Reviews: Two New Singles from Lugnut Brand Records
As I’ve discussed before, Raza del Soul does important work, preserving the “brown-eyed soul” styles of the 1960s as represented by current-day recording artists. The label’s primary (but not exclusive) medium is the 45 r.p.m. single. A pair of recent releases continues the proud tradition.
The Heavy Sounds – “Midnight Sun” b/w “Reach Out”
This Chicago-based instro-soul outfit debuted in 2020, and now they’re back with a single featuring an A-side original with a cover of the Four Tops’ hit on the flip. Wonderfully jazzy Hammond organ figures prominently on “Midnight Sun,” with supple guitar crosstalk. The band understands the importance of the spaces between the notes, and demonstrates that. The flip finds that organ taking the role that strings occupied on the original, with a sharp and soaring lead guitar (and – proving that such a thing can exist – subtle use of wah-wah) backed by a cracking rhythm section. A full-length from The Heavy Sounds would be most welcome.
Andre Cruz & Chris Lujan – “Heart Full of Love” b/w “Of All the Hearts”
Deeply soulful falsetto lead vocals, emotion-drenched strings and a taut-n-slow arrangement are the ingredient on the A-side of the latest single form this intrepid duo. “Heart Full of Love” is quite brief – just over two minutes – but it makes its point convincingly within that time. The flip is a cover of Virginia-based funk trio The Deceptions’ 1972 single, itself an exceedingly rare platter. Keeping with the “love” theme of the sides, the single I pressed on transparent red vinyl (and as always, in limited quantities).
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4500-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.