A small selection of whatever fills my head!

Isaac Hayes, August 20, 1942 – August 10, 2008

2008-08-11T16:46:00.003+03:00

The soul singer-songwriter Isaac Hayes, known for his gravelly voice, shaven head and copious jewellery, died on Sunday at his home in Memphis, Tennessee. He was 65.
Hayes was found by family members, who discovered him lying next to a treadmill in a basement room at his home. Sheriff's deputies performed CPR until paramedics arrived. He was taken to hospital but was pronounced dead an hour later.
Hayes, a distinctive and flamboyant figure among the black rhythm and blues stars of the early 1970s, found fame later in his career as the voice of Chef, the laid-back womaniser on the cartoon series South Park.
But it was his hit song for the soundtrack of the blaxploitation movie Shaft that made and cemented his reputation. An atmospheric blend of Hayes's lover-man vocals, breathless backing singers and a funk-fuelled wah-wah guitar arrangement, Shaft - the song and the character - became synonymous with black urban cool. It also provided Hayes with an image that stayed with him for the rest of his career.
The Theme From Shaft, released in 1971 was, Hayes later told an interviewer, "like a shot heard around the world".
He gave a memorable performance of it at the Oscar ceremony in 1972, scooping the Academy Award for best original song. The song and the film soundtrack also won him two Grammy awards.
That success, coming before his 30th birthday, marked the end of the first stage of Hayes's career, a journey that had seen him take a familiar route for many black performers.
But four years later Hayes was declared bankrupt following a series of financial problems at Stax Records. He lost his home, much of his personal property and forfeited the right to royalties from his past hits.
Hayes was raised in a tin shack in Covington, Tennessee, 30 miles north of Memphis, by his grandparents following the death of his mother. His father left the family home when Hayes was 18 months old.
When Hayes was six, the family moved to Memphis. His intention to become a doctor was derailed after he won a singing contest. After jobs including shining shoes on the city's famous Beale Street and gigging in southern juke joints, Hayes was hired by Stax in 1964 as a backup pianist. He worked with Otis Redding and others before forming a songwriting partnership with David Porter. The two went on to write R&B numbers such as Soul Man and Hold On, I'm Coming, both hits for the duo Sam and Dave.
The reward was a recording contract, which led to his first album, Presenting Isaac Hayes, released in 1968. That failed to find an audience, but in 1969 came the more provocatively titled Hot Buttered Soul. Containing just four tracks, it sold more than a million copies.
After Shaft and the follow-up Black Moses, he was not to release another major seller, although he had several minor hits as the disco movement emerged. His soundtrack to the Shaft sequel included Zeke the Freak, a song that gained a new lease of life with the house music movement in the UK.
Hayes also pursued an acting career, with cameos in several movies including Escape from New York, Robin Hood: Men in Tights and the blaxploitation spoof I'm Gonna Git You Sucka.
In the 1990s Hayes reached a new generation as Chef. Two years ago, however, he left the show after an episode that he felt made fun of the Scientology movement, of which he was a member.
"There is a place in this world for satire, but there is a time when satire ends and intolerance and bigotry towards religious beliefs of others begins," he said.
There was subsequent dispute about the origin of the statement. Hayes suffered a stroke in early 2006, and it has been reported that this was the reason he left the show.
An appearance on a TV talk show in April this year appeared to suggest that Hayes was suffering from the side-effects of a stroke.
However, he continued to lead an active life, spearheading a campaign for the Memphis Heart Clinic which was due to start on Friday.
He established the Isaac Hayes Foundation in 1993 to do philanthropic work in Africa, and was subsequently crowned king of a small community in Ghana.
A businessman who owned two restaurants and wrote a best-selling cook book, Hayes was married four times and had 12 children.

Taken from The Guardian

Rest In Peace, brother.

Mood Mosaic Post Part II (5-8)

2008-08-10T18:15:00.003+03:00

Second part of the mood mosaic series...

The Mood Mosaic 5: Supervixens

Strange twist for this series (which has been mostly lounge and funk), but a great batch of danceable uptempo fusion tracks and lost disco cuts from the euro club heyday of the 70s. Tracks include "Ma Mo Ah" by Tony Valor, "Follow Me" by Black Devil, "Dance Freak" by Chain Reaction, "Get On Up" by Roundtree, "Do Me" by Mona Rae, and "Ease Your Mind" by Touchdown. Nudie cover, sexy groove, and a nice 11 track comp of lost clubby grooves. Also with the great groover "Dance Dance Dance" by Marta Acuna!

01 William Goldstein - Midnight Rapsody
02 Marta Acuna - Dance, Dance, Dance
03 Touchdown - Ease Your Mind
04 Mona Rae - Do Me
05 Roundtree - Get On Up
06 Hiroshima - Lion Dance

http://www.sendspace.com/file/0q69er

The Mood Mosaic 6: Jazz À Go Go

6th volume in the great Mood Mosaic series, with a theme that focuses on swingin' female jazz singers -- mostly of the light breezy Euro variety. There's loads of rare cuts on here by Sheila Jordan, France Gall, Alice Babs, Monika Linges, Flora Purim, Annete Peacock, and April Aloisio -- plus tracks by other artists that have jazzy vocals, like stuff by Cal Tjader, Barney Wilen, and Sinatra. As usual, this Mood Mosaic comp's slightly different than the last one, but (also as usual) it's compiled with a lot of care, and features loads of hard to find tracks with a groovy clubby sound!

01 France Gall - Jazz À Go Go
02 Isabelle Antena - La Cinema
03 Alice Babs & Duke Ellington - Stoona
04 Sheila Jordan - Dat Dere
05 April Aloisio - Duid Dere
06 Sheila Jordan - The Crossing
07 Helen Merrill & Gordon Beck - I Got It Good
08 Cal Tjader - What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life
09 Emily Remler - Afro Blue
10 Flora Purim - Insensatez
11 Sinatra & Company - Drinking Water
12 April Aloisio - Nica's Dream
13 Barney Wilen - Besame Mucho
14 Carla Bley - Dining Alone
15 Annette Peacock - Too Much In The Skies
16 Monika Linges Quartet - Till We Get There

http://www.sendspace.com/file/kmnn9x

The Mood Mosaic 7: The New Shapes Of Sound

Very groovy! This series never stops being great -- and this 7th volume is a stunning set of mellow jazzy grooves, with kind of a slight 60s easy bent to them! The list of tracks is very nice, with many light lilting groovers -- including a number with a good Brazilian feel to them. Titles include "Misturada" by Kjeli Ohman, "A Starlett For You" by Andre Luterau, "Samba Para Norma" by Joel Wanroogenbroek, "Summertime" by Herb Alpert, "We've Only Just Begun" by Frank Cunimondo Trio, "Take Seven" by Roger Roger, "Bim Bom" by Silvio Silvera, "Berimbau" by Americo Bellotto, and "Kidnapping" by Karlheinz Schafer. Nice cover, too!

01 Vincent Geminiani - Liberalia
02 Karl Heinz Schäfer - Kidnapping
03 Harry Belafonte - Big Boat Up The River
04 Americo Bellotto - Berimbau
05 Silvio Silvera - Bim Bom
06 Roger Roger - Take Seven
07 Frank Cunimondo Trio - We've Only Just Begun
08 Herb Alpert - Summertime
09 Cortex - L'Enfant Samba
10 Joel Vandroogenbroeck - Samba Para Norma
11 Andre Lutterau - A Starlet For You
12 Kjell Öhman - Misturada
13 Cortex - Tropeau Ble

http://www.sendspace.com/file/zzp67a

The Mood Mosaic 8: Funky in a Minor Mode

One of the best-ever releases in this amazing series -- and a smoking batch of great little cuts that mix dope guitar, funky hammond, and odd off-beat grooves in a very nice way! The whole thing's nicely packaged, with a fresh approach to funk tunes that's quite different from a lot of recent compilations we've stocked -- and we're still grooving to this one, even though we've played it three times in a row! Tracks include "Petite Soul" by Little Ed, "Contagious" by Kenneth Wells, "Gasoline Alley" by Dave Grusin, "Pick & Shovel" by The Touch, "Mind Blow" by Roger Hamilton Spotts, "Un Homme De Mort" by Michel Legrand, "Chicano Chaser" by Ian Langley, "Studio 69" by The Mohawks, "Soul Thing" by Tony Newman, "It's Your Thing" by The Invaders, and "Move Your Hand" by La Clave. 20 cuts in all!

01. Connell Dantzler- Bo Gha
02. Little Ed- Petite Soul
03. Kenneth Wells- Contagious
04. Tony Newman- Soul Thing
05. Elaine Delmar- Sneaking Up On You
06. Mohawks- Studio 69
07. Ian Langley- Chicano Chaser
08. Janko Nilovic- Chorus For Leslie
09. Shifters- Ghost, The
10. Dave Grusin- Gasoline Alley
11. Michel Legrand- Un Homme De Mort
12. Hbp Mix- Light My Fire
13. Roger Hamilton Spotts- Mind Blow
14. African Pop Session- Africa Voodoo
15. Attitudes- If We Want To
16. Touch- Pick And Stovel, The
17. People Choice- I Like To Do Ii
18. La Clave- Move Your Hand
19. Har- You Percussion Group- Feel Me Good
20. Invaders- It's Your Thing

http://www.sendspace.com/file/smcxgb

Various Artists - Polish Funk Parts I & II

2008-07-27T17:46:00.006+03:00

A definite "unique selection" of grooves here -- not just because the rare tracks are all from 70s Poland, but also because most of them have never been reissued either! The package is a wonderful introduction to the kinds of grooves we've been digging from Poland for years -- that mad mix of jazz, funk, fusion, electric, and vocal elements that somehow managed to flourish wonderfully during the 70s years of Soviet control -- a real musical marvel, considering the setting -- and because of tight border control, very few of these tunes ever made it out to the west! The track selection differs a fair bit from the kinds of full length Polish jazz albums that have been released to date -- as many of the titles here are groovier, funkier, and more electric -- and in case you're wondering, there's also very little crossover with the Compost Polish jazz set from a few years back. Titles include "Sorcerer" by Big Band Katowice, "You Want Too Much" by ABC, "Shaft" by Henryk Debich, "Note In A Crest" by Jerzy Milian, "Listen To The Rhythm" by Breakout, "Past The Pile Of Piles" by Grazyna Lobaszewska I Ergo Band, "Qualified Galley Slave" by Piotr Figiel, "Whatcha Doin Mister" by Bemibek, "Introduction" by Novi Singers, and "Coda" by Czerwone Gitary.

A heady second helping of funky grooves from Poland -- an unlikely source, to be sure, but one that's filled with a huge amount of great tracks just waiting to be discovered by a global audience! This volume may well be even better than the first -- as it features a wealth of tunes that have a really unique approach -- not just attempts to copy American styles of funk, but some really original ways of approaching a groove! All tracks are from the Polskie Nagrania catalog, but a good number of them are on un-reissued albums that are so rare we've never seen them in the original -- including some great fusion, funky rock, and vocal titles alongside the more expected jazz. CD features titles that include "Further I Go" by Halina Frackowiak, "Atma" by Niebiesko Czarni, "Live By Yourself" by Zdzislawa Sosnicka, "Something Familiar" by Kryszstof Sadowski, "Back To The Old Colorful Days" by Wojciech Skowronski, "Princess" by Andrzej Zaucha, "You Will Want Me" by Czeslaw Niemen I Enigmatic, "Apha Centauri" by Grupa Organowa Krzysztofa Sadowskiego, and "I Shall Cover Your Eyes" by Maciej Kossowski.

Volume 1

Volume 2

Many thanks to Soul Diggs @ Heavy Weight Crates

The Mood Mosaic Pt. 1

2008-07-12T20:20:00.003+03:00

Been missing for a while, you can blame my NAS drive which decided to go *pffft* and took all my music along with it, thankfully most everything was on my iPod and what wasn't I just had to re-rip from CD's.

With the excuses out of the way, down to the business at hand....

The Mood Mosaic series of CD's released by Stone Records which, in their own words, they describe as "Lava Lamps… Mirror Balls… Mood Rings… and Funky, Funky Jamz!" is just about spot on. Spanning twelve (yes, that's 12) CD's this series brings you rare grooves of the 70's from a whole range of places from independent films all the way through to your finest Hollywood Porno grooves. The latter of which lends itself to some interesting, ahem, backing vocals on more than a few tracks.

This first post will be Volumes 1-4 of the series. I havn't uploaded any of the album art because it is more than a little "blue" and, well, you never know who's looking over your shoulder as you peruse this blog. Though fear not, for the completists with the final post I'll include a download for all the artwork!

Track listings are from Discogs.com and blurbs are from Dustygroove if you want to fork out some wonga for this legendary set of CD's you can get them from hexacord.

The Mood Mosaic Vol. 1 -- The Hascish Party

A wonderfully groovy set -- every bit as great as you might guess from the title and the cover -- and the very first installment in the now-legendary Mood Mosaic series! The set's one of the few to bring together tunes from the groovier side of the spectrum at the end of the 60s -- work from British, French, American, and German sources -- all awash in a great blend of funky, easy, and pop-oriented modes! There's a nicely trippy feel throughout -- and titles include "Hascisch Party" by George Garvarenz, "Kiss This" by Claude Denjean, "Acka Raga" by Shocking Blue, "Mas Que Nada" by Luiz Enriquez, "En Melody" by Serge Gainsbourg, "Love For Sale" by Marian McPartland, "Batucada" by Phil Crewe, "Marins Armins Amant Ou Maris" by Michel Legrand, and "Sitar Beat" by Klaus Doldinger.

01 Bob Crewe - Pygar's Persecution/The Black Queen's Beads (4:30)
02 Klaus Doldinger - Sitar Beat (1:52)
03 Serge Gainsbourg - En Melody (3:27)
04 Michel Legrand - Marins, Amis, Amant Ou Maris (2:36)
05 Nelson Riddle - Lamento (3:00)
06 Marian Mc Parland - Love For Sale (4:00)
07 Gabor Szabo - Sophisticated Wheels (5:05)
08 Phil Moore III - Batucada (2:30)
09 Luis Enriquez - Mas Que Nada (2:30)
10 George Garvarenz - Hascisch Party (2:58)
11 Shocking Blue - Ackta Raga (3:10)
12 Claude Denjean - Kiss This (3:00)
13 George Shearing - Aquarius (3:25)

hxxp://www.sendspace.com/file/srffcf

The Mood Mosaic Vol. 2 -- Barnie's Groove

Second volume in the great Mood Mosaic series, and even funkier than the first one! The focus here is on funky stuff with a soundtracky feel, and the list includes some remakes -- like Henry Mancini's "Streets of San Francisco" and Bobby Forrester's "Sanford & Son" -- plus some groovy originals like Quincy Jones' "Call Me Mr. Tibbs". Also features Jimmy Smith's hard to find "Root Down", plus "Super Strut" by Port Authority, "Desert is a Circle" by Jodorowsky, and "Mission Impossible" by the 45 Sound Orchestra. Great stuff!

01 Sammy Davis Jr. - Baretta's Theme
02 Bobby Forrester - Sanford & Sons
03 Ernie Wilkins - Evil Ways
04 Henry Mancini - The Streets Of San Francisco
05 Quincy Jones - Call Me Mr. Tibbs
06 Generation Gap - The Rock Steady
07 Alexandro Jodorowsky - The Desert Is A Circle
08 J.B. Pickers - Super Soul Theme
09 Porth Autority - Super Strut
10 Blockbuster - Theme From Starsky And Hutch
11 Al Kooper - The Landlord
12 André Previn - Executive Party
13 Jimmy Smith - Ruth Down (And Get It)
14 Sound Orchester - Mission Impossible
15 Bullet - Road Runner
16 Bullet - Contract Man

hxxp://www.sendspace.com/file/c5t3qe

The Mood Mosaic Vol. 3 -- The Sexploitation

More cool stuff from this great series! This time, it's a double length set of cool groovy cuts from the 70's, with a nice sexy feel to them. Tracks include "Coming and Going" and "Go Down Dying", two Jobim cuts by Ray Brown, plus "Carribean Sunrise" by Clay Pitts, "Vixen and The Constable" by Ingo Kantor, "Le Train Fou" by Jacques Denjean, "Amame" by Claudia Vita, "Good Time" by Dan Seepers Soul, "Pazuzu" by Tony Sylvester, and loads more groovy cuts. There's even some tracks with (ahem) a bit of sexy film dialogue in them. Complete with a nice sexy nudie cover, too!

01 Ingo Kantor - Vixen & The Constable (3:17)
02 Jacques Denjean - Le Train Fou (3:00)
03 Ray Brown - Polo Pony (4:04)
04 Claudia Vita - Amame (2:50)
05 Sounds Nice - Continental Exchange (2:15)
06 Roland Vincent - L.S.D. Partie (2:40)
07 Ray Brown - Coming And Going (3:26)
08 De Giafferi - Sado Maso (3:02)
09 Big Jim "H" & His Men Orchestra Of Rhythm - Jungle Fever (3:12)
10 Claudia Vita - Dr No Piano (2:35)
11 Dan Seepers - Soul Good Time Woman (2:57)
12 Ray Brown - Go Down Dying (4:12)
13 Clay Pitts - Caribbean Sunrise (2:30)
14 Tony Sylvester - Pazuzu (5:00)
15 Lil' Louis - French Kiss (7:00)

hxxp://www.sendspace.com/file/36llli

The Mood Mosaic Vol. 4 -- Les Yper Sounds

A beautiful set of cool Now Sound grooves, and a compilation that resembles the now-legendary first volume in this cool series! 21 groovy 60's cuts, including "Bloop Bleep" by Gary McFarland, "Soul Lady" by Don Sebesky, "Jumpin' Jack Flash" by Peter Thomas, "Sorry Bout That" by Harold Johnson, "The Look of Love" by Bill Plummer, "Groovy Spirit" by Jackie Mitoo, "Cat Walk" by Peter Moore, and loads more cool tracks with a stripped down vibe, a jazzy twist, and kind of a campy edge. Sexy stuff, and expertly compiled by the Partners in Crime!

