Monster (1980)
Despite the PR hype about this being Herbie Hancock’s first “rock” album, Monster is really another disco album, though more varied in texture, somewhat more subtle in execution, and blessedly rid of those vocoder vocals, though not of the real ones. “Saturday Night,” despite the distinctive presence of Carlos Santana, sets the album’s dancefloor tone. The rock element is supposedly supplied by Hancock on the newly-developed Clavitar, where, try as he might to articulate like a guitarist, the sound is still that of a mutated synthesizer. Alphonze Mouzon is wasted on drums, and guitarist Wah Wah Watson has a field day on his eponymous specialty. Most annoying (and defining) track — “Go for It”. (Richard S. Ginell, AMG)
Tracks:
1. Saturday Night
2. Stars in Your Eyes
3. Go for It
4. Don’t Hold It In
5. Making Love
6. It All Comes Around
**Listen**
Herbie Hancock – Monster (1980)
Julio 24, 2009 a 10:30 pm (Funk, Funk Jazz)
Skyy – Skyyport (1981)
Julio 24, 2009 a 3:48 pm (Disco Funk)
Skyyport (1981)
In the late ’70s and early ’80s, producer Randy Muller was best known for two things: being a member of Brass Construction and working with Skyy. Both bands favored a funk/disco approach that brought many dancefloors to life, but there were some major differences between the two East Coast outfits. For one thing, Skyy had three female vocalists. Plus, Skyy was a lot more consistent. While Brass Construction recorded its share of albums that were uneven or disappointing, Skyy was usually reliable — more often than not, one could safely assume that the latter would deliver a first-rate party album. Skyyport is no exception. This 1980 release was the band’s third album, and the party people who had acquired Skyy’s two previous albums were not disappointed. The LP gets off to an impressive start with the hit “Here’s to You” (written by Muller), and they keep the creative momentum going with equally infectious funk dance numbers like “Superlove” (another hit single that Muller wrote) and “Take It Easy.” So, if Brass Construction and Skyy both had Muller’s input, why was the latter so much more consistent? It all came down to chemistry — he had a more consistently productive relationship with Skyy, which is interesting when you consider that Muller was actually a member of Brass Construction. Though he co-produced Skyyport and other band releases with Skyy’s Soloman Roberts, Jr. and did a lot of writing for the band, he was never an actual member. One of the Skyyport offerings that he didn’t write is the ballad “For the First Time,” which Roberts contributed. Although ballads weren’t the group’s forte, the tune is pleasant enough. However, it is the up-tempo funk/dance numbers that ultimately define Skyyport and make it one of Skyy’s best releases. (Alex Henderson, AMG)
Tracks:
1. Here’s To You
2. I Can’t Get Enough
3. Superlove
4. No Music
5. Easy
6. Sun Won’t Shine
7. For The First Time
8. Arrival
**Listen**
Skyy – Skyway (1980)
Julio 24, 2009 a 2:24 pm (Disco Funk)
Skyway (1980)
The second album from the Brooklyn-based octet featured two releases: “High” and “Skyyzoo.” The former is a moderately-paced groove showcasing the unison vocals of the Dunning sisters. Lightly arranged with an unruffled rhythm track and some guitar licks, the strings and horn complement this laid-back dance number. The single peaked at 13 after 16 weeks on the Billboard R&B charts.
The follow-up, “Skyyzoo,” was more of a antic-driven number. With its hyped vocals and various music gadgets, the song was an invitation to the dancefloor. It peaked at 32 on the charts after 11 weeks. The remainder of the album falls in line with these two singles save the ballad “Who’s Gonna Love Me.” and “Music. Music,” which swings the way of rock with its heavy electric guitar and slashing vocals. (Craig Lytle, AMG)
Tracks:
1. High
2. Skyyzoo
3. Dance
4. Don’t Stop
5. Love Plane
6. You Got Me Up
7. Who’s Gonna Love Me
8. Music, Music
9. Skyyzoo (12″ Mix Salsoul by Larry Levan)
**Listen**
