All New & Improved FUNK/SOUL/BLACK ACID ROCK/JAZZ-FUNK Listening Club (New album EVERY MONDAY)

Message Bookmarked
Bookmark Removed

http://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_500/MI0000/001/MI0000001496.jpg?partner=allrovi.com
http://open.spotify.com/album/649pOdpJOvuMU34mXga9xM
spotify:album:649pOdpJOvuMU34mXga9xM

Review by Ned Raggett [-]

One of Funkadelic's goofiest releases, Let's Take It to the Stage also contains more P-Funk all-time greats as well, making for a grand balance of the serious and silly. Perhaps the silliest is at the end -- there's not much else one can call the extended oompah/icing rink start of "Atmosphere." The title track is as much a call to arms as "Free Your Mind and Your Ass Will Follow" is, but with a more direct musical performance and a more open nod to party atmospheres (not to mention the source of one of Andrew Dice Clay's longest-running bits). The targets of the band's good-natured wrath are, in fact, other groups -- "Hey, Fool and the Gang! Let's take it to the stage!" There's no mistaking the track that immediately follows makes it even more intense -- "Get off Your Ass and Jam" kicks in with one bad-ass drum roll and then scorches the damn place down, from guitar solo to the insanely funky bass from Cordell "Boogie" Mosson. It may only be two and a half minutes long, but it alone makes the album a classic. Hearing Bootsy Collins' unmistakable vocals is usually enough to get anything on the crazy tip, but "Be My Beach" (Collins' Funkadelic vocal debut) just makes it all the more fun, as does the overall air of silly romance getting nuttier as it goes. "Good to Your Earhole" sets the outrageous mood just right -- it's one of the band's tightest monsters of funk, guitars sprawling all over the place even as the heavy-hitting rhythm doesn't let one second of groove get lost. Of course, there's also one totally notorious number to go with it, but "No Head No Backstage Pass" has one of the craziest rhythms on the whole album, not to mention lip-smackingly nutty lines delivered with the appropriate leer.

Who else wants to take a week?

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Monday, 26 August 2013 14:36 (twelve years ago)

2 September - Tom Violence
9 September - Viceroy

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Monday, 26 August 2013 14:36 (twelve years ago)

i'll have a go on... what, the 16th?

heard that Funkadelic album in fits and starts. don't recall the sprawling guitars; guess i'll need to focus my listening a bit more -- i always tend to let this sort of music play out as a mock-heroic soundtrack to whatever boring stuff i might be doing (laundry, online banking, whatever). i haven't given it a proper, legitimate once-over till now.

charlie h, Monday, 26 August 2013 14:57 (twelve years ago)

http://people.duke.edu/~tmc/motherpage/lyrics_funkadelic/lyr-2stage.html

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Monday, 26 August 2013 15:34 (twelve years ago)

http://people.duke.edu/~tmc/motherpage/albums_funkadelic/alb-2stage.html

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Monday, 26 August 2013 15:34 (twelve years ago)

nice! now i can sing along

charlie h, Monday, 26 August 2013 15:40 (twelve years ago)

this album strikes me as wild, infectious, and strangely boundless, particularly for a genre that i usually associate with such rigid parameters. the experimental songwriting is tempered by the divine hand of a master tweaker, who herds the free for all: wise to the outrageous latitudes of the bigger picture, keeping everything level and just right.

charlie h, Monday, 26 August 2013 16:04 (twelve years ago)

"Be My Beach" (Collins' Funkadelic vocal debut)

*tut tut* Ned

what's up ugly girls? (Shakey Mo Collier), Monday, 26 August 2013 16:21 (twelve years ago)

volunteering for a week shakey?

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Monday, 26 August 2013 16:22 (twelve years ago)

eh not really just payin attention

what's up ugly girls? (Shakey Mo Collier), Monday, 26 August 2013 16:27 (twelve years ago)

why not? You know your stuff!

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Monday, 26 August 2013 16:30 (twelve years ago)

because I am lazy and noncommittal

what's up ugly girls? (Shakey Mo Collier), Monday, 26 August 2013 16:34 (twelve years ago)

Love this album...prolly the most underrated Funkadelic album...'Good To Your Earholes' is such a great opener...'Stuff And Things' is a total jam as well...lithe, funky and to the point...superb...

The Pastiche Liberation Front (sonnyboy), Monday, 26 August 2013 21:32 (twelve years ago)

prolly the most underrated Funkadelic album.

agreed.

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Tuesday, 27 August 2013 11:01 (twelve years ago)

This is a great album, one of my favourite Funkadelic records. Be My Beach and The Song is Familiar are two of my favourites. The song I come back to the most is the alternative version of Baby I Owe You Something Good which is a bonus track on the version I have.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqu_O_KBI9M

It's just so much fun.

Kitchen Person, Tuesday, 27 August 2013 13:38 (twelve years ago)

Want a week KP? Anyone?

