"Rock Workshop" by ROCK WORKSHOP [feat Alex Harvey, Alan Greed and Bob Downes] (2002 Angel Air 'Expanded Edition' CD Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"...Theme For Freedom..."

Lead Guitarist and principal songwriter RAY RUSSELL with the long forgotten band ROCK WORKSHOP had been gigging with Georgie Fame when he met ALEX HARVEY (later of The Sensational Alex Harvey Band) with his brother Lesley Harvey (lead guitarist with Stone The Crows) who were both playing in the musical "Hair".

Out of this came the collaborative free-basing band 'Rock Workshop' - a very Chicago/Blood Sweat & Tears first-album brass-driven 11-man fusion outfit (which a touch of Alexis Korner's C.C.S. thrown in) who managed two albums on CBS Records in 1970 and 1971. Both of these platters sank without a trace and have been very hard to find every since. Harvey would of course sign to Vertigo Records and start a run of highly successful albums and chart action (later LPs on Mooncrest). 

The band's second lead vocalist was ALAN GREED. Greed had been with Harsh Reality who had a lone Prog Rock album called "Heaven And Hell" released in 1969 on Philips SBL 7891. After Rock workshop failed - Greed went on to be with the band The Running Man who managed one self-titled LP on RCA's Progressive Rock Neon label (NE 11). The other notable in Rock Workshop was flutist BOB DOWNES - a Fusion heavyweight whose cult status amongst collectors and aficionados has long since been the very stuff of collectability.   

However - this 'Angel Air Records' CD Reissue and Remaster is not without its problems as other reviewers have noted - but I'd argue that it’s still worth checking out. Here are the wigged-out details...

UK released October 2002 - "Rock Workshop" by ROCK WORKSHOP on Angel Air SJPCD132 (Barcode 5055011701328) is an 'Expanded Edition' CD Reissue and Remaster with Six Bonus Tracks that pans out as follows (71:16 minutes):

1. Ice Cold 

2. Wade In The Water 

3. Hole In Her Stocking 

4. He Looks At Me/Mooncross Groove 

5. Spine Cop 

6. Born In The City 

7. Theme For Freedom 

8. You To Lose 

BONUS TRACKS: 

9. Spine Cop (Alternate Version)

10. Hole In Her Stocking (Alternate Version)

11. Born In The City (Alternate Version)

12. You To Lose (Alternate Version)

13. Primrose Hill 

14. Return To The Goddess 

For some reason that's never explained - the original British LP's track list has been messed around with for this CD Reissue. Released June 1970 on CBS Records S 64075 (No US issue) - it should have been configured as follows: 

Side 1:

1. You To Lose (Ray Russell/R Cameron song) 

2. Wade In The Water (Ramsey Lewis cover - arranged Ray Russell)

3. Primrose Hill (Them For Jake) (Ray Russell/R Shepherd song)

4. Theme For Freedom (Ray Russell song)

Side 2: 

1. Spine (Ray Russell song)

2. Ice Cold (Ray Russell/R Shepherd song)

3. Hole In Her Stocking (Ray Russell/Alex Harvey song)

4. He Looks At Me (Ray Russell song)

5. Mooncross Grove (Ray Russell song)

ROCK WORKSHOP was:

ALEX HARVEY and ALAN GREED - Lead Vocals 

RAY RUSSELL - Lead Guitar 

BUD PARKES - Trumpet 

HARRY BECKETT - Trumpet/Flugelhorn

TONY ROBERTS - Tenor, Concert Flute and Alto Flute

BOB DOWNES - Tenor, Concert Flute and Alto Flute

DEREK WADSWORTH - Trombone

BRIAN MILLER - Keyboards 

DARYL RUNSWICK - Bass 

ALAN RUSHTON - Drums

ROBIN JONES - Drums or Congas/LA

All arrangements by Ray Russell - Electronic Music by Laurie Baker

But as you can see the CD's track list is rejiggered. The other problem is that the material is licensed from former band member Ray Russell (Remastered by Rik Walton) but it doesn't say what was used or how it was remastered. Harvey's vocals are distant in the mix while Russell's wild guitar playing is often amplified and to the fore. The Rich Wilson liner notes (June 2002) feature a good interview with founder member Ray Russell who laments the band's lack of gigs and promotion by the label (Harvey left after the first LP). There are blurry pictures of the eleven-strong group and the pages are done in the same 'shed' artwork of the album sleeve - but they're also sorely lacking. They don't mention the second LP "The Very Last Time" on CBS Records S 64394 nor show its gatefold sleeve - no catalogue numbers - no explanations of the Previously Unreleased Alternate Takes or even that "Primrose Hill" appeared on the 1971 double-album sampler "Rock Buster". It could have been a lot better. But I still dig the music...

