Mr Scruff's Record Box: December

The Breadwinners 'By the sweat of your brow' (Breadwinners LP)

"Brand new, vinyl only album release from Manchester's very own Al Breadwinner & a host of vocalists. For many years Al has been locked away in his Bakery studio producing his own smoky, all-analogue brand of rhythm tracks which betray his undying love for 70's roots music. Picks of the crop for me are the opening track 'Eat Bread' with Big Youth, (extra brownie points to Big Youth for mentioning 'Manchester' in the lyrics several times, one to play alongside Trevor Junior's 'Manchester Video' & Harlem Spirit's 'Dem A Sus (In the Moss)'). Manchester's City Culture (aka Country Culture) features on three tunes, including the killer slow & low 'The Law', where the music has a touch of the Upsetter's slower, sun baked languid tunes such as 'City too hot' while City Culture's semi-spoken verses have a touch of Prince Far I. Available from Piccadilly Records or direct from Breadwinners"

Gloria Ann Taylor 'Love is a Hurtin' Thing' (Ubiquity LP) "I have obsessively collected this Lady's records for the last 15 years or so. Her first release was in 1968, and she set up her own 'Selector Sound' label in 1973, releasing seven 7" singles & an impossible to find EP, and it is those recordings that have finally been released on a double album. Beautiful, haunting, otherworldly soul from a truly unique voice. Kind of out on it's own for a 70's recording, with tons of reverb & incredible emotional delivery & orchestration that would be more at home on a '60's Northern Soul record."

Musi-O-Tunya 'Give Love To Your Children' (Now Again LP)

"Another killer 'Zamrock' reissue from Now-Again. Continuing the dark, fuzzy sound of the Paul Ngozi & Witch albums, but with a fuller, chaotic, horn-led sound & . Reminds me a lot of unclassifiable early 1970s recordings by the likes of Cymande, Sapo, ICE/Lafayette Afro Rock Band & Mandrill. Loud Horns, loud bass, loud fuzz guitar, loud percussion, loud vocals.. you get the picture!"

Hiatus Kaiyote 'Choose Your Weapon' (Flying Buddha LP)

"Deliberately tricky music & frequent tempo changes can be irritating, but in the right hands it can really work wonders & keep the energy up. This band definitely have the right hands, as they amply proved at their Manchester gig a few weeks ago. Stripped-back, beautiful, gentle, tough, odd & beguiling."

Estere 'Reptilian Journey' (Jordan Rakai Remix)

"Self-released tune by New-Zealand based Estere. The original version from last year is killer, as is this remix. Both have an irresistible, languid bump & bounce. Tough beats, slippery synths, load of bass & those amazing soulful vocals. Reminds me a little of Amel Larrieux? more leftfield moments." Find the record here