The Jackson 5 – Dancing Machine / Get It Together [1975; Motown]

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Pulling both of its songs from the band’s 1973 album Get It Together, this single opens with that LP’s closing track, “Dancing Machine”, a finely-crafted piece of disco funk.  Pumping along on a firm percussion line, augmented with horns and bass, the group’s vocals sweep and slide, though the single version is unfortunately about a minute shorter than the LP cut.  The album’s opening title track is pushed to the B-side, but while it doesn’t hit the same highs of energy, it still turns out a solid groove, with the instruments upstaging the singers.  Quite a nice slice from the era.

Instant Funk – Bodyshine / Scream and Shout [1979; Salsoul Records]

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In “Bodyshine”, this single’s A-side, Instant Funk lyrically riff on their biggest hit, “I Got My Mind Made Up”, while working a disco funk groove.  Some elaborations and twists on the main melody do crop up, but for the most part, it’s a straight ride from start to finish.  The B-side, “Scream and Shout”, plays up the horns more while slowing the tempo, riding its chorus more heavily, and giving the punch-up points more impact.  A nice pair, but not as memorable as some of the band’s other material.

Here’s the cover art used in France.

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And in the Netherlands.

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