The Side 1 opener "You To Lose" is a near seven-minute 3-parter (Overture, Breakout and Main Theme – Finale) that comes at you with a manic guitar solo first but then settles down into a great funky-rock groove that finally fizzles out with mad synth sounds (tasty). Their one-hundred miles an hour fuzzed-up guitar treatment of the Jazz Traditional "Wade In The Water" (famously associated with Ramsey Lewis) is the kind of freak-out Zappaphiles adore – Alex Harvey snarling like a loon as the brass tries to keep up with Russell letting rip on the axe. Alan Greed's vocals are a highlight on the brilliant "Primrose Hill" - a great song that deserved a better production. Other cool tracks include the seven-minute "Theme For Freedom" - a very Blood, Sweat & Tears affair with wilder guitar and horn playing (hell it even has a drum solo). The previously unreleased instrumental “Return To Goddess” will please fans of freak out guitar and brass...rave on boys...

Sure the Rock Workshop audio feels compromised and the presentation could have been better - but there's enough on here for punters to consider revisiting this forgotten wigout...give it a whirl... 

"Mona Bone Jakon" by CAT STEVENS - April 1970 UK LP on Island and August 1970 US LP on A&M Records - featuring Peter Gabriel as a Guest (2000 UK Universal/Island Remasters CD Reissue – Ted Jensen Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"...Won't Be Lonely For Long..."

After two pop albums with Deram ("Matthew And Son" and "New Masters" in March and December of 1967) and a two-year spell battling a bout of TB that nearly killed him - it was time for Steven Demetri Georgiou to become a proper singer-songwriter. CAT STEVENS signed to Chris Blackwell's mighty Island Records and the label's built-in policy of artistic-freedom saw the London lad with cat's eyes explode with creativity. And that flourishing sneaked in with April 1970's underrated and quietly forgotten "Mona Bone Jakon" LP.

Next port of call would be "Tea For A Tillerman" in November 1970 that would yield huge hits like "Wild World", "Hard Headed Woman", "Longer Boats" and the generation gap song "Father And Son" - the LP landing Cat Stevens in every bedsit up and down the country and around the globe. But it all with began with the rather solemn "Mona Bone Jakon" earlier in that mercurial year - 1970. Time to revisit the tearful dustbin on this gorgeous Remaster...

UK released August 2000 (May 2000 in the USA) - "Mona Bone Jakon" by CAT STEVENS on Universal/Island IMCD 267 / 546 883-2 (Barcode 731454688321) is a straightforward CD Remaster of the 11-track 1970 LP and plays out as follows (35:13 minutes):

1. Lady D'Arbanville [Side 1]

2. Maybe You're Right

3. Pop Star

4. I Think I See The Light

5. Trouble

6. Mona Bone Jakon [Side 2]

7. I Wish, I Wish

8. Katmandu

9. Time

10. Fill My Eyes

11. Lilywhite

Tracks 1 to 11 are his 3rd studio album "Mona Bone Jakon" - released April 1970 in the UK on Island ILPS 9118 and August 1970 in the USA on A&M Records SP-4260. Produced by PAUL SAMWELL-SMITH (all songs by CS also) - it peaked at No.63 on UK LP charts in June 1970 (didn't chart USA).

Musicians

CAT STEVENS – Guitars and Keyboards and Lead Vocals

ALUN DAVIES – Additional Guitar

JOHN RYAN – Bass

HARVEY BURNS - Percussion

PETER GABRIEL - Flute on "Katmandu"

DEL NEWMAN - Arranged "Maybe You're Right", "Pop Star" and "Lilywhite" - all others arranged by Cat Stevens

The 12-page booklet reproduces the handwritten lyrics that were on a rare insert that came with original UK 'Pink Island' label vinyl LPs back in April 1970. Starting a long tradition that would continue throughout the whole of the Seventies - the front cover artwork is his own painting - the rear sleeve colour photo is on the last page. It's a damn shame that no-one thought to expand the booklet into even the most basic liner notes (a history) – or repro the rare UK picture sleeve to the 3-track Maxi-Single for "Lady D'Arbanville" on Island WIP 6086. That Maxi Single and its June 1970 release went Top Ten to No. 8 helping the LP to actually chart in the UK at the lowly placing of No. 63 ("Time" and "Fill My Eyes" were the B-sides). 

