Mickey and the Soul Generation is another band in a dejected list of bands who wrote solid songs but never gained any commercial success. But thanks to the benevolent work of DJ Shadow, this San Antonio band’s complete recorded discography and 6 live demos were unearthed and reissued so they can entertain a new generation of funk enthusiasts. Get a taste of what this band is all about with “Chocolate,” an instrumental groove-centered track with their funky horn section holding down the harmony.

Mickey & The Soul Generation
“Chocolate” (mp3)
from “Iron Leg”
(Quannum Projects)

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Here begineth the lesson. Thou shalt go forth and get funkay. This classic hip-hop collage is as entertaining and funny as it is masterful. You see, before artists like DJ Shadow took used records to make new records, Steinski put down groundbreaking work that opened the gates and authored a blueprint for a generation of hip-hop producers and turntablists. On the one now. One.

Steinski, Double Dee
“Lesson 3″ (mp3)
from “What Does It All Mean? – 1983-2006 Retrospective”
(Illegal Art)

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Much talked about and rightfully lauded far and wide early in its release, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings “I Learned The Hard Way” is every bit the record it’s supposed to be. It has everything that has been largely missing lately from mainstream R n’ B, soul and pop music, you know, things like: rhythm, blues, soul, and pop. These are hit songs, played by an air-tight band, sung by the incomparable Sharon Jones. I can’t say enough about it.

You can buy the CD directly from the label, Daptone Records.

In a modern re-interpretation of the classic Blaxploitation movie soundtracks, 2 Da Groove takes the “Action Jackson” theme from the big screen to the dance floor. Good instrumental fun. Also, for an amazing set of the original 70′s stuff this is based on, check out the Selvin On The City podcast at OpenSourceMusic. Gr8 stuff.

2 Da Groove
“Action Jackson” (mp3)
from “Blaxploitation”
(Fervor Records)

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I discovered the Jive Turkeys last year and I am delighted to post another dose of their fine funky medicine here today. Pure instrumental 70’s funk worship from a band that can really cook. The Jive Turkeys outta Cincinnati O-Hi-Yo, ladeez and gents, doin’ “The Funky Turkey,” from their hot-off-the-griddle “Bread & Butter” platter. Gobble gobble it up.

The Jive Turkeys
“The Funky Turkey” (mp3)
from “Bread & Butter”
(Colemine Records)

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Before Microsoft, Amazon, the Seattle Mariners, and The Seahawks, Seattle had a vibrant live music scene that around funk, jazz and soul music (think: Ray Charles). Most of these bands faded into the vaults of album obscurity, but a few, like Wheedle’s Groove, have been dusted off, remastered and reissued. Originally released in 1967, “H. O. E. ” is a window into the late sixties Seattle sound that sonically encapsulates all the groove based music of the time.

Wheedle’s Groove
“H.O.E.” (mp3)
from “Kearney Barton (iTunes Bonus Tracks Version)”
(Light In The Attic)

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The P-Bass Expressway is New Zealand’s funkiest band to date. The founding members, Paul Bimler and Ariel White, have been recording and playing their unique brand of instrumental guitar slapping funk since the late 1990s. After a sting of successful singles that netted them numerous accolades and heavy radio rotation in Australia, the group recorded Express Funk. Enjoy the opening cut, “Chester Creeps In” of the 2008 release, and you will soon hear what NZ’s funk scene is all about.

P-Bass Expressway
“Chester Creeps In” (mp3)
from “Express Funk”
(LOOP)

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My mp3 sleuthing hero, Superfan, has been posting some lovely Northern Soul tracks lately from the Twirl Records compilations. Released digitally now for all to enjoy, these 45′s were long the domain of crate digging fanatics and collectors exclusively. From Volume 6 of this mother lode of gems, “Shangri-La” by The Parakeets has all the elements: rich, sugary string section parts, doo-wop style harmonys, a sincere and plaintive lead vocal, and even that abrupt fade at the end which so many record producers favored at the time. Pure uncut vintage pop.

The Parakeets
“Shangri-La” (mp3)
from “Twirl Records Story Volume 6″
(Twirl Records)

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Usually cuts like this jam are all housed in the collections of beat diggers who’s obsession with records and weed defines their whole attitude. Now we less fortunate music lovers are blessed with a digital compilation of French producer, Jean-Pierre Massiera titled, Psychoses Freakoïd (1963-1978). Massiera is basically the J.Dilla of the European disco/dance music scene. One bar into Herman’s Rocket’s “Space Women,” and you’ll wish you where partying in a French discotheque.

Herman’s Rocket
“Space Woman” (mp3)
from “Jean-Pierre Massiera – Psychoses Freakoïd (1963-1978)”
(Mucho Gusto Records)

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If anyone was wondering if Maceo Parker’s funk output died with disco I present to you, “Elephant’s Foot.” Mr. Parker has been steadily recording and touring since the time that he left James Brown’s band in 1975. Maceo shows that he’s still one of the hippest players in the music game and still has the funk flowing through his veins.

Parker, Maceo
“Elephant’s Foot” (mp3)
from “Funk Overload”
(What Are Records)

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