Published on Nov 17, 1999
If music can move your spirit and soul, then it’s definitely
done its job. But if music can also make you get up and groove in
your own unique way, only then can music’s true power be felt. The
Deadheads who swayed along in time with the music of Jerry Garcia
and crew understand this. Anyone who has gotten locked into some
solid funk likewise knows what I’m talking about.
In that spirit,
Funkdamentals: Mind Blowin’ Funk Hits seeks to capture the
listener and put them into a 70-minute groove-a-thon that refuses
to relent. While some of the selections aren’t always the best or
most obvious choices, this is still a great disc that is sure to
liven up your millenium party.
Now, I don’t claim to be an expert on funk, or many of the
groups who appear on this collection. But I know enough about the
genre from both my life’s experiences and from some of the
“greatest hits” compilations these bands have put out to know what
is a good definition of funk. With that in mind… is K.C. &
The Sunshine Band
really the best example one could think of when the word
“funk” comes to mind? I’d be more inclined to leave them off this
collection, and label them a “disco” band. But that’s just my
opinion.
It would not be a true funk party if George Clinton and “Atomic
Dog” didn’t get things started. Still quite possibly Clinton’s best
known song, it remains a real groove machine even today, and is a
track that other funk artists have been trying to emulate since its
release. Likewise, “Fantastic Voyage” from Lakeside is a track
whose stripes were earned long ago, and is a welcome addition to
this set.
On that note, I have to wonder why “Sun Is Here” was selected
for Sun, and not “Wanna Make Love (Flick My Bic)” – a song that I
think defines this band much better, especially with the talkbox
effects. And while Kool & The Gang definitely belong in this
company, why was “Hollywood Swinging” chosen? Finally, where’s the
ultimate funkster – the Commodores’s “Brick House”?
At first, I was all set to argue that “Super Freak (Part I)” by
Rick James belonged here in place of “Give It To Me Baby,” but
after giving this disc another listen, I realized that this track
has even a better groove than “Super Freak,” and is a much better
selection. Try and not get locked into the rhythm section that is
laid down. Can’t do it, can you? Neither could I.
There are a few artists on
Funkdamentals: Mind Blowin’ Funk Hits whom I had forgotten
about. Cameo’s “Word Up” is simply a kick-ass track, and I can’t
believe it had been so long since I last heard this song. Likewise,
O’Bryan’s “Lovelite” isn’t a track I was familiar with, but quickly
claims a stake as a track worthy of your attention.
Not everything on
Funkdamentals: Mind Blowin’ Funk Hits is a winner,
unfortunately. Peter Brown’s “Do You Wanna Get Funky With Me” and
The Isley Brothers’s “Live It Up (Pt. 1)” fail to live up to the
high quality that the rest of this set has. And you could question
the inclusion of Earth, Wind & Fire’s “Boogie Wonderland,”
claiming it was a leftover from the disco era. I still kinda like
this song, though I admit I don’t like the bridge.
Any time I DJ a party, I look for a disc that’s sure to get the
masses out of their buffet-table chairs and on the dance floor to
work off those fat-laden cocktail wieners.
Funkdamentals: Mind Blowin’ Funk Hits is going to be a must
in my music arsenal this year, and is even just a great disc to
kick back to at home. But don’t be surprised if you find you can’t
keep your butt in the Barcalounger, and you’re soon dancing in
front of the stereo.