Amadeo - Real Magic

I can't seem to budge from my current obscession with 'cosmic'. So, here's yet another tasty track. Have we asseessed that the majority of these 'cosmic' tunes are completely crazy yet? This is on the french label "Disques Ibach", yet from the looks of him Amadeo could be from Turkey, Tibet, or the Phillipines. I have a strong affinity for records with odd accents. Like, for example one of my favorite bands, The Shocking blue. Or, perhaps the prince of italo boogie Ago, with the lp "For You". All of those have a special edge to the vocals. It's that slight imperfection in the accent that I love. I suppose the accent isn't that strong in the entire song, but Amadeo appears to be, in this song at least, the definitive weirdo.
For me, this track walks the fine line somewhere in between Clockwork Orange and Logan's Run. Perhaps with a little Rollerball thrown in for good measure. Or, a song straight out of "The Apple"

Amadeo - Real Magic

Ganymed - Black Hole Five

MORE COSMIC - Ah, yes. indeed. Headed in a direction I suppose. Straight to outer space. Wanna ride? Ganymed appear to be a spaced out rock disco outfit pretty far out of their minds as well as out in space. They've got the heavy rock funk, and are a talented bunch. At a time where bands like Kiss and P-Funk were all dressing up in space outfits and make up, Ganymed were right in the middle. I don't think they really saw a difference between the two, and really fit in between the two. I mean, they rocked liked Kiss and funked like Funkadelic. They have several LP's and a few hearty funk bombs here and there. This is space disco at it's finest. Much like their rivals The Rockets and Kraut rockers Supermax they also step it up with a punkish edge. Nice one! Plenty more amazing videos of them on the ole' Youtube. So, check it.

Ganymed - Black Hole Five

Zazu - Captain Starlight

Ok, I have to correct what I posted two posts ago. My answer to the question of defining what is 'cosmic' was the Phill & Friends Band track 'This Man'. Well, while it IS a monster track, and it most certainly is flying out there in outer space, it already may be time to relinquish that title. Because, "Captain Starlight" by Zazu may just be the definitive 'cosmic' track. I can clearly see I may be setting myself up here, because lately I'm spending time rifling through my LP's and there are lots of goodies to be posted here soon. I'm quite comfortable eating my own words. Maybe enjoying them with Fava Beans and a fine Chianti. Back to this track, it has it all. Once again epic in proportion, this rock-disco 'masterpiece' is the brain child of German pop weirdo Frank Zander. Lush strings start it out, robot voices narrate, a massive pink floyd-dark moon side middle, and somewhere throughout the future funk is born. It's like a massive horror space movie soundtrack at times, straight deep cosmic funk at others. You can find the German language version below and have fun counting how many times it sounds like he says "Schitz". We all know how tough it is to have a bad case of the schitz. Frank Zander made several other weirdo/comedy joints and currently records specialty birthday songs with your name in them while living comfortably in Ibiza.


Zazu - Captain Starlight

Indigo - Be Strong

For months on end I've been singing this little tune. Its catchy as hell and positive and all that good shit. I also think it's quite the little bad ass boogie banger as well. Not sure about Indigo. I know they had an LP with the same tracks as this 12". But, not sure what its like. Just know that this b-side caught my fancy and never let it go. The changes are good. The beat is funky and its not interrupted by any silly long solos (minus a brief synth solo). Just a good well rounded mid-tempo tune in my eyes. The picture cover 12 inch sleeve is freakin dope. Be warned: if lyrics about 'planting a seed and watching it grow', or 'thread the needle, we can sew' are too corny for you, then oh well. But, for me... I'm completely hooked and always a crack fiend for anything that has tuff funk guitar licks and slick bass lines. Then, I'm really done in by any lyrics along the lines of "Get Up Get up. Get up Get Up, Be Strong' Positivity always seems to win me over. If this strikes you as kind of 'lame', then keep moving along (literally). If this is 'lame' music, then I LOVE 'lame' music. And, there'll be a lot more 'lame' in this blog to come. Ha ha!

