Funk 45's July 2006
Thus begins an occasional delve into the wonders of that strange but enticing beast known as the Funk 45. It’s not about “my 45 is rarer and better than yours” or “I’m better because I’ve heard of this 45 and you haven’t”, it’s about the records that get you deep down, compelling you to find out more about them. Yes, some are “obvious”, some aren’t, but they’re all a bit special. If any of these 45s are new to you, I highly recommend that you check them out, you won’t regret it…
- Mickey & The Soul Generation – Iron Leg [Maxwell]
From the weird guitar and bass intro right to the very end, this is one of my all-time favourites. When the groove drops, my head just can’t stop nodding – the measure of any great record! These guys produced a wealth of great funk 45s, but for me this is the best of the lot. More Info - The Soul Destroyers – Armadillo [Stark Reality]
As rough and tough as they come, when I first heard this I could’ve sworn it was recorded in 1969. The highlight is Malcolm Catto’s ferocious syncopated drumming, but special mention must also go to the bass player, whose 16th notes lock in perfectly. Great break too. More Info - Magnum – Evolution [The Phoenix]
As soon as I heard this record, I fell in love with it. Apparentely Magnum were a white funk-rock group, but this track definately sounds black to me! A super tight groove (that wastes no time in locking in), combines with sweet vocals to create one mutha of a Funk 45. I defy you not to be impressed… More Info - Betty Adams – Make It Real (Ride On) [Notes of Gold]
First heard this on a David Holmes compilation, and I was instantly hooked. Probably not strictly a Funk 45 (if we’re being pedantic), but it’s still effortlessly funky. Mean drums and sweet piano playing based on a blues structure, it’s a real killer from start to finish. Get it. More Info - Breakestra – You Don’t Need A Dance [Ubiquity]
I knew Breakestra were a ‘new’ funk band, but I was still amazed by the sound of this record – so rough and authentic! The head was nodding as soon as the drums kicked in, and the call-and-response of the vocals and horns is so dope. Had the pleasure of warming up for them at a live show, and was amazed to find them all up and dancing before they went onstage! More Info - The Explosions – Hip Drop [Gold Cup]
I love this record – makes you feel so good! One of Eddie Bo’s better productions, it locks in and bounces along – you kinda know what’s coming next but it doesn’t matter, as it just makes you wanna move your feet! Great sax playing and effortlessly funky drumming from James Black. My favourite bit is the vocal. “I’ve tried the Hip Drop and I like it!” More Info - The Baker Brothers – Poncky Wockett’s Revenge [Peddler]
Quirky title, quirky record, but oh so heavy! Rough and ready production combine with great musicianship and an ultra-heavy groove make this the best track they’ve done to date. Only a B-side?! More Info - The Roadrunners – Every Man For Himself [Custom Sound]
Drums, drums, drums! Not heavy this time, but crisp and clean. The intro fill is one of my all-time favourites, the kick drum technique being particularly impressive. From there guitar and Hammond take over, with an enthusiastic bloke shouting encouragement like “Yeah I like that” and “Lay it on me now” all the way through. More Info - Clarence Wheeler & The Enforcers – Right On [Atlantic]
Shouldn’t really be here as it was never released on 45 (I’ve only got it on a comp) but what a record! Love the way the drums are panned to the far left and the tambourine to far right. Great playing on here too, with the sax being particularly impressive. The groove is tight as f*ck. More Info - The New Mastersounds – One Note Brown [Blow It Hard]
I had only just started to get into funk music (back in 2001), when I saw The New Mastersounds at a small bar in Leicester (whilst at university). They rocked the place – I was a fan straightaway and bought their debut album soon afterwards. They’ve written lots of quality funk tracks, but I do believe that “One Note Brown”is a bit special – and as always with top funk records, it sounds effortless. Added to this, they’re all nice blokes! Catch them live if you can, you won’t regret it… More InfoPart 2 to follow in when I have the time…