Parlet - Pleasure Principle

Today Marks The 46th Anniversary of Parlet’s Debut Studio Album “Pleasure Principle” Originally Released on February 24, 1978.

Pleasure Principle is the debut album by the female P-Funk spin off group Parlet. The album was released in 1978 by Casablanca Records.

Parlet consisted of singers Mallia Franklin, Debbie Wright, and Jeanette Washington.

The album was produced by George Clinton..

The album features heavy involvement from the P-Funk musical collective.

The track "Cookie Jar" was originally written and recorded by Parliament - Funkadelic singer Clarence "Fuzzy" Haskins.

In 1992, Pleasure Principle was reissued on CD in Japan by the Casablanca/Polystar label, but quickly went out of print. 

On July 30, 2013, Real Gone Music in the U.S. reissued both Pleasure Principle and Invasion of the Booty Snatchers, featuring liner notes by former P-Funk minister of information Tom Vickers.

Track-listing

 1. Pleasure Principle

2. Love Amnesia

3. Cookie Jar

4. Misunderstanding

6. Are You Dreaming?

7. Mr. Melody Man

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

Teena Marie - Lady T

Today Marks The 44th Anniversary of Teena Marie’s Sophomore Studio Album “Lady T” Originally Released on February 24, 1980.

Lady T is the second studio album by American singer-songwriter Teena Marie, released by Motown's Gordy label on February 14, 1980.

The album peaked at #18 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and at #45 on the Billboard Pop Albums chart.

Three singles from the album were released “Can It Be Love" , “Behind the Groove” and "Lonely Desire".

“Can It Be Love" reached #57 on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart.

"Behind the Groove” peaked at #4 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart, #21 on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart and #6 on the UK Singles Chart.

"Lonely Desire" was released as the final single from the album but didn’t chart on any of the Billboard or UK Singles Charts.

The album was produced by Richard Rudolph, and the track "Too Many Colors" features the then 7 year-old Maya Rudolph, daughter of Rudolph and his late wife Minnie Riperton. The album was dedicated to Minnie Riperton. 

Lady T was the nickname of Teena Marie at Motown Records. The packaging of Teena Marie's debut album Wild and Peaceful had not included a picture of the singer, and the image on the sleeve of this album surprised many people who had assumed she was African-American.

Track-listing

1. Behind The Groove

2. Now That I Have You

3. Lonely Desire

4. Aladdin's Lamp

5. You're All The Boogie I Need

6. Can It Be Love

7. Young Girl In Love

8. Why Did I Fall In Love With You

9. Too Many Colors (Tee's Interlude)

10. Why Can't I Get Net To You

11. Co-Pilot To Pilot

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology 

Commodores - Caught In The Act

Caught in the Act is the second studio album by The Commodores, released in 1975 (see 1975 in music). Caught in the Act included the #1 R&B hit "Slippery When Wet", penned by Thomas McClary, the sextet's lead guitarist.

Caught In The Act was the second Commodores album to be certified gold. It rose to #7 on the Billboard R&B/Soul Albums chart and #26 on the Billboard Top 100 Albums chart.

Two singles were released from the album "Slippery When Wet" and “This Is Your Life".

“Slippery When Wet" peaked at #1 on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart and at #19 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

“This Is Your Life" reached #13 on the Billboard Hot R&B songs chart.

Caught In The Act is a solid funk album by the Commodores, it’s overwhelmingly upbeat, 

The band lays it down on funky tunes “Slippery When Wet” and “The Bump” Other solid funk tracks include "Wide Open", "Better Never Than Forever" and "Look What You've Done to Me". "Let's Do It Right".

Track-listing

1. "Wide Open"

2. "Slippery When Wet"

3. "The Bump"

4. "I'm Ready”

5. "This Is Your Life"

6. "Let's Do It Right"

7. "Better Never Than Forever"

8. "Look What You've Done to Me"

9. "You Don't Know That I Know"

10. "Wide Open (Reprise)"

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology

Dazz Band - Keep It Live

Today Marks The 42and Anniversary of The Dazz Band’s 3rd Studio Album “Keep It Live” Originally Released on February 19, 1982. 

“Keep It Live” is the third studio album by American R&B/funk band The Dazz Band released on Motown Records 1982. 

The album peaked at #1 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and at #14 on The Billboard 200 chart. 

Two singles were released from the album “Let It Whip” and "Keep It Live (On the K.I.L.)".

“Let It Whip” peaked at #1 on the US Billboard Hot Soul/Black Singles chart, #2 on the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Play and at #5 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

"Let It Whip" became their biggest hit, The song won the 1982 Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.

"Keep It Live (On the K.I.L.)"  reached #20 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

“Keep It Live” was certified gold by the RIAA in 1982.

