I Got Somethin’ For Ya (1982)
It’s past the disco years, and Crown Heights Affair have emerged nicely — with a sweet modern soul style that’s got a bit of 80s groove, and which shows a lot more soul than some of their earlier work! The band’s singing in a sweet harmony style that works very well with the music — and we might be tempted to compare this one to some of the great early 80s Philly International work by The Stylistics and The Futures! Titles include “Heart Upside Down”, “Somebody Tell Me What To Do”, “Let Me Ride On The Wave Of Your Love”, and “I Got Somethin For Ya” (DGA, Inc)
Tracks:
1. I Got Somethin For Ya
2. Wine & Dine You
3. Your Love Makes Me Hot
4. Let Me Ride on the Wave of Your Love
5. Somebody Tell Me What to Do
6. Love Ripoff
7. Heart Upside Down
8. Think Positive
**Listen**
* Gracias a Kamal por esta contribución
Crown Heights Affair – I Got Somethin’ For Ya (1982)
Abril 29, 2009 a 12:38 am (Disco Funk, Soul Funk)
Various Artists – Grand 12-Inches Vol.3 (2006)
Abril 28, 2009 a 6:34 pm (Disco, Disco Funk, Pop)
Grand 12-Inches Vol.3 (2006)
CD 1
1 Robert Palmer You’re in my System (Extended Album Mix)
2 André Cymone – The Dance Electric (original 12″ version)
3 Chas Jankel – Glad To Know You (original 12″ version)
4 Suzi Lane – Harmony (original 12″ version)
5 Chaplin Band- Madmen’s Discoteque (Special Liebrand Edit)
6 Janis Ian-Fly Too High (original 12″ version)
7 Rah Band – Slide (original 12″ version)
8 The Real Thing – Can You Feel The Force (original 12″ version)
9 Anita Ward – Ring My Bell (original 12″ version)
10 Boys Town Gang- Cruisin’ The Streets (original 12″ version)
CD 2
1. Positive Force – We Got The Funk
2. Lakeside – Fantastic Voyage (original 12″ version)
3. Cheryl Lynn – Shake It Up Tonight (original 12″ version)
4. Colonel Abrams – I’m Not Gonne Let You (original 12″ version)
5. Crown Heights Affair -You Gave Me Love (original 12″ version)
6. Rose Royce – R.R. Express (Full length version)
7. Jerry Knight – Overnight Sensation (original 12″ version)
8. M.F.S.B.- Love Is The Message (Full length version)
9. Edwin Starr – Contact
10. Earth, Wind & Fire – Boogie Wonderland (original 12″ version)
CD 3
1. The Reddings – The Awakening Pts 1 & 2 (Special Liebrand Edit form Digital Master)
2. Earth,Wind & Fire – fantasy (Blaze shelter dj mix)
3. Trussel – Love Injection (original 12″ version)
4. Gene Chandler – get down (original 12″ version)
5. Billy Ocean – Are You Ready (original 12″ version)
6. Dynasty – I don’t wanna be a freak (original 12″ version)
7. Herbie Hancock – Tell Everybody (original 12″ version)
8. Shalamar – Right In The Socket (original 12″ version)
9. Third World – Now That We’ve Found Love
10. The Commodores – Brickhouse (live)
CD 4
1. Imagination – Body Talk (original 12″ version)
2. Fern Kinney – Groove Me (long version)
3. One Way ft Al Hudson – You Can Do It (original 12″ version)
4. David Bowie – Let’s Dance (original 12″ version)
5. Fox The Fox – Precious Little Diamond (original Ben Liebrand 12″ version)
6. Fun Fun – Happy Station (original 12″ version)
7. Tavares – Heaven (Irresistable Angel Mix)
8. Liaison Dangereuses – Los Ninos del Parque (original 12″ version)
9. Talk Talk – It’s a Shame (original 12″ version)
10. Faithless – Salva Mea (Epic Mix)
Tomorrow’s Edition – A Song For Everyone (1982)
Abril 27, 2009 a 8:17 pm (Soul Funk)
A Song For Everyone (1982)
A gem of a modern soul set from Tomorrow’s Edition — issued on Atlantic in the early 80s, and the only full record we’ve ever seen by the group! The group’s got a bit of an 80s groove — similar to work on Capitol by artists like BB&Q Band or TS Monk — but they’ve also got a strong harmony vocal style, soaring and stepping out warmly throughout — and really maintaining a good edge, even in the more uptempo numbers! There’s a focused, positive feel to the record that’s really great — kind of a classic groove that should have been huge — and this is easily one of the best lesser-known major soul sets we’ve heard from the time. Titles include “U Turn Me On” and “A Song For Everyone” — both catchy groovers — plus “Have A Good Time”, “In The Grooves”, and “Believe In Yourself” — plus a cover of Lou Reed’s “Walk On The Wild Side”! (DGA, Inc)
Tracks:
1. A Song for Everyone
2. Bieleve in Yourself
3. In The Grooves
4. Walk On The Wild side
5. U Turn Me On
6. Have A Good Time
