A Superior Funk Compilation, for funk Enthusiast's.....
fetish_2000 | U.K. | 03/29/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"There are so many 'Funk' Compilations doing the rounds these days, it's kinda hard to know, what separates a great one, from a merely okay one. Obviously it comes down (largely) to track selection, and it's the compilers job to pick not only tracks that haven't featured on a thousand compilations before it, but selecting tracks that stand-up under repeated plays, and (hopefully) introduce the listener into something that he/she may not have heard before. (again, selecting rare tracks, that aren't particularly engaging/unlistenable is also one of the pitfalls to avoid).
So who better than, "Josh Davis" (aka "DJ Shadow"), who has put his life-times worth of music crate-digging to help with this compilation. Digging up either rare funk/soul tracks that 90% of listeners won't have heard of before, or (in a couple of instances, I found) selecting tracks that although you might not know the original, you might recognise that some of these tracks sound like they've been sampled for other tracks. Josh Davis selects half the tracks featured here, and Label boss and selector "Keb Darge" (of the label BBB (Barely, Breaking,Even), selects the other half of the tracklisting.
As is befitting someone of Josh Davis' high level of quality, with most projects that he involves himself with, its clearly a labour of love for both compilers, as a cross section of rare groove, instrumental funk, Jazz-Funk, celebratory R&B, and old school funk feature throughout. The selection by both Keb & Josh is inspired, and seeing as the vast majority of listeners will not be familiar with the material here, those (like me), will relish, this collection of obscure grooves. What makes this collection harder to review or go into more depth is the lack of Names of the artists included on the Cd Notes, due mainly to Josh's insistence that naming the artists would be breaking "The B-Boy Code", which is all well and good....but it makes identifying (or indeed finding out any more information regarding the artist nigh-on impossible).
Another thing to be fully aware of, if you're considering buying this, is that this compilation feels squarely aimed at the more 'Music Enthusiast' end of the market. As this isn't really suited for those that want a really accessible/easy introduction to funk. There is no doubt that the material contained here, are all gems, but those that are fairly new to funk or have just a passing interest, will find the going tough, (especially not being able to have artist's names to refer to). But those expecting an easy route into funk, will be better served by something a little less intimidating. Both compilers hand in a fantastic selection on this disk, but I'd probably give the nod (ever so slightly) to Josh's selection, as he focuses a little more on the instrumental-funk side of things.....but Keb's selection is a little more cohesive. If you are prepared for the no-frills approach, this compilation takes, and can survive without knowing the artists names (which oddly isn't a problem on volumes 2 & 3), this is a seriously fantastic collection of dusty grooves, that'll appeal to those listeners that have tried, of funk compilations that start with 'James Brown' & end with 'Sly & the family stone', and remember....if you love this compilation (and there's a fair chance you will), there's a further 2 more fantastic volumes to go out and purchase."
Unbelievable.
panotis | Tustin, CA | 08/21/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This cd is amazing. please, please get it. I was fortunate enough to be at the release party for this album at Bar Rhumba in London, UK and it was awesome- Dj Shadow and Keb Darge went head to head on the turntables, each trying to out-do each other with rarer and rarer funk cuts. I don't mind that they left out the artists names, because you're never gonna find these singles anywhere, and even you did you wouldn't have the money for them. So for those less serious collectors, get this one because it's all the funk you'll ever need.There is a Funk Spectrum II, with Keb Darge and Kenny Dope, but it's not as good this first one."
