Shit From My Crates
Ekambi Brillant – Nayo Nayo
This ain’t worth more than a dollar… just kidding.
I spent a lot of my formative years digging in MTL. Back when it seemed like on every random street, you would find a record store that would pop up and then disappear within months, me and the crew would easily come up on Lee Gagnons, Sloches, Ian Carrs, and Ekambi Brillants. I wouldnt consider this to be a great record by an stretch of the word, but it does have a few moments here and there… and of course… DRUMS.
Lyn Christopher – Lyn Christopher
Excellent Psych-ish/Soul tune on this obscure rock album. Its kinda hard to find and sort of sought after because some of the dudes from Kiss sang backup vocals on it. Back in the day, these were pretty easy to come across, as for the most part, it looks like a pop vocal record. I found 2 of these at one of my favourite record stores in Calgary. Yep, I was pretty happy. Traded one of them for some 45 that i was desperate for and this is the other.
Lyn is still working on music but, it doesn’t really strike the same chord as her cult classic “Take Me With You”…
The Charmels – As Long As I’ve Got You
The Charmels. I’ve been told that this is one of the Volt Labels rarest 45s, not sure how true this is, since it keeps popping up on eBay… Having said that it does go for some hefty loot. Never the less, I can’t help but to feel proud flossing this beat to shit 99cent find. I’ll let the music speak for itself, I doubt you will need me to explain any further.
Sylvia – Sylvia
The art work on this LP makes Sylvia seem so messed up. Some good soul tunes though.
Bonus:
The Emotions – I Like It
This Staxx/Volt vocal trio are responsible for some classic hip hop material courtesy of thier song “Blind Alley” and are probably best known for the boogie/ disco hits “Best of My Love” and “Boogie Wonderland”. But long before the disco hits, these Chicago born females had some really great soul tunes.
This particular song is from their debut album entitled “So I Can Love You” and happens to be the source material for 3rd Bass’ “Gas Face” and Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s “Shimmy Shimmy Ya” Check it out.
More To Know…
Freddie James – Freddie James
This shit is tight. Found it on a recent digging excursion with my homie Arcee…
Freddie James Self Titled LP one solid tune with that typical generic boogie banger sound. Never seen this one before but I always used to see some of his other joints in MTL all the time. Makes sense because this record seems to have some sort of a Phillie/MTL connect.
The Notations – Super People
Having eluded me for a years now, I finally caved in and copped one of these recently. I just got it in the mail today. I would consider this a fairly well known funk/soul record that has made it to a few compilations and re-issues not to mention having been sampled by early nineties Hip-Hop duo Channel Live and Big Daddy Kane.
I always though this was either a Curtis Mayfield tune or at the very least one of his productions. It’s neither apparently, his name doesn’t appear on the record any where. Gemigo Records was owned by Curtis so im sure he was a huge influence on this song’s sound regardless. You can always hit the comments with any info you got.
More To Know…
First Touch – Pleasure For Your Treasure
I’ve been keeping this song under my hat for the last little while, but i think these dudes deserve some shine. It’s a current staple in my dj sets and the whole album is nothing short of “tight”. If you like Dam Funk, and 80′s synth boogie, then First Touch will be right up your alley. The whole album has been circulating the internet, so with a little effort you should be able to find it. The self titled full length was offered as a free down load on www.highsteppin.de site but the site seems to be down now. Google dat!!!