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Tuesday, 27 August 2013 14:10 (twelve years ago)

I'll volunteer for Sept. 30, if this goes until then. (Can't provide spotify links though, sry)

Sir Lord Baltimora (Myonga Vön Bontee), Tuesday, 27 August 2013 22:13 (twelve years ago)

Awesome record that I'd somehow never heard until now. I think my inability to ever fully process Maggot Brain may have stunted my investigation of Funkadelic at some point. This one feels like an ideal balance of the joyful and the sinister, whereas MB only ever struck me as the latter. I cannot imagine ever programming another party mix from here on in without including "Get Off Your Ass and Jam."

the vineyards where the grapes of corporate rock are stored (cryptosicko), Thursday, 29 August 2013 19:14 (twelve years ago)

mid-period (ie Westbound) Funkadelic is where it's at. all the albums are consistent, remarkably high quality

what's up ugly girls? (Shakey Mo Collier), Thursday, 29 August 2013 19:26 (twelve years ago)

I'll have a go too AG. Downloading Let's Take it to the Stage now, thoughts tomorrow!

Neil S, Thursday, 29 August 2013 20:23 (twelve years ago)

Just revived the original and oft contentious Black Acid Rock thread, w further re Death. All headz up.

dow, Thursday, 29 August 2013 20:38 (twelve years ago)

You got it neil

2 September - Tom Violence
9 September - Viceroy
16 Sept - Neil S
23 Sept - Charlie s
30 Sept - Myonga Vön Bontee

Kitchen Person? anyone else want to take a week?

Whoever has a turn can choose classic or modern, obscure or well known. it's entirely up to them.

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Friday, 30 August 2013 01:39 (twelve years ago)

if choosing jazz-funk though I think it better if its more funk than jazz however.

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Friday, 30 August 2013 01:40 (twelve years ago)

sweet, thanks AG

Neil S, Friday, 30 August 2013 14:35 (twelve years ago)

listening to Take it to the Stage at the moment, awesome guitar playing on it. Have been listening in tandem with Cosmic Slop, so need some time to process a bit more I think

Neil S, Friday, 30 August 2013 14:36 (twelve years ago)

Kitchen Person? anyone else want to take a week?

Whoever has a turn can choose classic or modern, obscure or well known. it's entirely up to them.

― pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper)

Yeah I'll take the next free week. Hopefully I can pick something interesting out.

Kitchen Person, Friday, 30 August 2013 20:04 (twelve years ago)

excellent

BTW same rules as last time

NO Jamiroquai

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Saturday, 31 August 2013 02:11 (twelve years ago)


02 September - Tom Violence
09 September - Viceroy
16 September - Neil S
23 September - Charlie s
30 September - Myonga Vön Bontee
07 October - Kitchen Person

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Saturday, 31 August 2013 02:13 (twelve years ago)

What an odd album. Half of it is a great funk record, and the other half is... different? It's like they lure you in with the funk on the first three tracks, then things get weirder, and then somehow by the end you're listening to seven minutes of organ chords with Clinton talking about the clitoris in the background. Am I meant to appreciate the weirder stuff, or just tolerate it for the sake of those great funk jams like "Better By the Pound" and "Get Off Your Ass and Jam?"

Tom Violence, Saturday, 31 August 2013 02:45 (twelve years ago)

http://www.sanfords.net/Spots_free_graphics/Wizards/wizard14.gif

markers, Saturday, 31 August 2013 02:51 (twelve years ago)

I think Atmosphere is one of funkadelics failed experiments. They always tried to put a really experimental track on the westbound albums.

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Saturday, 31 August 2013 03:19 (twelve years ago)

I wish I knew what markers meant

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Saturday, 31 August 2013 17:30 (twelve years ago)

Yeah the westbound albums tend to have at least one 7+ minute weirdo jam, and it was bernie's turn on this one. It doesnt really bug me, it has a sustained creepiness to it. Pales next to maggot brain or good thoughts bad thoughts tho.

what's up ugly girls? (Shakey Mo Collier), Saturday, 31 August 2013 19:34 (twelve years ago)

Not as good as Bernie's great prog/Mandrill epic "Tales of Kidd Funkadelic" either. (That album's pretty much ALL filler, leftovers in fact, but it's fair-to-superb nonetheless.)

By the time they get to Warners in the next coupla years, they'll rely on live remakes of Westbound-era classics in addition to the ponderous instrumental excursions, filler-wise.

Sir Lord Baltimora (Myonga Vön Bontee), Saturday, 31 August 2013 19:58 (twelve years ago)

tom violence you can post the album anytime as its monday in oz!

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Sunday, 1 September 2013 21:32 (twelve years ago)

Maybe I'll try a week here too, if that's OK? What's the policy on fusion?

EveningStar (Sund4r), Sunday, 1 September 2013 21:46 (twelve years ago)

Funk has to dominate (no smooth stuff) In the old club Donald Byrd - Blackbyrd was posted so thats the bar i guess.

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Sunday, 1 September 2013 21:47 (twelve years ago)

This Week - Tom Violence
09 September - Viceroy
16 September - Neil S
23 September - Charlie H
30 September - Myonga Vön Bontee
07 October - Kitchen Person
14 October - sund4r

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Sunday, 1 September 2013 21:48 (twelve years ago)

I'll take a week if one's going...

The Pastiche Liberation Front (sonnyboy), Sunday, 1 September 2013 21:54 (twelve years ago)

You got it!

