I understand that this record is considered a landmark in the “socially conscious” soul and funk of the early ’70s – it has completely outlasted the film it was ostensibly created for and (I believe) is often held up as Mayfield’s greatest achievement. Read More
All Directions (1972) by The Temptations
I don’t know what to do with vocal groups. Most of my music-listening life I have been more impressed with the ability to play an instrument well than sing well. So when I listen to a record where the vocalists are all credited but the players aren’t really, I already get muddled, regardless of the music I’m listening to. I just don’t understand the obsession with vocals above all other things. Read More
Kooper Session (1970) by Al Kooper, Shuggie Otis
1970 and Music.
1970, Blues Rock, Electric Blues, Gospel Rock, Jazz Rock, Music, and Psychedelic Soul.
1970, Blues Rock, Electric Blues, Gospel Rock, Jazz Rock, Music, and Psychedelic Soul.
Al Kooper tries to capture lightning in a bottle again, replicating the old Super Session format this time with Shuggie Otis and a complementary change in sound. Both halves have their hits and misses but, for me, there is enough here to enjoy, even if this isn’t anything revelatory. The two halves definitely appeal to different tastes too, so that’s something that might put some people off, though I find the gospel and R&B stuff a refreshing change of pace for Kooper. 7/10 Read More
There’s a Riot Goin On (1971) by Sly and the Family Stone
I was only familiar with this band from listening to Oldies Radio too much when I was a kid, and from borrowing a Greatest Hits compilation from my dad some time in the last 15 years. Neither of those things could have prepared me for this record. Read More
Maggot Brain (1971) by Funkadelic
My first exposure to Funkadelic didn’t exactly endear me to them and I generally want to like this record more. It opens with what I am assuming is the definitive Eddie Hazel guitar solo – that’s all it is, really, though it is pretty great – but the rest of the record is a far cry from that title track. The rest of the record is more what I was expecting. Though the lyrics are just about as inane as I was expecting, the bother me less this time out. And the music underlying it those lyrics is pretty much Read More
The Jimi Hendrix Experience (2000)
1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 2000, and Music.
1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, Acid Rock, Blues Rock, Box Set, Funk Rock, Hard Rock, Music, Psychedelic Rock, and Psychedelic Soul.
1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, Acid Rock, Blues Rock, Box Set, Funk Rock, Hard Rock, Music, Psychedelic Rock, and Psychedelic Soul.
This is an exhaustive collection of Experience alternate takes, outtakes, alternate mixes and live performances. For the Hendrix completist, it’s probably more essential than any of the other studio rarities collections that have come out, just because it shows off more facets of his playing and his experimentation – unlike those studio rarities collections, which are mostly demos, or those live sets which show him in an altogether different light – than any other set. This is as complete a picture you’ll get of the Experience (and Hendrix himself) outside of the original studio albums plus Band of Gypsies. But Read More