7. Part Time Love
8. Everybody Smiles
**Listen**
* Gracias a nuestro amigo “Funkystar” por esta joya
Kool & The Gang – Funk Essentials: 12″ Collection And More (1999)
Abril 26, 2009 a 11:21 pm (Disco Funk, Funk)
Funk Essentials: 12″ Collection And More (1999)
Kool & the Gang was one of the most successful R&B/soul/funk/disco groups of the 70’s and 80’s. They were originally formed in New Jersey in 1964 (Of course the heart and soul of R&B, dontchya know), going through several musical phases over their career. Starting out asold school funk before going through the “If you were an artist in the late seventies, you did disco” disco phase before hitting their most successful phase of their career as an act that blended eighties pop and R&B. Kool and the Gang have been all over the map, musically speaking.This collection of 12 inch tracks covers Kool and the Gang’s output from 1976 to 1985, a balance of the group’s older funk and their later pop hits of the 80’s. The seventies are well represented with “Open Sesame”, “Love And Understanding”, “Mighty Mighty High”, and Ladies Night. Ladies Night is probably their biggest hit of the era, hitting number eight in the US charts and number nine in the UK. However given my choice, I think that 1976’s Open Sesame was the superior song from that period.
The second half of the album covers Kool and the Gang’s more mainstrea eighties efforts, including Tonight, Fresh and Get Down On It. But what about Kool and the Gang’s biggest number one song ever – Celebration, which hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in February 1981 and held that spot for nearly the whole month. So big that even today you hear it at weddings and sports stadiums across America. Well, it’s not included – well, yes and no. While a version of Celebration is indeed included, its not the version that we all know. Included instead is a Spanish recording. So instead of the same old song we’ve heard a hundred times before, we get a – if not fresh, at least interesting – version of Celebration version we’ve not heard before. But all things considered, every song on here a dance floor classic, guaranteed to get your butt off the couch and boogieing. J.T. Taylor is an amazing vocalist, quite probably on par with Prince, the late great Rick James and pretty much anyone to come out of Motown.
Tracks:
1. Open Sesame (Original 12″ Extended Version)
2. Love And Understanding (Original 12″ Extended Version)
3. Mighty Mighty High (Original 12″ Extended Version)
4. Ladies Night (Original 12″ Full-Lenght LP version)
5. Get Down On It (Original 12″ Extended Version)
6. Hanging Out (Original 12″ Remix)
7. Take My Heart (If You Want It) (Original 12″ Remix)
8. Tonight (Original 12″ Remix)
9. Fresh (Original 12″ Remix)
10. Celebremos (Original 12″ Spanish Version of Celebration)
**Listen**
V.A. – Disc O Funk (1998)
Abril 26, 2009 a 8:13 pm (Disco Funk, Funk)
Disc O Funk (1998)
Tracks:
1. Temptations & Rick James – Standing On The Top [9:41]
2. Peter Jacques Band – Walking On Music [8:34]
3. Bar-Kays – Propositions [5:51]
4. Kano – I’m Ready [7:18]
5. Hot Streak – Body Work [8:25]
6. Modern Romance – Everybody Salsa [7:09]
7. Earth, Wind & Fire – The Changing Times [5:53]
8. Chocolate Milk – Take It Off [5:48]
9. The Isley Brothers – The Real Deal [6:57]
10. Strikers – Body Music [7:29]
**Listen**
Disco Four – Whip Rap/Let It Whip (Instrumental)
Abril 26, 2009 a 4:33 am (Rap)
Disco Four.
Disco Four was one of the prime party-jam producers in rap’s old school, recording classics like “Move With the Groove” and “Do It, Do It” for Enjoy during the early ’80s. Based in Harlem, the group formed around Ronnie D, DJ Al Bee, Greg G, Mr. Troy, Country, Kool Gee, and DJ Al Bee. A fraternal connection with Bobby Robinson — one of the members was his son — got them signed up to the Enjoy label (then the hottest place for hip-hop), but nepotism had nothing to do with their classic debut, 1980’s “Move With the Groove.” A smooth, quick-paced party track, it was followed by “Do It, Do It” in 1981 and “Country Rock and Rap” in 1982. That same year, they also appeared on Profile (then in its infancy) with another club track, “We’re at the Party” and “Whip Rap”. Disco Four didn’t do much more in the way of recording, except for a 1986 single on Danya (“Get Busy”) and a Profile Christmas record one year later.
