Record Kicks 10th is catchy and timeless

record kicks-001Record Kicks is an independent record label and music publisher based in Milan specialising in vintage black sounds. Founded in 2003, they now celebrate their 10th birthday and over 100 releases with “Record Kicks 10th” a 21-track compilation of their hits and some exclusive contributions.

The label encompasses many different genres including deep funk, northern soul, afrobeat, dancefloor jazz and rocksteady. So there is something for anyone who appreciates real live instrument-based music with sassy vocals.

The compilation kicks off with a belter in the form of the classic “I’m a Good Woman” by Hannah Williams and The Tastemakers. It proceeds with some slower soul cuts and an infectious jazzy instrumental “Zojoji Blackbird” by Third Coast Kings. Quickly followed by a brilliant funky cover version of “I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor” by Baby Charles and a boogaloo cover of “Rehab” by Trio Valore.

The Baker Brothers provide brand new UK funk, Ray Harris some Latin that grows and grows, Kokolo an Afro-funk cover of “Soul Power”, and The Strides contribute a lovely dub cut “F.K.D”. It is all rounded up by a track from Lee Scratch Perry’s soulful queen Susan Cadogan together with mod reggae kings The Crabs Corporation.

This is a fantastic selection of tracks showing off exactly why the label has been so successful over the past ten years and helped to renew the current interest in funk and soul. You should definitely pick this up, the tracks are all high quality, catchy and timeless and you will keep coming back for repeated listens. Here’s to the next 10 years!

Review by 25ThCYou can give the album a listen below: