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TUNE OF THE MONTH
Amy Winehouse
Half Time (Island Univeral)
Taken from Amy Winehouse’s ‘Lioness Hidden Treasures’ album, the recording of this standout moment began back in August 2002, with Salaam Remi laying down ‘Half Time’ during the ‘Frank’ sessions. Finished by Questlove of The Roots, this is the Winehouse school of jazz at it’s soulful best. A real Winehouse classic.
5/5

Michael Kiwanuka
Home Again EP (Communion/Polydor)
Michael Kiwanuka has been suitably hyped on the soul and folk circuit largely down to his staggeringly aged vocal tones, but being championed by Adele and released via Mumford & Sons’ label doesn’t go amiss. Delivering three stunning tracks on this EP, this is a nod as to all that’s great about British music at the moment.
4/5

Nneka
My Home (Deacon)
The first single from her third studio album, ‘Soul Is Heavy’, Nigerian-born singer Nneka draws on reggae and blues for ‘My Home’. A modern chunk of soul, it’s no wonder that both Lenny Kravitz and Lauryn Hill have given Nneka the seal of approval. A strong return.
4/5

Wiley
Evolve Or Be Extinct (Big Dada)
He’s never been one to rest on his laurels, which is why it’s no surprise that Eski Boy, aka Wiley, has unveiled a new album, ‘Evolve Or Be Extinct’, a mere six months after the release of his last. Barely coming up for a breath, the title track is one of grime’s better moments. Often preferable when heard over his own beats, this is no exception.
4/5
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Ren Harvieu
Through The Night (Island Records)
Cancel any thoughts of modern-day r’n’b shenanigans. More Carole King than maybe even King herself, Brit lass Ren Harvieu sounds as though she’s been bought to us in an almighty vocal time machine. Gaining acres of blog love since back in August, ‘Through The Night’ finally gets a well deserved airing. 
4/5

Roll Deep
Picture Perfect (Cooking Vinyl)
Finding a new label home at long-running London label Cooking Vinyl, the Roll Deep crew return with a new member, Tania Foster (who also appeared on their single ‘Green Light), and a beat from Agent X. That aside, not much else has changed. Expect the many-strong group to spray bars and make fun in the imaginary sun.
3/5
Download here

Maverick Sabre
Shooting The Stars (Mercury)
A definite highlight from his debut album ‘Lonely Are The Brave’, here the young Maverick Sabre takes the opportunity to showcase his rap and spoken-word sensibilities alongside some fine vocal moments. Getting his political head on, this is a great reminder of what made his early demos so very exciting. 
4/5

Crazy Cousinz feat Omarion
Arch Your Back (Disturbing London)
London-based collective Crazy Cousinz, best known for their funky house production offerings, have managed to move their distinctive formula along with some tidy drum action. With US r’n’b star Omarion laying down a set of Euro dance-inspired ‘Arch Your Back’ instructions, this a track that languishes in Guetta/ Black Eyed Peas heaven – or hell, depending on your perspective.
3/5