Indigo - Be Strong

Phill And Friends Band - This Man

From the depths of some sort of cosmic hell comes this serious head nodding masterpiece. I don't have a clue in the world who Phill and Friends are. But, they made this smooth moving, pulsating and volcanic groove that goes back and forth between exploring space frontiers and chanting at satanic rituals. There's so much life in this track it can't be missed or passed up. At a whopping 9 minutes it doesn't lose any potency or waver in its constant changing groove. In fact, all the transitions and different modes work so well together. It just keeps charging forward and becomes hypnotic. When I first heard it, I had to have it, and nothing could be found about Phill or ANY of his buddies. Nothing about Phill, his friends, or his band. Argh! But, man.. when you hear this! It winds back in forth like some sort of haunted disco made by the singer for the Q65. It even features some backing vocal bits by the cosmic version of sesame streets' cookie monster. wow. You'll see what I mean. I was once asked to describe what 'Cosmic' was.. well, fuck if I know. But, if I could answer with a song.. this would be it.

Phill And Friends Band - This Man

Ivan Neville - Dance Your Blues Away

Friday Nite Special: Well, it's a Friday night here in not-so sunny California and I feel like embellishing you with a sure fire treat. Those of you grazin' through music blogs on a Friday nite. Just a little treat for my peeps out there.. hope you enjoy.

This little 45 is a two title belt holder. It's got the title of being quite possibly the rarest Meter's related 45 AND the title belt of one of the finest boogie tracks ever made. Its completely smooth, sultry and slick as fuck. It completely encapsulates the true boogie sound. It's not funk, it's not modern, it's not soul, it's not disco..it's utterly Boogie. Thus holding the title belt for the quintessential boogie tune. It shows the direction the Meters/Neville Brothers could have been headed at the time, if under the command of Ivan. 'Dance Your Blues Away' is an ode to positivity, (free your mind of all your troubles) and the diversity among people and crowds as well (from cowboy boots to a 3 piece suit). It's delicate syncopation also illustrates how boogie wanted to separate itself from funk and disco, branching off into something new, something unknown. Totally charming. It's on Cookie Records from 1979 and rare as shhhhht. There's also an even rarer picture sleeve for it, although it's artwork only and no actual picture. Happy hunting folks. That's if you HAVE to have it like I did. Big thanks to Jon Blunck for hipping me to this track and hopefully completing my Meters collection for once and all.

Ivan Neville - Dance Your Blues Away

Chris Mba - Funky Situation

For a while there Nigerian boogie records were the 'bee's knees'. Fetching serious duckets on ebay and trading hands amongst collectors in London, Germany and France. It's obvious Nigeria was deeply inspired by Micheal Jackson. Judging from the countless album posing and clothing styles. This Chris Mba LP is one example. Another would be any LP from Dizzy K Falola. Dizzy, as well as Chris Mba even imitated the vocal styling of MJ. Even right down to those famous high pitched squeals. You know the one, sounds like a sexy choke. Like, 'are you ok, MJ?' But, the production on these LP's was Americanized in its 4/4 beats and adventurous in its sound. There's still very much Nigerian sounding rhythms on them as well, but more and more these LP's evolved into straight boogie soul LP's. There's so much going on within this track. Bells, Horn stabs, backing vocals, whispers, synth and guitar stabs and constant syncopation of them all. It's a pure treasure for me.
The other night San Francisco's Sweater Funk crew presented a world boogie night. It was recorded and will hopefully be available soon (I will post a link as soon as it's available. Thanks DTN!). But, Myself, Disco Tom Noble, and Allen Thayer dropped bombs all night long. We played boogie from all over, stopping off in Brazil, Nigeria, the UK, France, Israel, India, Italy, Holland, and Japan. It was great fun to hear all the tunes, but each of us had boxes teaming with more jams. So, there will surely be a 'part two'. I suppose why I've collected stuff from so many different countries is they are had such distinct and different sounds. Italo cats like AGO and Tom Hooker have such a distinct accent and sound. Even groups from Holland like Blue Feather are so different from italo boogie. Every country has it's own distinct brand and flavor. There was so much more we all wanted to play. This cut, was one of them. I only got to play a tenth of the Nigerian Boogie or Afro Funk that I brought with me. So, thank heavens for this blog. There's plenty more to come. And, I'll try to post some Dizzy K very soon.

