Saturday, July 25, 2009

Mass Production - Bopp


Just a nice and tasty instrumental from Mass Production. It's been a perfect opener for me at a BBQ or day time party. Something I'm really enjoying lately. Being in the park, or in someone's back yard playing a cut like this getting them ready for the funk yet to come. This is from their 1981 Lp "Turn Up The Music".  A few sailing guitar, synth, and trumpet solos separated by head nodding melodic funk. Nothing like it.

Mass Production - Bopp

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Special Edition - Soul Power Movie

Ok, so this movie is fucking brilliant. No bullshit. If you're a fan of soul music this will be a treasure for you. Period. Endless fantastic footage that was left on the cutting room floor from 'When We Were Kings' gives birth to this new documentary. Unlike 'Kings' which is also a fantastic film, it's not about the fight, but about the musicians and the music. It doesn't have a narrative or retrospective interviews. It's completely verité and an incredible insight without voice over tones guiding it.


It's about the Zaire 74 music festival that lasted 3 days. It's a incredible line up of soul super stars and their various musical wanderings before and after the show. Precious moments with Celia Cruz, Pacheco, BB King, and James Brown jamming on a airplane. Various artist from the festival having impromptu jam sessions with kids in the streets of Zaire. It seems like a constant party, yet there's incredible insight from the people in the film. Artists give us moments of vast reflection about the current social climate, racism and race relations in the states and moments of sheer tenderness toward the people around them. In one scene Ali kisses a little girl. He is so wild and free with his affection, he is so tender and cute with her, that as a fighter and man of such stature, to see it brought tears to my eyes.



Every clip of concert footage made me feel like standing up in my seat in the movie theatre and clapping. I cried several times during the movie because there was such amazing humanity and kindness, yet also performances that were touching, incredible and simply stunning. Bill Withers is painfully deep, Miriam Makeba is vibrant and funny, and the Spinners are completely bad ass. Big Black hits a conga solo that will rock your world and Celia Cruz (and what looks like the entire Fania family) completely seduce and destroy. This MIGHT not have been the best festival, but what is collectively represented in the movie makes it look so. James is just James at this point. Never a bad show from the Godfather but, this is 74 and oddly not what his performances were like in 73. Not quite the Vegas era yet, but getting there. Earthshaking performances all around and representing well in 74 for the world to see.


All of the music and interviews have huge relevance and the entire film seems to glow with purpose. Not to mention the cinematography was utterly mind blowing. The camera captures so much life. There's one scene where a band from Zaire looks to be playing in front of a department store. It looks as though it's captured from some ridiculously rare afro funk band LP cover. I simply can't say enough about the film. Rumor has it that there's 10 more hours of footage and the makings for several more movies sitting somewhere within that footage. I can only hope they will give us more. Let's hope the DVD comes with endless outtakes and extra footage. But, PLEASE go see it. Give these folks some money and support art like this. It's once in a lifetime kind of material. Those of us in the soul community need to support. word. GO SEE THIS.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Van Twist - Hot Wax

Seems we're on instrumentals at the moment. This is a good thing. Especially when sizzler hot tracks like this are loaded into the barrel of the audio gun. I stumbled onto this track somehow, and perhaps I had the info or song title wrong, so I couldn't find it for the life of me. Now that I have, I share it with you. It's a relatively common record, when you have the proper title and name, just a little more rare when you don't have your shit straight. This is the b side to their version of Shaft which I will say is quite terrible. I believe the year is '84 and these cats put together some synth and bass lines and rounded it out with a bit of the ole cowbell. Nice. It's one of my favorite instrumentals at the moment and perfect for setting the mood at a outdoor dj gig, or summer bbq. Enter Van Twist.

