This record has been the subject of multiple late nite conversations here at the Lab. Firstly, some of the baddest grooves ever pressed on wax. Complex movements with the hard drumming of Alphonse Mouzon. Sampled to fame by Tribe for their Low End Theory interludes, Beastie Boys'"Get It Together", Pete Rock's first album and Babu's Comprehension, this album presents buckets of sample-able moments. The vocals is where it gets sticky. McDaniels' religious vocals are not what you'd call traditional good singing, something of an acquired taste. But somehow over the funky arrangements his vocals are bizarrely engaging. On some tracks it gels perfectly like the RAMP-like "Jagger the Dagger," but on others it creates a strange clash like the catchy "See What's Happening..." during "Headless Heroes." This is where you go left or right. Whatever you think, this album is definitely intriguing and it tests the foundations and legitimacy of this whole record digger scene (quality vs. rare quality). 50th anniversary special edition pressed on purple colored wax, packaged in a new gatefold with previously unseen artwork and writings by McDaniels himself and extensive liner notes by Mouzon and more. Recommended.
- purple colored vinyl (please note: vinyl color is very dark / may appear close to black except when held up to light)
- 50th anniversary edition
- housed in deluxe gatefold sleeve
- printed insert includes handwritten lyrics w/ new liner notes by Alphonse Mouzon, Adrian Younge, Chicano Batman + more
- limited edition
- music label: Real Gone Music 2021
reviewed by the mgmnt 05/2009