Mar
20th
the jumpoff - funk extravaganza
By Afolabi
Funk Extravaganza
Track List
Parliament - Chocolate City
The Bamboos ft. Alice Russell - Bring it home
Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears - Sugarfoot
The Soul Stylistics - The Players Theme
Raphael Saadiq - Let's take a walk
James Brown - Can't stand it
James Brown - Bring it up
Mighty Show Stoppers - Hippy Skippy Moon Strut
The Bamboos - Tighten' up
James Brown - Hustle!!! (Dead on ti)
Soul Vibrations - The Dump
Curtis Mayfield - Heavy Dude
James Brown - Escape-ism
Young & Company - I like what you're doing to me
Breakout - Planet Rock Pt. 1
James Brown - You've changed
James Brown - Give me some skin
The Bamboos ft. Alice Russell - Bring it home
Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears - Sugarfoot
The Soul Stylistics - The Players Theme
Raphael Saadiq - Let's take a walk
James Brown - Can't stand it
James Brown - Bring it up
Mighty Show Stoppers - Hippy Skippy Moon Strut
The Bamboos - Tighten' up
James Brown - Hustle!!! (Dead on ti)
Soul Vibrations - The Dump
Curtis Mayfield - Heavy Dude
James Brown - Escape-ism
Young & Company - I like what you're doing to me
Breakout - Planet Rock Pt. 1
James Brown - You've changed
James Brown - Give me some skin
And that'll do it today. Pull out those one-button suits, skinny ties, and get loose. Have a funky good time this weekend! Until next time, be easy.
Afolabi
Mar
19th
the jumpoff - funk - yarbrough and peoples_earth wind and fire
By Afolabi
Hola! One day till the weekend, and i'm feeling a bit impatient. That ain't getting in the way of the funk though. Welcome to The Jumpoff!
A-Side
This is a song that has torn up many a dance floor since it's release in 1981. It was also the biggest hit of Dallas, TX duo that sang it. Yarbrough & Peoples- Don't stop the music
B-Side
This next track is certified to move you. The video might even inspire a few new dance moves. If you've listened to the majority of this band's catalog you'll know that they principally focused on making music to get you to stop playing the wall. So if you're near one right now, "get your back up off the wall". Earth, Wind & Fire - Boogie Wonderland
Aight then, off to see Raphael Saadiq. Stay cool. Until next time, be easy.
Afolabi
A-Side
This is a song that has torn up many a dance floor since it's release in 1981. It was also the biggest hit of Dallas, TX duo that sang it. Yarbrough & Peoples- Don't stop the music
B-Side
This next track is certified to move you. The video might even inspire a few new dance moves. If you've listened to the majority of this band's catalog you'll know that they principally focused on making music to get you to stop playing the wall. So if you're near one right now, "get your back up off the wall". Earth, Wind & Fire - Boogie Wonderland
Aight then, off to see Raphael Saadiq. Stay cool. Until next time, be easy.
Afolabi
Mar
18th
the jumpoff - funk - sister sledge_kool and the gang
By Afolabi
Happy hump day y'all! We're bringing the funk all week this week, so strap yourself in some more booty shakin' grooves. Welcome to The Jumpoff!
A-Side
This track will NEVER sound bad. The only other artist of note that has sampled this is Will Smith; unless if you know Dannii Minougue, sister of Kylie. And even her version, as clubby as it was, wasn't that bad. So, go find yourself a disco ball right now. Sister Sledge - He's the greatest dancer
B-Side
If you grew up during the bling/ghetto fabulous era of hiphop you sorta know this song, but in a very different incarnation. Diddy was involved. The next vid is from 1983, featuring the funk-tastic band that originally gave us the song. Kool & The Gang - Hollywood Swinging
And on it goes. That'll do it for today. Stay cool. Until next time, be easy.
Afolabi
A-Side
This track will NEVER sound bad. The only other artist of note that has sampled this is Will Smith; unless if you know Dannii Minougue, sister of Kylie. And even her version, as clubby as it was, wasn't that bad. So, go find yourself a disco ball right now. Sister Sledge - He's the greatest dancer
B-Side
If you grew up during the bling/ghetto fabulous era of hiphop you sorta know this song, but in a very different incarnation. Diddy was involved. The next vid is from 1983, featuring the funk-tastic band that originally gave us the song. Kool & The Gang - Hollywood Swinging
And on it goes. That'll do it for today. Stay cool. Until next time, be easy.
Afolabi
Mar
17th
the jumpoff - funk - curtis mayfield_chic
By Afolabi
Happy St. Patrick's day!!! Is it just me or has daylight savings helped to boost your general attitude? It's like one of the tracks today, all that sunlight just makes me want to party, party. Welcome to The Jumpoff!
