FUNK-A-VISION

Spence - Get It On (1983)

2012-01-24T08:44:00.000-05:00

Chaplin Band - Gold (1982)

2012-01-24T06:35:00.000-05:00

Jacksons - Shake Your Body (1979)

2012-01-24T04:39:00.000-05:00

Real Thing - Hard Times (1981)

2012-01-24T03:42:00.000-05:00

Class Action - Weekend (1983)

2011-12-23T06:54:00.002-05:00

"Well well well, look who's home. I didn't think you were going to make it tonight my man.." and so on it goes.
Minimal boogie synth disco hybrid with the best soul sister vocal in the history of the genre. With Larry Levan on the mixing boards it achieved No.9 position on the Billboard Club Play Singles chart in 1983. Pure heat.

Superior Movement - Wide Shot (1982)

2011-12-02T04:17:00.002-05:00

Sublime soul from Superior Movement – an overlooked Chicago group of the 80s, but one that's every bit as wonderful as any of the bigger acts we can think of from the time! The group definitely put harmonies first in their music.

Get the new book about Superior MovementA Dream, A Goal, Never a RealityFrom Authorhouse.com NOW ON SALE
A true story of Superior Movement written by Stanley Ratliff. A former member of the group who tells his story of deceit, drugs and death surrounding Superior Movement and the music industry!

Enchantment - Here's Your Chance (1984)

2011-11-30T07:38:00.001-05:00

Enchantment

Grand Slam - False Alarm (1983)

2011-09-28T07:28:00.002-04:00

Lite Year - Do The Funky Dog (1982)

2011-09-21T04:06:00.002-04:00

Maxx Traxx - Let's Have A Party (1982)

2011-08-16T04:59:00.001-04:00

The very scarce Maxx Traxx album was originally released on Pulse Records in 1982 and although quite unknown, their music is highly sought after among serious collectors.

Metropole - Miss Manhattan (1981)

2011-08-16T04:54:00.002-04:00

Recorded in Italy 1981, written and composed by future genre film director Al Festa who later went on to produce hi-nrg for German and Italian acts.

Vin Zee - Funky BeBop (1981)

2011-05-03T07:08:00.001-04:00

AGO - You Make Me Do It & For You (1982)

2011-05-03T07:04:00.000-04:00

Change - Change Of Heat (1984)

2011-05-02T08:33:00.000-04:00

Skyy - Givin' It To You (1986)

2011-05-02T08:10:00.002-04:00

Yarborough & Peoples - Don't Waste Your Time (1984)

2011-05-02T08:09:00.000-04:00

Shock - Get Off (1988) live

2011-04-26T07:36:00.001-04:00

Portlands own Shock at waterfront park Portland.

Roger Sause vocals; Steve Sause keyboards; Mike B base; Raynell Hall guitar.

Dazz Band - Joystick (1983)

2011-04-26T07:33:00.003-04:00

Funk-A-Palooza (Las Vegas March 2011)

2011-04-23T07:26:00.002-04:00

This was one of the best concerts that we have been to in awhile. We had so much fun and the music of Zapp, Mary Jane Girls, ConFunkShun & Cameo was mind blowing. The only issue I had was the main event George Clinton & P-Funks. Expected to be 'transported', the mother-ship landed but it didn't take back off. For some reason they didn't really play the 'fan favorites' and for the first 40 minutes, George wasn't even onstage. There wasn't much of a "show", the band was great but there was no stage show, no costumes really and George kind of looked like he was at a mic check versus a performance. By the end of the show there had to be upwards of 65 people just milling around onstage. I would recommend this show for the fabulous music but be prepared if you are expecting that George Clinton/Parliament showmanship.

Terri Wells - I'm Givin' All My Love (1984)

2011-02-15T08:39:00.002-05:00

Terri sang lead on Dexter Wansel's "The Sweetest Pain" in 1979; and she also scored several successful solo singles with the beautiful "You Make It Heaven" and a fine rendition of the Spinners' "I'll Be Around." I guess this video didn't do much for defying traditional roles of women; but it's still quite a treat to watch! This song was produced by Nick Martinelli, and co-written by Miss Wells with J. King and J. Williams.

