Prelude - Take It From Me

UK act Prelude bring us this enjoyable folk pop album. I originally started to do this post with just one track, but honestly feel it's better to represent their sound with a few cuts from this LP. They're a brilliant act with sweet harmonies and a well rounded jingly touch to their own brand of AM rock.

This is some Pina Colada and 'walkin' in the rain' music for sure.

This sound won't be for everybody, but represents the diversity in the music in which we love on this site. A lot of this same style of music was harvested by Leonora, who started a night called 'Smile' in San Francisco.  Two Years ago when I DJ'ed there it had transformed quite a bit and was a completely different animal. Respect is due to 'Leo' for not only starting that night, but for also diggin in the crates for rare folk, pop, rock, and hippy stuff from the 70's. I was sold on first listen, and thought of her when I found this in a junk shop record pile.

I've included the first three songs from side B, just because they moved me the most, and I've also included the first song on side A. 'Take It From Me' is by far the best song on this LP, yet there's a variety in these songs. From the 'funky-lite' style in 'The Night That New York Cried' (easy a second best) and 'Woman To Love' to the Jesus Christ Superstar-ish jam 'I Was Born To Sing Your Song' (a strong third best on the LP) they've got the 70's late night lite rock vibe covered.

In ripping these songs I made a slight error in tagging them. I mistakenly misread the date from LP label.  In the track ID tags I entered 1978 as the year this LP was released, but it was in fact released in 1976. I'm off to track down any other good Prelude LP's and if you know anything about this group, please I encourage you to share!


Prelude - The Night That New York Cried
Prelude - Take It From Me
Prelude - I Was Born To Sing Your Song
Prelude - Woman To Love

Muscle Shoals Horns - Addicted To Your Love

I've been looking for opportunities to traverse the blog into the rock and pop direction for a while.  I picked up some really nice rock records on the last digging excursion, and judging from the above banner that I made, you can easily guess I'm ready to go. I'm super excited about the stuff I've found and can't wait to share. But, first...

I gotta indulge in another wicked slow funk burner. These cats were obviously from Muscle Shoals, Alabama and they've played with the likes of everyone from Elton John to Parliament-Funkadelic. So, the connection to the rock world is there, but just like even the rock stuff I post it will probably have a 'whole lot' of soul. Starting off as a mostly studio band, their next move was recording a few LP's in the 70's. Originally known as the Fame Gang, their studio session work list reads like a dream team of soul heroes. With the complete package as the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section they recorded with Joe Tex, Wilson Pickett, Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Candi Stanton, and Otis Redding. Those are just a few of the bigger names. The smaller and lesser known artists they recorded with you will find throughout this blog. Basically I'm a huge fan of the sound, and most soul lovers feel the same. Incredible stuff from this part of the world, and these guys became legends.

This is a prime example of their tasty and smooth brass touch. Throughout all of their albums the horns are simply wicked. I don't think I can compare them. The spaced out trippiness of this song sets the mood of a hazy and seedy addiction. Off set with delicious synthesisers and swirling strings it's become a rare groove anthem. Amidst the echoing and dripping wall of sound they create with this track, they do something they didn't do much of on earlier LP's, sing. Harrison Calloway takes the lead on this one, and I'm thankful he graced the mic. The backing vocals are really nice too. On later LP's (and up until the 80's) they featured more and more singing. That helped both to define their sound and make songs like this that were vocal driven possible. Edging out and away from studio 'sounding' stuff into the fuller works of the soul spectrum.

This tune never fails to get practically everybody swaying back and forth and singing 'baby, I'm addicted' every time it gets played. True funk anthem material here. Aside from the 80's funk bombs they offer, this is probably the sickest track you can find by these guys. Usually it's a dollar bin find, but it's getting much, much harder to find these days. As is everything else that's good.


Muscle Shoals Horns - Addicted To Your Love

Superior Movement - Wide Shot

Superior Movement's 'Wide Shot' 45 could possibly have been one of the very first boogie 45's that I started spinning with. It's an 80's funk classic and thanks to proper distribution back then most folks seem to know about it now.  Not rare, but still hard to come by in good shape. This song, in a bouncy groove, is the kind of jam I will always be a sucker for. Something about the simple orchestration of an array of synthesisers. This albums title cut, 'The Key To Your Heart' is tasty too... a slow, creeping funk ballad from these Chicago Brothers. A few other songs stand out as well and the LP had sky high potential written all over it.

Stanley Ratliff's book 'A Dream, A Goal, Never a Reality' tells the story of the bands climb to success and tragic fall. The 'Movement's' battle with the record industry's dishonesty, excursions into drugs, and prison time are all chronicled in the book. The band had a knack for rockin' a party and prove just that in this live clip of Wide Shot. This band had endless potential. Just a shame it was the case of another short lived career.

Even though it was widely released on 45 and 12", there was never an instrumental version of the 80's funk boogie classic 'Wide Shot' actually released by Superior Movement, but there was this. Lazerock's 'Ballad Of Mr T' has an instrumental version and the story behind how the groove from this song made it into Lazerock, might be revealed in the book.

If you're reading this....
To all the cats in Superior Movement, all the funkateers and disco cats all over the world love your shit. If you are part of Superior Movement, hit us up! We want to see you rock the spot one more time. Just like in the ole days.


Superior Movement - Wide Shot

Ago - Good Time

I have been meaning to get around to this for ages. This has been one of my favorite Italo pieces EVER.  This entire LP is earth quaking robust synth disco madness. It sounds as though its the undiscovered 'Chic' LP with killer backing vocals and some of the tightest drums, bass, and guitar you've heard since 'Risqué'. If you don't know about it, now ya know. Although this is going to take an acquired taste. More Italo with heavy accents but, it works in the album's favor. Certain phrases sound even better when they are not quite grammatically correct. For example this song is obviously about 'Good Times' yet the song lyrics repeat 'We're gonna have good time' and so on. In another instance there's a song on this LP called 'Stop Your Life' and although it appears to be about suicide, it's really about a plea for a romantic affair. Strange yet particularly odd and beautiful. I've been gaga about this LP for about 3-4 years now and its been a secret weapon of mine in the crates. I can't recommend this highly enough, it's really solid from start to finish.