A-Side
You can't have a full conversation about funk without throwing in this guy name. Most people know Kanye West's "Touch the Sky" which samples his uber-funky "Move on up". If you haven't heard that original yet, please fix that. Today, though, we'll be focusing on some of his other material. Curtis Mayfield - Don't worry (if there's a hell below we're all gonna go)/ Party, Party/ Ice 9 (Live)
B-Side
This is next group dwells in the realm of funk's offspring, disco. I've definitely shaken my groove thang to their groove on many a dancefloor. "Le freak" and "Good times" are probably their most popular tracks, and are guaranteed to get any party started. But here's a few more party starting alternatives from... Chic - Cheer/ Dance, Dance, Dance (Yowsah, Yowsah, Yowsah)
And so it goes. That's it today. Stay cool. Until next time, be easy.
Afolabi
p.s. A-Trak @ Estate (Boston) tonight
A-Side
You can't have a full conversation about funk without throwing in this guy name. Most people know Kanye West's "Touch the Sky" which samples his uber-funky "Move on up". If you haven't heard that original yet, please fix that. Today, though, we'll be focusing on some of his other material. Curtis Mayfield - Don't worry (if there's a hell below we're all gonna go)/ Party, Party/ Ice 9 (Live)
B-Side
This is next group dwells in the realm of funk's offspring, disco. I've definitely shaken my groove thang to their groove on many a dancefloor. "Le freak" and "Good times" are probably their most popular tracks, and are guaranteed to get any party started. But here's a few more party starting alternatives from... Chic - Cheer/ Dance, Dance, Dance (Yowsah, Yowsah, Yowsah)
And so it goes. That's it today. Stay cool. Until next time, be easy.
Afolabi
p.s. A-Trak @ Estate (Boston) tonight
Mar
16th
the jumpoff - funk - james brown_grace jones
By Afolabi
What up people, papa's got a brand new week. That's called foreshadowing. Welcome to The Jumpoff!
A-Side
"I feel like Ali, sting like a butterfly, float like a bee. Don't want nobody botherin' me, 'cos i refuse to lose," says James Brown, funk pioneer and impressario. I don't think i need to preface what's coming next, except that the following sounds are highly infused with machismo and bravado. James Brown - I refuse to lose/ Ants in my pants/ There it is
B-Side
Most people likely remember this next artist not so much for her music, but as Zula, the Amazon, in Arnold Schwarzenegger's Conan the Destroyer (part 2 of the series). But the Jamaican born model/singer/former Warhol muse/actress has amassed quite a catalog of music. These next two tracks sort of bookend her music career so far, but it's to her credit that she makes highly danceable music that transcends time and era. Grace Jones - Pull up to the bumper/ Love you to life
That's it today. Stay tuned for more of the funk tomorrow. Until next time, be easy.
Afolabi
A-Side
"I feel like Ali, sting like a butterfly, float like a bee. Don't want nobody botherin' me, 'cos i refuse to lose," says James Brown, funk pioneer and impressario. I don't think i need to preface what's coming next, except that the following sounds are highly infused with machismo and bravado. James Brown - I refuse to lose/ Ants in my pants/ There it is
B-Side
Most people likely remember this next artist not so much for her music, but as Zula, the Amazon, in Arnold Schwarzenegger's Conan the Destroyer (part 2 of the series). But the Jamaican born model/singer/former Warhol muse/actress has amassed quite a catalog of music. These next two tracks sort of bookend her music career so far, but it's to her credit that she makes highly danceable music that transcends time and era. Grace Jones - Pull up to the bumper/ Love you to life
That's it today. Stay tuned for more of the funk tomorrow. Until next time, be easy.
Afolabi
Mar
13th
the jumpoff - soul extravaganza
By Afolabi
Happy Friday y'all!!! It's the freakin' weekend. And even more, it's the weekend of the patron saint of the isles of Erin, Patrick. So to close out the week and usher in the weekend, here's a soul set of some rare gems. Welcome to The Jumpoff!
Soul Extravaganza
In all likelihood these songs are new to you. They were new to me when i unearthed them recently. And i'm glad that i'm just able to share them with you. It's hard to be in a bad mood and listen to these next few songs, and considering the way the week's gone, that's a really good thing. So without any more ado, this is soul as it should be.
Song List
Fred Hymes III - Time ain't gonna do me no favors
The Locations - Mister Diamond Man
Papa Bear & The Cubs - You're so fine
Tom Green - Endless Confusion
Betty Moorer - Speed Up
T.S.U. Toronadoes - Gotta get through to you
Linda Griner - Good-by cruel love
And that's all i've got for you. Rock it out this weekend! Until next time, be easy.
