Get Off Your Ass and JAM with The Rolling ILX Funk Listening Club: New Selections Weekly! Updated Mondays and Fridays! All ILXors and Lurkers Welcome!

Are you posting them today?

Here we go...

1. Fatback - Hot Box

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61UxFLcixSL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

Spotify

AMG review (which I think undersells the album, if only because the best tracks are serious jams):

In 1980, the carefully studio-crafted combination of funk and disco Fatback had been developing on their last few albums paid off with Hot Box, an album that spawned some serious R&B chart hits. The big hit from this long-player was "Gotta Get My Hands on Some (Money)," a song driven by a rock-solid synthesizer bassline and a freewheeling, Parliament-like rap about the singer's need to score some cash to keep his head above water. It further spices up its funky stew with an array of vocal-harmony hooks and squiggly, ear-catching synthesizer flourishes to create one of Fatback's finest hits. The album's other notable success was "Backstrokin'," a tune that layered plenty of saucy double entendres over a combination of elongated synthesizer lines and staccato horns. Sadly, the rest of the album never quite captures the infectious yet carefully controlled energy of these hits: the title track works hard but never builds up the head of steam that would make it come to life and "Come and Get the Love" sports a lovely group harmony hook but suffers from humdrum lyrics that lack a fresh take on its very traditional subject. The song that gets closest to the arresting quality of the singles is "Love Spell," which triumphs over its uninteresting rap-styled lead vocal thanks to a doubled group vocal/synthesizer hook that digs deep into the listener's consciousness and takes hold. Overall, Hot Box is a solid listen for Fatback fans but those interested in the album's hits would probably be better off picking up a copy of The Fattest of Fatback.

2. Bobbi Humphrey - Blacks and Blues

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/4152CRY3QKL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

Spotify

AMG review:

Bobbi Humphrey scored her biggest hit with her third album Blacks and Blues, an utterly delightful jazz-funk classic that helped make her a sensation at Montreux. If it sounds a lot like Donald Byrd's post-Black Byrd output, it's no accident; brothers Larry and Fonce Mizell have their fingerprints all over the album, and as on their work with Byrd, Larry handles all the composing and most of the arranging and production duties. It certainly helps that the Mizells were hitting on all cylinders at this point in their careers, but Humphrey is the true star of the show; she actually grabs a good deal more solo space than Byrd did on his Mizell collaborations, and she claims a good deal of responsibility for the album's light, airy charm. Her playing is indebted to Herbie Mann and, especially, Hubert Laws, but she has a more exclusive affinity for R&B and pop than even those two fusion-minded players, which is why she excels in this setting. Mizell is at the peak of his arranging powers, constructing dense grooves with lots of vintage synths, wah-wah guitars, and rhythmic interplay. Whether the funk runs hot or cool, Humphrey floats over the top with a near-inexhaustible supply of melodic ideas. She also makes her vocal debut on the album's two ballads, "Just a Love Child" and "Baby's Gone"; her voice is girlish but stronger than the genre standard, even the backing vocals by the Mizells and keyboardist Fred Perren. Overall, the album's cumulative effect is like a soft summer breeze, perfect for beaches, barbecues, and cruising with the top down.

3. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou - Echos Hypnotiques

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51uNtaYXDGL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

Spotify

Disclaimer: Ok, this isn't a pure 100% or even 50% funk album, but I figure it shakes things up a bit more than if I posted a Bootsy album or something. And it's unarguably 100% funky.

Condensed blurb from Analog Africa:

Four years in the making, Analog Africa finally presents the second volume of Africa's funkiest band, the mythical
Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou.

What had started as a children entertainment group became one of the greatest bands of their era. Volume One was a collection of amazing LO-Fi recordings produced for various labels around Benin. Volume Two showcases superbly recorded tracks, courtesy of the EMI studios in Lagos, one of the best studios in the region. All tracks here were recorded for the mighty Albarika Store label and its enigmatic producer, Adissa Seidou.

