quick audio picks: 12
In the late 80's England's Urban Records released a bunch of James Brown related material, often including never released edits and retakes. This 12-inch comes from that series, and is a must-have for JB's fanatics as it includes the "undubbed" version of...
expand review moog masterpiece "Blow Your Head". What that means is a long open drumbreak at the intro, and a more subdued body of the tune (minus the frantic horns). The undubbed version(1) reveals a surprisingly nice arrangement that gets lost in the glorious chaos of the originally released version, and is sure to blow heads who're only familiar with the OG. Of course, that version is present in all its heavily sampled majesty on the flip side(2). This is an official release mastered from the source tapes so it's clean, crisp and utterly above the other boots and represses out there. Pressed at 45, loud and proud. -monk
quick audio picks: 12
I'll really have to control myself not to overhype this one, but it's very difficult. I don't consider myself an expert or anything, but anybody with any common sense can figure out that this is one of the most important tracks in...
expand review the creation of modern hip-hop production. The "Funky Drummer Reprise(1)" is the granddaddy to all those hip-hop records and break records in your crate. Originally pressed on a homegrown 12", the edit caught the ear of a label rep, and it was officially released on the James Brown reprise album "In the Jungle Groove," and the rest is history. Think back to 86, and think how crazy must it have been to hear the Funky Drummer looped til infinity on an official release? Plus, the edit is so convincing, it sounds like James is sitting next to Clyde just grunting instructions. Needless to say this is the version all the producers jacked until "I Need A Haircut" came along. Also of note here is the definitive version of "Give It Up Turn It Loose(Remix)(2)." This is the original b-boy firestarter with that indelible breakdown, and also appeared on "In the Jungle Groove." An early b-side champion, the a-side loses convincingly with 2 JB cut and paste tracks entitled "Payback (Mix)" and "Payback (The Final Mixdown)." -the mgmnt
quick audio picks: 1234
A historic record in the micro-history of cut and paste, and hip-hop sampling. This was Danny Krivit's first edit 12", released by the bootleg label TD in the early 80s and reissued here on the original label. The actual track "Feelin James(1)"...
expand review is a cut and paste of several JB breaks mixed with some stragglers. The flip side also has major significance in sampling history. Mr. K expertly re-edits 3 well known breaks(2,3,4) with production finesse way beyond the time period. Eric B most likely jacked the first one for "I Know You Got Soul" while the other 2 have become staples of the hip-hop/b-boy consciousness. These 3 breaks truly make this record sound relevant today, an amazing feat that makes this record more than just a dusty time piece. -the mgmnt
quick audio picks: 123
A welcomed addition to any collection, this compilation is quite possibly the Godfather's, for the lack of more intelligent word, most banging record. DJs love it and casual listeners will appreciate the pow, zest, and overwhelming life force of JB's finest moments....
expand review Originally released in 1986, this already goes for $50 spots, and previous import Simply Vinyl reissues have dried up, which makes this double vinyl white label version a much needed commodity. For record collecting librarians, this record has several large significances. It features exclusive edits and mixes which aren't on any other official JB album. Danny Krivit supplied most of the edits including the larger than life "Funky Drummer Reprise(1)." The remix of "Give It Up Turn It Loose(2)" appears without the overdubbed crowd noise, offering a clearer glimpse of this ultimate studio session. You also get both parts of "Get Up, Get Into It, Get Involved(3)" reconnected into one 7 minute workout (also exclusive to this album). Lookout for more re-edit action on "Talkin Loud, Soul Power," plus original version favorites like "Hot Pants, It's A New Day, Funky Drummer," and the previously unreleased "I Got To Move." Essential. -the mgmnt
quick audio picks: 12
Hey Bobby- why do you like soul food? If I could fill a 45 jukebox, the 45's off this album would definitely be some of the first to go in. The 8th wonder of the world drops it like its hot with...
expand review Pass the Peas, the Grunt, Gimme Some More, The Rabbit Got the Gun, Escapism and more. There's a real good mix of feelings on this record from the smooth cry of "Theme from King Heroin" to the aggressive step of "The Grunt", sampled about 100 times by Public Enemy. They chopped up "The Grunt (1)" horns into their signature "controlled noise" sound that really changed the way hip hop was being produced. It's also got the great "Pass the Peas (2)" which everybody knows from De la Soul is Dead. This is what girls with sandaled feet and gap teeth like to dance to in the summer time. The first JB's record and definitely a good argument for a rooftop barbecue party. -the mgmnt
quick audio picks: 1
Our favorite JB's record and probably the minister's finest hour. JB must have had a few before this one cause cause he loosens the orchestrations and lets the band flow. From the classic intro (Theez are the JBeez) to the last groove...
expand review on the record this is some sweet ass juice. "Doing It to Death" Pt.1 and 2 showcases Maceo and his fonky flute (you didn't know he could do that) in a ten minute stretch. More Peas (1) contains one of the dopest moments in history. The bass breakdown and drum break (sampled nicely by Cypress and Show and AG) reminds me why we got into beat-digging in the first place. "La Di Da La Di Day" grooves the signature JBs guitar and chant. "You Can Have Watergate, But Gimmie Some Bucks and I'll Be Straight" is the Lab's groove. This one has a tight orchestration with some smooth guitar and righteous layered horns with definite devil exorcising effects. JB's vocals are some of his best with "I need some money" and the Fred Wesley challenges "Freddy's Dead." If this doesn't hit you, you need to check your delf. This record is prime example of why JB is king. -the mgmnt
quick audio picks: 12
One of the best JB albums for pure listenability, "It's a Mother" stays steaming all the way through. James just can't help but work it out, even the slow soulful joints like "Any Day Now" get the grunt treatment. The first side...
expand review contains the big tune "Mother Popcorn 1&2" which is James versioning himself and adding lyrics to the already famous "Popcorn." "Mashed Potato Popcorn 1&2" continues the tradition, but the sasquatch maltese falcon proves to be the last song, "Popcorn With Feeling(1)." Spinal infection guitar and bass licks (sampled by Brand Nubian) set the foundation and then the flute drops. That's that shiut that makes me believe in aliens. B-side is set with a long live number called "Little Groove Maker 1&2(2)" that let's you get in on exactly how the Soul Bro #1 would tear the whole building down. Crowd participation and interaction are essential. He just laughs his ass off and makes fun of everybody while building it up to the other level. I also love "You're Still Out Of Sight" where James drops down into his low and dirty voice to do the breathe and stop through another great track. Just look at the smile on that man's face and know this is it. -the mgmnt
quick audio picks: 12
Some say this is the Godfather's strongest instrumental album, featuring the arrangements of his earlier sound, but with the harder bass and drums of the later work. A good example of this is the track "The Chicken(1)" where the heavy drum and...
expand review bass intro burst into a James Brown groover. The obvious track here is the famous Popcorn (and it's accompanying dance), but for the harder funk checkout Soul Pride pts. 1 + 2. Again falling into my "Greatest Moments in History" category, the drum break section(2) could be the best on any album. Used to fame by Digable Planets and many others, you might have to lower the pitch a couple notches cause the blazing speed is almost incomprehensible. After you've heard this album you'll understand how much control the Godfather had over his band. Every track is organized very tightly with none of the goofing around you'll hear in later JB's records. A serious instrumental album. My sleeper pick on here is the downtempo "A New Shift" with those short amazing drum fills. What's up with his piece on the cover? God damn. -the mgmnt
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