Dwayne Omarr - This Party's Jam Packed


Damn man! I keep playing this tune out and nobody's feeling it. You are all complete suckas if your not feeling this shit. Can you fuckin' believe it? Not only rare as shit, but probably one of the best electro rap boogie jams known to man. So thick, and so rich. This shit seriously bumps. Hopefully it will find a home in your heart too. Maybe it has no place on the dance floor. At least maybe not in this era. But, I will continue to boogie, pop, and top rock to it regardless. Or, just wait it out like you know we all do until there's a small bit more of acceptance. Are cats just truly not ready for electro funk like this. It puzzles me. Maybe some folks just don't hear things like we do eh? Well, good for you and me.. cause I know you will go out and bump this shit somewhere. As a side note, I HAVE been told that I am too funky. Ha ha! Don't think that's gonna be a problem for me.
Dwayne Omar is a straight tripper, just look at the photo. But, be careful the photo is not related to this release. So, if your feindy for this 12" like I was, it's just a plain sleeve. But, I had to include this great photo of Dwayne. This 12" eluded me for a great while, and now that I have it.. it needs to be shared. Agreed?




Dwayne Omarr - This Party's Jam Packed


Skye - Ain't No Need

The Last time I heard Cool Chris play out he spun this treasure. I simply love this tune, and speaking of anthems mentioned in the last post here's another one. Again, excellent modern soul. All killer no filler. The night was the Sweater Funk B-day Bash for Jon Blunck. Cool Chris was the guest and played an amazing set. It was similar to his previous Sweater Funk appearance but nearly a year later with a far more developed crowd. The house was packed, the mood was right and the soul crowd was in attendance. Chris' set bounced all over the place yet came together perfectly. From playing with him many, many years ago, it has always been a pleasure to hear him out. 
Anyways, onwards with the music. This release on the Ananda label has two versions, the regular and the dance mix. I really dig both and badly need a remix with both mixed together, but the regular version has more of a song structure to it. There are more build ups and verse, bridge and chorus separation. I believe the 'dance' version is just the loop of the last few minutes of the regular song, and was marketed towards the disco crowd. It works, but the true winner here is the a side, the regular version. Here it is for you to enjoy in it's original form. One of the greatest soul tunes ever, and a strong favorite of mine. Big thanks to Cool Chris for bringing it out. 

P.S. I think there is also a 12" version of this release.. anyone have it? 

Pure Pleasure - By My Side


Whether you call it Modern Or Sweet Soul, this is a fantastic tune. Rich with deep soul roots and entrenched in gospel this is truly an anthem. It speaks of great sorrow, regret and of love lost. To have a love in your clutches and to have taken it for granted. Jeez! Man, I'm right there with you. I guess why after a first few listens (to get the lyrics right), and when ever it plays I HAVE to sing along. It's definitely a personal anthem of mine. I can deeply relate to the lyrical content and enjoy the structural changes in the song. The syncopated stops and starts and the free almost rapping tone that goes on sends chills up my spine. The vocalist here is truly testifyin' and I'm assuming (if you're with me) that we are at attention. Amen!
Released in 1980 on QC records it's an example of how strong 'soul music' is throughout time. There are no boundaries for good soul music. It's a timeless tune and we hope you enjoy it.

Pure Pleasure - By My Side

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Assagai - I'll Wait For You

From the same Lp with the funky track 'Telephone Girl' comes this mellow yet charming little tune. Assagai were from South Africa and were signed to the Vertigo label. They had only two releases and their story is pretty short. They rode a wave of popularity in the early 70's when afro rock had been born. The genius of these afro rock bands is heard throughout their elusive Lp's. Bands like Osibisa and Manu Dibango made a path for numerous artists. Thankfully the flood gate was opened and artists like Assagai recorded and prospered if only for a short stint. "I'll Wait For You" is a simple tune, and a love song, yet is an affectionate and sweet soul tune. Enjoy!


Assagai - I'll Wait For You

Erkin Koray - Estarabim


No where in the world is psych more potent, laden with eastern chords, and head nodding beats than in Turkey. Some of the most heavy and amazing psych has come from there. In the center of that musical scene there are a few musical heroes. Erkin Koray is one of those heroes. Electrified and modernized for the sixties and seventies Turkish artists recorded with traditional instruments. Stringed instruments like the Oud and Sarod were amped and electrified and the Nagara and Goblet Drum provided percussion.

