The creator of the romping tunes that became the iconic themes to the BBC's Grandstand program and their televised Wimbledon Tennis Championship coverage, Keith Mansfield was perhaps KPM's most prolific artist from the mid-1960s right the way through the 1980s. As well as the sort of pop orchestral sound that is all over these classic library records, he could also turn his hand to raw, edgy rock and funk. Quentin Tarantino is a big fan, going as far as including some of Keith's work on the soundtracks to Kill Bill and Grindhouse.Many library records are a game of two halves and Contempo is certainly one of those. The first side cooks on a high funk breaks flame whilst the flip is something altogether more tranquil, yet no less groovy. It lays back with dreamier, post-coital grooves.Rugged funk opener "The Fix" confidently displays it's low slung languid grooves with heavy drums, horns and bass. Smokin' in slow motion. The punchy "What's Cooking" follows and has a lighter, more whimsical touch. But the drums still roll and the clavs wiggle in fascinating opposition to those horns. The dark and moody intro to "Cut To Music" gives way to a more inclusive, relaxed funk that's all irresistible bass and stabbing horns. The mid-tempo "Man Alive" signals the time to really get down. A percussive monster jam. If you can't strut to this then we really can't help you! Closing out the A-side, fresh guitar licks drip all over the slick drums of "Funky Footage", with a New Orleans piano vibe coming on to really light a fire.Whilst the dramatic crime funk of the A-side is enough on it's own to have earned this record it's place in the great library record canon, it's undoubtedly the more smoothed out B side for which Contempo is rightfully adored and celebrated. It's so chilled and mellow, with beautifully arranged, sweeping strings, sax solos aplenty and a real 70s soundtrack feel. Think Love Boat, CTI label, Bob James, Grover Washington Jr.-type jams.The super sleek and sexy jazz-funk of "Breezin'" is as light and magical as you'd hope. An open-air masterpiece, it's indulgent sound is just a taster of the sophisticated funk to follow. The elegant, romantic feels of "Good Vibrations" (used brilliantly by Odd Future's Mike G for "Swiss Army") is a string-drenched, wah-wah fuelled ode to living your best life. Nonchalantly. Whilst it keeps a very West Coast feel, the blaxploitation strut is certainly more Blackbyrds than Brian Wilson. "Sun Goddess" will blow your mind with the sensuous sound of glorious horns and beautiful keys. The luxurious "Love de Luxe" and it's horizontal grooves have been much sampled, but here it proves that it doesn't need any help to get you in an intimate mood. Closer "Snake Hips" is a cool mid-pace slouch. Just divine.
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Audioengine A2 Plus
Precision-engineered 2.75-inch woofers and a 0.75-inch silk dome tweeter, featuring built-in DAC and Bluetooth connectivity for seamless integration.
-
Edifier R1280DB Powered Speakers
Combining classic design with modern Bluetooth connectivity, built-in amplification and versatile inputs, these speakers deliver rich, balanced sound.
-
Vevor Ultrasonic Cleaner
Thoroughly clean and restore your vinyl records, removing dust, dirt, and grime from every groove without damaging the surface
-
HumminGuru: Ultrasonic Vinyl Record Cleaner
Advanced ultrasonic technology with customizable cleaning cycles and a large tank capacity to thoroughly remove dust, dirt, and contaminants
-
Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge
Features an elliptical stylus that accurately tracks the grooves of vinyl records, delivering a rich, detailed sound with an output voltage of 5.5 mV
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Ata Kak Batakari (Green)
Awesome Tapes From
November 7, 2025 -
Soulkeeper Join Us In Creating Excellence
Pure Noise Records
September 19, 2025 -
Real Estate THe Wee Small Hours: B-Sides And Other Detritus 2011-2025
Domino Record Co
September 19, 2025 -
Chiodos All's Well That End's Well (20Th Anniversary)
Sumerian Records
September 19, 2025 -
Factory Floor Tell Me
Phantasy Sound
September 12, 2025 -
S. Carey Watercress
Jagjaguwar
October 3, 2025 -
Olivia Dean The Art Of Loving
Island
September 26, 2025 -
Joan Shelley Real Warmth
No Quarter
September 19, 2025 -
The Lemonheads Love Chant
Fire Records
October 24, 2025 -
The Pogues Rum Sodomy & The Lash [2xLP]
Rhino Records
December 12, 2025 -
Unknown Mortal Orchestra Curse
Jagjaguwar
October 31, 2025 -
Oasis (What's The Story) MORNING GLORY? (30Th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) [3xLP]
Big Brother Recordings Limited
October 3, 2025 -
Ups and Downs Stained Glass Memories (Random: Red, Yellow Or Blue)
Basket Case Records
September 19, 2025 -
Guerilla Toss You're Weird Now (Yellow)
Sub Pop
September 12, 2025