Verve Records might just be sitting on one of the most desired jazz and blues vocal collections from the 50s and 60s containing records from artists including Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, Marlena Shaw and others. Every few years or so, Verve dives into their vaults and gives modern DJs and producers a shot to remix and rework some of the best jazz music in history.

Since its debut in 2002, Verve//Remixed has paired the world’s most preeminent DJs and producers with some of the greatest names in jazz and blues. The first three remix compilations saw artists like Junior Boys remixing Billie Holiday’s “Yesterdays,” along with a Danger Mouse remix of Dina Washington and Carl Craig remix of South African jazz musician Hugh Masekela.

Released yesterday, Verve//Remixed 4 sees the likes of Diplo remixing Blue Note soul and pop diva Marlena Shaw’s “California Soul” along with sweet pairings of Antibalas with legendary Cuban group Patato & Totico, and The Cinematic Orchestra with Ella Fitzgerald. The Diplo remix of Shaw is particularly tasty as the Mad Decent founder adds to the vigorous grooves with knee-jerking breakdowns, an echoing beat and a criss-crossing horn section. Grab it below.

[MP3]: Marlena Shaw  ”California Soul (Diplo Remix)”
Verve//Remixed 4, Verve; 2008

Verve//Remixed 4 Tracklisting:
1. Dinah Washington “Cry Me A River (Truth & Soul Remix)”
2. Nina Simone “Gimme Some (Mike Mangini Remix)”
3. James Brown “There Was A Time (Kenny Dope Remix)”
4. Marlena Shaw “California Soul (Diplo/Mad Decent Remix)”
5. Nina Simone “Take Care Of Business (Pilooski Remix)”
6. Astrud Gilberto “Bim Bom (Psapp Remix)”
7. Anita O’ Day “Tenderly (Mocky Remix)”
8. Sarah Vaughan “Tea For Two (Chris Shaw Remix)”
9. Patato & Totico “Dilo Como Yo (Antibalas Remix)”
10. Willie Bobo “Evil Ways (Karriem Riggins Remix)”
11. Roy Ayers “Everybody Loves The Sunshine (9th Wonder Remix)”
12. Ella Fitzgerald “I Get A Kick Out Of You (Cinematic Orchestra Remix)”

Syclops lends itself as a bit of a mystery. Little is known of the “Finnish trio” featuring Sven Kortehisto, Hanna Sarkari, and Jukka Kantonen since they don’t tour, do interviews, take press photos, or reveal much information about themselves. The “band” does however play live shows, but only for themselves, not audiences. “They” want the listener to experience their music and enjoy it unencumbered by other things like biographical information, stories, and the like. The fact of the matter is, the ambiguous Finnish trio is actually a front for the one man project of interview-shy, leftfield producer Maurice Fulton (Mu, Kathy Diamond). Why hide behind an obscure trio? I’m not really sure, but one thing I do know is that after a handful of singles including this year’s brilliant “Where’s Jason’s K?,” Fulton will be dropping his debut full-length as Syclops I’ve Got My Eye On You on DFA in June.

I’ve Got My Eye On You expands on the dark electro disco of the January 2008 Syclops single “Where’s Jason’s K?”/”Monkeypuss” (DFA) with more left of center madness. The Sheffield, UK producer’s main success under the Syclops alter-ego is that he manages to take his twisted view of disco, soul, funk and electro and turn them into solid catchy tracks. “Where’s Jason’s K?” follows an addictive hammering bassline over minimal beats for most of the track’s length. Fulton adds a cowbell here and there before the song reaches a pinnacle at its midpoint with organ freakouts and other bizarre shit. The B-side of the single, “Monkeypuss” is a acid house infused affair, harsh and bassy, primed for the dirty dancefloor.

With the brilliant Hercules & Love Affair album already under their belts this year, DFA looks to do it again with I’ve Got My Eye On You on June 10th. Previous single “K” will appear on the album along with the other tracks listed below.