Somehow eastern influenced psych found a home in Turkey and never left. I started developing interests in these eastern sounds when I caught a few episodes of the 'Namaste America' music videos. Mostly then it was Bollywood stuff. A few years later I shared my developing interests with my friend Bill. He was playing in the mid 90's with Turkish artists and making the trip there several times a year. I asked him to bring me the best record he could find. He brought me back this amazing 7 inch. That was it. I was all about the Turkish rock for some time after. Erkin Koray, Baris Manco, and 3 Hur-El to name a few. Their long hair, amazing electric sitar sound and Turkish language were all completely new to me. One of the great things about Turkish rock is I can't understand a lick of the lyrics. This somehow makes it better, not understanding, but imagining what ever you may. So, peep this 45 and delve into the world of Turkish rock. Hopefully it will work the same magic for you that it did for me.

Erkin Koray - Estarabim

Suzy And The Red Stripes - Seaside Woman

This is one of those deliciously hot tracks that's hardly classifiable and unique enough to turn heads where ever it's played. Some might remember it from the brief airwaves run it had in '77, but chances of that are slim. Most step up to the decks when I'm playing it and feel as though they know it because it is strikingly familiar in sound to everything else Paul McCartney did.
But, honestly there's never been enough of this kind of stuff from him for me. I could never get tired of the malarkey and unique rhythms that Paul enjoyed with expanding pop music. A strangely reggae calypso thing, this Wings-in-disguise debut has tight beats and a well placed snare. It's syncopated funkiness is undeniable, and I'm hard pressed to say it was trying to fit into any particular pop market. It is rumored to be recorded during 72-74. Hats off to Paul and wife Linda McCartney for once again going against the mainstream, yet keeping it playful and entertaining. Is that Paul slightly rapping on it at various points? Pressed on 'red' vinyl promo and delivered straight from the soundboutique vaults just for you.

Suzy And The Red Stripes - Seaside Woman

Saturday, July 18, 2009

US 69 - Yesterdays Folks

US 69 is a strange little outfit. They blended funk, rock, psych, and jazz together to make their own unique flavor. This is an excellent LP. Released on Buddah in 1969, birth year of yours truly, it's fantastic from start to finish. Even the finest psych Lp is rarely enjoyable throughout. The vocal stylings on this are great, as is the constant great lyrical references to plastic people and taking off of disguises. Other common fare of psych lyrical trends are here as well "making your mind up", and "open up your door". They were extremely experimental and one of several groups at the time blending rock with full horn sections. 

"I'm A Nobody" is an excellent fast jazzy groove that has a punk edge. It's a favorite of mine and just a tremendously killer track. I don't think I've heard anything quite like it before. A direct mirror of a track would be Gil Scott-Heron's "Free Will"
from his 1972 LP of the same name. "Yesterdays Folks" is a tuff and funky blue eyed soul scorcher right out of the hippie funk and psych rock camps. It's fat breaks and outrageous lyrics will keep you on the edge of your seat. "I Hear You Talkin'" is a gentle and affecting tune, and greatly reminds me of the group Chicago. It also reeks of being in need of being sampled. Oddly mostly all the tracks on this LP have the 'sampled' potential and there's even a rumored DJ Shadow loop within. I'm not versed enough with his material to find it, but pleased none the less for the stamp of approval. Or, should I say "Samp" of approval. Bet you no one has coined that yet! It seems those LP's worth sampling are truly rich with texture. I find this a harmonious affair, because I like the 'odd', 'bizarre' and 'texturally rich' music like nobody's business. So, a well sampled or potentially well sampled Lp is what I'm after.
 My first encounter with "2069 A Spaced Oddity" was through a compilation of folk funk and breaks which I believe was under the same name. It's a stellar pysch trip and a long slow spaced out groove. Not only epic in size, it's completely genius and fantastic, as is the whole Lp which you can find here.