The quality of the vinyl is not better, sorry, but it should be heard as well.
Tracks:
01. Whip Rap
02. Let It Whip (Instrumental)
**Listen**
Roger – The Many Facets Of Roger (2002)
Abril 25, 2009 a 11:00 pm (Funk)
The Many Facets Of Roger (2002)
The work of the late musician Roger Troutman and his band Zapp has been widely exposed to the public through his association with the funk movement of the `late `70s and early `80s and the countless music samples taken from his work by rap artists. But if anyone even gives this guy a second thought these days, it’s usually because of his innovative work with the “talk box,” a voice-activated synthesizer popularized by Peter Frampton around the same time. Though he made a lot of great songs using the talk box, these casual fans are missing out on the “many facets” of one of funk’s most versatile artists.
“The Many Facets of Roger” is Roger Troutman’s first solo album from 1981. If you like your funk sophisticated but with a touch of grits and gravy, you’re missing out on a gem. Troutman’s command of multiple instruments, especially the guitar, is an aural treat. On “Maxx Axe,” for example, he uses both raw synthesized and classy nylon-string guitar work, along with bouncy rhythm guitar and bass to ensconce the listener in jazz-funk guitar heaven. Whether “new-school” jazz artists like Marc Antoine realize it or not, Troutman provided the basic blueprint for their up-tempo work with “Axe” and other treats on “Facets” like “Do It Roger” and “A Chunk of Sugar”.
Not stopping at sophisti-funk, Troutman brings a whole new dimension to a classic with his rendition of “I Heard It Through The Grapevine.” Who knows what possessed him to mess with such a legendary song, but he does it justice with a very fresh and funky groove, and fun instrumentation. In a similar vein is his very original “So Rough So Tough,” a staple of “Old School” R&B stations everywhere. Not missing a beat, Troutman tackles the blues in “Blue (A Tribute To the Blues),” surprisingly good and authentic, even for Troutman.
Unlike many albums of this era, there is no filler. Every song on “Facets” is strong: tightly produced and played with sublime vocals, still sounding very fresh twenty-something years after the original release. Included in the reissue of “Facets” are single edits of “Grapevine” and “Do It” and an unreleased 1997 track called “Superman” that shows that funk constantly evolves. “Superman” is just as informed by the work of Nine Inch Nails as it is by George Clinton. (Amazon)
Tracks:
1. I Heard It Through The Grapevine
2. So Ruff, So Tuff
3. A Chunk Of Sugar
4. Do It Roger
5. Maxx Axe
6. Blue (A Tribute To The Blues)
Bonus
7. I Heard It Through The Grapevine (Part I) (single version)
8. Do It Roger (single version)
9. Superman (previously unreleased, 1997)
**Listen**
Collins & Collins – Collins & Collins (1980)
Abril 24, 2009 a 6:14 pm (Soul, Soul Funk)
Collins & Collins (1980)
Collins & Collins are made up of Tonee Collins and her brother Bill Collins. They were in the Philadephia/South Jersey area when they were signed by A & M in 1981. The album was produced by John Davis and recorded at Sigma Sound (Philadelphia), the home to Philly International. The album was not marketed heavily by A & M and had minimal success but the songs “Yo-Yo” stands out for being too funky in our view and “Top of the Stairs” has seen reborn interest through plays by DJs, especially in the UK.