Afolabi
Mar
12th
the jumpoff 03.12.09
By Afolabi
Hola amigos and amigas! One day away from the weekend, and here's some soulful grooves to ease you right on into the weekend. Welcome to The Jumpoff!
A-Side
This is a new artist on Stones Throw records. He's a 29 year old soul crooner from Ann Arbor, Michigan that had no intention of becoming a professional musician. But you can't hid soul this good under a bushel. He hasn't released an album or anything yet, but keep an eye/ear out for him in 09. Mayer Hawthorne & The County - Just ain't gonna work out
B-Side
This next group formed in Houston, Texas in 1966. They were signed to the reknowned Gamble & Huff's Philadelphia International Records. They had some modest hits from the late 60s to the mid to late 70s, but finally split in 1980. This song has been covered by a few other groups, but i like this version. Archie Bell & The Drells - A Thousand Wonders
That's it today. Stay cool. Until next time, be easy.
Afolabi
A-Side
This is a new artist on Stones Throw records. He's a 29 year old soul crooner from Ann Arbor, Michigan that had no intention of becoming a professional musician. But you can't hid soul this good under a bushel. He hasn't released an album or anything yet, but keep an eye/ear out for him in 09. Mayer Hawthorne & The County - Just ain't gonna work out
B-Side
This next group formed in Houston, Texas in 1966. They were signed to the reknowned Gamble & Huff's Philadelphia International Records. They had some modest hits from the late 60s to the mid to late 70s, but finally split in 1980. This song has been covered by a few other groups, but i like this version. Archie Bell & The Drells - A Thousand Wonders
That's it today. Stay cool. Until next time, be easy.
Afolabi
Mar
11th
the jumpoff 03.11.09
By Afolabi
Wednesday hump day. If you're the optmistic type, the week is almost over. Here's some more soul cuts for your soul. Welcome to The Jumpoff!
A-Side
There were a lot of groups from the 60s that had names like "The (object/subject/noun here; e.g. Locations, Okayshions, Marvelettes, Oneders, j/k)". This is one of them. Signed to Motown in 1962, they spent most of the 60s scoring mild hits and playing mostly as supporting acts to other Motown names. Yet, they still have a really good sound that caught on in England, especially with the Northern Soul movement. These next songs are very much in that vein. The Velvelettes - Stop beating around the bush, Something's happening
B-Side
A good friend of mine i hadn't spoken to in a while called me the other day. As our conversations are wont to do, we ended up talking about music. And i have to give it to him he caught me unawares, mainly because he's been listening to Al Green's new album, Lay it Down, a lot lately. Yeah, Al Green has a new album. Well relatively, he released it in May 2008. Regardless, i had no idea there was even an album to speak of. So i went and checked it out. It's good! It's what you want and expect from the Reverend. Straight up soul. Horns, organs, that falsetto. What more can i say... Al Green - All i need, I'm wild about you
That's it today. Until next time, be easy.
Afolabi
A-Side
There were a lot of groups from the 60s that had names like "The (object/subject/noun here; e.g. Locations, Okayshions, Marvelettes, Oneders, j/k)". This is one of them. Signed to Motown in 1962, they spent most of the 60s scoring mild hits and playing mostly as supporting acts to other Motown names. Yet, they still have a really good sound that caught on in England, especially with the Northern Soul movement. These next songs are very much in that vein. The Velvelettes - Stop beating around the bush, Something's happening
B-Side
A good friend of mine i hadn't spoken to in a while called me the other day. As our conversations are wont to do, we ended up talking about music. And i have to give it to him he caught me unawares, mainly because he's been listening to Al Green's new album, Lay it Down, a lot lately. Yeah, Al Green has a new album. Well relatively, he released it in May 2008. Regardless, i had no idea there was even an album to speak of. So i went and checked it out. It's good! It's what you want and expect from the Reverend. Straight up soul. Horns, organs, that falsetto. What more can i say... Al Green - All i need, I'm wild about you
That's it today. Until next time, be easy.
Afolabi
Mar
10th
the jumpoff 03.10.09
By Afolabi
Wassup people! Hope i find you well. As i mentioned yesterday, it's all about soul this week. So without further ado. Welcome to The Jumpoff!
