Originally out in 1969 — with Choice Of Colors, Mighty, Mighty (Spade and Whitey), and the tremendous title track, this is essential.

The opener Sweet Juju was a hard-sought West London two-step weapon, back in the day; Nomalizo is tropical funk, somewhere between Maze’s Twilight and Ramsey Lewis’ Brazilica, beloved by the neo-Dingwalls massive.

Numbered, out of one thousand. ‘All-analogue.’

Venturing outside the church-walls in 1973, under the wing of Leroy Hutson and Curtis Mayfield, this is a soul masterpiece, with Cashing In, Wanted Dead Or Alive and the rest.
A must.

A tough, funky, full-throated cross between raw boogie and Modern Soul, out of Jackson, Mississippi.
Ticking high hats school of Earl Young; bonkers bass.
Originally released by Joe Shamwell on his Shakin’ label, this was the Chymes’ first release, just prior to their deal with RCA.