Chris Mba - Funky Situation

Standing Room Only - Star From The Sky

From a tasty little indie/private press modern soul and boogie lp comes "Star From The Sky". It's a jammin' little Earth Wind and Fire sounding tune. You'll have to bear with some real bacon being made on this one. My copy is dog-eared and has equally 'trampled on' wax. But, none the less it's playable through and through. And, represents well such small time unknown bands like this. Hard as shit to find and treasured among collectors, once you hear this you'll understand why. The rest of the LP is chock full of other good groove tunes and overall positivity. "Heart and Soul" is a breath of fresh air. Then, and even now after all these years. Standing Room Only are from Richmond, VA. and this LP is from 1982. Possibly their only LP, I'm not sure. Just glad to have it in my clutches. But, without a doubt posted here for you and other rare groove junkies to enjoy.

Standing Room Only - Star From The Sky

Barrabas - It

OK, Back to business, I know, I know... I'm back from hiatus yet again. Once I started getting into disco tracks I somehow always leaned toward the heavy monster sounding ones. It was like my taste for funk didnt really change, only the years changed. So here's this amazing disco banger. Almost violent in its funkiness. It was a classic staple of mine for a long while. In fact, not long after discovering it, I found many sealed copies of it. Not a rare piece at all, on the Atco label. I dont think folks were ready for it then, cause the sealed copies stayed right in my stacks. Not sure if folks are ready even now. Perhaps all too common of a record? Well, until it's impossible to find all over again right? Where o' where are those copies though? I think Barrabas were a funk rock outfit that branched out into disco and even some world influenced sound too. I believe they first penned "Woman" which is posted earlier in this blog by the amazing Junior Byron. "Oh no - Oh no"!

Barrabas - It

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

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.

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.

Van Twist - Hot Wax

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? 

Skye - Ain't No Need

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

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

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

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

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.

Mike Francis - Night time lady

Mike Francis - This love

Mike Francis - Let's not talk about it

Mike Francis - Survivor 

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

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

Ish - Faster Than A Speeding Bullit

Somewhere along this wonderful musical ride myself and a few other record collectors started surfacing "Hippie Soul" and "Folk Funk" cuts. We only put them into a catagory when we found certain tracks that had that certain something similar. We didn't always coin the phrases, but when they were found or created we reveled in their accuracy. I don't believe in 'catagories' but when you've been diggin up records and they strike a similar theme, you're overjoyed to have discovered a whole new genre. And, to be able to "give it a name' helps communicate it to others. One thing is true about 'theme-ing or 'catagorizing' new ventures, is you realize if you're found a few, there's always many more. Thankfully many records inspired many others, so when you find a new pocket, you're overjoyed. Myself and my man D.C. in NYC ('bout time you had a shout on here!) went back and forth for many years referencing to each other various tunes as we put the puzzle pieces together. Our tastes in "Hippie Soul" and "Folk Funk" morphed into "Space Funk" with the help of cuts "For Your Love", and "Without Love" by Peter Brown. And, tunes like Jan Hammers "Don't You Know" helped evolve "Hippie Soul" into "Future Funk" and then into "Cosmic".
Ish is a solo effort LP from Ish Ledesma, a member of the group "Foxy" and "OXO". Speaking of Harvey in the last post, this is from the same LP with "Don't Stop" which is a classic spin of his. I've included it as well. But, "Faster Thank A Speeding Bullit" is a very 'spaced out' almost Donovan-y sounding tune. It encompasses a lot of tasty elements and combines a lot catagories mentioned here. It's hard to describe, yet quite tasty, as you'll soon find out. I'll have all the other tracks mentioned in this up very soon as well. So, look out for the dope Peter Brown and Jan Hammer cuts soon to come.