Savvy - Mizz Mean (1986)

2010-12-25T08:02:00.000-05:00

Raw boogiebeat style from Savvy! A lost gem on the legendary 'Out Of Hand' label.

Captain Sky - Wonder Worm (1978)

2010-12-23T10:05:00.000-05:00

Captain Sky entered this world as Daryl Cameron on July 10, 1957 in Chicago Illinois. In January 1977 he began conceptualizing Captain Sky. The concept of Captain Sky is representative of authority (Captain) and height (Sky),elements which he feels are essential for success in business and in his life as a man. Once the concept of Captain Sky and the product (Wonder Worm) had been completed Daryl contacted Eddie Thomas of Thomas and Associates in Chicago. Eddie, an expert promotion man with a long tract record in the industry, recognized Daryl's talent and accepted the responsibility of handling and placement in the market. Wonder Worm (AVI records) became a reality and a huge success.

Bar-Kays - Freakshow On The Dance Floor (1984)

2010-11-20T05:40:00.002-05:00

Freakshow, baby, baby on the Dancefloor - it's just a hairshow !

Duck Sauce - Barbra Streisand vs. Original plus REAL ORIGINAL !!!

2010-11-06T03:45:00.002-04:00

do you think that's the original by Frank Farian's BONEY M. ??????????!!!

the truth: the very real original comes from germany in 1973

Nighttrain - Hallo Bimmelbahn

Cee-Lo Green - Closet Freak (2001)

2010-10-30T03:20:00.002-04:00

some kind of p-stuff..........GREAT!

Magic Lady - Give It Up (1982)

2010-10-30T02:32:00.002-04:00

From Detroit, Magic Lady started as a female trio & later became a duo. The group formed by Linda Stokes and her husband Michael Stokes. They served as background vocalists for Enchantment, Bob Seger, Keith Barrow and Soul Searchers

Roger Troutman on "Soul In The City"

2010-07-16T05:16:00.002-04:00

Interview Part ONE

Interview Part TWO

From the great Canadian TV-show "Soul In The City" which aired on MuchMusic there and on Sky Channel in Europe for those who had cable TV when it was in its infancy. The host, Michael Williams, was a really good interviewer who actually liked the music and was into the artists he talked to. I have not seen anyone do a better job as a VJ/Host than he did. This is from 1987 when Roger released his "Unlimited" album. Thanks to MISSFUNKYFLYY!

kickin-the-funk.blogspot.com

2010-05-03T04:44:00.012-04:00

visit: http://kickin-the-funk.blogspot.com/

and funk your ears !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Orlando Johnson - Chocolate City (1982)

2010-05-03T02:00:00.000-04:00

Italo-Boogie on its highest level.

Midnight Star - Tuff (1981)

2010-05-01T11:57:00.000-04:00

A great groove here are in a bumping, stepping, or boogie-oriented mode -- post-disco with plenty of west coast R&B touches.

Bar-Kays - Let's Have Some Fun (1976)

2010-04-06T09:35:00.000-04:00

The Bar-Kays definitely groove as one on this track-- with amazing choppy guitar, bumping basslines, and brassy horns - all wrapped up with some wonderfully warm production!

Niteflyte - All About Love (1979)

2010-04-05T08:09:00.000-04:00

A beautiful jazzy modern soul track -- and quite possibly the best tune by this legendary combo! There's a joyous, upbeat feel here that's totally great -- miles from mainstream soul of the time, in a way that's always made the record a favorite for fans of the Free Soul scene -- who've kept it strong for years.

Cerrone - You Are The One (1982)

2010-04-04T09:56:00.000-04:00

The maestro of French disco is still going strong here -- recording at his home turf of Trident Studios, and serving up the usual batch of extended club-happy grooves!

Whispers - The Solar Years

2010-02-16T06:38:00.000-05:00

The Track was produced by Leon Sylvers and has a tight 80s groove sound that's very nice........

Solar Record Video 1978/1986

2010-02-04T07:27:00.002-05:00

S.O.L.A.R. Records (acronym for Sound of Los Angeles Records) was founded in 1977. The "SOLAR sound" was a collective effort, with artists working on each other's sessions and artists encouraged to be creative. Leon Sylvers III was the main producer behind the trademark SOLAR sound: funky, progressive dance music infused with soul and disco.