01 Gary McFarland - Bloop Bleep (2:15)
02 The Nilsmen - The Sandstep (2:41)
03 Pete Moore - Cat Walk (3:08)
04 Ted Heat - Don't Cha Hear Me Callin' To Ya? (3:10)
05 Jakie Mitoo - Groovy Spirit (3:10)
06 Clark Terry - El Blues Latino (2:57)
07 Stan Getz - Walk On By (3:12)
08 Shirley Scott - Soul Sauce (2:49)
09 Connie Francis - Bossa Nova Hand Dance (2:06)
10 Ken Thorne - Bossa Nova (In The Restaurant) (2:44)
11 The John Scott - Mas Que Nada (2:18)
12 Stanley Myers - Barney (3:05)
13 Ken Thorne - Lindt Vans (2:55)
14 Ann Margret - Swingers Holiday (Instrumental) (2:50)
15 Bill Plummer - The Look Of Love (3:35)
16 Oliver Nelson - The Sound Machine (3:40)
17 Ian & The Zodiacs - It Ain't Necessarily So (2:24)
18 Don Sebesky - Soul Lady (3:05)
19 Ted Heat - It's Not Unusual (2:59)
20 Enoch Light - Bond Street (2:38)
21 Peter Thomas - Jumpin' Jack Flash (2:08)
22 Harold Johnson Sextet - Sorry 'Bout That (Part 1) (2:08)

hxxp://www.sendspace.com/file/j6afdp

Rahsaan Patterson - Rahsaan Patterson (1997)

2008-07-06T06:12:00.002+03:00

Ok, so while we're on the Neo Soul vibe and being in the romantic (for romantic read drunk) state that I'm in (Where You Are was the first dance at my wedding) here was my first and favourite album from Mr Rahsaan Patterson.

1. Stop By
2. Spend The Night
3. Where You Are
4. So Fine
5. Stay Awhile
6. Come Over
7. Can't We Wait A Minute
8. Joy
9. My Sweetheart
10. One More Night
11. Don't Wanna Lose It
12. Tears Ago
13. Ain't No Way
14. Soul Free

Rahsaan Patterson

Lynden David Hall - The Other Side

2008-07-06T05:07:00.003+03:00

1. If I had to choose

2. Forgive me

3. Say it ain't so

4. U let him have u

5. Hard way

6. Where's God

7. To be a man

8. Other side

9. Don't wanna talk

10. Wanna be another you

11. Sleeping with Victor

12. Dead and gone - Featuring Hinda Hicks

13. Are we still cool

Get it here

Many thanks to Orwell @ Analogged

Bob James - One, Two and Three

2008-07-01T18:34:00.007+03:00

One - (1974)

After putting days and days thinking of a title for his first solo album Bob James finally came up with this.

This is the first of James' legendary Jazz-Funk trilogy that he recorded with CTI and included many of the great musicians that were doing the rounds back in the day. Nautilus also provides samples for almost 60 other artists including Run DMC, Eric B and Rakim, Kruder and Dorfmeister, Ultramagnetic MCs, Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, Soul II Soul and Public Enemy.

1. Valley of the Shadows
2. In The Garden
3. Soulero
4.Night On Bald Mountain
5. Nautilus

Personnel includes: Bob James (keyboards); Grover Washington Jr. (soprano saxophone); Jon Faddis, Thad Jones (trumpet, flugelhorn); Hugh McCracken (harmonica); Dave Friedman (vibraphone); Rickie Resnicoff (guitar); Eric Weissberg (pedal steel guitar); Gary King (bass); Steve Gadd, Idris Muhammad (drums); Ralph MacDonald (percussion).

Two - (1975)

After the brain workout involved in naming his début Mr James just went right ahead and stuck with the theme.

Two is just as downright cool as its predecessor and possibly even more sampled because he pretty much sticks with the same musicians that made the previous year's album such a seminal work.

1. Take Me to the Mardi Gras
2. I Feel a Song (In My Heart)
3. Golden Apple
4. Farandole (L'Arlesienne Suite No. 2)
5. You're as Right as Rain
6. Dream Journey

Personnel: Bob James (electric piano, Clavinet); Lani Groves, Patti Austin, Zachary Sanders, Frank Floyd (vocals); Eric Gale (guitar, bass instrument); Richie Resnicoff (guitar); Hubert Laws (flute, electric flute); Eddie Daniels (clarinet); Lew Soloff, Marvin Stamm, Randy Brecker, Victor Paz, John Frosk (trumpet, flugelhorn); Peter Gordon , Jimmy Buffington, Al Richmond (French horn); Eddie Bert, Tom Mitchell, Wayne Andre, Tony Studd (trombone); Gary King (bass instrument); Andrew Smith, Steve Gadd (drums); Ralph MacDonald, Arthur Jenkins (percussion).

Three - (1976)

Ok, so now he's just showing off. Three brilliant albums and three original titles.

This is in my opinion the best of the lot. Probably just because of Westchester Lady.

1. One Mint Julep
2. Women of Ireland
3. Westchester Lady
4. Storm King
5. Jamaica Farewell

Personnel: Bob James (keyboards); Eric Gale, Hugh McCracken, Jeff Mironov (guitar); Gloria Agostini (harp); Harold Kohon, David Nadien, Matthew Raimondi (violin); Al Brown (viola); Charles McCracken, Alan Shulman (cello); Eddie Daniels, Hubert Laws, Jerry Dodgion (flute); Grover Washington Jr. (whistle, soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Jon Faddis, Lew Soloff, Marvin Stamm, John Frosk (trumpet); Dave Bargeron, Dave Taylor, Wayne Andre (trombone); Gary King, Will Lee (bass guitar); Harvey Mason, Andrew Newmark (drums); Ralph McDonald (percussion).

One

Two

Three

Saravah Soul - Saravah Soul

2008-06-18T20:27:00.004+03:00

Well as the saying goes... something old, something new and something blue. The last post was something old, this album is something new just don't expect something blue. There are plenty of other places on the web you can go for that...

Saravah Soul is a band from the melting pot of London, meeting through the underground music scene (they are seriously good live) and forming a band to play their own brand of soul flavored brazillian samba-funk that is more than a little reminiscent of Jorge Ben put through a contemporary funk car wash.

The band is fronted by Brazillian Otto Nascarella and cast including Bass virtuoso Matheus Nova has performed with the likes of Brazilian samba divas Elza Soares and Alcione. Kiris Houston on keys and guitar has worked with top soul artists including Jocelyn Brown and Estelle. Eduardo Marques is one of the most in demand Brazilian drummers in London, and works with top Brazilian artists such as Ed Motta. Percussionist/flautist Jack Yglesias is legendary on the contemporary funk scene, having played with The Poets of Rhythm, Lee Fields, The Soul Destroyers, Quantic Soul Orchestra and Spanky Wilson. The horn section is led by the sax player Marcelo Andrade, who also plays on Jazzinho

01. Oil Is Thicker Than Blood
02. Nao Posso Te Levar A Serio
03. It's Doing My Head In
04. Arroz Com Feijao
05. Funk E Saravah
06. Roubada
07. Role De Bike
08. Supersossego
09. Homesick
10. It's Doing My Head In (Instrumental)

hxxp://www.sendspace.com/file/0kxif3

Héctor Lavoe - La Voz (1975)

2008-06-18T02:09:00.005+03:00

Having spent the last eight years serving as the vocalist for Willie Colon's incredible band, Héctor Lavoe decided to make his own solo album. And dear God did he get that one right! With two of the most instantly recognizable salsa tracks in El Todopoderoso and Mi Gente this album is right up there on anybody's list of must have salsa albums.

Personnel include: Hector Lavoe (vocals); Ray Maldonado, Hector Zarzuela (trumpet); Tom Malon, Jose Rodgrigues (trombone); Mark Dimond (piano); Eddie "Guagua" Rivera (bass guitar); Milton Cardona (conga drum); Jose Mangual, Jr. (bongos); Nicky Marrero (timbales); Ruben Blades, Willie Colon, Willie Garcia (background vocals).

1. El Todopoderoso
2. Emborrachame de Amor
3. Paraiso de Dulzura
4. Un Amor de la Calle
5. Rompe Saraguey
6. Mucho Amor
7. Tus Ojos
8. Mi Gente

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=BSL7M63P

Orange is a nice colour. Sure beats lime green.

Ocho - Ocho I

2008-06-15T10:19:00.005+03:00

Well, it's time to lose that blogging virginity and what better way to do it then by posting this classic 1972 album from Ocho. This musical collective was formed by eight Black-Puerto Rican jazz/soul musicians who were part of the New York scene, Ocho meaning "8" in Spanish. With the release of this first album titled "I" they quickly rose to the forefront of the burgeoning NuYorican "Black & Proud" musical/cultural movement. From 1972-75 they released a series of albums which are on par with the best work of Ray Barretto, Joe Bataan, and Eddie Palmieri. "I" is, perhaps, the best of these albums

1. Oriza Play
2. Flautira
3. Suena Tu Bongo Play
4. Se Me Fue La Montuna
5. Undress My Mind
6. Ay Que Frio
7. Theme Libre
8. Que Pelotai

Label: West Side Latino Records
Catalog#: L-31119
Country: US
Released: 1972
Credits:

Arranged By, Leader, Piano, Vibraphone - Chico Mendoza
Bass - Andy McCloud
Bongos, Percussion - Charlie Jones
Congas - Donald Howard
Engineer - Irving Greenbaum
Producer - Bobby Marin
Saxophone [Baritone], Flute - Billy Phipps
Saxophone [Tenor] - Charlie Marshall
Saxophone [Tenor], Flute - Herbie Morgan
Timbales - Butch Johnson

Notes: Recorded at Broadway Studios, N.Y.C.

hxxp://www.sendspace.com/file/3cv97y

2008-06-15T00:48:00.003+03:00

94 East -- Minneapolis Genius - The Historic 1977 Recordings (1987)

Incredible piece of Jazz/Funk/Disco from Prince and his bestest childhood buddy André Cymone. Recorded one year before Prince's solo debut, For You, at the tender age of just nineteen this record has that definite Minneapolis sound.

Track Listings

1. If You Feel Like Dancin'

2. Lovin' Cup

3. Games

4. Just Another Sucker

5. Dance to the Music of the World

6. One Man Jam

Download:

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=QUYJ42J8

We're Stayin' Alive....!!!!!

2008-06-11T21:25:00.003+03:00

After much thought, some hand wringing and head bashing...and that was just the little head, I've decided to enlist the help of two fine looking able bodied funkster friends of mine to keep this place ticking over.

Bump and BigFatFlyingBloke are the two tasty dudes in question so be gentle and kind with them while you break them in as both are blogging virgins....don't give them too hard a first time :-)

I'm hoping to be able to pop in and out with a few choice uploads of my own but can't promise anything, but Bump and BFFB have some seriously good funk and soul in their collections, as well as some other choice goodies, so don't be surprised if you see the blog moving in a new direction at times......embrace the tunes and please people....your comments are important, they do ALL get read, even if I don't reply to them all....so keep them coming and show the love to the people who take the time to share their tunes with you.

KEEP THE FAITH!

Time to hand this over to someone else or close the blog!

2008-06-07T08:16:00.003+03:00

Okay so due to personal commitments I can't continue with the blog anymore. It had to happen sometime I guess, so no point in getting upset...was good while it lasted :-)

I have three options, either close it indefinitely, leave it as is or appoint someone else to run the blog and carry it on.....

If anyone wants to take it on, leave me a message in the shoutbox with your e-mail...if not, I'll make a decision sometime over the next week or so.

Cheers people....it was fun sharing some amazing tunes with you....

Keep The Faith!

Jinkz

Asian Dub Foundation - Punkara

2008-05-02T12:14:00.004+03:00

Punkara is Asian Dub Foundation's 11th album. Asian Dub Foundation distinctive sound is a combination of hard ragga-jungle rhythms, indo-dub basslines, searing sitar- inspired guitars and ’traditional’ sounds. Punkara features artists such as Iggy Pop and Gogol Bordello, and ADF's line up includes now the ex-lead singer of King Prawn.

1. Superpower
2. Burning Fence
3. No Fun
4. Speed of Light
5. Ease Up Caesar
6. S.O.C.A.
7. Target Practice
8. Living Under the Radar (Ghostplane)
9. Altered Statesmen
10. Bride of Punkara
11. Stop the Bleeding
12. Awake\Asleep

Link removed by request...buy this, it's worth it!

Soulsville Sings Hitsville: Stax Sings Songs of Motown Records

2008-05-02T12:00:00.003+03:00

01 Margie Joseph - Stop! In The Name Of Love (Single 4:54
Version)
02 David Porter - I Don't Know Why I Love You 3:00
03 The Staple Singers - You've Got To Earn It 3:31
04 Calvin Scott - Can I Get A Witness 2:49
05 The Mar-Keys - Reach Out (I'll Be There) 4:39
06 Isaac Hayes - Never Can Say Goodbye 3:38
07 Billy Eckstine - My Cherie Amour 3:24
08 Barbara Lewis - Oh, Be My Love 2:47
09 Booket T. & The MGs - I Hear A Symphony 2:11
10 Mavis Staples - Chained (Alternate Take) 3:19
11 John Gary Williams - Ask The Lonely 3:32
12 The Soul Children - Signed, Sealed, Delivered 3:22
13 Frederick Knight - Someday We'll Be Together 4:40
14 O.B. McClinton - I Wish It Would Rain 2:53
15 The Bar-Keys - I Heard It Through The Grapevine 12:07
http://rapidshare.com/files/109722507/VA_-_Soulsville_Sings_Hitsville_.rar

Brooklyn Funk Essentials - Watcha Playin (2008)

2008-04-23T09:22:00.002+03:00

1. Need 12:40
2. Dance - Free Night 4:46
3. Bellybuttons T&a 5:00
4. Rude Boy Shuffle 6:38
5. The Park 4:11
6. Wendell Wedding 5:32
7. For A Few Dollars More 8:09
8. Work It Out 6:10
9. My Jamaican Girl 5:19
10. Dibby Dibby Sound 2:31
11. S-curved 7:46
12. The Day Before Adidi 6:12
http://rapidshare.com/files/109490010/Brooklyn_Funk_Essentials_-_Watcha_Playin__2008_.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/109498605/Brooklyn_Funk_Essentials_-_Watcha_Playin__2008__2.rar

James Brown - Cold Sweat [1967]

2008-04-23T09:09:00.002+03:00

Superb stuff from The Boss! Here's Pee Wee Ellis' version of how Cold Sweat came about and was recorded...

"After one of the shows, one night somewhere, James called me into the dressing room and grunted a bass line of a rhythmic thing (demonstrates), which turned out to be "Cold Sweat." I was very much influenced by Miles Davis and had been listening to "So What" six or seven years earlier and that crept into the making of "Cold Sweat." You could call it subliminal, but the horn line is based on Miles Davis' "So What." I wrote that on the bus between New York and Cincinnati. The next day we pulled up in front of King Records studio, got off the bus, got in the studio, set up, and I went over the rhythm with the band. By the time we got the groove going, James showed up, added a few touches--changed the guitar part, which made it real funky--had the drummer do something different. He was a genius at it. Between the two of us, we put it together one afternoon. He put the lyrics on it. The band set up in a semicircle in the studio with one microphone. It was recorded live in the studio. One take. It was like a performance. We didn't do overdubbing."

1. Cold Sweat
2. Nature Boy
3. Come Rain or Come Shine
4. I Loves You, Porgy
5. Back Stabbin'
6. Fever
7. Mona Lisa
8. I Wanna Be Around
9. Good Rockin' Tonight
10. Stagger Lee
11. Kansas City
http://rapidshare.com/files/109475738/James_Brown_-_Cold_Sweat__1967_.rar

VA - Grazing The Trash Vol.2

2008-04-22T12:21:00.002+03:00

1. Don't Think...Do - Bama & The Family
2. Get Up In Your Hot Pants - Bama & The Family
3. Soul Dig part 1 - The Soul Diggers
4. Soul Dig part 2 - The Soul Diggers
5. Solid Funk - The Sugarman Three
6. Funky Moon - The Sugarman Three
7. Soul Dynamite - Lee Fields & The Explorers
8. Ain't It Funky Now - Lee Fields & The Explorers
9. Funky Crawl - The Detroit Sex Machines
10. Rap It Together - The Detroit Sex Machines
11. Get Down - Joseph Henry & The Soul Command
12. Moon Mission - Joseph Henry & The Soul Command
13. In The Raw - The Whitefield Brothers
14. The Bastard - The Whitefield Brothers
http://rapidshare.com/files/109466492/VA_-_Grazing_The_Trash_Vol.2.rar

VA - The Maderfaker (2008)

2008-04-22T12:12:00.003+03:00

Right soulbrothas and sistas....time to get your online translation tools out if you wanna read the review that follows...or you can just take my word for it when I tell you this is a mental set of funky goodness of the type regularly played at The Maderfaker Funk Club.....makes me wish I was a regular :-)

El Maderfaker es un local situado en el popular barrio madrileño de Malasaña que lleva adorando durante los últimos diez años el Funk y la música negra, sobre todo la desarrollada en la década de los 70, una de las más prolíficas. En ese periodo aparecieron multitud de bandas nuevas que se empaparon de Funk, como Clarence Wheeler, Charles Wright, Earth, Wind & FIRE, Cold Blood, además de grandes y consolidadas figuras del jazz como Herbie Hancock…, que nos dejan verdaderas joyas de este apasionante ritmo. Estas son algunas de las que ahora se recogen en este disco recopilatorio.

01. Clarence Wheeler & the Enforcers - Right on
02. The Gaturs - Cold Bear
03. Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band - Express Yourself
04. Mark Putney - Don't Care Around Here Anymore
05. Cold Blood - I'm A Good Woman
06. King Curtis - Memphis Soul Stew
07. Earth, Wind & Fire - Moment of Thuth
08. Black Heat - Love the Life You Live
09. United 8 - Getting Uptown to Get Down
10. Cold Grits - It's Your Thing
11. The Meters - Just Kissed My Baby
12. Southshore Commission - Right on Brother
13. Johnny Harris - Stepping Stones
14. Herbie Hancock - Wiggle Waggle
15. Roy Ayers - Daddy Bug
http://rapidshare.com/files/109450828/VA_-_The_Maderfaker__2008_.rar

Speedometer - Four Flights Up (2007)

2008-04-22T12:08:00.002+03:00

Speedometer get better and better with each new record - and this time around, they've risen to the upper level of grooving in the deep funk underground - sitting nicely next to the best from the Daptone, Soul Fire, and Tru Thoughts camp with an approach that's heavy on the drums, filled with funky guitars, and topped with plenty of horns! Vocals are great too - thanks to guest appearances from Ria Currie and Miami soul legend Robert Moore - both of whom really flesh out the tunes wonderfully with their soulful styles. Core instrumentation is as tight as it can be, and it looks like the move to the Freestyle label has really been a great one for the group.

01. Meter's Running
02. No Man Worries feat. Ria Currie
03. Same Old Thing
04. Make It Alright feat. Robert Moore
05. Am I Your Woman feat. Ria Currie
06. Four Flights Up
07. Main Man
08. Take A Chance feat. Ria Currie
09. Straight
10. Do Right Man feat. Robert Moore
11. Real Me feat. Ria Currie
12. Safari Of Soul
13. This Ain't Movin' feat. Ria Currie
14. Chicken Run
http://rapidshare.com/files/109213518/Speedometer_-_Four_Flights_Up__2007_.rar

Swamp Dogg - Gag A Maggot (1973)

2008-04-22T10:55:00.003+03:00

Swamp Dogg (born Jerry Williams, Jr.), is one of the deepest of the deep soul singers. Described as “Wilson Pickett meets Frank Zappa in a bad mood,” and known for his dubious album covers, his association with the anti-Vietnam movement (allegedly) put him on Nixon’s enemies list. Swamp wrote or co-wrote hits for Gene Pitney, Johnny Paycheck, and a host of others. You might have heard his music in samples on tracks by Talib Kweli and the Jurassic 5.

