FUNKY-SOUL-VINYLS-BLOG

THE 141st MIX FOR F.S.V.B

2012-05-23T18:49:00.001+01:00

Here's the 141st Mix selection for F.S.V.B, Its been Submitted to the Website "6 Million Steps", by Alan Champ, Its from a Series of 5 Mixes, (and this is the Last Mix) Featuring Music from the Great Record Label "Philadelphia International" its called "6MS Philly Mix-5" I have Featured All the Mixes over the Last Month, there's some Classic Philly Tracks on here, including some Teddy Pendergrass, Jean Carne, O'Jays, Billy Paul, Archie Bell & the Drells, and Jerry Butler!

Press play button below, check Full playlist here!

THE GREATEST SOUL SINGER OF ALL TIME....MARVIN GAYE

2012-05-21T19:29:00.001+01:00

Marvin Gaye in 1973 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In this Series of Posts, I will writing about the Artist's who are in My "Greatest Ever Soul Singer of All-Time" Poll.

The Poll is over to the Right of the Blog, it has been Running for a Couple of Weeks now, so if You haven't already Voted, Please do so!

In these Post's, I will write a few Facts, Figures, Stats and Interesting Stuff on the Artist in Question, I will also include a Playlist of their 20 Greatest Songs.

I will Write a Post on each Artist in Order of "Top to Bottom" of the Poll!

ARTIST NUMBER 2..................MARVIN GAYE

Marvin Pentz Gay Jr was Born on April 2, 1939 in Washington DC, He was One of Four Children, His Father was a Minister and his Mother was a School Teacher.

He was Multi Talented being a Singer, Songwriter, Composer, Record Producer and a Multi Instrument Musician, including Keyboards, Drums, Percussion, Clavinet, Piano and Synthesizers.

He only ever Recorded for 2 Record Labels, Motown and Columbia.

He started His Musical Career in the Late 50's, when He joined a Doo Wop Group Called "the Moonglows"

The Moonglows Disbanded in 1960, and Marvin Gay's Solo Career Started when He Joined "Motown" the same Year as a Session Drummer!

Marvin Gay's Early Singing Efforts were either Standard's and Jazz Recording's, the Opposite of Most of the Motown Act's of that Era, who Sang R&B.

Even at this Early stage Marvin Gay had plenty of Run-ins and Argument's with Motown Founder and Owner "Berry Gordy"

One of His First Professional Jobs for Motown was as a Drummer for "The Miracles" this is where MG struck up his Life Long Friendship with "Smokey Robinson"

Marvin Gay added an "E" to His Surname to coincide with His Debut Single Release in May 1961, the Track was called "Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide" it Flopped in the US apart from the Mid West!

His Second Single also Flopped in Early 1962, that was Called "Sandman" and the Debut Album Released the Previous Year also flopped, that was Called "The Soulful Moods Of Marvin Gaye"

Around this Period "Marvin Gaye" was having more Success behind the Scenes, Session Drumming for the likes of: Mary Wells, Contours, The Marvellettes, Supremes, Martha Reeves and Little Stevie Wonder!

Three of Motown Hits around this time, Featured Marvin Gaye on the Drums, they were: Fingertips by Little Stevie Wonder, Please Mr Postman by The Marvellettes and Dancing In The Street by Martha Reeves and the Vandellas!

In 62 and 63 Marvin Gaye was part of "The Motortown Revue Show" this meant He was nearly certain to have His First Hit with His 4th Single Release in the Spring of 63, which was called "Pride & Joy" it Reached Number 10 on the US Hot 100 Chart.

Later that Same Year He had his Second Hit Single with "Can I Get A Witness" and more "Hits" were to follow over the next few Years!

In Early 1967 His First Duet Hit happened with "Kim Weston" it was called "It Takes Two" by Late 67 MG had teamed up with "Tammi Terrell" and Several Hit Duets were shortly to follow.

By 1970 Marvin Gaye has Released 10 Album's, all on the Motown/Tamla Record Label, but in 1971 He became the First Black Artist to Release an "Concept Album" it was called "What's Going On" most of the Tracks Segued into the next, and the Subject matter of the Album, was War, Drug Abuse, Polictics, Enviroment and Poverty.

The Album was Marvin Gaye's First Number 1 on the US R&B Chart.

He would Release 6 more Albums Before His Untimely Death on 1st April 1984, he was Fatally Wounded by a Bullet, Shot by His Father!

His Last Studio Recorded Album was "Midnight Love" on the Columbia Record Label, 3 more Albums were Released after His Death, 2 on Columbia and 1 on Motown Record Label.

Throughout His Life, He had a Constant Battle with Depression, Money and Drugs, these all seemed to come together and were the Probable Cause of his Early Death.

Marvin Gaye's Complete Discography:

19 Studio Albums

7 Duet Albums

4 Live Albums

24 Compilation Albums

83 Single Releases.

Checkout my More In-Depth Post's concerning Marvin Gaye's Personal and Musical Life: Press Here

marvin gaye greatest hits by funkysoulvinyls on Grooveshark

THE 140th MIX FOR F.S.V.B

2012-05-16T19:39:00.001+01:00

Here's the 140th Mix selection for F.S.V.B, Its been Submitted to the Website "6 Million Steps", by Alan Champ, Its from a Series of 5 Mixes, Featuring Music from the Great Record Label "Philadelphia International" its called "6MS Philly Mix-4" I will be Featuring All the Mixes over the Next Month, there's some Classic Philly Tracks on here, including some Teddy Pendergrass, Jean Carne, O'Jays, M.F.S.B, Billy Paul, Archie Bell & the Drells, and Dexter Wansel!

Press play button below, check Full playlist here!

MOVING TO NORWICH and ANN PEEBLES

2012-05-13T19:32:00.000+01:00

February 1987, We had been Living in Our House for 5 Years by then, and we were thinking about Moving House, we were going to Try and Move about 20 Miles away, to Norwich!