Super-Wolf - Super-Wolf Can Do It (1980)

2010-02-04T07:14:00.002-05:00

Super-Wolf sampled this track by Denise Lasalle's "I'm So Hot". Super-Wolf was Jackson, Tennessee's rap legend back in the 1980's. Super-Wolf had one of the first hits in rap history with this regional favorite "Super-Wolf Can Do It".

G.Q. - Disco Nights & Sad Girl (1979) [live in 1980]

2010-02-03T06:41:00.003-05:00

GQ began as Sabu & the Survivors in 1968. They had two Top 10 R&B and Top 20 pop hits, as well as a number one R&B single in 1979, with "Disco Nights (Rock-Freak)" also peaking at #12 pop; the single also won GQ an American Music Award. All their hits were on Arista from 1979 to 1982. 4 gold records & 3 platinum records.

Lew Kirton - Talk To Me (1983) [Live in 1995]

2010-02-02T06:59:00.003-05:00

Miami soul magic - Soulful, catchy, and overflowing with soul -- wonderful vocals from Lew that really set him apart from the pack, and a classic sort of groove that never gets old.

Rick James - Bustin Out (1979)

2010-01-30T08:15:00.000-05:00

One of the greatest track of the end of the 70s -- written, arranged, and produced by the Super Freak himself -- with that bass-heavy punk-funk groove that Rick virtually invented!

Ohio Players - Fire (1975)

2010-01-30T08:12:00.001-05:00

One of the biggest tunes ever for Ohio Players -- a track that took their earlier funk sound and targeted firmly at the mainstream with a lean, mean groove that a million other groups copied at the time!

Whispers - In The Raw (1981)

2010-01-28T04:50:00.002-05:00

Classic Dance Solar material by The Whispers produced by Leon Sylvers with a tight 80s groove.

Lakeside - Something About That Woman (1981)

2010-01-28T04:41:00.003-05:00

This cut comes from Lakeside's 6th album (and the fifth for Solar Records -- the west coast powerhouse for uptempo soul! ). The track's a great one !

Instant Funk - Bodyshine (1979)

2010-01-27T06:43:00.002-05:00

Instant Funk was one of the late disco era's greatest groups, and they really shine on this sesson of their own -production by Bunny Sigler, and remixing by Larry Levan.

Stephanie Mills - Sweet Sensation (1980)

2010-01-26T06:22:00.002-05:00

A winner from Stephanie Mills and the hitmaking team of Reggie Lucas and Mtume -- two musical partners who really helped Mills find her groove! The sound here is catchy and contemporary, relaxed and grooving - in a mode that lets Stephanie's vocals flow nicely over the top.

Lakeside - It's All The Way Live (1978)

2010-01-23T06:46:00.002-05:00

A late 70s number from the bass heavy LA band that would go on to become one of the biggest 80s groove acts.

Dynasty - Satisfied (1979)

2010-01-23T06:41:00.002-05:00

A nice track from "Dynasty" -- very much in the Solar funky soul mode!

Randy Hall - I've Been Watching You (1984)

2010-01-23T06:31:00.002-05:00

produced by Ray Parker, Jr. -- this clip was filmed in New Orleans, and watch the moment when the fireworks go off............

Shalamar - Take That To The Bank (1978)

2010-01-23T06:24:00.003-05:00

Great early groove from Shalamar -- recorded at a time when the trio was really grooving at their best! "Take That To The Bank" -- an amazingly warm little groove, complete with keyboards that flow nicely next to the rhythms, and these great vocal parts that trade back and forth with a wonderfully soulful feel!

Teddy Pendergrass (R.I.P.)

2010-01-16T06:04:00.004-05:00

Brick - Dazz (1976)

2010-01-02T05:41:00.003-05:00

Great stuff! "Dazz" is the group's super-huge hit, and a stone classic! The track's got a percolated funky groove that's ensured the tune a long long life - and which has lead to more than a few samples over the years! "Dazz," topped the R&B charts and was number-three pop in 1976.

The Moments - Come In Girl (1976)

2009-12-28T08:47:00.002-05:00

A mid 70s crossover set from the smooth Moments -- one that still holds onto some of the elements of P-Funk in the early 70s, yet one that also starts to showcase more of the tighter soul grooves! The blend is a great one, and makes the track one of The Moments most outrageous records -- almost putting the track in the territory of work by Sir Nose or the mighty Meters.