BILL LEVENSON supervised the reissue while TED JENSEN did the Remaster from original two-track analogue master tapes at Sterling Sound in New York in December 1999. This CD sounds gorgeous - all the instruments clear, strong and present in your speakers. As it's largely acoustic too - it rattles with beautiful clarity...

It opens with an obvious single - the lovely mid-paced "Lady D'Arbanville". Actually it's darker than its pleasant strum would initially suggest - the warmth of that acoustic soundstage countered with cheery lines like "...in your grave you lie...I'll always be with you...this rose will never die..." A hurting smoocher follows - this time Cat leading with piano on "Maybe You're Right". It’s a rather stunning little song that sounds like it could easily have been on "Tea For A Tillerman". With it's strings and deep melody - I can't help thinking it would have made a great follow up 45 - but Island let "Lady D'Arbanville" be the only 7" single lifted from the album. The rather acidic "Pop Star" whines just a little too much and just seems strangely out of place (a B-side) - but at least as he sings "...going to the cold bank..." the acoustics are crystal (a great transfer this). Side 1 ends with "I Think I See The Light" - a slight return to the Pop sound of the Deram days - and the beautiful "Trouble" - a song that exudes a tangible hurt (superb remastered sound).

Side 2 opens with the short and echoed title track "Mona Bone Jakon" where he sings 'jack-on' and tells us 'it won't be lonely for long' - whatever that means. A pencilled face with a closed-up mouth stares down at the lyrics for "I Wish, I Wish" in the booklet (his own sketch) - a strange hybrid sound that's somewhere between Deram and Island - and dig that fabulous Acoustic Guitar solo (Alun Davies I'd swear). The catgut strings of a Spanish acoustic guitar squeak throughout "Katmandu" where we hear the occasional Flute flourishes of Genesis' Peter Gabriel making a few bob before stardom on Charisma Records. It's a tad hissy this track but the audio is magnificent - Jensen has wisely let it breath. 

At 1:26 minutes "Time" is short but wow what a gorgeous little melody - him on acoustic with the occasional piano note nipping in and out like a jet (treated production). It segues into the equally pretty "Fill My Eyes" - a song with a sweet chorus. It finishes on another LP highlight - the ballad "Lilywhite" - Newman's arrangement of those big strings and cello notes elevating the song into something special - especially in that gorgeous fade-out passage.

"Mona Bone Jakon" isn't as special as the "Tea For The Tillerman" and "Teaser And The Firecat" LPs that would follow and make his name - instead it's a four-star effort 'getting' to those two stabs of genuine five-star greatness. But it has those moments and exudes the sort of acoustic melodies and song-sound that made Cat Stevens such a global musical phenomenon. Reacquaint yourself with this tunesmith's beginnings...especially with its fab new audio...

"Old Socks, New Shoes...New Socks, Old Shoes" by THE JAZZ CRUSADERS (2008 Universal 'Originals' Digipak CD Reissue - Kevin Reeves Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"…Way Back Home…"

Nearly ten years after their formation in 1961 - Jazz Funk maestros THE CRUSADERS were still holding on to the word 'JAZZ' in their band title when they went seriously funky for their new decade debut LP on Chisa Records - the quirkily titled "Old Socks, New Shoes...New Socks, Old Shoes" (Chisa CS 804, July 1970).

Both "Old Socks, New Shoes…" and their rare 2nd album follow-up "Pass The Plate" (Chisa Records CS 807, May 1971) are available as part of Universal's 'Originals' Series of CD Reissues. And that's where this cheap but oh-so-cheerful Reissue/Remaster comes partying in. 

As already noted "Old Socks, New Shoes..." is part of Universal’s 'Originals' Reissue Series of CDs - Soul, Funk, Fusion, Latin and Jazz albums culled from Universal's huge array of labels stretching back to the Fifties. Each comes in a foldout card digipak that apes the original LP artwork and all are pitched at mid price. Many titles are first-time-on-CD and all are remastered from original source tapes by Top Universal engineers - names that audio collectors will know like Kevin Reeves, Gary Moore, Suha Gur, Gavin Lurssen, Ellen Fitton and Erick Labson. Here are the varying shoes sizes…

UK released July 2008 (April 2008 in the USA) - "Old Socks, New Shoes...New Socks, Old Shoes" by THE JAZZ CRUSADERS on Universal/Verve/Chisa 0602517654365 (Barcode 602517654365) is a straightforward 10-track transfer of the album (42:16 minutes).