Now at this time, we were Living in a Local Council House, Paying Rent on a Monthly Basis, so we had to find somebody to swap Houses with, and this we did!

We didn't have much Idea what that Area was Like in Norwich, so one day we went for a Drive around that Area, it seemed OK, but we wasn't sure, so we decided to go to the Local Police House!

It was only a Small Police Office with 1 or 2 Copper's Working there, so we went in and Told them what was happening with Us, i.e Moving and we asked them about the Area and they said it was "Fine and a Decent Area"

"What a Load of Cr*p" that Turned out to be (more on this later), anyway we Decided for Definite to Move, and went back Home and over the following few Weeks made all the Arrangements etc to Move!

This House Move all Happened the same time I left my Employment at "King's Casino" so I was trying to sort a Job as well.

We had decided that at the Same time as Moving, I was going to go Self-Employed for the First Time in my Life, and not Working for somebody Else or a Company!

I was going to get some Help with Money from my Parents to get Started in Business, more on this next time and how it became a Big Mistake, Moving to Norwich in the First Place!
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As for some Music, Back in 1973, (40 Years Old Next Year!) Ann Peebles Released Her 9th Single out of 18, that Charted on the US R&B Chart "I'm Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down"

Ann Peebles was the Only Female On the Hi Record Label and the Song was Produced by Al Green's Producer "Willie Mitchell" and the Track was Written by Earl Randel.

The Track Reached Number 31 on the US R&B Chart.

It was included on the Album "I Can't Stand The Rain" which was Released the Following Year in 1974.

Also Featured on the Track, are the Famous Memphis Horns and Hi Rhythm Sections.

What a Great Track this is, Typical Memphis Southern Soul!

THE 139th MIX FOR F.S.V.B

2012-05-09T18:57:00.000+01:00

Here's the 139th Mix selection for F.S.V.B, Its been Submitted to the Website "6 Million Steps", by Alan Champ, Its from a Series of 5 Mixes, Featuring Music from the Great Record Label "Philadelphia International" its called "6MS Philly Mix-3" I will be Featuring All the Mixes over the Next Month, there's some Classic Philly Tracks on here, including some Teddy Pendergrass, Jean Carne, O'Jays, M.F.S.B, Jerry Butler, Archie Bell & the Drells, and Dexter Wansel!

Press play button below, check Full playlist here!

THE GREATEST SOUL SINGER OF ALL TIME....LUTHER VANDROSS

2012-05-06T18:00:00.000+01:00

In this Series of Posts, I will writing about the Artist's who are in My "Greatest Ever Soul Singer of All-Time" Poll.

The Poll is over to the Right of the Blog, it has been Running for a Couple of Weeks now, so if You haven't already Voted, Please do so!

In these Post's, I will write a few Facts, Figures, Stats and Interesting Stuff on the Artist in Question, I will also include a Playlist of their 20 Greatest Songs.

I will Write a Post on each Artist in Order of "Top to Bottom" of the Poll!

ARTIST NUMBER 1..................LUTHER VANDROSS

Luther Ronzoni Vandross was Born in New York City on the 13th April 1951, He was a Songwriter, Singer & Producer!

During his Career He Sold Over 25 Million Records and Won 8 Grammy Awards.

His Solo Album & Singles Career was as Follows: 14 Studio Albums, 1 Live Album, 1 Christmas Album and 17 Compilation Albums, a Total of 33 Albums and He Released a Total of 59 Singles!

Of course He was also Featured on Many other Artist's Albums, and Singing Lead with Other Acts including Change and Greg Diamond's Bionic Boogie, He also had a Couple of Early Album Releases in the Late 1970's, under His Own Name, See Album Link at end of Post!

A Brief History of Luther Vandross Follows:

His Father had Died from Diabetes when he was 8 Years Old, also in later Life LV's Brother and Sister were to Die from the same Illness, this was to Plague LV through his life, He and his family Moved to "The Bronx" when He was 13 Year's old.

In 1969 when He was 18, LV Appeared in a Couple of Episodes of "Sesame Street"

In 1970 He Attended the "Western Michigan University" but after 1 Year He Dropped out to Pursue a Career in Music.

During the Early 70's to Mid 70's LV had Writing Credits on Albums by Several Artist's including Roberta Flack and David Bowie.

By 1974 He was Singing Backing Vocals to David Bowie on His "Young Americans" Tour!

In 1975 Luther Vandross Wrote a Song that was Featured in the Broadway Musical "The Wiz"

During the Mid 70's LV had Sung Backing Vocals to Many of the Top Artist's of the Day including Diana Ross, Roberta Flack, Carly Simon, Chaka Khan, Donna Summer, Barbra Streisand and Chic.

During the late 70's LV Recorded a Couple Albums with a Couple of other Performer's under his own name "Luther" These as Mentioned before are Linked below.

In 1978 LV sung Lead Vocal's on an Album by Greg Diamonds Bionic Boogie, it was Called "Hot Butterfly" this Track is still Played Today, some 32 Year's later!

Then in 1980 Luther Vandross made His Big Breakthrough with the Band "Change"

He was Lead Singer on "Change's" Debut Album "The Glow of Love" which this was a Single Release and Hit as was
the Track "Searching"

But by 1981 after Arguments over Money, LV Left Change, but During that Year He had Signed a Solo Deal with Epic Records and Released His first Solo Album "Never Too Much" by August of '81, it Reached Number 1 on the US R&B Chart and was Certified Double Platinum and the Rest is History!

Checkout Luther Vandross Full Discography and Here!

Luther Vandross Suffered from Diabetes, He also Suffered from Hypertension, He also had a Weight Problems throughout His Life, I Believe He lost over 150 lbs at Least on 6 ocassions in his lifetime!