This Week - Tom Violence
09 September - Viceroy
16 September - Neil S
23 September - Charlie H
30 September - Myonga Vön Bontee
07 October - Kitchen Person
14 October - sund4r
21 October - sonnyboy

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Sunday, 1 September 2013 22:00 (twelve years ago)

http://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_500/MI0002/262/MI0002262916.jpg?partner=allrovi.com
http://open.spotify.com/album/6FD0UvvoVyO4KF0KhqFdM1
spotify:album:6FD0UvvoVyO4KF0KhqFdM1

Allmusic review by Craig Lytle:

The debut album from the Ohio-based funk aggregate Slave was a grand success, but resulted in the release of only one single, "Slide." Being the only single released from the album, "Slide" had no problem gaining airplay with its gothic introduction, animated vocals, and rumbling bassline. The funk anthem claimed the number one spot on the Billboard R&B charts inside of 20 weeks. The other cuts on the album continue the aggressive funk assault, but with subtle passion and their own distinctive arrangements. The exception is "Son of Slide," which is identical to the album's big hit, except that it's an instrumental save a brief chorus chant. The only ballad is "The Happiest Days," a sweet soul song arranged in the vein of the Ohio Players with its horns, lead and backing vocals.

Tom Violence, Monday, 2 September 2013 01:47 (twelve years ago)

I heard of this during the 70s poll and stumbled across a good condition copy at the local shop. A classic if only for its liberal use of vibraslap.

Tom Violence, Monday, 2 September 2013 02:02 (twelve years ago)

throw me in this pile also ag

balls, Monday, 2 September 2013 02:04 (twelve years ago)

yeah me too plz

cock chirea, Monday, 2 September 2013 02:25 (twelve years ago)

ok


This Week - Tom Violence
09 September - Viceroy
16 September - Neil S
23 September - Charlie H
30 September - Myonga Vön Bontee
07 October - Kitchen Person
14 October - sund4r
21 October - sonnyboy
28 October - balls
04 - November - cock chirea

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Monday, 2 September 2013 02:45 (twelve years ago)

That Slave album is excellent btw. I did The Concept in the old club I think.

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Monday, 2 September 2013 05:06 (twelve years ago)

Yeah it's a good one. "Slide" popped up in the headphones a coupla months ago and made me happy to walk semi-aimlessly around the mall for six minutes or so.

Sir Lord Baltimora (Myonga Vön Bontee), Monday, 2 September 2013 05:27 (twelve years ago)

First thing that springs to mind about this record is the absolutely fantastic bass playing. More thoughts later...

Neil S, Monday, 2 September 2013 10:26 (twelve years ago)

It's later now!

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Wednesday, 4 September 2013 10:52 (twelve years ago)

The Slave album is really good but I much prefer some of the ones that came after. The Hardness of the World, The Concept and Stone Jam are all much stronger and a bit more varied. A few years back I got the Slave Original Album Series box set which collects their first five albums, it's well worth getting especially with how cheap it is.

Kitchen Person, Wednesday, 4 September 2013 11:05 (twelve years ago)

got an amazon link for that?

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Wednesday, 4 September 2013 11:08 (twelve years ago)

ooh that is cheap. Thanks!

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Wednesday, 4 September 2013 11:23 (twelve years ago)

Yeah their albums were really hard to get for a decent price before that came out. Don't know if you've seen those box sets before but the albums all come in thin sleeves inside the box, looks quite nice.

Kitchen Person, Wednesday, 4 September 2013 11:27 (twelve years ago)

I havent actually but i ordered it. Any other sets like that by funk acts around?

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Wednesday, 4 September 2013 11:31 (twelve years ago)

I've seen other ones in the same series by Curtis Mayfield, Graham Central Station, Aretha Franklin, Roberta Flack, Chic, Sister Sledge and Tower of Power. There's probably a few others I'm forgetting. I haven't bought any of the others as I already own most albums by the ones I might be interested in on CD or vinyl but I'd recommend a lot of them to anyone. I mean you just can't go wrong with the first five Chic albums for just over £10, especially when a couple of them are out of print on their own.

Kitchen Person, Wednesday, 4 September 2013 11:49 (twelve years ago)

i have the 1st £ GCS but i need to pick up a couple of ones after. Would buy a curtis set. Got 3 or 4 Tower of power

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Wednesday, 4 September 2013 11:53 (twelve years ago)

1st 3

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Wednesday, 4 September 2013 11:53 (twelve years ago)

A few others I just saw on Amazon, Charles Wright and The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band, Bootsy's Rubber Band, Chaka Khan and Margie Joseph. I should probably get that Bootsy one at some point.

Kitchen Person, Wednesday, 4 September 2013 11:55 (twelve years ago)

just ordered the Curtis. £11.99!
The GCS has 1 of the albums I was talking about (it has mirror which i dont have and havent heard)

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Wednesday, 4 September 2013 11:56 (twelve years ago)

Never seen a GCS set... or a Chic one, come to that... possibly because I'm always on the lookout for the Poco one!

Tommy McTommy (Tom D.), Wednesday, 4 September 2013 11:58 (twelve years ago)

... never seen a Curtis one either

Tommy McTommy (Tom D.), Wednesday, 4 September 2013 11:58 (twelve years ago)

you have now!

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Wednesday, 4 September 2013 11:59 (twelve years ago)

Theres loads in that series on amazon

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Wednesday, 4 September 2013 11:59 (twelve years ago)

Indeed. Got all the Al Green ones - eventually, it took me ages to find the 2nd one though (there are 4 of 'em)

Tommy McTommy (Tom D.), Wednesday, 4 September 2013 12:00 (twelve years ago)

There's an Isley Brothers one but it's the five albums up until 3 + 3, it should be starting with that album as the next four are all classics too. There's a cool looking Earth, Wind & Fire one that starts with That's The Way Of The World and goes to I Am. There's one for The Spinners and Sly & The Family Stone too. Had no idea how many there were of these.

