Long-awaited 2-part follow up to Joey Negro’s crucial 2010 collection of rare British boogie! While Backstreet Brit Funk Vol. 1 was a CD-only affair (save for a measly 4-track sampler 12”), Joey Negro and Z Records have lovingly made the entire Vol. 2 available as two separate double vinyl sets, and this is Part 1 (find Part 2 here). A lot of this music is virtually indistinguishable from stateside boogie and jazz-funk, but only the most in-the-know heads will flip their lid if you drop one of these joints at a party this side of the pond. This collection covers a wide range of sounds that ruled London discos in the late 70s and early 80s, from sophisticated horn-funk (Rick Clarke's "Potion," Proton's "We're Funkin'") to Prelude-style syrupy machine funk (Janet Kay’s “Eternally Grateful,” Rare Moods’ “Closer To Your Love”) to feelgood roller disco sounds (Powerline's "Watching You”). You can actually feel the yearning for warmer climes in rainy London on The Oceans' “Pacific Dreams." O.G. press snobs, dig all you want, you’re just simply not gonna find these in the States. Do not sleep! Recommended.

• part 1 of 2
• double vinyl pressing
• gatefold sleeve
• liner notes by Joey Negro
• music label: Z Records 2018

reviewed by carparts, bottles & cutlery 07/2018