At times they sound like an early Chicago and at other moments they sound like Gil Scott-Heron, which is a mighty impressive mish mash really. Yet, I think they predated both of those artists. Funny at times they even sound a bit like Kings Of Leon. I love finding exactly similar artists represented 10-20 years before. Like for example, The Cardigans and Blossom Dearie. Regardless, this is an above average psych LP with a lot of different directions represented. It's been reissued, which is good for you, but again adds to yet another story of me paying a pretty penny for something I HAD to have at the time. Not so good for me. I blame it on the compilation. But, be it a good comp or bootleg, it's totally worth it, sending you out in a manic fashion searching for something as golden as this LP. At that time, I NEEDED to hear what the rest of the LP sounded like, even if it only had one other gem. Enjoy!


US 69 - Im A Nobody
US 69 - Yesterdays Folks
US 69 - I Hear You Talkin
US 69 - 2069 A Spaced Oddity

Monday, July 13, 2009

10cc - Worst Band In The World


I completely love 10cc. They often get dubbed 'art rock' for their less than serious approach, yet had quite a bit of commercial success. More so, than say Frank Zappa. At times they sound like many groups, maybe out harmonize the Bee Gees, and even predated Air. This song is pure rock and roll, but given the J Dilla Stamp of approval by a looping or two. This era for 10cc was rock, cosmic, soft rock, funk and no holds barred. Ideas were over flowing in their creativity cup. It's great stuff, and if I ever have a band again, I'd like to cover this joint. It may be one of the best gimmick songs ever. I embrace them not taking themselves seriously, and its tons better 'cause they pull it off so well.


10cc - Worst Band In The World

Faith, Hope and Charity - To Each His Own

A little bit about Soul TV... I miss the days of local cable access stations like soulbeat. Or glorious paid tv slots for shows like Soul School. Where are you Calvin Lincoln? Then over the last two or three years before things went ALL Digital, there were spotty appearances of old Soul Train episodes. I found some here locally on TV20 and WBN America or something like that. Already I'm missing those best of Soul Trains. People thought I was crazy when I said I was leaving a party to catch the 2am weekly episode of Soul Train. But, for me it was religion. It was education of the highest order. It was the pleasure that IS soul music for me. Seeing how I'm a guy that tries endlessly to live in previous eras, it was the bees knees to watch Soul Train on live TV like I was there and it was coming over the airwaves in 1977. So, a few years ago I caught a lip-synched version of this song 'performed' by Faith, Hope and Charity. Its a marvelous crossover soul tune that transends time. It's long been an anthem of mine and hopefully will do some magic for you.


Faith, Hope and Charity - To Each His Own

Funky - Funky Stop



Really how can you go wrong with a name and title like this?

Seriously, the group is called Funky, the first song is 'Funky Stop', and the b-side is 'Sweet Funky Music'. Ah, there's a good chance this will be.. ah well, you can dig it. 

I don't know much about this group but the vocalist sounds a lot like  Stretch on "Why Did You Do It?". All I know is with a picture sleeve 45  like this I was completely sold. I would have HAD to buy it even if it sounded like crap. But, super glad to inform you it doesn't. In fact, it's quite dope. N-joy!

Funky - Funky Stop

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Mike Francis - Let's Not Talk About It

If you don't already know, MIKE FRANCIS  is the Mother fucking man! Not only is this the smoothest vocal jazz easy listening you've ever heard, but it's topped off by some killer heavy funk production. How is it you can give Dr. Dre AND Bobby Caldwell and a run for their money in the same freakin' album. Well, my man Mike Francis can. So smooth and laid back, just wait until the breaks roll on in. Sick bass lines, tight synth stabs, you're bound to be humming 'you know you can do it you can do it you can do it you can do it' right along side Mike. This Lp also has the 84 version of 'Night Time Lady' which is brilliant, but the earlier version IS better. This is most definitely some shit you can ride to, sum real pimp shit from Italy.