The comparison with Chic doesn't fall short of the title 'Good Time'. This LP is drenched in Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers like hot fudge on a sundae. At one point the singers chant 'I need your love, I need... your love' and I rest my case. The whole things is bright and electric. Most of the tracks are just how I like my boogie, serious heat produced loud and clear and all pack a mean ass punch.

There's not much information on AGO and even though 'For You' seems to be incredibly popular both in Italy and throughout the world, I have not found any videos or footage of these songs. Despite the desire for other songs from this era, this is the entire body of his work. A few things trailed this LP, but they are all pretty bad. A few of these songs came out on 12" and one is extended a few minutes, but no interesting b-side or non-album tracks have surfaced as of yet.

Ago's real name is Agostino Presta and true die hard Italo fans will know the incredible Cavalieri team is behind the curtain on this album. That is also who was behind the recent post I made for the group Nexus. This is also one of the prime works of Luciana Cirrillo, Michele Violante and a few others from other famed Italo group The Rainbow Team and the utterly amazing Electric Mind.

Get the whole album, it's WICKED.

Ago - Good Time

Steven - Quick

So... the master blaster himself, the leader of the new generation funk, the innovator, the king pin pimp of sexy and the artist formerly known as...yes, you guessed it...PRINCE is playing in my town tonight. Two nights at Oakland Oracle Arena, of which tonight, Wednesday is his second show. Dang! I wish I could see him!! I mean DAYUM! Even though I'm not the biggest Prince fan in the world, come on! you gotta love Prince! I still know what a rock, funk and soul god this guy is. I mean, shit! When was the last time he played here? Ten or fifteen years ago? Crazy right? And, when will he play again? What really made me chuckle was he booked two nights separated by one day. Probably because he likes to party sooooo damn hard. One show, one day of partying, it makes sense right? I'm laughing out loud.

Prince being in town made me think about other groups and artists also from his home town of Minneapolis. Like The Time, Terry Lewis and Jimmy Jam, they all hailed from that area.
It also happens to be that this other 12 inch that I've been luggin' around is also from this same area.
This fine instrumental by Steven called 'Quick' is a good example of early Minneapolis 80's funk.
'Quick' is the flip side to 'Invitation Only' on the rare Rich Records label. It's a tasty almost under developed groove with sparse vocals in the beginning and instrumental throughout the rest. Except for the amazing and lovely whispers sprinkled here and there. Thumbs up all the way! What's so completely wicked is the syncopated bass groove, slapping away, hitting back and forth. If this kind of synth sound can be described as a space fart (which I've heard the term used before) then this song has a bad case of diarrhea. But, we like it. LOVE it. This case of space diarrhea is a truly good thing.

Steven - Quick

Roy Hamilton And Capiche - Turn Up The Music

On a happy vibe with Capiche for this lovely Tuesday post. I don't know much about Capiche, but it's obvious to me that their influences lie some where between Ray Parker Jr. and George Benson. It's soft rhythmical vocal sweetness. For the record, this is not the same Roy Hamilton known as the golden boy of song, as he passed away in 1969. This heater from 1984 is on the HBS label. Again, I know little to nothing about the label or this artist, just that it's really good. The phrase 'Nice One Big Dave' on the label is a reference to Dave McAleer, who was among many things a mogul of the British music scene. Dave was also one the UK's first club Deejays and oddly enough became the manger for The Rah Band.

Roy Hamilton And Capiche - Turn Up The Music

Nexus - Stand Up (Instrumental)

Although I really like the vocal version of this song, I had to up the instrumental for the fans of quality electro and proto-house music. It's a really great tune and stands well on it's own without the vocals.
I'm usually a fan of italo tunes with vocals yet, I notice a lot of DJ's that play this kind of italo usually side with the instrumental versions. Sad because sometimes the vocal version have such clever melodies and usual approach. Again, this has been a big point of mine, but you'd have to have an interest in slightly off components in vocals. The italo touch on vocals usually means heavy accents and mispronounced English. Something I've truly grown to absolutely LOVE.
Another thing that is so incredibly great about italo like this, is that even though it's raging hot disco, super slick funk, and banging soulfulness... it's so devastatingly the undeniable 'roots' of new wave. 
The snappy rapid fire kick drum brings to mind the proceeding New Order jam 'Blue Monday'. The piano sets the cloud gliding mood like an unreleased Scritti Politti song. That constant arpeggiated synth rests this tune in the electro hall of fame for sure. Just a nice tune. One that I've been wanting to around to posting. One for my fans of italo disco!

Nexus - Stand Up (Instrumental)

Oliver Sain - On The Hill

My first experience with Oliver Sain was somewhat checkered. I had a relatively bad first few outings when discovering his records. His first record that I found was 'Blue Max', a really cool 'looking' record with hip people on the cover dancing in some sporty dance spot. Turned out to not be the greatest of albums, probably third on his list of three LP's for my tastes. Yet, this was an album that registered a few hits for him with 'Party Hearty' and 'She's A Disco Queen' but quite possibly ended his disco efforts at the time. Then, if luck had meant for us to not meet again, I found 'Bus Stop'. Also looked promising, featuring a double exposure of people getting on a bus. This LP also had a few songs that charted for him including 'Booty Bumpin' and the title track. This LP 'Bus Stop' also prompted a UK tour and wider exposure. Again, looked a lot cooler than it actually was. Not to say that it wasn't good, just not mind melting instrumental heavy weight funk, which was what I was really looking for at that time.