Ish - Faster Than A Speeding Bullit
Ish - Don't Stop

Junior Byron - Woman - DJ HARVEY AT OASIS

The First time I saw DJ Harvey, not only did I bear witness to one of the most versatile and creative DJ's I had EVER seen, but Harvey had the misfortune of having to hammer some fools' head in. Harvey's set was all about love, and love for the music. He played a wide array of styles all seemless and smooth. His mixing was immaculate and the use of the reel to reel delay effects was cute enough. He blended Afro, psych, disco, hippie, folk, new wave and funk and all to a head nodding beat. So nice to see someone put it together so well. I saw then what all the hype was about. Somewhere after 2am there was confusion, there was tension, words were said, some shoving went on, some girl bumped the turntables, skipped a song, and Harvey was attacked. Harvey handled himself extremely well. Just as good behind the decks as he did throwing those decks atop this sorry blokes head. Never in my wildest dreams would the commander of such loving jams have to distribute such foolery to those that deserved it. 'Jesus of the good groove' had to bust a cap. But he got back on the decks and continued to rock the house like nothing happened. Back to the disco love and it was all magic again.

Last time I saw Harvey, he played a tune that re-worked a cut by Junior Byron called "Woman". I think the Barrabas did the tune first, but Junior takes it to the cosmic next level. I prefer this original to the remix that Harvey played, but all due respect. This is actually the flip of the very nice "Dance To The Music" both of which, in sound at least, have great similarities to where Eddy Grant was headed. Both cuts have that afro cosmic appeal, a sound that Harvey promotes heavily. Here's Junior Byron's "Woman" in its original zanny form. A true electro cosmic afro freak out indeed.

Junior Byron - Woman

The Mobley Gang - Groove For You

I promised I'd put this up. Fresh from the crates of yours truly. My latest hot boogie shit. Now, here up on our beloved soundboutique! btw, I don't put anything up here I don't personally own on vinyl. Not braggadocio, just an FYI. I occasionally use mp3's from other sources, like this one, so I wanted to be clear on that. Sure, I rip my own stuff, but when there's a more accessible file, I'm on it like white on rice, or like Ike on Tina (ok, both bad references). For me, it's not about anything other than THE MUSIC itself. And, my goal here is all about exposure. Dig on this 12 inches of incredibly dope boogie flavor.

The Mobley Gang - Groove For You

Ricky Clark - Flam

Here's the classic disco rap "Flam" by Ricky Clark. I've ripped both the vocal and Instro versions. I like them both. I think a remix of the two might be nice. The vocal version has a rather goofy approach. But, you know what? I love it. Fuck the bs. It's dope. Original disco rap. For me this typifies the similarity between 80's boogie and 60's soul. It might be far from 'The Madison' or 'The Cool Jerk' but it shows how things come full circle. Full Circle City Records that is.

Ricky Clark - Flam
Ricky Clark - Flam (Instrumental)

Lynsey de Paul - Sugar Me

It sounds to me as though Lynsey de Paul's "Sugar Me" is lifted right out of a Gilbert O'Sullivan songbook. But, she was a prolific song writer in her own right and still is active in the music bizz. She was in fact on the same label MAM. "Sugar Me" has gorgeous sound effects and a haunting pulsating feel. The production is thunderous folk pop and snaps right through the speakers giving todays sound a run for its money. Just listen to this through a heavy system with a good low end and you'll see what I mean.

I discovered it on a compilation of euro-pop and was sold on it immediately. It became a staple of my folk funk and hippie soul sets. Trust me, this is one little known jewel that I've treasured and coveted for a while. It's appreciated across the spectrum. Beat heads, disco hippies, garage rockers, psyke popsters, and bubble gummers all seem to enjoy this treat.

Lynsey de Paul - Sugar Me

A little scouting around yielded this awesome video for "Sugar Me".

Looking very much like she was styled after Brigitte Bardot. I often think that perhaps the airwaves were already too filled with the likes of Bardot and others, and the public didn't have time nor the capacity to process other great artists like Lynsey. This is something that plagues my thoughts, and I think is still true even today.

Clout - Sunshine Baby

I'd like to dedicate this to my man Juan Gomez. Not only 'cause he's my mother foggin' man, but because this is the kinda of reggae tune he'd like. (That's a big 'kinda') And.. he's in South Africa right now. Making music, finding music, meeting good folks and taking amazing pictures.