I can Remember back in the Early 90's seeing LV on the Oprah Winfrey Show, when they Wheeled out a Barrow Full of Lard, which Represented How much Weight He hast Lost, this type of Weight Loss and that amount of Times, could not have been Beneficial to Him!

By 2003 LV had just Finished Recording, what turned out to be His Last Studio Album "Dance With My Father" when on April 16th He Suffered a Massive Stroke, He was in a Coma for 6 Weeks.

He made His only and Final Public Appearance on the "Oprah" Show in 2004, He was Really Bloated and un- recognizable, Check this out, the Sound and Picture are not Great, (but it's not bad) and it's Very Sad!

The Album went on to be His Best Selling Album in the US Selling Over 3 Million Copies there Alone and the Single "Dance With My Father" gave LV his First Number 1 Pop Hit in US!

On the 1st of July 2005 at the Age of 54, Luther Vandross Died of a Heart Attack.

There have been many Theories on his Life and his Lifestyle, but whatever you me or anybody else says or thinks, He was and Still is a Great Soul Singer!

Checkout and Download some of Luther Vandross Music, including the Earlier Stuff as Mentioned!

A Selection of 20 of The Finest Luther Vandross Track's.

LUTHER VANDROSS ...... GREATEST HITS by funkysoulvinyls on Grooveshark

THE 138th MIX FOR F.S.V.B

2012-05-02T13:18:00.000+01:00

Here's the 138th Mix selection for F.S.V.B, Its been Submitted to the Website "6 Million Steps", by Alan Champ, Its from a Series of 5 Mixes, Featuring Music from the Great Record Label "Philadelphia International" its called "6MS Philly Mix-2" I will be Featuring All the Mixes over the Next Month, there's some Classic Philly Tracks on here, including some Teddy Pendergrass, Jean Carne, O'Jays, M.F.S.B, Archie Bell & the Drells, and Dexter Wansel!

Press play button below, check Full playlist here!

MICROWAVE AND TOM BROWNE

2012-04-29T18:33:00.001+01:00

Christmas 1986, I Remember this Time, for a Couple of Reasons!

As it turned out, it was My Father's Last Christmas, Before Dying!

I Remember what He Brought Me and Susan, that Christmas, Usually Christmas Presents were my Mother's Job to Sort Out, but that Year, He Brought Us and my Sister's a "Microwave" each!

Household Microwave's had not been out that Long and they were still Expensive, I Remember, My First Employer's at the "Imperial Hotel" in Great Yarmouth, had one back in the Early 70's, but they were Huge in Size, Similar Size to an Electric Cooker!

So it was a "Surprise" when we see the Microwave that Christmas, in Hindsight, we Wondered if He knew more of His Health Issues, than We did!

He had also in that Previous Year Brought a "Job Lot of Carpets" which we were Given some to Carpet Our Stairs and Hallway, this was Strange Behaviour from my Father, as He was not that Type of Father!

I also Remember during the Summer Month's of 1986, My Parent's were having a lot of Work Renovation Carried out on their House in Great Yarmouth, for example, Rooms Knocked into one, a New Stair-Case etc etc.

It was During this Several Weeks Period, that My Parents came to Live with us, it was Alright to start with, but things soon got on Our Nerves!

Me and Susan gave Up our Bed for them, for the Whole Period they were Staying, We Slept in Nathan's Single Bed and Nathan was Sharing Natalie's Single Bed, Would they Have Done the Same for us, if We Needed Somewhere to Stay!........... I Very Much Doubt it!

Plus My Old Boy used to Stay up Watching TV for Hours on End, in the End I had to tell Him, I came down one Night & Switched the TV Off and Told him to go to Bed, He Didn't Like That Too Much!

So when you Look at these Things that Had Happened (Spending all this Money), as I said perhaps he Knew what was going to Happen in a Few Month's Time!

Anyway 1987 was going to be a Big Year of Changes for Me Susan and the Kids, Both Work and Family Wise!

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Music Wise, Back in 1980, Jazz Trumpeter "Tom Browne" had Both, His Biggest Hit to Date and His Biggest Hit Ever Released !

Cover of Love Approach (24bt)

On the Grp/Arista Record Label, "Funkin' for Jamaica (NY)" was from His Second Album Release Called "Love Approach"

It was Co-Wrote by Browne and "Tonni Smith" (the Featured Guest Vocalist)

It Concerned the Area of New York City (Queens), where He was Born and Raised!

It was Produced by Dave Grusin and Larry Rosen.

The Track was Number 1 for 4 Weeks on the US Billboard R&B Chart and also a Top 10 Hit in the UK!

Funkin' for Jamaica (N.Y.) by Tom Browne on Grooveshark

THE 137th MIX FOR F.S.V.B

2012-04-25T12:37:00.000+01:00

Here's the 137th Mix selection for F.S.V.B, Its been Submitted to the Website "6 Million Steps", by Alan Champ, Its from a Series of 5 Mixes, Featuring Music from the Great Record Label "Philadelphia International" its called "6MS Philly Mix-1" I will be Featuring All the Mixes over the Next Month, there's some Classic Philly Tracks on here, including some Lou Rawls, O'Jays, M.F.S.B, Archie Bell & the Drells, and Dexter Wansel!

Press play button below or Download from Kadoo, check Full playlist here!

FUNKY-SOUL-VINYLS CLASSIC SOUL AND FUNK ALBUMS OF THE 60's 70's and 80's # 21

2012-04-23T10:13:00.000+01:00

In this Series of Posts, I will writing about a Particular Classic Soul/Funk Album from the 60's 70's and 80's

The LP's that stand out in my Mind, as The Best Albums ever Released. All of them, I have purchased on Vinyl many Years ago and now have them on CD or Download today.

You may have Differing view's (as we all do) on these Choices, but these are my Favorites!