Kitchen Person, Wednesday, 4 September 2013 12:01 (twelve years ago)

Yeah KP i was hoping it would be exactly that but no :(

i have the 1st EW&F when they were still a black rock ish band. its great.

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Wednesday, 4 September 2013 12:02 (twelve years ago)

There are 20 pages of results if you search for original album series. Not soul/funk related but The Cars one is well worth getting.

Kitchen Person, Wednesday, 4 September 2013 12:03 (twelve years ago)

i have the 1st EW&F when they were still a black rock ish band. its great.

― pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper)

That first one is probably my favourite album of theirs but That's The Way, Spirit, I Am and All 'n' All are all excellent too.

Kitchen Person, Wednesday, 4 September 2013 12:04 (twelve years ago)

just ordered the Curtis. £11.99!

― pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper)

Just noticed there are two Curtis ones with a slight difference. It comes down to if you want Superfly or Sweet Exorcist.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=original+album+series+curtis+&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Aoriginal+album+series+curtis+

Kitchen Person, Wednesday, 4 September 2013 12:08 (twelve years ago)

Tons of great things in the series
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_8?url=search-alias%3Dpopular&field-keywords=original%20album%20series&sprefix=origina%3B%2Caps%2C

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Wednesday, 4 September 2013 12:33 (twelve years ago)

Huh I haven't heard this Slave album before, although I recognize "Slide" from samples. It's okay, I guess, kind of anonymous in its slickness and sentiments.

what's up ugly girls? (Shakey Mo Collier), Wednesday, 4 September 2013 20:53 (twelve years ago)

like there's not enough grease or grit to any of this for me. It's at that midpoint between funk's earlier sweaty, kind of loose era and the post-disco, synth-and-drum-machine R&B that came after and became more fully robotic. what you get is this in-between stage of musicians playing super-tight and mechanically, but without any real distinguishing characteristics. imho.

what's up ugly girls? (Shakey Mo Collier), Wednesday, 4 September 2013 20:58 (twelve years ago)

Curtis cd's arrived today. I guess the Slave will come tomorrow.

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Thursday, 5 September 2013 14:38 (twelve years ago)

Came today, time for a funky weekend

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Saturday, 7 September 2013 15:21 (twelve years ago)

how do you like my CDs

crüt zingmaster (crüt), Saturday, 7 September 2013 15:22 (twelve years ago)

They're superfly

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Saturday, 7 September 2013 15:25 (twelve years ago)

Any more thoughts on this weeks album?

09 September - Viceroy
16 September - Neil S
23 September - Charlie H
30 September - Myonga Vön Bontee
07 October - Kitchen Person
14 October - sund4r
21 October - sonnyboy
28 October - balls
04 - November - cock chirea

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Sunday, 8 September 2013 09:54 (twelve years ago)

How you enjoying your Slave and Curtis box sets? Did you already know all the Slave albums?

Kitchen Person, Sunday, 8 September 2013 11:45 (twelve years ago)

I did , yes. The Concept was one of the early downloads I looked for on Napster when I got it in 2000. It was OOP for a long time.

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Sunday, 8 September 2013 11:52 (twelve years ago)

It's nice to actually own it now.

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Sunday, 8 September 2013 18:00 (twelve years ago)

Any more thoughts on this weeks album?

A far more conventional record than the previous week's selection, but I liked everything on it 'cept the drippy ballad (and I say this as a fan of drippy 70s soul ballads). Was '77 late in the game for the genre? Because as I thought someone said above (but which, since I can't find the comment, I'm assuming I read it in a review of the album), it seems to have one foot in the hard funk of the era, and another in disco.

I fully expect to be a freeloader in this thread, btw. Will be using it far more for educational/discovery purposes than for sharing anything I know, unfortunately. But so far, I gotta say I'm loving my weekly dose of funk!

the vineyards where the grapes of corporate rock are stored (cryptosicko), Sunday, 8 September 2013 23:12 (twelve years ago)

New album today! what will the viceroy pick?

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Monday, 9 September 2013 11:41 (twelve years ago)

Was '77 late in the game for the genre? Because as I thought someone said above

this was me and yeah I think it's a bit late in the genre. '68 is (roughly speaking) where the genre starts to get codified but by '77 disco is already in full-swing and the aesthetics of dance music and the technologies used to make it are changing significantly. This isn't to say there isn't still good stuff from the period, just that it more commonly starts to resemble other (sub)genres.

what's up ugly girls? (Shakey Mo Collier), Monday, 9 September 2013 16:51 (twelve years ago)

Speaking of '77:

Fela Kuti - No Agreement

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mxh7AUIw26c/TeatArfaI0I/AAAAAAAADTA/cltr7I6K7kg/s400/Fela%2BKuti%2B-%2BNo%2BAgreement%2B-%2B1977.jpg

