« Fashion. Birds of a Feather | Back to Dork Magazine | Audio. New Music from Mos Def »
December 26, 2006
Audio. Goodbye James Brown
Audio. Goodbye James Brown: [Words & Music by Ken Peebles] Rootdown Show #2 is dedicated to Mr. James Brown. What can be said about a man whose influence has spread so wide. Although he enjoyed a long and full life, I am none the less saddened by the passing of a musical legend. Perhaps like myself you had only come to realize the reach and power of James Brown in the last few years. I was raised on hip hop and it would only be until I started digging into its roots that I'd discover the innovators of Funk that gave birth to the sound I know and love.
Outside the standards like Papa’s got a brand new bag and Sex Machine I heard as a kid, it would be the Funky President 45 and the Black Caesar Soundtrack that would really pull me into the power of the James Brown sound. The blaring horns, the random screams and grunts over the track and the rhythmic style that would change the world. That signature funk sound has become a permanent fixture of the pop culture landscape with pieces of Funky Drummer popping up everywhere. The hardest working man in show business will certainly not be replicated anytime soon. He kept his band tight - producing an impeccable sound and electrifying show. The music always had a great blend of fun, soul, danceability and meaning.
Listen to Dork Magazine Rootdown Show #2 [Here]
With a catalogue so large and diverse, it’s difficult to choose favourite moments (I’m still a sucker for that ‘More Peas’ bass break down everytime) but perhaps that was the best part. All of James Brown’s music is great. It’s not something you break into simple ‘greatest hit’ collections. You simply put the needle on the groove and enjoy. I’ve put together a few moments captured in time and I hope you feel them. There truly will only be one Godfather of Soul and in the absence of his body we will forever be left with the spirit in his music. Let’s keep it rocking to infinity.
Goodbye James.
Can we do it again…..yeah, yeah…..Can we do it again…….yeah, yeah….
+ Download the MP3 version of Rootdown Show #2 [Here]
+ Download the MP3 version of Rootdown Show #1 [Here]
Posted by taj at December 26, 2006 03:41 PM