Like Aretha Franklin, Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Stevie Wonder, James Brown possessed the uncanny ability of having a distinguished, instantly recognisable and unique vocal style of his own. In his case, his primal vocal delivery was capable of such immense and impressive volume and power that was purely adrenalin-driven.
Visually, James Brown was a larger-than-life figure from his wildly over-the-top slicked hairdo to his acrobatic, athletic-like dancing in his seemingly improvised stage performances. James Brown just effortlessly conveyed such raw and passionate energy both on stage and on record. He quickly became one of the giants and most important names in black music history.
He has apparently disputed his birth on a number of occasions for some unknown reason though it is most commonly believed to be somewhere in Georgia, USA. James was certainly no stranger
to poverty and had a struggling upbringing and whilst still at school, he worked constantly as a shoe shiner and a newspaper boy. It was during his childhood that he became super-proficent on the piano, organ, bass and drums.
James Brown became widely known for his catchphrase "I'm black and i'm proud". He stood for a lot in black culture and equally became an innovator and inspiration for whites too. His work explored relevant social issues and often made some sort of profound political statement though he fully maintained that raw, burning sexual energy taht made so much of his music dynamic.
It was from around 1965 to the mid 1970's that James Brown enjoyed his most commercially favourable period and indeed during this time he made some of the most remarkable recordings in popular music that set standards for many of todays artists.
The roaring Papas Got A Brand New Bag was a cross-Atlantic smash hit in 1965. Undertones of pure, pulsating funk wrapped up dynamically by James Browns explosive and rocketing vocal delivery made this instantly infectious track such a phenomenal classic.
James Brown style always carried an earthy, urban R&B style that encapsulated traditional black soul with gospel undertones and a hint of Pop, hence why he enjoyed so much cross-ver success on the charts. Upbeat in its content was the astounding I Got You (I Feel Good) which was most certainly an ultimately feel-good song. It contained such an undeniably catchy hook to its melody.
It's A Mans, Mans, Mans World is one of my all-time favourite James Brown classics. His angst-ridden delivery which impressively surfboards along the somewhat complex, tidal wave of musical arrangements, is so gutwrenchingly soulful. Only an artist with as much credibility, skill and artistic integrity as James Brown could deliver such a rock-solid performance. This is his song and nobody could possibly do it better! EXCELLENT!
The repetitive rhythm of (Get Up I Feel Like Being A) Sex Machine, was almost hypnotic and became something of his trademark. This became another notably sizeable hit to his credit and also was one of his most famous and popular classics.
At the emerging of the Black Pride Movement following the horrendous riots of the civil rights wars in the 60's, James Brown made a significant contribution with his music. The explicity political and undeniably effective, Say It Loud, I'm Black and I'm Proud, became a monster hit and indeed was another masterpiece recording to his credit.
Continuing his dance-floor appeal through the late 60's were the dynamic classics Say It Loud and the compelling masterpiece, Give It Up Or Turn It Loose, which stormed its way up the British and Amercian charts in 1969.
The trance-like electronic funk styles of solid soul classics such as Super Bad, Get Up, Get Into It And Get Involved, Talkin' Loud And Sayin Nothing, Soul Power and a fantastic live intepretation of Give It Up Or Turn It Loose all became other landmarks in his lengthy career. The critics had by now fully recognised his genius and artistic efforts with his work meeting with such wide critical acclaim.
Into the seventies and James Brown continued churning out exciting classics such as Escapism, Get On The Good Foot, Stoned To The Bone, The Payback. They all contained hard-grinding and startling guirtar riffs that proved highly effective.
But the regularity of his hits and the fire in his work began to dwindle though he remains an A-list novelty act.
This compilation gathers his most remarkable period between the mid 60's to mid 70's therefore is essential!
Ian Phillips
July 2006
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Papa'S Got A Brand New Bag I Got You (I Feel Good) It's A Man's Man's Man's World ... more
Please Please Please Think Night Train Cold Sweat Give It Up Or Turn It A Loose Funky Drummer Get Up (I Feel Like Being A ) Sex Machine (Part 1 And 2)...
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