Leon Haywood - Don't Push It Don't Force It (1980)

2009-12-24T07:15:00.002-05:00

One of Mr. Haywood's best later numbers -- a bumping big roller skate groove with some tasty bass at the bottom! The tune snaps along in really catchy way -- sliding with Leon's smooth vocals nicely nestled in the track. A real gem.

Rod - Shake It Up (Do The Boogaloo) 1980

2009-12-23T05:58:00.003-05:00

A very great club groover from Rod! One of the greatest tracks ever from this legendary Prelude Label-- a sweetly tippling bit of boogie-disco that really soars........

George Duke - Dukey Stick (1980)

2009-12-16T05:55:00.002-05:00

This record is a direct follow up to Reach for It. "Dukey Stick,' is funk/jazz at it's best.

Osiris - War On The Bullshit (1981)

2009-12-16T05:44:00.002-05:00

Osiris (the band), were build in 1977 by Osiris Marsh on lead vocals, Tyrone "Ty" Brunson (bass) [left in 1980], Maceo Bond (keyboards), Tony Jones (bass), Kenny Jones (drums), Jimmy "Sha-Sha" Stapleton (percussion), Ron Holloway (sax) and Brent Mingle (guitar). Together, they produced the most unalloyed, dirty and downright nasty Funk imaginable. "Osiris The Band" was unleashed in 1981 and "War On The Bullshit" is the much sought after funk track from this album.Osiris is still making music to this day.

O' Bryan- Breakin Together (1983)

2009-12-05T09:29:00.003-05:00

Soul Train impresario Don Cornelius, helped O'Bryan to land a deal with Capitol Records. During the '80s, he cut four albums and nine singles that made the R&B charts. In 2007, he returned with the ballad-heavy CD F1RST.

Sunfire - Young Free And Single (1982)

2009-10-31T08:17:00.002-04:00

A lost bit of modern soul from Warner Brothers' great early 80s run in the soul business -- tight, grooving, and without cliche -- a really well-done debut that was no doubt a needless victim of the shifting sands of the record business at the time! Reggie Lucas produced, and the record's got the smooth sound and sophisticated groove that shows all the hallmarks of his best modes of the period.

Odyssey - Inside Out (1982)

2009-10-20T09:42:00.000-04:00

A high quality tune. That track is a mellow boogie-sound that has some nice spacey funk moments.

Sharon Brown - I Specialise In Love (1982)

2009-10-16T05:53:00.002-04:00

check her interview here

David Joseph - You Can't Hide (Your Love From Me) (1983)

2009-10-02T09:58:00.002-04:00

A gritty, groovy tune from David Joseph -- 'You Can't Hide (Your Love From Me)' is a timeless funky boogie jam that feels like a lost, late 70s Detroit indie soul single on the vocal tip -- but done over a minimalist funk beat that feels like something....

Tramaine - In The Morning Time (1986)

2009-10-02T09:42:00.006-04:00

Tramaine Hawkins is both famous and infamous for her mainstream success as a gospel artist. In the mid-80's Hawkins signed with A&M Records and released a pair of dance-oriented contemporary gospel albums. Her 1986 A&M debut The Search Is Over yielded dance chart singles such as "Child Of The King," "In The Morning Time," and the monster club hit "Fall Down (Spirit of Love)". The latter topped the Billboard Dance Charts to A&M's delight. Check her page here

Con Funk Shun - Too Tight (1980)

2009-10-01T06:51:00.005-04:00

Funky genius from Con Funk Shun -- working here under the production helm of Skip Scarborough, who seems to give them an even sharper edge than usual! The track's filled with those tightly compressed rhythms that Skip was so great in producing back in the 70s -- grooves that seem to make more out of doing less -- and which have a sense of space and timing that's totally impeccable.

read more about Con Funk Shun and the tragic decease of Louis McCall (murdered at his apartment) here

Angela Bofill - Too Tough (1983)

2009-09-26T07:50:00.002-04:00

Like her contemporaries Patti Austin and the late Phyllis Hyman, Angela Bofill has a voice that is far superior to her better-selling peers as well as the "kids" that followed her.
Like an expensive Chardonnay, Miss Bofill may only be meant for "refined tastes".