Keep this in mind...these LP's are all amazing works of groove jazz and discofied funk. All of them are top notch. When I say I wasn't initially impressed, please keep in mind I am SUPER picky. Then, finally at last, I found it, the one LP with not just one, but two incredible tracks. Both a bad ass jazz funk instrumental and a deep funk club tune were on there. I couldn't believe it. Finally I had found the one and only grail of Oliver Sain. Again, not to discredit his other offerings, I have them all and don't want to part with them, so that says a lot. But, like I mention...this one LP had the 'real' head nodders and the dance floor packer as well.
So, As it turns out, I discovered these LP's in the opposite order that they were released. This LP 'Main Man' was the first to be issued in 1972.  Then 'Bus Stop' in '74 and 'Blue Max' in '75.
 
'On The Hill' is such heavy mood piece. It slithers around like a anaconda seeking prey. Just raunchy funk. This is great soundtrack material, could have easily complimented any exploitation flick. Hip hop producers seem to agree with me, as this track has been sample a few times. A big broad bodacious mood with funk texture for miles.
The other track from this LP is the classic funk DJ spin 'St. Louis Breakdown' in which he mentions San Francisco! Both 'On The Hill' and 'St. Louis Breakdown' saw release on 45 as well as on this album.
Oliver was vital to St. Louis music history and continued to work and perform there until his battle with bone and bladder cancer was lost in 2003. He started out as a drummer and played with Little Milton, Sonny Boy Williamson and Howlin' Wolf in the wee wee early days. He later got into producing and recording and ignited the careers of Fontella Bass and Bobby McClure. Then he took to the Saxophone, recorded these LP's and never put the sax down. He also has an interesting LP from 1981 on Houston Connection Recording Corporation label which has some funky moments and some tasty sounds thanks to the ARP Synthesizer.
All in all, Oliver's contributions were high in quantity and his efforts well received. I started out probably with his most watered down and eventually got right on down to the real heavy weight nuggets with his best. Now, I appreciate his work as a whole, and as a whole lot of great sound.
Check out this cool little local St. Louis TV bit on him...
KETC - Living in St. Louis with Oliver Sain
It's cool how he mentions being into the music for the satisfaction and reward of helping another artist towards success, especially because he probably made very little money.  Either way...Oliver Sain we appreciate YOU!! Rest in Peace! We'll honor you up on the hill!!

Oliver Sain - On The Hill

Nel Oliver - You Are My Dream

Okay, so with a day off in my schedule I've had some extra time on my hands. Great chance to get ahead of the posts here on the blog. So, I'm gonna post a few tracks today, if time permits. Or rather, as many songs as time will allow.
Nel Oliver is a french recording artist probably of African or West indies descent. He's made some fairly amazing LP's all super hard to find over here, but more available in France. This LP, probably his easiest to find overseas, has several nice tracks all in this kind of sleepy soulful style. A groovy mellow sounding soul style is what Nel captures on this album. Another instance of excellence in lyrics sung in English yet soaked in worldly accent. NICE! There are several good treats on here...'Mama Mother', 'I Got A Flash', 'Heart Of The Ghetto' and this tune. Nel produced and recorded many artists over a long period of time at his recording studio. He's been a huge promoter and supporter of African music. He's also a big proponent of anti-piracy. Let's hope he understands his appearance here is strictly promotional.

Nel Oliver - You Are My Dream

James Brown - Funky President

Nothing too unusual or 'special' about this particular Monday. Just hungover from a wild night and another incredible party at Sweaterfunk. Epic music and massive turnout. Hard to move in there last night. Nothing much on the agenda for today though. Just chilling with the wife at home and glad we're both enjoying a day off. Gonna just lay in bed and watch the tele. Later on I'm hoping to catch my new favorite TV addiction...Brick City. Not sure I can say what it is I like about the show, but oddly it fits with this Presidents day. I'm having a tough time really understanding all the animosity towards it's focal point character mayor Corey Booker and our own President on this holiday. Sure, I get the points that all my friends and associates (that are far more political than me) make and they are all valid, but wouldn't we be in a far bigger heap of a mess with McCain? It's a no brainer. I mean, at least look at how far we have come. We got a black President now! Take that energy from MLK day and spread some love. If you wanna make some changes, get active and DO IT.  I understand what people are bitchin' about...he's been soft, slippery and out right lied. Backing out of deals, selling us up the river, and breakin promises. But, it's a far cry from the way things would have been. And, I still have faith. Call me naive, clueless, and un-informed but I still believe he is making a change and a difference. I think it has got to be hard as volcano rock to make some changes, and even harder after the Bush massacre. Seeing Corey Booker on Brick City makes me understand just how hard things can be to effectively bring about change.
I'm treading in unfamiliar water here, I'm not very political and don't want to get all into politics on this blog..but hey..  Let us honor the current pres for the good he has done, along with honoring the past President's on this Monday. Ya with me?
So, onto this track...