[MP3]: Syclops  ”Monkeypuss”

“Where’s Jason’s K?” Single, DFA; 2008

I’ve Got My Eye On You Track Listing:
1. “NR17”
2. “The Fly”
3. “Naoka’s F”
4. “5 Out”
5. “Nelson’s Back”
6. “Where’s Jason’s K?”
7. “The E Ticket”
8. “Mom, The Video Broke”
9. “I’ve Got My Eye On You”
10. “A Lovely Sunday”

Aw shit! Better pack up those earplugs, Immodium, and Emergen-C’s because the 2008 SXSW Music Festival is just 2 days away. I’m pussing out for the second year in a row, but in classic form, Nghia, Paul, and Theo will be representing FRICTION NYC down in Austin this year. I think this is Nghia’s like umpteenth year in a row or something, seems like the fool has been going since he was a toddler. Anyway, insead of highlighting the typical buzzed acts this year, I decided to pick five R&B bands that I would certainly like to check out. These five acts including Darondo, Barbara Mason, Black Joe Lewis, Eli Reed, and The Aggrolites represent everything from soul to afrobeat to dirty reggae. Check ‘em out if you have the chance.

DARONDO
Saturday, 3/15/08 @ Club de Ville (900 Red River St)
[MP3]: “Didn’t I”
Darondo (pictured) released three singles during the 70s and then mysteriously dissappeared from the music scene for over 30 years. The legendary R&B performer who once opened for James Brown will be making the trek to Austin this week from his home in the San Francisco Bay Area. His three singles released in 2006 via Ubiquity along with an appearance on Giles Peterson’s BBC 1 Radio showcase created enough buzz to land Darondo an appearance at this year’s SXSW. His album, Let My People Go, is a mixture jazz-infused afrobeat and funk, containing the A and B sides from his three 45s as well as three re-worked demos.

BARBARA MASON
Friday, 3/14/08 @ Continental Club (1315 S Congress Ave
[MP3]: “Yes I’m Ready”
Philadelphia’s First Lady of Soul, Barbara Mason, is credited as the originator of Philly soul. Her classic ballad, “Yes, I’m Ready” laid the groundwork for the smooth sweet sounds of Philly soul and established Mason as as an influential female soul artist.

BLACK JOE LEWIS & THE HONEY BEARS
Wednesday, 3/12/08 @ Emo’s Main Room (601-603 Red River St)
[MP3]: “Gunpowder”
J.J. Lewis, aka Black Joe, in his mid-20s and full of spunk, stands tall and strong onstage with his band of gentlemen. He howls into the mic, half James Brown, half his own man, and he splays blood and heart all over the guitar. It’s imperfect yet beautiful. Reinventing his roots of Lighting Hopkins and Sam Cooke, Lewis adds a Red River vibe to the true blues of generations past. In 2007, he formed the Honey Bears, releasing an EP of the same name that summer [Austin Chronicle].

ELI PAPERBOY REED & THE TRUE LOVES
Thursday, 3/13/08 @ Club de Ville (900 Red River St)
[MP3]: “Take My Love With You”
We’ve already sang our praise about Allston, MA’s Eli Reed and his band The True Loves last month. The band plays a slew of dates at this year’s SXSW including the show listed above.

THE AGGROLITES
Wednesday, 3/12/08 @ Flamingo Cantina (515 E 6th St)
[MP3]: “Free Time”
Los Angeles’ The Aggrolites take pleasure in tradition, meshing old-school reggae and ska with rock, soul, and funk to create a sound called “dirty reggae.” Think Otis Redding fronting Toots & the Maytals. The five-piece embarks on an extensive U.S. tour following the festival.

Eli “Paperboy” Reed and his band The True Loves made their way through Philadelphia and New York City last week, leaving audiences thirsty for more of their classic rhythm and blues stylings. I missed the Philadelphia show at M Room, instead catching dream-poppers A Sunny Day In Glasgow at Johnny Brenda’s, but there are some reviews floating around out there from the show.

Reed and his band dish out a blend of old-school soul a la Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, and Al Green. Not only does the band’s music recall classic soul, but flyers and packaging are done with vintage flair. Album artwork looks very much like classic 45s. To me, great soul music is all about the voice, and Reed’s got it. I think Heart On A Stick put it best by saying that he [Reed] “has a voice that could pop corn…Or bake a whole potato. Eli “Paperboy” Reed’s voice could season, stuff, roast, and carve a whole turkey, pour gravy over it, divvy up the leftovers, do the dishes, send you on your way. Eli Reed has a voice that might quadruple your laundry bill, in ways both exciting and embarrassing.”