Clout were from South Africa and did well there and throughout Europe. This track got play later on, and was revived time to time by cats like Baldelli and DJ Harvey. It was even recently featured on a white label 12" a la remix style. This heavy acid laden funk driver should be played LOUD as fuck. It's meant to be hammered into your head. It WILL do you right. Enjoy the sunshine, baby.

Clout - Sunshine Baby

Townsend, Townsend, Townsend & Rogers

This album had quite a mystique around it within my collection. Mostly because I made a mix tape for a friend that featured "Wondering" and I honestly couldn't recall who the track was. The tape was made maybe 2002-2003, but it felt like hundreds of years ago. This fine friend who I had made the tape for asked me who this artist was, and I too pondered it for some time. Sometimes, knowing your own collection is essential, and sometimes not knowing your own collection can be like Christmas. When I finally re-discovered this, I realized the song had no similarities to the title (at least in my mind). I was looking for a song called "You Broke My Heart" or "Keep Coming Back". Go figure.

 A very richly produced debut LP, simmering in smooth harmonies and deep with soulful textures. Originally included in this notorious 'mixtape' for samples and beat making ideas, it holds it's own as a tasteful listen from start to finish. "Wondering" almost sounds as though the keyboard elements have already been run through the sampler, (don't know how they got that effect.. could be the Yamaha CP25) and "Bring It Down To The Real" actually sparks up in several places which I sampled into a song. 

Ed Townsend wrote hits in the 60's, worked with Phil Spector and co-wrote Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On". With that kind of background,  you'd be a fool to pass up what this family group had to offer. It amazes me how so many pieces of musical history are missing and it's a joy to put them together. I'm not sure if they had a follow up to this LP. Anyone know? The comments section is right below. 

I've selected the two best cuts from this LP, but it should be tracked down as an essential rare groove and sweet soul LP. Enjoy!

Townsend, Townsend, Townsend & Rogers - Wondering

Townsend, Townsend, Townsend & Rogers - Bring It Down To The Real

Don Thompson - Please Don't Make Yourself At Home

Here's a fave little ditty of mine. A fat funky robust little jam called "Please Don't Make Yourself At Home". There's many other good tunes on this LP, so maybe more to come, perhaps. But, please enjoy Don Thompson!

Don Thompson - Please Don't Make Yourself At Home

Z.Z. Hill - I Keep On Loving You

I've always been a huge fan of Z.Z. Hill. Whether it be 60's soul dancers like "You Don't Love Me", or the classic break beat funk of "I Think I'd Do It". He's always got something to offer, yet his heart is always rooted in a deep soulful blues. I grew up less than a full block from an extraordinary blues club. It was called Kee Sees' Lounge aka The 'Til Two Lounge. I used to smoke cigarettes on the roof and feel the blues bass lines bumping through ceiling. My first exposure to the blues was in this spot, and back in the early 80's he was still well known for performing there. The early 80's was thick with Blues in Oakland as it experienced a heyday like never before. 

ZZ put the funk in blues much like Lowell Fulsom or Junior Parker,

 but did it in his own sweet affectionate way. Here's the mid 70's track "Keep On Loving You" where he plays with strings and disco claps, yet still does it his way, in a down hearted funky blues fashion. This blues club took me under their wing, ushering me into a musical world deep with passion and love. Somehow they worked around age requirements by serving hot dogs, potato salad, and bbq ribs. I thank them from deep in my heart. Not only for the food, but the nourishment for my soul.

Z.Z. Hill - I Keep On Loving You

Sho-Nuff - Don't Use Me Up

This is a sweet tune. One of my favorites. I suppose it falls in the catagory of disco boogie. It seems Sho-nuff were another unknown group with great talent. This is a slick number. An uptight and funky tale about 'give and take' in relationships. Highlights include "You can be my wife, just don't take my life", "You're kinda crazy, but you're still my lady", "I despair, no good love affair", and "You can tease me, deceive me, don't use me up!".
I promise you'll be humming and singing by the end of first listen to this...