Track-listing

 1. Let It Whip

2. Gamble With My Love

3. I'll Keep on Lovin' You

4. Just Can't Wait 'Till the Night

5. Shake What You Got

6. Keep It Live (On the K.I.L.)

7. Just Believe in Love

8. Can We Dance

9. Let Me Love You Until

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology. 

 

Mary Jane Girls - Only Four You

Today Marks The 39th Anniversary of The Mary Jane Girls' Sophomore Studio Album "Only Four You" Originally Released on February 14, 1985.

Only Four You is the second and final studio album by the American vocal girl group Mary Jane Girls, released on February 14, 1985. 

The album peaked at #18 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album includes their biggest hit single, "In My House" (#7 Pop, #3 R&B, #1 Dance). 

Other singles included "Wild and Crazy Love" (#42 Pop, #10 R&B, #3 Dance) and "Break It Up" (#79 R&B, #33 Dance). 

The album was produced and written by Rick James, Though album's lead singles were sung by the group's vocalists Joanne "Jojo" McDuffie each of the other girls was also given a chance to sing lead vocals on a track from the album, with Corvette singing lead on "Girlfriend", Candi with "I Betcha" and Maxi with "Leather Queen".

Only Four You was certified Gold by the RIAA in June 1985. 

Track-listing

All songs written and composed by Rick James, except where noted.

1. "In My House" (4:28)

2. "Break It Up" (4:20)

3. "Shadow Lover (Interlude)" (:30)

4. "Shadow Lover" (4:22)

5. "Lonely for You" (4:12)

6. "Wild and Crazy Love" (Kenny Hawkins, Rick James) (5:48)

7. "Girlfriend" (4:23)

8. "I Betcha" (3:50)

9. "Leather Queen" (Rick James, Danny LeMelle) (3:50)

By Romie Rome For Musique Funkology.

Stone City Band - In 'N' Out

Today Marks The 44th Anniversary of The Stone City Band’s Debut Studio Album “In 'n' Out” Originally Released on February 12, 1980.

“In ’n’ Out” is the debut studio album by Rick James’ backing band The Stone City Band, The album was released in February of 1980 on Gordy Records.

“In 'N' Out” reached #30 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and at #122 on the Billboard 200 chart.

The album released two singles “Strut Your Stuff” and “Little Runaway”.

“Strut Your Stuff” reached #48 on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart.

"Little Runaway" #68 reached #48 on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart.

Track-listing:

Side One

A1. In 'N' Out (Overture)

A2. Little Runaway

A3. Strut Your Stuff

A4. Party Girls

Side Two

B1. In 'N' Out

B2. Havin' You Around

B3. South American Sneeze

B4. F.I.M.A. (Funk In Mama Afrika)

B5. In 'N' Out (Reprise)

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

 

James Brown - Black Caesa

This Month Marks The 51st Anniversary of James Brown’s 35th Studio Album “Black Caesar” Originally Released in February 1973.

Black Caesar is a soundtrack album recorded by James Brown for the film of the same name and released in 1973. 

The Soundtrack peaked at #2 on the Billboard U.S. Best Selling Soul LPs chart and at #31 on the Billboard U.S. Billboard Top LPs & Tapes chart.

Two singles were released from the soundtrack, "Down and Out in New York City"  and "Mama Feelgood".

"Down and Out in New York City" reached #13 on the US Billboard Best Selling Soul Singles charts and at #50 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

"Mama Feelgood" reached #37 on the US Billboard Best Selling Soul Singles charts.

The album received mixed reviews from critics, but observed "several top-notch tracks", including "The Boss", "Make It Good to Yourself", and "Mama's Dead".

Track-listing

1. Down And Out In New York City

2. Blind Man Can See It

3. Sportin' Life

4 Dirty Harri

5. The Boss

6. Make It Good To Yourself

7. Mama Feelgood

8. Mama's Dead

9. White Lightning (I Mean Moonshine)

10. Chase

11. Like It Is, Like It Was 

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology

 

Slave - Slave

 Today Marks The 47th Anniversary of Slave’s Debut Self-titled Album “Slave” Originally Released February 10, 1977.

Slave is the self-titled debut studio album by the Dayton, Ohio R&B/funk band Slave. It was released in 1977 through Cotillion Records. 

The album peaked at number 22 on the Billboard 200 and number six on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.

The album was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America on June 14, 1977.

Two singles were released off the album. the album’s lead single, "Slide" and "You And Me"

The album’s lead single, "Slide", made it to number 32 on the Billboard Hot 100, topped the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, and also reached number 58 in Canadian Singles Chart.

Recording sessions took place at Century Sound Studios in Sayreville, New Jersey. Production was handled by Jeff Dixon.