# 21.......THE O'JAYS.....MESSAGE IN THE MUSIC

In 1976, The O'Jays Released their 11th out of 21 Albums, it was Entitled "Message in the Music"

The Album was on the "Philadelphia International" Record Label, and Mostly Written and Produced by "Gamble and Huff" (see full Track Listing's for full Details).

The O'Jays were a Quartet by this time, including Original Member's Eddie Levert, Walter Williams and William Powell, incidentally this was William Powell's Last Contribution to the O'Jays, as He was to Leave the Band through ill Health, and Sadly Die the following Year in 1977.

The remaining Original O'Jays are still going Strong to this Day!

Full Track Listing:

1. Message In The Music 6.24
2. A Prayer 6.30
3. Paradise 5.02
4. Make A Joyful Noise 4.02
5. Desire Me 6.21
6. Darlin' Darlin' Baby (Sweet, Tender, Love) 4.14
7. I Swear, I Love No One But You 5.13
8. Let Life Flow 4.37

All Written and Produced by Gamble and Huff, apart from:
Track 7 = Bunny Sigler and Track 8 = McFadden, Whitehead and Carstarphen.

My Favorite Tracks were 1, 4, 6 and the Best Track 8.

The Album Reached Number 20 on the US Billboard Chart and Number 3 on the US Billboard Soul Chart.

Two Singles were Released, "Message in Our Music" which Reached Number 49 on Billboard Pop Chart, also Darlin' Darlin' Baby Reached Number 72, but Both Reached Number 1 on the US R&B Singles Chart.

The O'Jays Story, Check it out!

o'jays by funkysoulvinyls on Grooveshark

THE 136th MIX FOR F.S.V.B

2012-04-18T13:22:00.000+01:00

Here's the 136th Mix for F.S.V.B, Its been Mixed by Ray Bausa, its called Lonely Lover, there's some Classic Old Soul on here, featuring, Four Tops, Bobby Womack, Marvin Gaye, Jackie Wilson, & Herb Alpert.

Press play button below to Listen or to Download and see Full Track Listing's go to Ray's Podomatic Page!

HOMEMADE PIES and THE DRAMATICS

2012-04-15T18:04:00.000+01:00

Following on from my Last Life Post, Around the Period I was Working at "King's Casino" I Started Doing some Work, to Earn Extra Money, by Making Homemade Pies and Salads for Shops, Butchers, etc etc.

I used to Make Cornish Pasties, Sausage Rolls and All sorts of Different Pies, as well as Ready Mixed Salad Stuffs, i.e Mixed Salads in Sealed Bowls, Coleslaw, Potato Salad etc etc, Nowadays places like Asda and Tesco Sell Plenty of these Pre-Packed Salads, but in the Early to Mid 80's, you never saw this in Supermarket's!

I had 2 Main Customer's on a Weekly Basis, they were a Fish & Chip Shop in Town and The Head Waiter at "King's Casino" had a Butcher's Shop in the nearby Village of "Acle"

The Butcher was Easy to Sort out as he used to come round once a Week to Collect the Pies and Paid when He did, but the Fish & Chip was a bit Harder, I at this time Still only had my "Racer Bike"

So I used to get "Nathan" on the Crossbar of the "Bike" and we used to pedal there, it was about 2 Miles away, so quite a Journey with all those Pies/Salads & Nathan.

The Money from this Little Venture came in very Handy and Worthwhile at that time, and was to Lead on to Further Work, a little later on in my Life!

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As for some Music, a Single released back in 1975, and would be in my Top 20 Soul singles of All-Time, it was by the Great Soul Vocal Group The Dramatics, the Track was Called "(I'm Going by) the Stars In Your Eyes"

What a Great Song this was and still is, Sweet Soul Music at it's Best!

(I'm Going By) The Stars In Your Eyes by The Dramatics on Grooveshark

It was from The Dramatics 5th Studio Album Entitled "The Dramatic Jackpot" it was also their First of 6 Albums to be Released on the ABC Record Label.

The Single Reached Number 81 on the US Pop Chart and Number 22 on the US R&B Chart.

Cover of The Dramatics

The Dramatics Line-Up around this Period was: Ron Banks, LJ Reynolds, Willie Ford, Larry" Squirell" Demps and Lenny Mayes.

The Writer of the Track was Tony Hester, He Wrote some Great Tracks for Various Different Artist's, including Johnnie Taylor, The Dells, Luther Ingram and The Platters, it was Produced by Don Davis.

The Lyrics:

Sagittarius, Virgo maybe Scorpio
I wouldn't care if you were Aquarius
I'm still in love with you
As sure as you were born
you could be Gemini
or even if you were a Capricorn
I could never let you go

Chorus:
O I ain't going by those stars in the sky
I'm going by those stars in your eyes
and I love you
O I don't need a second look
Cause you're what's happening in my book
and I love you

Taurus, Leo, Pisces
It makes no difference, girl
if you're in love with me

O that's all I need to know
I will give all my heart and all my love
and I don't care about the stars
my love just grows and grows

Cause I ain't going by those stars in the sky
I'm going by those stars in your eyes
I don't give a heck
about that old Zodiac
because it's what's in your heart
girl that's where it's at and I love you
I need you, I need you I don't need a second look
cause you're what's happening in my book
(Repeat)

Press here

THE 135th MIX FOR F.S.V.B

2012-04-11T19:14:00.000+01:00

Here's the 135th Mix Selection for F.S.V.B, Its been Selected by JP The Ape Man, its called Burn Baby Burn, A Tribute to The Trammps, there's some Classic Disco Music on here, including, Disco Inferno, Love Epedemic and Where The Happy People Go!

Press play button below to Listen or to Download go to The Ape Man's Soundcloud WebPage!

