Funkadelic - Better By The Pound

Most funkateers know this album in and out. If you don't know it, you should probably drop whatever it is that you're doing and go get this. Even if that means you stop reading this blog right now. This is an album I got recently to have in stock at the Vamp record shop. As a kid at my neighborhood record store this was a major turning point and fathoms deep rabbit hole of an album to be exposed to. I must have been 17 or 18 years old. Working at the record shop has brought back alot of the community and relationship back to sharing, exposing and learning about music for me. This record in particular I think should be a staple for our shop and is a milestone for anyone curious about funk. You could easily contend that many other Funkadelic LP's are worthy of the same noteriety, also being incredibly versatile and ingenious pieces of higher funk 'art', yet even the die hard Funkadelic fans would agree this LP opens up a serious can of whoop ass unlike many others. It's more polished than it's predecessors, and seems to flaunt more studio trickery than previous LP's. And, gracefully pushes boundaries, something they always enjoyably do, but stretch new webs with stuff like 'Mama be my beach' and what could easily be the FCC's worst nightmare with 'Shit God damn get off your ass and jam''.

I'm not even touching on the incredible musicianship on these albums. These cats were the top of the creme of the crop of the funk world. All wickedly talented and sharp with their instruments, and constantly oozing with creativity. But, it's that slick, and crafty ingenuity that is woven throughout all these records that sets them a brand apart. Still does. Honestly I could go on and on about this album. Or, any album by Funkadelic or Parliament for that matter. This camp of funkateers never ceases to amaze me. And, when the 'themes' and 'jokes' and 'language' they create repeat, compliment and paint a broader larger picture they give way to a deeper experience for listening.Their overall body of work is stunning.

But, there's something even deeper that comes from any entry point into the world of the Parliament/Funkadelic thang. Meaning more or less that there is no wrong album to start with, they are ALL amazing. They are incredibly ingenious and individualistic musicians that have left a legacy that hasn't even been close to being even remotely touched. This is why it is such a treasure to share this group, especially when it's held up to the standards of what is today called 'music'.....nothing comes close to our forefathers know as Funkadelic. Now hopefully you can tell your kids what's up when they ask you.. 'Mommy, what's a Funkadelic?'

Funkadelic - Better By The Pound

General Johnson - Don't Walk Away

Earlier this month the great General Johnson passed away. It's been a tough year, many of our soul and funk heroes have passed on. Just a reminder I suppose that if we love our 'old school' artists we should show them, honor them and see them perform while they are still around. Just this month alone we've lost the great Gregory Isaacs, Ari Up from the Slits died at the early age of 48, and General Johnson died of Lung Cancer. It's been a bummer to hear about such great artists passing away. Everyone from the wholesome to the exploitative... from Leave It To Beaver's Barbara Billingsley to Penthouse photographer Bob Guiccione...they both passed in October as well. It's a bit much!

Out goes General Johnson as well. General Norman Johnson is probably best known for being in The Chairmen Of the Board. From the well known '(Gimme) Just A Little Time' which charted quite well, to the soul anthem of 'Gone Fishin'' the Chairmen 'brought it' to the soul fans. '(Gimme) Just a little more time' is classic soul by the chairmen, and additionally the General penned 'Want Ads', and 'One Monkey Don't Stop The Show' for Honeycone.

He started out in 1961 performing and writing with The Showmen, known best for 'It Will Stand' on Minit Records. Then with the Chairmen Of The Board cut several records for Invictus. One of which was recorded in a very heavy Funkadelic fashion with Bernie Worrell and Eddie Hazel called 'Skin I'm In'. Mr. Johnson has an impressive catalog and recorded just about every style of soul music possible from 1961 to his death this month. An incredible artist with so many contributions to soul music.
This tune in particular is a classic nice little stepper from his self titled solo LP released in 1976. This is excellent soul music. One of my absolute favorite soul tunes EVER.

I guess why I'm personally affected by these deaths is that I'm heavily entrenched in the eras of the past. It would feel different if we had staples of artists today that were making waves like the ones before. Just a lot happened that was important and vital in musics history. Like, how many pop bands these days perform with any instruments? Probably very few. Certainly fewer compared to those of the 60's, 70's, and even the 80's. And, the same goes for talent. General Johnson had an immense amount of talent and skill. I hope you enjoy this sophisticated soul number done by the man who now chairs the soul council in the sky!




General Johnson - Don't Walk Away