Search - Cameo, The Gap Band :: Pure Funk

Clams on the half-shell and roller-skates

L. Hawkins | USA | 10/07/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I don't use phrases like "instant party" lightly but this disc was an immediate hit from the moment it arrived! With the exception of "Tell Me Something Good" all the songs are upbeat, get up and dance grooves. All are `radio edits,' aka the short version. Collectors looking for long-play versions and rare tracks would want to look elsewhere. I've owned other disco/funk compilation albums that are available on Amazon and this one got the best response at parties by far. It's also excellent to listen to when I find myself getting tired and need to energize. It's a compilation for all the reasons you want a good compilation album; you couldn't mix one better yourself!



With all the subtlety of "not!" these Funk classics taught us a new vocabulary for getting down and getting across our nasty intentions. "Brick House," "Super Freak," and "Shaft," were just a few of the many reasons why momma didn't want us listening to the funk. Plus, don't say "Voulez vous coucher avec moi ce soir" to someone who speaks French unless you really mean to deliver!



For those not of the `clams on the half-shell and roller-skate' generation, you'll discover the origin of many samples from your favorite songs (you mean they didn't write that rif themselves?!?!) plus you'll discover how Will Smith's "Men In Black" is an exact replica of Patrice Rushen`s "Forget Me Nots," number 16 on this disc.



Not everything is from the 70's however, most notably the above mentioned "Forget Me Nots," Cameo's "Word Up," and "Early In The Morning" by The Gap Bad --no relation to the mall store. "Don't Stop the Music" by Yarbrough & Peoples, and Rick James' anthem and Hammer pleaser "Super Freak" also come right in at the turn of the decade.



This disc also has many of the slightly-harder-to-find yet still mainstream hits like "Kung Fu Fighting" and the theme from "Shaft" that aren't all available on other compilations. Overall a very well put together disco/funk compilation!



Don't fear the funk; enjoy the disco! Tear off the roof and get down!"

The Most Popular CD at the Office Party.

RicR2 | McLean, VA USA | 07/31/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For a Christmas Office Party, I emailed my colleagues a list (Excel Spreadsheet) of song names (but not the name of the CD each song was from) from over 100 CDs. The CD with the most songs chosen was "Pure Funk."



1/4/06 Update: The age range was 30-something to the late 50s."

Too cool for School! Mind blowing Funk!

Vincent M. Mastronardi | Michigan | 08/10/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In spite of disco (or maybe because of it), this sound of Funk has been alive for years and the best songs of the most winning era of funk (early '70s to about the mid '80s) are all making this CD come alive and wake you up. Ever kind of Funky R&B beat is on here. From great bands like the Commodores and their admiration of the female body in "Brick House" to the cool street jazzy number from Average White Band in "Pick Up The Pieces". Groups in the Eighites relied more heavily on keyboards than bass and sax as seen in the cool dance track of "Word Up" by Cameo. R&B Royalty like Patti and Chaka shine on hits in their early bands Labelle and Rufus, repsectively. Also, a sister of Funk Jean Knight's biggest hit "Mr. Big Stuff" is a classic in any genre. Don't forget the delicious hot bass synthesizer blend on "Don't Stop The Music" (Many Thanks to Yarbrough and Peoples). How about this for a one two punch? Two classic themes from some of two of the hottest movies of the seventies. It's "Shaft" vs. "Superfly" as seventies poets of the street, Isaac and Curtis, have two of their best known song go head to head. Truly inspiring. All that and eighties fun found in Patrice Rushsen's sweet "Forget Me Nots" and Rick James raunchy yet honest "Super Freak". Every song on here is essential funk and the groups and artist are all at their peak in performance. A fun piece that is bursting with some of the best music ever."