Kool & the Gang – “Spirit of the Boogie” (1975)
The title track to their best all-around album. This song is blistering funk music at its best. And the cover to this album is also great too.
Sly Stone – “I Get High on You” (1975)
The title track (sort of) to his 1975 solo album High on You. This was a great song but it’s kind of forgotten about these days. Unfairly though. Proves that Sly wasn’t washed up like had been reported at the time.
Sly & the Family Stone – “Thank You (Falletinme Be Mice Elf Agin)” (Live – 1974)
Taken from “The Midnight Special” TV show…
“The Story of the Undertones: Teenage Kicks” (2003 – Part 7)
More of this excellent documentary on one of the most underrated bands to come out of the whole punk rock/new wave genre. Features interviews with Feargal Sharkey, as well as the rest of The Undertones – plus British dj John Peel.
The final installment coming soon…
Cymande – “The Message” (1972)
The other well-known song from this highly underrated funk-rock-soul band.
Culture – “Two Sevens Clash” (1977)
This classic reggae song from 1977, from the longtime roots reggae trio. This song was huge in Jamaica and was a big favourite with English punk rockers, such as The Clash.
As for the significance of the title, Rastafarians believed the apocalypse would begin when the two sevens clashed, with July 7, 1977, when the four sevens clashed, the most fearsome date of concern.
Alton Ellis & the Flames – “Rocksteady” (1967)
The song that lent its name to this slowed-down version of ska. Ellis was considered one of the greatest singers Jamaica ever produced, until Bob Marley came along.
Prince Buster All Stars – “Madness” (1962)
Early ska classic….this song was later covered by the group Madness (as well as giving the group its name). Prince Buster This is one of the first big ska hits.
Without the man born as Cecil Campbell, the whole 2-Tone ska-revival movement of the late 70s would have never existed.
The Parliaments – “Look at What I Almost Missed” (1967)
Another early song by The Parliaments, who later became Parliament (as well as Funkadelic). This was during their early soul period.
Randy Newman – “Birmingham” (Live)
Originally from his brilliant, yet controversial album Good Old Boys. I have no idea when this version was recorded or where – I’m assuming about 1974 though….?
The Beat Patrol 