Salt : Hung-Up

One of the rarest and most collectible funk records is by a mystery group named Salt. Nobody knows who they are or where they’re from, all we know of them is that they put together these two minutes of hardcore funk. An original pressing of this 45 is worth thousands of dollars, if you can even find it. Take a listen, it’s solid funk.

Ikebe Shakedown : The Beast/Road Song

Combining traditional African rhythmic textures with melodies and grooves steeped in American funk, soul, and jazz, Ikebe Shakedown offers a unique and powerful sound. The 8-piece, Brooklyn-based band formed in early 2009 and, after a slew of dates around NYC, recorded their debut 7” single and EP, Hard Steppin', at Dunham Studios (home of Menahan Street Band, Budos Band, Charles Bradley and more). This limited single is a precursor to their much anticipated sophomore full-length album.

Ben E. King : Street Tough

"Street Tough" was Ben E. King's 14th album and 13th studio album, and his final record released directly with Atlantic Records. The album was released in 1981 and written by the great Willie Hutch. Two singles sprouted from this album. "Street Tough" came out first, then "You Made The Difference In My Life", both in 1981. These are the last known singles released before the movie "Stand By Me" returned the song of the same name to popularity.
 

The Impressions : Rhythm!

What do you get when you cross the legendary group harmony of the Impressions, with the savvy production stylings of Daptone’s very own master of ceremonies and guitar dynamo, Binky Griptite? Easy, you get one of the finest collaborations that has ever been realized onto 7 inches of high quality vinyl. The first single by The Impressions in over 30 Years. Featuring original members, Fred Cash, Sam Gooden, as well as Reggie Torrian, who has been singing with the group since the early ‘70s – this single is the sweet soulful beauty you’d expect from the Impressions. This is real soul music played by a real band and how sweet it is!
"Rhythm" the aptly titled A-Side, is a Curtis Mayfield penned tune that was a big hit for Major Lance in the Mid-Sixties. The Impressions revive this classic with their iconic sophisticated harmonies and a new horn arrangement by "The 4th Impression", Johnny Pate himself, that moves the song along at a laid back, yet dance friendly pace. This track is Soul of the highest order.
 

Alice Russell : Drinking Song (Full Version)

Alice Russell back on Thru Thoughts with her latest album "To Dust" released in the beginning of 2013, that was very exciting news... Now the full version of the interlude track "Drinking Song" popped up on the Japanese edition of the album. We have nothing but love for Alice Russell !
 

Peshay : Generation EP

Drum ‘n’ bass legend Peshay turns his musical touch to live funk, jazz and tropical compositions in a vibrant new direction on his first album for Tru Thoughts.
Like a lost ‘70s film soundtrack, “Midnight Express” takes things in a decidedly funk-fuelled direction; cutting together archive session recordings from live musicians at various times, Peshay has managed to create the suspenseful, driving frisson of a tight group of players jamming live and in-the-moment.
“Kickin’ It With The Piano Trio” is a live, expressive freeform jazz jam that spirals into a snaking, swinging groove with propulsive drums. The impeccable musicianship comes care of Munich-based funk/jazz group Tounion, whom Peshay approached with collaboration in mind after hearing them in a club and being blown away.
 

In Motion Collective : Jesse's Jing

In Motion Collective delivers a powerful and eclectic blend of afro-funk and soul. Formed as a trio in 2010, the group is now comprised of a 10-piece, horn-heavy powerhouse that is guaranteed to excite the dancefloor. The groups anticipated debut 7" single is out now on Ohio-based indie label, Colemine Records. A follow up full length LP is in the works.
 

Little Willie John : Fever

The idea for the song was presented to Otis Blackwell by an old friend, Eddie Cooley. Blackwell said: "Eddie Cooley was a friend of mine from New York and he called me up and said 'Man, I got an idea for a song called "Fever", but I can´t finish it. I had to write it under another name because, at that time, I was still under contract to Joe Davis'."
Little Willie John reportedly disliked the song, but was persuaded to record it, on March 1, 1956, by King Records owner Syd Nathan and arranger and producer Henry Glover. His version was released in April 1956 and became a double-sided hit along with the top-ten R&B song "Letter from My Darling". "Fever" reached number one for three weeks on the R&B Best Sellers chart. It also made the pop charts, peaking at number 24 on the Billboard chart.
 

The Getup : Get Lucky

The Getup are back with a stunning cover of the tune of the year. This is a heavy breakbeat, crazy Hammond organ cover of Daft Punk’s Get Lucky in. This is a guaranteed dancefloor filler and definitely not your average version!