It has been a while again… so I am pleased to link to 2 mixes, from mixoftheweek.com and digital-djs.com. I keep on promoting these sites, as they have provided in some great mood-changing material. Here’s the love:

Kay-Dis-Ko by Pirkka [right-click here to download] from MixoftheWeek.com

1. Moodymann: Shades of Jae (KDJ 12″) 1999
2. Shalamar: Right in the Socket (Solar 12″) 1979
3. Five Special: Why Leave Us Alone (Elektra LP) 1979
4. Don Ray: Standing in the Rain (Polydor 12″) 1978
5. Tamiko Jones: Can’t Live Without Your Love (Polydor 12″) 1979
6. Caroline Crawford: Coming On Strong (Underdog Edits 12″) 1978/2005
7. Loleatta Holloway: Seconds (Salsoul 12″) 1982
8. Steve Shelto: Don’t Give Your Love Away (Sam 12″) 1983
9. Lowrell Simon: Love Massage (Zoo York 12″) 1981
10. Joe Thomas: Plato’s Retreat (T.K. Disco 12″) 1978
11. Patrick Juvet: I Love America [Weapon re-edit] (Casablanca LP) 1978
12. King Harrison: Well, Have A Nice Day (School Yard Breaks 12″) 1977/2005
13. Record Player: Free Your Mind (Soul Cal 12″) 1979/2005
14. Loose Joints: Tell You (Today) (4th Brodway 12″) 1983
15. Voyage: Follow The Brightest Star (Friends 12″) 1982

DJ 1derful – Soulful House Mix – DDJ is not dead (The Soulful Affirmation) [right-click here to download] from Digital DJs.com

1. Tonya Renee – Off My Mind (Reel Soul Mix)
2. Corrine Bailey Rae – Put Your Record On (Darryl James Vocal Mix)
3. Linn – Available (Jay J’s Shifted Up Mix)
4. Leela James – Good Time (Groove Junkies Vocal Mix)
5. Soul Central – In-ten-city (Vocal Mix)
6. Luther Vandross – Shine (club mix)
7. Blvd East f. Jenny Morrison – Brand New Life
8. DJ Spen & The Muthafunkaz – To The Rock (Praise Party Vocal)
9. Su Su Bobien – Set Free (Fusion Remix)
10. Dennis Ferrer – Church Lady

That’s it for the weekend! Enjoy!

On Sophia Darcell’s Soul Eclectic SOULBROTHER wrote:

Very nice smooth and sultry album from Miami songstress, that reminds me of both Sade and the Kuh Ledesma album from a few years back. The full band play well throughout and the soft horns and acoustic guitar interspersing with Sophia’s sophisticated voice gives the album a nice feel, that is familiar but refreshingly different, which will appeal to both soul and smooth jazz fans.

Listening to here voice over at sophiadarcell.com and her MySpace site, I think I can not really put it in better words. Being a passionate fan of Sade, that was exactly what first came to mind when I listened to Sophia.

On her MySpace site:

Some smooth funky jazz-alicious soul music spiced with Afro-Cuban flavas’.
A sensual soundscape of urban grit and tropical vibes; songs to kick back and relax to… make love to… mood music…Think Brand New Heavies, Incognito, Sade, Sweetback. Jill Scott, etc.

So, do not hesitate, get over there, listen and show your love.

Yet another R&B / Soul / Funk band brought to my attention through the contactform: THRESHOLD

Influenced by Curtis Mayfield, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Me’Shell NdegeOCello and Sly & The Family Stone, Threshold is sweet formation L.A., California.
With the dark and warm voice of Angela Carole Brown, the band provides an easy and firm sound, sharing conscious lyrics (composed by Linda Taylor), as well as some sweet up-tempo hipshakeable songs.

Linda Taylor is solo-ing on one of the videos on the site by the way, and she is a verocious and enthusiastic guitar player.
Threshold has some special guest that are musical treats themselves:

• Keb’ Mo’ – Guitars
• David Patterson – Sax
• Darrell Crooks – Guitars
• Patryce “Choc’Let” Banks – Background Vocals

To check out more of Threshold, visit their website, listen to their tracks and watch their videos.

If you have a description on your website that states:

Rap Hip Hop Samples – Free hip hop drums loops kits, beats, instrumentals, original samples, breaks, samplers, crate digging, Reason, Fruity Loops

… Then every music lover’s attention is drawn.

I received note from the owner of cratekings.com : DJ Semantik (my apologies for the late mention!) and I must say that this online resource of hiphop goodies is a pleasure for eye, ear and soul!

For me this site gives splendid insight in what happens behind the curtain at some very hot producers’ studios.
Watching and reading how certain beats and loops are being created generates a lot of extra appreciation for what these people do.

Example of a nice post is “J Dilla Interview: Beats, MC’ing & Style“, where J Dilla (R.I.P., you were a genius Jay and your death is a terrible loss) teaches some nice lessons. Or the post were Kanye West shows what happens in the studio.

See for yourself: Visit CRATEKINGS and show some love!