Daniel Sahuleka - Ev'rybody Feel the Groove

This may be the only other tune that starts out with a cave man chant. The other being Blue Swede's 'Hooked on a Feeling'. But, fortunately it's much better. All respect due of course to my glam rock bubble gum brethren. But, anyways... This song has such a good feeling and vibe, and I'm an instant fan of any song that says "let's get to the floor and shoot".  Kinda similar in happiness to Bill Withers 'Lovely Day'. We need more joints like that. Again, the comments section is below. I'm not issuing homework yet, but stay posted. Those of you that know, it IS all about school. I had high hopes of Mr. Sahuleka, being a dutch, hawaiian(?), japanese(?), version of Joe Bataan (Ala Afro-filipino) but, again I'm wild with musical fantasies. And, certainly featuring a few other fantastic tracks, it didn't quite pan out that way. We'll delve more into him later, but for now enjoy this nugget that's been spinning round my turntable lately. Recently scooped up on 45 as well. 



Daniel Sahuleka - Ev'rybody Feel the Groove

Peter Brown - A Fantasy Love Affair



If you see this in the dollar bin, grab it, it may change your life like it did mine. Originally I was lead to this Lp for the break in "Do You Wanna Get Funky", but some misty nite, in a cloud of smoke in my Berkeley apartment, the real meat of this LP was discovered. The true treasure here is the utter madness in these tunes which PB wasn't appealing or catering to the disco. The 'other' tracks on here are simply brilliant. Purely unclassifiable. Let's take for instance the cosmic hippie joint "Without Love". A synthy mood maker that sets shit a' blaze for that summer day in the park. Such idealistic lyrics and such mellow simplicity. As far as I'm concerned, it brings so many strange flavors together but oh so perfectly. It kinda makes you wonder, where the outtakes for this Lp are? Where's the video of them making this Lp? OK, well, for me it's my 'fantasy'... my wish for a Peter Brown 'Live At Pompeii'? And, then there's the fusion of  "For Your Love", sweet lyrics and a groove that comes on smooth like a cosmic shower. Harmonies and beautiful synth work that can't be touched in a song that fades in and out leaving you saying "what just happened?". Or the visionary track "Singer Becomes The Dancer"? Do you hear those lyrics? Simply amazing. Hypnotic head nodding shit, complimented by a barrage of lyrics that would make Gil Scot-Heron proud. These three tracks alone do soooo much for me.  They're probably in a pocket of sound that can be easily dismissed and hated, yet only makes me treasure them more. And, they should be heralded. I've also included "Do You Wanna Get Funky". Side Note -- Strangely enough, recently I heard "Do You Wanna..." on a car radio in a video game called Grand Theft ( Vice City.. #107? who knows) but yeah, no shit. Fela Kuti too. Imagine that! So, please enjoy these essential PB joints as they are truly some of my most beloved cuts. PB deserves a lot of recognition in my eyes for these and I only wished he made more like them.

Peter Brown - For Your Love
Peter Brown - The Singer Becomes The Dancer
Peter Brown - Without Love
Peter Brown - Do You Wanna Get Funky With Me

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Jan Hammer - Don't You Know


OK, so after an enormous hiatus I'm back. And, it feels great. Boy have I missed it too. But, day after day getting up at 7am and getting home at 8pm, 9pm, or 11pm there was no time for bloggin'. Putting food on my plate comes first and my 'busy season' will also afford me some tasty treats to share with you all in upcoming posts. So, where was I? Oh yeah, Miami Vice. I used to sit completely puzzled by my pops while he watched that show. But, now years later, I'm actually a Micheal Mann fan as well. But, this was LONG, long before any of that. Our boy Jan (and you can say it like "Yon") was riding the beautiful crest of fusion that was hugely popular at the time. You name it, Chick Corea, Spyro Gyra, Stanley Jordan, and Jeff Beck were all weighing in and cashing in on the new jazz craze, shredding as many notes into a song as humanly possible. 'Melodies' may have been a milestone in the process and certainly is a iconic piece in the fusion story. But, when I first scanned over this LP, I found this head nodding, spaced out master piece, and it sent me searching for more like it. Like I said in the previous post it was an example of more spaced out future funk to come. Well, thank goodness, I was right. It's got just the right amount of hippie vibe to lure me in as well. Well, it's good to be back.. and, by the amount of stuff I'm gonna put up (I'm gonna attempt to make up for lost time) I ask you this question.."Don't You Know? ...That I love you?"

Jan Hammer - Don't You Know