During the period presented here - 1969 to 1979 - the mighty Orchestra was without any doubt one of Africa's most innovative group. Capable of playing any style of music, the band moved from Traditional Vodoun Rhythms to Funk, Salsa or Afro-beat seamlessly and quickly became the powerhouse of Benin's music scene, backing most of Africa's stars touring the country such as Manu Dibango, Ernesto Djedje, Bella Bellow as well as supporting an array of local composers such as Honore Avolonto, Antoine Dougbé and Danialou Sagbohan.

Enjoy!

I dont know this fatback album, but i have several fatback band/fatback cds from before that album, one of which shall be my bonus pick this week!

Oh and the bobbi humpfrey album is pretty good too. dunno this last album!

lol at the typo
Bobbi Humphrey

its monday and time to listen to these new picks

Fatback album on now, not that dissimilar to man with the band era. I prefer the earlier fatback band stuff but this isnt bad at all.

until the ballad came on

I definitely prefer the earlier fatback band stuff.

anyone else around?

I'm back now! About the Fatback album, the only track I don't like is the very last one. They were definitely more of a singles band though.

Friday Funk Bonus
Rufus Feat Chaka Khan - Rufusized
http://www.funkmysoul.gr/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/rufusized-front-medium.jpg

In the early '70s, Rufus was one of the most popular and interesting bands in R&B and rock. Of course, the reason was Chaka Khan, who possessed an amazing voice that was well versed in rock and jazz every bit as much as R&B. Their debut went nowhere, Rags to Rufus offered two instant classics, and Rufusized displayed their skill as album artists. Truth be told, this version of Rufus was nearly a brand-new band, as three members exited and guitarist Tony Maiden and bassist Bobby Watson joined up. The result was a funkier and more talented band who would give Khan the needed earthy and ethereal mix that would make her soar. The sexy and danceable "Once You Started" proves that this version of the band gave off immediate sparks and results. The sneaky and funky "Somebody's Watching You" has Khan displaying even more confidence. After great album cuts like the soothing "Your Smile" and "Pack'd My Bags," Rufusized ends on a strong note. The poignant and sophisticated "Please Pardon Me (You Remind Me)" leads into the Maiden and Khan duet cover of Bobby Womack's "Stop on By," which nearly matches the steaminess and wry nature of the original. Often forgotten due to the bigger hits on Rags to Rufus, this easily outstrips that album and became of one the band's most-loved efforts.

There's no spotify link but click on the link provided to hear it.

I hope the lex gives it a listen.

And apologies to Tom D for not posting a funky Tangerine Dream album as he requested.

I haven't got time to read this whole thread until the weekend but could I do one of these with (redacted)?

Shouldn't you have kept the choices to yourself and just said you wanted a week? ;)

Ah, is that how it works?! Sorry.

Well, if I am granted a week and those choices are still there when my turn comes up...

7/6 - Seandalai Funkify
14/6 - moka Funka
21/6 - Abbott The Bricklayer
28/6 - The Rev Funkenstein
5/7 - pfunkboy
12/7 - Turangalila Funkapus
19/7 - mbison the texan funkateer
26/7 - Shakey Mo Funkier
2/8 - Tom "Funkybutt" D
9/8 - Von Bootee!
16/8 - Polomint City FunKlata
23/8 - Doran D'VoidOfFunk
30/8 - pfunkboy

Ha ha! Saucy.

You should ask a mod to remove the bands from your post so it stays a surprise for your week.

Hello Mr Moderator, can you remove my album choices please so it remains a surprise for when I do my week? Thanks old bean.

haha i think you need to ask on the mod req board.

where's shakey mo these days?

Ah, I really don't know what's going on. I will look for that in a bit.

You should check out the other clubs too.

Hello there,

A few hours ago I accidentally posted the name of the three albums I want to discuss on the ILM Funk Listening club. Can you remove them for me please?

Thanks. John D

For fuck's sake. I have just suggested ban permalink on myself.

and smithy wont like you saying you are j... d

lol

All my base are belong to some other cunt.

hurrah for mr or mrs mod

im guessing the bobbi humphrey was a bit too smooth for most of you?

cheers mod!

Moka you're up soon

post away moka

hey sam you have a lot of arsenal players to name. get to it!

