16 Slabs Of Funk - Jimmy Castor Bunch (The)

Advantages: Classic Hip Hop
Disadvantages: Ballards are weak

...it stayed like this, it wouldn't have allowed for tracks like "The Message", which go on a new angle to what the foundations of it concentrated on. 1. She's Fresh The sample of "It's Just Begun" by The Jimmy Castor Bunch sets the scene and gets you in the mood to party, as this is what this album is about. It is an exciting and jazzy track by the group who decide to get the listener moving with lots of of repettive lines and then some big breaks, which are announced with a remade version of Kurtis Blow's 1980 verison. **Four Stars** 2. It's Nasty Thsis one is based upon the funky "Genius of Love" by the Tom Tom Club, and from here they come out with an amazing party track which has them rap in the style which was extremly popular at the time as they rap in tune one line at a time before saying one line all together. It's one... Read review

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Advantages: Great introduction to a songwriting genius
Disadvantages: Will not be to everybody's taste

...of which are included here. When Jimmy was on the money, his writing couldn't be matched. He really was that good. I was fortunate to catch Jimmy live in England last year. Although now in his early sixties he's still full of energy and fun (full of banter of his frolics with drinking buddy Richard Harris whilst in England and Ireland). He played to a small crowd of around 200 and for the most part everyone was transfixed to this rather unremarkable man sat at his piano. Jimmy's own voice is pretty good and he sings on the one song on this compilation (the rather pleasant 'Didn't We'). Even the most hard hearted of listeners would not begrudge Jimmy the opportunity to sing one of his own tunes. If you don't think you know Jimmy Webb or his music, I'm willing to bet you'll be pleasantly suprised when you give this collection of songs... Read review

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Advantages: Big hit singles
Disadvantages: A few average tracks

...This Greatest Hits Collection was released in 1997. Jimmy first hit the charts in 1984 and then 8 years later, he was back! In August 1992, he scored a huge number one hit with "Ain't No Doubt", which was taken from the album "Growing Up In Public". I'm not entirely sure about the title of that album. Of all the artistes that could be deemed to have had to suffer growing up in public, to my mind, Nail isn't one of them. However, what about "The Nail File"?! Clever title! The first track is "Love Don't Live Here Anymore" and it's a great cover version. I've always loved this song. I like the original version and the Madonna version but Jimmy's is fantastic and it's nice to hear a man sing it. The second track is "Ain't No Doubt" which was Jimmy's big 1992 summer smash. It's quite amazing that he could have so... Read review

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