Christos Sotiropoulos, through the column The MONO Sessions and Rocking, selects and recommends new releases (or even re-releases) of vinyl records that arrive at the Mono Record Shop, each time covering a wide range of sound manifestations and geographical destinations.
The first session travels from the Italian disco to the psychedelic rock of Korea and from the slo mo funk of Australia to the upbeat dance mood of Gabon, while it also includes the necessary jazz proposals that start from spiritual jazz and reach the threshold of prog rock , in a special and eclectic list of musical suggestions.
Let’s start with her new release Four Flies Recordsan Italian label that specializes in reissues mainly of library records by Italian composers, but also looks at new releases such as the very remarkable Psyche of 2023. So the reason for “Africamore”, a compilation that explores the African side of Italian disco in the six years of 1973 – 1978. Lots of familiar favorites here like “Why-o” (ie classic calypso blues) but also “Unica Chance” which most of us know from Andriano Celentano.
Four impressive reissues by the Korean rockers Sanullim from the ever-evolving Guerssen, a company now leading the way in psych sound. So for the first time in European official releases, their first 3 lp as well as a double hearty compilation covering the period from their 4th to 9th lp. Historic band that played an important role in the spread of the Korean psych sound even if they were a bit late since their first lp came out in 1977. These three lps are real gems (especially vol.2) and a must for any adventurous record holder.
New release for the jazz band web web which now measure 5 lps. Here in collaboration with the producer and composer Max Herre, they present us with another excellent LP with clear spiritual jazz touches, perhaps less adventurous than their previous one but certainly very melodic and complete as a listen.
Also new – third – release from them Mildlife, a band truly without sonic boundaries since one moment it resembles a jazz shape and the next it travels along prog paths without ever losing the sense of the dance rhythm. A real modern fusion. “Chorus” is the title of the new lp, and is probably the most accessible listen for an uninitiated ear. Definitely recommended but if you haven’t heard before start with their first record.
Upcoming release from the Aussies Glass Beams. The band was introduced two years ago with their first 4track ep and immediately made an impression. They play a mix of instrumental slo mo funk reminiscent of 2nd lp’s Khruangbin. Many versions of their first ep – all sold out with what was released -, now their return is with another ep on a bigger stage but this time since they are released through Ninja Tune and it seems they will make an even bigger sensation.
Let’s see upcoming compilations. The most anticipated seems to be Soundway’s new collection entitled “Ghana Special 2: Electronic Highlife & Afro Sounds In The Diaspora1980-93″ and is a continuation of the collections focused on the music of Ghana. The previous 2 were released over a decade ago and covered the 70s. From the first track of Pat Thomas that Soundway has given us on its bandcamp page, it seems that we will once again have a gem in our hands.
At the end of March, Secousse’s new collection titled “Merci Yaya Bongo – Female Animation Groups in Gabon 1982-1989″. It chronicles an era in Gabon during which the country’s president and his wife Patience Dabany – a famous singer, known to many from Hemisphere CDs – used music as a means of political influence. The result was soukous with an upbeat dance mood and impressive vocals.
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Tags: African Dust Korean Psychedelia
