African Scream Contest - Screams galore, and some very funky jams.
Most compilations seem to have one or two gems and a bunch of crap. But there are a few out there – in these days of crate diggin fiends – that really rock the roost. “African Scream Contest” is one of those that make you say “Why have I not heard this?”
This album was released by the Analog Africa label. This label looks like it has more than its fair share of real sweet recordings from the the afro-delic and afrofunk varieties.
One of Liza's gems
During our last party – a wedding party – I was being the anti-social bug. That means I was hiding down in the Lab with the vinyl spinning some music for the guests. I get kinda scared of all the people sometimes and the music helps soothe my natural reaction – drink, drink, drink.
So I was down there with the vinyl, and picked out a few gems from the shelves for the folks to listen to. Some of the vinyl was already out, making it easy to chose. Al Green’s self-titled LP (Bell 6076) was one of the beauties.
For this party, we needed two things: Dance (provided by the illustrious DJ Buttafly) and some soul. Al Green’s album fits in perfectly here. It is a great compilation from the late 60’s/early 70’s Green. As it says, it includes “Back Up Train,” along with others like “Let Me Help You.”
Most of the songs on the album include simple melodies backed by funky drums, and fine organ and guitar instrumentals. After burning this to digital, I realized yet again the value inherent in the grooves: the sound is just so inviting that it makes the music even more genuine, in some cases, than seeing the artist live. Or maybe it is being able to participate in the music by dropping the needle and watching the record spin…
Cymande - Early 70's funk
Cymande’s notable contributions to the world of music have been sampled by De La Soul, Masta Ace, and The Fugees among others. Cymande’s music fills a niche of funk with the likes of War and Mandrill. But Cymande is probably the lesser known of this type of funk. It combines world-wide elements of reggae and jazz, which becomes a very chill kind of funk music. Really great for just sitting back and listening on the hifi or some good headphones.
For more on Cymande:
Wikipedia – Cymande
Flea Market Funk – The Message
Michael Jackson, 1959-2009
Can it really be that the man is gone? Wow, I feel like that was the end of a huge part of my generation! From the J5 to the later dance music, MJ’s music has been on most of our record players hundreds – if not thousands! – of times. Screw what we have been hearing about the pseudo-molestation hearings. That bullshit will never touch the memories of his legend. DANCE ON!
FAVORITES:
Jackson 5 – “ABC”
Michael Jackson – “Off the Wall”
Michael Jackson – “Thriller”