Dan I - Monkey Chop (1979)

2009-09-19T08:47:00.004-04:00

Dan I was a British disco musician, who had a Top 20 hit in the UK Singles Chart in 1979 with "Monkey Chop". He originated from Jamaica, and Trevor Horn was the uncredited record producer of "Monkey Chop". Without any further chart success, Dan I remains listed as a one-hit wonder.

His stage name derived from his interest in numerology, meaning "number one". In the early 70s he was asked by George Clinton to join his band Funkadelic, but he declined, believing he was too young. During the 70s he worked with Cat Stevens, Andy Fraser, and Joe Jammer, and led his own club band, D-Dancer. D-Dancer split up in 1976, after which Dan-I spent a year in Nigeria before embarking on a solo career, signing with Island Records after being introduced by Linton Kwesi Johnson, and having a major hit with "Monkey Chop", which he described as "music for the new optimism". He moved to L.A. in the mid 80s, where he recorded several demos. He then moved to South Africa before returning to London. He died of unspecified causes in September 2006.

Black, White & Co. - Action For Love (1981)

2009-09-10T07:31:00.000-04:00

Black White & Co. was a french formation that made several releases including a few LP's.The rare 12 inch 'Action For Love' is highly sought after and the track is also included on their 'Black White & Co.' LP. Lead singer Sidney later became a famous TV personality in France presenting a popular hip hop program.

AM-FM - You Are The One (1981)

2009-09-10T01:28:00.000-04:00

An 80s groove classic! This track has a killer sound that mixes bass-heavy funk with a tight electric keyboard sound -- and it rips along nicely with a very catchy hook. The cut's one of our all-time favorites from this time, and it's got a hard funky groove that keeps on going!

Glass Pyramid - Better By The Minute (1985) + Interview

2009-09-09T10:36:00.003-04:00

Wonderfully tripped out boogie from one of the most underrated groups ever! RARE live session recorded (starts at 55sec.) by local news station in Oklahoma City. There's a quality here that goes way past the familiar -- and which makes the record as much of an offbeat treasure! Never released before as CD & Vinyl --> available now! http://ppu.bigcartel.com

Joe Simon - Love Vibration (1977)

2009-09-09T08:22:00.002-04:00

A big one for Joe -- and a marked shift after his southern soul recordings of earlier years. One of those cuts we never tire of! Joe's "Love Vibration" is a mindblowingly anthemic number -- the kind of cut that burnt up dancefloors when it first came out, and which has continued to please countless generations, through house, hip hop, funk, and beyond!

Teddy Pendergrass - Love T.K.O. (1980)

2009-09-09T08:17:00.002-04:00

Teddy Pendergrass -- you are unique! This is one of Mr. P's greatest tracks of smooth mellow soul -- recorded after he left Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, and began working in a wonderfully warm solo style that had a huge influence on male vocal soul for years to come! The sound here is tremendous -- nearly perfect all the way through, with a great balance between class, sophistication, and soul -- clearly an indication that Teddy made the right move by going on his own.

Joe Bataan - Rap-O Clap-O (1979)

2009-09-08T08:06:00.002-04:00

"It's known in Egypt, it's known in Rome - Known in Puerto Rico, from home to home". One of the best club groovers recorded by Joe Bataan in the late 70s -- and a track that has a bit more of a disco feel than he's records before, but which still stays firmly in the Latinized Salsoul sound that Bataan helped to forge and name! Joe's performance is great. "Rap-O, Clap-O," is credited as the first rap hit in parts of Europe.

O' Bryan - Love Lite (1983) [Sexy Version]

2009-09-07T07:46:00.005-04:00

Dang, this guy could never miss! Even in later years, O'Bryan is still going strong -- working here in a brilliant upbeat, damn funky tune, and with a soaring groove that would be right at home on the dancefloor -- but which doesn't necessarily make the track a disco one either!

Brothers Johnson - Right On Time (1976)

2009-09-05T07:33:00.001-04:00

A funky classic from the Brothers Johnson -- sweet funky soul, done with a polish few could match! The pair are still working with Quincy Jones at this point, and the track's filled with lots of tight jazzy grooves that certainly show Quincy's touch -- and which set the record apart from a number of similar mainstream funk records flooding the market at the time.