1. Thank You

2. Funny Shuffle

3. Why Do You Laugh At Me?

4. Jackson!

5. Rainy Night in Georgia

6. Golden Slumbers [Side 2]

7. Jazz!

8. Time Has No Ending

9. Hard Times

10. Way Back Home

Tracks 1 to 4 and 8 written by Wayne Henderson, Track 5 is a Tony Joe White cover version, Track 6 is a Beatles cover version, Track 7 written by Joe Sample, Track 9 is a Paul Mitchell cover version and Track 10 written by Wilton Felder.

Produced by STEWART LEVINE - "Old Socks, New Shoes...New Socks, Old Shoes" was released July 1970 in the USA on Chisa Records CS 804 and October 1971 in the UK on Rare Earth Records SRE 3001(it was the first LP released on the Rare Earth Records label in the UK).

THE JAZZ CRUSADERS was:

JOE SAMPLE - Keyboards

WILTON FELDER - Saxophones

WAYNE HENDERSON - Trombones

NESBERT "STIX" HOOPER - Drums & Percussion

Guests:

ARTHUR ADAMS – Guitar

FREDDIE ROBINSON – Guitar

Originally produced by STEWART LEVINE to great effect - this 2008 CD reissue is a straightforward copy of that album (gatefold sleeve and all). Experienced and long-standing Engineer KEVIN REEVES has carried out the Remaster at Universal Mastering Studios and the sound quality is fabulous - funky, clear and muscular - just what's needed. The tri-gatefold card digipak (with an 'Originals' logo on the left) reproduces the original foldout artwork of the vinyl LP (the boys laughing at a table) - but there's nothing by way of liner notes or history, which is a damn shame (the same for most of these 'Originals' reissues I'm afraid – no booklets at this price).

Side 1 opens strongly with four in a row from Trombone genius Wayne Henderson - "Thank You" as Funky as anything the JB's could drum up - a stunning groove Chisa should have used as a lead-off 45. Instead they went for the combo of "Way Back Home" b/w "Jackson!" on Chisa C 8010 in September 1970 but it sank without a trace despite the strength of both sides. No other sevens came off the LP – but despite that – the public was digging the band’s new cooler direction and rewarded the LP with a No. 12 position on the US R&B charts with an overall stay of an impressive 31 weeks.

The opening drums and bass combo of "Funny Shuffle" is incredibly clear and punchy - a fab little Jazz Funk bopper that would liven up any hipster's Saturday Night party. The Tony Joe White and Beatles melodies of "Rainy Night in Georgia" and Abbey Road's "Golden Slumbers" are pretty and you can understand why any serious musician would be drawn to them like a moth to a warm flame - but oddly The Crusaders versions are borderline cheesy for me and a mistake I think. Joe sample's "Jazz!" is the wildest track on here - even sporting a mini drum solo - but again - it's kind of indulgent. Wayne Henderson's gorgeous ballad "Time Has No Ending" is a highlight here while the Paul Mitchell "Hard Times" cover jaunts along nicely too. Far better though is the superb closer - Wilton Felder's "Way Back Home" - a brothers-are-struttin' down the street cool groove that slinks along like Mister Cool in his wide-brimmed hat thinking he owns the joint (and he probably does).

"Old Socks, New Shoes..." is typical of so many of The Crusaders Seventies LPs - funky Jazz-Soul with a wee bit of fusion thrown in and to this day the music is still cool, wonderfully slick and just so damn listenable. It's not all genius - but those ill-advised covers aside - this is a cracking but long-forgotten Jazz-Funk album I urge you to check out.

The Crusaders man - I never tire of them...

PS: I've also reviewed the following Crusaders CD reissues...

1. Pass The Plate (1971 LP)

2. Free As The Wind (1977 LP)

3. Images (1978 LP)

4. Street Life (1979 LP, Japanese SHM-CD)

5. Gold (2CD Anthology with superb Gavin Lurssen Remasters)
6. Rainbow Seeker by JOE SAMPLE (Solo LP on Japanese SHM-CD)

"Let It Be... Naked" by THE BEATLES (November 2003 UK EMI/Apple 2CD Reissue with Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"...Everybody Had A Hard Year...Everybody Had A Good Time..." 

Hindsight is a handy thing - we're all experts 'after the fact' I suppose. In other words I can understand the reason why 'Naked' exists – but (and I can't help this) – I hate almost everything about this sterile reissue despite its clearly cleaned-up audio squeaking like new shoe leather.