Tracks:
1. Top Of The Stairs
2. You Know How To Make Me Feel So Good
3. Do You Wanna Dance
4. Can’t Turn Down Love
6. You Made Me Believe
7. I’m Feeling Your Love
8. Please Don’t Break My Heart
9. Yo-Yo
**Listen**
*Agradecimientos a Kamal por hacer llegar este album
V.A. – Phat Trax: The Best Of Old School, Vol.1 (1994)
Abril 24, 2009 a 3:11 am (Disco Funk, Funk)
Phat Trax: The Best Of Old School, Vol.1 (1994)
Disco and funk combine on Phat Trax: The Best of Old School, Vol. 2, which pays tribute to the sounds that inspired hip-hop. Rolling, voluptuous bass lines, uptight guitars, and vibrant brass sections drive tracks like Funkadelic’s “One Nation Under a Groove,” Fatback’s “Backstrokin’,” and Tom Browne’s “Thighs High (Grip Your Hips and Move),” bridging the gap between funk and disco and providing countless rap and hip-hop artists ample material for sampling. Sun’s “Sun Is Here,” Faze-O’s “Riding High,” and T.S. Monk’s “Bon Bon Vie” are among the other highlights of this funky, stylish compilation, which also documents just how integral these songs were to hip-hop’s development. (AMG)
Tracks:
1. One Nation Under A Groove – Funkadelic
2. Backstrokin’ – Fatback
3. Thighs High (Grip Your Hips and Move) – Tom Browne
4. Sun Is Here – Sun
5. Riding High – Faze-O
6. Pull Fancy Dancer/Pull – One Way
7. Bon Bon Vie – T.S. Monk
8. Dusic – Brick
9. Momma Feel Good – The Female Preacher, Lyn Collins
10. Cissy Strut – The Meters
**Listen**
V.A. – Phat Trax: The Best Of Old School, Vol.2 (1994)
Abril 24, 2009 a 1:47 am (Disco Funk, Funk)
Phat Trax: The Best Of Old School, Vol.2 (1994)
Disco and funk combine on Phat Trax: The Best of Old School, Vol. 1, which pays tribute to the sounds that inspired hip-hop. Rolling, voluptuous basslines, uptight guitars, and vibrant brass sections drive tracks like Funkadelic’s “(Not Just) Knee Deep,” Brass Construction’s “Get Up to Get Down,” Brick’s “Dazz,” and Isaac Hayes’ “Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalymistic,” bridging the gap between funk and disco and providing countless rap and hip-hop artists ample material for sampling. Michael Henderson’s “Wide Receiver,” The Bar-Kays’ “Hit and Run,” and Mass Production’s “Firecracker” are among the other highlights of this funky, stylish compilation, which also documents just how integral these songs were to hip-hop’s development. (AMG)
Tracks:
1. (Not Just) Knee Deep – Funkadelic
2. Dazz – Brick
3. Firecracker – Mass Production
4. Funkin’ for Jamaica – Tom Browne
5. Get up to Get Down – Brass Construction
6. Gotta Get My Hands on Some (Money) – Fatback
7. Peanut Butter – Lenny White, Twennynine
8. Wide Receiver – Michael Henderson
9. Hit and Run – The Bar-Kays
11. Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalymistic – Isaac Hayes
See the comments
Various Artists – Grand 12-Inches vol.4 (2007)
Abril 23, 2009 a 5:06 pm (Disco, Disco Funk, Funk, Funk Disco, Pop)
Grand 12-Inches vol.4 (2007)
2007 brings the fourth volume in the series of 4CD’s sets packed with dance music classic 12″ versions for the aficionado, presented and assembled by Dutch DJ Emeritus Ben Liebrand. An audiophile as well as a conoisseur, Liebrand goes to great … Full Descriptionlengths (in spite of numerous obstacles) to obtain and use the absolute best possible masters for this series! Among the full length gems on this set are Grace Jones-La Vie En Rose, A Taste Of Honey-Boogie Oogie Oogie, Deodato-SOS Fire In The Sky, BB&Q Band-Genie, Earth Wind & Fire-System Of Survival, Pointer Sisters-Automatic, The Jacksons-Walk Right Now, Jam & Spoon-Follow Me, War-Galaxy, Heatwave-Grooveline, Chic-Le Freak, Divine-Native Love, George Kranz-Din Daa Daa and many more. (cduniverse.com)
Tracks:
Disc 1
1. Michael Jackson – Billy Jean (Original 12″ Version)
2. War – Galaxy
3. A Taste Of Honey – Boogie Oogie Oogie (Original 12″ Version)
4. Heatwave – Grooveline (Original 12″ Version)
5. Chic – Le Freak (Original 12″ Version)
6. Jimmy “Bo” Horne – Spank (Original 12″ Version)
7. Peter Brown – They Only Come Out At Night (Original 12″ Version)
8. Sister Sledge – He’s The Greatest Dancer (Original 12″ Version)
9. Billy Ocean – Stay The Night (Original 12″ Version)
10. Farley Jackmaster Funk – Love Can’t Turn Around Suite (Special Ben Liebrand Edit)
Disc 2
1. Grace Jones – La Vie en Rose (Original 12″ Version)
2. Change – You Are My Melody (Original 12″ Version)
3. World Premiere – Share The Night (Original 12″ Version)
4. B.B. & Q. Band – Genie (Original 12″ Version)
5. Aretha Franklin – Who’s Zoomin’ Who (Original 12″ Version)
6. Deodato – Fire in the Sky (Original 12″ Version)
7. Peter Jacques Band – Going Dancing Down the Street (Original 12″ Version)
8. Earth, Wind and Fire – System Of Survival (Original 12″ Version)
9. Jacksons – Walk Right Now (Original 12″ Version)
10. The Three Degrees – The Runner (Rare Funky Long Version)
Disc 3
1. Pet Shop Boys – West End Girls (Original 12″ Version)
2. Bobby “O” – She Has A Way (Original 12″ Version)