Not rare, just damn good funk. Party classic really. Back in the day, oh about 10 years ago now, this was a staple in my sets. From the Godfather James Brown of course. I have pictures and posters of this guy all over my house. George Clinton once gave JB the presidential endorsement in the song Chocolate City. And, if he were still here (and running), I'd be voting for 'im. JB has changed my life and been the blueprint for most of what I'm into. I think he's done just the same for many a funkateer worldwide. Both then and now. Would things have been the same without James? Hard to imagine really. Would someone else had discovered and pioneered the funk like him? Probably, but ya gotta give credit where credits due!
Funny how many of the things said in this song are still true and meaningful today. We have indeed come so very far, but many things have remained the same. Even as high of a regard as I have for James Brown, I still know he was a tyrant and Clyde Stubblefield has not made a dime. It's tough when you're a Funky President. Still like James sings... 'People let's get together' 'We need to make some change around here'

James Brown - Funky President

David Sea - Night After Night

In the 80's David Sea was asked to join the Temptations and yet he passed on the opportunity to continue with his solo career. During that career he made excellent tracks like this, and pushed his excellent caliber of soul music right on through the 2 thousands. Many often speculate that he was born a decade late, wondering what would have happened for him in the 60's and 70's soul era. Regardless of his timezone, David has stood out with exemplary talent. In 2007 we saw two of his tunes, previously unreleased, issued on a 7 inch and put out on the Shotgun label. Both 'Let's Just Get Together' and 'Believe In Me' are fine examples of his early work. David released a contemporary LP in 2006... Check this clip for a nice contemporary soul jam with some awesome footage of the Atlanta Steppers Club. He's now currently on tour with The Temptations and still is very active recording today.

Actually I 'just' nabbed this tune and I'm happy to play it tonight at Sweaterfunk. If you're in the area don't miss it. It's a holiday tomorrow, and should be mad.

This tune was also featured on Eddy Funkster's newest mix. He's put together some of the rarest boogie funk 45's for his 'Comin' At Ya' mix. It's a list of 45's to make any modern soul and boogie funk collector drool with envy. Understand, this homie don't play. I've seen nothing but quality come from this bro, and he packs serious heat in his DJ bag.

He starts out with one of the rarest of the rare, one of thee most coveted, the Pyramid Plus 45. A tune that we were planning on posting here, just exactly as he has done...with the instrumental version! Since that doesn't surface nearly as often on blogs. Nicely done Eddy Funkster aka DJ U-Ome!
I find our interests in boogie are parallel and we often have the same records in our crates, same tunes we're buggin' about, and after the same rare shit. Aside from making usual appearances at 'Funkmosphere' and making these killer mixes, he's deep into dub step. We hope to have him at Sweaterfunk soon again sometime. To catch him in his hometown of Los Angeles just keep your ears and eyes wide open.

Eddy Funkster Aka DJ U-Ome - Comin' At Ya

David Sea - Night After Night

Glass - Getty Up

Probably one of my favorite electro boogie LP's ever. This tune 'Getty Up' uses some nice vocoder and has a bubbly robotic feel. I think this was just used by Onra for a tune, but I can't verify. It's not that I can't buy the new stuff, I just haven't had a chance yet. Actually most of my cash is tied up in buying 'old stuff' at the moment. Give it 15 to 20 years and I'll be struggling to find a rare 12 inch from 2009. If even that long. This is one tune with some very clean backing vocals. Favorite part...when the bridge comes and they sing 'getty-up to-the-beat' ...very nice indeed. It does kind of bubble doesn't it? This is some serious space port action, gear up into your space suit, check your lunar landing gear, type of future funk.

Glass had this one LP and a few 12 inch releases, one of which 'Bedrock', was a minor hit for them. They were from Houston, Texas and this LP came out in 1983 on the Houston Connection Recording Corporation label. John Williams headed Glass and after the band broke up, he recorded and released several records under the names Mikki Bleu and Jonnie Baby.
You should really seek out his LP for the other tracks that are in the same vein as this tune. 'Bedrock', 'What's Your Name' and 'Stomp' are all slamming. It's a solid LP of well rounded boogie funk.
Now. Getty up to the beat. Pronto.


Glass - Getty Up

James Moore - As A Nation

Like a sweet love hangover from Valentines day this tune comes as your gentle wake up music for the day. Because of our 2 year anniversary and it being Valentines Day Weekend I didn't get around to delving into more gospel music like I had wanted to. Although now it seems a bit funny because we're approaching almost a full week since then. There's been a pause in my postings and in most of my 'other' work due to some wicked head aches. I hope I've got beyond the worst of it, hopefully attributing them to some bad caffeine withdrawals.

So, on the cusp of the holiday of love...here in comes Mr. James Moore... The Reverend to be exact. From a remarkable LP coated with incredible soulfulness and amazing tunes. It's not a hard record to come by, and I think it's been re-issued a few times. It may even be available to download via itunes.
This brings into light what is actually 'in' a great gospel LP. Thankfully it's about positivity and Love. In fact, in this song, it carries on for quite a bit near the end about nothin' but L.O.V.E. so it seems fitting as our first song post-V-day. I really recommend this entire LP. There's so many other worthy tunes on here....the amazing 'I'll never, never, give up', the moving 'Brothers and sisters, I will be praying for you' and this monster groover 'As A Nation'. 'Nation' is mellow sunshine groove ripe for the summer days in the park, boasting a nice positive message. The parallels in Gospel to soul music find this tune inspired by Marvin Gaye's 'Inner City Blues' or 'What's Going On'. I suppose that's what's been so enjoyable about surfacing all this gospel music lately. Again, like I've pointed out before, it's that mostly uncovered and unexplored, secret missing chapter of American soul music. Hope you enjoy...


Oh, fuck it! I'm gonna have to do something I rarely do, or rather try to avoid where ever possible. I'm gonna have to post two songs from this. I can't just narrow it down to just the one. You really must here the title cut 'Brothers And Sisters' as well. So, here we go.
So, here's both 'As A Nation' and the title tune 'Brothers And Sisters, I Will Pray For You'

Hallelujah!!!