"Let It Be...Naked" is apparently Paul McCartney's stripped down version of the "Let It Be" album (or "Get Back" as it was originally going to be called) The Beatles would have liked to put out back in 1969. But this new version just doesn't work for me. In fact I find most of it an awful listen as opposed to the much maligned released LP that I’ve always loved. In short - the fun and 'live' freshness is gone.

There have been oceans of words eulogised about how Phil Spector ruined the album with additional strings and choirs - a Production-obsessed nutter handed the poison chalice of haphazard recordings made by men already disinterested and in personal disarray. But as Ringo repeatedly said - once the count-in came - The Beatles were a band once more - and even half-baked - the magic was still there. I loved "Let It Be" as an album - that gorgeous four-photograph artwork where they looked like the coolest dudes on the planet (now ruined for some negative atrocity in silver) - the beautiful ballads that literally stopped me in my tracks and made the hairs stand up on my arms - the fresh in-your-face feel to the rockers - and the witty asides that hovered around the main songs. I know "Dig It" and "Maggie Mae" were kind of superfluous - but with them missing on this version - the laughs are gone and in 'unplugged' form - it all seems dreadfully po-faced which is something this band never was. This reissue may be 'purer' but I'd argue it's somehow soulless and dead.

It’s well documented that John Lennon hated what Spector did to "Across The Universe" in particular and started a feud with Macca that ultimately brought our best loved foursome to a horrible end - but we Joe Public who've been listening to Spectre's mix of "Across The Universe" for 46 years straight have genuinely loved it - were impossibly moved then and remain so to this day. In fact it's hot-wired into my brain and I want it that way. The song "Let It Be" is the same – reduced to just piano here - but instead of feeling prettier it feels far too naked. The strings that elevated "The Long & Winding Road" to a hymn are gone and even though it's a barely noticeable slight/edit - the witty 'Pot Smoking FBI members' jibe from Lennon is missing at the end of "For You Blue". The larking-about 'sweet Loretta fart' Lennon intro to "Get Back" is gone too as is the song's punch when they kick in. Oh dear oh Doris. Anyway - let's get to the long and winding details...

UK released November 2003 – "Let It Be...Naked" by THE BEATLES on EMI/Apple 07243 595713 2 4 (Barcode 724359571324) is a 2CD Reissue/Remix/Remaster that plays out as follows:

Disc 1 (35:02 minutes):

1. Get Back

2. Dig A Pony

3. For You Blue

4. The Long And Winding Road

5. Two Of Us

6. I've Got A Feeling

7. One After 909

8. Don't Let Me Down

9. I Me Mine

10. Across The Universe

11. Let It Be

Disc 2 'Fly On The Wall' (21:56 minutes):

CONVERSATION

Sun King

Don't Let Me Down

CONVERSATION

One After 909

CONVERSATION

Because I Know You Love Me So

CONVERSATION

Don't Pass Me By

Taking A Trip To Caroline

John's Piano Piece

CONVERSATION

Child Of Nature

Back In The USSR

CONVERSATION

Every Little Thing

Don't Let Me Down

CONVERSATION

All Things Must Pass

CONVERSATION

She Came In Through The Bathroom Window

CONVERSATION

Paul's Piano Piece

Get Back

CONVERSATION

Two Of Us

Maggie Mae

Fancy My Chances With You

CONVERSATION

Can You Dig It?

CONVERSATION

Get Back

CONVERSATION

The 32-page booklet is visually cool but deceptively full of hot air. Much of it is taken up with The Beatles talking absolute gobbledygook during the making of the film "Let It Be" - yet it’s reprinted here like its manna from the Gods of Rock Heaven. Kevin Howlett's lead-in liner notes are at least decent giving an expert and detailed history of what happened. McCartney is quoted as loving the new stripped back versions and the rejiggered track list but I personally feel only two of three of them are better.

The PAUL HICKS, GUY MASSEY and ALLAN ROUSE remixes and remasters are very clean – hiss-less - but also strangely sterile. In their favour "I Me Mine" now has a 'rock' core and renewed punch while it's a smart move to have John on "Across The Universe" and Paul's "Let It Be" end the album with "Get Back" chucked into the beginning. But I miss "Two Of Us" opening the LP and I miss the silly but effective "Dig It" passage before that piano intro into "Let It Be". And that great guitar and Billy Preston's fabulous organ contributions to the song are muted instead of to the fore.

