TURNTABLE LAB

the lab review

When it comes to 80s electrofunk and boogie cuts, there's no one repping it as hard as Dam Funk. With full backing from PB Wolf, Wax Poetics and U-Tern, there's no argument that he is the realness. Don't know any other DJ that spins only rare vinyl (absolutely no MP3s), shouts out every playlist with label and year included, and MCs the entire affair with finesse. This may be impressive for the beginner just getting used to the boogie sound, but to a collector (like myself) it's even more insane! Most of the tracks he plays out are impossible to find private presses or well over a hundred dollars on the market. This is his first solo 12" on Stones Throw, officially placing the Dam Funk flag on the scene. Check his signature sound on the title track "Burgundy City(1)." It fuses together grown & sexy boogie synths with that detroit slump, all laid over the funkiest, lo-fi drums you've ever heard. The melodies are dripping with soul and as the back states, "There was no sequencing involved" which would explain the live feel and how there are NO LOOPS used. "Galactic Fun(2)" also uses the lo-fi drums in a throwback Prince fashion, setting the foundation for the funkiest boogie synth lines. The groove creeps in like a kitten and grows to a monster of synth jam. You can tell that everything on here is played by Dam Funk himself, no big studio or hired musicians, just pure funk made resourcefully and soulfully. And for all the beatheads out there that may not be ready for the mature funk style, there's also the drum tracks dub for both songs.. I can already tell this summer is going to be an awesome one; this Dam Funk release will help make it so. Recommended.

reviewed by C'mish 05/27/2008

• lab recommended

filed under

• funk soul disco - reviewer recommended view category
• downtempo + electronic - recommended view category
• downtempo + electronic - vinyl view category
• funk soul disco 12" - A-J view category
• new school beats - vinyl view category