3. The Mike Theodore Orchestra – High On Mad Mountain (Full Length Version)
4. Divine – Native Love (Step By Step) (Original 12″ Version)
5. Bobby “O” – I’m So Hot For You (Original 12″ Version)
6. Azoto – San Salvador (Original 12″ Version)
7. Easy Going – Fear (Full Length Version)
8. Midway – Set It Out (Original 12″ Version)
9. Flirts – Passion (Original 12″ Version)
10. Hot R.S. – House of The Rising Sun (Full Length Version)
Disc 4
1. Georg Kranz – Trommeltanz (Din Daa Daa) (Original 12″ Version)
2. Roy Ayers feat. Ubiquity – Running Away (Original 12″ Version)
3. Level 42 – Love Games (Original 12″ Version)
4. MaiTai – History (Original 12″ Version)
5. Mantronix – Got To Have Your Love
6 Pointer Sisters – Automatic (Original 12″ Version)
7. Quincy Jones – Ai No Corrida (Original 12″ Version)
8. GQ – Disco Nights (Original 12″ Version)
9. Laid Back – White Horse (Original 12″ Version)
10. Jam and Spoon-Follow Me (Original 12″ Version)
11. George Kranz – Din Daa Daa (Acappella / Dub-Version)
Evelyn Champagne King – Love Come Down The Best of Evelyn Champagne King (1993)
Abril 23, 2009 a 12:59 am (Pop, R&B, Soul)
Love Come Down, The Best.
Although its track listing is fairly similar to 1993’s Love Come Down compilation (cutting a few numbers but featuring three more total), Greatest Hits gets the nod as the Evelyn “Champagne” King” collection of choice, since it features the original 7″ single versions, plus several rare, extended 12″ mixes. Covering King’s career from 1978’s breakout hit “Shame” through 1986, Greatest Hits is as comprehensive a retrospective of her work as is ever likely to be released, capturing all the reasons she was a popular and important disco and R&B singer. [All Music Group - Steve Huey].
Tracks:
01. Shame
02. I Don’t Know If It’s Right
03. Music Box
04. I’m In Love
05. Don’t Hide Our Love
06. Love Come Down
07. Betcha She Don’t Love You
08. Get Loose
09. Action
10. Shake Down
11. Teenager
12. Just For The Night
13. Give Me One Reason
14. High Horse
15. Your Personal Touch
**Listen**
The Isley Brothers – Givin It Back/Brother Brother Brother (1971/1972)
Abril 22, 2009 a 7:47 pm (Soul)
Givin It Back/Brother Brother Brother (1971/1972)
Two early 70s gems from the Isley Brothers — both records that really show them opening up their style! Givin It Back is a very weird, but very beautiful album by the Isleys — one in which they move into a folksy rock groove, and play acoustic guitars in long spiralling soulful versions of some of their favorite rock hits. The sound’s a bit like Terry Callier, but it’s also still got that sexy Isley groove to it — and although the cuts aren’t all out funky, there’s definitely a lot of funk in the way that they’re set up! Includes a great version of “Love The One You’re With”, plus “Machine Gun”, “Ohio”, “Spill The Wine”, and “Lay Lady Lay”. Brother Brother Brother is probably our favorite Isley Brothers album of all time — a perfect blend of all the styles they were into at the time: heavy funk, sweet soul, folksy rock, and rolling uptempo grooves. The Brothers handle all styles equally well, and the album’s a real delight as it skips effortlessly from track to track — always bringing a fresh sound to the experience of listening, and continuing to delight us year after year with the Isley’s greatness! Includes the classic extended cut “Love Put Me On the Corner”, a baroque soul symphony in itself; an amazing remake of “It’s Too Late” that’s way different than the originals; the middle-class anthem “Work To Do”, and the funky cuts “Pop That Thang” and “Layaway” (DGA, Inc)
Tracks:
1. Ohio / Machine Gun
2. Fire and Rain
3. Lay Lady Lay
4. Spill the Wine
5. Nothing to Do But Today
6. Gold Bologna
7. Love the One You’re With
8. Brother, Brother
9. Put a Little Love in Your Heart
10. Sweet Seasons / Keep On Walkin’
11. Work to Do
12. Pop That Thing
13. Lay Away
14. It’s Too Late
15. Love Put Me on the Corner
**Listen**
The Isley Brothers – Get Into Something (1970)
Abril 22, 2009 a 5:41 pm (Soul)
Get Into Something (1970)
Another T-Neck release to receive reissue through Sony’s Legacy division in the late ’90s, Get Into Something boasts six Top 30 R&B chart hits. The first side serves up horn-inflected party jams, including the rousing title track and “Freedom,” the latter of which sums up the record’s overall uplifting theme of independence. The record isn’t without its missteps — the sexist lyrics of “Take Inventory” are highly questionable: “Don’t be so loyal and don’t be so true/ ’cause if you are boy, they’ll run over you.” “Bless” is an obvious re-write of “It’s Your Thing”; the Isleys would have been better off leaving that classic alone. A trio of ballads are offered up on the flip, including “I Got to Find Me One.” A song of devotion, it pleads for “one girl who believes in me and wants to marry me.” Call me crazy, but wouldn’t marriage render the taking of inventory an impossibility? Though not revolutionary or trailblazing, Get Into Something is every bit an excellent and vibrant funk/soul record. (AMG).