James Moore - As A Nation

James Moore - Brothers And Sisters, I Will Pray For You

The Charmels - As Long As I've Got You

Happy Valentines Day from us here at Soundboutique to you.
No tune better exemplifies a sweet heart Valentine's gift in musical form to me. This song rocks it on so many levels. It appeases me on at least three different levels I can think of. For one, it brings me back to another era of hip hop that was truly innovative, fresh, and still creative. Wu tang sampled this song and many others like it that didn't fit the usual characteristics of sample material of the times. Their samples weren't typically funky, they ignored lead vocals that often overlapped into the beat, and mainly used samples from northern, southern and sweet soul genres. At the time of their debut LP that sampled this song no one was doing what they were. On the second hand, this is from the legendary Stax and Volt label and has a signature stamp of soul ingredients that many a soul collector have loved and treasured like no other label. Not to mention it's one of the rarer releases on the volt label. It's a beautifully recorded song, orchestrated and composed like a sunbeam from a cloud straight out of soul heaven. Everything out of Stax and Volt had incredible promise, endless talent and amazing musicianship. Thirdly, this song typifies the 'oldies' sound to me, works well bumpin out of the bombs cruising up and down the boulevard, and stands on it's own as a perfected jewel of songwriting. 'As Long As I've Got You' is quite possibly the best soul song I've ever heard. It's been re-issued, bootlegged, sampled, covered, comped, and remastered countless times. To only further prove my three before mentioned points...it's mutually loved by the 'Oldies' fanatics, coveted by crate diggin' hip hop heads, and highly regarded by deep soul enthusiasts. Loved on so many levels and desired by many a record hunter. I have it, but I'm always wishing I will find it again in a cleaner condition. It cascades through several almost perfect changes almost like a psychedelic dream. It's hard to figure where it's going on first listen, and by the time you figure it out, it's all over. I'd listen to this jam over and over. Man, I wish I could listen to the master reels on this one...It'd be great to extend it and dub it out. At least that hasn't been done yet.

Eula Jean Rivers, Mary Hunt, Mildred Pratchett, and Barbara McCoy

So, The Charmels got together roughly in 1966 and quickly disbanded a few years later. After a few 45 releases amounting to 4-6 songs and a few member changes they broke up. None of these songs ever yielded them any success and it was many years later when that story changed. Hard to say if any surviving members made any royalty cash from the Wu's C.R.E.A.M. single, but the respect and appreciation is undeniable. After Wu-tangs treatment, the El Michels Affair took a turn and burned out a nice instrumental version. I've also heard there's another version by a soul girl group that covered it a few years later, somewhere around 1971, but I have yet to hear it.


Some of the members were in the Dixiebelles and they were with the Sound Stage Seven label in the late 50's and early 60's. They then formed The Tonettes and recorded a few singles for the Volt label. Thank goodness for the 'Complete Stax/Volt Singles' for being so 'complete' and if you're interested, you can easily hear the Tonettes and Charmels offerings in the highest quality CD format in those box sets. Like I mentioned above, they formed in 1966, but had several change in members from then until 68. I'm not entirely sure who is picture tod the right, in this photo, but I'm pretty sure the names fit with the above picture. If you have more history on this fine group, knew them, or were in this group.. please get a hold of us.... we want to talk to you. We hope to feature more by the Charmels in the future, and also track down this notorious 'other' version of this song.

The Charmels - As Long As I've Got You

Cardell Funk Machine - Shoot Your Shot

With it being Sunday you think it'd be time to ride the gospel train again, but I've got deeper funkier places to take you. The slow seedy funk of Cardell's Funk Machine seems fitting. This is raunchy drop top 80's funk, is perfect for cruising. The beat is mellow and the mood is pimperific. Fantastic analog dripping synthesisers over slapped up bass lines. It's sloppy, atmospheric, and down right rude. I don't think I've heard a stripped down bass and drum track sound so nasty.

This was another one I wanted to share for the anniversary party. There's some bacon gettin' cooked up around the beginning of the song. It's not mint, a bit scratchy really, but because it's so majorly rare I think its ok. I've heard that even Mr. Cardell doesn't have a copy. However, I know he's struck a deal with PPU and made a little cash from this slice of funk. I know the folks at PPU take care of thier folks and have honest business practices, something I think needs commending. I think many artists are getting more these days then when these tunes first came out. I know I bought my first copy of this on the PPU label, and maybe that's a way to ensure they get a piece of the action. I'm struggling with figuring out a way some of the artists that get exposure on this blog can make a dime or two. I'll figure it out, but I wouldn't want to scare people away with a fee. For now, we'll just stick to spreading the good word on artists that need exposure, and sharing a few offerings in hopes that consumers will hunt down and/or buy what IS available. We'll come up with something for the site though.... For now, we'll just continue to pay tribute instead of paying fees.



Cardell Funk Machine - Shoot Your Shot

Freedom - Sunshine

In hope of continuing the celebration of our 2 year anniversary I come bearing gifts. Just so happens to be a track that Cool Chris has blessed us here locally with for some time now. Well, I've finally got my hands on one and now I'm giving it to you.

On the surface, its a great funk track, almost a bit typical sounding in it's formula. Definitely a monster of a funk tune. But, once it reaches the crescendo and the backing vocals take those 'sunshine' harmonies you'll realize there's more to it.  Sweet horns and some jazzy almost fretless sounding guitar riffs contribute to making this more than your average funk 45. It's a bit jazzy and just the right touch of sweetness.

'Sunshine' is the flip side to 'Can't You See' by Freedom on what seems to be their own label. Don't think this group had any other releases and never got a chance to record a full LP.
Just a great little tune. Big thanks to Cool Chris for banging this one out whenever he plays records.


Freedom - Sunshine

Happy Anniversary - Here's EVERYTHING!

It's now been two years of Soundboutique. Here's all the goodies thus far, starting from oldest to newest, more or less.
It's a good place to start if you are just joining us...a quickie way to get all the songs we've posted over the last two years.
So much more to come and I'm super excited about all that we have to share in the upcoming year.