01-Choking to Death from the Ties That Bind
02-Please Let Me Kiss You Goodnight
03-Mighty Mighty Dollar Bill
04-T.T
05-Midnight Hour
06-Why Must We Fall (When We Fall in Love)
07-Wifesitter
08-I Couldn't Pay for What I Got Last Night
09-God Bless America for What [Contains Explicit Language][Live]
http://rapidshare.com/files/109202768/Swamp_Dogg_-_Gag_A_Maggot__1973_.rar

VA - Peanut Butter Wolf's Jukebox 45s

2008-04-22T10:52:00.003+03:00

01. Beat Conductor–Chops & Thangs
02. Quasimoto–Microphone Mathematics Remix
03. Dudley Perkins–Flowers
04. Ernie & The Top Notes feat. Raymond Winnfield–Things Could Be Better
05. Yesterdays New Quintet–Harlem River Drive Interlude
06. Yesterdays New Quintet–I Am Singing
07. Captain Funkaho–My 2600
08. Beat Conductor–Breaks of Meditate
09. Madlib Invazion feat. Oh No and Medaphoar–The Ox (Fantastic Four)
10. The Stark Reality–Rocket Ship
11. Medaphoar–Place Your Bet
12. The Highlighters–Poppin’ Popcorn (CD only)
13. Breakestra–Getho Soul Togetha (Part Two)
14. Charizma & Peanut Butter Wolf–Devotion ‘92
15. Beat Conductor–Conducted Rhythms
16. A-Trak–Enter Ralph Wiggum
17. Fabulous Souls–Take Me
18. LA Carnival–Color
19. Beat Conductor–Lost Lust
20. Yesterdays New Quintet–Mystic Brew Interlude
21. Yesterdays New Quintet–Knucklehead
22. Lootpack–On Point
http://rapidshare.com/files/109191688/VA_-_Peanut_Butter_Wolf_s_Jukebox_45s.rar

The NRK Sessions - Soul Afro Jazz And Latin from the Club 7 Scene

2008-04-22T10:47:00.003+03:00

Something just a little bit special for you all today....

In 1970, Norway had a population of just over 3.8 million people, with a record market in accordance to that number. Genres such as soul, afro-jazz and latin were rarely recorded and therefore The Norwegian National Broadcasting Bureau (NRK) played a pivotal role for the music milieu. Since the bands didn’t have any records for NRK to play, NRK gave them studio time to record music they could broadcast. Hence, it exists recordings of artists that you never knew even existed.
The artists represented on this release were all connected to Club 7 that existed from 1963 to ’85 on different locations in Oslo. The name suggested that the intentions of the club were more than just sex and it soon became the stage for all experimental art forms in Norway. In the early days the scene was all about jazz, but soon opened up to R´n´B, psychedelica, blues, reggae and folk music. An important factor in this development was Earl Wilson, an actor from New York who in 66´ formed the first Norwegian R´n´B band, Little Earl and The Sapphires. After breaking up the group, Earl put together The Club 7 Explosion, which became an institution at the club under different names such as Little Earl & The Road Band and The Band No Name. After seeing the huge cues the band made, the management realized that R´n´B music was the new money. Karin Krog was a part of the early jazz scene but started experimenting with R´n´B after meeting the singer and pianist Arild Wikstrøm and later the R´n´B band Public Enemies at the club. Here she also met Fred Nøddelund, almost just a kid at the time, who convinced Karin to record and perform some of his arrangements, inspired by West Coast pop and soul. The cousins Magni and Geir Wentzel were both Club 7 regulars. Magni was educated as a classical guitarist in Spain and focused both on the jazz and folk scene while the pianist Geir was a pioneer on the R´n´B scene with his own orchestra and band Wentzel. He was set to record Norway’s first R´n´B LP when his collaborator suddenly died in a car crash. Theband Kjellerrockjazzbandet consisted of some of Norway’s most talented jazz and pop musicians from the groups Sapphires and Dream, and like all Club 7 musicians they played in a dozen different constellations a month. They got their name from Club 7’s director Attila Horvath, who one day needed to name the group for an ad in the paper, and the name stuck. But it wasn’t only Norwegian groups that played Club 7. The booking list is filled with big international names like Nina Simone or Keith Jarrett, and it wasn’t unusual that the guy sitting in the corner sofa next to you was Zappa or Sean Connery. One of the bands that used to visit was The Modern Sound Quintet, an afro-jazz group with musicians from the Caribbean, living in Copenhagen. They worked as session musicians and played clubs in Scandinavia and one of the regular stops was Club 7. Two mainstays on the club’s afro-jazz scene were the bands E´Olen! and Tamma, both with Gambian percussionist Miki N´Doye as backbone.Tammarefers to a talking drum from West Africa and the band was influenced by African folk music, Fela Kuti and Scandinavian jazz. The band eventually got so good at their craft that they went to tour Gambia.

Both the NRK studio productions and Club 7 fell apart during the mid eighties. Club 7 went bankrupt and the new standardized musician wages made NRK refrain from using self produced music in the broadcasts. Since Club 7 never managed to get their own recording equipment or label running, we are lucky they took the trip to NRK to record the only documents existing of one of Scandinavia’s most vibrant music scenes in the 70s.

TrackList:
-----------------
01. The Band No Name - Whole Lotta Love 02:17
02. The Band No Name - Hot Pants 05:05
03. The Band No Name - Come On Children 03:12
04. The Band No Name With Magni Wentzel - Love The One Your With 04:07
05. The Band No Name - Tell It Like It Is 07:00
06. The Band No Name - Moment Of Truth 03:16
07. The Band No Name - Them Changes 04:18
08. Karin Krog & Fred Nшddelund - Groovinґ 04:38
09. Geir Wentzelґs Orkester With Magni Wentzel - Don’t Let Me Loose This Dream” 02:58
10. Geir Wentzelґs Orkester With Magni Wentzel - California Soul 02:49
11. Kjellerrockjazzbandet - A Night In Barcelona 04:34
12. Kjellerrockjazzbandet - Unknown 03:36
13. Kjellerrockjazzbandet - Oslo, Late July 02:59
14. The Modern Sound Quintet - Otinku 06:32
15. Lite, Lite - Lite, Lite 04:28
16. Tamma - Tamma Song 06:44
http://rapidshare.com/files/109234084/VA_-_The_NRK_Sessions_-_Soul_Afro_Jazz_And_Latin_From_The_Club_7.rar

VA - Grazing in the Trash, Vol. 1

2008-04-22T09:06:00.002+03:00

1. Compin' & Smokin' - Calypso King & The Soul Investigators
2. Damper Down Popcorn - Calypso King & The Soul Investigators
3. Soul Safari - Speedometer
4. Two Beat Beast - Speedometer
5. Haaa-Sheesh - JD & The Evil's Dynamite Band
6. Just Some More Haa-Sheesh - JD & The Evil's Dynamite Band
7. I'm The Man - Lee Fields & The Explorers
8. You Love (Is Something I Need) - Lee Fields & The Explorers
9. Majestic Soul - Third Point
10. Welfare Line - Third Point
11. Fast Funk Instrumental (The Supersonics) - Soul Fire Educational Vol.1 (Drums) 12. Beats 1 Thru 11 - Soul Fire Educational Vol.1 (Drums)
13. Bonus Track - Fast Funk Instrumental (The Supersonics) - Soul Fire Education
14. Bonus Track - Grazing In The Trash - The Soul Fire Funk 45' Collection
http://rapidshare.com/files/109180824/VA_-_Grazing_in_the_Trash__Vol._1.rar

Swamp Dogg - Have You Heard This Story (1974)

2008-04-22T09:02:00.003+03:00

Have You Heard This Story was Swamp's 6th album -- and one that shows him firmly moved from indie soul to territory into a mix of funky blues themes and political ones. There's a few decent southern soul moments -- thanks to production at Broadway Studios, in Sheffield, Alabama -- and titles include "God Ain't Blessing America", "When He Was No One", "I Wanna Lifetime Of Loving You", "I Wouldn't Leave Here To Go To Heaven", "Chewed UP Grass", and "The Mind Does The Dancing While The Body Pulls The Strings".

1. The Mind Does the Dancing While the Body Pulls the Strings 2:20
2. Dr. M.L.G. (J.A.) 3:45
3. Chewed Up Grass 4:41
4. My Hang-Ups Ain't Hung Up No More 3:45
5. Did I Come Back Too Soon (Or Stay Away Too Long) 4:15
6. I Wanna Lifetime of Loving You 2:30
7. When He Was No One 3:14
8. I Wouldn't Leave Here to Go to Heaven 2:40
9. God Ain't Blessing America 4:40
http://rapidshare.com/files/109170943/Swamp_Dogg_-_Have_You_Heard_This_Story__1974_.rar

Big Boss Man - Winner (2005)

2008-04-22T08:57:00.002+03:00

'Winner' is the long-awaited follow-up to Big Boss Man's debut 'Humanize' released by Blow Up in 2001. BBM have built up a loyal following by touring extensively in the UK, Europe and even Moscow. All of which have helped them earn their deserved reputation as the 'punks of Hammond funk'.
'Winner' is produced by the band and Morgan Nicholls (The Streets/Muse/Senseless Things/Morgan). Morgan is the son of Immediate Records' in-house songwriter Billy Nicholls, so the studio was choc-full of groovy stuff: The Who's Hammond, Steve Marriott's first guitar, Clavis, Wurlis - the list goes on. All of which were put to good use on the album! Morgan was also involved in the recent Big Boss Man seven-inch only remix of Paul Weller's Top 20 single 'The Bottle'.
'Winner' continues the trip through 60's Funk, along the way taking in Bongo/Fuzz in 'Everybody Boogaloo', Latin Soul in 'Complicated Lady', French Beat in 'Tu As Gache', Floor-fillers such as 'Kelvin Stardust', Boogaloo in, er, 'Boogaloo' and general Hammond/Moog mentalness everywhere else.

1. Kelvin Stardust
2. Fall In Fall Out
3. Complicated Lady
4. Tu As Gaché Mon Talent Ma Chérie
5. Reach Out
6. Oh My Gawd!
7. B.O.O.G.A.L.O.O.
8. Fever Special
9. Everybody Boogaloo
10. Jackson 16
11. The Hawk
12. Got It So Bad
13. Deception
http://rapidshare.com/files/109068190/Big_Boss_Man_-_Winner__2005_.rar

This is THE nuts...can't believe I hadn't heard of these guys before!

Carla Thomas - The Queen Alone (1967)

2008-04-22T08:53:00.002+03:00

Six of the songs on The Queen Alone were written, either partially or entirely, by the team of Isaac Hayes and David Porter, who were riding high in the midst of their successes with Sam And Dave. They add their magic touch to such songs as "Stop Thief" and "When Tomorrow Comes," which, with its tambourine and prominent bass line, could easily be mistaken for a Supremes classic.

It is on the ballads where Thomas shines. Her sweet voice was always best suited for the poppier side of soul, and her vocals on the Bacharach-David song "Any Day Now" and the Dusty Springfield hit, "All I See Is You" show her ease with a soaring melody. "I'll Always Have Faith In You" and "Unchanging Love" are classic Stax ballads in 12/8 time, complete with Steve Cropper's trademark guitar fills.

1. Any Day Now
2. Stop Thief
3. I Take It To My Baby
4. I Want To Be Your Baby
5. Something Good (Is Going To Happen To You)
6. When Tomorrow Comes
8. All I See Is You
9. Unchanging Love
10. Give Me Enough (To Keep Me Going)
11. Lie To Keep Me From Crying
http://rapidshare.com/files/109044372/Carla_Thomas_-_The_Queen_Alone__1967_.rar

Brownout - Homenaje (2008)

2008-04-21T08:57:00.003+03:00

Smoking Latin funk from Brownout -- an octet with a heavy groove of percussion, organ and horns -- rolling from a loose limbed groove to a storming dancefloor vibe! Brownout is a collective from the ever expansive, always unpredictable Austin, TX scene -- getting some love from the UK's solid Freestyle label. The group brings a smoldering and much needed Latin approach to the deep funk underground -- with elements of Afro funk, psychedelia and some jazzy interplay -- all of it supremely funky and ready to get you're ass moving!

01. Brown Wind And Fire
02. Homenaje
03. Laredo 77
04. African Battle
05. Con El Brownout No Se Juega
06. Latin Asscape
07. Barretta
08. Chema's Contraband
09. They Don't Know
10. The Sexican
11. El Narco
12. You Already Are
13. Chafa Kahn
http://rapidshare.com/files/108975675/Brownout_-_Homenaje__2008_.rar

VA - You Thrill My Soul Female & Girl Groups from the Early Stax Sessions

2008-04-21T08:52:00.003+03:00

You Thrill My Soul features early female and girl group recordings originally released on Stax Records. Only Carla Thomas emerged from these artists as a hit maker, but unfortunately "for casual fans" none of them are included. Wendy Rene (the Drapels) warbles like Frankie Lymon on a few non-sellers. Deanie Parker, who later hit somewhat as a songwriter, not a singer, does a few tracks. Barbara Stephens, a talented singer, never busted a grape and vanished after these early efforts bricked. The Tonettes, comprised of Oscar Toney Jr.'s three sisters, held on a bit longer as the Charmels but with little success. For a costly CD, there's not a hit among its 24 tracks, but there are enough interesting selections to appease the most ardent soul music lover, including some early Chips Morman stuff, who left Stax before the serious cooking began.

1. Same Thing - Thomas, Carla
2. Here It Comes Again - Thomas, Carla
3. I Can't Stay - Thomas, Carla
4. Heavenly Angel - Tonettes
5. Stolen Angel - Tonettes
6. Unhand That Man - Tonettes
7. Gone For Good - Rene, Wendy
8. Same Guy - Rene, Wendy
9. Love At First Sight - Rene, Wendy
10. If She Should Ever Break Your Heart - Stephens, Barbara
11. Heartbreaker - Parker, Deanie
12. Ask Him - Parker, Deanie
13. Love Is Like A Flower - Stephens, Barbara
14. Just One Touch - Parker, Deanie
15. Ain't Enough Hours In The Day - Thomas, Carla
16. Gosh I'm Lucky - Thomas, Carla
17. He Hasn't Failed Me Yet - Rene, Wendy
18. Crying All By Myself - Rene, Wendy
19. Last Love - Rene, Wendy
20. Crowded Park - Rene, Wendy
21. Can't Stay Away - Rene, Wendy
22. Tell Me - Tonettes
23. Come To Me - Tonettes
24. Do Boys Keep Diaries - Thomas, Carla
http://rapidshare.com/files/108949968/VA_-_You_Thrill_My_Soul_.rar

VA - Midwest Funk

2008-04-21T08:49:00.003+03:00

This time collector Malcolm Catto and I drove 1000s of miles across the endless cornfields of the American Midwest, a vast expanse of farm land that covers the region between the Rockies in the West and the Appalachians in the East. Summer is typically stifling hot and winter extremely harsh - Tornado Alley also runs through the entire region. We worked hard but were lucky too - not only did we avoid the tornadoes, but we also found some incredibly rare 45s and some amazing unreleased master tapes! And we've presented the best of them here in this CD/double LP.

It was great to be the first people to meet and hang out with the often-bootlegged Soul Toranodoes, guzzle whiskey in Henry Peters’ basement, and chill out in one of Jessie Wallace's vintage white Cadillacs. We chatted about their wild gigs and gruelling recording sessions in the ‘60s & ‘70s, they gave us amazing photos, told us fascinating stories and shared priceless anecdotes filled with their inspirations and their failures. Their life story in music was often captured on one solitary, but brilliant, 45, and that musical story is told here.

1 “Let’s Do it Today” The Us (previously unreleased full length version)
2 “Pushin’ To The Top” Markus Kelly & the Impassions
3 “Soul & Sunshine” Harvey & the Phenomenals
4 “Whip It Pt. 1” The New Establishment In Soul
5 “Sissy Walk” Billy Ball & the Upsetters
6 “The Hatch” The T.M.G.’s
7 “Tell Her” Fred Williams & the Jewels Band
8 “Save Me” Wanda Davis
9 “It Ain’t Fair, But It’s Fun Pts 1 & 2” Fabulous Originals
10 “I Don’t Want Your Love” Barbara Howard
11 “Future II” The Personations & Organization
12 “A Day in the Life” Chocolate Snow
13 “Master Groove" Henry Peters
14 “Color Me” People in the News
15 “Mr. Machine Pts 1 & 2” Chefs
16 “Soulful Proclamation” Messengers Incorporated
17 “Funky In Here” Dayton Sidewinders
18 “Boots’ Groove” Soul Toronadoes
19 “What-cha Feel Is What-cha Get” Wallace Brothers
20 “Trying to Make Ends Meet” Earl English & the Apachies
21 “Epitaph Movement” Epitaph
22 “Kool is Back” Billy Joe Holloman (vinyl only)
23 “Po Boy’s Dream” Illinois Connection (previously unreleased)
http://rapidshare.com/files/108920955/VA_-_Midwest_funk.rar

VA - Florida Funk 1968 -1975

2008-04-21T08:27:00.003+03:00

Funk 45 label boss Jazzman Gerald and obsessive collector Malcolm Catto proudly present 21 rare and unreleased slices of heavy funk from the Alligator State! In the past they’ve fried in the Texas desert to complete Texas Funk, dodged monster tornadoes while working on Midwest Funk and have now spent the past 3 years travelling the length and breadth of Florida – trekking through the everglades to snatch rare 45s from the jaws of 20ft gators – before escaping back to the UK with an amazing selection of music that highlights Florida as one of the funkiest states in the USA! From driving percussive instrumentals by obscure small-town groups, to heartfelt slabs of soul; from tropical Latin grooves to funk 45s so raw that they were blessed by James Brown himself!