I pm'd moka but he hasnt answered and i haven't seen him around so I think I will swap with him just to keep this on schedule.

14/6 -
21/6 - Abbott The Bricklayer
28/6 - The Rev Funkenstein
5/7 - moka Funka
12/7 - Turangalila Funkapus
19/7 - mbison the texan funkateer
26/7 - Shakey Mo Funkier
2/8 - Tom "Funkybutt" D
9/8 - Von Bootee!
16/8 - Polomint City FunKlata
23/8 - Doran D'VoidOfFunk
30/8 - pfunkboy

Will post the new ones in a few mins.

#1 Brass Construction - Brass Construction
http://henpantha.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/2060588634_a85c0e4fe5.jpg

One of the funkiest albums I own, terrific mix of funk, rock and horns. I thoroughly recommend this album to all of you. Most of you will know a track or 2 from this album.

Vocalist/instrumentalist Randy Muller was at the helm of two pivotal East Coast funk and disco aggregations in the '70s and '80s. One was Brass Construction; the other was Skyy. Muller, a vocalist and instrumentalist who doubled on keyboards and flute, organized the band with drummer Larry Payton, trumpeters Wayne Parris and Morris Price, lead guitarist Joe Arthur, vocalist/conga player Sandy Billups, saxophonists Michael Grudge and Jesse Ward, and bassist Wade Williamston. Their 1975 debut, produced by Jeff Lane, went platinum and contained two dancefloor anthems in "Moving" and "Changin.

Some bands enjoy their greatest success with their first release, and this Brooklyn-based funk ensemble is a good example. Their first single was the chart-topping "Movin'." Aside from the verse being chanted in unison, this aggressively paced dance number, with its catchy, melodious hook line, utilizes reeds and brass, complemented by keyboard and synthesizer solos from bandleader Randy Muller. The single moved its way to the number one spot on the R&B charts, the group's only chart-topper out of 17 singles that reached the charts, and one of two to ever crack the Top Ten. The follow-up single, "Changin'," has a similar arrangement at a slightly slower tempo. The melody is not seductive like its predecessor. Seeming to be more of a musical exhibition and less dance-oriented, it still managed to peak at number 24 on the charts. While the group's music is centered around its horns, the majority of the songs from this album feature vocals throughout the verses and choruses. Adding their social awareness to the mix on a couple tracks, all numbers are consistent with the album's dance/funk appeal.

Not on Spotify Link

#2 Slave - The Concept
http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss190/shuaberry/theconcept.jpg

Arguably the hottest of the '70s Ohio funk bands, Slave had a great run in the late '70s and early '80s. Trumpeter Steve Washington formed the group in Dayton in 1975. Vocalist Floyd Miller teamed with Tom Lockett Jr, Charlie Bradley, Mark Adams, Mark Hicks, Danny Webster, Orion Wilhoite, and Tim Dozier. Vocalists Steve Arrington and Starleana Young came aboard in 1978, with Arrington ultimately becoming lead vocalist

The amazing aspect about bands from Dayton is originality, there's no defining thread or sound to speak of, each group is unique. A short list of Dayton bands include the Ohio Players, Zapp, Lakeside, Sun, and Heatwave. Where's the trademark Dayton sound? Slave may be the most underrated of all, their brand of electronic, funk/soul, techno sound made for great albums. "Stellar Fungk" the title track (yes they spelled funk that way) is stimulating head music, enhanced by brain probing lead guitarist Marc "Drac" Hicks, powerful basslines from Mark Adams, and some ear popping synthesizer work by Carter Bradley. The title The Concept is misleading, the only concept to this fine collection of grooves and funky sounds is getting your boogie on.

Spotify Link
Non Spotify Link

#3
Kool & The Gang - Wild And Peaceful
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vjWyZWztimM/SYHmzFtbVHI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/H1NaE7fOtdQ/s400/folder.JPG

This is not the disco era Kool & The Gang. This is pure funk. This is before JT joined.

