Of all of Ray's post-Fania albums in the 70's, this is from probably the most straight Latin. Good thing, too, because the set's a very live performance, and it's filled with the kind of vibrant energy that was carrying the New York Latin scene on waves of dynamism and creativity during the time. ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
One of the first big Philly moments for Archie Bell & The Drells! "Showdown" is an undisputed classic – with an incredible hook, and a strident soul groove that replaces the band's earlier Texas funk style. Gamble & Huff wrote and produced, and the cut's got some tight ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
A classic groover – one that we never tire of, even though it was a hit! "Tighten Up" is a mean, lean slice of Texas funk with killer guitar work – and it sounds even better on the beat-heavy stripped-down "part 2" than it does on the more familiar "part 1" ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
The title track from the girls' only album – a nice funky club number, with production by George Clinton, and a smooth late P-Funk sound! 7-inch, Vinyl record
One of the blueprints of hip hop! At the time, Chic's "Good Times" just seemed like a wickedly funky pop tune – but who knew that that bass and guitar groove would inspire a whole generation of hip hoppers, bouncing along in a groove that was at once at home on the roller rink or ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
2 killers from Manu! "Soul Makossa" needs no introduction – as it became an instant worldwide hit, and brought the Afro Funk sound firmly into the mainstream, and the dancefloor, all over the world! "Lily" is a midtempo stepper – with flute over the vocals, and ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
One of Aretha's best! There's a massive old school break on the intro to "Rock Steady" – but even without that bit, the song's a real winner – ripping along with massive soulful grooves! 7-inch, Vinyl record
Classic stuff – as Aretha's version of the Ashford & Simpson hit "You're All I Need" is augmented with lovely strings and large arrangements by Arif Mardin, very much in the style that Aretha was moving into after her first few sessions with Atlantic. "Pullin" is a ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
Excellent instrumental work from Sergio – less in the bossa mode of his other instrumentals from the 60s, recorded with a sweet electric piano groove, and some dreamy 60's arrangements by Dave Grusin! "Comin Home Baby" is as great as any version of the tune – spanking and ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
The Wicked Pickett takes on "Funky Broadway" – and the result is even better than the original! The track's hard, funky, and has some great raw vocals – and it's backed here by "Sorry About That", a great Bobby Womack composition! 7-inch, Vinyl record
Two less-remembered Sam & Dave tunes from the Stax years – both written and produced by Issac Hayes and David Porter, but rediscovered years later after blockbuster sampling by DR Period for MOP! 7-inch, Vinyl record
Incredibly memorable stuff – and one of the greatest moments in Atlantic soul history! The Soul Clan is an assemblage of Atlantic's biggest male singers at the time – Joe Tex, Ben E King, Don Covay, Arthur Conley, and Solomon Burke – and the team trade lines back and forth in ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
Incredibly memorable stuff – and one of the greatest moments in Atlantic soul history! The Soul Clan is an assemblage of Atlantic's biggest male singers at the time – Joe Tex, Ben E King, Don Covay, Arthur Conley, and Solomon Burke – and the team trade lines back and forth in ... read more7-inch, Vinyl record
(Sleeve has some aging, slightly crinkled corners, and a small drillhole. Label has a drillhole.)