2 great tunes from Johnny Williams – an obscure Tyrone Davis-like singer who recorded briefly for Gamble & Huff at the beginning of the 70s, but never cut a full LP. Johnny's got a great voice – a bit rough, but matched here with smooth arrangements, in a style that's almost a 70s ... (Funky 45's) read more7-inch, Vinyl record
(In a Philly International sleeve, with some numbers written in pen. Includes jukebox strips.)
Nice! We don't know if this is the same Love, Devotion, & Happiness that later recorded for RCA – but the single's an obscure one, on a tiny Chicago label, with arrangements by Tom Tom Washington. "Joy Sweet Joy" is a nice mellow mid-tempo track, with a dope production sound, ... (Funky 45's) read more7-inch, Vinyl record
(Vinyl has an edge chip, and plays with a click at the very beginning of "Joy")
Forget the a-side, because the b-side's the killer! "Tuck's Theme" is a great instrumental – slow organ bubbling underneath a building bass, horns sliding over the top as the whole thing vamps along, but the groove always staying in the dark corners that make it so compelling! (Funky 45's) 7-inch, Vinyl record
One of our favorite ever singles from Chicago! "Chinatown" is a hilarous (and slightly racist) soul track about the asian community, with some great fake "Chinese" singing. Very much in the tradition of tracks like "Ling Ting Tong"! (Funky 45's) 7-inch, Vinyl record
A sweet one! Both sides are recorded during the period when Garland switched from soul to blues – but "IOU" is still a great track, and kind of a heartfelt spoken number that says "thanks to mom!" in a way that only Garland could make us appreciate! Recorded at Muscle ... (Funky 45's) read more7-inch, Vinyl record
Two nice hard-to-find sides by this great Philly soul group. "You're the Reason Why" is a great mixed male/female group cut, with a sweet soul tempo and a male vocal lead. "Sexy Ways" is uptempo with a rolling Gamble/Huff style – rougher and funkier than usual, in kind ... (Funky 45's) read more7-inch, Vinyl record
Obscure mid period material from Garland! "Just Loving You" is a really wonderful number – midtempo, in kind of a Spinners Philly groove, which is a perfect match for Garland's slightly breaking vocals, crackling with that warm honesty that really makes the track sparkle! The flip' ... (Funky 45's) read more7-inch, Vinyl record
One of the best versions of "Funky Four Corners" we've ever heard! The bass is rattling along at a level so loud and heavy that it's bound to pop the top off your speaker – while Jerry screams and shouts his way through the lyrics in a way that would make James Brown proud, a fact ... (Funky 45's) read more7-inch, Vinyl record
"Keep It To Yourself" is a fantastic fantastic fantastic soul track, and probably the greatest cut ever to come from the pen of Billy Butler. Billy performs it here with his group Infinity, and the track rivals anything his brother Jerry ever did. It's got a sweet sad ballad feel, and ... (Funky 45's) read more7-inch, Vinyl record
A great set of wedding bells ring out at the start of the tune – but things soon get raw and romping as Melvin Davis takes over – really hitting this soaring vocal range as the tune stomps, vamps, and grooves with a sweet blend of organ, piano, and saxophone! The flipside features ... (Funky 45's) read more7-inch, Vinyl record
Two rare KPM sound library grooves – back to back on a single piece of wax! "Name Of The Game" is fantastic – slow funk, but super-heavy – with measured drums that space things out as keyboards really take their time to build up the mood, before serving up a mighty ... (Funky 45's) read more7-inch, Vinyl record
Nothing too blue about this nude – as the tune's a sexy little romp, and one that nicely mixes up acoustic guitar, floating violin, and romping rhythms – all set to some cool offbeat lyrics! The tune's an overlooked funky soundtrack cut from Piero Umiliani – and it's backed here ... (Funky 45's) read more7-inch, Vinyl record
(Limited edition of 500 copies.)
Piero Umiliani —
News/Top Secret ... 7-inch Easy Tempo (Italy), 1980. New Copy (pic cover)...
$14.9918.99
The news is pretty darn jazzy here – thanks to a quick-stepping bassline, cool marimba, and snapping snare – all of which give "News" a very groovy jazz soundtrack feel – like something lifted off an obscure soundtrack from the early 60s! But halfway through, some cool ... (Funky 45's) read more7-inch, Vinyl record
A killer bit of New Jersey soul from the 70s – and one of our favorite Moments tracks ever! Harry Ray steps out as the lead of the group on this one – but is still supported by some great Moments harmonies at times. But the real appeal of the track is the amazing arrangement – ... (Funky 45's) read more7-inch, Vinyl record
(White label pressing. Vinyl has a tiny drill hole.)
A great return to form for the legendary Sidney Barnes – known best as a onetime member of both Rotary Connection and the P-Funk universe – but working here with great small combo backing from the Speedometer combo! "Best Thing" is an original by Barnes – sung in this ... (Funky 45's) read more7-inch, Vinyl record