Search - James Brown :: Singles 5: 1967-1969

Another must-have....for everyone!

Phil S. | USA | 05/26/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Another "dream collection" from Universal/Hip-O Select and the great reissue Producer Harry Weinger.

For the initiated - mostly the fans who paced the floor wondering what the next James Brown (or Bobby Byrd or Marva Whitney) single would sound like, this is a stone-keeper. For those here for Orientation, listen and learn. And dance.

Yes, we wondered what the next JB King single from Soul Brother Number One, might sound like, and although some said, well, roughly like the one before, we studied them and noticed that each release was more complex and creative than the one before. This was the Soul-to-Funk transition period, and it was exciting.

The alternate, overseas pressing of "I Guess I'll Have To Cry, Cry, Cry" is ofcourse one of those proverbial worth-the-price-of-admission; as is "You Got To Have A Job", a great uptempo duet with Marva, who, as always, injects so much emotionalism tempered with artistry that it's impossible not send a signal to that CD-deck to play it one more time. Back in the late '60s, I'd make that jump from red courduroy covered bed to the turntable and with a surgeon's touch, ease the needle down again.

Those memories are great, before "portability", when listening was at home...and very personal. Now with digital enhancing we can really hear that otherworldly yet earthy band deliver on original studio sides...long before they got disco-fied.

Right now I'm pacing the floor in my computer room in happy anticipation of Volume 6 and..."World, Part Two"."