Bell: RIST11A4 / Rhythm Machine (Soul Jazz) - 12” originally released 2003
Bell: Winning Signal / Mode 3 (Soul Jazz) - 12” originally released 2003

I’ll give the album (‘Seven Types Of Six’) a proper listen once I get past the dreadful artwork, but in the meantime, these 2 12”s prove to be a solid introduction to Bell (aka London duo Dan Crouch and Adrian Stephens). ‘Rhythm Machine’ is so obviously the hit: speak’n spell vocals, ass-slapping snares and rigid 808 funk that’s as good as anything Andrew Weatherall made when he last bothered dance music.

Subway: Satellites (Soul Jazz) - 12” originally released April 2005

Another electro duo (why does it take two?) who seem to have found a home on London’s premier reissue label. Absolutely nothing new here: Moroder, Moroder, Moroder. But it’s still so effective, especially the title track.

Jennifer Lara / Hortense Ellis - I Am In Love / I'm Just A Girl (Soul Jazz) - 12” originally released November 2005

Jennifer Lara (with help from the legendary Jamaican producer, Coxsone Dodd) Takes the familiar disco classic by Evelyn King and half-times it to a seductive rhythm. The emotional refrain in the first chorus is felt even greater on this version and the extended running time means the polished production can be admired even more. Taken from the excellent ‘Studio One Women’ compilation.

Tetine: A História Da Garça / Slum Dunk (Soul Jazz) - 12” originally released 2006

‘A História Da Garça’ is an utterly bizarre hybrid of acid basslines, electro eeriness and Brazilian samba. ‘Slam Dunk’ is a slow-burn trip of drum machine experimentation. If you come across I whole heartedly recommend the album they released on Soul Jazz. Part music, part art, all heart.

LadyBug: Dem A Bomb We / Miniaturu De Lulu (Soul Jazz) - 12” originally released 2006

Warrior Queen (aka Annette Henry) spits venom to the 7/7 London bombers in the only way she knows how, backed by suitably apocalyptic sound system dread from The Bug.