DICK WALTER AND SYD DALE - METROPOLIS NOW

http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?6fxvspii6r4crtx

Track 1 - Metropolis Now

Track 2 - Vegas Venue

Track 3 - Texas Turnaround

Track 4 - Turnpike Crazy

Track 5 - Commuter Chaos

Track 6 - Lonely Canyons Of Steel

Track 7 - City Slicker

Track 8 - Greyhound Runaround

Track 9 - Aunt Sally's Revival

Track 10 - Times Square

Track 11 - Pacific Coast Highway

Track 12 - Down In The Village

Track 13 - Century City

Track 14 - Keep West For Paradise

Jazzy, funky and groovy - this 1980 release on the Amphonic label is a solid gold winner. Dick Walter is the brains behind this one, with label owner Syd Dale providing support. It's hard to pick out particular highlights because the quality is uniform but I really dig "Century City" and the smooth "Lonely Canyons Of Steel".

Here is an excerpt from an interview I found with Dick Walter - "There was one album I did for Amphonic that I was the musical director on, called Metropolis Now, which I really enjoyed doing and the band that played on it were superb. I think I still have the un-edited version of the album somewhere! I can’t remember what my original titles for the pieces were, but when the album was issued Syd re-titled them all."

It's a great interview for anyone who is into library music and if you would like to read it all, click on this link...

http://www.dickwalter.co.uk/pdf/VinylVulture.pdf

My previous Amphonic post "Special Assignment" has been downloaded 230+ times so I hope you enjoy this one just as much!

THE MUPPET SHOW: MUSIC, MAYHEM AND MORE! 25TH ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION

http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?kmq665tmna9d5uc

Track 1 - The Muppet Show Theme
Track 2 - Mahna Mahna  /Lullaby Of Birdland
Track 3 - There's A New Sound
Track 4 - Lady Of Spain
Track 5 - Trees
Track 6 - A Monologue By Fozzie Bear
Track 7 - Bein' Green
Track 8 - Simon Smith And His Amazing Dancing Bear
Track 9 - Tenderly
Track 10 - Wishing Song
Track 11 - What Now My Love?
Track 12 - Happy Feet
Track 13 - We Got Us
Track 14 - Closing Theme (Instrumental)
Track 15 - Rainbow Connection
Track 16 - Movin' Right Along
Track 17 - Can You Picture That?
Track 18 - Finale: The Magic Store
Track 19 - Hey A Movie!
Track 20 - Happiness Hotel
Track 21 - The First Time It Happens
Track 22 - Together Again
Track 23 - I'm Gonna Always Love You
Track 24 - He'll Make Me Happy
Track 25 - One More Sleep 'Til Christmas
Track 26 - Love Led Us Here
Track 27 - I'm Going To Go Back There Someday
Track 28 - Jingle Bells Rock The Muppets

What would the 1970's and 80's have been like without the Muppet Show? This comprehensive collection reminds us of the musical magic that was present amongst all the fun and frivolity. Included here are classics such as "The Muppet Show Theme", "Mah Na Mah Na" (written by Piero Umiliani), and "Bein' Green" (which appeared initially on the first season of Sesame Street). However the biggest hit of all was "Rainbow Connection" which reached No.25 on the Billboard charts, was nominated for an Oscar and is listed at No.74 on the AFI's list of "Greatest Movie Songs Of All Time".

Kermit, Miss Piggy and Fozzie all feature heavily along with a selection of other characters. The super groovy "Movin' Right Along" is possibly my favourite track of all but there is plenty more to keep even the most casual of fans interested. If you would like more of Ms.Piggy (and who wouldn't?) you can get it here.

JOSIE AND THE PUSSYCATS - SELF TITLED

http://rapidshare.com/files/270913748/db1103-JosieRhino_LP.joeschatterbox.rar

Track 1 - Every Beat Of My Heart
Track 2 - La, La, La (If I Had You)
Track 3 - Stop, Look And Listen
Track 4 - Hand Clapping Song
Track 5 - I'll Be There
Track 6 - You've Come A Long Way Baby
Track 7 - (They Long To Be) Close To You
Track 8 - Roadrunner
Track 9 - Lie, Lie, Lie
Track 10 - It Don't Matter To Me

When Hanna Barbera were preparing to launch the cartoon series "Josie And The Pussycats" they decide to create a female pop band to perform music for the show (and to generate some money on the side).  After a selection process Cathy Douglas, Patrice Holloway and Cherie Moor were chosen to be in the band. Years later Cherie would become a star on "Charlie's Angels" under the name Cheryl Ladd.

