JAMES BROWN Vinyl & CDs

Review: The ultimate revenge anthem—an album that stalks, struts and demands its due with the kind of swagger that few records have ever matched. Originally written as the soundtrack for a rejected blaxploitation film, it instead became one of Brown’s most defining statements, a double LP of hypnotic grooves, militant funk and raw emotion. Overall, his 37th album and one of his most memorable. The title track alone is a masterclass in simmering tension. With its deep bassline, wah-wah guitars and Brown’s electrifying growl, it’s both menacing and danceable, a battle cry disguised as a slow-burning funk jam. Tracks like 'Mind Power' and 'Shoot Your Shot' extend the formula—long, relentless jams where Brown’s commands to his band shape the music in real time, making it feel alive and dangerous. The JB’s, Brown’s legendary backing band, provide razor-sharp horns, intricate percussion and rolling basslines that lock into hypnotic loops. 'Time Is Running Out Fast' and 'Take Some... Leave Some' groove with an effortless cool, while 'Stone to the Bone' oozes confidence. More than just a funk record, this reissue of The Payback is a declaration of defiance and self-assurance, showing James Brown as the undisputed Godfather of Soul and still had plenty to give.

Review: This superbly timed and forever festive three-LP set showcases seasonal funk sounds from 1966 to 970. Holiday fan or not, these tracks, which are mostly original compositions, capture James Brown at the height of his career and rival his best grooves from the era. Packed with bonus tracks and insightful liner notes by Alan Leeds - Brown's former publicist and tour manager - the set offers an unparalleled glimpse into his festive yet funky brilliance and has been mastered and cut by the legendary Kevin Gray. Perfect for anyone who deserves an early dose of timeless, soulful holiday cheer.

Review: We Got To Change is an uncovered gem from James Brown, recorded in Miami at Criteria Studios on August 16, 1970. Featuring the original J.B.'s lineup, including Bootsy Collins, Catfish Collins, and Clyde Stubblefieldithe legendary Funky Drummerithe track was laid down in between some of Brown's most iconic releases like Sex Machine and Soul Power. With its unmistakable groove and fiery energy, this lost recording is an essential piece of Brown's storied career, capturing the raw funk sound that defined an era.

Review: This James Brown 7" release is a must-have for any soul and funk aficionado. The Side-1, 'Never Can Say Goodbye' from the There It Is LP, is a quintessential Brown track with irresistible grooves, a punchy bassline, and killer horn lines that showing his creativity of funk. On Side-2, 'You Took My Heart' from Get Up Offa That Thing offers a lush, swinging rhythm with a captivating movement that highlights Brown's soulful versatility. Both tracks are presented on a highly desirable 7" vinyl, making it a perfect addition for DJs and rare groove enthusiasts. The grooves are tight, the energy is infectious and this release truly captures the essence of James Brown's legendary sound.

Review: Vintage funk fans rejoice because this classic mid-60s collection is now available to you once more. James Brown's appropriately entitled Night Train - Mighty Instrumentals album is a high-class assembly of plenty of potent, hard-hitting funk as well as more tender and slow-burning soul sounds. These timeless, loveably lo-fi joints have plenty of low end heft to cut through modern dance floras while also offering up some authentic and original funk allure. It comes on nice heavyweight wax so sounds brilliantly loud and clear.

Review: The godfather of soul found himself dipping into jazz on this classic but lesser-known album, Soul On Top (Verse By Request Series). Now getting a proper reissue treatment it is sure to convert many new fans to his abilities across the six sizzling tracks from this 1969 album, which includes the classic 'It's a Man's, Man's, Man's World' and a new version of 'Papa's Got A Brand New Bag'. Brown provides the vocals to a 18-piece big band set up that was led by drummer Louis Bellson and arranged by Impulse! star Oliver Nelson. Brown always said he was a jazzman at heart and this goes some way to proving that, with saxophonist Maceo Parker adding plenty of vital swing.

Review: Amerigo's The Big Payback series finds him bring together some fantasy all stars for his "J.B. and The Soul Mates" tribute concept. Here, James Brown's music is reworked, edited and chopped together with the work of hip hop giant Notorious BIG. It results in speaker blasting, floor filling, ass wiggling jams that mash up all the most iconic verses and choruses from each singer with their most recognisable guitar riffs, drum breaks and samples. It's a colourful collage that is as fun as it is funky.