Kurtis Blow - The Breaks (1980)

2009-09-05T07:19:00.001-04:00

"Break it up, break it up, break it up, breakdown", needs no introduction or description....

Glass Pyramid - Country Cowboy (1982)

2009-08-29T06:24:00.000-04:00

In 1986 Michael of the Group Glass Pyramid said, "If all goes well the album will be out soon.." and now 20+ years later the ALBUM is finally out! Available at http://ppu.bigcartel.com/ -- ... this song is available on CD and vinyl for the first time. this song was going to be on the group's LP, but the album was never pressed!!! until now 23 years later!...

Carrie Lucas - Show Me Where You Coming From (1982)

2009-08-29T06:23:00.002-04:00

One of the biggest stars of the legendary Solar Records during the late 70s -- the sweet voiced Carrie Lucas, best known for her catchy dancefloor groovers! At one level, Carrie was a west coast disco diva who rivaled the strengths of New York singers on some of the smaller labels.

Double Exposure - Ten Percent (1976)

2009-08-29T06:14:00.001-04:00

Double Exposure are part of the "second wave" of east coast vocal groups and like their contemporaries, they mix the sweet harmony soul tradition of earlier years with the bourgeoning clubby sound that was coming out of Philly. The track was produced by the Baker/Harris/Young team and it's still a stunning anthemic club number.

FF Yellowhand - Can You Feel It (1981)

2009-08-28T06:41:00.002-04:00

French Boogie at its best created by François Feldman. He created his first group at the age of 14 and occurred in some clubs. In 1980, Feldman recorded his first song, "You Want Every Night/Can You Feel It", then "Ma Petite Vidéo" in 1982, "Folle sur les bords" in 1983 summer, "Wally boule noire" and "Obsession" in 1984, and finally "Amour de corridor" in 1985, but all these singles remained unsuccessful.
In 1986, he hit notoriety with his song "Rien que pour toi" which reached number 12 on the SNEP Singles Chart and sold 200,000 units. Thereafter, Feldman had many success in France, becoming a well established star in France. He made very good sales in 25-year career, he sold about ten million albums in several countries, including Belgium, Italy, Canada and Japan.

A Taste Of Honey - Boogie Oogie Oogie (1978)

2009-08-24T07:22:00.005-04:00

Taste Of Honey's "Boogie Oogie Oogie" hardly needs an introduction -- Released from their self-titled album in 1978, it became an extremely popular "crossover" song. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It would eventually sell over two million copies and has become one of the most recognizable songs from the late 1970s disco era. It would also help the group win the Grammy Award for Best New Artist of 1978 and it's one of those classics that broke big on the club, hit hard on radio, and still gets revived a lot today! The tune's a joyous bouncing bit of mainstream disco.

Sugarhill Gang - Rappers Delight (1979)

2009-08-24T07:16:00.001-04:00

This pioneering group inaugurated the recorded history of hip hop with their single "Rapper's Delight", a multi-platinum seller in 1980. Englewood based producer and indie label owner Sylvia Robinson had become aware of the hip hop block parties occurring around New York during the late 1970s, so she gathered three locals from her town: Guy O'Brien, who was the original Master Gee; another local rapper, Michael Wright, who called himself Wonder Mike, and Big Bank Hank. The vocalists were then teamed up with three session musicians, namely the future Living Colour bassist, Doug Wimbish, guitarist Little Axe and drummer Keith LeBlanc. Together, they recorded all of the Sugarhill Gang's work.

Lakeside - It's All The Way Live (1978) [Live 1980]

2009-08-22T09:14:00.001-04:00

Great stuff from the glory days of the LA bass-pedal funk era! Easily one of the greatest Lakeside tracks ever -- a keyboard-heavy bit of funk that really helped set the sound for the west coast scene at the time! There's a strong hook to the number that really makes it stand out from Lakeside's other work -- still rough on the main vocals, but supported by warmer choruses that help it glide along with the promise of the bottom!

