The boxset is limited to 500 copies worldwide and it will also be released on digital format on that same day, March 3rd. The artwork by Japanese artist Ruminz is an homage to Afro-American culture. Of the 20 tracks on the "Rare Boxset", 11 tracks are previously unreleased on 45 vinyl, while 9 are reissues of mega in-demand gems.
Among the tracks released for the first time on 45, you'll find label's Funk & Soul heavyweights such as "Easy To Come Home" by Sydney funk maestros Dojo Cuts, "Your Love is Mine" by British funk band The New Mastersounds feat Corinne Bailey Rae and remixed by Nostalgia 77, "50 Foot Woman" by Hannah Williams & The Affirmations, "Soul Connection" by The Diplomats of Solid Sound and "Soul of My Life" by The Tibbs. For the first time on 45 vinyl, there are also two singles from the masters of Cinematic funk Calibro 35: "Stainless Steel" from their legendary album "Traitors" and "Ungwana Bay Launch Complex" from "S.P.A.C.E.", The Diasonics with "Andromeda", taken from their debut album "Origin Of Forms", and Whatitdo Archive Group's "Blood Chief" from the band's album "The Black Stone Affair".
On the reissue's front, among the rare tracks that by popular demand finally see the light again on 45 vinyl we find: the afrofunk cover of The Artic Monkeys' "I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor" by Baby Charles, JB's classic "Soul Power" by Kokolo remixed by Lack Of Afro, The Bluebeaters with "Catch That Teardrop" and "Toxic (One Drop Version)" singles, northern soul floorshaker "I'm a Good Woman" by Hannah Williams & The Tastemakers and deep funk stormer "I'm Not Your Regular Woman" by Marta Ren & The Groovelvets.
The "Rare Box Set" is just the first of many upcoming initiatives that will be revealed during the year to celebrate the Milan's label 20th anniversary. Side by side with similar imprints like Daptone, Big Crown, Colemine or Timmion Records, under its motto "The explosive sound from Today's scene", Milan-based record label and music publishing Record Kicks has been pitching the contemporary funk & soul scene since 2003. With over 250 releases under the belt, the label has released bands from all over the globe and earned support of VIP fans such as rap superstars Jay-Z, Tyler The Creator and Dr. Dre, who took inspiration from the label's catalogue by sampling it.
Tracklist;
1. Dojo Cuts - Easy to Come Home (feat. Roxie Ray)
2. The Tibbs - Soul of My Life
3. The Diasonics - Andromeda
4. Whatitdo Archive Group - Blood Chief
5. Calibro 35 - Stainless Steel
6. Calibro 35 - Ungwana Bay Launch Complex
7. The New Mastersounds - Your Love Is Mine (Nostalgia 77 Remix) [feat. Corinne Bailey Rae]
8. Gizelle Smith - June (TM Juke Remix)
9. Hannah Williams;The Tastemakers - I'm a Good Woman
10. Hannah Williams;The Affirmations - 50 Foot Woman
11. Marta Ren;The Groovelvets - I'm Not Your Regular Woman
12. Martha High - Answer to Mother Popcorn
13. Kokolo - Soul Power (Lack of Afro Remix)
14. Tanika Charles - Soul Run
15. Diplomats of Solid Sound - Soul Connection (feat. The Diplomettes)
16. Trio Valore - Rehab
17. Baby Charles - I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor
18. The Liberators - The Directive
19. The Bluebeaters - Catch That Teardrop
20. The Bluebeaters - Toxic (One Drop Version)