The Trammps Tribute ''Burn Baby Burn!'' by JP The Ape Man Set 6

TTracklisting:

1. Trammps' Disco Theme
2. Soul Searchin' Time
3. Love Epidemic
4. Where Do We Go From Here
5. Just Say The Word
6. That's Where The Happy People Go
7. The Night The Lights Went Out
8. Disco Party
9. Body Contact Contract
10. Disco Inferno
11. Penguin At The Big Apple (Zing! Went The Strings Of My Heart)

FUNKY-SOUL-VINYLS CLASSIC SOUL AND FUNK ALBUMS OF THE 60's 70's and 80's # 20

2012-04-08T19:09:00.000+01:00

In this Series of Posts, I will writing about a Particular Classic Soul/Funk Album from the 60's 70's and 80's

The LP's that stand out in my Mind, as The Best Albums ever Released. All of them, I have purchased on Vinyl many Years ago and now have them on CD or Download today.

You may have Differing view's (as we all do) on these Choices, but these are my Favorites!

# 20.......THE IMPRESSIONS.......FIRST IMPRESSIONS

In 1975, The Impressions Released their 17th Studio Album (out of a Career of 21), it was entitled "First Impressions"

It would be their Last Album on Curtis Mayfield's "Curtom Record Label" it was Written and Produced by Ed Townsend (Except Track 6 which was Written by Van McCoy.

The Impressions were Sam Gooden, Fred Cash, Ralph Johnson and Reggie Torian, incidentally Gooden and Cash were Original Members with Curtis Mayfield, and are still going Today at the Ages of 77 and 71.

Track Listing:
1. Sooner or Later
2. Same Thing it Took
3. Old Before My Time
4. First Impressions
5. Groove
6. I'm So Glad
7. How High is High
8. Why Must a Love Song be a Sad Song

This was a Great Album, My favorites Tracks were in Order of Preference: Track 1, 4, 2 and 5.

3 Singles were Released from the Album: First Impressions, Same Thing it Took and Sooner or Later, with only "First Impressions" Making the US Charts, Reaching Number 16 and spending 10 Weeks on the Chart!

Curtis Mayfield had Left The Impressions, 5 Years Earlier in 1970, He and Jerry Butler had Joined a Band Called "The Roosters" in 1957, In 1958 they Changed their name to Jerry Butler and The Impressions.

They had a Minor Hit in 1963, it was called "Gypsy Woman" there were a few Line-Up Changes early on, then in 1963 Two things happened, they Changed their Name again, this time to "The Impressions" and they had their First Big Hit, it was Called "It's Alright"

The First Album under the Name "The Impressions" was Released in 1963, it was Entitled "The Impressions" by now the Band Consisted of Curtis Sam and Fred!

I Clearly Remember Buying this Album from "Groove Records" in Greek Street, Soho, London.

I have Posted about this Before, have a Read!

Related articles

THE 134th MIX FOR F.S.V.B

2012-04-04T11:20:00.001+01:00

Here's the 134th Mix Selection for F.S.V.B, Its been Mixed by DJ Blick, its called, Early 80's British Dance and Funk, there's some Classic Brit Funk on here, Featuring Freeez, Beggar & Co, Hi-Tension, Light of the World and Surface Noise!

Play below or to Download Press Here!

Full Track Listings

00:00 - Beggar & Co - (Somebody) Help Me Out - 1981
07:18 - Freeez - Southern Freeez - 1981
12:55 - Hi-Tension - British Hustle - 1978
19:26 - Beggar & Co - Mule (Chant No 2) - 1981
25:48 - Light Of The World - I Shot The Sheriff - 1980
31:38 - Touchdown - Ease Your Mind - 1982
37:22 - Surface Noise - The Scratch - 1980
42:08 - Touch - Keep On - 1982
47:02 - The Scratch Band - Your Place Or Mind - 1981
51:14 - Direct Drive - Don't Depend On Me - 1982
55:38 - Hi-Tension - Searchin' - 1978
59:52 - Beggar & Co - Rising Son - 1981
64:46 - Freeez - Keep In Touch - 1981
71:30 - Light Of The World - Time - 1980

KINGS CASINO BUFFET and LEVEL 42

2012-04-01T18:49:00.001+01:00

I Worked at "Kings Casino" from 1984 to around Early Winter in 1987, about 3 Years!

It was a Great Place to Work and most of the Kitchen Staff were Great as well, I had a Good Reason for leaving, I will talk about this next Time!

But I have One Last Story about the "Casino" I would like to Post about, some 25 Years later (after I had finished at the Casino), My Son "Nathan" Who Works as a Coffee Vending Machine Engineer, in the East Anglia Region of the UK, by Coincidence has Machines in "Kings Casino"

He was Repairing a Machine there about 2 Years ago, when He got talking to a Female Member of Staff, who had Remembered me Working there all them Years previously!

She had apparently been Working there for over 25 Years and also Had a Photograph of me and "Head Chef" Peter Culley.

So the Next time "Nathan" was there Mending a Vending Machine, she gave Him the Photo (to give to me), she had took it all them Years ago!

That's Peter in the Middle, with me to the Left!

I Remembered it well, it was Taken around Christmas/New Year Period in 1985, it was a Big Buffet, All Types of Meat and Seafood you could Imagine, I remember the Restaurant was Closed that Night, but there was well over a 150 Covers at the Buffet.

Its Great to Look back on Photos like this, its the only thing I have concerning "Kings Casino" and as the Casino Closed Down about 18 Months ago, I'm not likely to see or go in there Again!

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Cover of Level 42

As for some Music, My Favorite English Band are Level 42, and in 1985 they Released a Single Called "Something About You" Prior to the Album which Followed, Called "World Machine"

Cover of World Machine

World Machine was Level 42's 6th Studio Album, all of which were on the Polydor Record label."Something About You" was Written by Level 42 and Wally Badarou.

