I know you got soul! Big Crown with the massive repress action for the funk and soul heads. Chances are you haven't heard of the Soul Explosives, but that's quite alright since their sole 45 is one of those mega rare holy grails that only trades hands for excessive coin in dim lit back rooms of record stores. As the story goes, the Texas high school band(!) led by Skip Frazier was active in the early 70's and paid for the recording and pressing of their only 45 which was done by a tiny local Tejano studio/label, Bormeh. The only way to get the record at the time was to buy it at one of the band's shows, or get it as a friend of the band, only adding to the rarity of this piece. From the label - "The A Side “Tryin To Get Down” is a lo-fi funk gem with all the makings of an underground classic. Driving drums and blown out vocals somewhere between encouraging and liberating are sure to peak funk fans ears. The B Side, a absolutely smashing cover of “Ain’t No Sunshine”, is nothing short of a must have. The Soul Explosives nearly instrumental cover might just be the toughest version on a 45." Recommended.

• music label: Big Crown Records 2016

reviewed by TX Toast 08/2016