Miss You Germany Vinyl & CDs

Review: The enigmatic release from Nilton Castro offers a fantastic journey into Afro-Brazilian rhythms and expressive musical landscapes. Recorded possibly in the 70s and released in the early 90s, its origins remain shrouded in mystery, adding to its allure. Originally crafted to accompany contemporary dance classes, the album showcases Castro's percussion expertise, enhanced by moments of choir, flute, and keys/metallophone. The standout track, 'Ondes (Les Vagues),' has intrigued collectors for years with its harmonious crescendos and subtle percussion, creating an immersive sonic experience. Remastered and reissued with its original artwork, the album embodies unadulterated musical expression, reflecting Castro's artistic vision and timeless charm. Listening to this release is akin to embarking on a journey of blissful discovery, where each track unveils layers of intricate rhythms and ethereal beauty.

Review: One online reviewer described Shakeena's sole album, 1987's 'Dance Music', as a 'lover's rock jewel'. We tend to agree. Now available again on wax for the first time since the 80s (when it was pressed and released by a tiny label and sunk without trace), the album offers an enticing mix of echo-laden drum machine beats, dub-wise reggae basslines, cheery 'FM' synth-sounds, soulful vocals and nods towards freestyle, boogie and '80s soul. Highlights are plentiful throughout, with our picks of a very strong bunch including the club-ready title track, the glossy 'Your Love' (where Shakeena raps as well as sings), the classical lovers rock of 'Reggae Music' and the sweet and tender 'We Are The Mothers of the World'.

Review: Sound Metaphors' collaboration with Constantino Paolini once again means the Italian classics vaults are thrown wide open as two more Italian dancefloor classics get revisited. This time Spray Orchestra's 'Transilvania' is a fine instrumental version of Patrizia Pellegrino's 'Il Mondo Da Una Nuovola'. After that comes a perfectly slowed-down acid remix of it by DJ Asshole. The flip has Max Manuel's 'Energy,' an abstract instrumental version of Patrizia Pellegrino's 'Automaticamore'. These are all hugely revered tunes in digger circles so grab this fine 12" while you can and impress anyone prepared to listen.

Review: A rather calming lovers rock track reissued on 12". When reggae drummer Lindel Lewis teamed up with singers Vincent Taylor and Claudia, few could anticipate the sonic romance that would blossom. 'You, Me & He' seems to capture two such triangulations, one lying at the heart of the real collaboration between artists, and the other evoked in the imaginary love tryst explored in the song. Wafty reverb vocals from the sweetly voiced Claudia give an admissive, coy impression of the persona she channels, which is lent a soothing antiphony from Taylor. Lewis, meanwhile, evidences his solo drumming and dubbing chops on the smooth 'Me & He' versions under the name One Man Band, twinning coldness and haziness.

Review: Miss You keeps on serving up the reissued aces with a new and beautifully produced German disco sizzler that has, rather unusually, an environmental edge (on those who speak German will be able to fact check that one.) Originally released in 1979 on a Contemporary Christian Music Label by the name of Lord, the original has become a real rarity that will cost you a pretty penny, even in LP format. Now remastered and served up next to a fine extended edit, it's primed and ready to take outdoor sets to the next level with its big swirling strings, motorik kicks and of course that feminine vocal.