Best of the "Abstract Funk Theory" Releases
Karl Miller | Phoenixville, PA United States | 04/15/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The Lo-Fidelity All Stars contribution to the Abstract Funk Theory series is a great mix of true old school soul sounds, funky house beats and remixed British rhythms.
Go immediately to track #13 on this disc - The Emotion's "Blind Alley" is the finest cut, and a reminder of why the Hutchinson sisters were the best "girl band" of their day. Over a slinky Stax-style horn section, their three part harmonies are tremendous. This is a much rawer song than their later Maurice White produced work, but those glorious vocals ring through. Then cut back to Bill Wither's live version of "Grandma's Hands" - you have to wonder why Wither's abandoned his career when you hear these great vocals. Al Wilson's "The Snake" is both a great novelty song (women, don't bring a snake into your home!) and an inspired vocal performance - for anyone who only knows of Wilson from "Show and Tell", this is a great way to learn more about his Lou Rawls style voice.
The Lo-Fidelty's own "On The Pier" is also included, with its brilliant use of a sample from Joe Tex's "Oh Me Oh My" - it blends well with the 60's and 70's soul classics included on this mix."