Bar-Kays - Freakshow On The Dance Floor (1984)

2009-08-19T09:22:00.001-04:00

Man, these guys really know how to groove-- with amazing choppy guitar, bumping basslines, and brassy horns -- all wrapped up with some amazing production!

GAP Band - Party Train (1982)

2009-08-19T08:28:00.001-04:00

The Gap Band are definitely in full bloom on this track from the early 80s -- hitting that fierce funk mode they do so well, with lots of snapping lines at the bottom of the rhythms! The style is trademark Gap all the way through --- a percolated approach to funk that's tight, but never too slick. Charlie Wilson handles most of the lead vocals, with support from brothers Robert and Ronnie.

Kurtis Blow - Christmas Rapping (1979)

2009-08-19T08:18:00.003-04:00

One of the biggest major label hip hop tunes of the late 70s - and easily one of the best tracks from Kurtis Blow! There's a straightforward simplicity here that's totally great - a slight elevation of the Sugar Hill groove towards a more mainstream audience --- but one that never loses the basic back/forth party rhythms of the old school scene.

Sylvers - Come Back Lover (1982)

2009-08-17T04:10:00.002-04:00

The extended Sylvers family contributes on the album 'Concept' from 1981, representing songwriting from Nidra, James,Leon and Carmaine Sylvers as well as fine production work from Leon Sylvers III. The 9 tracks featured cross the boundaries of soul and funk with ease. The standout is "Come Back Lover Come back", the musical intro is so beautifully arranged. This album for whatever reason did not gain wide air play went it debuted, personally listening to many of the tracks they hold up to the test of time very well. On a final note, sadly Brother Edmund Sylvers passed away in Richmond,Va on May-31-2004 (age listed,47) after battling cancer, as reported nationally in JET Magazine. Edmund was married with 11 children. Edmund also produced a solo album in 1980, producing the hit "That Burning Love"( ironically he was also the voice of Marlon Jackson in the Jackson 5 cartoon series that aired in the early 70's on network T.V.).... R.I.P Soul Brother.

Yarbrough & Peoples - Don't Waste Your Time (1984)

2009-08-16T05:16:00.003-04:00

Calvin Yarbrough and Alisa Peoples first met when they were small children, growing up in Dallas, TX. The singing duo of Yarbrough and Peoples burst onto the music scene with the million-selling single "Don't Stop the Music," a sinewy slab of synth-based R&B/funk that was ahead of its time and had a far-reaching influence in the years following.

Delegation - You Been Doing Me Wrong (1977)

2009-08-16T05:06:00.002-04:00

Delegation was a British soul/funk/disco band that has been very popular in Europe but almost unknown in the United States. Delegation found success in countries like France, Germany, and England.
A Jamaican singer named Ricky Bailey was a co-founder of the band in the 1975. Their first single record, "The Promise of Love", became available in the summer of 1976. The second single, "Where is the Love We Used to Know", became a hit in Britain. The members of the band kept changing over the years, but Bailey was a constant, as was Ken Gold who produced several of their albums.

Tyrone Davis - Overdue (1980)

2009-08-16T05:02:00.002-04:00

Some of the favorite work ever from Tyrone Davis with a wonderfully warm and mellow vibe! Tyrone hits a sound that's smooth, slinky, and completely sublime!

Alton McClain & Destiny - It Must Be Love (1978)

2009-08-14T10:26:00.002-04:00

A dynamic soul/r&b group from the late 70's, Alton McClain & Destiny scored with the title track "It Must Be Love" (a near flawless combination of sweet soul singing with an energetic and funky musical production), reaching the Top Ten on the R&B chart and the Top 40 pop. The group went on to record two more similarly-veined albums, but were unfortunately unable to capitalize on their initial success and disbanded in 1981. Singer Alton McClain briefly attempted a solo career and is now on the gospel circuit, while Destiny members D'Marie Warren and Robyrda Stiger went on to form the 80's r&b/dance group Krystol.

Strikers - Body Music [Part 1&2 ] (1980)

2009-08-14T09:55:00.001-04:00

An excellent 80s groove classic! The Strikers are hardly hiding their theme on this one -- bringing the erotics of the disco into the lyrics full force! The cut builds with a skittish sort of rhythm that has a few post-disco elements -- including some cool moogy synthesizer that shows up even more heavily on the instrumental version!