Universals - New Generation
Pearly Queen - Quit Jivin'
James Knight - Save Me
Carrie Riley - Super Cool
Oceanliners - Cutting Room (Hot Pants)
Mighty Dog Catchers - It's Gonna be a Mess
Bobby Williams - All the Time
Sam Baker - Do Right Man
Pearl Dowdell - Good Things
Del Rays - Pure Funk
Little Beaver - Everybody Got Dues to Pay 1 & 2
Blowfly - Butterfly Theme
Willie Johnson - Lay it On Me
Outlaw Gang - Funky Fast Bump
Luis Santi - Los Feligreses
Coke - Na Na
Frankie Seay - Soul Food
3rd Guitar - Baby Don't Cry
Weston Prim - Spider Web
Montereys - Get Down
Vanessa Kendricks - 90% of Me is You
Lavell Kamma (bonus) - Soft Soul
http://rapidshare.com/files/108524486/VA_-_Florida_Funk_1968_-1975.rar

Point of contention here is the artwork. My copy shows what you see above, but the Jazzman records site shows something else...I dunno, kinds makes my head hurt to be honest....don't worry though, the tunes are worth the grief :-)
https://www.jazzmanrecords.co.uk/asp/product.asp?product=315&ph=search&keywords=
florida%20funk&recor=1&SearchFor=exact&PT_ID=51

Brooklyn Funk Essentials - Cool and Steady and Easy [1994]

2008-04-21T08:24:00.003+03:00

Acid-jazz collective Brooklyn Funk Essentials was first conceived in 1993 by producer Arthur Baker and bassist/musical director Lati Kronlund; by the following year, the group was a staple of the New York City club scene, with early lineups also including singers Joi Cardwell, Sha-Key, and Papa Dee, poets Everton Sylvester and David Allen, DJ Jazzy Nice, keyboardist Yuka Honda, (soon to co-found Cibo Matto), trumpeter Bob Brachmann, trombonist Joshua Roseman, saxophonist Paul Shapiro, drummer Yancy Drew, and percussionist E.J. Rodriguez. Brooklyn Funk Essentials' debut album Cool and Steady and Easy followed in the summer of 1994, scoring an underground hit with its rendition of Pharoah Sanders' "The Creator Has a Master Plan"; when Caldwell exited to mount a solo career, she was replaced by vocalist Stephanie McKay. In the Buzz Bag followed in 1998, and two years later, the group returned with Make 'Em Like It.

1. Take The L Train (To Brooklyn) 5:50
2. The Creator Has A Master Plan 5:51
3. The Revolution Was Postponed Because Of Rain 4:58
4. Bob Hop 5:13
5. Brooklyn Recycles 5:24
6. Mizz Bed-Stuy 4:08
7. A Headnaddas Journey To The Planet Adidi-Skizm 6:15
8. Big Apple Boogaloo 6:20
9. Blow Your Brains Out 4:58
10. Stickman Crossing The Brooklyn Bridge 7:28
11. Dilly Dally 5:10
12. Take The L Train (To 8th Ave.) 4:05
http://rapidshare.com/files/108272290/Brooklyn_Funk_Essentials_-_Cool_and_Steady_and_Easy__1994_.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/108286382/Brooklyn_Funk_Essentials_-_Cool_and_Steady_and_Easy__1994__2.rar

El Michels Affair - Sounding Out The City

2008-04-20T10:56:00.002+03:00

Brooklyn drummer and organist Leon Michels is in love with the “rare groove” albums of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. But rather than just sample those irresistible beats, Michels put together the El Michels Affair to create them the old fashioned way, live on stage. The group’s debut Sounding Out The City doesn’t feel “retro:” it feels “vintage,” like it was actually recorded back when John Lindsay was Mayor. Not that Michels and co. are stuck in the past – they’ve covered songs by hip-hop’s Wu Tang Clan, and worked with Clan rapper Raekwon.

1. Detroit Twice
2. Musings To Myself
3. Too Late To Turn Back
4. El Pueblo Unido
5. Behind The Blue Curtains
6. Ocho Rios
7. Yennicita
8. Creation
9. This Songs For You
10. Slide Show
11. Hung Up On My Baby
http://rapidshare.com/files/87236234/El_Michaels_Affair-Sounding_Out_The_City-CD-2005-.rar

Major props to "Tome", for going to the trouble of upping this and sending me the link. All I done was paste it in here for y'all listening pleasure and from what I've heard so far this is spot on and hitting the mark, pressing all those right buttons and giving me that warm soulful glow I get when listening to some great new sounds. Thanks dude, appreciate the trouble you went to!

Lyn Collins - Think (About It) (1972)

2008-04-17T21:44:00.002+03:00

The funkiest album ever recorded by Lyn Collins -- one of the few sock-soul divas working with James Brown who got a chance to cut a full LP! The album's got Lyn shifting between heavy funk numbers and mellower soul cuts -- really pushing things to the max with an incredibly deep take on a few older favorites, plus some killer new numbers -- all produced to funky perfection by James Brown, with dead-on backing by the JBs! Includes her great version of "Think", a funky sample cut that never gets old -- plus the cuts "Things Got To Get Better", "Women's Lib", and the funkiest version ever of "Fly Me To The Moon"

1 Think (About It) Brown 3:25
2 Just Won't Do Right Brown 3:03
3 Wheels of Life Terry, Valentine 3:05
4 Ain't No Sunshine Withers 2:50
5 Things Got to Get Better Brown, Ellis 3:26
6 Never Gonna Give You Up Butler, Gamble, Huff 3:05
7 Reach out for Me Bacharach, David 3:40
8 Women's Lib Brown 5:20
9 Fly Me to the Moon Howard 2:41
http://rapidshare.com/files/108199654/Lyn_Collins_-_Think__About_It___1972_.rar

Highly recommended album from the "Female Preacher" herself. I made sure the composers are included in the tracklist...reads like a who's who of great songwriters. This is some album!

Wayne Mcghie & The Sounds Of Joy - Same (1970)

2008-04-17T21:38:00.002+03:00

Lost funky soul from Toronto -- receiving a proper release for the first time! Vocalist, guitarist and bass player Wayne McGhie recorded rock steady sessions with Studio One vets like Jackie Mittoo before pushing forward as a leader on this rare funk and soul album. It features six McGhie originals and a number of loose, hard soul/funk workouts of hits from the time. The standout track here is McGhie's centerpiece masterpiece "Dirty Funk" -- a straight up instrumental funk monster -- with these loose, funky guitar chordings, deeply grooving organ and tight, hard hitting drum breaks! Other tracks run the gamut from funk numbers, to loose, heavy soul covers. 12 musicians are credited, with back up horn section, piano and harpsichord and the ever present organ (Ike Bennet and L. Delpratt) and walloping drums (J. Joseph and Everett Paul). The large group never gets in the way of the loose, steady groove -- a style surely learned during McGhie's days playing calypso and rock steady.

1.) Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye
2.) When I Think Of Home
3.) Take A Letter Maria
4.) Woman Be Good
5.) Dirty Funk
6.) Going In Circles
7.) Fire (She Need Water)
8.) By The Time I Get To Phoenix
9.) Cool It
10.) I Can See Mother Nature
http://rapidshare.com/files/108186804/Wayne_Mcghie___The_Sounds_Of_Joy_-_Same__1970_.rar

VA - Bay Area Funk Vol 1

2008-04-17T21:36:00.003+03:00

1. Git Back - Sugar Pie Desanto
2. Foxy Girls In Oakland - Rodger Collins
3. Plekin' Cotton - Johnny Talbot
4. Find Yourself - Marvin Holmes
5. Check Me Out - Little Denise
6. What It Is (Pts 1&2) - Jeannie Tracy
7. Trippin' On The Sound - Jeannie Tracy
8. The Trip - Eugene Blacknell & The New Breed
9. Funky Driver On A Funky Bus - Charles Leonard
10. Sad Song - Unforgettables
11. Herm - San Francisco T.K.O's
12. Break It Loose - Onyx
13. Fantasy - P-I-R Suare
14. Too Much Trouble - Unforgettables
15. Oomph - Marvin Holmes And The Uptights
16. The Feeling - Wylie Trass
http://rapidshare.com/files/108146963/VA_-_Bay_Area_Funk_Vol.1.rar

VA - Bay Area Funk Vol.2

2008-04-17T21:31:00.004+03:00

1. Mary Love “Born To Live With Heartache”
2. Dawn and Sunset “Move in The Room”
3. Project Soul “Ebony”
4. Soft Touch “Plenty Action”
5. Sugar Pie DeSanto “Straighten It Out With Yo Man”
6. San Franciso T.K.O.’s “Acid Lady”
7. The International Ray Camacho Group “Si Se Puede”
8. The Windjammers “Poor Sad Child pt. 1”
9. Faye Marshall “Goin Home”
10. Little Denise Stevenson “Hip Breakin’”
11. Primevil “Stop Look Listen!”
12. Victor Green “Creole Girl”
13. Uptights Band “Devil’s On The Run”
14. The Relatives “Lenient With My Love”
15. Mike Selesia “Brute Strength”
http://rapidshare.com/files/108160492/VA_-_Bay_Area_Funk_Vol.2.rar

VA - Soul Uprising

2008-04-17T21:20:00.002+03:00

1. Don Downing - Dream World
2 .Tyrone Davis - Come Get This Ring
3 .Wales Wallace - Somebody I Know
4 .Lyn Roman - Stop, I Don't Need No Symphy
5 .Barbrar Acklin - I Just Call It Trouble
6 .Lost Geration - You're So Young, But You're So True
7 .Lionel Hampton - There It Is
8 .Chi-Lites - Stoned Out Of My Mind
9. Otis Leavill - Love Uprising
10. Tyrone Davis - Turn Back The Hands Of Time
11 .Jackie Wilson - Because Of You
12 .Channel 3 - The Sweetest Thing
13 .The Promises - I Can Feel Those Vibrations
14 .The Independents - Just As Long As You Need Me, Pt. 1
http://rapidshare.com/files/107997942/VA_-_Soul_Uprising.rar

VA - Carolina Funk

2008-04-16T19:46:00.001+03:00

Now-Again Records presents the domestic issue of Carolina Funk, the fourth CD in the UK-based Jazzman Records series that produced the landmark Midwest, Texas, and most recently, Florida Funk compilations. For this installment, we've moved up the Atlantic coast to look at the vibrant and original scene in the two rural states of North and South Carolina. Curated largely by resident North Carolina researcher and collector Jason Perlmutter, Carolina Funk presents 22 of the best, rarest and most sought-after heavy funk songs ever recorded, with breakbeats to spare. Without any large urban centers, much of the musical output of the Carolinas has been limited to single towns, with bands and their records seldom venturing further than the state line. From inspired percussive instrumentals to heartfelt slabs of soul; from rediscoverd tapes in the garages of retired musicians to funk 45s so raw that they were blessed by James Brown himself this is Carolina Funk! "First In Flight"... "First In Funk!"

TRACKLIST
-------------
01 03:14 Primitive - Creation Of Music
02 02:52 Gamith - Darkness
03 02:46 Innersouls - Just Take Your Time
04 01:58 Dynamite Singletary - Super Good
05 03:55 Mongoose - King Cobra
06 03:55 Soul Impossibles - Interpretation- Soul Power No 1
07 02:12 Carleen & The Groovers - Can We Rap
08 03:37 Sundia - Stand Up and Be A Man Pt 1
09 02:18 The Tempos Band - Ease It To Me
10 02:57 Frankie & The Damons - Bad Woman
11 02:06 Roy Roberts - You Aint Miss It
12 03:23 Black Experience Band - The Road
13 05:56 The Soul Drifters - Funky Soul Brother
14 02:50 James Reese & The Progressions - Lets Go (Its Summertime)
15 03:54 Paul Burton - So Very Hard To Make It
16 05:46 Wally Coco - Message To Society
17 05:27 Anthony Burns - Doing What You Need To Do
18 03:25 The Black Exotics - Theme Of Blackbyrds
19 02:56 Donnie Brown - Funky Mind
20 02:10 George Campbell - Good Time
21 04:33 J.D.S - Funky Party Time
22 03:50 The Ultimates - Progressive Movement
http://rapidshare.com/files/107962362/VA_-_Carolina_Funk.rar

The Poets Of Rythm - Discern-Define

2008-04-16T19:43:00.003+03:00

Long established as the band that duped so many funk enthusiasts in the early 90s with their authentic 45s and homage to original valve-recording techniques, the Poets of Rhythm realign after a recording hiatus for their Ninja debut, Define/Discern. Still underwriting their fascination with the "F"-word by means of agile musicianship and original motifs, Define/Discern mainly carries on where they left off. But, in a trendy push toward rare sources of inspiration, the band have invaded Africa (among other places); "Afrobeat", for example, is an acknowledgment of the dark continent mixed with well-worn funk and breaks. A good half of this album underpins itself with hallmark tribal accents, as the band take on Tony Allen and Fela Kuti for more inspiration. Discern/Define does stand its ground as an authentic piece, though it seems to lack some of the spontaneous energy and unreserved experimentation of their past releases. "Fondle Rock" and "Moira" are attempts at improvisation and layering (the latter a blast of early Marimba-led Earth Wind & Fire), though mostly, this is an album which reaffirms the Poets' commitment to knocking out steadfast funky and soulful grooves.

1. Discern / Define 4:07
2. Smilin' 6:00
3. Ham Gallery 3:21
4. Plus Plus 5:06
5. We 4:41
6. The Jaunt 3:10
7. Eulogize the Source 7:12
8. Fondle Rock 4:07
9. Moira 4:12
10. Guiding Resolution 3:34
11. Survival of the Freshest 3:51
http://rapidshare.com/files/107929620/The_Poets_Of_Rythm_-_Discern-Define.rar

The Soulful Strings - Groovin' With the Soulful Strings

2008-04-16T19:40:00.001+03:00

The Soulful Strings' second album includes one of their few well-known tracks, the Richard Evans original "Burning Spear." But there are also superb arrangements of jazz (Miles Davis' "All Blues"), psychedelic pop (George Harrison's "Within You Without You"), top-40 (The Rascals' "Groovin'"), and much much more. Once again the strings swing and the non-stringed instruments really shine, with superb playing from Charles Stepney, Lenard Druss, Bunky Green, Phil Upchurch, Ronald Steele, Morris Jennings, Jr. and many others.

Side 1
Burning Spear (Richard Evans)
All Blues (Miles Davis)
What Now My Love (Becaud, Delanoe, Sigman)
Within You Without You (George Harrison)
Our Day Will Come (Garson, Hilliard)

Side 2
Soul Prelude (J.S. Bach, adpt. by Edwards)
Groovin' (Cavaliere, Brigati)
Alfie (Bacharach, David)
Comin' Home Baby (Tucker, Dorough)
(I Know) I'm Losing You (Whitfield, Holland, Grant)
http://rapidshare.com/files/107904248/The_Soulful_Strings_-_Groovin__With_the_Soulful_Strings.rar

Skeewiff - The Lost Masters EP

2008-04-16T19:05:00.002+03:00

This winning EP contains four real block-rocking tunes which funk up hip-hop to such an extent that only the most hardy will fail to be floored.

1. Let's Have Scratch For Breakfast 2. The New Avengers
3. Bump Bump (feat Young MC)
4. Mucho Mambo
http://rapidshare.com/files/107892010/Skeewiff_-_The_Lost_Masters_EP__2007_.rar

VA - 70s Funk And Soul Classics

2008-04-16T19:02:00.001+03:00

A really heavy duty collection featuring some of the biggest names in soul music. These are the grand masters of funk, the bandleaders and artist who provided the dynamic sound track for an exciting decade. When you've got James Brown singing 'I Got Ants In My Pants' you know you're in for an itchy night out. And when Isaac Hayes tells you to 'Do Your Thing' then you'd better believe it. All musical aspects of the genre are represented, from the driving dance rhythms of Sly Stone to the more introspective instruments work of Ripple.

01. B.T. Express - Do it ('til You're Satisfied)
02. Bobby Byrd - I Need Help (I Can't Do it Alone)
03. Dr. John - Right Place, Wrong Time
04. Fred Wesley & Jb's - Doing it to Death
05. Impressions - Check Out your Mind
06. Isaac Hayes - Do your Thing
07. James Brown - I Got Ants in my Pants
08. Marvin Gaye - Inner City Blues
09. Rare Earth - Get Ready
10. Ripple - I Don't Know What it is, But I
11. Sly & the Family Stone - If you Want Me to Stay
12. Staple Singers - Respect Yourself
http://rapidshare.com/files/107885356/VA_-_70s_Funk_And_Soul_Classics.rar

Baby Charles - Baby Charles (2008)

2008-04-16T15:55:00.004+03:00

For anyone who hasn't heard these guys, you gotta grab this. It's some of the best new funk I've heard recently and they do a superb cover of The Arctic Monkey's "Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor"

1 Treading Water 4:11
2 Invisible 4:38
3 Comin' From A Higher Place 3:08
4 Life's Begun 4:51
5 No Controlling Me 3:52
6 Hard Man To Please 3:57
7 Step On 2:57
8 Indecision 3:39
9 I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor 4:28
10 Back Of My Hand 4:01
11 This Time 2:57
12 The Sphinx 3:48
http://rapidshare.com/files/111952609/BC.rar

Donnie Hathaway - Everything Is Everything

2008-04-16T15:52:00.002+03:00

Landmark stuff, and a beautiful album that mixes soulful tracks with Donny's nascent jazz sensibility! The set's a key chapter in the history of soul music -- a record that has Donny emerging from shadows of the Chicago studio scene to become one of the most promising soul artists of the 70s. The album was recorded in Chicago, with a host of great players that had been gigging for years in the Chess studios -- and the record is the rich culmination of talents that had been brewing in the Windy City for years. Includes the monster hit "The Ghetto" -- one of Donny's best-known tracks and a rollicking funky number -- in a full extended version with a good instrumental breakdown. Also features a remake of "Voices Inside (Everything Is Everything)", which shows Donny's strong ties to the Earth, Wind, & Fire organization.

1. Voices Inside (Everything Is Everything)
2. Je Vous Aime (I Love You)
3. I Believe To My Soul
4. Misty
5. Sugar Lee
6. Tryin' times
7. Thank You MAster (For My Soul)
8. The Ghetto
9. To Be Young, Gifted And Black
10. A Dream
http://rapidshare.com/files/107669261/Donny_Hathaway_-_Everything_Is_Everything.rar

Eddie Bo - Hook & Sling

2008-04-16T15:48:00.003+03:00

From the Scram and Bo-Sound labels comes this supreme collection from a master of funk! Remixed from the original multi-track tapes, this release contains previously unreleased tracks and extended versions of the hits "The Hook and Sling," "Sissy Walk," and "If It's Good To You It's Good For You." Featuring George Davis on guitar, James Black on drums, and Fred Kemp on sax, this is an illuminating body of work that supplements what we know about New Orleans funk.