Cheers, and as always...ENJOY!


The Cool Notes - You're Never Too Young
The Cool Notes - I Don't Wanna Stop
The Cool Notes - My Love Is Hot
Kay Gardner - Inner Mood 1
Kay Gardner - Touching Souls
Kay Gardner - Inner Mood 2
Kay Gardner - Lunamuse
Night Force - Hold The Night
Night Force - Nath
Don Goodwin - This is your song
Eddie 'Ski' White - Baby Be Mine
Casco - Cybernetic Love
La Bionda - I Wanna Be Your Lover
Ayisha - Space Man
One Way - Get Up
Gwen McCrae - All This Love That I'm Giving
Nohelani Cypreano - Lihue
Mtume - Hips
Satellite - You're The One I Love
OFS Unlimited - Mr. Kidneys
Supersempfft - Let's Beam Him Up
Neon - Skydiver
Rachel Sweet - It's So Different Here
Mary Love Comer - Come Out Of The Sandbox
The Funk Masters - It's Over
Willie Rosario - Que Humanidad
Jones Girls - Nights Over Egypt
Dam_Funk_Sweaterfunk_.mp3
Kim Larsen - Donnez Moi Du Fur
Escape From New York - Fire In My Heart
Lalo Schifrin - Danube Incident
Sho-Nuff - Don't Use Me Up
Z.Z. Hill - I Keep On Loving You
Don Thompson - Please Don't Make Yourself At Home
Townsend, Townsend, Townsend & Rogers - Wondering
Townsend, Townsend, Townsend & Rogers - Bring It Down To The Real
Clout - Sunshine Baby
Lynsey de Paul - Sugar Me
Ricky Clark - Flam
Ricky Clark - Flam (Instrumental)
The Mobley Gang - Groove For You
Junior Byron - Woman
Ish - Faster Than A Speeding Bullit
Ish - Don't StopJan Hammer - Don't You Know
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
Daniel Sahuleka - Ev'rybody Feel the Groove
Mike Francis - Night time lady
Mike Francis - This love
Mike Francis - Let's not talk about it
Mike Francis - Survivor 
Funky - Funky Stop
Faith, Hope and Charity - To Each His Own
10cc - Worst Band In The World
US 69 - Im A Nobody
US 69 - Yesterdays Folks
US 69 - I Hear You Talkin
US 69 - 2069 A Spaced Oddity
Suzy And The Red Stripes - Seaside Woman
Erkin Koray - Estarabim
Assagai - I'll Wait For You
Pure Pleasure - By My Side
Skye - Ain't No Need
Dwayne Omarr - This Party's Jam Packed
Van Twist - Hot Wax
Mass Production - Bopp
Barrabas - It
Standing Room Only - Star From The Sky
Chris Mba - Funky Situation
Ivan Neville - Dance Your Blues Away
Phill And Friends Band - This Man
Indigo - Be Strong
Zazu - Captain Starlight
Ganymed - Black Hole Five
Amadeo - Real Magic
Willie Mitchell - Bum Daddy
Willie Mitchell - That Driving Beat
The Barons - Making It Better
Bobby Franklin's Insanity - Bring It On Down
Eddie Bo & Inez Cheatham - Lover And A Friend
Sylvia - Sho 'nuff Boogie
Pink Rhythm - Melodies Of Love
American Gypsy - Inside Out
American Gypsy - Stuck On You
Hummingbird - You Can't Hide Love
Lyman Woodard - Creative Musicians
Eilijah Rock - Piece Of The Rock
Luther Davis Group - To Be Free
Rasa - Questions In My Mind
The Gospel Miracles - Building Up Myself
Percy And Artie Space Band - Funk With You
Charles Veal - If You Ever Need Somebody
Ultimate Choice - Get it Up
Ultimate Choice - It's Hot
Blue Feather - Shadows Of The Night
Soft Touch - Plenty Action
Danny Williams - Rat Race
Jady Kurrent Band - Standing There
Sound Advice - Keep On Getting Up
Jaye Williams - Let Me Be The One
Ben E. King - Spoiled
Freddie Hughes - Sarah Mae
Vera Hamilton - But I Ain't No More
Erma Franklin - Can't See My Way
Dwight Thompson - My Woman Is Calling
The Suttons - So Good
Sweet Stuff - Freaky To You
Linda Lewis - Peter's Garden
Linda Lewis - The Same Song
Linda Lewis - Donkey's Years
Linda Lewis - Spring Song
Linda Lewis - Reach For The Truth
Linda Lewis - It's The Frame
Linda Lewis - Feeling Feeling
Daniel Sahuleka - It's Beautiful
Matata - I Want You
Matata - I Feel Funky
Matata - Talkin' Talkin'
Matata - Gimme Some Lovin'
Erwin Bouterse & Roetoe - Groovy Weekend
Dizzy K - You
Ananda Shankar - Streets Of Calcutta
Shuggie Otis - Ice Cold Daydream
Andy Kim - It's Your Life
1. Fat Back - What Do You Want From Me
2. Fat Back - Take Your Time
Hugh Prestwood - Like A Children's Song
The Shocking Blue - Inkpot
Cuby And The Blizzards - Your Body Not Your Soul
Heaven And Earth - Feel The Spirit
Herb Geller - The Power Of A Smile
The Loading Zone - I Can't Please You
Linda Tillery - Freedom Time
Dennis Landry - Sing My Song
Tatsuro Yamashita - Solid Slider
Frieda Nichols - Sweet Peter
Kevin Johnson - You Walked Out On Me
Dynasty - Adventures In The Land Of Music
The Temptations - Since I Lost My Baby
The Metros - Since I Found My Baby
General Johnson - Don't Walk Away
The Orlons - South Street
The Bobbettes - Zoomy
Sweet Linda Divine - I'll Say It Again
Search - Is It Love
Bobby Bland - I Wouldn't Treat A Dog (The Way You Treated Me)
Broken Glass - Rather Me Than You
Lemi Aso - The Beginning
Yello - Bimbo
Gasfire - Is Our Life
Plustwo - Stop Fantasy
Fonzi Thorton - I Work For A Living
Captain Beefheart - Diddy Wah Diddy
The Poppy Family - There's No Blood In Bone
Gabor Szabo - Galatea's Guitar
Gabor Szabo - Walking On Nails
Gabor Szabo - Raga Doll
Antonio Carlos E Jocafi - Kabaluere
Jerella Hope - Funk '79
Three Ounces Of Love - Give Me Some Feeling
Three Ounces Of Love - Bet You'll Come Running
Three Ounces Of Love - In The Middle Of The Feeling
Three Ounces Of Love - Today Will Soon Be Yesterday
J.P.'s Force - Time To Throw Down
Act III - Love Power
Sam Marris - Are You Gonna Stand There
Veno - Nigeria Go Survive
Mary McCreary - Singing The Blues (Raggae)
Laura Lee - Crumbs Off The Table
The Meadows Brothers - I've Tried It All
Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell - Baby Don'tcha Worry
Eldridge Holmes - Pop, Popcorn Children
Jackson Southernaires - Give It To Me Jesus
'Jimmie And Vella Cameron - Be Fair To Me'
The Faith Band - Riding High
Ned Doheny - Get It Up For Love
Char - Shinin' You Shinin' Day
Odyssey - Our Lives Are Shaped By What We Love
Mellaa - Free
Now 'N - The Bomb
Vandales - Feeling Freaky (soundboutique edit)
The Floaters Feat. Shu-Ga - Make It Hot
The Equals - Mystic Syster
The Equals - Diversion
The Equals - My Life Ain't Easy
Eddy Grant - Nobody's Got Time (Torpedo LP version)
Eddy Grant - Nobody's Got Time (1980 version)
Eddy Grant - Stone Cold Cat (Torpedo LP version)
The Harold Smith Majestics - Lord, Help Me To Hold Out
Warren Burris - Get Up Off Your Love
Mac Thornhill - Boogie Fire
Exit 9 - Miss Funky Fox
The New Establishment - Ridin' High