I wouldn’t mind if the ‘Fly On The Wall’ CD2 actually offered us anything we could actually use. At first glance that track list offers tantalising names like Harrison's "All Things Must Pass", tracks from Abbey Road and those other outtakes - but then you look at the booklet and the timings - 35 seconds for "Don't Let Me Down" - the outtake "Child Of Nature" is only 24 seconds while "Back In The USSR" is 9 seconds and "Don't Pass Me By" only 3 seconds! It plays for one continuous song of 21:56 minutes – all the edited bits of chat between ideas stuck together. It’s fun for about four minutes but then just gets on your nerves. This ludicrous crap only serves to frustrate and you can't help but feel that the widely bootlegged decent outtakes (full songs) are being kept back by EMI for future "Let It Be" anniversary issues.

In fairness - I'm still turned on by "I've Got A Feeling" and "Don't Let Me Down" which is a hugely moving song - and "One After 909" has some rocking back in it too. But again without the intros and quirks of the original LP - the fun and life of the original seems to have been sucked out of this reissue in its pressing need to be a cohesive album (since when were The Beatles ever about being conformist or ordinary).

In the UK I've seen this Beatles reissue for sale for as little as £1.50 (the same elsewhere) - and there has to be a reason for that - people just don't like it - don't get it?

Great audio or no - I'm going to be listening to my original "Let It Be" and leaving this up on the shelf in the 'curio' pile...

"The Singles Volume 7: 1970-1972" by JAMES BROWN [feat Bobby Byrd and Bootsy Collins] (2009 US Hip-O Select 2CD Anthology - Seth Foster Remasters) - No 7 in a Series of 11 - A Review by Mark Barry...

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HIGHER GROUND 
70ts Soul, R'n'B, Funk, Jazz Fusion
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"…Feel Like Being A Sex Machine..."

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I've been diligently collecting this series of 11 x 2CD sets of JAMES BROWN 'Singles' since they first started being released Stateside in September 2006.

This 7th instalment is one of six volumes to cover his extraordinary Seventies output – a particular favourite period for me. Volumes 6, 8, 9, 10 and 11 are the others - featuring every US 7" single released between 1970 and 1979 including all cancelled 45s and promo variants/remixes in both Mono and Stereo. Volumes 1 to 5 cover everything else prior - starting at 1958 on Federal Records through to his King and Bethlehem output in early 1970.

Volume 7 of "The Singles" picks up where Volume 6 left off (Volume 6 covers March 1969 through to early June 1970). Covering three labels - King, People and Polydor Records – we get pairings of every A&B-side released betwixt late June 1970 through to January 1972. It has the same spectacular Audio and beautifully presented 28-page fact-filled booklet that all volumes have - with a feast of fan-pleasing details and memorabilia provided by a team of experts on all things JB Productions. "The Singles" is a superlative CD series and along with the 'Motown' and 'Chess' Book Set Reissues has gone a long way to emblazoning 'Hip-O Select' as a reissue label dear to collector's hearts. Here are the Superbad details...

USA released 26 May 2009 - "The Singles Volume 7: 1970-1972" by JAMES BROWN on Hip-O Select/Polydor B0012728-02 (Barcode 602527001616) offers 39-tracks Remastered onto 2CDs. All catalogue numbers are US 7" singles unless otherwise noted and beneath the discography info are the US R&B and Pop Chart placing (no entry means it didn’t chart). It breaks down as follows...

Disc 1, 18 Tracks, 67:39 minutes:

1. Get Up I Feel Like Being A Sex Machine (Part I & 2)

Track 1 is the Promotional Version of King 6318, released June 1970

2. Get Up I Feel Like Being A Sex Machine (Part I)

3. Get Up I Feel Like Being A Sex Machine (Part 2)

Tracks 2 and 3 are the A&B-sides of King 6318, released June 1970

R&B No. 2 – Pop No. 15

[Note: the version on the 1970 "Sex Machine" vinyl LP is different – re-cut to feature simulated audience applause. The Promotional single is in Mono – the released version in Stereo]

4. Super Bad (Part 1 & Part 2)

Track 4 is the Promotional version of King 6329, released October 1970

5. Super Bad (Part 1 & Part 2)

6. Super Bad (Part 3)

Tracks 6 and 7 are the A&B-sides of King 6329, released October 1970

R&B No. 1 – Pop No. 13

7. Fight Against Drug Abuse

Track 7 is a Public Service Announcement on King PSA-1, released November 1970

8. Hey America (Vocal)

9. Hey America (Sing Along)

Tracks 8 and 9 are the A&B-sides of King 6339, released November 1970

10. Santa Clause Is Definitely Here To Stay (Vocal)

11. Santa Clause Is Definitely Here To Stay (Sing Along)

Tracks 10 and 11 are the A&B-sides of King 6340, released November 1970

12. Get Up, Get Into It, Get Involved Pt. 1

13. Get Up, Get Into It, Get Involved Pt. 2

14. Get Up, Get Into It, Get Involved Pt. 1 (Reverb Version)

15. Get Up, Get Into It, Get Involved Pt. 2 (Reverb Version)

Tracks 12 and 13 are the A&B-sides of King 6437, released December 1970. Brown remixed the track shortly after release and added reverb to both sides – these variants are Tracks 14 and 15.

