Mr Bongo started life in 1989 as a small record shop underneath Daddy Kool’s Reggae Store on Berwick Street in London. They were the first shop to sell vinyl releases from independent hip hop labels such as Def Jam, Rawkus, Nervous and Big Beat outside of the USA. They also became an established bearer for hard-to-find, classic Latin music, particularly Brazilian, outside of the Americas. Over the following years Bongo moved three times within Soho and opened in Shibuya, Japan. They moved their offices to Brighton in 1999.
25+ years on they now have a recording roster featuring some of the best Brazilian, Latin, reggae, African and Jazz music by artists including Terry Callier, Jorge Ben, Joyce, Seu Jorge, Prince Fatty, Incredible Bongo Band and Marcos Valle. At the end last year they opened up a new store in Brighton. Below are their 5 favourite records in store last month.
Click the album covers to listen and buy vinyl!
Love Joys – Lovers Rock Reggae Style – Vinyl LP
‘We always been a big fan of Rita Marley’s ‘One Draw’, but never knew there was another version, but here it is by the Love Joys and it’s arguably a better version. A beautiful slightly melancholic lovers rock / reggae album, originally released in 1983 by the cousins Sonia Abel and Claudette Brown on the Wackies label.’
Khruangbin – Con Todo El Mundo – Vinyl LP
‘We love these guys. The mighty Khruangbin return with their amazing second album ‘Con Todo El Mundo’. Includes more vocals harmonies than the first and even more special for it.’
Disco Dub Band – For The Love Of Money / Disco Dub – 7” Vinyl
‘This one has been flying out. A Danny Krivit and Harvey favourite, as sampled by J Dilla and Glenn Underground – a dubby disco cover of The O’Jays classic. Replica original 7” artwork, official Mr Bongo reissue.’
Curtis & Dondi Magic – From Your Love / Don’t Be Afraid – 7” Vinyl
‘Awesome soul re-issue on the new label Fantasy Love Records. A rare single from the brothers Curtis & Dondi, recorded in 1982 and released on their own label Capri Taurus imprint. Highly recommended.’
Flamingods – Hyperborea (Part 1 + 2) – Vinyl 10”
‘New record from one of our favourite bands and all round nice dudes, Flamingods. Fresh new studio recording of their live favourite; the psychedelic epic ‘Hyperborea’, split over two sides of a 10″. Limited to 250 hand-numbered copies.’