All Music Guide says:
"Recorded in 1977, No Agreement follows the Afro-beat template to a masterful level: amazingly catchy guitar lines that replicate a bass guitar in their construction, a second guitarist to add some JB's funk power, driving horn section proclamations, intricate saxophone, trumpet and organ improv solos, and then Fela Anikulopo Kuti's wit and message for the people. Even though Fela had vowed to speak his mind, he turns in a song where he proclaims to keep his mouth shut if it means that he will harm his brothers and sisters in the population (not that he actually does, as some of his most scathing songs have yet to come). "No Agreement" is decidedly some of the most interesting instrumentation that he had turned in. With help from Art Ensemble of Chicago trumpeter extradordinare Lester Bowie (Bowie turned in a tenure of about a year with Fela), the solos are magically inspired and the rhythm section rolls on with the power of a steamroller. "Dog Days," the instrumental B-side, sounds more like "No Agreement" part two; it does, however, carry its own weight -- again with the help from Bowie."

http://open.spotify.com/album/1SHJ0wxptNBE6DiHxEEXku
spotify:album:1SHJ0wxptNBE6DiHxEEXku

PRISON WARDEN CONSCIOUSNESS (4th Dimension) (Viceroy), Monday, 9 September 2013 22:04 (twelve years ago)

huh - big fan of both AEC and Fela but never bothered with this one (I mean I have a LOT of Fela and I had to draw the line somewhere lol)

what's up ugly girls? (Shakey Mo Collier), Monday, 9 September 2013 22:10 (twelve years ago)

Cool! I was worried this pick was going to be too obvious. Glad at least someone hasn't heard it.

PRISON WARDEN CONSCIOUSNESS (4th Dimension) (Viceroy), Monday, 9 September 2013 22:14 (twelve years ago)

it's a good 'un, though to my limited knowledge you can't really go wrong with 70s Fela can you?

Neil S, Tuesday, 10 September 2013 08:44 (twelve years ago)

you cant

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Tuesday, 10 September 2013 11:02 (twelve years ago)

No need for that language

Tommy McTommy (Tom D.), Tuesday, 10 September 2013 11:03 (twelve years ago)

Man, I just realized that it's been 15 years since I've made any inroads on my Fela listening and that is some kind of a disgrace.

how's life, Tuesday, 10 September 2013 11:20 (twelve years ago)

This is my first Fela record. Now that is a disgrace.

the vineyards where the grapes of corporate rock are stored (cryptosicko), Tuesday, 10 September 2013 11:27 (twelve years ago)

You're in for a treat!

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Tuesday, 10 September 2013 13:05 (twelve years ago)

Yeah, I only started earnest investigation of Fela's catalog a couple of years ago myself. I'd bought O.D.O.O. sometime in the '90s and found it so disappointing that it took me forever to bother to check out the '70s stuff. BIG mistake.

Sir Lord Baltimora (Myonga Vön Bontee), Tuesday, 10 September 2013 13:53 (twelve years ago)

you caught up now?

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Thursday, 12 September 2013 13:31 (twelve years ago)

nothing really standing out to me about this one tbh. It's both a strength and a weakness of Fela's catalog/ouevre that they all start to run together after awhile. dude had a really, really good formula that worked for pretty much the entire 70s and afaict never really deviated from it (the Ginger Baker collab album being maybe the exception)

what's up ugly girls? (Shakey Mo Collier), Thursday, 12 September 2013 23:25 (twelve years ago)

Far from caught up! I've got about a half-dozen now, all from the 70s and not including the one in question. Which sounds extra-intriguing, considering Lester Bowie's presence.

Sir Lord Baltimora (Myonga Vön Bontee), Friday, 13 September 2013 19:45 (twelve years ago)

Neil S is up next

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Sunday, 15 September 2013 21:35 (twelve years ago)

Didn't get to spend as much time with this week's selection as I would've liked; blame a busy week that left me very few album-lengths of free time and a heavy week for new releases. As an intro to Fela, though, I'm pretty much sold, at least on the basis of "No Agreement" (the track). "Dog Eat Dog" does less for me, admittedly; I'd agree with the AllMusic reviewer that it feels like little more than "No Agreement Part 2," but I'm less convinced that it holds its own.

Another great pick, though. I love this thread!

the vineyards where the grapes of corporate rock are stored (cryptosicko), Monday, 16 September 2013 03:21 (twelve years ago)

Hiya! My turn today, going to give it some thought (didn't have much of a chance over the weekend) and post something later this morning.

Neil S, Monday, 16 September 2013 08:30 (twelve years ago)

Jimmy Smith - Root Down

http://www.soulstrut.com/images/uploads/reviews/Jimmy_Smith-Root_Down_b.jpg

Review by Stephen Tomas Erlewine http://www.allmusic.com/album/root-down-mw0000609570

Toward the end of his stint with Blue Note, Jimmy Smith's albums became predictable. Moving to Verve in the mid-'60s helped matters considerably, since he started playing with new musicians (most notably nice duets with Wes Montgomery) and new settings, but he never really got loose, as he did on select early Blue Note sessions. Part of the problem was that Smith's soul-jazz was organic and laid-back, relaxed and funky instead of down and dirty. For latter-day listeners, aware of his reputation as the godfather of modern soul-jazz organ (and certainly aware of the Beastie Boys' name drop), that may mean that Smith's actual albums all seem a bit tame and restrained, classy, not funky. That's true of the bulk of Smith's catalog, with the notable exception of Root Down. Not coincidentally, the title track is the song the Beasties sampled on their 1994 song of the same name, since this is one of the only sessions that Smith cut where his playing his raw, vital, and earthy. Recorded live in Los Angeles in February 1972, the album captures a performance Smith gave with a relatively young supporting band who were clearly influenced by modern funk and rock. They push Smith to playing low-down grooves that truly cook: "Sagg Shootin' His Arrow" and "Root Down (And Get It)" are among the hottest tracks he ever cut, especially in the restored full-length versions showcased on the 2000 Verve By Request reissue. There are times where the pace slows, but the tension never sags, and the result is one of the finest, most exciting records in Smith's catalog. If you think you know everything about Jimmy Smith, this is the album for you.

