SOUL  Jamiroquai Dynamite
(Sony/BMG)
Number seven from the present king of soul, with one album remaining in Jay Kay’s deal with Sony Music. How’s Dynamite fare? Bloody magnificent as usual, and this time JK blows away any speculation about what’s the biggest, baddest and funkiest song of the year with “Feels Just Like It Should”, a bold floor-stomper that has one of the wickedest basslines ever. It’s unlike anything you’ve ever heard from the man who’s normally flowing funky disco and soul grooves. “Electric Mistress” has some sassy two-step-UK garage appeal, “Black Devil Heart” reminisces of the old days when Lenny Kravitz still knew how to rock the joint, and “Dynamite” is something that JK proves time and time again: disco can be damned sexy when you know how to pull it off. —SFW
 Strange Funky Games and Things
(BBE Recordings/Outside Music)
This brilliant series that showcases classic funk and rare groove that defined and influenced modern hip hop and r ’n’ b, has had previous mixes compiled by DJ Spinna, Kenny “Dope” Gonzalez and Pete Adarkwah. No one has their name attached to this one, but the collection is still golden, a real retro education with rare gems by American Gypsy, Barbara Mason, The Supremes, James Brown, Jay Dee and Eddie Hazel. —CQ
 Ski Oakenfull Rising Son
(BBE Recordings/Outside Music)
DJ/producer/keyboardist Ski Oakenfull joins the Barely Breaking Even family for his sophomoric release, Rising Son. Ski’s known for his live efforts with the acclaimed Two Banks of Four jazz project and the wacky and sharp Earl Zinger, plus writing and producing for Incognito and remixing for Full Intention. Rising Son has many layers and dimensions, ranging from intoxicating deep house to soothing r ’n’-soul, as Ski’s works the keyboards with the same funky instincts as Herbie Hancock. With Jamiroquai-like execution, the music itself works serendipitously with the vocals; Amp Fiddler, Chi Turner, Earl Zinger and Valerie Etienne all make significant contributions. —RN
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