All the ingredients, and the players, Bootsy Collins, Maceo Parker, McKnight, Shider, and more are here, but R&B Skeletons in the Closet (1986) is not the most vital piece of George Clinton’s body of work. Some of songs are perfect and some are down right grating. The two I like the most are “Hey Good Lookin” and the semi-hit “Do Fries Go With That Shake!?”
The album cover art alone is worth the price. I wish you could see it better, but I’m feeling too lazy for detail shots. In a nutshell the whole thing is a commentary on black artists that sell out to “cross over.”
I got to see Mr. Clinton, George that is, live somewhere between this album and that video. Maybe I’ll dig out the t-shirt I got and post that later.
Like that tricky panoramic photograph? I can’t find a credit for the album art in the liner notes. Danny Gatton grew up in Southeast D.C. and this album title was his address. Anyone who is a serious student of guitar probably knows of Mr. Gatton, but I don’t think his audience ever got much broader than that. 88 Elmira St. came out in 1991 and it was his major label debut. The record has a little of everything that can be considered American roots music, including jazz, blues, rockabilly and funk. I have played this album at least 100 times and I’m still stunned by the imagination, soul and ferocious speed of his playing.
Danny Gatton committed suicide in 1994. It’s hard to believe it’s been that long. His fans included Les Paul and Steve Vai. He was the guitarist’s guitarist.
All right, I’m going to have to pull back to a low rating of 9 on this one. Change is Coming by Money Mark is still awesome, just not quite so much as the earlier records. Still, I’ve probably played in its entirety at least 100 times. Overall it’s more instrumental and jazzy than his masterpiece, Push the Button. The packaging is almost as interesting as the music. I didn’t include all the artwork, but it revolves around origami swans made from different paper currencies and then set on fire. Check out the folding, and burning, directions printed on the disk itself.
The sad thing about Change is Coming is it’s the last Money Mark record I got. There have been two more full length releases and it’s ridiculous that I don’t have them, yet. Somebody help me out!
As an added bonus today, I’ve included a video with Mr. Mark from an interview that was on the Sundance Channel where he explains his relationship with the Beastie Boys and his creative process.
Genius! Genius I tell you! More Money Mark greatness today. This record is deep! Somehow this disk is even better than the first. I don’t know where or how I got this advance copy of Push the Button but it’s good to have friends that know what’s going on. This record has a lot more vocals and that’s just more to love. Mark’s lyrics are brilliant and at times poignant. His voice is perfect for his unique style of music. Noise, techno, electronic, gospel, soul, funk, rock and jazz are all in the mix.
I have played Push the Button for countless people over the years and I have never met anyone who didn’t love it. And if there are people out there who don’t dig it I doubt I want to meet them.
Push the button
Push the button
Open the door and let me come innnnnn…
Money Mark is the greatest. He’s played with everyone from Beck to the Beastie Boys, but the truth is, even though I love those artists, I play his music much more often. Mark’s Keyboard Repair has 30 tracks. You’re probably thinking “that’s too much” but I assure after one listen you’ll start thinking “I want more.” Some folks describe this recording as demo quality, but I disagree. It’s free and loose but the sound is perfect. Many of the songs are only about a minute long. In some ways it feels less like a typical album and more like the cue track to your favorite unmade movie. Give it a spin and pretend you’re the star.
It’s K day! OK, I know, it’s been K day for over a week. But this one is worth waiting for. Klarcnova is an Asheville trio that includes Andy John, our kids’ guitar teacher. Yes, Andy is the guitarist in the band. I just got around to listening to this album about a week ago and it’s all I’ve been playing since. I love the whole thing, including the sweet “naked” production, the excellent playing, and tasty songs. My favorite is probably “Thumbprint.” It’s a spicy Latin jazz number, complete with a fast-tempo jazz odyssey in the middle. Klarcnova is a very eclectic and excellent album. This is one for you Jazzy G.
Acquired: No idea when, bought it used and it’s near mint
Butter Your Soul With the Movement
Which is to be Continued by Black Moses.
Whatever you say Mr. Hayes. That psychedelic sentence is big and bold on the inside of this gatefold double album, but it’s just a promotion line using the titles from the four earlier albums pictured right below it. Anyhow, I would guess that very few people familiar with the hit “Shaft” have ever heard the whole double album. That’s too bad. The first disk is heavier with a few very rocked out jams, and the second is so chill I could feel my blood pressure dropping as I played it. I don’t have a lot of records by Isaac Hayes, but I’m glad I have this one.
Acquired: 1987 – Bought it when she worked at Plan 9 Records in Richmond, VA.
Keeper: Yes
When I first started playing this record, “Alphabet City”, the other day for the log I thought it was a little dull by ABC standards. But now the hooks are in me, and I’ve definitely enjoyed it. My favorite song is “The Night You Murdered Love.”
I think this might be the last ABC record we have to play. So, it’s high time I included a link to this article about the band at Wikipedia.
Acquired: 1987 – We each got copies from the record stores where we “worked.”
Keeper: Yes
I definitely like “Introduce Yourself” better than their first record “We Care a Lot.” The title track from “We Care a Lot” appears on both records, and I’m not sure why. Wikipedia has a little info about it. I love that song, but I also love the title track of “Introduce Yourself.” In general this record seems more rocked out and the synth less prominent. “Also available on cassette.”
Acquired: Bought it used somewhere a long time ago.
Keeper: Yes
I should probably rate War’s “Platinum Jazz” a 10 just for the opening track alone. “War is Coming! War is Coming!” is stupid good and despite being over seven minutes long I wish it would just keep going. This record is a compilation of some of their longer jams and instrumental pieces. Some people might find much of it a bit too spacey, but I like the whole trippy funking thing.
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