Spotify link: http://open.spotify.com/album/0Osp1w3F3BkqxbYMuy9Hsm

Neil S, Monday, 16 September 2013 09:32 (twelve years ago)

This album is an absolute scorcher, and will likely be familiar even if you haven't actually heard it since it has been extensively sampled. It's one of those live records that makes you think "I wish I had been there".

Neil S, Monday, 16 September 2013 09:35 (twelve years ago)

Fabulous album

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Monday, 16 September 2013 13:12 (twelve years ago)

yep. Anyone else agree/disagree?

Neil S, Monday, 16 September 2013 13:31 (twelve years ago)

that may mean that Smith's actual albums all seem a bit tame and restrained, classy, not funky

this is so true. when I first started to hunt around his catalog I found most of it nice enough, but none of it was *funky* per se

what's up ugly girls? (Shakey Mo Collier), Monday, 16 September 2013 16:28 (twelve years ago)

agreed, I've heard a few of his others and they're pretty polite, whereas this one really kills

Neil S, Monday, 16 September 2013 17:09 (twelve years ago)

otoh
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1hYxFXYHRA

what's up ugly girls? (Shakey Mo Collier), Monday, 16 September 2013 17:34 (twelve years ago)

Sit on it! That is rather good, very Herbie Hancock in his jazz funk phase

Neil S, Monday, 16 September 2013 17:43 (twelve years ago)

there's plenty of good jimmy smith albums but of course theyre not funky, they werent meant to be. Things just changed in the 70s when players went "street"

If you want smokin' jazz funk then check out the grant green live albums from the 70s. Even better than root down. (also probably the reason Grant Green is so popular on ILM)

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Wednesday, 18 September 2013 12:35 (twelve years ago)

will check, thanks!

Neil S, Wednesday, 18 September 2013 12:43 (twelve years ago)

I'm not a jazz guy, and while this has some nice wokka-choo-wokka, its still jazz enough that I get impatient listening to it.

the vineyards where the grapes of corporate rock are stored (cryptosicko), Thursday, 19 September 2013 16:58 (twelve years ago)

this seems like a good place to put this great p-funk/jazz fusion tune

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDUyqDC6RKY

Neil S, Friday, 20 September 2013 14:32 (twelve years ago)

OK, I'm loving this Jimmy Smith. Right up my alley, so much so that I'm a little surprised that I never heard it before.

EveningStar (Sund4r), Friday, 20 September 2013 16:01 (twelve years ago)

Cook man, it's a keeper IMO

Neil S, Friday, 20 September 2013 16:50 (twelve years ago)

Cool even!

Neil S, Friday, 20 September 2013 16:50 (twelve years ago)

its cooked his brain

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Friday, 20 September 2013 16:52 (twelve years ago)

So I didn't end up liking this week's selection much, but this thread ended up renewing its value to me this week anyway, when I found a vinyl copy of Let's Take It To The Stage while out record shopping on the weekend.

the vineyards where the grapes of corporate rock are stored (cryptosicko), Monday, 23 September 2013 02:51 (twelve years ago)

don't worry, there's a new one due today!

Neil S, Monday, 23 September 2013 14:30 (twelve years ago)

23 September - Charlie H
30 September - Myonga Vön Bontee
07 October - Kitchen Person
14 October - sund4r
21 October - sonnyboy
28 October - balls
04 - November - cock chirea

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Monday, 23 September 2013 14:41 (twelve years ago)

<b> Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band - Express Yourself </b>

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-liGxaXH6L8Y/Tn0c0WJZwpI/AAAAAAAABQs/iJAjz-IQ81c/s1600/Express+Yourself.jpg

charlie h, Monday, 23 September 2013 15:53 (twelve years ago)

http://open.spotify.com/album/2aUItMxwVnUJg4btjcUxC5

charlie h, Monday, 23 September 2013 15:54 (twelve years ago)

sweet, will be checking!

Neil S, Monday, 23 September 2013 17:32 (twelve years ago)

great tea time vibes filling the kitchen right now - thank you

out comes stanley, Monday, 23 September 2013 18:10 (twelve years ago)

Now this is more like it!

the vineyards where the grapes of corporate rock are stored (cryptosicko), Monday, 23 September 2013 19:24 (twelve years ago)

Possibly the warmest and prettiest album ever made that could be classified as "funk."

the vineyards where the grapes of corporate rock are stored (cryptosicko), Monday, 30 September 2013 03:14 (twelve years ago)

The Undisputed Truth - Cosmic Truth

http://www.parisdjs.com/images/covers/loik-norman_is_the_one/The_Undisputed_Truth-Cosmic_Truth_b.jpg

