Funk You

Song of the Day - Roy Ayers / He's A Superstar

Roy Ayers, one of the great jazz vibraphonists of the 1960s and funk fusion greats of the 70's could take any subject and make it soulful and funky.

Let me start by saying that I'm not all that religious.  I am spiritual however.  This particular song praises Jesus Christ, the Superstar.  This song is so funk laiden and catchy it just makes you want to meet him, praise him and hang with him even if you're not religious.

Roy starts out with a diatribe, on corruption, destruction, and our fate.  The song then builds, and builds like a preacher firing up his congregation. 

Everything just works on this track.  The BPMs on this song are outta control as the drummer's beat is relentless.  The wah wah of the guitar never stops and keyboard baptises the rest of the song with it's groove.  Enjoy.

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Song of the Day - Fela Kuti / He Miss Road

Fela Kuti was the James Brown of Africa and the creator of Afro-Beat. Fela was born in Nigeria in 1938. His impact on the music scene was unmistakable. His politically driving songs are so powerful. The lyrics spoke of the common troubles Africans faced. He wanted a better Africa, one where human rights were the focus and the freedom of democracy would reign supreme.

His sound is unmistakable, his voice powerful, his band, talented. You cannot help but be drawn in by the might and forcefulness found in his passionate singing. Many of his songs would go on for what seemed like hours, each brining you on a journey. Like the up swell of a wave, each song would rise and rise until it crested. It is at this point in which Fela would leash out with the prowess of commander in chief, taking on any subject he felt important to take on.

This song's prelude is close to 5 minutes. He cleverly starts in with only humming to set the melody. Once this is done he breaks into a call and response with the background singers. It's monotonous but captivating, building into something that will hit you over the head like a ton of bricks. That crash hits you at about 10 minutes with the whole band raising up to add the exclamation point to the song, which in turn closes it out leaving the message ringing in your head. Did I mention that I love the keyboards. They sound like they're coming from a Casio keyboard but man does it sound just right.
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Videos of the Day / Sharon Jones

You would think Sharon Jones is a soul singer from the 70's when you hear her sing but you'd be dead wrong.  She started her career in the late 90's.  She has recently come out with a new album that is pretty smokin'.  Her record label, "Daptone Records" has some firey videos of her singing live, specifically the one of  her performing at The Knitting Factory.  You can also listen to her new album as well. 

Daptone has another artist you may be interested in as well.  If you're into Afrobeat, then check out Antibalas while your over on Dap's site.  They sound like Fela Kuti.  Nice. 

Song of the Day - Asiko / Hot Block

Here is a quick one for you. It's another great album from Ubiquity Records.  As with many of their artists, you will find hardly any information on the song or artist.  Same goes with this one.  Dig the keyboards on this one and the funky guitar.  Fresh like a moist towelette, I say.  This song has more of a funk fusion sound but it's not too far out there like most of the fusion that I've heard.  Hope you enjoy.

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Yo Yo Yo - Funky Fresh Funkalicious Back in Da House Soon

Hey kids....I'll be back soon.  Things are more or less good again, albeit super busy.  I'll put some tracks up later this week for ya'll to enjoy.  Thanks for everyone's well wishes.  It meant a lot. 

Best,

DJ Funkalicious

Sorry

Sorry about not making any posts this week.  I'm dealing with a few personal things and just haven't had the time or energy to post anything up.  I'll try to get something up this weekend.  Hope you're all doing well. 

DJF-

Song of the Day - Jimmy Castor Bunch / It's Just Begun

You know the intro, you know the bassline, you know the horn and sax work. You just may have not heard the original so here it is. You've inevitably heard this song at some point in your life on a hip hop song, dj mixes, or other encantation. The bass line in this song is sick. This has got to be one of my favorites as everything in this song just works

The Jimmy Castor Bunch had limited success during the 70's & 80's with songs like "The Bertha Butt Boogie" and "Troglodyte" both of which can be found on their greatest greatest hits album. Some of their songs are just plain odd. I mean they talk about king kong, the creature from the black lagoon, gamma radiation and other strange things. But, hey at least their songs don't contain bubble gum teenie pop love lyrics.

On a side note, Jimmy's website states that they have a new album coming out.  Seems like they're still playing live here and there.  Anyway, have a great weekend.

Song of the Day - The Unknown / Pad Out

Scottish DJ and record collector Keb Darge is huge in U.K.'s deep funk scene. On his Legendary Deep Funk V.3 album he has put together a cornucopia of deep funk 45s. Pad Out By "The Unknown" is simple in it's structure. It's got influences of James Brown and others. The drumming is tight and funky, the horn sets the melody and the bass line keeps it moving. It's raw but I like it. I tried to find more information on this band but it looks like they may have only really put out this one single.  I hope you enjoy.

Tsunami Relief

In light of the terrible events that have taken place in southern Asia and the surrounding areas I thought I should share some helpful information regarding this disaster.  The following Google link provides not only information but many links whereby you can donate to those in need of aid in the affected areas.

Mix of the Day - DJ Bluewater

DJ Bluewater aka Lou Villanueva is located out of New York city. His main focus is Rare Groove 45s and Drum & Bass. I listed a couple of his mixes way back and received good feedback from a few of you. Well, he just contacted me to let me know that he has a few more for you to check out. His new mixes are:
Go With It
Feelin' Fine
Dirty, Shady, Funky
Sad Sad Day (newest)

You can find his older mixes here and the newest here.  Enjoy!