There was controversy from the beginning when the producers of the show decided that the character of "Valerie" should not be African American and therefore wanted Patrice Holloway fired from the band to create an all white trio. However, the band's management threatened to pull out of the project and after 3 weeks Hanna Barbera relented.

The music is a mix of original tracks and covers of songs by Bread, The Carpenters, Bobby Sherman and The Jackson 5. It's pure bubblegum pop but Holloway's singing adds a soul / R&B feel to many of the songs. Hip Hop fans may recognise the "Hand Clapping Song" from a sample Mix Master Mike was using for a while in the Beastie Boy's live show. An extended set was released in 2001 by Rhino Homemade with a pressing of just 5000 copies.

Update - for some reason Mediafire deleted the file within an hour of me posting this so I have come up with a link to the 2001 release which has 19 ( ! ) bonus tracks. Hope you enjoy.

PULSAR MUSIC LTD - MILANO VIOLENTA OST

http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?g78tl4u7a8b9lqb

Track 1 - Cat Theme
Track 2 - Blue Funk
Track 3 - Dreamland
Track 4 - Subway
Track 5 - Walking At Sunrise
Track 6 - Six In
Track 7 - Swinging Day
Track 8 - High Tension
Track 9 - Leyla Theme
Track 10 - Running
Track 11 - Fixed Idea
Track 12 - Cat Theme
Track 13 - Obsession

This 1976 soundtrack to the Italian crime film "Milano Violenta" proves to be a groovy delight from beginning to end and has far more in common with library music than it does with film scores of the same period. It was composed by Enrico Pieranunzi and Silvano Chimenti under the guise of "Pulsar Music Ltd.". The general mood is dramatic and ominous as you might expect (with the exception being the romantic "Leyla Theme") and a number of tracks have a smoky jazz feel. There are two songs named "Cat Theme" which is rather strange, the first being a jazz/funk explosion that opens the record while the other is a short percussion piece. Whether it be uptempo or down tempo the music provides a vivid and compelling experience which no doubt complimented the film for which it was produced.

KOSMOS: EASTERN GERMANY'S ADVENTURES IN SPACE

http://www.mediafire.com/?quztnwktzm5

or

http://www.fileserve.com/file/KagQ28c

Track 1 - Kosmos / Thomas Luck
Track 2 - Meteoritenschwarm / Andrzej Morkowski
Track 3 - B Alarm / Karl-Ernst Sasse
Track 4 - Die Erde Gruesst Euch Kosmonauten & Main Title / Karl-Ernst Sasse
Track 5 - Im Staub Der Sterne – Das Licht (Part 1) / Ruth Hohmann & Erbe Chor
Track 6 - Wir Rufen Venus / Andrzej Morkowski
Track 7 - Raum Orgel / Günther Fischer
Track 8 - Sklaven-Ballet / Günther Fischer
Track 9 - Wir Rufen Luna / Andrzej Morkowski
Track 10 - Orbit Swing / Karl-Ernst Sasse
Track 11 - Warum Schweigt Die Venus / Andrzej Morkowski
Track 12 - Eolomea / Günther Fischer
Track 13 - Variation / Günther Fischer
Track 14 - Hier Luna / Andrzej Morkowski
Track 15 - Party TEM 4 (Part 1) / Günther Fischer
Track 16 - Blues / Günther Fischer
Track 17 - Luna 3 Ruft Die Kosmonauten  / Andrzej Morkowski
Track 18 - Party TEM 4 (Part 2) / Günther Fischer
Track 19 - Party TEM 4 (Part 3) / Günther Fischer
Track 20 - Raum-Walzer / Günther Fischer
Track 21 - Luna 3 Sonnenreflektor / Andrzej Morkowski
Track 22 - Juana & Terry / Karl-Ernst Sasse
Track 23 - Schluss / Günther Fischer
Track 24 - Der Mensch (Part 2) / Ruth Hohmann & Erbe Chor – Im Staub Der Sterne
Track 25 - Finale / Karl-Ernst Sasse
Track 26 - Outro / Karl-Ernst Sasse
Track 27 - In Den Kosmos / Stern Combo Meisse
Track 28 - Hoch Im All / Cantus-Chor & Orchester Lothar Kehr
Track 29 - Kosmoslied / Hansi Klemm & Günther Fischer-Quintett
Track 30 - Nie Wieder Kosmos / Günther Fischer
Track 31 - Sounds And Dialogues / Cast
Track 32 - Kosmos-Marsch / Karl-Ernst Sasse
Track 33 -  Gruss Den Kosmonautenbrüdern /
                  Rundfunkkinderchor Berlin, The Studio Ensemble,  Pionierchor Omnibus