The Brookline, Massachusetts singer grew up listening to his dad’s collection of classic gospel, soul, and R&B records which had a big influence on his voice. Reed also discovered the history of Delta Blues personally after moving to Mississippi following High School where he also learned about performing. Singles like “The Satisfier” are written in the style of Chicago soul artist Syl Johnson, while Reed cites Sam Cooke as a major influence, just have a listen to “It’s Easier.”

Eli “Paperboy” Reed and The True Loves play a slew of SXSW dates before a supporting tour with emo outfit Say Anything in April. The debut long-player also comes out in April on Q-Dee or Q Division, something like that.

[MP3]: Eli “Paperboy” Reed & The True Loves  ”Take My Love With You”
Single; 2008

Expect to be hearing BIG things in the coming months about British retro-soul songstress, Duffy, after she drops her new single “Mercy” on February 25th. The 23-year old Welsh singer, who has drawn comparisons to Dusty Springfield already sold out most of her forthcoming UK tour. While I dig the retro-soul/R&B stylings and backing vocals, I’m not 100% sold on Duffy’s voice – it can be a bit nasal-y at times. Other than that, “Mercy,” is a solid track that might leave most of us asking, “Amy Who?” by the end of 2008 (unless you’re already saying that). Full-length due in the UK in March followed by a U.S. release in May.

[MP3]: Duffy  ”Mercy”
Single, A&M/Rough Trade; 2008

Check out the video for “Mercy” below, complete with Northern Soul style dancing.

Gregg Foreman, to say the least, is a pretty well known guy in Philadelphia. Sometime around Thanksgiving this year I was introduced to the new incarnation of his pioneer ’60s and ’70s soul music dance party called Turnaround, which has now joined forces with Philly’s other kick ass soul/psych party, Immediate!. To say the least, the party fucking rocked.

Around 1994 or so, Foreman took his love of Stax soul and Delta blues and formed the bluesy-mod-punk outfit The Delta 72 along with drummer Benjamin Azzara, organist (and roommate at the time) Sarah Stolfa, and later added bassist Kim Thompson (of Cupid Car Club). The name “Delta 72” comes from the stretch of the Mississippi river where the Delta blues originated and the drummer’s birth year, 1972.

The group originally formed in a DC basement but later relocated to Philadelphia and got their break when Dischord head Ian MacKaye caught the group live at a DC spotlight show for up-and-coming bands. Dischord ended up putting out the band’s first 7” titled “On the Rocks.” Azzara left the group in 1995 and was replaced by Jason Kourkounis (Mule) on drums. The new lineup played a night in New York with Girls Against Boys, who pressed Touch & Go label owner Cory Rusk to stick around for their set. The band’s infamous live show won over Rusk and Touch & Go put out The Delta 72’s debut LP, The R&B Of Membership. During the band’s sets, it wasn’t uncommon to see Foreman do splits off of ten foot speaker stacks and other tall structures. Foreman joked in a Philadelphia Weekly interview that “We had an in-band joke: An okay show would be a two-split show, but a really good show would be a 10-split show.”

The diverse The R&B Of Membership bridged barriers between R&B and punk by blending frenzied guitar riffs with soulful farfisa organs and frantic hard-hitting vocals. The record from start to finish abounds with incredible amounts of energy. Following their debut, the band released their sophomore album, The Soul Of A New Machine in 1997, establishing themselves at the forefront of the R&B punk scene. The group put out their final full length, 000 on Touch & Go before disbanding in 2001. Throughout their span, the band toured with the likes of Sonic Youth, Girls against Boys, Modest Mouse, and The Donnas.

Now relocated from Miami to Brooklyn and Philly, Foreman continues to DJ as Mr. Pharmacist and will be playing/touring with Cat Power and The Dirty Delta Blues on piano and organ. Check out “Rich Girls Like To Steal” below.

[MP3]: The Delta 72  ”Rich Girls Like To Steal”
The R&B Of Membership, Touch & Go; 1994

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I have a little sticky note next to my desk that says “talk less, listen more” as a way to remind me to keep my mouth shut and listen to what people have to say. Over the years I’ve found that I was one of those people that just cut into a conversation and start talking about whatever I wanted to, never letting the other person speak their mind. I started catching myself doing this within the last year or so and thought that it must be really fucking annoying to be on the other end of the conversation.