A-Side
I heard this song a few days ago while watching UNC play Duke again. I didn't know who sang it, come to think of it i really couldn't hear the words either, i just knew that my head was bouncing. But thank goodness for friends, and friends that know their ish at that. Sam (a.k.a DJ Bogart of Flavorheard) informed me that this song was used as the sample for Big Daddy Kane's "Ain't no half steppin". Which i would also recommend you listening to. But today it's about... The Emotions - Blind Alley
B-Side
Here we have a soul group from Detroit's little known Soulhawk Records. I only came across this song because i was looking for some Mayer Hawthorne (more on him later). But regardless, it's an awesome song in its own right. The lyrics are pretty poignant in that i'm sure everyone has felt that emotion at some point in their life. But the mellow soulful harmonizing all through the song is really what carries this into the eschelon of soul music. The New Holidays - Maybe so Maybe no
And that's it today. Keep on keeping on. Until next time, be easy.
Afolabi
A-Side
I heard this song a few days ago while watching UNC play Duke again. I didn't know who sang it, come to think of it i really couldn't hear the words either, i just knew that my head was bouncing. But thank goodness for friends, and friends that know their ish at that. Sam (a.k.a DJ Bogart of Flavorheard) informed me that this song was used as the sample for Big Daddy Kane's "Ain't no half steppin". Which i would also recommend you listening to. But today it's about... The Emotions - Blind Alley
B-Side
Here we have a soul group from Detroit's little known Soulhawk Records. I only came across this song because i was looking for some Mayer Hawthorne (more on him later). But regardless, it's an awesome song in its own right. The lyrics are pretty poignant in that i'm sure everyone has felt that emotion at some point in their life. But the mellow soulful harmonizing all through the song is really what carries this into the eschelon of soul music. The New Holidays - Maybe so Maybe no
And that's it today. Keep on keeping on. Until next time, be easy.
Afolabi
Mar
9th
the jumpoff 03.09.09
By Afolabi
Hello there friends. It's kind of a dreary Monday right now, but hopefully the sun will break through soon. Welcome to The Jumpoff!
A-Side
So, i recently received the news that one of the finer human beings i've known in Boston is no longer with us. I'm still in disbelief at the whole situation, especially being that i just saw him last Friday at his usual spot manning/owning the door situation at my favorite place to go in this entire city. Literally the gatekeeper to countless moments of joy and happiness, as well as some of the best times i've had in my life. One of the lasting memories i'll have of Jimmy, aside from constantly reminding me to get to the door by 11, is from just last Friday. I'd already been waiting like 30 mins in line, which means that everyone in line is taking it out on the guy at the door. Some people would wear this treatment on their sleeve, but not Jimmy. He had a huge smile on his face, gave me a hug, and then jovially threw me into the fray, literally. That for me encapsulates the type of person he was. It's been that people knock on your door but you can take a break from all that now; now it's your turn Jimmy. Bob Dylan - Knockin' on heaven's door
B-Side
The opening lyrics to this next song are: "Hey you! I need you here by my side. Don't try to fight it!" In my minds eye, whoever is on the other side of the door from Jimmy is saying this to him. I'm sure there are a lot of people saying this to themselves too right now, but he's needed elsewhere. I'd planned on dedicating this entire week to soul music, and in light of recent events it's even more fitting. The Montclairs - Hey you! Don't fight it!
That's going to do it for today. Please contribute to help Jimmy's family here. It will be much appreciated. Jimmy you will be missed! Until next time, be easy.
Afolabi
A-Side
So, i recently received the news that one of the finer human beings i've known in Boston is no longer with us. I'm still in disbelief at the whole situation, especially being that i just saw him last Friday at his usual spot manning/owning the door situation at my favorite place to go in this entire city. Literally the gatekeeper to countless moments of joy and happiness, as well as some of the best times i've had in my life. One of the lasting memories i'll have of Jimmy, aside from constantly reminding me to get to the door by 11, is from just last Friday. I'd already been waiting like 30 mins in line, which means that everyone in line is taking it out on the guy at the door. Some people would wear this treatment on their sleeve, but not Jimmy. He had a huge smile on his face, gave me a hug, and then jovially threw me into the fray, literally. That for me encapsulates the type of person he was. It's been that people knock on your door but you can take a break from all that now; now it's your turn Jimmy. Bob Dylan - Knockin' on heaven's door
B-Side
The opening lyrics to this next song are: "Hey you! I need you here by my side. Don't try to fight it!" In my minds eye, whoever is on the other side of the door from Jimmy is saying this to him. I'm sure there are a lot of people saying this to themselves too right now, but he's needed elsewhere. I'd planned on dedicating this entire week to soul music, and in light of recent events it's even more fitting. The Montclairs - Hey you! Don't fight it!
That's going to do it for today. Please contribute to help Jimmy's family here. It will be much appreciated. Jimmy you will be missed! Until next time, be easy.
Afolabi
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