Search - Redbone :: Essential Redbone

Still the same great music

Liz KS | Wichita, Kansas United States | 10/03/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought the LP back in the 70's when it first came out. I heard "Come and get your love" on the radio and had to have the record. Now, 31 years later, I own the CD and it's still the same great music. Sorry to hear of the band members illness. I wish you recovery to make more of this great music."

Great stuff!!

David J. Clarke | Southern California | 03/26/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I suppose the term "Indian electric" was never coined and I in no way wish to sound condescendng if I use this term here or use it any disrespectable sense for this wondrous group or the individual members who call theselves Redbone.

I was hooked on this band the moment my AM car radio played and I first heard "The Witch Queen" when I hopelessly lost at 2:am in the Boyle Heights section of East LA on a spooky night desperately looking for a freeway onramp to find my way out.

1974's "Come and Get your Love" was another such song that once I heard it I just HAD had to immediately have that record in my hands!

When I hear now hear these two tunes 30 plus years latter I'm equally if not even more impressed! In fact on every song on this L.P. I can hear I very a strong native American Indian influence .

FABULOUS STUFF!!! I strongly feel that Redbone NEVER got the proper credit they so deserved! Excellent musicians, excellent guitar playing, excellent singing and excellent energy!

Truly a unique sound and if you indulge me here, excellent "Indian electric!"

This L.P. is a MUST BUY for anyone who so enjoyed these tunes in the 1970's and for anyone today that enjoys and loves great music! ... I l love you guys known as "Redbone!"

David

(Baby Boomer from the Inland Empire)"

"Essential Redbone" is essential seventies funk rock

Vincent M. Mastronardi | Michigan | 01/25/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Redbone is perhaps remembered by the public as a Native American band that only had one hit with "Come and Get Your Love". Most people probably don't even remember what they looked like since their hit was 1974, before the age of video (although I believe they did appear on "The Midnight Special"). So why would they garner an "Essential" collection? The "Essential" series is not as low as the "Super Hits" that and even ranks better than the "20th Century" sets (it goes without saying that I collect a lot music). Anyway, the "Essential" collection is no doubt yet another means for labels (Sony and all the labels that fall in it, in this case Epic) to cash in by making a set that might appeal only to causal fans. In many cases, they run two discs (with such big hitters ranging from Simon & Garfunkel to Micheal Jackson). They also often contain good artwork and notes. But enough about the series. Again, why did Redbone get such a release?



The core of Redbone are Lolly and Pat Vegas, the brothers and primary songwriters (often writing separately but sometimes collaborating). The two talent of these two men of Native American and Mexican descent shines through on the variety of music here. "Come Get Your Love" might have been over used in commercials (which often cover the song using session singers) but the actual Redbone song is kick butt combo of rock, funk and pop. Great catchy lyrics, excellent singing and stellar musicianship (the bass, the guitar, the drums and percussion...wow!). The version on here is a bit of bonus as it contains on intro never heard on the radio with nearly accapella singing with minimal instruments in the back before the the drums start the track off. That song is just one of the great tracks, though. "One Monkey" is a soulful song piano and guitar driven track about touring (I think...or something else suggestive). "The Witch Queen of New Orleans" was actually their breakout hit and is a funky story song. "Maggie" is also a widely acknowledged song. This is a harder funk rock tune about a loose woman. "Nobody cried when Maggie died". "Maggie" ends with some great jamming for the last minute or so. But if want another track exactly like "Come and Get Your Love", they even have that with "One More Time". I believe it almost had to be an attempt to have a similar sounding hit. The title might even suggest that, but there is a bit of story here about a struggling family. The song even ends with a similar "Na, na, na" that is the chorus of their mega hit! It's a bit more Motown-ish 9with strong female vocals joining in on the great chorus) than where "Come and Get Your Love" is more rock. This band could do it all!



While know of these tracks would heavily suggest that they had to be Native American, others like "Clouds In My Sunshine", which begins with chanting does. However, it also mixes some smooth R&B in as well. However, toward the end, the titles and themes of the songs heavily suggest their Native American heritage. However, they are still at their core accessible pop songs. "Message From A Drum" is a sad ballad while "Wovoka" contains excellent guitar and horns while singing "Our people must dance" in order to ward away evil spirits. Yet should also be noted that the funky bluesy "Niki Honey" was covered by Aretha Franklin.



The album is a great mix of all things. The fact that Redbone combines their Native American music and the themes of their culture into their songs is excellent. However, some of these tracks are just great because of the combination of musical genres, like soul and rock. This collection is a combination of both fun and topical songwriting with excellent musicians and singers who did not care about being classified. Call them a Native American rock band (or pop band or soul band), just don't call them boring. This CD is a treasure that I'm glad I discovered. Sadly, while Sony had the good taste to release it, apparently it was not a big seller since they let it go out of print (and copies seem to be selling for a lot more than it originally cost judging by Amazon). I think the notes and artwork still make it worth looking for but if not, picking up the digital version is fine too. Not sure if any other Redbone set contains all these fine songs as well as the five minute version of "Come and Get Your Love" (which I stress might be the highlight but not the only reason to pick this up)."