With influences by: Sharon Jones, Lee Fields, The Mohawks, The Dap-Kings, Bobby Byrd, Fontella Bass, The Beginning of the End, Daptone, Jazzman, Funk 45, Keb Darge, Shadow, Madame Jo-Jos, Timmion, Tim Buckley, Stevie Wonder, BGP, Soulfire, K7, Roy Ayers, Grand Slam Magazine, Jazz Cafe, London, Texas.
I Need Help (Parts 1 and 2)
Bobby Byrd
King
King Records, James Brown's own label and has all the markings of Brown bred funk. This adds to the infectious repertoire of a man, who influenced so so many Soul singers and musicians. I'm getting suspicious of a 'Brown Academy' somewhere. Bobby Byrd being an honorary graduate of course.
Slow but very funky, a Hammond funk tune with that real twangy guitar and heavy groove. This copy is a bit gritty but it adds to the feel and mood a treat. Kind of hard to choose between the vocal or the instrumental. Super solid and super raw. Not so hard to find and always at a good price.
Although we may be familiar with Mr Bradley from the earlier release on dap-Tone, 'Take It As It Come', the Bullets however are new to the Dap-Tone Stable. And what an introduction, co-written with Bosco Mann and has all the signs of his smooth but heavy bass guitar being fed into a drum kit that chews on funky rhythm, only just leaving room to digest Bradley's vocals which are in no way hard to swallow. We don't want to eat this We want to put the needle back, God damn it.
This Label is heating up and setting on fire all of those involved with it. Buy it, cos it's all out there and you can't go wrong.
A Brownesque record which holds a great style with strong vocals from Chris Jones. Makes us feel bad arse when cruising in the naldermobile. Pushes and pulls you lyrically into the groove of the bass and horns. A mid-tempo funky outlet that possibly is worth the money you're expected to pay.
B/W 'Destination Unknown' is a bit, not my bag. Doesn't really go anywhere for me, the bass line is nice and there's allot of soul going on but I guess I'm just not ready for it yet.
'Crazy Legs' is the super twangy instrumental taken from the LP 'Crazy Legs'. Fortunately this 7" comes at the fair price of around 10 - 20 £'s, which is comparatively cheap when it comes to buying an original LP. So as we say, super twangy function over funky bongos.
One of the many hits from Dyke and The Blazers. The band formed in the mid sixties with a sound to rival any of the greats. Originally backing the O'Jays before releasing their first hit single 'Funky Broadway' and carrying on to make some of the best loved soul music, until Dyke was murdered in 1971. His music lives on. 'We got more soul' is like an ode to the greats of Soul. Smashing groove, funky and tough.
B/W 'Shotgun Slim is equally as good; you can't help but get into these guys.
