This week Rob aka Mack selects the Staff Pick, a compilation of rare Asian covers on Wan Chai.
When Rob is not locked in the studio making beats for the likes of Sub Luna City or traveling the world with the Young Turks crew, he sneaks in at Phonica’s basement to make sure your online orders arrive sound and safe. On top of this, he also finds time to run a monthly NTS show.
His pick is a compilation of rare Asian Funk & Soul covers released as a promotional 500 copies run in Hong-Kong for a famous soda brand. Over you Rob:
For my pick of the week I’ve opted for the fantastically funky ’Super Dancing Hits’ from newcomer label Wan Chai records. Based out of Hong Kong, their mission statement is to essentially spotlight quality rare records from that region of the world, and with the 7-A-Side record as their debut release they’re clearly coming out with a statement of intent and marks them out as one to watch for asian centric vinyl lovers.
Originally dished out 40 years ago in very limited numbers as part of a collaboration with a well known soft drinks company, the vinyl has never seen a general release and thus has remained understandably sought after ever since, owing to it’s brilliantly obscure nature.
Littered with wicked bass riffs, groovy drums and not to mention some good old talkbox action – the premise of the record is largely funk and soul covers but drawing from a disparate range of styles. Marley’s I Shot The Sheriff features here, wah filled, horn sections, rhodes solos, completely redrawn. As does the soft rock of the Eagles’ Hotel California, of course reinterpreted in a equally funky vein. Other well known classics feature here similarly covered, Play That Funky Music, Steppin’ Up, Boogie Fever, Good Time and more. It all culminates in a delightfully weird and wonderfuful record.
Besides who doesn’t love an obi strip? (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧
