The C.O.D.'s

I haven't really posted any obscure old soul yet, so I decided to break in the blog with a 1965 soul track "Cry No More" by the C.O.D.'s. This Chicago based group was headed by Larry Brownlee who eventually went on to create the group Lost Generation, for whom I will eventually post. The lo-fi sound to this cut gives it extra personality, check out the guitar work.

The DT6

Back like crack with some more funk for dat ass. DT6 is the house band for Starla Records out of Glasgow, Scotland. You wouldn't think of Scotland as being a hot bed for some nasty funk, it goes to show that funk can originate in the least likely of places. This track "The Baden Persuader" sounds like the soundtrack for Knight Rider with heavy Eastern influences, coupled with some hard-hitting horns and organ. I can't stop listening to this, it's been on repeat in the Shark for a while now- it gets me going every time I listen to it. I'm also throwing in another track titled "Don't Doubt Me" that was just recently released. A great funk instrumental in its own right, but it's hard to top the Persuader. Enjoy.

Keep it Hood

It's officially the weekend, time to get crunk. Project Pat, brother of Three 6 Mafia co-founder Juicy J, released Real Recognize Real earlier this year. The hit single "Keep it Hood" featuring OJ Da Juiceman uses a soul sample and a ridiculous beat that definitely keeps it hood. (By the way, if anyone recognizes the sample let me know) Project Pat gained his notoriety when he collaborated on Three 6's "Sippin' on Some Syrup" back in 2000, and since then has been putting out some filthy shit. It's impossible to write about these furls seriously, just do as Pat and the Ju-Man tell ya, "Keep It Hood" Aye. Ok.

Demon Fuzz

Demon Fuzz was a band out of the UK that released Afreaka! in '70, a crazy combination of afro jazz, dub, and straight up rock. This track "Disillusioned Man," contains some bongo, organ, and sax that produces a great sound. When I first came along this album, the cover art tripped me out as much as the music- I don't know what these seven guys were on, but it had to be something pretty damn good. Teddy has also sent me some new 60's garage and some music from China that I will post soon, so I've also thrown in a track by the Pleasure Seekers called "What a Way to Die." This proves once again that if you send or give me music, I will post it! Thanks again for the support Teddy, keep up the good work.

http://www.mediafire.com/?monne21ycgz

Gobble Gobble

Tryptophan has kicked in, so I'll keep this post short. When I was cooking earlier today, I was listening so some old surf and funk 45's. I've included two tracks, a great spacey surf joint titled "Interplanetaire" by the Les Talismans and a killer funk instrumental "A Day In the Life" by Chocolate Snow. Hope everyone had a good turkey day, don't shit your pants.

http://www.divshare.com/download/9511876-987

The Ponys

The Ponys formed in late 2000 and released their first two albums on In the Red Records, eventually signing with Matador Records out of New York and releasing Turn the Lights Out in '07. This album includes the track "Double Vision" which has been pretty addictive; it's a combination of garage, indie, and a little pop psychedelia that works well. This usually isn't my style, but this track has an infectious and very catchy feel to it, so I've decided to see what you think. Check it.
http://www.mediafire.com/?yzdz0n2gk2z

Arthur Russell

I have to give a big shout out to my main man Dick Clark for introducing me to this track a few years back, "Is It All Over My Face?" by Loose Joints is an underground disco joint put out on West End Records in "80. This track was produced by the enigmatic Arthur Russell, a composer/producer (originally from Iowa) who made some experimental disco during the tail end of the New York disco scene in the late 70's and early 80's. Many say this track is one of the foundations of house music, but I wouldn't know because I can't stand that shit. Regardless, this track is a dance floor burner, it's unique simplicity and great clap beat is sure to make you move yo' ass. If you dig this, check out Dinosaur L who consists of Loose Joints same lineup, another dope record that was produced by Russell. By the way Clark, where my next mix at?
http://www.mediafire.com/?rqkm5lmmqmj

