts from their first four albums (Brazil and Mondo Disco from 1975; 1976's Let's Get It Together; and 1977 set Cocomotion). Starting off breezy and summery with all manner of South American influences (see 'Disco Carnival' and 'Masquerade'), the collection bounces between heady disco ('Disco Mondo', 'Let's Get It Together', 'I'm Mad As Hell'), quirky, synth-heavy covers (a cheeky but genius cover of 'Yakety Yak', AKA the Benny Hill theme tune), low-slung disco-funk ('Heartbeat'), eccentric horror-disco ('The Count of Monte Disco') and gritty Blaxploitation workouts ('Put On Your Jeans').

Review: Rufus and Chaka Khan's final stretch balances the unfiltered funk of their live performances with the studio polish of their later work. Their live recordings deliver an electrifying set, reworking classics like 'Tell Me Something Good' and 'Sweet Thing' into extended, groove-heavy jams. 'Ain't Nobody' stands outinot just as the lead single but as a masterclass in electro-funk, pairing airtight drum programming with Chaka's soaring vocal for a career-defining moment. Their studio material shifts towards sleek 80s production, offering a more restrained but still soulful contrast. A dynamic farewell from an era-defining partnership.