1. The Hook and Sling (Full) (Vocal) 3:40
2. Sissy Walk (Full) (Vocal) 5:07
3. If It's Good To You, It's Good for You (Full) (Vocal) 5:07
4. Check Your Bucket (Full) 4:53
5. How Sweet It Is (Vocal) 3:09
6. We're Doin' It (The Thang) (Part 1) 2:51
7. Funky Jam 2:54
8. Hey Mama Here Comes The Preacher 2:40
9. Funky Yeah 2:29
10. Eddie's Rubber Band 2:54
11. Love Has Been Good 2:34
12. Just Wonder 3:43
13. We're Doin' It (The Thang) (Part 2) 3:04
14. That Certain Someone (Original Mix / Vocal) 2:53
15. Come To Me 2:36
http://rapidshare.com/files/107246815/Eddie_Bo_-_Hook_And_Sling.rar

Spanky Wilson - Spankin Brand new - 1969

2008-04-16T15:37:00.002+03:00

Lady needs no introduction whatsoever...I think the only person she's not sung with has to be the Pope ;-)

Youre Gonna Miss Me
Ive Waited A Long Long Time
Love Has Me By The Hand
The Other Girl
Mighty Great Feeling
Love Is Like An Old Old Man
On The Morning After
Sweetheart
Apartment 101
Tell Me Tonight
The Last Day Of Summer
http://rapidshare.com/files/107151236/Spanky_Wilson_-_Spankin_Brand_new_-_1969.rar

VA - Gettin' Soulful - A Swingin' Combination Of Vampisoul Records Smash Hits.

2008-04-16T09:06:00.002+03:00

During the sixties, the traffic in both directions between Spanish Harlem and the other mythic Harlem, that of rhytym and blues, was intense. There wasn't a soulman or jazz funkateer who didn't have a conga player in their lineup. During this time, an exciting New York version of a danceable soul surfaced, represented by Latin record company, "Vampisoul". In spite of the "Latin" adjective, this is a type of afro-cuban jazz is genuinely open to psycadelic, bugaloo, and soul influences. A must-have, super-rare collection!

Tracklisting:

1. Hook & Sling - Eddie Bo & The Soul Finders (Eddie Bo Anthology)
2. Hector - Village Callers (Live Vampi 025)
3. Break your Back - Willie Henderson (Do the Funky Chicken)
4. Chick-A-Boom - Joe Bataan (Brand New Album)
5. You're so right to me - Eastside Connection (Pachuco Soul)
6. Gotta find me a lover - Erma Franklin (Super Soul Sister)
7. Here comes the Judge - Pete Rodriguez (El Rey del Boogaloo)
8. Muere pequeña - Sexteto Electrónico Moderno (Modern Electronic Sextet)
9. Solar Heat - Cal T'Jader (Solar Heat Sound Out)
10. It don't make sense but it sure sounds good - Eddie Long (S/T Vampi 4506)
11. Take more Candi - Candido (Bujerias)
12. Morris Park - Lenni Sesar (Lenni Sesar)
13. The Oracle - Sabu (Jazz Espagnole)
14. Mess Around - Orchestra Harlow (El Exigente y Mas Exitos)
15. The Line Dance - Johnnie Colon (Boogaloo blues)
16. Viva Peraza - Armando Peraza (Wild Thing)
17. Es diferente - Cachao (Descargos En Miniatura)
18. Viva Tirado - Fania All Stars (Hot Sweat - Best of Live)
19. The Good Doctor - Mongo Santamaria (Mucho Mongo)
20. 38 1/2 - Irakere (Checkere - Son)
21. Squeeze it tight - Cossa Nostra (Best of Cossa Nostra)
http://www.sendspace.com/file/sugttr

VA - Tender Feelin's (Silky Cuts For Cool Cats selected by Blue Note)

2008-04-15T19:34:00.003+03:00

Tender, sweet, and soulful -- and pretty nicely funky too! The package features some great tracks from the 70s -- all pulled from Blue Note and Capitol Records, and featuring the labels' unique approach to a mellow groove, from R&B-infused jazz funk, to vocal numbers with a really nice edge. Titles include "Annie Mae" by Natalie Cole, "Three Is The Magic Number" by Bob Dorough, "Places & Spaces" by Donald Byrd, "I Love You" by Taste Of Honey, "Doctor Doctor" and "Love a Love a Love a Love" by Labbi Siffre, "Me & Mrs Jones" by Ronnie Foster, "Feel Like Makin Love" by Marlena Shaw, "Light My Fire" by Minnie Riperton, "Before You Break My Heart" by Gene Dunlap, "You Made Me So Very Happy" by Lou Rawls, "It's a Pleasure" by Sheree Brown, "While I'm Alone" by Maze, "Peace Of Mind" by Gene Harris, and "Daylight" by Bobby Womack.

01 - light my fire - minnie riperton
02 - feel like makin' love - marlena shaw
03 - me and mrs jones - ronnie foster
04 - i'm a woman - minnie riperton
05 - doctor doctor - labi shiffre
06 - daylight - bobby womack
07 - it's a pleasure - sheree brown
08 - while i'm alone - maze
09 - peace of mind - gene harris
10 - places & spaces - donald byrd
11 - i love you - a taste of honey
12 - before you break my heart - gene dunlap
13 - three is the magic number - bob dorough
14 - annie mae - natalie cole
15 - you made me so very happy - lou rawls
16 - love-a-love-a - labi shiffre
http://rapidshare.com/files/107130557/VA_-_Tender_Feelin_s__Silky_Cuts_For_Cool_Cats_selected_by_Blue_Note_.rar

The T.S.U. Toronados - One Flight Too Many

2008-04-15T19:30:00.002+03:00

“One Flight Too Many” contains previously unreleased & unreissued tracks from the vaults of Ovide Records. Featured prominently on Side B are instrumental versions of three singles (vocal versions available on “And Now”) remixed from the original multitrack session tapes - perfect for DJ’S. Also featured are two alternate takes of “Nee-Nee” & “The Toronado” containing solos/arrangements that are very different from the originals found on “And Now.” “One Flight Too Many” continues Tuff City’s series of reissues from the Ovide label.

1. Introduction
2. Toronado, The
3. Thousand Wonders, A
4. Blautche, The
5. Back After The News
6. Song For Princess
7. Work On It
8. Getting The Corners
9. What Good Am I
10. I Still Love You
11. My Thing Is A Moving Thing
12. In The Midnight Hour
13. Nee-Nee
14. Nothing Can Stop Me
15. Only Inside
16. Goose, The
17. Got To Get Through To You
18. One Flight Too Many
19. It's Your Thing
20. You're Mine
21. Thousand Wonders, A - (instrumental)
22. Work On It - (instrumental)
23. What Good Am I - (instrumental)
24. Nee-Nee - (alternate take)
25. Toronado, The - (alternate take)
http://rapidshare.com/files/107110141/The_T.S.U._Toronados_-_One_Flight_Too_Many.rar

Swamp Dogg - Cuffed, Collared, Tagged & Gassed (1972)

2008-04-15T19:27:00.002+03:00

By the time 1972's self-produced, "Cuffed, Collared & Tagged" was released Swamp Dogg's career seemed to be headed in the right direction. Signed by Al Bennett's L.A. based Cream label, he finally seemed to have found a label with some money and industry know-how behind him. Recorded in Muscle Shoals with all-star cast of area studio musicians, Dogg was credited with penning seven of the ten songs, as well as producing and arranging. Musically the album was pretty standard Dogg, offering up a mixture of topical commentary (a nice cover of John Prine's anti-Vietnam statements 'Sam Stone' and 'Don't It Make You Wanta Go Home' and the weird nuclear war survivor lyric on 'Complication #5' - note the flip side photo showing the Dogg in a gas mask) and personal insights ('Your Last Dirty Trick' and 'Knowing I'm Pleasing Me & You'). Not quite as consistent or enjoyable as his two previous albums, it's still worth owning, with one of the highlights being the soul flavored 'Lady Madonna'. His meltdown scat segment at the end simply has to be heard. And then there's the weird side of the man ... check out his oddball tribute to Sly Stone 'If It Hadn't Been For Sly'.

Cream tapped the album for one single: 'Sam Stone' b/w 'Knowing I'm Pleasing Me And You' (Cream catalog number 1021)

"Cuffed Collared & Tagged" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) Sam Stone (John Prine) - 3:57
2.) Complication No. 5 (Jerry Williams Jr. - T. Davis) - 3:00
3.) Lady Madonna (John Lennon - Paul McCartney) - 3:50
4.) You Say You Trust Your Mother (Jerry Williams Jr. - T. Davis) - 2:36
5.) If It Hadn't Been For Sly (Jerry Williams Jr.) - 4:00

(side 2)

1.) Your Last Dirty Trick (Jerry Williams Jr. - D. Hollinger) - 2:45
2.) Knowing I'm Pleasing Me & You (Jerry Williams Jr. - C. Whitehead) - 2:35
3.) In My Resume (Jerry Williams Jr. - T. Davis) - 2:33
4.) Captain Of Your Ship (Jerry Williams Jr. - D. Hollinger) - 1:53
5.) Don't It Make You Wanta Go Home (Joe South) - 7:55
http://rapidshare.com/files/107090530/Swamp_Dogg_-_Cuffed__Collared__Tagged___Gassed__1972_.rar

VA - What Is Wrong With Groovin'

2008-04-15T19:16:00.002+03:00

We started our 7" reissue series a few years back with one thing in mind; to make the rarest, most obscure and grooviest records available to all on beautiful 7" vinyl. Many of the recordings chosen were little known by music lovers but were so good that they deserved to be heard by the many people with an ear for the good stuff living around the world. This idea still stands to this day, and we continue to seek out great music that has long since been forgotten or has proved very difficult to find in the original format. Now our Jazzman 7" releases themselves have proven hard to locate by some, and have proved useless to those who do not own a turntable, so now the time has come to make some of the best cuts available on CD for the first time. This CD it chronicles the first 10 releases, and includes the elusive first Jazzman 7", now long out of print, 'Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child' by Kathleen Emery. As the first release on the label, we had to make sure it was a good one - it can't have been a bad choice as demand for the record continues to this day. The complete track listing is as follows:

1- Kathleen EmerySometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child
2- Los Brasilios - Brasilian Beat
3 - Fred Johnson - A Child Runs Free
4 - Lorez Alexandria - Send in the Clowns
5 - Dee Felice Trio - Nightingale
6 - Freddie Cole - Brother Where Are You
7 - Keith Mansfield - Ophis le Serpentaire
8 - Vincent Geminiani - Ophis le Serpentaire
9 - Unknown 10 - Frank Motley - Ya Ya
11 - Letta Mbulu - What's Wrong with Groovin'
12 - Bruno Spoerri - Les Electroniciens
http://rapidshare.com/files/107081638/VA_-_What_Is_Wrong_With_Groovin_.rar

Lou Courtney - I'm In Need Of Love

2008-04-15T13:44:00.003+03:00

A wonderful album of mellow soul tracks! The record is Lou Courtney's masterpiece -- and it's a jam-packed set filled with great tracks that rank right up there with classic 70s work by artists like Marvin Gaye, Leroy Hutson, or Leon Ware! Leon Pendarvis handled most of the arrangements -- and the record's got a wonderfully full soul sound -- with a mix of moody keyboard-driven groovers and ballads -- all topped by excellent vocals from Lou, miles ahead of any work he did in the early days! The best thing, though, is the songwriting, as these tracks rank right up there with the best underground mellow soul we can think of -- sophisticated yet not soppy, filled with soulful lyrics about love and losing it, never giving into cliches of other soul from the time. A real dream of an album

1. Common Broken Heart
2. Since I First Laid Eyes on You
3. What Do You Want Me to Do
4. Best Thing a Man Can Ever Do for His Woman
5. I Will, If You Will
6. Somebody New Is Lovin' on You
7. I'm Serious About Lovin' You
8. I Don't Need Nobody Else
9. Just to Let Him Break Your Heart
10. I'm in Need of Love
http://www.sendspace.com/file/3xfuot

Can't rate this highly enough...some seriously groovy mellow soul....it'll have you licking your lips as you listen to it!

Jackie Wilson - The Very Best Of Jackie Wilson

2008-04-13T13:13:00.003+03:00

Among the greatest rock & roll singers ever, and maybe the most technically accomplished vocalist of the rock era, Jackie Wilson is an R&B legend. His sky-high range, intense emotionalism, and jaw-dropping stage presence have influenced nearly every significant R&B singer from James Brown to Michael Jackson. This 24-song collection ranges from his earliest hit, "Reet Petite (The Finest Girl You Ever Want To Meet)"--as giddy an expression of pure joy as may ever have been put to vinyl--all the way up to later hits like the glorious Motown-style 1966 smash "Your Love Keeps Lifting Me (Higher and Higher)."

1. Reet Petite (The Finest Girl You Ever Want To Meet)
2. Lonely Teardrops
3. To Be Loved
4. That's Why (I love you so)
5. I'll Be Satisfied
6. Doggin' Around
7. Lonely Life
8. Night
9. You Better Know It
10. Talk That Talk
11. Am I the Man
12. I'm Comin' on back to you
13. A Woman, A Lover, A friend
14. Baby Workout
15. Swueeze Her, Tease Her ( But Love Her)
16. No Pity (In the Naked City)
17. Whispers (Gettin' Louder)
18. I Get The Sweetest Feeling
19. Since You Showed Me How to Be Happy
20. Love is Funny That Way
21. Just Be Sincere
22. Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher and Higher
23. You Got Me Walking
24. This Love is Real ( I Can Feel Those Vibrations)
http://rapidshare.com/files/106886988/Jackie_Wilson_-_The_Very_Best_Of_Jackie_Wilson.rar

Great comp but whoever designed the cover art needs a slap!

VA - Stay On The Groove Vol.1

2008-04-13T13:11:00.001+03:00

One of the funkiest collections we've heard in a long time and that's saying a lot, considering that most of the work is of recent vintage! The set was put together in support of the rich range of modern acts who've been picking up the older deep funk vibe in the past decade or so , artists from the Desco years onward who've not only been loving the sound set down by James Brown, but who also know how to play and produce records that bristle with the same depth as older work! Adrian Gibson of Jazz Cafe fame brought the whole thing together, and given his experience at the frontline of the scene, he's got a well-tuned ear to pick out the best of the bunch.

01. The New Mastersounds - Stay On The Groove
02. Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings - What If We All Stopped Paying Taxes
03. Troubled Soul - Funky Me (Parts 1 & 2)
04. The New Process - Freedom
05. Jaguar - Battle Of Funk
06. Breakestra - Show And Prove (Part 1)
07. Lefties Soul Connection - Doin' The Thing
08. Cookin' On Three Burners - Gravel Rash
09. Poets Of Rhythm - Ham Gallery
10. Quantic Feat. Spanky Wilson - Don't Joke With A Hungry Man
11. MFOS - El Dios Padrino
12. Speedometer - Work It Out
13. Quantic Soul Orchestra - Hold It Down
14. Context - If I Had A Band
15. Ria Currie & The Deep Soul Messengers - Everything's Gonna Be Alright
16. The New Mastersounds - Two Note Brown
17. Lee Fields & The Dap-Kings - Give Me A Chance
18. Big Daddy Moochin' - No Rest For The Wicked
19. Sharon Jackson & The Soul Destroyers - Fakin' It
20. The Bamboos - Tighten Up
http://rapidshare.com/files/106865242/VA_-_Stay_On_The_Groove_Vol.1__Freestyle_2005_.rar

VA - The Funky Soul Survivors

2008-04-13T13:07:00.003+03:00

10 killers from the vaults of Soul Patrol Records! If you know funky compilations, you know that these guys always deliver the goods -- serving up deep deep deep funk at a level that you'd only expect from a Keb Darge or Pure/Desco compilation. Loads of great jazzy playing steeped in the ensemble funk tradition -- and all on tunes that we've never seen on original wax! Titles include "Bumpin" by The Torques, "Black Bourgeoisie" by Raw Image, "Double Booty Bump" by Russell Gordon & Versatile Souls, "Tighten Up With Soul" by Tee N Cee, "Soul Heart Transplant" by Ebony Rhythm Band, and a great version of "Bumpin On Sunset" by Harold Young & The Magnificents.
http://rapidshare.com/files/106842772/VA_-_The_Funky_Soul_Survivors.rar

No tracklisting...you gotta take it and lose yourself in it...that way you'll appreciate it more, trust me!

Marlena Shaw - Live At Montreux

2008-04-13T13:03:00.002+03:00

A classic! This is one of the best-ever albums by the great Marlena Shaw -- and it captures her in a free live setting that really lets her come into a righteous spiritual vibe. The album was cut with a small combo, and the overall feel is incredibly hip -- a mixture of jazz and soul, much more open-ended than some of Marlena's other albums, and with a more sophisticated feeling that was probably part of the way that she was presented to the crowd at the Montreux Jazz Festival. The highlight of the set is a 10 minute long re-working of her classic "Woman Of The Ghetto" -- done in an incredible way, with lots of extra lyrics, and a great jazzy groove that's been sampled more than once over the years.

A1 The Show Has Begun (3:50)
A2 The Song Is You (2:20)
A3 You Are The Sunshine Of My Life (4:20)
A4 Twisted (3:45)
B1 But For Now (4:32)
B2 Save The Children (4:20)
B3 Woman Of The Ghetto (9:20)

Recorded Live at the Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland on July 5, 1973.
http://rapidshare.com/files/106831408/Marlena_Shaw_-_Live_At_Montreux.rar

This is right out the top drawer...seriously recommended and includes a couple of great Stevie and Marvin numbers too.

Doris Duke - A Legend In Her Own Time (1971)

2008-04-13T12:55:00.003+03:00

Deep soul diva Doris Duke was born Doris Curry in Sandersville, GA, in 1945. After stints in a series of gospel units, including the Raspberry Singers, the David Sisters, and the Caravans, by 1963 she was settled in New York City, working as a session vocalist in addition to backup duties at the legendary Apollo Theater. Under her married name of Doris Willingham, she cut her debut solo single, "Running Away from Loneliness," for the tiny Hy-Monty label in 1966; "You Can't Do That" followed two years later on Jay Boy. Despite solid reviews, neither record made a commercial splash, and she returned to her session career, often commuting to Philadelphia to record with the production team of Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. When former Atlantic Records producer Jerry "Swamp Dogg" Williams Jr. struck out on his own, he signed the singer and renamed her Doris Duke, recording the 1969 LP I'm a Loser at Capricorn, Phil Walden's studio in Macon, GA.

Though considered the finest deep soul record of all time by no less than soul expert Dave Godin, I'm a Loser was rejected by dozens of labels before it finally surfaced on Wally Roker's Canyon label. Although the first single, "To the Other Woman," cracked Billboard's R&B Top Ten, Canyon soon spiraled into financial disaster, destroying the album's commercial momentum. Duke spent the next several years in creative limbo, finally reuniting with Swamp Dogg for 1975's Mankind label release A Legend in Her Own Time -- their partnership ended acrimoniously prior to its release, however, and the record received scant attention. Duke next resurfaced on the British label Contempo with Woman, a much-acclaimed set released stateside on the Scepter imprint. After 1981's Manhattan set Funky Fox, she retired from music, and at the time of this writing her whereabouts and activities are unknown.