Da Wyld Chyld

Big ups to that super furl Wyld Chyld for this next installment of tracks, he slapped me across the face with this 60+ mad mix playlist, a genuine effort indeed. Rumor has it he was extremely intoxicated at the time he made it, which only makes it that much better- a true variety of obscure and ridiculous dopeness. As I sort through all of this shit, I've selected a couple of tracks that caught me right off the bat, the rest will be posted later. We start off with a track from Johnny Kidd and the Pirates titled "Shakin All Over." This 1960 British garage classic contains one of the best opening guitars ever. The next two tracks are psychedelic acoustics: Rodriguez with "Sugar Man," off his debut Cold Heat in '70 and Donovan with "Hurdy Gurdy Man," the title track off his album in '68. I finish with the Devil's Anvil heavy sitar jam "Wala Dai," a bouncy dance track off Hard Rock From the Middle East in '67. Really good shit. Way to bring the ice cold heat banger, you really topped yourself this time.
http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=396c2748091a7bc00c814df2efeadc50277de539920146f8ea4ac78345cbe4ce

Charlie Feathers

I have been experiencing some technical difficulties with my piece of shit computer, resulting in a missed post yesterday. Hopefully I can make it up to you by switching it up a little bit with some classic rockabilly by none other than Charlie Feathers. I have always had a deep appreciation for Feathers, his unique style of dark twangy hick-up induced rockabilly has not received the credit it deserves- he was relatively unknown before his track "That Certain Female" appeared in Kill Bill Vol. 1 back in 2001. Feathers started at the infamous Sun Records as a session musician until releasing the single "Defrost Your Heart" in 1956. He then signed with King records where he did probably his best work, going on to record music until 1993. I've included a couple of my favorite tracks from Charlie, including "I Can't Hardly Stand It" which you may recognize- the Cramps covered it on their album Bad Music For Bad People way back in '84.

Little Bob and the Lollipops

This '65 swamp pop classic out of Louisiana always finds a way to creep back into my rotation, probably because it's one of the best songs to drink to- which I tend to do quite a bit of. I think I was introduced to this track by DJ Wyld Chyld when he was spinning soul way back, I remember taking shots and singing this track at the top of my lungs repeatedly, good tines. The track title "I Got Loaded" sums it up nicely, it's the perfect party track- high energy, great lyrics, and that signature Louisiana sound. Pour a whiskey, gin, or wine and feel this one. "You know I feel all right."
http://www.mediafire.com/?jnknyihc4jw

Omecron

Since winter is upon us, I figured I would post one of my favorite songs about autumn before it ends. This very rare German kraut 7 inch is a dark take on the feeling of an impending winter, which means a lot more rain- at least where I reside. Weather aside, this track "Autumn" by Omecron is a psych dandy with impressive vocals, when I first picked this up, I couldn't stop listening to it. See if it has the same effect on you. I have absolutely no information on this band, there was none to find. The other track on the record is "Walking Around" which is equally good, I'll post it eventually.
http://www.mediafire.com/?4z4omknmmjz

Master's Hammer

The last couple posts have been a little too cute, so I've decided to bring down the hammer- the Master's Hammer that is. This Czech black metal band formed in '83, but didn't put out their first album Ritual until '91. It's almost impossible to describe these guys, they have had a cult following in the underground black metal scene for some time- it's very easy to say if you like black metal, you will love Master's Hammer. When you listen to this, get out all of your aggression, just promise me not to burn your house down. This track "A Fall of Idol" off Ritual is a nice reminder to say fuck off to all that new fake metal bullshit.
http://www.mediafire.com/?noywmyggyih

Michael Leonhart & The Asvamina 7

Truth and Soul Records have been putting out some killer releases lately, and this jam could easily be on the top of the list. You will be getting a steady dose of Truth and Soul Records considering two or three of my favorite bands are on the label, such as El Michels Affair and Lee Fields and the Expressions. Accomplished jazz trumpeter, singer, songwriter, and session musician Michael Leonhart has worked with the likes of A Tribe Called Quest, David Byrne, and believe it or not- Steely Dan! He has been working with Steely since 1996, and has decided to bring the fire with this recording. This track is titled "Scopolamine," a repetitive unforgiving trumpet and drums that is extremely simple and raw, yet highly effective. This experimental track is unlike anything I've heard before, see if you like it and don't be shy, leave a comment! Apparently many people have had troubles trying to leave comments, I apologize- it is fixed now and should be self explanatory.
http://www.mediafire.com/?jmdmjzqnyy3

Church.