R&B No. 4 – Pop No. 34

16. I Cried

Track 16 is the A-side of King 6363, released January 1971. The B-side was "World Part 2" which is Track 17 on Disc 1 of Volume 5 (originally the B-side for "World Part 1" on King 6258 in August 1969). James Brown and Bobby Byrd originally wrote the A-side "I Cried" in 1963 for Tammy Montgormery who would later become Motown's Tammi Terrell.

R&B No. 15 – Pop No. 50

17. Soul Power Pt. 1

18. Soul Power Pt. 2 & pt. 3

Tracks 17 and 18 are the A&B-sides of the Promotional Version of King 6368, released February 1971. The Promotional Release only features added-on Reverb – the single proper on Disc 2 does not.

Disc 2, 21 Tracks, 69:56 minutes:

1. Soul Power Pt. 1

2. Soul Power Pt. 2 & pt. 3

Tracks 1 and 2 are stock copy release A&B-sides of King 6368, released February 1971

R&B No. 3 – Pop No. 29

3. Spinning Wheel Pt. 1

4. Spinning Wheel Pt. 2

Tracks 3 and 4 are the A&B-sides of King 6366, released March 1971. "Spinning Wheel" is a cover version of the June 1969 Blood, Sweat & Tears hit single on Columbia Records 44871 – a No. 2 Pop hit written by their lead vocalist David Clayton-Thomas.

5. Escape-Ism (Part 1)

6. Escape-ism (Part 2 & 3)

7. Escape-ism (Part 1) (Second Mix)

8. Escape-ism (Part 1) (Second Mix)

Tracks 3 and 4 are the original issue A&B-sides of People 2500, released May 1971. Tracks 5 and 6 are a 'second mix' on People 2500, released June 1971. The letter of explanation he sent to Radio Stations is reproduced on the inner rear inlay.

R&B No. 6 – Pop No. 35

9. Hot Pants Pt. 1 (She Got To Use What She Got To Get What She Wants)

10. Hot Pants Pt. 2 & 3 (She Got To Use What She Got To Get What She Wants)

Tracks 9 and 10 are the A&B-sides of People 2501, released June 1971

R&B No. 1 – Pop No. 15

11. My Brother Pt. 1

12. My Brother Pt. 2

Tracks 11 and 12 are the A&B-sides of People 2502 (as THE J.B.'s), released June 1971

13. Make It Funky (Part 1)

14. Make It Funky (Part 2)

Tracks 13 and 14 are the A&B-sides of Polydor 14088, released August 1971. It was his first single with Polydor Records.

R&B No. 1 – Pop No. 22

15. My Part/Make It Funky (Part 3)

16. My Part/Make It Funky (Part 4)

Tracks 15 and 16 are the A&B-sides of Polydor 14098, October 1971

17. I'm A Greedy Man-Part I

18. I'm A Greedy Man-Part II

Tracks 17 and 18 are the A&B-sides of Polydor 14100, released November 1971

R&B No. 7 – Pop No. 35

19. Just Won't Do Right

Track 19 is by LYN COLLINS and was scheduled three times but canceled - as King 6373, People 2503 and People 503 (there are promo copies of King 6373 on the white variant of the label with an A&B-side). It was officially released as Polydor 14107 in December 1971. The "Wheel Of Life" B-side is inexplicably absent from this CD set even though it was produced and arranged by JB. It's available on the LYN COLLINS "Mama Feelgood: The Best Of" CD from 2005 on Polydor.

20. Talking Loud And Saying Nothing – Part I

21. Talking Loud And Saying Nothing – Part II

Tracks 20 and 21 are the A&B-sides of Polydor 14109, released January 1972.