Tracks:
1. Get Into Something
2. Freedom
3. Take Inventory
4. Keeo On Doin’
5. Girls Will Be Girls
6. I Need You So
7. If He Can You Can
8. I Got To Find Me One
9. Beautiful
10. Bless Your Heart
**Listen**
O’Jays – Love Train: The Best Of O. (1994)
Abril 21, 2009 a 8:26 pm (Disco, Soul)
Love Train: The Best Of O’Jays (1994)
Classic setenta alma por uno de los grupos vocales de la época. Este único juego de CDs es la mejor colección de la banda más grande y más conocido de visitas. De “Backstabbers” a “I Love Music”, “For The Love Of Money” a “Love Train”, esta antología está lleno de lo que les hizo una influencia clave en tantos actos alma moderna. Existen otras colecciones, pero este conjunto ha de sonido de primera remastering. (Amazon)
Tracks:
1. Love Train
2. Back Stabbers
3. 992 Arguments (Previously released material)
4. Survival
5. For The Love Of Money
6. Put Your Hands Together
7. Time To Get Down
8. Sunshine
9. Livin’ For The Weekend
10. I Love Music
**Listen**
Rhyze – To The Top (1981)
Abril 20, 2009 a 10:37 pm (Funk Disco)
To The Top (1981).
An excellent album of modern soul from the early 80s — with a smooth sweet style that should have made these guys a huge act at the time! The overall groove reminds us of some of the most successful 70s vocal groups — especially some of the Philly groups, like The O’Jays or the Spinners after they started working in the City Of Brotherly Love — but there’s also plenty of 80s elements too, especially in the keyboards, basslines, and rhythms of the set. Yet none of these elements has the colder feel of the 80s groove generation — and the whole thing comes across with a great sense of warmth that really matches the vocals, but still knows how to find a groove! Titles include “Bizzaar”, “What Can I Do About This Feeling”, “Tonight’s Gonna Be My Night”, “Overtime”, and “Give It Up”. (DG Inc.)
Tracks:
1. Rhyze To The Top
2. Give It Up (Give Me Your Love)
3. What Can I Do About This Feeling
4. Bizzaar
5. Tonight’s Gonna Be My Night
6. Having Fun (Everybody’s Having Fun)
7. Overtime
8. Party Of Parties
**Listen**
Various Artists – Grand 12-Inches Vol.5 (2008)
Abril 20, 2009 a 7:40 pm (Disco, Disco Funk, Electronic, Funk, Funk Disco, Pop, R&B)
Grand 12-Inches Vol.5 (2008)
Liebrand just keeps his series growing stronger. This man is so passionate about his music that he does everything he can to get these classics on CD at last, and willingly admits in his liner notes where each source came from, whether it’s the original master or vinyl, and the work he did to clean up any sound issues with such sources in order to preserve these hard-to-find versions digitally. The fantastic thing about this volume is that in several cases, when, for example, a `long’ album version and a 12″ mix are very different and each has something unique to offer a song, liebrand himself masters a version that takes the best of both mixes and creates an all-NEW, basically definitive version many of us dance collectors have always wished for in the first place. When you read his liner notes, you will be amazed at the lengths he goes to in the studio to bring all of these songs to you in the best sounding quality possible.