It was not Released until 1986 in the US, and became their only Top 10 Hit on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart, in the UK it Reached Number 6 on the UK Pop Chart!

I saw "Level 42" Live about 2 Years Previous to the Single Release, Mark King was Great on the "Bass" the Best British Bass Player by Far!

I Believe after Their next Album Release in 1986 called "Running in the Family" Level 42 went off the Boil a bit, and went too Commercial, this coincided with the "Gould Brothers" Leaving the Band!

They had an ever Changing Line-Up from then on.

Something About You by Level 42 on Grooveshark

THE 133rd MIX FOR F.S.V.B

2012-03-28T13:43:00.000+01:00

Here's the 133rd Mix Selection for F.S.V.B, Its been Mixed by DJ Blick, its called, Early 80's British Dance and Funk, Volume 1, there's some Classic Brit Funk on here, Featuring Heatwave, Loose Ends, I level, David Joseph and Second Image!

Play below or to Download Press Here!

Full Track Listings

00:00 - Heatwave - Gangsters Of The Groove - 1980
05:32 - Pink Rhythm (John Rocca) - Can't Get Enough Of Your Love - 1985
08:51 - Total Contrast - Be With You Tonight - 1983
12:45 - Richard Jon Smith - Baby's Got Another - 1983
15:27 - Galaxy - Dancing Tight (Dance Mix) - 1983
18:57 - Richard Jon Smith - Love Is What I'm After - 1983
22:22 - Loose Ends - Don't Hold Back - 1983
26:48 - K.I.D. - Don't Stop - 1981
31:20 - Paul Hardcastle - Guilty (Extended Version) - 1984
37:38 - T.C. Curtis - You Should Have Known Better - 1985
43:48 - Delay Line - Keep That Smile - 1985
46:53 - Galaxy - Head Over Heels - 1982
50:35 - Shakatak - Down On The Street (Dance Mix) - 1984
54:34 - I Level - Give Me - 1982
59:29 - Five Star - All Fall Down - 1985
63:54 - Richard Jon Smith - Don't Go Walkin' Out That Door - 1982
67:34 - David Joseph - You Can't Hide (Your Love From Me) - 1983
73:06 - Second Image - Star - 1982

FUNKY-SOUL-VINYLS CLASSIC SOUL AND FUNK ALBUMS OF THE 60's 70's and 80's # 19

2012-03-25T19:10:00.000+01:00

In this Series of Posts, I will writing about a Particular Classic Soul/Funk Album from the 60's 70's and 80's

The LP's that stand out in my Mind, as The Best Albums ever Released. All of them, I have purchased on Vinyl many Years ago and now have them on CD or Download today.

You may have Differing view's (as we all do) on these Choices, but these are my Favorites!

#19.......THE ISLEY BROTHERS.......HARVEST FOR THE WORLD

In May of 1976, The Isley Brothers Released their 14th Studio Album on Their Own T-Neck Record Label, it was Called "Harvest For The World"

I can Quite clearly Remember Walking to the Record Shop (Airfield Tapes & Records 2) in our Town, to Buy this Album.

What a Great Album this is, No Sub-Standard Track's, Great Ballads and Typical Isley Brothers Uptempo Track's!

It was Recorded at The Record Plant Recording Studios in Los Angeles, All the Track's were Written, Arranged, Composed and Produced by The Isley Brothers (including Chris Jasper).

The Album Sold 1/2 Million Copies within 3 Weeks of its Release, and eventually went Platinum!

Track Listing:

"Harvest for the World (Prelude)" - 2:10
"Harvest for the World" - 3:53
"People of Today" - 4:40
"Who Loves You Better" - 5:32
"(At Your Best) You Are Love" - 5:24
"Let Me Down Easy" - 6:31
"So You Wanna Stay Down" - 3:52
"You Still Feel the Need" - 4:52

harvest for the world...isley brothers by funkysoulvinyls on Grooveshark

The Album Reached Number 9 in the US Billboard Pop Chart, and Number 1 on the US Soul Album Chart, it also Peaked at Number 50 in the UK Pop Album Chart.

3 Singles were Released from the Album, Positions as follows:

US Pop US R&B US Dance
Harvest for the World 63 9 -
Who Loves You Better 47 3 2
People of Today - - 3

What a Great Voice "Ronald Isley" has, He would be in My Top 5 Soul Singer's!

My Favorite Tracks on the Album and in Order of Preference:

Track's 5, 3 and Track 2.

Personnel

Ronald Isley: lead and background vocals

O'Kelly Isley, Jr.: background vocals (lead vocals on "Let Me Down Easy")

Rudolph Isley: background vocals (lead vocals on "You Still Feel the Need")

Ernie Isley: guitars, drums, percussion, congas, timbales, maracas

Marvin Isley: bass, cowbell, woodblock, percussion

Chris Jasper: piano, keyboards, ARP synthesizer, clavinet, tambourine, percussion

Here's a Great In-Depth Blog Post concerning the "Harvest For the World" Album, its written by DereksMusic Blog!

THE 132nd MIX FOR F.S.V.B

2012-03-21T19:46:00.001Z

Cover of Level 42

Here's the 132nd Mix Selection for F.S.V.B, Its been Mixed by DJ Blick, its called, Early 80's British Soul and Funk, there's some Classic Brit Funk on here,Featuring Mark King on the Bass, on the Track "Love Games"

Full Track Listing: 88:04 mins

00:00 – Level 42 – Love Meeting Love – 1980
06:05 – Imagination – Body Talk – 1981
11:58 – Light Of The World – London Town – 1980
16:15 – The Hudsons – Show Me You Care – 1982
21:26 – Level 42 – Love Games – 1981
28:38 – I Level – Give Me – 1982
34:13 – Level 42 – Turn It On – 1981
39.30 – Savanna – I Can’t Turn Away – 1981
45:00 – Second Image – Fall In Love – 1982
51:15 – Patrick Boothe – Dance All Night – 1982
56:20 – Savanna – Never Let You Go – 1982
61:54 – Richard Jon Smith – Don’t Go Walkin’ Out That Door – 1982
69:42 – Linx – You’re Lying – 1980
76:05 – Junior – Mama Used To Say – 1981
82:42 – Light Of The World – I’m So Happy – 1980

Press play button below to Listen or to Download go to Blick's WebPage!