Sho-Nuff - Don't Use Me Up

Lalo Schifrin - Danube Incident

I was speaking to a friend of mine recently and she had no clue that Portishead's "Sour Times" was a complete rip-off of a Lalo Schrifin tune. Not her fault, in fact most folks have no idea how much music is re-worked, sampled, covered and stolen. Its our pleasure to do the research and un-earth jewels like this because we prefer hearing 'originals'. They sound better. We don't want to 'only' hear the watered down commercial radio interpretation. Sometimes we want that mainline shot to the head. The funk un-cut. Even if its not typically funk. So, it's long over due, and hardly cutting edge sample news, but never to late to expose this cut. Never too late to pay homage to a man who created multifaceted and texturally rich music, much of which we remember from TV shows and movies of the 60's and 70's. Taken from the 2nd volume, "More Mission Impossible" Lp.

Lalo Schifrin - Danube Incident

Escape From New York - Fire In My Heart

I know nothing about Escape From New York. But, I do know that this tune is a slammer and comes from an era where the boundaries of music were transparent. "Fire In My Heart" crosses over in and out of funk, disco and new wave. The punk, disco, new wave, and emerging hip hop scenes were all borrowing from each other (whether they knew yet, or not) and this record is to me, proof of that.

Escape From New York - Fire In My Heart

p.s. there is a slight bit of surface noise at the beginning. But, trust me.. it'll make your Serato sound that much more authentic.

Diggin' With My Daughter

The other night my daughter and I went for a walk to the store to get milk, butter, eggs or some other essential item. On the way we saw a big pile of junk. Its not like me to pass up such a golden opportunity to scavange. A closer look revealed that it was a pile of records, even better yet right? Yes, my favorite kind of junk. The records were all stuck together, watered damaged, mildew covered, and scratched all to hell. I just happened to be talking to my man John Blunk about various boogie cuts and started flipping through the pile. There were loads of interesting pieces, but usually not the time to come up on anything of value, just a time of research. Free records are always good to further ones education. In the pile were singles by Darrow Fletcher, Wanda Burt on Berkeley's own rare Music City label, "Unwind Yourself" by Marva Whitney an lp by the Aristocats, two 80's lp's by Barry White and Herb Alpert, and a twelve inch by Kim Larsen. The song is called "DONNEZ MOI DU FUR", although as you can see we could barely make out the label info. This tune is a devo-esque pop rock tune with art disco and new wave elements. My daughter danced away to it and I suppose she had her first intimate moment excited to discover something rare and new. Awesome. I'm raising a little crate digger. Truly a proud father moment.

Here's Kim Larsen's "Donnez Moi Du Fur" for what it's worth. We enjoy the zany, the unconventional, and the not yet explored hopefully you will too.

Kim Larsen - Donnez Moi Du Fur

Sweater Funk - Mid Tempo Night

A special night featuring our interplanetary future funk leader Dam Funk, and a special tribute to those mid tempo slammers we all love. We indulged our folks with all the slow, grinding, funk bombs we never get to play out. Dam was in town for a Feb. 14th Valetines gig and stopped by to contribute on our Mid Tempo Night fashioned after his own Mid Tempo Nights at 'Funkmosphere' in LA.

The plan was to indulge and educate whoever we could entrap in that dungeon known as the Lipo Lounge. We knew it would be a packed house so why not keep folks captive to the groove? Let the education commence! Everything Mid Tempo is here... Don Blackmon, Teddy Pendegrass, Shalamar, Mike Francis, Shock, Pleasure, Randell & Schippers, Flowchart, Satellite, Glass, Garfield Flemming, the elusive Pyramid Plus 45 and many, many others. We apologize for the sound quality and poor volume on Dam's mike. But, this is a chance to hear something that should not be missed. So, quality or not, this is Dam and a few of the Sweater Funk Crew truly in our element. We are in heaven rockin' the mellow vibe, we hope you feel it too.

You can faintly hear the crowd in the mix, but we assure you the enthusiasm was exceptional that night. Everyone was feeling these grooves and it WAS the party of a lifetime. Here's that fateful Feb. 15th 2009 at the Lipo now shared with you!

Dam_Funk_Sweaterfunk_.mp3