It's Sunday and time for church, that is the church of football. Since the Bears are playing like shit this year, I've decided to relive past NFL glory with today's post. The following Sam Spence classics of NFL Films is the best way to ring in any given Sunday, the perfect soundtrack for gridiron greatness. These tracks take me back to watching slow-motion highlights on NFL Films behind the voice of John Facenda, or as some like to call him "The Voice of God." These orchestral masterpieces bleed football, but also may interest all of you who could care less about the game. If you don't like Spence, I've tossed in Lionel Richie's "Easy Like a Sunday Morning," which warrants no further explanations. Bear Down Chicago Bears!
http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=396c2748091a7bc00c814df2efeadc50dd9b46d172db1e1f416b94653a3044fd

Orgone

Usually funk revival is a slippery slope, but the Ubiquity and Daptone labels have been holding it down for the genre- the album by Orgone on Ubiquity titled The Killion Floor is a perfect example of some cats that don't play when it comes to bringing back the old school funk. This track "Sophisticated Honky" contains a dope funk riff with some major horns. Check it out.
http://www.mediafire.com/?mjt1hm2dmzg

Etta James

It's Friday, and you're probably broke, which means there isn't a better time to let loose in the basement- or wherever you relax at the domicile. Etta James and Sugar Pie DeSanto bring some major funk with "In the Basement,Part 1," reminding everyone you don't need to go out to get down. This track was released on Cadet records very early in both artists careers, it exemplifies energy and soul power with a touch of 50's rock and roll. If this doesn't make you want to shake your ass, then you're probably dead inside. As we all know James went on to have major commercial success with Chess Records with hits like "At Last," but I've always enjoyed Etta's funkier and darker tracks- so I've also thrown in "All the Way Down" to round out this post dedicated to one of the queens of soul.
http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=396c2748091a7bc00c814df2efeadc50777600bf9b61b05977b784fef9ed9be3

Lil' Patches

The following entry is straight out the archives of Drayton Sawyer, or as I know him-Lil' Patches. It wouldn't be fitting not include Lil' Patches theme song on his first post, so I've thrown in Clarence Carter's classic "Patches" to kick things off. This mix of chunky metal and soul has no fillers, but I can't get it all on one post, so I've taken the liberty of choosing five tracks that represent nicely. First is a gritty soul track by Johnny Mae Mathews entitled "That's When it Hurts," a slow burner that sounds very similar to Wendy Rene. The next two tracks are 70's British bands, one glam rock track by Be Bop Deluxe entitled "Axe Victim," headed by guitarist, artist, and always theatrical Bill Nelson. The next track is by the prog-rock, heavy Wishbone Ash called "Runaway." They achieved decent success in England during the mid 70's, but never really broke out in the States. The fifth track is some new sludge metal from Wino entitled "Silver Lining" off the album Punctuated Equilibrium released early this year. Finally, the last track is my favorite, it comes from a local Portland band Purple Rhinestone Eagle. Thanks for the good work Patches, HUH!
http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=396c2748091a7bc00c814df2efeadc502d9b41d746e51b6ab878de785cc0f59e

The Turtles?

I was at a random house party three or four years ago, when this 45 was played. It was an amazing piece of fuzzy, surfy, funky organ, 60's garage that I had never heard before. Very curious, I asked the guy spinning who it was, and he replied, "The Turtles." I replied, "You mean, the "So Happy Together" Turtles?" I thought he was completely full of shit and just being a prick, so I left it at that. I randomly came across the track while online earlier, and sure as shit it was the Turtles. Apparently they were a bunch of funky wasted surf cats before their eventual lameness, this track "Buzz Saw" rips and jumps off the vinyl- play it real loud.
http://www.mediafire.com/?mniyoittk2m