Formed as a jazz ensemble in the mid-'60s, Kool & the Gang became one of the most inspired and influential funk units during the '70s, and one of the most popular R&B groups of the '80s after their breakout hit "Celebration" in 1979. Just as funky as James Brown or Parliament (and sampled almost as frequently), Kool & the Gang relied on their jazz backgrounds and long friendship to form a tightly knit group with the interplay and improvisation of a jazz outfit, plus the energy and spark of a band with equal ties to soul, R&B, and funk.

Robert "Kool" Bell and his brother Ronald (or Khalis Bayyan) grew up in Jersey City, NJ, and picked up the music bug from their father. A professional boxer, he was also a serious jazz lover and a close friend of Thelonious Monk. With Robert on bass and Ronald picking up an array of horns, the duo formed the Jazziacs in 1964 with several neighborhood friends: trombone player Clifford Adams, guitarists Charles Smith and Woody Sparrow, trumpeter Robert "Spike" Michens, alto saxophonist Dennis Thomas, keyboard player Ricky West, and drummer Funky George Brown (all of whom, except Michens and West, still remained in the group more than 30 years later).

The growing earthiness of soul inspired the Jazziacs to temper their jazz sensibilities with rhythms more akin to R&B, and the newly renamed Soul Town Band began playing clubs in Greenwich Village. After a mix-up with a club owner resulted in the group being billed Kool & the Flames, they moderated the title to Kool & the Gang and found a leg up with the tiny De-Lite Records. Three singles from their self-titled debut album hit the pop charts, and although the position wasn't incredibly high, Kool & the Gang became a quick success on the R&B charts. Always a staple of their appeal, the group's live act was documented on two 1971 LPs, Live at the Sex Machine and Live at P.J.'s, including left-field covers of "Walk On By" and "Wichita Lineman" (as well as the not so unusual "I Want to Take You Higher").

Studio albums followed in 1972 and 1973, but it was with Kool & the Gang's sixth LP, Wild and Peaceful, that they hit the big time. "Funky Stuff" became their first Top 40 hit at the end of 1973. Then both "Jungle Boogie" and "Hollywood Swinging" reached the pop Top Ten.

Prior to James "JT" Taylor adding pop flavor vocals, which help garner a handful of top selling albums, this was Kool & the Gang's most successful album, spawning three bonafide R&B hits. Produced by Robert Bell, and featuring Donal Boyce's incredulous vocals, these songs have held up well. The fast, chugging "Jungle Boogie" was a club favorite, while "Funky Stuff," with its "whoa whoa whoa" hook, was slower and spacier than "Jungle Boogie." The band formerly known as the Jazziacs got their first R&B number one with "Hollywood Swinging," a slightly faster than mid-tempo song with whistles, festive ambiance and lead vocals by keyboardist Ricky West. All three hits were inspired by Manu Dibango's "Soul Makossa," and were recorded in one night at a studio in midtown Manhattan. The title cut flash backs to their prerecording jazz days, when they dazzled New Jerseyites with their playing skills.

Spotify Link
Non Spotify Link

Digging the William Blake steal on that Slave album cover!

Do you own/have you heard all 3 of these albums Tom?

They have recently brought out one of those Original Album Series box sets for Slave, it has the first five albums. I just got it a few weeks ago and so far The Concept has been the stand out. Stellar Fungk is a brilliant opening track.

Brass Construction and Kool & the Gang are both great choices too.

Do you own/have you heard all 3 of these albums Tom?

No, but dled the Brass Construction. I'm away for a week or so, so have to forgo the others for the moment.

You off to South Africa to support the country you live in?

Kitchen Person, how much is that slave box set?

I thought moka was a lady?

I have no idea. He/She doesn't seem to be around anyway.

and hopefully not because I called her a him!
Everyone going to check out this weeks choices then?

Kitchen Person, how much is that slave box set?

― pfunkboy (Herman G. Neuname), Tuesday, June 15, 2010 1:47 PM (4 hours ago)

It's 14.99 on Amazon.co.uk, there's a few cheaper second hand around 13. It's a nice little set, all the albums are in cardboard sleeves and it's a lot cheaper than trying to find them individually.

It's also around $18.00 on Amazon.com.

2nd hand + shipping though. but £14.99 seems a good buy. Will look into it next month.