Hi friends!
In this edition, we're excited to introduce a seasoned music curator who runs the fantastic Instagram curation account, uptowndiggin, where I've discovered many musical gems.
This month’s Guest Selector is:
Olle Wikman
Meet Olle Wikman, a DJ, record collector, and music curator based in Stockholm.
For the past few years, Olle has been sharing his passion for records on Instagram and Spotify under the handle uptowndiggin. His page is a treasure trove of musical discovery and a platform for connecting with other music enthusiasts. I've been following him for a couple of years now and have been captivated by his selections and insightful record write-ups.
Check out his selections, curated following his philosophy of “curation & inspiration for the mind, body & soul”:
Another Taste - Another Taste (Space Grapes, 2024)
#Disco #Funk #Boogie
Olle: This is definitely gonna go down as one of the best albums of 2024! Brand new LP by this Rotterdam-born concept band formed by a group of longtime friends, consisting of Bobby van Putten (keys), Bob Roche (bass), Barend Lippens (keys) and Teun van Zoggel (drums). Another Taste's debut brings together a blend of boogie, 70s funk and obscure disco, birthed from unearthing forgotten sounds and reinventing them for the modern era. 6 brilliant tracks. All killer, no filler.
Spread Love - Michael Orr & Carey Harris (Sunstar, 1976)
#Soul #Disco #Jazz-funk
Olle: A rare gem from the Motor City! Released by Detroit label Sunstar in 1976, the duo album from bassist Carey Harris and vocalist/keyboardist Michael Orr. The hand-drawn magician on the cover first sparked my interest many years ago to pick up this record. That was a wise decision; it has stuck with me since after that first special listen. It's definitely one of my personal favorite soul albums ever. The title-track 'Spread Love' is amazing. The song is chock-full of slap bass, staccato guitar rhythms, space-age synth - all the hallmarks of great funk. Combined with the brawny, characteristic baritone of Michael Orr. Then you also have tracks like album opener 'Ecstasy, Fantasy, and Dreamland' and 'Here I Go' that got that smooth sounds of modern soul, with keyboard riffs twinkling over sophisticated syncopated rhythms. The two meld together through the course of the album, creating a project that is, simply put, magical!
Fantasticando - Tonica & Dominante (Dominant, 1979)
#Disco #Canzone Napoletana
Olle: Somewhat of a holy grail when it comes to Neapolitan music. Love this album. Released on a private label, Tonica & Dominante were a female duo that only released one record, recorded on commission to please those girls who were not real singers but sisters of someone who used to work at the label. I found this album through one of my favorite contemporary acts, Nu Genea. They highlight this record as a big inspiration and it’s easy to hear why if you listen to the four outstanding tracks on this LP, “Tigre,” “Gennarino o sioux,” “Cicogna,” and “Babilonia.” A couple of the tracks mentioned here are also featured on the Nu Genea compilations Napoli Segreta Vol. 1-2. Amazing comps that highlight the local Neapolitan music scene in the 70s and 80s. Highly recommend stuff as well!
What Color Is Love - Terry Callier (Cadet, 1972)
#Soul #Folk Jazz #R&B
Olle: I can't make any of these lists without including this album right here. Probably my favorite record of all time most days of the year, to be honest... For starters, this album might have one of the best opening tracks of all time, at least as far as I'm concerned. It's hard for me to find a track that hits me the way 'Dancing Girl' hits me every time I hear it. 8 minutes and 58 seconds of pure excellence. And then you know that the next 6 tracks on the record will hit you as hard. It's really as good as it gets. This album will be with me for life. Terry and producer Charles Stepney pouring their hearts out on this one (check out all three records they did together for Cadet), it's life-changing stuff, especially if you're into soul, funk, folk, or jazz but really if you're just into music. Stone cold masterpiece.
Tim Maia - Tim Maia (Polydor, 1976)
#Soul #Funk #MPB
Olle: I love Brazilian music, and I could pretty much choose any record by my main guys Tim Maia and Jorge Ben, especially from the 70s. I ended up picking Tim Maia’s rare, self-titled Polydor album from 1976, sometimes referred to as the “Rodésia” album. It’s always a day-to-day situation when it comes to my favorite Tim Maia album, but this one is really special for me. It’s a short album that clocks in under 30 minutes across its 11 tracks. I especially adore the songs on this album where Tim sings in English. Not sure it has to do with the fact that I actually understand the lyrics for once, one thing stands clear though, language doesn’t matter here. Tim was definitely playing in the same league as his American counterparts in the same time period. I consider him one of the best soul singers ever, his voice is so full of raw emotion that nothing really compares. Tim Maia forever.
That was all for this week. I hope you liked the selections :D
Enjoy the weekend and tune in next Friday for more music!
Stay groovy,
Dudier