I don't know where to begin with this incredible collection. In many ways it defies description due to the sheer diversity of musical styles on show, from easy listening, jazz, and classical to rock, electronic and musique concrete. The only common element is the space exploration theme and the typically inventive nature of German composers. While there has been plenty of "outer space" music released before, much of it has been kitsch and corny but this collection manages to be austere and funky at the same time. However, there is some novelty factor for English speaking listeners who will be left wondering what the lyrics actually mean. The real star though is the music itself which sounds more like it's from another dimension than from another planet. Very highly recommended!

MOVEMENTS VOL.1 - VARIOUS ARTISTS

http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?bdn0v7r4c0r9e96

Track 1 - Wahoo, Wahoo, Wahoo / Wayne Carter
Track 2 - You Ain't My Brother / Soul Shakers
Track 3 - Cool It / Guy Morris & Band
Track 4 - I Weep / B.B Brown
Track 5 - Muy Sabrosa (Very Tasty) / Lou Garno Trio
Track 6 - Look What You've Done To Me Pts 1+2 / Sheila Skipworth
Track 7 - What It Is Pts 1+2 / Randolph Bros.
Track 8 - Soul Popcorn Pts 1+2 / Doc Oliver
Track 9 - No No No Momento / Rick & The Entire World
Track 10 - Soul Safari / Lew Hanson & The Islanders
Track 11 - The Hiccup / Robert Parker
Track 12 - Funky In The Hole / The Blowflys
Track 13 - Do (Whatever Turns You On) Pts 1+2 / Prepositions
Track 14 - Todos / Nombres

There has been a plethora of funk compilations released over the last 20 years but "Movements Vol.1" manages to find some unique treats to thrill even the most jaded crate digger. Some of the tracks invoke James Brown while others have a bit of a Miami funk vibe going on. "Muy Sabrosa", "Soul Popcorn" and "Todos" display South American influences but it is "Funky In The Hole" that stands out from the pack, a truly amazing funk bomb! It's no surprise that this album has spawned 2 sequels because the track selection and variety of sounds on offer will leave you begging for more.

MOVEMENTS VOL.2 - VARIOUS ARTISTS

http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?xllgfllgi08v8va

Track 1 - If It Feels Good Do It / Phil Flowers
Track 2 - There's A Wrinkle In Our Time / 1984
Track 3 - Don't Chain My Soul / Carlton Basco
Track 4 - My Mind Set Me Free Pt.1 / House Guests
Track 5 - Now Is The Time / Sisters Love
Track 6 - Southern Fried Chicken Pts 1+2 / Bill Thomas & The Fendells
Track 7 - Warm Daddy's Choice / River Front Band
Track 8 - Misery Is Gone Pts 1+2 / Blues Palmer With The Jimmy Cole Trio
Track 9 - Got To Get Me Back To Louisiana Pts 1+2 / Elmer & Brenda Parker
Track 10 - Bring Out Yourself / Emperors Soul 69
Track 11 - Funky Nassau / Bahama Soul Stew
Track 12 - When Love Comes Home / Chef Ivey & His Fabulous Avengers
Track 13 - Mothers Child / Harmonica Paul
Track 14 - Thought Of You Today / Gene Boyd
Track 15 - The Arabian Funk / Ray Anthony

Now this is the business! These 15 stomping funk gems from back in the day were compiled by Tobias Kirmayer and the selection is top notch. Many of the tracks possess that raw quality which is highly sought after by collectors, good examples of this being "Misery Is Gone Pts.1+2" and "Funky Nassau". Each song has a little something that makes it stand out from the rest, whether it's a particular lyric, drum break or guitar lick and the obscurity of the artists also adds to the listening pleasure. If I had one criticism it would be the lack of female performers with only Tracks 5 and 9 featuring the fairer sex. Apart from that, I can't find too much wrong with this solid compilation.