The common knock on The Undisputed Truth is that they were the sorry step child to The Temptations. Truth be told, musically anyway, the band’s sound was often more akin to the spaced psychedelia of early Parliament/Funkadelic. But, those with finely tuned ears will immediately recognize The Temps’ songwriting and production style, courtesy of one of the original brick layers of the Motown sound, and one of the greatest 60s songwriters ever, Norman Whitfield. What Whitfield did for The Temps in the late 60s, he also did for The Truth in the early 70s – expanding the perimeters of modern soul to encompass highly stylized rock, funk and psychedelia. The bands even shared some of the same material (it was The Truth who first recorded Whitfield’s “Papa Was A Rolling Stone”). It’s been said for decades that producer Whitfield used the band (his studio creation) as lab rats to experiment with new sounds, more guitars and spacier constructs, and Cosmic Truth is a great example of his vision. The Truth’s take on the Temps’ “(I Know) I’m Losing You” shows how Whitfield could stretch a song’s root components to the breaking point, infusing extended guitar solos and jazzy interludes, while reinventing vocal arrangements from the ground up. The fuzz bass and stinging guitar work in “1990″ are worthy examples and the soulful take on Neil Young’s “Down By The River” (the LP’s only non-Whitfield song) is worth a listen, too.

Sir Lord Baltimora (Myonga Vön Bontee), Monday, 30 September 2013 08:00 (twelve years ago)

not heard this one. i only have a cd comp of the band

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Monday, 30 September 2013 12:01 (twelve years ago)

hmm yeah I only know the hits, never heard this

what's up ugly girls? (Shakey Mo Collier), Monday, 30 September 2013 15:38 (twelve years ago)

Look at the artwork!

I somehow own four Undisputed Truth albums but don't really love any of them. Too many predictable covers stop them from being classics. I can't really remember Cosmic Truth all that well, will give it a spin this week to jog my memory.

Kitchen Person, Tuesday, 1 October 2013 00:15 (twelve years ago)

I'd give it a listen if I could find it. It's not on Spotify.

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Tuesday, 1 October 2013 00:18 (twelve years ago)

Bit worried about doing my choice next week. I thought of a few albums I'd like to do but they're not on Spotify.

Kitchen Person, Tuesday, 1 October 2013 00:20 (twelve years ago)

I'd give it a listen if I could find it. It's not on Spotify.

full album on youtube, check it out

A1 Earthquake Shake
http://youtu.be/CcNVf5ZUqNU
A2 Down By The River
http://youtu.be/ooTEU9fyTuo
A3 UFO’s
http://youtu.be/TkBALCUHYl0
A4 Lil’ Red Ridin’ Hood
http://youtu.be/4fSu4BAIC34
A5 Squeeze Me, Tease Me
http://youtu.be/keboiBHOVXE
B1 Spaced Out
http://youtu.be/FB6Zts6nSsc
B2 Got To Get My Hands On Some Lovin’
http://youtu.be/vCBKVix2jPM
B3 1990
http://youtu.be/218wfeRZWFo
B4 (I Know) I’m Losing You
http://youtu.be/2jtnCeV3rEk

cock chirea, Tuesday, 1 October 2013 01:53 (twelve years ago)

Down by the River is pretty fiery

what's up ugly girls? (Shakey Mo Collier), Tuesday, 1 October 2013 18:55 (twelve years ago)

Ridiculous Bootsy-impersonation on UFOs

what's up ugly girls? (Shakey Mo Collier), Tuesday, 1 October 2013 19:09 (twelve years ago)

overall this is pretty good, songwriting's not as strong as the Temps or P-Funk but Whitfield's production prowess carries the day imho

what's up ugly girls? (Shakey Mo Collier), Tuesday, 1 October 2013 19:21 (twelve years ago)

kinda on the same level as that Chairmen of the Board "Skin I'm In" record. "Squeeze Me, Tease Me" is great.

what's up ugly girls? (Shakey Mo Collier), Tuesday, 1 October 2013 19:22 (twelve years ago)

skin i'm in is an awesome album

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Tuesday, 1 October 2013 19:23 (twelve years ago)

the last track, the Rod Stewart cover, is the weakest. on the whole I'd say it's all better than the ballad-y side of Skin I'm In.

what's up ugly girls? (Shakey Mo Collier), Tuesday, 1 October 2013 19:35 (twelve years ago)

Gatefold is pretty wtf

http://www.soulwalking.co.uk/00Images%202009/UTruth-Wigs.jpg

Sir Lord Baltimora (Myonga Vön Bontee), Tuesday, 1 October 2013 19:57 (twelve years ago)

Skin I'm In is pretty much a masterpiece, one of my favourite funk albums ever.

Kitchen Person, Tuesday, 1 October 2013 21:40 (twelve years ago)

yes

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Tuesday, 1 October 2013 21:46 (twelve years ago)

some ok stuff on this album

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Sunday, 6 October 2013 16:56 (twelve years ago)

07 October - Kitchen Person
14 October - sund4r
21 October - sonnyboy
28 October - balls
04 - November - cock chirea

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Sunday, 6 October 2013 16:57 (twelve years ago)

Think I might have to pass on my selection. I can't find any of the albums I wanted to choose on Spotify or Youtube.

Kitchen Person, Sunday, 6 October 2013 16:59 (twelve years ago)

that means this clubs dying on its arse then..

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Sunday, 6 October 2013 17:05 (twelve years ago)

I had a bunch names I was looking for on Spotify (Madhouse, Spirit of Atlanta or Rasputin's Stash) but nothing. They didn't even have any Brick albums on there apart from a best of. I could pick something else but it would be way less funk and more smooth soul which isn't really what this club is about.