There are many highlights here, but it should be noted that since these selections are indicative of songs that influenced Liebrand as a DJ, this is an attempt to rescue very specific personal favorites from the vaults, so you may not be crazy about the 12″ singles selected when we all know there are SO many genres of 12″ versions that haven’t ever made their way to CD. Also, many obsessive collectors have probably located many of these tracks on CD already because they have shown up on a different compilation here and there. Even so, with Liebrand’s special edits as well as some tracks unique to this disc, it is a must have. (Amazon)
Tracks:
CD1
1. Don’t Stop ‘Till You Get Enough [12" Version] – Michael Jackson
2. Stomp! [12" Version] – The Brothers Johnson
3. Word Up! [Extended Version] – Cameo
4. Glow/Glow (Reprise) [Album Mix] – Rick James
5. In My House [12" Version] – The Mary Jane Girls
6. Sun Is Here [12" Version] – Sun
7. Solid [Special Club Mix] – Ashford & Simpson, Ashford & Simpson
8. Float On [Album Version] – The Floaters
9. Veliero [12" Version] – Chaplin Band
10. Knock on Wood [12" Version] – Amii Stewart
CD 2
1. All Night Long (All Night) [12" Version] – Lionel Richie
2. I’m Coming Out [Original Chic Mix] – Diana Ross
3. Clouds Across the Moon [12" Version] – Rah Band
4. Theme from “Which Way Is Up” [12" Version] – Stargard
5. Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now [12" Version] – McFadden & Whitehead
6. Sexual Healing [Liebrand Edit] – Marvin Gaye
7. Back to Life (However Do You Want Me) [12" Version] – Soul II Soul
8. Take Me to the Top [12" Version] – Advance
9. I Love America [Album Version] – Patrick Juvet
10. Shake Your Groove Thing [12" Version] – Peaches & Herb
CD 3
1. Love in C. Minor [Album Mix] – Cerrone
2. Strut Your Funky Stuff [Liebrand Edit] – Frantique
3. Love Story [12" Version] – Andy Williams
4. Teardrops [Extended Remix] – Womack & Womack
5. Eve of the War [Long Version] – Jeff Wayne
6. Thinking of You [12" Version] – Earth, Wind & Fire
7. Keep on Dancin’ [12" Version] – Gary’s Gang
8. Runner [Long Version] – The Three Degrees
9. Rhythm Talk [12" Version] – Jocko
CD 4
1. Promise You Made [Special Dance Mix] – Cock Robin
2. Live It Up [12" Version] – Time Bandits
3. Right on Track [12" Version] – Breakfast Club
4. Rhythm of the Jungle [12" Version] – The Quick
5. Rasputin [Extended Version] – Boney M.
6. What, Where, When, Who [12" Version] – Mai Tai
7. Slow Down [12" Version] – John Miles
8. Don’t You Want Me [12" Version] – The Human League
9. Don’t You Want Me [Extended Dance Mix] – The Human League
10. Automat (A. The Rise, B. Advance, C. Genus) – Automat
Mystic Merlin – Sixty Thrills A Minute (1981)
Abril 20, 2009 a 1:26 am (Funk)
Sixty Thrills A Minute (1981) (Vinyl Rip Remastered by SFJ)
Mystic Merlin were from New York.The original line-up consisted of Clyde Bullard (bass), Barry Roark Strutt (sax / keyboards), Leslie Dorsey (keyboards / lead and background vocals), Jerry Anderson (guitars / background vocals), Keith Gonzales (lead vocals / harmonica), Sly Randolph (drums / percussion / background vocals) and Betty Brown (lead and background vocals).
Mystic Merlin were originally a novelty act incorporating magic into their live shows before being taken seriously on the soul / dance scene. The group were, originally known as Mystic Merlin’s Magic Band. They then became, simply, Mystic Merlin and in 1980 they signed with Capitol and released the, Charles Kipps produced, album ‘Mystic Merlin’. It featured the dance classic ‘Just Can’t Give You Up’, a U.K. Top 20 single (the acappella from which was utilized by the U.K. group Life On Earth on their single ‘Can’t Give You Up’).
A second album, entitled ‘Sixty Thrills A Minute’ followed in 1981. Recorded in Hollywood, the album featured the original line-up with further artistic input from Paulinho Da Costa, Jim Gilstrap, Bill Champlin, Cheryl Lynn, Gene Page, Charles Veal and Ernie Watts amongst others.
After that release they added Freddle Jackson to the group, and he sang on their third Capitol album, ‘Full Moon’. The album included ‘Mr Magician’, popular among U.K. soul / dance fans. The song ‘Your Love’ was penned by Freddie Jackson and Barry Strutt and was originally titled ‘Don’t Let Your Love (Love Without A Meaning)’. It was written in the attic of Clyde Bullard’s home in the Bronx. Incidentally, Clyde’s uncle is Bill Withers. Mystic Merlin continued to record after the departure of Freddie Jackson for a successful solo career.