BEEF STROGANOFF and DAVID JOSEPH

2012-03-18T19:01:00.000Z

Image via Wikipedia

As I said in my Previous Post (Non-Music Post) being Second Chef had its Advantages and it's Dis-advantages!

Now for One of the Dis-advantages, This was around Winter Time in 1984, some Years previously I had been doing my Chef Training College Courses from 1974 to 1979.

Two of my College Tutor's Stand out in my mind, as to being the Best Cookery Teacher's I had, while doing my 5 Year's Training, One Being a Chef by the name of "Lee Mills" and the other was a Chef named "Brian Thompson"

Why I mention this is, because One Night while being in Charge of the "Casino Kitchen" I was on the "Stove" and an Order came in for A "Beef Stroganoff" amongst other Dishes, I believe it was a Party of about 4 People!

So I did the Order and everything was Fine (or so I thought it was) and a little later, the Waiter came into the Kitchen, and said to me "the Chap on Table 5?" reckons He used to be your Teacher and would like a "Word with you"

So when I had the time to spare, I went out into the Restaurant to see Who it was, now "Head Chef Peter" was Good at the sort of thing, I was Not, I liked being behind the Scenes!

To my Surprise when I got to the Table in Question, I saw my Ex-College Teacher "Brian Thompson" sitting there, immediately I thought he was going to say "What a Lovely Meal, Lee, I taught you well!

But he didn't, In front of everybody, he started going on about, "I Taught you how to make Beef Stroganoff properly, all them Year's ago, and you Dished this up for me, what the Hell's going on!

I was Stunned, to say the least, but I quickly got my thoughts together and in front of everybody at his Table and in the Restaurant at that time, I said, That was back then, I now Work here for "Peter", and I will Cook Meals how he wants me to Cook them, after all, they pay my Wages!

I then Walked back into the Kitchen, and that was the "Last Time" Brian Thompson, Spoke to me, I have seen Him a Couple of times around town , since then, I don't know if he see me or he just didn't speak!

That all Happened some 28 Years ago, so if I saw him tomorrow, Would he Speak, I don't know!

About the "Beef Stroganoff" what was He moaning about, to tell the Truth I cant remember, but I think it was something to do with the "Fresh Single Cream" I had used!

Incidentally, he was also my Head-Chef (Brian Thompson) when I worked at the "Sandringham Hotel" about 2/3 Years previously!

===================================================

As for some Music, the Year earlier in 1983, David Joseph, the Ex Lead Singer with the Brit-Funk Band "Hi-Tension" Released his First Solo Single.

It was called "You Cant Hide (Your Love From Me)" on the "Island Record Label" it was Written by "David Joseph" and Produced by "Godwin Logie"

What a Great Track this was, I remember thinking back then, when I first heard the Record, this is very "American" and He (David Joseph) was English!

Here's the Full 12" Version.

You Can't Hide (Your Love From Me) (12" Version) by David Joseph on Grooveshark

THE 131st MIX FOR F.S.V.B

2012-03-14T19:18:00.000Z

Image via Wikipedia

Here's the 131st Mix Selection for F.S.V.B, Its been Mixed by DJ Psykhomantus, its called The Revolution of Gil Scott Heron, there's some Classic Funk and Soul Music on here, including The Bottle, Winter in America, Home is Where the Hatred is, Washington DC, Angel Dust and A Legend in His Own Mind, Also Included are some other Artists, Singing GSH's Music!

Press play button below to Listen or to Download go to Psyhkomantus WebPage!

Playlist Here!

Revolution Of Gil Scott-Heron by Psykhomantus Of A Few Good Men on Mixcloud

FUNKY-SOUL-VINYLS CLASSIC SOUL AND FUNK ALBUMS OF THE 60's 70's and 80's # 18

2012-03-11T19:28:00.000Z

In this Series of Posts, I will writing about a Particular Classic Soul/Funk Album from the 60's 70's and 80's

The one's that stand out in my Mind, as The Best Albums ever Released. All of them, I would have purchased on Vinyl many Years ago and now have most of them on CD or Download today.

You may have Differing view's (as we all do) on these Choices, but these are my Favorites!

Number 18....GIL SCOTT-HERON....REAL EYES

The Album in this Post, is a bit Different from the Other Album Posts, when Originally Released some 32 Years ago, in 1980, it was only Available in Japan, so unless you had Plenty of Cash & got it on Import, Like me you may have Missed this Great Album by GSH.

Entitled "Real Eyes" and Released on the "Arista Record Label" it was GSH's 11th out of 15 Studio Album's Released, He also had 9 Live Album's Released and 11 Compilation's, during his Career.

The Album was Produced by GSH and Malcolm Cecil, see Personel and Track Listing Below.

I First heard the Whole Album back in 2010, when it was Released and Re-Mastered as a sort of "Best Of" series on Sony Records, their were 3 Albums in Total on 1 CD, including this Album and the Next 2 Albums on Arista Records "Moving Target" and "Reflections"

But as I have said in a Previous Post, I Saw "Black Wax" Back in 1983 on TV, and Later Purchased the DVD, Which Featured the "Amnesia Express" and the Track "Waiting For The Axe To Fall"

This was the First of Gil Scott Heron's Albums to Feature His New Band "Amnesia Express" they were with him for Many year's to come, the Band's "Bass Player" was Robert Gordon, what a Great bass player he is!