Stones Throw

Stones Throw Records has always been a reliable source for good underground hip-hop, with artists such as Madlib and J-Dilla. Recently they have expanded their horizons with a couple of talented white boys, James Pants and Mayer Hawthorne. One track from each of their new albums will be featured here, "We're Through" by Pants and "Just Ain't Gonna Work Out" by Hawthorne. Pants hails from Spokane, WA of all places, while Hawthorne grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan. His music is heavily influenced by Motown, and he is able to pull it off unlike many before him- it sounds original and fresh. It's a little hokey and poppy, but grows on you like a fungus. Pants is more of a DJ, his beats are also original and very accessible. Enough descriptions, just check this shit out and tell me if you like.
http://www.mediafire.com/?cimjzomkdd3
http://www.mediafire.com/?nno4vlvgihn

Little Beaver

Another old school gem from the year of 1974, Party Down by Little Beaver brings some serious soul and funk. The title track was fairly well received on the '74 R&B charts, but the real standout is "Welcome to the Party Life," which I've included along with another track "Money Vibrations." Most of you are probably wondering why he chose to be named Little Beaver, apparently it was a childhood nickname due to his large teeth. As you can tell by the album cover, Beaver got down in Miami back in the day, some real superfly shit. I've been looking for as much Miami funk as possible to feed my insatiable appetite, so hook me up if you possess anything from the sunshine state. Kick back and move to this, you won't be dissatisfied.
http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=396c2748091a7bc00c814df2efeadc50e543e0839c5c91fcd9ecd7d091ba63d2

Chrissy Zebby Tembo

This 1974 Zambia gem is the perfect start to another week, some needed sunshine to get your week started. These fuzzy, feel good psych treasures are infectious and nostalgic, while also maintaining a level of youthful simplicity. I've attached three of my favorite tracks off the album, including "Feeling Good," which resonates with Chrissy's soft vocal style and catchy wah wah guitar hooks. Enjoy.
http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=396c2748091a7bc00c814df2efeadc50698823a5d59953396d217c73094ddc3b

MAO!

Today's post is dedicated to that Furl over in Vietnam, Teddy boy. The following installment is a combination of two Thai funk compilations, one track from Ted off the comp Thai funk Zudrangma Vol. 2 and three tracks off the comp Thai Pop Spectacular. Both albums are full of Thai funk rarities, check out the english translations of the names. "You Should Die By Bullets" is my personal favorite.
http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=396c2748091a7bc00c814df2efeadc50449a36d2b345034be91dc00c2f906379

Kid Congo

Kid Congo Powers is back, this time with The Pink Monkey Birds. Their release on In the Red Records earlier this year entitled Dracula Boots has officially fucked me up, it is shaping up to be one of my favorite albums of the year. I missed them at Garagefest a few weeks back, apparently they kicked some serious ass. This is not surprising considering Congo's past membership in a few bands- The Cramps, Gun Club, and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. Not a bad resume. Use your imagination on this one- it's a cocktail of 60's garage rock psychedelia fused with old school Chicano rock, with a bunch of surprising mixers that somehow work to make one hell of a beverage. This album is a perfect soundtrack for a late night of naughtiness, or whatever you want to call it. I've thrown in a couple tracks that are good feelers, see if you like it as much as I do. Trust me, you will.
http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=396c2748091a7bc00c814df2efeadc5017e6060f0812b4e892595bc19e6628dc

Jesse Mae Hemphill

The raw, stripped down, haunting North Mississippi blues of Jesse Mae Hemphill is a testament to the old blues sound of the Delta, even though her biggest years of production were in the early 80's. The track is off the compilation album Get Right Blues released in '94, which is a great introduction to her work if you like her. This song entitled "Go Back to Your Used to Be" contains her signature singing style, electric guitar, and foot tambourine.
http://www.mediafire.com/?gucnblz52zz

Three 6 Mafia

Considering this is my first post, it would only be right to dedicate it to some seasoned veterans of crunk. The slowed down party anthems of the dirty south started in my collection as a novelty and have now transformed into an addiction. I've included three tracks from those dirty Memphis boys that I can't get enough of. Two of the tracks are from each solo LP of Juicy J's Hustle Till I Die and DJ Paul's Scale-A-Ton, which are dope respectively. The third track is off Trae's new album Restless, featuring Three 6 and Paul Wall. Roll up that kush and pour that drank, this shit is bangin.
http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=396c2748091a7bc00c814df2efeadc50914f766e0b119fbff0a154af670496da