Good God (Heavy Funk Covers Of James Brown) - Various Artists

Advantages: Timeless REAL soul music
Disadvantages: Only 10 tracks

...of Sight Another of the ancient tracks on the album and a riproarer! It's very similar in feel and pace to Papa's Got A Brand New Bag. Starting with a chirpy bit of bass, James Brown comes straight in with the VERY 1960's soul lyric: "you got ya high heel sneakers on...". If you took the vocals away it would sound like the theme tune to "Bottom"! But that's a good thing, isn't it? Mark: 4/5 MBM: As it fades, Brown goes: "ooooooh....weeeeee" 10. Please, Please, Please This song is 48 years old and, although it sounds very much of its time, also sounds incredibly fresh. This was Brown's "pre-funk" period and the song is typical 50''s "doo-wop" with the emphasis on lush backing harmonies and 4/4 drums and bass and piano. Mark: 4/5 MBM: When the music stops and Brown pleads: "please, PLEASE, pleeeeease" GLARING OMISSIONS... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Great 80s Tunes
Disadvantages: Kate Bush TWICE

...sang some really good pop tunes with this being just one of them. A great song to dance to and if you listen to the lyrics it provides a great insight into Bobby's feelings at the time. 17. Cameo - Word Up This funk trio had a huge hit with this one (recently covered by Mel b for the Austin Powers film). To be honest I'm not that keen on it but fairly harmless at the same time. 18. Gwen Guthrie - Ain't Nothin Goin On But The Rent A former member of Cameo, this solo rendition was by far Gwen's biggest hit. Great lyrics and a wonderful soulful voice. 19. Soul II Soul feat Caron Wheeler - Keep On Movin I was never a big fan of Soul to Soul and this tune probably explains why this was the case. Soul II Soul were largely responsible for the early 90s dance music which swept the clubs up and down the country. 20. Neneh... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Soulful, genuine, funky, rare
Disadvantages: None

...form on this tune which sounds a lot like Repect Yourself, another diamond from this era. Mark: 4/5 YKSMIWSS: "Goddammit! Who is she and what is she to you" **9. Lyn Collins: Give It Up Or Turn It Loose** I like Lyn Collins. I've got a couple of her dusty old albums on vinyl and she hasn't cut a bad tune. Her voice is clear, pronounced and soulful and in the late 60's she was chosen by James Brown to join his "Funky People" collective. The lovely Lyn weighs in here with a cover of a Brown song and pisses on the original. More midtempo, brassy, funky stuff. There's a pattern developing here. Mark: 4/5 YKSMIWSS: "Hold on and squeeze me tight" (oo-er). **10. Marie "Queenie" Lyons: Your Thing Ain't No Good Without My Thing** This is an "answer record" to the Isley Brothers' It's My Thing. Are we getting the "thing" idea now... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful