Various

Be With Records proudly announces the first vinyl reissue of the absolute stank-face filth that is Hogan, The Hawk And Dirty John Crown by various (Alan Hawkshaw, Alan Parker et al). Originally recorded for legendary library label Music De Wolfe in 1972, this hard-hitting espionage drama-soul and tough, jazzy street-funk masterpiece commands over £350 on the secondary market. Pressed to 140g vinyl and limited to just 750 copies worldwide, it's the latest essential in Be With's ongoing De Wolfe reissue campaign.

Packed with funky fusion and smoother orchestral vibes, the album plays like the soundtrack to a blaxploitation flick that never was. A veritable who's who of library break legends – including Alan Hawkshaw (under alias William Parrish), Alan Parker, Simon Haseley, Reg Tilsley, and Gordon Grant – deliver non-stop heat from start to finish.

Kicking off with the flute-funk monster "The Hawk" (Parker/Parrish), all driving fuzzy wah-wah breaks, killer synths, and basslines that murder, it sets a relentless pace. Haseley's carefree "The Happening" builds with strings and horns, but nothing preps you for the moody proto-hip-hop banger "Main Chance" – rolling drums, flute-laced organ-drenched synth-funk that'll have you hitting repeat. "Hogan Baby" brings bluesy melancholy with ace flutes and wistful horns, while Grant's "Dirty John Crown" swirls serene strings over incisive drama-funk. The murky crime-funk of "Swarf," brooding "Tarantula," car-chase swagger of "Precinct," and soulful "Call Me" keep the fire raging, closing with Haseley's bouncy "Sidewinder Version 2."

Meticulously remastered by Simon Francis for optimal punch, expertly cut by Cicely Balston, and pressed at Record Industry in Holland, this reissue restores the original iconic sleeve at Be With HQ. It's a must for funk, library, and break collectors.