Hi Tide Groove

Kickin' Presents Hi Tide Groove: DJ's Choice 1969–1981 is a definitive compilation album curated by the renowned Japanese vinyl selector and funk specialist Daisuke Kuroda. This double-LP vinyl collection serves as a deep-dive retrospective into the legendary catalog of Memphis-based Hi Records. Spanning over a decade of groundbreaking soul, funk, and rhythm and blues, the tracklist bridges the gap between commercial masterpieces and buried musical treasures. The compilation highlights the label's signature gritty, brass-heavy production style, spearheaded by producer Willie Mitchell. Listeners will find timeless, charting anthems from genre definers like Al Green and Ann Peebles. However, the true value for record collectors lies in Kuroda's deep-cut selections. The album spotlights highly obscure, rare 7-inch singles from lesser-known artists such as Africano and Jean Plum, which are otherwise difficult to find on physical formats today. Essential tracks like Al Green's hypnotic Love Ritual and Peebles' driving Come to Mama anchor the album. Ultimately, this compilation acts as an essential sonic time capsule, capturing the rich, soulful atmosphere of the Memphis sound during its absolute golden era.