In 1990, they recorded a single entitled ‘Dream Lover’ which was released on TAPE. They have also recorded under the name of Storm (not to be confused with the same group who recorded ‘Can’t Nobody Love Me Like You’). In the aftermath of the September 11th disaster, Clyde Bullard and Barry Strutt wrote a song entitled ‘Standing Tall’, which was performed at a rememberance service for that day. Barry Strutt is an attorney today, although he still writes with Clyde and is in touch with Jerry Anderson. Sadly, Leslie Dorsey was killed driving a gypsy cab. Leslie was a classically trained singer, and sang on streets corners as part of a Black barbershop quartet.(www.soulwalking.co.uk)
Tracks:
1. Sixty Thrills A Minute
2. Hideaway
3. Sign Of The Times
4. Got To Make It Better
5. Monkey Love
6. Goddess Of The Boogie
7. Searching For The Meaning Of Love
8. Get It For Yourself
9. Haunting You (Crystal Ball)
**Listen**
*Gracias a nuestro amigo Kunio por otra notable contribución
Ebonee Webb – Ebonee Webb (1981)
Abril 18, 2009 a 11:30 pm (Funk)
Ebonee Webb.
A Memphis octet with lead vocalist Michael Winston and guitarist Thomas Brown that made decent funk and soul songs in the early ’80s, but in an era where these styles were losing steam. Allen Jones, better known for his long tenure with The Bar-Kays, produced their self-titled LP, and four singles were culled from it between 1981 and 1983. None were successful, but is necessary for funky collectors.
Tracks:
1. Keep On Steppin’
2. Something About You
3. Woman
4. Throw Down
5. Anybody Wanna Dance
6. Do Me Right ( Everybody Needs A Little Love )
7. Stop Teasing Me
8. Gonna Get Cha’
**Listen**
Dayton – Cutie Pie (1981)
Abril 18, 2009 a 1:11 am (Funk Disco, Soul Funk)
Cutie Pie (1981)
Formed in Ohio, Dayton were formed by David Shawn Sandridge (lead vocals / guitar), Chris Jones (lead vocals / keyboards / trumpet), formerly of the group Sun. Other members were Dean Hummons (keyboards), Derrick Armstrong (vocals), and Jenny Douglas (vocals) who originally recorded as Magnum, Kevin Hurt (drums / percussion), Rachel Beavers (background vocals), Elaine Terry (background vocals), Rahni P. Harris (lead and background vocals, piano and synths) and Karen Harris Chappel (lead and background vocals).Who completed the changing line-up.
Dayton included two former members of the group, Over Night Low and later some members of the group Sun. Signing to United Artists, Shawn Sandridge and Chris Jones wrote all the songs for the first two Dayton albums, ‘Dayton’, in 1980, including ‘Eyes On You’, and ‘Cutie Pie’ in 1981. The group also toured as musicians for Quincy Jones, Stephanie Mills and Ashford & Simpson. Their third album ‘Hot Fun’, in 1983, introduced of Rahni Harris (‘Six Million Steps’) as producer, writer, vocalist and keyboard player. Rahni also wrote and produced the group’s most highly acclaimed album, ‘Feel The Music’, including ‘The Sound Of Music’ (U.K. Top 75), ‘It Must Be Love’ and ‘Promise Me’, for Capitol in 1983.The late Roger Troutman, from the group Zapp, also contributed to the set. Rahni Harris was also part of the group for their final Capitol outing, entitled ‘This Time’ in 1985. The group went their seperate ways after that release. (www.soulwalking.co.uk)
“Cutie Pie”, one of the greatest albums ever from Dayton — the kind of bouncy, funky combo who really put Ohio soul on the map at the start of the 80s! The group’s got a wonderfully tight ensemble style that mixes both male and female vocals with bumping bass and sweet jazzy keyboards — all very much in a mode that’s similar to some of their Capitol label contemporaries — like BB&Q Band or Mystic Merlin — with perhaps just an undercurrent of the Roger/Zapp sound too. Titles include the groover “Cutie Pie”, plus the tracks “Let Me Know”, “Wanna Be Your Man”, “You Lift Me Up”, and “Fool Was He”. Includes bonus track “The Sound Of Music (ext remix). (DGA,Inc)
Tracks:
1. Cutie Pie”
2. One Day Or Another
3. You Lift Me
4. Wanna Be Your Man
5. Body Shaker
6. Fool Was He
7. Let Me Know
8. Piece Of The Rock
Bonus
9. The Sound Of Music (Extended Remix)
**Listen**