Check out the Live Version of "Waiting For the Axe to Fall" from GSH's DVD "Black Wax" with the Great Bass Playing of "Robert Gordon"

What a Great Album this is, featuring 2 of my Favorite GSH Track's of All-Time, The Great Bass Driven Track "Waiting For The Axe to Fall" and the Completely Different Style of Track "Your Daddy Loves You"

3 other Great Tracks on the Album are 1, 5 and 7.

~ TRACKLIST ~

01. The Train From Washington (4:47)02. Not Needed (3:56)03. Waiting For The Axe To Fall (4:48)04. Combinations (3:40)05. A Legend In His Own Mind (3:41)06. You Could Be My Brother (6:22)07. The Klan (4:49)08. Your Daddy Loves You (For Gia Louise) (3:16)

Album Personel

Vocals – Gil Scott-Heron

Bass – Robert Gordon

Drums – Kenny Powell

Guitar – Ed Brady

Keyboards, Synthesizer, Harmonica – Glen Turner

Percussion – Ethan Ivy

Saxophone [Tenor], Flute [All Solos] – Carl CornwellSaxophone, Flute – Vernon JamesTrumpet – Kenny Sheffield

Produced by Gil Scott-Heron, Malcolm Cecil

Recorded and mixed by Malcolm Cecil

Recorded at TONTO, Santa Monica, Cal. July 1980 and B.I.D. Studios, Washington, D.C. August 1980

GSH was Born on April 1st 1940 and Died on May 27th 2011 at the Age of 62.

Look out for Next Week's Mix, it will Feature some GSH of course!

DOWNLOAD "REAL EYES"
TO DOWNLOAD ALL OF GSH ALBUMS GO HERE!

THE 130th MIX FOR FSVB

2012-03-07T12:17:00.000Z

Here's the 130th Mix Selection for F.S.V.B, Its been Mixed by George the DJ, its called DiscoFunkSoul Full Mix Volume 10, there's some Classic Funk and Soul Music on here, including some Isley Brothers, Trammps, Blackbyrds, Archie Bell & the Drells, Brass Construction and Mandrill!

Press play button below to Listen or to Download go to George's WebPage!

Full Track Listing
1) Isley Brothers - Midnight Sky
2) Billy Paul - Only The Strong Survive (G's Edit)
3) Strutt - Time Moves On
4) Mandrill - Hang Loose (G's Edit)
5) Bo Kool - Money, No Love
6) Trammps - Disco Party (G's Edit 1)
7) BT Express - Peace Pipe (G's Edit)
8) Blackbyrds - Gut Level (G's Edit)
9) Crown Heights Affair - Dancin'
10) Brass Construction - Top Of The World (G's Edit)
11) James Brown - Bring It On
12) Jimmy Castor Bunch - It's Just Begun
13) Archie Bell & The Drells - Let's Groove
14) Hot Chocolate - Heaven Is In The Back Seat Of My Cadillac
15) Banbarra - Shack Up

FREDDIE STARR & ENCHANTMENT

2012-03-04T18:28:00.000Z

Freddie's on the right! don't know who
the other Bloke is!

Now I was Second Chef, I was In-Charge of the Kitchen at least 3 Shifts Per Week, this had Its Advantages & its Dis-Advantages!

First the Advantages, I used to get more of the Tips from the Customers, but this was always Shared out amongst the Kitchen Staff.

On a Few Occasions, you got Really Big Tips, for Example, if Somebody had Won in the Casino before having a Meal, they Left a Big Tip, or If Somebody Famous had a Meal, I Remember Serving A Few People like this!

The Best Tipper I Remember was "Freddie Starr" He was Starring at one of the Theatre's in Town, He was on there for about 6 Weeks I think!

Image via Wikipedia

So He came into the Casino on a Regular Basis, & had several Meals, the First Time I remember, He popped his head around the kitchen and said to me "Who's the Chef, who Cooked my Meal tonite!" I said it was me, and He put something in my Hand, when I looked, it was a £50 Note!

I was Shocked, by the time I looked up, He had gone back into the Restaurant, of course this was later Shared amongst the Kitchen Staff, He came back a Couple of more times after that, when I was working, I Never see Him again, but He Always left a £50 Note!

He was a Generous Bloke, No Doubt, but as a Comedian, I Never Really Liked him much, & a Couple of £50 Note's never Changed That either!

I'll tell you the Dis-Advantages Next Time!
===============================================================

As for some Music, in 1978 The Great Soul Vocal Band "Enchantment" Released the Great Single "Its You That I Need" from the 1977 Album "Once Upon A Dream"

This is what Soul Music is all about, you don't Hear class like this anymore, Real Instruments and Great Vocals!

This track would be in my All Time Top 20 Soul Records!

The Song Reached number 33 on the US Pop Chart and number 1 On the US R&B Chart, with the Album Reaching Number 8 in US R&B Chart, Both the Single and Album Placing's were Enchantment's Best ever.

The Song was Written and produced by Michael Stokes, and on the Roadshow/Unites Artists Record Label, see Lyrics below!

Something strange is happening
You don't belong to me anymore
It seems I'm all alone
In my dreams

THE 129th MIX FOR F.S.V.B

2012-02-29T19:11:00.001Z

Here's the 129th Mix selection for F.S.V.B, Its been Mixed by SoulNRnB, its called "The Artists - The System, there's some Classic Dance Music on here, from David Frank and Mic Murphy, AKA The System.

Full Track Listing:

1. You are in my system
2. This is for you
3. Promises can Break (Long Version)
4. Dont Disturb this Groove (Vocal Remix)
5. Midnight Special (Ext Remix)
6. I cant take Losing You
7. She said yes

Go Here for Download!

Checkout SoulNRnB and Grizzes In Depth Post on The System and this Mix, Also have a Look at their Blog!