I still interrupt from time to time, but usually catch myself and apologize. By allowing others to talk and actually listening I have learned a lot about other people and discovered many great new things. Just today, at a used book store, I listened to an older guy ramble on and on about Fitzgerald and Norman Mailer soaking up as much information as I could and NOT interrupting.

Some of the things I’ve written about on here have come from these sorts of discussions. Take Pieces of Peace for example. The Chicago funk-soul outfit came recommended from a friend who explained that their debut LP (originally recorded in the early 1970s) was shelved after the band broke up and is finally going to be released on September 25th after 30+ years of gathering dust.

Pieces of Peace were somewhat of a soul super-group that had their beginnings as the Constellations in the early 1960s and ran in the same crowd as Carl Davis, Chi-Lites, Barbara Acklin, and later (as Pieces of Peace) the Pharoahs. Referred to as the most important group in Chicago in their prime, Pieces of Peace had a various lineup changes throughout the 60s, finally settling on a roster consisting of Bernard Reed (bass and vocals), John Bishop (guitar and vocals), Joel Brandon (flute), Jerry Wilson (sax), King Johnson (lead vocals), Michael Davis (horn), Ben Wright (organ and piano), and Fred Crutchfield (a high-school prodigy drummer), along with members of the Pharaohs.

The band recorded only one album, which was shelved after the group split up while in Singapore during a 6-month Southeast Asia tour. Following the tour, the record was vaulted indefinitely until recently when music researchers Dante Carfagna and Rob Sevier, along with DJ Shadow, procured the original Pieces of Peace tape. The self-titled LP will finally see its release on Quannum Projects/Cali-Tex tomorrow. I read somewhere that Pieces of Peace features one of the last recordings featuring the Pharaohs (Derf Recklaw, Aaron Dodd, and Willie Woods).

The tracklisting includes: 01 Cease Fire / 02 Pollution / 03 Flunky for Your Love / 04 I Still Care / 05 Peace and Blessings / 06 Yesterday’s Visions / 07 Pollution / 08 Yesterday’s Visions (Alternate)

Check out “I Still Care” below, which features Wright on lead vocals.

[MP3]: Pieces of Peace  ”I Still Care”

The first track (“Trust Your Child”) on Numero Group’s new compilation Home Schooled: The ABCs of Kid Soul takes on one of the most prevalent teenage gripes, the apparent lack of freedom. The song makes me think of my teenage late nights out, sneaking out and sneaking back in, sometimes successfully, most of the time not. As I got reprimanded and sent off to my room, I thought, “why can’t I be trusted” which is exactly what Patrizia & Jimmy call for with the chorus, “Trust your child / We wanna be trusted.” To be perfectly honest, if I were in my parents shoes, I wouldn’t have trusted me either.

That’s what makes this record such a fun listen, I can’t remember when the last time I noticed that it was “back to school” season as September draws ever closer and another summer comes to an end. The much dreaded first day of school is preceded by getting ready to impress your friends as you go school shopping for the coolest new shit; clothes, shoes, notebooks, crayons, pens, pencils, etc. On the contrary, 3 Simmons takes an upbeat approach to going back to school on “You Are My Dream (School Time).” The singer buzzes with innocence about a girl he’s smitten on, telling her “In the morning / Just a little past eight / I’ll wait for you baby at our meeting place / I’ll carry your books and lunch bag too / I’ll do anything baby to stay close to you.”

Other standouts on Home Schooled include the only recorded output from Quantrells, the single “Can’t Let You Break My Heart” and “Jersey Slide Pt 1” by 3 Stars, who were two New Jersey brothers and another boy from Delaware.

For their 16th release, Numero scoured the lost and unknown side of early 70s kid soul music. You won’t see any Jackson 5 or Osmonds on the compilation; although most of these groups and their parents were inspired by Michael and his brothers at the end of the 60s. The label has hand-picked seventeen rare tracks from the phenomena, most of which were released as 7” singles back in the day.

Numero put it best in their promo blurb for the record, stating that the “disc straddles the line between historical artifact and wild mix tape.” The package comes with a detailed booklet that breaks down the history of the music and early 70s kid soul scene. Part history lesson and tons of fun, this record should not be missed.

Stream the entire record over at Numero.

[MP3]: Quantrells  ”Can’t Let You Break My Heart”