Every Saturday we take a look at some quality funk, soul and disco here at the Labs. Wether it be old or new, we’re digging it and feel the need to share. This week it’s Minnie Riperton with the brilliant “Adventures in Paradise”.

Known to most for her 1975 single “Lovin You”, she was one of the decades finest vocalists and for me, this is maybe her finest moment – the title track from album “Adventures in Paradise”.

Minnie Riperton – Adventures in Paradise

Her debut single “Les Fleur” is also amazing and was later covered brilliantly by 4 Hero.

Minnie Riperton – Les Fleur

R&S was originally founded way back in 1984 and continues to this day to release exciting new electronica.

While their back catalogue is absolutely packed with anthems, Radio Scorpio invited label founder Renaat Vandepapeliere to put together a mix of his favourites from the label’s ’90s output.

Fire it up below and take in the classics, and there’s a cheeky wee exclusive play of the new Model 500 as well.

Tracklist

1) Derrick May The Beginning of the End _ 1996 ( Taken from the R&S/ Transmat album Innovator )
2) Norte Route Balil ( R&S remix ) _ 1992
3) Joey Beltram Energy Flash_ R&S 1991
4) Radical Rob Monkey Wah _ R&S 1991
5) How & Littel The Formula_R&S 1991 -
6) Zeta 3 Zeta 3_R&S 1991
7) Future Past Jam Packed_R&S 1992
8 ) Uzique PHI 1700_R&S 1994
9) Model 500 Control _ R&S_2012 exclusive
10) Locust No one in the world R&S_1996
11) Mundo Muzique Andromeda _R&S 1992

French based house duo Alan Braxe & Fred Falke brought a sense of relaxed euphoria with their 2000 club hit “Intro”.

Sampling “Crush On You” by The Jets, the funk bass line that underpins the whole track has an infectious groove and the vocal is one that always brings a big smile to the face. Feels like summer already!

The Red Bull Music Academy brings together the world’s finest new musical talent and gets them together tith industry types to learn more about the business.

Its influence reaches far and wide and this track gives a taster of the talent that goes through its doors every year. Krystal Klear, Broke One and Ghosts On Tape got together at the Academy this year and this brilliant nod to euphoric ’90s house was the outcome.

Keep an eye on the Red Bull Music Academy Various Assets Soundcloud page for more of the same soon.

We first came across GoldFFinch when the Numbers crew out out the tune “Red Mask” late last year. We heard that they were about to ramp things up with more releases in 2012 and thanks to Saigon Recordings we can now enjoy their latest work.

“Funky Steppa” is driven by percussion, with sharp rim shots and claps being balanced by a tight vocal. “Groove Panda” has a tight drum roll to kick it along with some subtle repeating horn moves and again excellent percussion arrangement.

Released on the 13th of Feb.

As we reach the end of the month we though it’d be good to give you a wee rundown of our favourites from the past few weeks. In coming months we’ll also have charts from our favourite DJ’s, shops and clubs but for now it’s all about our choices.

It’s been such a stellar month for new vibes that there was no shortage of tracks to choose from. No fluff, just all beats. Some will be about to drop and some will have been out for a while. It’s quality all the way though!

First up the new Pusherman joint is certainly doing the business. Forthcoming shortly on Dench! Recordings.

Then we have Bullion doing his thing on R&S. Read our review for more info.

A new label and a new EP for Jacques Greene. Read our review for more info.

One of our favourite DJ’s OOFT! brings the free house goodness.

New heat from Mickey Pearce on Swamp81. Choice tuneage that you can grab from Feb 6th.

The first sampler EP from Chubby Dubz forthcoming album is out now on Loungin and you can grab this tasty wee rework from Art Bleek for free below. Grab the rest of the EP at Juno.

PMR keep the goods coming with a new Javeon McCarthy single set for release at the end of Feb. There’s some tasty remixes in the package and alongside T.Williams rework is this chunky retake from Eats Everything.

Full package lands at the end of Feb.

Bonobo’s forthcoming remix album “Black Sands Remixed” is packed with goodies and this Lapalux rework makes the package a must have. Landing mid Feb through Ninja Tune.

New producer Sega Bodega really impressed with his Machinedrum & Rustie remixes and this new original has been tickling our tastebuds at The Labs. Watch out for this dude.

LuckyMe began their account for 2012 with a brilliant new EP from Machinedrum. The busiest man in electronic music delivered 5 tracks of house goodness for the imprint and you can read our review for more info. Check out my favourite from the pack below.

With 2011′s brilliant “Love Affair” album behind him, Phil Weeks has been busy working on the follow up, entitled “Raw Instrumental”.

Once again it’s Weeks’ with his beloved MPC cutting up samples on the fly and creating some truly wonderful house music. The album has a real live feel and at times feels like a bit of a jam in the best possible way.

Packed to the brim with subtle hooks and earworms amongst the tough beats and bass backings, it’s a brilliant piece of work. Check out the video for “Do That Dance” below.

There’s also some tasty preview audio below so click play and get ready to grab this album when it lands on March 9th through Weeks’ Robsoul Recordings.

US label Dubporn have been impressing of late and the recent Imaginary Friend and Innana releases showed a label with an ear for new talent.

The latest to join their roster are Fau & Deam, a new name but one that’s sure to be making it’s mark in 2012. Across the EP’s six tracks, elements of dark house, garage, electronica and even dub float around, all easing their way into the mix.

Check out sub bass monster “Blank Faces” below.

You can pick up the EP now at Boomkat and grab a freebie in the shape of bonus track “Tomorrow’s Always Better” below.

His much lauded new album has been gathering rave reviews from industry insiders, his label Hotflush is going from strength to strength with a string of quality releases and his new EP “The Hope” is garnering airplay across an eclectic mix of radio stations.

It’s a good time to be Scuba. He’s come a long way from his early days going to jungle and house nights in London before moving his production sound towards the fledgling dubstep scene.

From there it has slowly developed towards house and techno with this new EP demonstrating a mature sound and highlighting his exceptional production skills.

It’s only January and this is already a candidate for one of the best tunes of 2012. Released on Feb 6th and available at Boomkat.

When one of our favourite electronic acts come to town, it’s safe to say the excitement levels are up and to hear they are playing live then takes that to a whole new level. This Thursday, that will become reality as 3 Glasgow clubs Mount Heart Attack, Kollectiv and Oh My Days team up to put this rather special gig on.

Sepalcure will be a name very familiar with Lab followers out there. The duo made up of Travis Stewart and Praveen Sharma have had numerous posts, mention and spins over the last 12 months with their debut album one of our top picks of 2011.

We have 2 guest list places to give away for this bound to be amazing night. For the chance to win two tickets just send an e mail to competitions@phuturelabs.com with Sepalcure in the title and answer the following question.

What is the name of the debut Sepalcure album?

If you don’t want to miss out, you can get tickets your tickets here. Don’t wait.