1. I Wish I Could Sleep (3:42)
2. It Sure Was Fun (2:40)
3. I Don't Know How (To Fall Out of Love With You) (2:58)
4. He's Everything I Need (3:25)
5. I'd Do It All Over You (2:22)
6. If She's Your Wife (Who Am I) (3:58)
7. Since I Fell for You (2:52)
8. Don't Let the Green Grass Fool You (2:21)
9. Let Love Touch Us Now (2:31)
10. Bad Water (3:22)
11. By the Time I Get to Phoenix (4:01)
http://rapidshare.com/files/106823877/Doris_Duke_-_A_Legend_In_Her_Own_Time__1971_.rar

A few of you are gonna want to kill me but resists the urge...the artwork in the RAR is wrong and so are the track numbers....I think I'd been smoking while I was trying to make sense of what I was doing...forgiven??

Big Mama Thornton - Jail

2008-04-11T20:30:00.003+03:00

Rough and ready blues from Big Mama Willie Mae. I'm not the biggest blues fan but anyone who can make the blues sound as soulful as Big Mama, deserves a posting on here. Oh, she originally recorded "Hound Dog" which some unknown then went on to cover and make a few bucks from ;-)

1. Little Red Rooster
2. Ball 'N' Chain
3. Jail
4. Hound Dog
5. Rock Me Baby
6. Sheriff O.E. & Me
7. Oh Happy Day

Recorded at Monroe State Prison, Monroe, Washington and Oregon State Reformatory, Eugene, Oregon.

http://rapidshare.com/files/105310993/Big_Mama_Thornton_-_Jail.rar

Benny Johnson - Visions of Paradise

2008-04-11T20:26:00.002+03:00

A sublime bit of indie soul from the early 70s -- the one and only album by vocalist Benny Johnson, recorded with some totally great backings from funk legend Julius Brockington and his United Chair combo! For the session, Brockington chose a warm, organ-drenched sound that's a fair bit like some of the best work coming out of Hi Records at the same time -- although without as much of a southern soul approach overall. Johnson's vocals have a beautifully crackling sort of quality -- one that's honest and human, but still smooth enough to fit the mode of the music here -- a bit like Al Green, but a little more east coast overall. The set's got some excellent mellow soul numbers that are worth the price of admission alone -- tracks that slide out beautifully with a really gentle sound, and bubble up with a tremendous amount of soul. But there's also some fuller, more upbeat tunes too -- groovers that have made the album a favorite overseas for years!

Visions of paradise
Absolutley, positivly, baby
Baby i love you
Stop me
Give it up
Second to none
Wont you stay
Its your baby
Please come back
I just got to know
http://rapidshare.com/files/105271382/Benny_Johnson_-_Visions_of_Paradise.rar

Maceo And All The Kings Men - Doing Their Own Thing

2008-04-11T20:21:00.003+03:00

The first record by Maceo & the JBs after their parting with James Brown in the early 70s, put out on obscure Southern label House of the Fox. James used his influence to kill the release at radio, and the album did nothing, despite its heavy list of players and 9 grooved out tracks.

Maceo 7:44
Got to Get 'Cha 2:46
Southwhick 3:22
Funky Women 5:37
Untitled (Doing Their Own Thing) 2:08
Shake It Baby 4:51
Better Half 6:13
Don't Waste This World Away 3:15
I Remember Mr. Banks 5:22
http://rapidshare.com/files/105263232/Maceo_And_All_The_Kings_Men_-_Doing_Their_Own_Thing.rar

Amnesty - Free Your Mind - The 700 West Sessions

2008-04-11T20:18:00.003+03:00

Fans of the exquisite, often never-before-released funk championed by Stones Throw’s reissue wing Now-Again Records are no stranger to Amnesty. Based in Indianapolis in the early 1970s, the group released only two obscure 45s in their recording career. Birthed from the same scene as the Ebony Rhythm Band (Soul Heart Transplant – NWG 5011), Amnesty had a poltical edge similar to L.A. Carnival (Would Like To Pose A Question – NWG 5009) and the hardest brass section since The Kashmere Stage Band (Texas Thunder Soul – NWG 5023). Only one Amnesty song has ever been released on CD: "Free Your Mind" appeared on the most widely distributed Now-Again album to date – Cold Heat: Heavy Funk Rarities 1968-1974, Vol. 1.
This previously unreleased anthology comes from the same sessions as "Free Your Mind." In 1973, Amnesty recorded five hard, vocal funk numbers alongside some ballads and a handful of demos based around nothing more than guitar accompaniment. Only two songs were ever released. While Amnesty’s ting, difficult-to-categorize prog funk/soul/rock could potentially reach far beyond Indianpolis’s bounds, the band never found a label to take them to the next level.
Obviously influenced by, but by no means simply imitators of, the sound of early Parliament and Funkadelic, Amnesty also responds to the grooves of Earth Wind & Fire and Sly & The Family Stone in their own way. Finally made available 33 years after they were recorded, these songs present a funk style arranged with dangerous complexity and performed with precision – arguably the most unique funk to originate from Naptown, and some of the best music of its kind.

1. Can I Help You?
2. Love Fades
3. Mister President
4. Free Your Mind
5. We Have Love
6. Lord Help Me
7. Three Cheers For My Baby
8. Trouble Will Remain
9. We've Come A Long Way
10. Liberty
http://rapidshare.com/files/105120892/Amnesty_-_Free_Your_Mind_-_The_700_West_Sessions.rar

Bobby Womack - Roads Of Life

2008-04-11T20:15:00.002+03:00

A great album from Bobby -- different than his earlier albums for United Artists, but in a good way -- one that revives his whole career, and takes his sound into a whole new direction! The album's got a smooth soul finish with some touches of synth funk -- produced by Bobby and Patrick Moten, who would later work together on the masterful Poet LP -- and the contrast between the more modern arrangements and Bobby's raspy soul vocals works wonderfully! The mellow tracks are really great -- with a tight, lightly funky sound bubbling under Bobby's wonderful vocals.

1. Roads Of Life
2. How Could You Break My Heart
3. Honey Dripper Boogie
4. Roots In Me
5. What Are You Doin'
6. Give It Up
7. Mr. DJ Don't Stop The Music
8. I Honestly Love You
http://rapidshare.com/files/105107011/Bobby_Womack_-_Roads_Of_Life.rar

VA - Cooley High (1975)

2008-04-11T20:12:00.003+03:00

The 1975 nostalgia picture Cooley High has aged well enough--inspiring the concept of Boyz II Men's debut album (which included a hit cover of the theme song, "It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday") and recently growing in stature as a classic of the era's black cinema--to prompt this rerelease of its soundtrack album. Former Spinner G.C. Cameron's version of "Goodbye," guitarist Luther Allison's "Luther's Blues," and a handful of snippets from Freddie Perren's score are included, but the real meat of the disc lies in its selection of mid-'60s Motown classics. And among unsurprising choices by the Supremes, Temptations, and Four Tops, are two songs that connect most clearly to the film's themes of youthful abandon and innocence: the full giddy six-and-a-half minutes of Stevie Wonder's "Fingertips" and the fragile vow of the Miracles' "(You Can) Depend on Me."

1. Baby Love - Diana Ross & The Supremes
2. Fingertips - Stevie Wonder
3. I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch) - Four Tops
4. Stop! In The Name Of Love - Diana Ross & The Supremes
5. Luther's Blues - Luther Allison
6. Dancing In The Street - Martha & The Vandellas
7. Beechwood 45789 - The Marvelettes
8. OOO Baby Baby - Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
9. (You Can) Depend On Me - Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
10. Cleo's Mood - Jr. Walker & The All Stars
11. Money (That's What I Want) - Barrett Strong
12. You Beat Me To The Punch - Mary Wells
13. 2 Pigs And A Hog - Freddie Perren
14. My Girl - The Temptations
15. Sweet First Love - Freddie Perren
16. Three AM...I Love You Mama - Freddie Perren
17. (I'm A) Road Runner - Jr. Walker & The All Stars
18. Mickey's Monkey - Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
19. Haulin' - Freddie Perren
20. Cold Blooded - Freddie Perren
21. It's So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday - G.C. Cameron
22. Reach Out I'll Be There - Four Tops
http://rapidshare.com/files/105089573/VA_-_Cooley_High__1975_.rar

The Commodores - 14 Greatest Hits

2008-04-09T10:43:00.003+03:00

01. Machine Gun
02. Slippery When Wet
03. Sweet Love
04. Fancy Dancer
05. Easy
06. Brick House
07. Too Hot Ta Trot
08. Three Times a Lady
09. X-Rated Movie
10. Sail On
11. Still
12. Wonderland
13. Old-Fashioned Love
14. Lady (You Bring Me Up)
http://rapidshare.com/files/104835842/The_Commodores_-_14_Greatest_Hits.rar

Lizz Wright - The Orchard

2008-04-09T10:37:00.002+03:00

Jazz vocalist Lizz Wright decided it was time to return to her roots. For her new CD, she tried to capture the simplicity of the blues and gospel music she heard growing up in the rural town of Hahira, Ga. The daughter of a minister, she sang in church there with her two siblings. "I come from a place where we don't use a lot of words," Ms. Wright says. "It's really about emoting."

The 28-year-old Ms. Wright has earned praise for her versions of song standards like "A Taste of Honey" and Neil Young's "Old Man," which highlighted her warm contralto voice in understated jazz and R&B arrangements. Her first two albums, "Salt" (2003) and "Dreaming Wide Awake" (2005), were hits on Billboard's contemporary jazz chart. The tunes on those albums were predominantly by other writers. On "The Orchard," Ms. Wright wanted to make a more personal statement, co-writing eight of the new album's 12 tracks.

The album has a looser feel than Ms. Wright's previous releases. Like "Dreaming Wide Awake," it was produced by Craig Street, who has worked with Cassandra Wilson and k.d. lang. Other musicians on "The Orchard" include Toshi Reagon, who co-wrote many of the songs, and guitarist and longtime Bob Dylan sideman Larry Campbell. The songs range from the slow-building, moody "Coming Home," which kicks off the compilation, to a rapturous folk waltz, "Song for Mia."

In addition to the new material, Ms. Wright includes several songs that were made famous by others, though Ms. Wright puts her own stamp on them. For example, she sings Led Zeppelin's "Thank You," a song she first heard when Ms. Reagon played it for her on an acoustic guitar. Ms. Wright also sings Ike Turner's "I Idolize You," which she discovered in a documentary featuring Ike and Tina Turner. Ms. Turner's performance brought to mind Ms. Wright's hometown years. "Her voice was really ferocious, the way some women used to sing in church, with a lot of grit, a lot of power," says Ms. Wright, who adds that she wanted to emulate that style in her own way.
Ms. Wright worked on "The Orchard" for about two years, spending the first in Georgia visiting her grandparents, "taking in a lot of information, looking at my home and just collecting feelings," she says. She took photographs of the area and made a slide show that she shared with her record company, Verve, to give executives a sense of how she wanted her album to evoke her hometown. Ms. Wright says that since she has become known for singing standards, it is now time for her own point of view. "If I'm going to interpret everybody else's story," she says, "I should make sure I'm in touch with my own."
"Jazz vocalist Lizz Wright decided it was time to return to her roots. For her new CD, she tried to capture the simplicity of the blues and gospel music she heard growing up in the rural town of Hahira, Ga. The daughter of a minister, she sang in church there with her two siblings. "I come from a place where we don't use a lot of words," Ms. Wright says. 'It's really about emoting.'"

1. Coming Home 4:45
2. My Heart 4:00
3. I Idolize You 4:54
4. Hey Mann 5:22
5. Another Angel 3:42
6. When I Fall 3:55
7. Leave Me Standing Alone 5:04
8. Speak Your Heart 3:46
9. This Is 4:09
10. Song For Mia 4:52
11. Thank You 4:45
12. Strange 3:32
http://rapidshare.com/files/104868474/Lizz_Wright_-_The_Orchard.rar

Salmonella Dub - Calming Of The Drunken Monkey

2008-04-09T10:33:00.003+03:00

The first album post-Tiki Taane stepping up to the mic, showing the shift in sound away from the horn laden instrumentals of the early material.
1 Conspiracy Dub
2 Golden Locks
3 Primus
4 Col's Fish
5 Cycle
6 Drunken Monkey
7 Finklestein
8 Fence
9 Loletta
10 Jerky Dub
11 They're Among Us (Pitch Black Remix)
12 Palava (Live At The Powerstation 31/5/97)
13 Suicidal Patterns (Rotor Mix)
http://rapidshare.com/files/104820883/Salmonella_Dub_-_Calming_Of_The_Drunken_Monkey.rar

Selassie I Rockers - 30 Pieces Of Dub

2008-04-09T10:25:00.002+03:00

30 Pieces Of Dub
Africano Dub
Gone Dub
No Dub Like Dis Ya Dub
Night Ravers Dub
Jack The Ripper
Englishman Dub
Wicked Man Dub
Mad Man Dub
Fisher Man Dub
Three Times A Dub
Prophecy Dub
http://rapidshare.com/files/104749540/Selassie_I_Rockers_-_30_Pieces_Of_Dub.rar

Funk Como Le Gusta - Roda De Funk

2008-04-04T10:29:00.003+03:00

An excellent new funky group from Brazil -- one steeped in traditions of American Hammond grooves, mixed with Afro Cuban rhythms, and a cut and paste mix-up pastiche that recalls the glory days of the early 90s west coast acid jazz Cookin' scene! The record's a lot more compelling than we expected -- and feature some strong instrumentation in a classic funk style, made even better by some soulful modern production. One for fans of acid jazz and funky Brazilian music alike.

1. Entrando Na Sua - (studio)
2. Nervosa - (studio)
3. Funk De Bamba - (studio)
4. Call Me At Cleo's - (studio)
5. Olhos Coloridos - (studio)
6. Zambacao - (studio)
7. Funk Hum - (studio)
8. Forty Days - (studio)
9. Balada Da Paula - (studio)
10. Dujii - (studio)
11. Meu Guarda- Chuva - (studio)
12. Moteis - (studio)
13. Whistle Stop - (studio)
14. 16 Toneladas - (studio)
15. Divirta-Se - (studio)
16. Forty Days - (studio)
http://rapidshare.com/files/104738728/Funk_Como_Le_Gusta_-_Roda_De_Funk.rar

Ruby Andrews - Black Ruby (1972)

2008-04-04T09:25:00.003+03:00

Ruby Andrews' two albums on Zodiac in the late '60s are easily some of the best, strong-armed soul recorded by any woman in the era. Both are pricey showpieces though Black Ruby tends to sell even higher than Everybody Saw You (personally, I think both are fantastic albums though I might have to give Black Ruby the nod for overall excellence).

Mississippi-born but Chicago-identified, Andrews had her share of hits though she never achieved marquee status. Interestingly enough, I didn't realize that Andrews was part of the Detroit-based Brothers of Soul (one of several female leads they worked with in the late '60s). The Brothers were also the team behind Zodiac and, as I recently learned at Ear Fuzz, they also recorded under the name, The Creations. (The Brothers of Soul's "I'd Be Grateful" is one of the Northern Soul singles that makes you understand why Northern Soul goes for beaucoup bucks).

In any case, the Brothers are responsible for the sound behind Andrews' Black Ruby and Everybody Saw You LPs and thus, deserve part of the credit for lacing her with some fantastic production: a rousing, energetic mix of mid-60s funk and soul that's a nice fit with Andrews' powerful vocals.

1 (I Want To Be) Whatever It Takes To Please You
2 Overdose of Love
3 The Love I Need
4 Didn`t I Fool You ?
5 You Made a Believer Out of Me
6 Good`n Plenty
7 You Ole Boo Boo You
8 Just Lovin`You
9 My Love is Comin`Down
10 Hound Dog
http://rapidshare.com/files/104728037/Ruby_Andrews_-_Black_Ruby_1972.rar

Highly recommended, this is some seriously soulful shit!

Marva Whitney - It's My Thing (1969)

2008-04-02T21:41:00.001+03:00

This is probably the most in demand, heavily sampled and bootleged funk album of all time. Originally Produced by James Brown and released in August 1969, this album has been heavily in demand since the mid 80s. It is issued here along with 4 tracks which were only issued on 7"singles and are also highly sought after in their own right., plus a duet with James Brown 'Sunny' which appeared in the sleeve notes of the original album but was not included in it. The album was actually a collection of 10 singles recorded over a period of 20 months in different studios across the USA. The tracks feature the famous James Brown band, Probably the tightest band of all time including Maceo Parker, Alfred 'Pee Wee'Ellis and St Clair Pinckney (Saxes), Fred Wesley (Trombone), Richard 'Kush' Griffith (Trumpet), Jimmy Nolen (guitar), (Sweet) Charles Sherrell (Bass), Clyde Stubblefield (Drums) amongst others. Marva Whitney was the leading Female singer in the James Brown Revue for 3 years from 1967 to 1969 and toured the USA, Africa and Vietnam (during the War).

1. It's My Thing, Pt. 1
2. It's My Thing, Pt. 2
3. Things Got to Get Better (Get Together)
4. What Kind of Man
5. If You Love Me
6. In the Middle [Instrumental]
7. Unwind Yourself
8. You Got to Have a Job (If You Don't Work, You Can't Eat)
9. I'll Work It Out
10. Get Out of My Life
11. I'm Tired I'm Tired I'm Tired (Things Better Change Before It's ...)
12. Shades of Brown [Instrumental]
13. I Made a Mistake Because It's Only You, Pt. 1
14. I Made a Mistake Because It's Only You, Pt. 2
15. What Do I Have to Do to Prove My Love to You
16. He's the One
17. This Girl's in Love With You
18. Sunny - James Brown, Marva Whitney
http://www.sendspace.com/file/j7bkqv

VA - Never Get Enough

2008-04-01T10:29:00.002+03:00

01 Never Get Enough...Bobby Byrd
02 Funky Disposition...Dean Francis + The Soulrockers
03 Will I Ever Learn...Eddie Bo
04 I'm Your Lady...Sisters Of Soul
05 Sayin It & Doin It...Bobby Byrd
06 Freedom...Roger Troutman + The Human Body
07 Here's What You Need
08 Kick It On Back...Eddie Bo
09 A Touch Of Glass...Lee Armstrong Express
10 Truth Be Known...Roger Troutman + The Human Body
11 Down By The River
12 Don't Throw Your Love In The Garbagecan...Vicki Anderson
13 Everybody Loves The Sunshine...Roy Ayers & The Soul Society
http://rapidshare.com/files/102061311/Bobby_Byrd_-_Never_Get_Enough.rar

NOTE: The RAR is named incorrectly but it is the correct file for the post. My bad!