R&B No. 1 – Pop No. 27

Like all 11 Volumes in this Hip-O Select 2CD series - the 28-page booklet by noted JB expert and former tour manager ALAN LEEDS and is a joy to look at — a hugely informative read that's packed to the gills with track histories, concert posters, trade adverts, magazine covers and a thoroughly detailed recording Sessionography. Produced with affection and firsthand knowledge by HARRY WEINGER and ALAN LEEDS - the inlay beneath the see-through CD tray has a typed-letter from JB on James Brown Productions headed paper about the 'too loud guitar' on "Escape-ism" and that DJs and Soul Brothers should dig the new remix and make it an even bigger hit than "Pop Corn"! It's this cool and yet smart attention to detail that shows that both compilers know what fans want (Alan Leeds is pictured on Page 19 with JB on the road to yet another gig).

And again, as in previous issues, SETH FOSTER has transferred the first-generation master tapes for the single mixes and he's done a truly superlative job — warm, clear and fabulously alive. The Mono and Stereo music jumps out of the speakers at you — gorgeous sound. The word "Limited Edition" is embossed in gold lettering on the rear inlay – numbers are not stated but presumably it's a worldwide limited edition of 5000 copies like its predecessor. Now to the amazing music - all killer and no filler as they say...

Even now – 46 years after the event – "Get Up I Feel Like Being A Sex Machine" is a monster groove – an utterly amazing groundbreaking piece of wild Funk. A truly clever inclusion is the 'Promotional' version of the song that gives you the full 5:18 minutes instead of the separated 2:57 and 2:31 of Parts 1 & 2. This allows you to hear the full power of the band and the song uninterrupted. Bobby Byrd is the 'Get On Up!' counter vocal – future Parliament wildman Bootsy Collins is the flying Bass player while Phelps "Catfish" Collins plays that deadly flicked guitar. JB anchors and elevates the whole thing with his fabulous piano interludes. Can I take it to the bridge – hit it and quit – legendary stuff baby...

His seasoned band (now known as The J.B.'s) continued their chart-winning steak with the uber-Funk of "Super Bad" - another black consciousness killer with brains and a beat (it went all the way to No. 1 on the US R&B charts - also managing an impressive No. 13 on the Pop charts). Once again the 5:44 minute full version only available on Promo Copies is featured here - and this time it's not just the guitar and bass that feature but the snare drum and slick whacks of 'Jabo' Sharks on Drums and the three horn players - Clayton 'Chicken' Gunnels and Daryl 'Hasaan' Jamison on Trumpets with Robert McCullough on Tenor Saxophone. The 36-second 'Fight Against Drug Abuse' is him advising the youth of America against an instrumental of "Super Bad". You rarely ever hear the excellent "Hey America" where JB gives voice to Nat Jones' anti-war words asking the listeners and those in power to take note of a million peace-signs. Nat Jones also provided "Santa Clause Is Definitely Here To Stay" - a seasonal gospel groove that's not nearly as musically bad or cheesy as its title suggests.

An obvious answer to 'Get On Up' - his "Get Up, Get Into It, Get Involved" single is described by Alan Leeds in the liner notes as a 'stream of consciousness jam' and that's accurate - a raucous driving rhythm featuring JB and Bobby Byrd sparring on vocal shouts. One of the joys of a compilation like this is a discovery and the ballad "I Cried" is one – a slowly both JB and Byrd wrote for a young Tammi Terrell in 1963. It’s a belter with strings and crooning ladies swaying as JB gives it some tearsome.

Ending Disc 1 and beginning Disc 2 is another fabulous and undeniable winner in "Soul Power" where our Funk Overload assures us that his 'rap is strong' (who are we to argue). A surprising disappointment is his instrumental cover version of Blood, Sweat & Tears’ big 1969 hit "Spinning Wheel" which feels weedy to me compared to the undoubted brilliance of the David Clayton-Thomas original. His instincts were right when he remixed "Escape-ism" - the second version (Tracks 7 and 8 on Disc 2) having that 'groove' that moves (JB was rewarded with a No. 6 R&B slot). But for me this compilation's moment of true mastery is the wonderful "Hot Pants" - a groove so down right enjoyable it may very well be issued on the NHS later this year as an antidote to post-operation recuperation blues (and the Audio is sensational). And on it goes with miniskirts and hot pants and gettin' down with hipster folk to the fabulous instrumental groove of "My Brother"...

By the end of the Seventies, James Brown wasn’t troubling the national charts too much - but at its outset (as evidenced here) he was blazing a trail like no other – a sound that would inspire and influence generations to come.

"...Play as hard as you want..." he shouted to his super tight band during the recording of "Super Bad". And on the evidence presented on Volume 7 – they did – nailing that downbeat sucker to the studio wall. Soul and Funk Genius - and then some...