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LAGOS DISCO INFERNO

Welcome to the Lagos Disco Inferno, the first compilation of rare, Nigerian Disco to be released outside of Africa.

Compiled by Frank Gossner (of Voodoofunk.com fame), this record contains 12 tracks that represent the sound of Lagos in the late 1970s.

Dean Disi (Music Journalist and formerly Director of Lagos based label TYC Records) wrote the liner notes for this album:

“It was the era of sheer ecstasy. The music not only represents the vibrancy of youthful expressionism of the time but is also deeply rooted in African rhythm though not traditional in phraseology.
This collection of songs marks the development of Nigerian urban pop culture.
There was diametric difference in the music of the discos and the music play by the groups. Disco music as played by the DJs was essentially western. The fans could connect with this easily. It was hip, urban and stimulating. The young Nigerian groups were hooked on it and tried to play it but with a distinctive African stamp of their own.”

Some of the artists on this record were stars of their times while others remained in obscurity.

Lagos, a uniquely vibrant, gritty, energetic and sometimes quite dangerous tropical metropolis has always been much more than just a city. A state of mind where third world poverty met the oil boom, where African traditions clashed with Western decadence.

Make no mistake, this stuff will have you dance in a feverish rush in no time.

SJOB Movement A Move In The Right Direction

Extreme Afro-Funk-Rock rarity. Aside from a few scattered blog entries, we’ve never seen this one given the attention it deserves. One track from their second LP was included on Soundway’s Nigeria Disco Funk Special compilation from last year.

Mebusas Volume 1: Blood Brothers

Yet another Nigerian rarity, this Mebusas LP gets its first ever reissue. Best known for their cut “Son of Mr Bulldog” which was made available on the recent Afro Baby compilation.

We’ve had a lot of new releases in stock at the store as well. For a full view come check us out in Brooklyn, but some highlights include the new Mortika box set on Mississippi, a new Michael Hurley record on Gnomonsong, the Circuit Rider reissue (private press biker insanity!), re-stocks on most of the Numero Group catalog, Sun Ra’s doo-wop years from Norton and tons more!

Please come out and support indepent record stores in your community, whether it’s here in Brooklyn or anywhere else! All kinds of exclusive items on sale, free 50 cent records with any purchase, and a general party vibe all day!

In stock for the first time is the new MS reissue of the True Story of Abner Jay LP. Originally a private press LP, this is lovingly reproduced with several inserts. Jay was a one man band, playing electric banjo, harmonica and drums all while singing. He has a marvelously expressive voice, by the way, put to good use on tunes like “St. James Infirmiry Blues” and “I’m So Depressed.” Also in stock is a nice hand-made Abner Jay single–”Depression” b/w “I’m So Depressed.”

If you’ve never heard Abner Jay before, be sure to listen to Academy Radio tonight between 8 & 10 on East Village Radio for a preview cut or two.

Academy LPs is proud to present the first release on our new reissue label.

Ofege recorded this LP while still in high school in Nigeria in 1973, and with its sweet harmonies, wailing fuzz guitar and virtuoso drumming, it quickly became a classic of the Afro-rock genre. Mastered by Tim Warren from the best possible sources, ‘Try And Love’ is available for the first time in over 35 years, officially licensed and lovingly pressed. For now the LPs are available in both of our NYC locations, and a CD release will be available soon.

Please check out our label’s MySpace page for free audio samples!

We’ve got a new site design and will be introducing an online store very soon!

Check back soon for updates.