Jennifer Lara - Studio One Presents Jennifer Lara

2008-03-24T21:25:00.003+02:00

Jennifer Lara released her debut album for Coxsone Dodd's Studio One label in 1974. 'Studio One Presents Jennifer Lara' was an instant success, along with a massive hit single with 'Where have all the good men gone?'. Also several notable contributions as duet or backing singer, with Freddie McGregor on 'I Am Ready', and in the eighties with Prince Far-I, Henry Junjo Lawes and Tristan Palmer. In the nineties she worked for King Jammy, on 'I wanna sex you up' with Thriller U [!!], 'You Turn me on' with Bounty Killer and 'Stop' with Major Mackerel.

A1 A Woman
A2 A Change Is Gonna Come
A3 Hurt So Good
A4 Close To You
A5 Impossible
B1 Loving You
B2 Our Love
B3 Love And Harmony
B4 Ain't No Love
B5 Rocking Tonight
http://rapidshare.com/files/101690203/Jennifer_Lara_-_Studio_One_Presents_Jennifer_Lara.rar

Nicole Willis & The Soul Investigators - Keep Reachin' Up

2008-03-24T21:10:00.003+02:00

Call it what you will, nu-funk, nu-soul, or whatever...(I hate sticking tunes in little pidgeon holes) this is pure Memphis sound....horribly underrated and under promoted, this is one of THE best albums I've heard in recent years. Play it and I guarantee you'll play it again...and again...and again :-)

1. Feeling Free
2. If This Ain't Love (Don't Know What Is)
3. Keep Reachin' Up
4. Blues Downtown
5. My Four Leaf Clover
6. A Perfect Kind Of Love
7. Invisible Man
8. Holdin' On
9. No One's Gonna Love You
10. Soul Investigators Theme
http://www.sendspace.com/file/p508ji

Africafunk, The Original Sound Of 1970's Funky Africa

2008-03-24T21:04:00.002+02:00

Africafunk collects contemporary African music from artists like Tony Allen, Peter King, Vecchio, and Ice. Manu Dibango's "Weya," Oneness of Juju's "African Rhythms," Mombasa's "African Hustle," and Fela Ransom Kuti's "Expensive Shit" are among the standout tracks on the album.

1. African Rhythms - Oneness of Juju, Oneness of Juju
2. Ajo - Peter King, Peter King
3. Hail the King - Wali
4. African Battle - Manu Dibango
5. Malik - Lafayette Afro Rock Band
6. African Hustle
7. Expensive Shit - Fela Kuti
8. Talkin' Talkin' - Matata
9. Megaton - Vecchio
10. Weya - Manu Dibango
11. Netsanet - Mulatu Astatqé
12. Racubah
13. Road Close [Dance Dub] - Tony Allen
http://www.sendspace.com/file/jraohf

The Soulful Strings - Back By Demand The Soulful Strings Live

2008-03-23T12:31:00.002+02:00

The Soulful Strings' fifth album found them live and in person at Chicago's London House jazz club and restaurant. The players (both jazz and classical) showed off their impressive live chops, but, surprisingly, this live performance doesn't often swing as hard as the studio sessions. As with the 'Strings earlier albums, the song list was nearly all covers, including pop songs and two Richard Evans arrangements of classical pieces. The album's lone original is "Oboe Flats," from the group's woodwind player, Lennie Druss.

Audio note: The applause and crowd sound at the end of several tracks have been rebalanced. Cadet's original mix had one channel abnormally loud in several spots.

Listen Here (Harris)
I Wish It Would Rain (Whitfield, Strong, Penzabene)
You're All I Need (Ashford, Simpson)
Pavanne (Ravel, adapt. Richard Evans)
There Was a Time (Brown)
Oboe Flats* (Druss)
I'm a Girl Watcher (Pittman, Trail)
Clair de Lune (DeBussy, adapt. Richard Evans)
MacArthur Park (Webb)
http://rapidshare.com/files/101679463/The_Soulful_Strings_-_Back_By_Demand_The_Soulful_Strings_Live.rar

Muscle Shoals Horns - Doin' It To the Bone

2008-03-23T12:24:00.003+02:00

"Beginning as part of the Fame Gang, a loose knit group of session musicians who worked under the direction of Rick Hall at Fame Recording studio, the Muscle Shoals Horns soon earned their separate identity by performing on many recordings made at a variety of studios in the Muscle Shoals area. Originally composed of Harvey Thompson, saxophone, Ronnie Eades, baritone saxophone, Harrison Calloway, trumpet and Aaron Varnell, trombone, in the late 60s, the group solidified in 1970 when Charles Rose filled the spot vacated by Varnell. The lineup remained together until the mid-80s, adding a variety of specialist from time to time. While primarily a studio horn section, the Muscle Shoals Horns toured extensively with Elton John in the mid-70s, playing on the famed "Philadelphia Freedom" recording, which also featured John Lennon. Later in the 70s, the horn section released three albums of their own compositions which capitalized on the disco dance craze, and they formed a band which toured opening for groups such as Parliament-Funkadelic, as well as headlining shows in smaller venues"

A1 Dance To The Music (3:43)
A2 Addicted To Your Love (4:24)
A3 I Just Wanna Turn You On (4:06)
A4 A Love For You [And A Love For Me] (4:37)
A5 What's Goin' Down (3:34)
B1 Sexual Revolution (4:00)
B2 Can't Break The Habit (3:26)
B3 Keep On Playin' That Funky Music (3:58)
B4 Doin' It To The Bone (3:27)
B5 Beware Of The Rip-Off (4:50)
http://rapidshare.com/files/101316719/Muscle_Shoals_Horns_-_Doin__It_To_the_Bone.rar

Etta James - The Definitive Collection (2006) - Soul

2008-03-21T21:04:00.003+02:00

This excellent 2006 compilation presents many of the finest moments by R&B/soul singer Etta James. Given James's bold, full-bodied vocals, she was a natural for the blues, but she made her biggest mark in the 1960s with lush, pop-tinged ballads such as the gorgeous "At Last" and the forlorn "All I Could Do Was Cry," both included here. Although HER BEST features many of the same songs, and THE ESSENTIAL JAMES is more extensive, THE DEFINITIVE COLLECTION offers a remarkably wide selection, even including material from her 1994 Grammy-winning Billie Holiday tribute, MYSTERY LADY.

1. The Wallflower (Dance With Me Henry)
2. Good Rockin' Daddy
3. W-O-M-A-N
4. All I Could Do Is Cry
5. If I Can't Have You
6. My Dearest Darling
7. At Last
8. Don't Cry Baby
9. A Sunday Kind Of Love
10. Trust In Me
11. Something's Got A Hold On Me
12. Stop The Wedding
13. Pushover
14. Tell Mama
15. I'd Rather Go Blind
16. Security
17. All The Way Down
18. Take It To The Limit
19. Damn Your Eyes
20. Whatever Gets You Through The Night
21. The Man I Love
22. I've Been Loving You Too Long
23. The Sky Is Crying
http://rapidshare.com/files/101259054/Etta_James_-_The_Definitive_Collection__2006__-_Soul.rar

Bobby Womack - The Best Of The Poet Trilogy

2008-03-21T20:57:00.003+02:00

Tracks 1-5 Taken From 'The Poet' 1981
Tracks 6-11 Taken From 'The Poet II' 1984
Tracks 12-16 Taken From 'Someday We'll All Be Free' AKA 'The Poet III'

1. So Many Sides of You
2. Lay Your Lovin' on Me
3. Secrets
4. Just My Imagination
5. If You Think You're Lonely Now
6. Love Has Finally Come at Last - Patti LaBelle, Bobby Womack
7. Through the Eyes of a Child - Patti LaBelle, Bobby Womack
8. Surprise, Surprise
9. Tryin' to Get Over You
10. Tell Me Why
11. American Dream
12. I'm So Proud
13. Someday We'll All Be Free
14. Gifted One
15. Searching for My Love
16. I Wish I Had Someone to Go Home To

It's Bobby...you don't need a review!
http://rapidshare.com/files/101219155/Bobby_Womack_-_The_Best_Of_The_Poet_Trilogy.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/101238617/Bobby_Womack_-_The_Best_Of_The_Poet_Trilogy_2.rar

Cumulo Nimbus - 47 Times It's Own Weight

2008-03-21T15:13:00.003+02:00

Funky and free-thinking fusion from the Texas scene of the mid 70s -- a great indie album by a group who travelled in the same territory as the soul combo Starcrost! Although American, the work here has some great qualities that remind us of some of the best European fusion from the same time -- a sense of soaring, stretching energy -- and one that never resorts to too much jamming to carry across its message, and which juxtaposes heavier rhythms with some gentler tunes that really allow the horn parts some wonderful moments! Instrumentation include soprano sax, tenor, trumpet, electric and acoustic piano, and a fair bit of percussion too -- all recorded with a great sense of warmth, almost in the mode of some of the best Fantasy Records 70s sessions!

1 Weedhopper
2 March Of The Goober Woobers
3 47 Tears
4 Jig
5 Halyards
6 Cumulo Nimbus
http://rapidshare.com/files/101158065/Cumulo_Nimbus_-_47_Times_It_s_Own_Weight.rar

Gwen McCrae (aka Funky Sensation) (1981)

2008-03-21T15:05:00.002+02:00

Time for a return with some quality tunes....hope these find their way onto your playlists soulbruthas and sistas :-)

Gwen McCrae (aka Funky Sensation) (1981)

Seminal 80s groove from 70s Miami soul star Gwen McCrae -- reinventing herself here for the new decade with a totally different sound! The album's best known for the amazing club track "Funky Sensation" -- one of those tracks that crossed over big, and had a huge influence in countless scenes -- as the tune burned big on all fronts, including the worlds of disco, hip hop, and even roller skating! Other tunes follow in a similar format -- with lots of nice snapping rhythms, thanks to arranger/composer/producer Kenton Nix -- who really manages to break Gwen out of the standard Miami soul groove!

01 Funky Sensation
02 Poyson
03 Feel so good
04 All my love
05 Stood the test
06 do you wanna be mine
07 no deposit no return
08 have a good time
09 Movement
http://rapidshare.com/files/101175421/Gwen_McCrae__aka_Funky_Sensation___1981_.rar

Suck Me Up Dub

2008-03-14T10:09:00.002+02:00

Suck Me Up Dub

01 - Massive Attack - Suck Me Up Dub (Mad Professor Heat Miser Remix)
02 - Selassie I Rockers - Mad Man Dub
03 - Lee "Scratch" Perry - Upsetting rhythm #3
04 - The Black Seeds - Cool Me Dub
05 - Barrington Levy - Black Heart Man
06 - Dub System Earl 'Chinna' Smith Dub It!
07 - Dub Syndicate - King Of Sound And Blues
08 - Nightmares On wax - Stars
09 - Sandoz - Sit In Judgement
10 - Dub Pistols - Gangsters (Feat. Terry Hall)

http://rapidshare.com/files/98743595/Suck_Me_Up_Dub.rar

It's DUB...you need no more introduction than that. Rhyme and reason don't have a place here...just crank up the bass bins and settle back for some tooth tremblin' sounds :-)

Jinkz

Soul Sisters Drippin' Smooth Chocolate

2008-03-11T17:44:00.002+02:00

01 - I'm Livin' In Shame - Diana Ross & The Supremes
02 - Kissing My Love - Spanky Wilson
03 - Stop In The Name Of Love - Margie Joseph
04 - Dirty Ol' Man - Three Degrees
05 - You're Doing It With Her - Rhetta Hughes
06 - Your Thing Ain't No Good Without My Thing - Marie "Queenie" Lyons
07 - You're Losin' Me - Ann Sexton
08 - You're The Dog - Irma Thomas
09 - Just Like You Did Me - Yvonne Vernee
10 - Women's Love Rights - Laura Lee
11 - He Took My Hand - Betty Williams
12 - Girls Can't Do What The Guys Do - Betty Wright
13 - What A Man - Linda Lyndell
14 - That's What You Say (Every Time You're Near Me) - Gloria Scott
15 - Summer (The First Time) - Millie Jackson
http://rapidshare.com/files/97799853/Soul_Sisters.rar

For the last 50 or so years female singers have been at the forefront of soul music in one way or another, from the deep south of the states, to Europe and beyond. This is a short celebration of some of those soul sisters and their music. Some you'll know, some you won't but hopefully you'll appreciate the unknowns as much as the more well known amongst them. There's no theme to the mix, they're just a few tracks hand picked by myself for your listening pleasure.

Enjoy and Keep The Faith!

Jinkz

Music For Funkin'

2008-03-08T21:27:00.004+02:00

Okay people....this isn't a full return, more like a flying visit to share some musical funky goodness with you seeing as I know it's gonna brighten up your lives so much...yeah!! :-)

Check this out...my first attempt at a podcast and at doing the artwork also...and what a fine, fine specimen to model for me.....I wish :-)) She was FINE back in the day and she's still as fine today....G*d I love Pam Grier too much!!

Anyway, I digress.

I'm hoping this is a selection of tracks that will appeal not just to diehard funk fans but also fans of soul, rare groove and those of you who just dig good tunes that come out of leftfield and don't have "mainstream" slapped all over them. There are artists here you'll no doubt have heard of but I imagine most of the guys on here will be unknown to you. That's good as it means you're going in to this with an open mind.

When I first started playing the tracks and putting them together in my head, I drifted off to a vision of 70's American muscle cars, long, long roads to drive and a stack of 8 tracks waiting to be played. No idea why that was the vision I got but hey....sounds pretty good to me so why fight it.

Tracklisting

01 - All Aboard the Soul Funky Train - The J.B Horns
02 - Finger In It - Harlem Underground Band
03 - Go For Yourself - Soul Tornadoes
04 - Hustle To The Music - Muscle Shoals Horns
05 - Got To Getcha - Maceo & The King's Men
06 - Super Good - Dynamite Singletary
07 - Ghetto Man - Tony Clark
08 - Get On Down2 - Black Love
09 - Can't Get Enough - 87th Off Broadway
10 - Funky Miracle - The Meters
11 - Message To Society - Wally Coco
12 - Music Makes You Move - Funkhouse Express
13 - Superstition - Stevie Wonder
14 - And Now... - The T.S.U Toronados
14 - Psycho I & II - The Fabulous Mark III

Download the goodness here...
http://thelistening.podomatic.com/

And keep checking that site as there will be more podcasts being thrown up thick and fast from some righteous music fiends I know who put their heart and soul into sharing quality tunes with as many willing ears as they can find.

Keep The Faith All!!

For anyone having probs downloading from the podcast site, here's a direct link to the mix...
http://rapidshare.com/files/97744250/Music_For_Funkin_.rar

Jinkz

Puttin' the brakes on......

2008-02-24T10:42:00.002+02:00

Ok, so I've had the blog running a few months now....I don't say much, just post tunes I think are great in their own way and worthy of sharing. I've been throwing them up at a pretty fast rate recently and I have other shit going on in my life that needs taking care of, so you'll probably start to notice a slower rate of new posts coming in as I take a semi-break.

Thanks to those of you who have taken the time to comment so far and apologies for not always coming back with a reply.

Keep The Faith!

Che - Sexy 70 - Music Inspired By The Brazilian Sacanagem Movies of 1970s

2008-02-24T10:40:00.002+02:00

This CD is the latest on Vampi Soul and the first in a set of three releases giving us a closer look at some great Brazilian music.

This one is however comes from a somewhat unlikely source. Sub-titled, “Music inspired by the Brazilian sacanagem movies of the 1970s,” it would appear that going to a specialist X-Rated Cinemas in Brazil in pre-video porn times was very much the same experience as it was in Europe. Low budget, poor scripts (if any) and off-comedy were trademarks. Whilst I can’t imagine there was anything like ‘No Sex Please, We’re Brazilian’, if there is such a thing, the person that would know is our man Alexandre Caparroz (aka Che).

Che has done all the hard work for us and is an expert on what was called locally pornochanchada. In addition to the film, what he also loved was the soundtracks and aspired to put together a compilation CD of all the best bits. You can image his frustration when it proved impossible to get licences to put together the original recordings for this CD. There’s no equivalent to the Performing Rights Society in Brazil for 30 year-old porn soundtracks but that’s not going to stop our modern day musical David Cardoso. Che has re-recorded all the tracks himself and even some of the original dialogue is included (just how deep is that guys voice on ‘Tá Tudo Errado Porra!’?). Think of this as a ‘small’ world Glideascope in its cinematic adventure.

Inevitably, some of the tracks are quite cheesy like the Bontempi organ beats of ‘Suite Para Pereio’, the disco instrumental ‘Sala Especial’ or others that would have graced any 70s Latin Hospital soap opera. Actually they grow on you but the obvious ones that work best for me are the jazz funk vibes based tracks like ‘Helena X Aldine’, ‘Pixoxó Em Lua De Mel’ and ‘O Eterno Pecado Horizontal’; I wonder what that last one is all about?

‘A Babilônia De David’ is a bit of an opus as we get the big sweeping strings with the vibes at a Nicola Conte pace whilst ‘Simplesmente Glória’ get us in the laid back seductive mood.

Current favourite is the Dub Version of ‘Babilônia’ which is a bit of a cheat as this and the other remix and bonus track are, if you like, ‘less authentic’ and more of today.

But the thing here is that this is a celebration of a part of 1970s Brazilian sub-culture. Our man Che certainly looks the part astride a 4-cylinder CB750 black Honda, demin shirt, Magnum ‘tash golfing trousers and the obligatory shades.

1. Intro / A Jeitosa Do Morro (3:27)
2. Helena X Aldine (3:36)
3. A Babilônia De David (2:10)
4. Desejos Ardentes (2:43)
5. Vinheta (0:35)
6. Pixoxó Em Lua De Mel (2:21)
7. Vera, A Diaba Loira (3:03)
8. Simplesmente Glória (3:06)
9. Mlher Objeto (1:55)
10. Um Grapete ANtes, Um Cigarro Depois (0:38)
11. O Eterno Pecado Horizontal (3:58)
12. Suite Para Peréio (4:29)
13. Sala Especial (3:00)
14. Tá Tudo Errado Porra! (1:48)
15. Pixoxó Remix (3:17)
16. Babilônia Dub Version (4:49)
17. Ainda Te Pego (Bônus Track) (2:55)
http://rapidshare.com/files/93763354/Che_-_Sexy_70_-_Music_Inspired_By_The_Brazilian_Sacanagem_Movies_of_1970s.rar

Reverend Cleatus & The Soul Saviors - 2lbs Of Funk In A 1 lb Bag (2007)

2008-02-24T10:32:00.004+02:00

This Reverend is no slack-jawed yokel -- and instead, his Soul Saviours combo is one of the cookingest new groups we've heard in a long, long time! The album's got a super-tight approach to deep funk -- wah wah guitar, screaming Hammond, tight drums, and bumping bass all wrapped together beautifully in classic funk instrumental splendor -- occasionally touched with bits of sax, flute, or congas -- but staying in their own core groove most of the time!