Teddy Pendergrass - Is It Still Good To You (1980)

2009-08-11T07:56:00.002-04:00

Theodore "Teddy" DeReese Pendergrass, Sr. (born 3/26/50) is also known as Teddy P, TP, or Teddy Bear.
Pendergrass's career began when he was a drummer for The Cadillacs, which soon merged with Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes. Melvin invited Pendergrass to become the lead singer after he jumped from the rear of a stage and started singing his heart out.

Fatback - King Tim III (1979)

2009-08-11T07:50:00.002-04:00

Contrary to popular belief, Sugarhill Gang’s “Rapper’s Delight” - unleashed upon an unsuspecting world on September 24, 1979 - was not the first commercially successful hip-hop single. “King Tim III (Personality Jock),” a B-side released by a funk band called Fatback (originally The Fatback Band) on August 29, 1979, holds that distinction. An instant hit among both Manhattan radio djs and Bronx party rockers, “King Tim III” is also notable for being the first hip-hop single to chart, appearing on the R&B chart a mere seven days before “Rapper’s Delight” exploded on to the Top 40 chart.

T-Connection - On Fire (1979)

2009-08-10T10:07:00.001-04:00

Fast funky grooving from T Connection -- at times sounding a lot more disco than on their first LP, but at others sounding a lot more like a funk act than ever before.

Midnight Express - Danger Zone (1983)

2009-08-10T10:06:00.000-04:00

From circa 1983 comes The Midnight Express Show Band. This track is the buzz amongst the network of heavy hitter 80's rare groove collectors at the moment and word has it that the boogie master out of D.C. is in the process of reissuing it via 12" single. For the time being you can purchase the ultra rare original 7" release.

La Toya Jackson - If You Feel The Funk (1980)

2009-08-10T09:59:00.003-04:00

Oh for the simple days of the Jackson family -- before everyone started fighting, and were just working on making good music! Here, LaToya Jackson gets production help from Ollie E. Brown -- and comes up with a clubby modern soul track that are probably as great as anything she ever recorded!

Booker Newberry III - Love Town (1984)

2009-08-10T09:50:00.002-04:00

Booker Newberry III (born January 19, 1956) was a member of the mid 1970s groups Sweet Thunder ("Baby I Need Your Love Today.
Newberry signed Casablanca Records in 1983, and his single 'Love Town'originally released on the Boardwalk label, was a UK Top 10 hit.

Zapp - I Can Make You Dance (1982)

2009-08-10T09:46:00.001-04:00

This one comes from Zapp's 3rd album, and one that shows them still very much on top of their game! The mix of tight bass, keyboards, and occasional vocoder bits is firmly in place from their first two albums - a stunning legacy of ensemble funk that pushes the older P-Funk ethos into hip new territory for the 80s! Roger and crew are superb throughout - fusing all rhythmic elements together beautifully, and electrifying the whole album with some great voice box vocals - almost making you feel like the instruments themselves are running the show!

Rose Royce - Is It Love You're After (1979)

2009-08-10T09:39:00.000-04:00

A big one for the Producer Norman Whitfield - who found in Rose Royce what he'd been lacking for years: a hit group ready to handle a number of styles, all well, and all with an adventurous style that would break them past the legions of lackluster funky soul groups of the late 70s.

Tom Browne - Funkin' For Jamaica (1980)

2009-08-10T09:29:00.000-04:00

"Funkin For Jamaica" is one of those old school jams we never tire of, with lots of nice choppy rhythms, and some great horn work by Tom Browne.

B.T. Express - Give It What You Got (1975)

2009-08-10T09:23:00.001-04:00

B.T. Express - LP: Non-Stop (1975) are speeding it up a bit from the first album -- hitting more of a disco vein, as would be their due, since they were one of the key groups in inventing the genre! The core ensemble funk sound is still firmly in place, with loads of great horns arranged by the enigmatic Carlos Ward, a jazzy talent who always brought a nice edge to the group's albums.

Vaughan Mason - Jammin' Big Guitar (1981) [live in 2007]

2009-08-08T08:11:00.001-04:00

A monster rollerskating track! "Jammin' Big Guitar" is almost every bit as great as "Bounce Rock Skate Roll" -- Vaughan's other classic from the time.