It's been a long time coming, but we're extremely pleased to announce that our Next Stop... Soweto project is out this week. Compiled by the always incredible Duncan Brooker and Francis Gooding, the three part release covers a wide spectrum of South African music from the traditional Mbaqanga, Township and Jive featured on Volume 1, to more modern takes and fusions on Vols. 2 & 3. The album is streaming all week on AOL Spinner, and we're confident that once you hear it, you'll know why we're so excited. CLICK HERE to stream.

I probably don't have to say how much pride Strut takes in assembling packaging and liner notes for our releases that reflect the quality of the music, and offer some insight into the time and place it was recorded. That said, we're especially proud of the notes for Next Stop... Soweto, and we wanted to share some of these fantastic images. Check out a short clip featuring music from the album, and a sample of some of the photos in the liner notes. It'll brighten your day, guaranteed.

As a creative force in disco, Arthur Russell is unmatched. In the third edition of our interview series, producer Bob Blank discusses working with the man behind the classics "Go Bang," "Is It All Over My Face," and many more. Our anthology of Blank's work, The Blank Generation is out this week, and as you can see below, it's streaming in full all week over at Spinner.com.

Tim Lawrence launches his definitive biography of Arthur Russell, 'Hold On To Your Dreams' with an exclusive night at London's ICA on 20th February 2010. Arthur's Landing perform their debut UK gig and an album release follows on Strut in April comprising new recordings of classic and rare Russell songs. The night also features Tim Lawrence reading from the new biography, further support acts + DJs Yam Who?

Still moving butts on contemporary dancefloors (and the source of the bassline to Eric B. & Rakim's "Eric B Is President"), Fonda Rae's "Over Like A Fat Rat" is one of the most enduring classics of the disco era.  The track was written by Leroy Burgess
(of Inner Life, Universal Robot Band, Logg, Phreek, etc.) a man whose
own contributions to the time period are legendary themselves, and is
an instantly recognizable slice of modern soul perfection.  For part
two in a series of interviews, producer Bob Blank discusses the making of the track, its unique arrangement, and just what it means to be getting "over like a fat rat."  The Blank Generation: Blank Tapes NYC, the first ever compilation of Blank's work will be out February 2nd on Strut.

New Souljazz Orchestra tour dates added, check the events section for more info!!

Grab your free sampler including tracks by Breakestra, Aural Exciters & a funky Christmas track
www.strut-records.com/sampler