Artist: Bobby Byrd
Album: “I Need Help (Live on Stage)”
Track Included In This Post: “Hang Ups We Don’t Need (The Hungry We Got To Feed)”
Year of Release: 1970
Label: King
I Bought This Record From: Julian
- It’s hard to believe that the was perhaps the second hardest working man in show business never had more than one album that he released while alive. Bobby was the best hype man ever, but I think he was so busy touring with James that he didn’t have the time to get in the studio himself. He’s got plenty of great 45’s, but not many solo albums. I think Bobby decided to release a live album because he was so used to being on stage. The whole album is live in more ways than one and this track just stands out with a great title/message to match. By the way James Brown’s birthday was last Friday, May 3rd. He would have been 80 years old and I think he still would have been dancing.
Artists: Koko Taylor
Album: “Basic Soul”
Track Included In This Post: “Pollution”
Year of Release: 1972
Label: Chess
I Bought This Record From: Bull City Perm
- Remember me? It’s been about two months since my last post. The legitimate excuse is I didn’t have access to my computer for about 6 weeks, and the other confession is I have neglected the blog. Back now and hopefully I’ll get back to a consistent post at least once a week. This is one I wanted to post on Earth Day for obvious reasons. I love some of the 70’s pollution/environmentally conscious soul tracks out there like “Pollution,” by the Chambers Brothers and Bo Diddley (which I blogged about last fall). There was obviously an attempt by these labels to cash in on the 70’s environmental movement, but I like to think these songs are sincere in their message. In the words of Mr. T, “Treat Your Mother (Earth) Right.”
Artist: The Persuaders
Album: “Thin Line Between Love and Hate”
Track: “Love Gonna Pack Up (And Walk Out)”
Year of Release: 1972
Label: Atlantic
I Bought This Record From: CFBG’s
- Sorry for another delay in posting, but there actually is still some issues with my computer and there will be another delay even after this. To hold you over I hope this love jam gets you through the wait. The title track alone is a gem in 70’s makeup/makeout soul, but I love the production on this track. That vibraphone and the way the harmonies are broken down here just make me tremble. I am a big fan of 70’s soul groups like this along with The Delphonics. Main Ingredient, The Dramatics, and about a gazillion others.
Artist: Chico Hamilton
Album: “The Master”
Track Included In This Post: “One Day Five Months Ago”
Year of Release: 1973
Label: Stax
I Bought This Record from: Bull City Perm
- It feels like it has been “One Day Five Months Ago,” that I last made a post. It’s been about three+ weeks, but the long delay was due to a repair to my computer. Now I’m back and so are the vinyl discoveries. This one is from back in October. I’ve been trying to collect Chico Hamilton for a while now and seeing a release on Stax I wanted to hear more. The record starts off with two scorchers in “Feels Good,” then this one. The guitar does take over, but listen to the constant conga, and the organ outro and you’ll forget that the band actually features members of Little Feat. Good to be back a Ravens fan with bragging rights.
Artist; Cymande
Album: “Second Time Around”
Track Included In This Post: “To You”
Year of Release: 1973
Label: Janus
I Bought This Record From: Bull City Perm
- My first purchase of the bouillabaisse that is Cymande was a great flea market experience in Roanoke. That time it was their self titled debut, which is there most Afro-centric release. Their third album, “Promised Heights,” features the b boy anthem, “Brothers on the Slide,” but this one is my favorite by them. The other funk rock monsters on here are “Anthracite,” and the straight up, “Fug,” Since I need to be realistic about doing a post before tomorrow night’s Super Bowl, this is my final Thank You to the Ravens„,here’s “To You.”
Artist: Profile
Album: “Sands of Time”
Track Included in this Post: “By the Time I Get to Phoenix”
Year of Release: 1973
Label: Encounter
I Bought This Record From: Romey’s Records
- If the Super Bowl were taking place in Phoenix then this would be the jazz jam for the Ravens. The Harbaugh Bowl however is taking place in a magnificent one a kind location, New Orleans. This posting needs to happen three days leading up to the big day because the Ravens and their fans need to sit back and enjoy how long we’ve come. I’ll be the first one to admit that I thought The Ravens looked rough going into the playoffs, but they waited and they’re now in New Orleans. Best version of “By The Time I Get to Phoenix,” to date. Go Ravens!
Artist: The Mad Lads
Album: “The Mad Mad Mad Mad Mad Lads”
Track Included in this Post: “Make This Young Lady Mine”
Year of Release: 1969
Label: Volt
I Bought This Record from: Bull City Perm
- Starting off on hip hop cassettes before I really discovered soul on vinyl, my excitement reaches a new level when I hear a sample. Right away upon hearing that delightful guitar line I jumped out of my seat recognizing that this was sampled for De La Soul’s “Eye Know.” ”3 Feet High & Rising,” was actually one of the first hip hop cassettes I bought at the old Schoolkids on Aycock & Spring Garden streets. The entire album is saturated with deep Memphis soul and hip hop samples. It’s Mad ya’ll. Hope to have more Ravens Super Bowl anthems to post this week.
Artist: Shotgun
Album: “S/T”
Track Included In This Post: “Dynamite (The Bomb)”
Year of Release: 1977
Label: ABC Records
I Bought This Record from: Acid Alex
- Long overdue in a celebration post after the Baltimore Ravens finally showed the Patriots how second rate they are, this one says it all. I think what really got me with this track is the obvious thick breaks in the beginning as the rest of the track starts to sound like your better than average Shotgun. There will hopefully be plenty of more posts in these two weeks leading up to the Harbaugh Bowl.
Artist: Kool and the Gang
Album: “Music is the Message”
Track Included in this Post: “Funky Granny”
Year of Release: 1972
Label: Dee-Lite Records
I Bought This Record from: Bull City Perm
- If you know of the Ohio Players’ gem “Funky Worm,” then this should sound familiar. Just create a party ya’ll and let the silly granny voice speak seems to be the formula. I personally love these type of in the studio lounging & goofing off type of tracks. The nondescript album cover is probably the reason I’ve passed on this in the past, but the instrumental funk genre is mastered on a mainstream scale here. Here’s routing that the Ravens make Brady look like a funky granny tomorrow.
Artist: Groundhogs
Album: “Black Diamond”
Track Included In This Post: “Your Love Keeps Me Alive”
Year of Release: 1976
Label: United Artists
I Bought This Record From: Jim Devious
- Sorry for the distortion in this rock anthem, but got to be loud and lively for an amazing Baltimore Ravens victory on Saturday. The Ravens vs Broncos in the 2013 Divisional Playoffs in 8 degree double overtime fashion is one for the ages. I’ve been an authentic Ravens fan since 1996 (Ray Lewis’ entire tenure) and I will hopefully be able to post more about victories to come this post season. The Groundhogs are an underrated hard rock band from the UK that dabbled in a bit of everything from stoner blues rock to the monster rock you hear on this track. The opening track on this album is not worth your time, but after that it continues to gain momentum. Here’s to the Ravens for running with the same motivation.