The New Establishment - Ridin' High

I scored this at one of the better record shops in San Francisco for 5 bucks. Granted it was a while ago, but still such a great shop. Wonderful really. I'm talking about none other than Rooky Ricardo's on Haight street of course. The shop is run by Dick Vivien. Dick's been supplying the local area with soul flavor for ages. I've been going there for as far back as I can remember. It's always a great shop to hit up, and I've always found good stuff there. You have to be willing to get on your knees (no pun intended) to scour and search through the endless piles. But, I've found some goodies in the stacks. Dick is always willing to keep an eye out for anything you're looking for and often is a great resource. I would imagine it's hard for him to remember everything you're after, but he definitely knows his music and will always try.

Dick is also quite the dance enthusiast and will show you how to do the Football, or the Madison, or the Funky Broadway, or the Funky Chicken..exactly how it was done back then. He's actually given dance lessons at the store. He's full of great ideas and that helps keep music alive and fresh at his shop. KOFY TV 20 had a dance show on Sunday mornings (or, was it Saturdays?) and I used to see him dancing on that show. I think they've brought the TV 20 Dance Party back? I thought I heard someone mention that recently.

Funny factoid...going way back to the early to mid 90's....I once DJ'ed a monthly party there. My good friend Seth Roehl, who was at the time, partner with Dick, and had pioneered the idea of throwing DJ nites there. Imagine that. I've still got the flyers somewhere around here.
If you're coming to the city any time soon, this is a place not to miss. I think they've kept alive by stocking good stuff, pursuing soul 45's and offering mix tapes and recordings to the local SF community.

I found this 45 in their five dollar box and thanks to some funk comp knew exactly what I had just scored. Actually I had really wanted this tune for some time. It became an anthem for me and became a tune that got played every funk party I had something to do with. 'Ridin' High' by The New Establishment is an ultra tasty rare groove bomb. It's the flip side of 'Slums Of The City' which is also gut busting deep funk (apparently NOT working on me anymore) that will pack any dance floor. But, it's this cleaner, more mellow, morality tale that captivated me. Perhaps it's the minor cordage, or the killer falsetto vocals, or the swooning harmonies. Whatever it is, it's always completely drawn me in. Released on the killer looking 'United World' label with the peace symbol in the super tight font design. 
This is another one I'm happy to be posting. I did not see it anywhere else on the net or on other blogs. I wonder why. Perhaps I'm not looking in the right places. But, this is too good to just keep a secret and I'm glad to share it on SB.

Rooky Ricardo's Records in the lower Haight
 

The New Establishment - Ridin' High

Exit 9 - Miss Funky Fox

Just recently came across this LP again and wanted to post it up here. More and more lately I've been trying to get back 'out' in the crates. I'm usually quite content with a small amount of 'field work' and prefer to 'e-dig' when the family is safe and sound asleep. But, making my way back down into the trenches has been fruitful to say the least. Not that I never get out in the stores, flea markets, conventions and so on. But, lately I've been trying to get out more often. Usually, I only see the same old stuff I already have, and because I'm not a seller, double just tent to collect dust. They do tend to act as vehicles to get posted here though.
I had originally planned this tune to make an appearance on my mix 'Heavy Duty Shit' Vol. 2, and now I'm trying to make that happen a little sooner. It also reminded me of the bluesy funk that my Brother digs, and he was just in town again staying at my crib.
He picked up the 'Light On The South Side' LP and book by Numero Group and we were drolling over it. The amazing photos reminded us of the blues bar we grew up around the corner from. I'm realizing that my snobby 'original' wax only policy is keeping me from some of this incredible stuff. The new Syl Johnson box set looks and sounds incredible. I need to get them shits!
Speaking of re-issues, this LP was origianlly released in 1975 on the Brunswick label, but re-issued in 1997 and again by Soul Brother Records in 2002. It's a fantastic LP, solid from start to finish, and containing mostly moving numbers. It's polished, powerful, brassy and funky as shit. My favorite tune is 'Miss Funky Fox' but 'Fly' is pretty dope too. To compare them to a larger mainstream group, I'd say they are closest to Tower Of Power. With a big horn section, hecka band members, a funk heavily rooted in the blues, and smoking hot vocals by Johnny Rios only solidify this comparison.