STRICTLY BREAKS VOL.1 - VARIOUS ARTISTS

http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?8h8tdsvb9j6s2ao

Track 1 - The Long Wait / Hawaii 5-O Soundtrack
Track 2 - You Can't Turn Me Away / Sylvia Striplin
Track 3 - The Smile / David Axelrod
Track 4 - Rain Dance / Jeff Lorber
Track 5 - Morning / Cal Tjader
Track 6 - Summer In The City / Quincy Jones
Track 7 - Garden Of Peace / Lonnie Liston Smith
Track 8 - I'm Afraid The Masquerade Is Over / David Porter
Track 9 - Mask / Shelly Mann
Track 10 - Get Out Of My Life Woman / Joe Williams
Track 11 - In The Mood / Tyrone Davis
Track 12 - Drums Of Death / Bonus Beat

"Strictly Breaks" is one of a number of collections which delve into funk, soul and rare groove to unearth DJ friendly grooves and beats. This first volume has some familiar performers such as Quincy Jones, David Axelrod and Lonnie Liston Smith along with a group of lesser known artists.

While I don't know how many breaks are contained on the record, it certainly has a nice selection of rare grooviness. "Morning", "You Can't Turn Me Away" and the swinging "Get Out Of My Life Woman" are all standouts. As is the way with these sort of records, some of the songs have been truncated to only include the most funky sections. Please note - the final track is absent from this rip.

QUESTLOVE - INSTRUMENTALS

http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?z41zwqawfxs1uoz

Track 1 - Distortion To Static
Track 2 - What They Do
Track 3 - Proceed II
Track 4 - Concerto Of The Desperado
Track 5 - Adrenaline!
Track 6 - Clones
Track 7 - The Lesson Pt.1
Track 8 - Section
Track 9 - The Lesson Pt.2
Track 10 - U.N.I.Verse at War
Track 11 - Respond/React
Track 12 - Sweetback
Track 13 - Represent
Track 14 - Proceed Without A Pause
Track 15 - Distortion To Static (At Ease Remix)

Without a doubt one my favourite musicians in the world today, Questlove ( or ?uestlove as he is sometimes known ) is the drummer for hip-hop/soul band The Roots. This album is a collection of instrumental cuts performed by Questlove with the band and also other artists he has collaborated with over the years. The tracks flow between jazz, funk, soul and hip-hop with the common thread being Quest's heavy, raw drumming style. There is only one track I'm not keen on so I will happily give this record 14 out of 15 Frolics.



REMIGIO DUCROS - AMERICA GIOVANE

http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?n5a52ly9dxeqilj

Track 1 - Country Feeling
Track 2 - Black Not Coloured
Track 3 - Ride On
Track 4 - Hendrix Momento
Track 5 - Weekend Downtown
Track 6 - Sunday In Central Park
Track 7 - On The West Road
Track 8 - Village Blues
Track 9 - Black Congregation
Track 10 - The New Phylosophie
Track 11 - Campus Sit In
Track 12 - Rock H
Track 13 - Lonesome Voice
Track 14 - The State Of Harlem

There are some very tasty nuggets contained within this American themed record by Remigio Ducros. At the top of the list is the excellent "Black Congregation" which should be familiar to most library music junkies, "Ride On" provides a simple but satisfying groove and "The New Phylosophie" is pure rare groove with some nice keyboard and flute augmentation. Other tracks such as "Campus Sit In" and "Hendrix Momento" go down the psychedelic rock route. There is a bit too much harmonica used mid-album but overall it's a quality release with lots of personality. Please note - this download is a tiny 15mb but the sound quality is actually quite reasonable.

GERARD LEVECQUE & CLAUDE ROMAT - AFRICADELIC'S THE NAME VOL.1

http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?qko6qsuplwu1452

Track 1 - Call Me Africadelic
Track 2 - Djidji Lights
Track 3 - Jungle Mania
Track 4 - Bakaloo Dance
Track 5 - The Elephants Tracks
Track 6 - Bremeye Voodoo
Track 7 - Green Pepper
Track 8 - White Pepper
Track 9 - Red Pepper
Track 10 - Grey Pepper
Track 11 - Black Pepper
Track 12 - Scarlet Pepper

This is a European take on African beats and rhythms released on the Montparnasse label sometime during the 1970's. Despite the Afro tag tracks like "Djidji Lights" and "The Elephant Tracks" are more in the realm of crime jazz with crazy organs and horns playing a major role. The "Pepper" tracks are a group of percussion workouts that are ideally suited to any voodoo ceremonies you may be involved with but it's the first half of the record where the main interest lies.