“Housequake” isn’t so much a song as it is a groove. And what a groove it is. Prince’s appreciation for the music of James Brown was never a secret (and it certainly isn’t now, as revelations of hours-long rehearsals with The Revolution where they just grooved on JB’s “Bodyheat” have come to light), and “Housequake”… Read More “Housequake” by Prince (1987)
James Brown had a way of making magic with just a slogan. That was at least partially due to the ability of his various bands to lock into a stone groove (and speaks highly to JB’s considerable skills as a bandleader). “Get Up, Get Into It, Get Involved” is sort of a political call to… Read More “Get Up Offa That Thing” by James Brown (1976)/”Get Up, Get Into It, Get Involved” by James Brown (1970)
Young Americans was the first David Bowie album I fell in love with. It was the easiest point of entry, as soul music is the music I’m most familiar with. Even though I knew Bowie’s ‘80s pop hits, I’d never enjoyed or even perused any of his full albums prior to my 1994-ish discovery of… Read More “Fame” by David Bowie (1975)
If The Godfather of Soul invites you to a party, you better show up ready to jam. Here, Fred, Maceo, Jabo and all the rest take a groove, set it to simmer, and the result is one of the all-time classics of funk. While credited to Fred Wesley & The J.B.s, this is a James… Read More “Doing It To Death” by Fred Wesley & The J.B.s (1973)
What does it say about Led Zeppelin if a jokey funk pastiche is one of my favorite songs they ever put out? “The Crunge” is clearly a James Brown rip. It’s done with respect, and a lot of soul. John Paul Jones and John Bonham might’ve been the greatest rhythm section in classic rock history,… Read More “The Crunge” by Led Zeppelin (1973)
“Cold Sweat” is widely regarded as one of the first songs, if not the first song, that could be truly described as funk. Me and my friend Shane were discussing funk over drinks last night, and the conversation turned to “Cold Sweat” (not least because I was struggling to find something to write about it other… Read More “Cold Sweat” by James Brown (1967)
1976’s “Body Heat” finds The Godfather Of Soul making pretty easy peace with disco. Or at least pinpointing the happy medium between his signature funk and the 4 on the floor beats that typified disco. What can be said other than the man knew what was going to make asses wiggle for a solid two… Read More “Body Heat” by James Brown (1976)
Five Star Jamz 