Funky Compilations — All Formats  

Nothing rough here – as the set's one of the smoothest we've ever heard in this legendary series – a tight collection of vintage tracks that really serve up an African take on the sound of American disco! Rhythms are tight and quick, but the overall approach is still very much in the best spirit of the 70s Afro Funk generation – lots of live percussion keeping things kicking, tight instrumental solos on keyboards and guitar, and mighty soulful vocals all around! Titles include "Dance The Body Music" by Osibisa, "Brand New Wayo" by Mixed Grill, "Kazet" by Mahlathini & The Mahotella Queens, "Be Africa" by Bibi Tanga & The Selenites, and "Oh Yeh Soweto" by Teaspoon & The Waves. Also features a bonus CD – vintage takes on the work of Wilson Pickett, Sam & Dave, James Brown, Otis Redding, and others – all transformed into a soukous style by Vincent Nguini & Maloko!

Mellow soul galore – and a killer set of overlooked tracks, plucked from their recent revival on the always-great Chicago steppers scene! The package has a great late night soul feel that goes back to the late 60s and early 70s – very laidback and chilled out, with lots of ballad tracks and sweet, gentle groovers of the sort that really take us back! There's a few more modern tunes on the set, mostly from the early 80s – but overall, there's a really solid early 70s style to the compilation – with tracks that include "If" by The Lovehorn, "I've Got To See You Right Away" by Jeff Perry, "Tell Me What Cha Gonna Do" by General Crook, "Ain't That Love" by Infernal Blues Machine, "I Bet He Don't Love You" by The Intruders, "There's Another On Your Mind" by The Imaginations, "I Want You" by Wilson Pickett, "Pop" by The Limit, "What More Can I Ask For" by The Star-tels, and "You Know You Want To Be Loved" by Keith Barrow.

Funky breaks galore – mixed by a man who knows them better than anyone! Kenny Dope really came up with some choice bits for this set – and pulled together 37 different tracks that include 60s soul, 70s funk, and a few choice bits from the early years of hip hop – all sewn up into one mighty groove that never stops kicking! Great all the way through – and like having Kenny play his favorite jams for you, one after the other! Titles include "Uphill Peace Of Mind" by Kid Dynamite, "Engine #9" by Wilson Pickett, "Can I Get A Soul Clap" by Grand Wizard Theodore, "Be Black Baby" by Grady Tate, "Scorpio" by Hoctor Band, "2001" by Cecil Holmes, "Space Dust" by Galactic Force, "T Plays It Cool" by Marvin Gaye, "Super Sporm" by Captain Sky, "Get Up" by Vernon Burch, "Catch A Groove" by Juice, "The Guardian Angel" by Golden Flamingo Orchestra, and "Sessomatto" by Sessomatto.

A wonderful testament to songwriting mastery of Don Covay – one of greatest singing and songwriting double threats ever – and if you didn't already know that, this excellent compilation will set you straight! No tribute to Covay the songwriter would be complete without Aretha Franklin's "Chain Of Fools" – but the set actually goes a lot deeper, with straight-up classic soul treasures, raucous R&B, stirring vocal tunes, some funk and funky rock. The reach is impressive, with the aforementioned Aretha hit, plus songs recorded by Wilson Pickett, Etta James, Joe Tex, The Staple Singers, Wanda Jackson, The Wailers, Little Richard, Gene Vincent, Dee Clark, Connie Francis and more! 26 tracks in all, completed by a great set of notes: with "Three Time Loser" by Wilson Pickett, "You’re Good For Me" by Lena Horne, "Don't Drive Me Away" by Ben E King, the funky gem "Sookie Sookie" by Tina Britt, "She Said Yeah" by Joe Tex, "Watch The One Who Brings You The News" by Millie Jackson, "Long Tall Shorty" by The Graham Bond Originization, "Mon Cherie Au Revoir" by Arlene Smith and more.