Posted: Dec 29, 06
10:02am
I own more James Brown records than any other artist. 18 albums, and 37 (45 RPM) singles. The most unusual is "The Godfather of Soul's" version of "Something," The Beatles hit ballad written by George Harrison.
James Brown's version of "Something" is the B side of his Polydor PD-14177 single, "Think," released in 1973. You haven't heard The Beatles until you've heard their music interpreted by Soul Brother #1.
I am definitely a big James Brown fan.
Plenty has been written about James, before and after his passing on Christmas Day. Here, I'll concentrate on his music.
If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend the excellent (recent) PBS American Masters James Brown documentary.
I really got into James Brown while working in an independent record store during my teenage years, and then while spinning his "hits and heavies" on the radio as a deejay.
Here are my picks for "7 sensational James Brown Jams," in order...
1) "There Was A Time, Cold Sweat" James Brown and the Famous Flames Live at The Apollo volume II One of the best live tracks you'll ever hear. James takes control and connects with the audience, who enthusiastically follow his call and response adlibs for almost 18 soul drenched minutes.
2) "It's A Man's Man's, Man's World" James Brown and the Famous Flames Live at The Apollo volume II James Brown's raw sexual energy is overpowering on this live track. His studio versions of this song don't come close to this definitive version.
3) "Sex Machine" Sex Machine from another live double album, this version features a great "travel log" call and response with James and his band. He mentions a tour's worth of American cities while building the energy with the audience.
4) "Doing it To Death" by Fred Wesley and the JB's. You'll find the short 5 minute version on several compilations, but the full 12 minute version is the best. James conducts the show with lots of improvisation on this creative track mixing funk, jazz, and rap.
5) "Give it Up and Turn It Loose" Sex Machine The best version of this song featuring a spoken acknowledgement of bassist Bootsy Collins, and drummer Clyde Stubblefield. Crank this one up.
6) "Talking Loud and Saying Nothing" A political statement is in the groove on this classic James Brown dance track. The full version features lots of interplay between James, the band, and his recording engineer.
7) "Get Up Offa That Thing/Release The Pressure" A comeback track of sorts released in the Summer of 1976 as a special 9 minute 12" disco version. Hot, brassy, funky, and amusing as the Godfather of Soul challenges Al Green, Barry White, and others to live up to the reputation of "the hardest working man in show business."
I'd recommend maybe a dozen others, but these 7 will light up any party, at any time.
