Songs Volume 1 (Vinyl LP)

If you read my staff picks page at all often, you will know I'm fully signed-up to Peoples Potential Unlimited. With this one from Dwight Sykes, we're treated to Lo-fi funk, soul and disco both new and old. It's slow and seminal but never not bop-worthy. - Hunter

This delightfully peculiar cat can only have hailed from a place called Kalamazoo, and indeed that is where Dwight Sykes called home for some time. Originally collected and issued by the trusty PPU label ten or so years ago, Songs Volume 1 brings together an essential set of solo songs from Sykes' 80s output. Painstaking restored over the course of two long years, the songs were rescued from oblivion using decidedly unscientific methods the label describe as "phones held up to speakers, cassette to 1/4 reel transfers, Tascam manipulations, scotch tape, and a pair of scissors". Now, after gaining cult status and showing up on all manner of playlists in its decade of existence, the album is getting a loving and timely reissue. - Flying Out

Back in print and just in time for summer relaxation. It's hard to believe this album came out over 10 years ago. Back then we thought it was too rough for consumption, were we wrong! Today, “Songs” can be heard on hundreds of playlists around the world and still attracts listeners with its unique sonic grit. It became a template for LOFI producers and has even been featured in multiple Thrasher skate videos. Its appeal continues to cross genres and remains entirely random, but unmistakably Dwight. If you missed out on this album the first time, it's your chance to get that first PPU restoration of Dwight's solo songs from the 80s. This is the restoration that took over 2 years and included; phones held up to speakers, cassette to 1/4 reel transfers, Tascam manipulations, scotch tape, and a pair of scissors.

Tracklist

1. Where Ever You Are 
2. The Good Times 
3. That's The Way Love Is
4. Bye 
5. You That I Need
6. After Midnight 
7. In The Life Zone