Tag: funk

The Jimmy Castor Bunch – Space Age / Dracula Pt. II [1975; Atlantic]

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Bubbly synth and spangly guitar mark the A-side of this single, with Jimmy Castor singing about possibilities of the future.  Some firm grooves and rhythmic twists join well with the goofy nature of the lyrics, with the whole thing lighting on an upbeat vibe.  The B-side plays up a creepy bass riff, with electric organ backing, while the synth brings some tingling garnishes between the funkier vocalized sections.  Quite a fun pair, with more work put into developing the atmospheres than might be expected for such short songs.

James Brown – Funky President (People It’s Bad) / Coldblooded [1974; Polydor]

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Bopping along on a popping beat between the drums and bass, the A-side of this single (pulled from the ‘74 album Reality) features James Brown giving general upbeat encouragement about perseverance.  Horns and guitar touch-ups add further flair, bringing it all together for a memorably hooky piece.  The B-side, taken from Brown’s other 1974 album, Hell, rides a shuffling guitar riff through warnings against taking too many risks.  A slick bridge ups the intensity before sliding back into the horn flourishes, a repeat of the earlier lyrics, and woodblock punctuation.  A cool pair, with the sampling of both of Brown’s ‘74 albums as a bonus.

Here’s the cover art used in Germany.

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In the Netherlands.

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And in Belgium.

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