Kitchen Person, Sunday, 6 October 2013 17:15 (twelve years ago)

soul is fine

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Sunday, 6 October 2013 17:38 (twelve years ago)

Okay I'm back in.

Kitchen Person, Sunday, 6 October 2013 18:28 (twelve years ago)

it's in the title. Only reason R n B isn't in it is because the rev had his own club and didnt want to step on his toes. (tho generally we stay before 1985? )

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Sunday, 6 October 2013 19:02 (twelve years ago)

so in other words its a wide variety of stuff allowed so choose from it.
I think the rev should take a week and choose something classic

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Sunday, 6 October 2013 19:17 (twelve years ago)

Well it was quite tough trying to pick an album in the end but I'm happy with my choice which is..

Greg Perry - Smokin' 1977

http://rymimg.com/lk/o/l/abfed30e4a55dea293dfc49f7ba13e50/2146870.jpg

http://open.spotify.com/album/6Er0Pta7ZrH3Ezk34PYdaK

I love this album so much and it breaks my heart a little that it only has nine ratings on Rate Your Music (one being mine and another from my brother!) There is of course no AMG review but I did find a semi decent write up by a guy on his blog from 2008. The album has since been re-released on CD so you can ignore him going on about demanding a re-release. The production on this album is very smooth and quite outstanding, especially on the last couple of songs. Hope it can find another couple of fans on here.

If you love Ben. E. King's "Let Me Live In Your Life" album then you will automatically love this album. The set was chiefly best known for the wonderful "How's Your Love Life Baby", quickly covered by Eddie Kendricks on his "Vintage '78" album a year later. I love both versions of the song, and both are worth owning. I really like this album, and prefer it to his earlier album, "One For The Road". I wish Soul Brother or Expansion would release this gem as I am sure the demand is there for it. For lovers of a funky beat with plenty of horns then "Where's There's Smoke (There's Fire)" would be an obvious choice, and "(I Can See The) Handwriting On The Wall" has Greg sounding very much like his brother, Jeff Perry. This is a really great track with a great chorus, but that said they pale in comparison to the KILLER tracks I'm about to shed light on.

"I'll Always Be In Love With You" will knock you for six. Trust me - play the sound sample below and listen to the whole darn track. Seventies soul rarely comes stronger than this morsel, and Perry really has a ball on this midtempo effort. There is a brilliant spaced out funky synth break over which Greg vocalises alongside a flute. Oh yes!!!!! This is what makes our music so wonderful! Let's get moving and get this on CD ASAP! Skipping a track we arrive at the soaring "Come Fly With Me"...don't let this one escape you. It's a real dream of a track and when it segues into "Let's Get Away From It All" with THAT spacey synth again and a very sexy femme adding he moans and groans you are in for a real treat! The cantering beat and flute swirl with keyboard effects is a sensual, soulful vibe. I always reserve songs like these for chilling out at the beach on a hot summer's day. The perfect setting for such music. I also think that if you love Marvin Gaye's "I Want You" set then these tracks will definitely appeal. OK, this is not a dirt cheap album but where tracks like this are concerned it is only money!

Kitchen Person, Monday, 7 October 2013 13:33 (twelve years ago)

Never heard of it but it looks interesting!

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Monday, 7 October 2013 13:59 (twelve years ago)

It's a really gorgeous album that's aged really well. Hope you like it.

Kitchen Person, Monday, 7 October 2013 14:10 (twelve years ago)

Yeah I've never heard of this either

Hip Hop Hamlet (Shakey Mo Collier), Monday, 7 October 2013 17:00 (twelve years ago)

Me neither. Why does that typeface look more like it's from the 1980s or '90s?

Sir Lord Baltimora (Myonga Vön Bontee), Monday, 7 October 2013 18:00 (twelve years ago)

I only heard of him a few years ago when I was buying some Barry White albums from a guy at a record fair, he recommended me his first album (One For the Road) which I went out and bought straight away. Not long after that I noticed they were re-releasing Smokin' (his second and final album) I ending up liking this one even more.

Kitchen Person, Monday, 7 October 2013 18:05 (twelve years ago)

Playing it now

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Friday, 11 October 2013 20:48 (twelve years ago)

Really liked the first track. Rest of the album was pretty good too. Good pick!

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Saturday, 12 October 2013 15:57 (twelve years ago)

Thanks. It took me a while to really get into it but once it clicked I kept coming back to it all the time.

Kitchen Person, Sunday, 13 October 2013 02:25 (twelve years ago)

Whose turn is it?

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Monday, 14 October 2013 16:38 (twelve years ago)

Thought I'd go for something a bit more modern...wanted to choose Dag -'Righteous' but not on Spotify...but remember liking this at the time...(sorry no image)...

http://open.spotify.com/album/2Lb5wVvFr7Zc58lSNCT76N

http://www.allmusic.com/album/fast-food-funkateers-mw0000086206

The Pastiche Liberation Front (sonnyboy), Monday, 21 October 2013 16:51 (twelve years ago)

Dont know it.

pfunkboy (Algerian Goalkeeper), Monday, 21 October 2013 16:56 (twelve years ago)

one year passes...

Any interest in reviving this?

The New Gay Sadness (cryptosicko), Saturday, 5 September 2015 00:34 (ten years ago)


You must be logged in to post. Please either login here, or if you are not registered, you may register here.