'Miss Funky Fox' is seriously glowing hot. Just the imagery that comes to mind when you hear this is incredible! I can almost see the carpet on the floor holding the drum set steady, yet it's still got that heavy movement back and forth. You can feel the mesh on the amps shaking and the hands slapping the congas. I've used this term a few times before, but Exit 9 qualify, as they sound like they're coming through with the power of a freight train. Rock solid funk here indeed.
The band members were incredibly young when the group formed and most were 16-20 years old when this record came out. An incredible offering from these young cats from New York. Exit 9 were originally called Qualified Funk and at the time of this finely produced record, they were 9 members deep, although a guest singer on one of the tunes is credited on the liner notes. The majority of these tunes are fast and uptempo and are definitely all killer no filler. It makes sense to me that this has been re-issued twice and remastered as well. Enjoy this tune from their sole LP and see what incredible potential they had.

Exit 9 - Miss Funky Fox

Mac Thornhill - Boogie Fire

Mac Mugshot

I can't claim this being in my DJ sets due to my own research and digging. But, props due to the fine gentlemen Johan and Jordan also known as Tres Lingerie. With killer DJ sets, tasty remixes and a brand of their own music that's afforded them a spotlight performance on the Beat Electric Television Show they're simply 'killin' it'. I've flipped thru a few Mac Thornhill records and none have stuck out quite like this one. Thanks to Johan for playing this one out and bringing it to my ears.

This tune is brought to a simmer by lovely percussion accents and the talented singing of a mysterious 'April' who we know nothing about. It seems that the term boogie fire was adept at describing something that sets the club a blazin' even back in 1981. This is indeed 'boogie fire' and getting major play from me right now. Thanks again to Johan of Tres Lingerie.

Mac is originally from Quebec, Canada and still resides there to this day. Canadas' contributions to the grails of boogie is quite heavy including one elusive monster 'Ooh Wee Babe' by Ron Richardson and this release on the M.A.D. Label. Joe Freeman's 'Sneakin'' and Hypnotics 'Are You Lonely' are among other Quebec monsters. There is one other release on the M.A.D. label, 'Don't You Do It' from the same year, but I don't have it. 'Make Life Worth Living' released in 1983 on Savoir Faire Records is also tasty booginess by Mac. Most of his other records came out mid to late 80's and are loved in the house and pre-house genre.

Mac Thornhill - Boogie Fire

Warren Burris - Get Up Off Your Love

So back to business... and back to boogie basics. Modern soul appreciation 101A. With NO pre-requisite. I'm catching a lot of flak these days for not knowing what the hell I'm talking about. Guess what? I don't. I don't know SHIT. Other than the hot ass shit that goes around the turntable and gives me that 'baby on a tit' face. Just the tunes that make me 'Goo-Goo Ga Ga' and all hairs stand up on end. Really folks, I do tend to whip things up into a meringue pie sometimes. A meringue pie of shite! Lol. Ultimately you should know that it's really just about the music. I honestly can't help with a little chitterlings and chatterlongs here and there and hopefully you won't mind. As long as we DJ for you along the way right? Dropping tasty little goodies along the way. But, onto the chuuunes.. 'cause that's the ONLY thing that really matters here at Soundboutique.

Today we have the mighty sounds of Warren 'Big-beard' Burris.
From 1988(!) this LP was only available in the UK. My goodness, it is quite an exceptional beard he has. Well, the music is perfectly groomed as well. Immaculate if you will. This funk dancer bomb 'Get Up Off Your Love' has been thrilling my heart lately and is what I will play when I can ever find my way to Sweaterfunk in San Francisco. Man, I miss that party. Perhaps I should look for an apartment in Chinatown. If you haven't been... You need to check it out. From where ever you are.... You may need to travel around the world to catch it. The best music night I've EVER been a part of. They've come super far too. From a room with me and five other DJs all just kinda standing around jocking each other tunes, nerding out. It had all the makings of another record nerd sausage fest, but turns out we knew what the hell we were doing. Vets of the rare groove game and pirates of various worlds of music came together to champion boogie music and preach it to the San Franciscans.

Turns out boogie was the dirty little secret passion and guilty pleasure everybody wanted to play but didn't. Or, hadn't hadn't found an ear for. Or, a home. Now, the guest DJ waiting list has grown to epic proportions and notables Dam Funk, Haircut, Kon and Amir, Monk One, Daz-I-Kue have all dropped legendary sets. It's been a match made in heaven for me. Playing a sound that until recently was only available via dancing in the street with winos and their transistor radios. And, this upcoming valentines day, I'm definitely digging out some tear stained soul and mid tempo lovers jams. It's gonna be sick. Come to the Lipo at 916 Grant Avenue (at Washington St) in china town SF on Sunday Feb 13 (or any Sunday for that matter) and you will have a damn good time.
Seriously, Warren...beard of the decade award.   Sweaterfunk...party of the decade.

Warren Burris - Get Up Off Your Love