Sam Cooke - Night Beat

2008-02-24T10:28:00.002+02:00

Sam Cooke is best known as the man who integrated R&B, gospel, and pop, amid expansive arrangements typified by big string sections and a maximalist production approach. It may be a surprise for casual Cooke listeners, then, to encounter the Sam Cooke of NIGHT BEAT. There's nary an orchestra to be found here; Cooke is backed by a small combo in a spare, tasteful manner. The overall musical feeling is also far removed from Cooke's poppier efforts, leaning strongly toward the jazzy blues end of the spectrum (as brilliantly accentuated by, among others, a very young Billy Preston on organ). Hearing the despair in Cooke's voice on "Lost and Lookin'" and the downhearted "Mean Old World," one is instantly made aware that the man who sang "Wonderful World" and "Cupid" was capable of far more than mere ditties (however striking and memorable said ditties may have been). NIGHT BEAT finds Cooke reaching deeper into himself than he did on any other album, expanding our notion of his depth and capabilities.

1. Nobody Knows The Trouble I've Seen
2. Lost And Lookin'
3. Mean Old World
4. Please Don't Drive Me Away
5. I Lost Everything
6. Get Yourself Another Fool
7. Little Red Rooster
8. Laughin' And Clownin'
9. Trouble Blues
10. You Gotta Move
11. Fool's Paradise
12. Shake, Rattle And Roll
http://rapidshare.com/files/93687824/Sam_Cooke_-_Night_Beat.rar

Alice Clark - Alice Clark (1972)

2008-02-24T10:24:00.002+02:00

There weren't many vocal albums on the Mainstream label during the early 70s, and this rare soul side is a real overlooked gem! Alice Clark has a rich soulful voice, with a style that sounds a bit like Esther Marrow, mixed with some of the lead vocalists in Voices Of East Harlem -- a really right-on sort of sound that's totally great, and way hipper than most 70s chart soul! Arrangements are by Ernie Wilkins, who brings in a touch of jazz -- but again, with a much hipper feel than most of his other backings -- and most of the tracks are quite obscure, well-written tunes -- of the sort of material you might expect to hear sung by Gil Scott-Heron or Donny Hathaway.

1 I Keep It Hid (3:27)
2 Looking At Life (3:10)
3 Don't Worry Why (3:22)
4 Maybe This Time (3:18)
5 Never Did I Stop Loving You (2:34)
6 Charms Of The Arms Of Love (2:38)
7 Don't You Care (2:49)
8 It Takes Too Long To Learn To Live Alone (3:34)
9 Hard Hard Promises (3:05)
10 Hey Girl (3:16)
http://rapidshare.com/files/93679749/Alice_Clark_-_Alice_Clark__1972_.rar

The Stance Brothers - Kind Soul (2007)

2008-02-24T10:21:00.003+02:00

The Stance Brothers represent raw garage jazz in its purest form. The band was formed by the Stance brothers Isiah and Dwayne. After enlisting their friend, a virtuoso drummer by the name of Byron Breaks, the line up was complete. The core of The Stance Brothers' sound stems from countless of hours spent jamming at their dusty garage. The trio's unfaultering will to excel in playing funk-influenced garage jazz comes second only to their passion for shooting hoops at the nearby basketball court.

01. Steve McQueen
02. Prayer
03. Roll Call
04. Dynamite
05. Bright Moments
06. Capricorn
07. Garage Days
08. Jay's Lament
09. Upside the Head
10. Cool Hand/Turmoil
11. Mean Spirit
12. Blow Back
13. She May Be Moody
http://rapidshare.com/files/93663550/The_Stance_Brothers_-_Kind_Soul__2007_.rar

Howard Tate - Get It While You Can

2008-02-24T10:17:00.002+02:00

The greatest soul singer ever to fall below '60s pop radar, Howard Tate remains a tantalizing cipher remembered only through explosive cover versions of his late '60s singles by a blue-chip array of fans including Janis Joplin, B.B. King, Jimi Hendrix, and Ry Cooder. Tate's original versions were even better: his ecstatic falsetto, sinuous tenor releases, and gruff asides placed him in a category of R&B vocal stylists as lofty as his stratospheric pompadour. But the Macon-born, Philadelphia-raised former doo-wopper eluded broader acclaim despite a string of powerful performances that just dented the charts. As produced by R&B stalwart Jerry Ragovoy, Tate's sessions mixed emotive standouts, including "Ain't Nobody Home," "Stop," "Get It While You Can," and "Look at Granny Run Run," with shrewd soul updates of electric blues classics like "How Blue Can You Get" and King's signature tune, "Everyday I Have the Blues." The singer's vein-popping performances are matched by rock-solid arrangements and production, well served in this overdue anthology. As for Tate, he disappeared into legend in the early '70s, making this mother lode of deathless soul all the more valuable.

1. Ain't Nobody Home
2. Part-Time Love
3. Glad I Knew Better
4. How Blue Can You Get
5. Stop
6. Get It While You Can
7. Baby, I Love You
8. I Learned It All The Hard Way
9. Sweet Love Child
10. Everyday I Have The Blues
11. How Come My Bulldog Don't Bark
12. Look At Granny Run Run
13. Half A Man
14. Shoot 'Em All Down
15. Give Me Some Courage
16. Night Owl
17. I'm Your Servant
http://rapidshare.com/files/93642121/Howard_Tate_-_Get_It_While_You_Can_-_CD1.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/93649936/Howard_Tate_-_Get_It_While_You_Can_-_CD2.rar

Reel People - Seven Ways to Wonder

2008-02-24T10:13:00.002+02:00

With everyone from Amy Winehouse to Candi Payne pursuing an ethos of studied rawness, it's almost novel to hear a British soul album so polished that you can see Luther Vandross's face in it. Reel People have turned their noses away from the dancefloor since their 2003 debut Second Guess, and their sophomore LP features vocalists, including Omar and Incognito's Tony Momrelle, holding court over squelchy synths, breezy percussion and fluttering falsetto harmonies. The production is gloriously indulgent, with the modulated Ordinary Man owing as much to ELO as it does to Shalamar. At times you yearn for some jagged edges, but this Cheshire cat of a record is hard to turn off on a crisp spring morning.

1. Alibi 04:39
02. Outta Love 05:07
03. Amazing 05:19
04. Rise And Fly 05:40
05. It Will Be 05:59
06. Perfect Sky 06:59
07. Ordinary 04:51
08. High 03:47
09. Anything You Want 05:56
10. Upside 03:38
11. Love Is Where You Are 05:45
12. Outta Love (Reprise) 02:03
http://rapidshare.com/files/93471125/Reel_People_-_Seven_Ways_to_Wonder.rar

VA - Chess Club Rhythm & Soul

2008-02-24T10:08:00.002+02:00

1. Mellow Fellow - Etta James
2. Messin' With the Man - Muddy Waters
3. Get Out - Mitty Collier
4. Summertime - Billy Stewart
5. Ooh Baby - Bo Diddley
6. You Left the Water Running - Maurice & Mac
7. Hey Mr. O.J. - Bobby Moore & the Rhythm Aces
8. Can't Make It Without You - Fred Hughes
9. Ain't It? - Jack McDuff
10. Let's Wade in the Water - Marlena Shaw
11. Fire - Koko Taylor
12. Do I Make Myself Clear? - Sugar Pie DeSanto, Etta James
13. Knife and a Fork - Kip Anderson
14. My Babe - Little Walter
15. Help Me - Sonny Boy Williamson [II]
16. Good Morning Little Schoolgirl - Don & Bob
17. Who's That Guy? - The Kolettes
18. Here Comes the Judge - Pigmeat Markham
19. Function at the Junction - Ramsey Lewis
20. Grits Ain't Groceries - Little Milton
21. Must I Holler - Jamo Thomas
22. Every Day I Have to Cry - Steve Alaimo
23. Musty Rusty - Lou Donaldson
24. I Don't Wanna Fuss - Sugar Pie DeSanto
25. Hi-Heel Sneakers - Tommy Tucker
http://rapidshare.com/files/93615505/VA_-_Chess_Club_Rhythm___Soul_pt1.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/93629901/VA_-_Chess_Club_Rhythm___Soul_pt2.rar

Gilles Peterson - Broken Folk Funk Latin Soul - Compiled and mixed by Gilles Peterson

2008-02-24T10:05:00.002+02:00

1 Kuusumun Profeetta Kovin Lentaen Kotiin Kaipaan (7:05)
2 Cinematic Orchestra, The All Things To All Men (10:42)
3 Dani Siciliano Come As You Are (5:13)
4 Mr. Scruff Come Alive (5:13)
5 Harmonic 33 Where Have They Gone? (3:36)
6 Asheru Mood Swing (4:47)
7 Lone Catalysts Destiny (4:05)
8 Two Banks Of Four Unclaimed (4:41)
9 Micatone Sweet Child (4:29)
10 Underworld Twist (5:27)
11 Infekto Left Hand Jazz (5:46)
12 Osunlade Touched My Soul (4:51)
http://rapidshare.com/files/93413561/Gilles_Peterson_-_Broken_Folk_Funk_Latin_Soul_-_Pt1.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/93429871/Gilles_Peterson_-_Broken_Folk_Funk_Latin_Soul_-_Pt2.rar

VA - Old School Funk Celebration (Boxset)-2CD

2008-02-24T09:58:00.002+02:00

CD1
01.Rick James - You and I (03:07)
02.Eddie Kendricks - Keep on Truckin (03:28)
03.Ohio Players - Fire (04:25)
04.Brothers Johnson - Strawberry Letter 23 (04:55)
05.Rufus - You've Got the Love (04:39)
06.Bar Kays - Hit and Run (03:47)
07.Jesse Johnson - Can You Help Me (05:19)
08.Con Funk Shun - Got to Be Enough (05:41)
09.Cameo - Flirt (04:04)
10.One Way - Can I (03:36)
11.Cameo - Single Life (06:31)
12.Yarbrough & Peoples - I Wouldn't Lie (04:59)
13.Rene & Angela - I'll Be Good (04:06)
14.James Brown - I Got the Feeling (02:37)

CD2
01.Keith Sweat - I Want Her (03:42)
02.Tom Tom Club - Genius of Love (05:34)
03.Zapp - More Bounce to the Ounce (04:00)
04.Michelle - No More Lies (03:41)
05.Betty Wright - Tonight is the Night (08:20)
06.Color Me Badd - I Wanna Sex You Up (04:06)
07.Roger - I Want to Be Your Man (04:13)
08.En Vogue - Hold on (05:02)
09.Slave - Just A Touch of Love (06:26)
10.Curtis Mayfield - Superfly (03:51)
11.Aretha Franklin - Rock Steady (03:10)
12.Danny Hathaway - The Ghetto (06:51)
13.The Average White Band - Cut Tha Cake (04:05)
14.Booker T and the Mg's - Hip Hug Her (02:23)
15.Chic - Good Times (03:42)
http://rapidshare.com/files/93366882/VA_-_Old_School_Funk_Celebration__Boxset_Pt1.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/93383071/VA_-_Old_School_Funk_Celebration__Boxset_Pt2.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/93399291/VA_-_Old_School_Funk_Celebration__Boxset_Pt3.rar

VA - Rare Funk Liberation Vol. 1

2008-02-20T10:44:00.002+02:00

1.: Good Things - Dowell, Pearl
2.: Road - Communicators & Black Experiences Band
3.: You Got It All Ain't No More - Blenders Ltd.
4.: Soul Charge (parts 1&2) - Soul Chargers & James Fountain
5.: Bull Is Coming - Fields, Lee & The Devil's Personal Band
6.: Strike - Union
7.: Wind - Little Eva
8.: Wobble Legs (instrumental) - Dark, Tommy
9.: I'm Gonna Get Your Thing (Get You) - Harris, Lee
10.: Screwdriver - Larry & The Zodiacs
11.: Soul Power (part 2) - Busey Soulblenders
12.: Electric Twist - Jay, Michael
13.: Ghet To Funk - Duralcha
14.: Peace Still With Us - Apollos Show Band
15.: D Minor Vamp - Yesterday Today & Tomorrow
16.: First Thing I Do In The Morning - Williams, Joyce
17.: Easy Mover - London Fog & The Continentals/Brenda Lee Jones
18.: Not By Bread Alone - Tamango, Kim
http://rapidshare.com/files/93354784/VA_-_Rare_Funk_Liberation_Vol._1.rar

The Black Seeds - Keep On Pushing

2008-02-20T10:34:00.003+02:00

In June 2001 The Black Seeds released their Gold-selling debut album Keep On Pushing on Wellington-based record label Loop Recordings Aotearoa. Acclaimed in all quarters, Keep On Pushing was the subject of rave reviews and extensive airplay. Songs like Keep On Pushing, Hey Son‚ and Coming Back Home received massive b.net support and reached the top spots of the station's listener-voted charts as well as receiving regular airplay on National Radio, Channel Z and other commercial stations. In 2001 Keep On Pushing was voted among Rip It Up magazine's Top 50 Albums Of The Year‚ and the album has since gone on to become a top seller.

1. Dance Dance 4:17
2. Keep On Pushing: Workshop Re-Dub 4:45
3. Sit There 3:12
4. Black Sunrise 4:39
5. You Wait 5:45
6. In Your Eyes: Fabulous Dub 3:49
7. What We Need 4:50
8. Little Atoms 4:50
9. Hey Son 3:32
10. Coming Back Home 5:53
http://anonym.to/?www.sendspace.com/file/a98f6u

The second from Mermaidnz and it's a belter. Some sweet kiwi dub coming at you people so give credit where it's due and show some appreciation to my girl Mermaidnz.

Fat Freddy's Drop - Based On A True Story

2008-02-20T10:16:00.003+02:00

Based On A True Story' is the eagerly anticipated, long awaited & much debated debut studio album from one of New Zealand's most loved & respected groups, Fat Freddy's Drop. Fat Freddy's Drop's music is a constantly evolving, organic experience, which is rhythm heavy with luscious coatings of jazz, soul & funk, rooted in Aotearoa & delivered with an Island attitude. The album features 10 fresh slices of future funk, with surprises, fakes & freaky sidesteps throughout. There are new versions of live favourites like 'This Room', 'Hope' & 'Ernie' [also known as 'Willow Tree'], alongside the recent 12 inch 'Flashback' & six completely new tracks, all mystic supernovas of soul & phat goodness

1. Ernie 7:17
2. Cay's Crays 7:07
3. This Room 5:00
4. Ray Ray 7:38
5. Dark Days 6:40
6. Flashback 6:30
7. Roady 7:10
8. Wandering Eye 9:49
9. Del Fuego 5:24
10. Hope 7:19
http://rapidshare.com/files/94064531/Fat_Freddy_s_Drop_-_Based_On_A_True_Story.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/94172595/Fat_Freddy_s_Drop_-_Based_On_A_True_Story_pt2.rar

The Mediafire link was down, here are a couple of new links.

The first of two recommendations from my girl Mermaidnz. Serious props to her for coming up with some killer tunes!

And by way of a bonus and just to show just how nice Mermaidnz is to you all.....here's a single MP3 of a Live in Amsterdam recording from Fat Freddy's Drop....superb stuff.
http://anonym.to/?http://www.mediafire.com/?5rjlxf0jjjv

Send her some love people...she deserves it!

The Black Seeds - On The Sun

2008-02-20T10:09:00.002+02:00

With gold and double-platinum selling albums in New Zealand and several years of successful touring, Wellington-based 7-piece The Black Seeds have been winning over fans with their unique blend of reggae, dub, funk and soul since forming in 1997. Carving out their reputation on the strength of their critically acclaimed studio albums and legendary live performances, they now enjoy a large following all over Aotearoa, as well as a growing fan base throughout Australia and Europe.

The Black Seeds started turning heads around New Zealand following the release of their debut album, 2001’s 'Keep On Pushing'. The album received widespread critical acclaim, including being named one of the top 50 albums of the year by Rip It Up Magazine, and eventually reached gold sales status. 'Keep On Pushing' was released in Australia through Shock records and France, Belgium and Switzerland through Productions Speciales, with the first single reaching no 29 in France’s ‘Groove’ charts and no 100 in the overall French single charts.

The group’s second studio album, 2004’s 'On The Sun', added a heavy dose of funk and soul to the dub reggae sound that underpinned 'Keep On Pushing'. 'On The Sun' debuted at #3 on the New Zealand album charts, achieving double platinum sales and solidifying The Black Seeds’ status as one of New Zealand’s premier groups. Album single 'So True' was one of the most popular New Zealand songs of 2005, receiving massive support from commercial radio and music television, while singles 'Turn It Around' and 'Fire' received widespread airplay on student radio.

1 Tuk Tuk
2 Turn It Around
3 Bring You up
4 Sort It Out
5 So True
6 Fire
7 Lets Get Down
8 Shazzy Dub
9 You Get Me
10 Senegal Champions Of Africa
11 On The Sun
http://rapidshare.com/files/93189394/The_Black_Seeds_-_On_The_Sun.rar

Seriously recommend this. I was put onto The Black Seeds by my girl Mermaidnz who's got some seriously good taste in dub. Gonna post a couple of Mermaid's recommendations right after this so check them out!

Etta James - Let's Roll

2008-02-20T10:06:00.002+02:00

"The blues is my business and business is good," Etta James growls over a churning rhythm section on the appropriately titled "Let’s Roll." Although not entirely a rock & roll album, the disc is a rousing reminder of the gritty "Tell Mama"/"Roll with Me Henry"-style of tough R&B that caught the world’s attention more than 30 years ago. From this disc’s swampy "Wayward Saints of Memphis" to the brazen "Lie No Better" and the Stones/Faces boozy slap of "Somebody to Love" (all co-penned by Delbert McClinton), James, now in her mid-60s, is back in her element. With a brassy, sassy attack more powerful than that of vocalists half her age, the singer--who also produced--works her wiles on a stunning collection culminating in a gutsy eight-minute version of Billy Wright’s "Stacked Deck." Declaring, "the Queen, that’s me, and I’m about to wear my crown," there’s no doubt that Etta James is blues-rock royalty and definitely on a roll.

1. Somebody To Love 5:50
2. The Blues Is My Business 3:31
3. Leap Of Faith 4:02
4. Strongest Weakness 4:53
5. Wayward Saints Of Memphis 5:40
6. Lie No Better 3:32
7. Trust Yourself 4:46
8. A Change Is Gonna Do Me Good 5:23
9. Old Weakness 3:10
10. Stacked Deck 8:03
11. On The 7th Day 4:58
12. Please, No More 4:43
http://rapidshare.com/files/93150423/Etta_James_-_Let_s_Roll_pt1.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/93178012/Etta_James_-_Let_s_Roll_pt2.rar