Track-listing

All tracks are written by Stephen C. Washington, Mark Hicks, Mark Leslie Adams, Daniel Webster, Tom Dozier, Floyd Miller, Tom Lockett Jr., Orion Wilhoite and Carter Bradley

1. "Slide"

2. "Screw Your Wig on Tite"

3. "Party Hardy"

4. "Son of Slide"

5. "You and Me"

6. "Love Me"

7. "The Happiest Days"

8."Separated"

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology

Ohio Players - Rattlesnake

Today Marks The 49th Anniversary of The Ohio Players 6th Studio Album “Rattlesnake” Originally Released in the Month of February 1975.

Rattlesnake is the sixth studio album by American funk band Ohio Players released through the Westbound label in February 1975.

The album is a compilation of previous releases and unreleased tracks by the Ohio Players.

The album follows Climax by presenting another collection of new tracks recorded before the band left for Mercury, alongside some previously released gems. 

Rattlesnake contains a few songs that had already come out on albums Pleasure and Ecstacy (including the funky "Spinning," the infectious "Laid It," and the sentimental ballad "Varee Is Love"), its main focus is previously unreleased material. 

Westbound pulls from its vaults ranges from the funky title song and the disco-ish instrumental "Hollywood Hump"  to the jazz instrumental "Gone Forever." Meanwhile, "Rooster Poot" is a mildly amusing funk tune that features the Players' Granny character, which they retired for good after signing with Mercury. 

The album is far from essential , Rattlesnake is a collection that only a hardcore Players fan would find of interest and for those who are interested in collecting rare unreleased music.

Track-listing 

1. Rattlesnake

2. Introducing The Players

3. What It Is

4. Rooster Poot

5. Gone Forever

6. Hustle Bird

7. Spinning

8. Hollywood Hump

9. Laid It 03:02

10. Varee (Is Love)

11. She Locked It

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology

Steve Arrington's Hall of Fame - Steve Arrington's Hall of Fame, Vol.1

Today Marks The 42nd Anniversary of 

Steve Arrington's Hall of Fame’s Debut Self-titled Album “Steve Arrington's Hall of Fame, Vol.1” Originally Released February 7, 1982.

Steve Arrington's Hall of Fame, Vol.1 is the debut album by Steve Arrington and his band. The album was released in 1982 on Atlantic Records.

The album peaked at #12 on the Billboard  Top Soul Albums charts and at #101 on the Billboard Pop Albums chart.

Three singles were released from the album “Way Out”, "Nobody Can Be You" and "Weak At The Knees".

The first single “Way Out” peaked at #49 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart and at #68 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

The second single “Nobody Can Be You” peaked at #18 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and at #23 on Billboard’s Dance Club Songs was a chart.

The third single from the album “Weak At The Knees" peaked at #33 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

The album was produced by Steve Arrington, Jimmy Douglass and Charles Carter.

Several artists have sampled from the album

N.W.A sampled "Weak At The Knees" on their song "Gangsta Gangsta" on their album Straight Outta Compton in 1988.

Ice Cube sampled "Weak At The Knees" on his song "The Nigga You Love to Hate" on his album AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted in 1990.

A Tribe Called Quest sampled "Beddie-Biey" on their song "The Chase, Part II" on their album Midnight Marauders in 1993.

Shaquille O'Neal sampled "Nobody Can Be You" on his song "Nobody" on his album Shaq Fu: Da Return in 1994.

Jermaine Dupri & Jay-Z sampled "Weak At The Knees" on their song "Money Ain't a Thang" on their album Life in 1472 & Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life in 1998.

3 X Dope sampled "Weak At the Knees" on the song Weak At The Knees on their album Live from Acknickulous Land in 1990.

Track-listing 

 1. Nobody Can Be You

 2. You Meet My Approval

 3. Last Nite/Nite Before

 4. Strange (Soft & Hard)

 5. Speak With Your Body

 6. Weak At The Knees

 7. Beddie-Biey

 8. Way Out 

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology. 

Unlimited Touch - Yes, We're Ready!

Today Marks The 41st Anniversary of Unlimited Touch’s Sophomore Studio Album “Yes, We're Ready!” Originally Released February 2, 1983.

Yes, We're Ready is the second studio album by American, New York–based post-disco group, Unlimited Touch the album was released in 1983 on Jupiter Records.

The album released three singles Yes, We're Ready, Happily Ever After and No One Can Love Me (Quite The Way) You Do.

Yes, We're Ready would be the group’s final studio album after a on going dispute with their original label the group first disbanded in 1981. They formed in 1983 with a new line-up of just three of the original members: Wheeler, Anderson, and James. They released a second album Yes We're Ready in 1983.

Their final single "Reach Out (Everlasting Lover)" reached number 54 on the US Dance chart in 1984, but the group disbanded again not long afterwards.

On March 31, 2020, bassist Sandy Anderson died from the COVID-19 virus.

Track-listing

1. Yes, I'm Ready

2. Your Love Is Serious

3. Love Explosion

4. No One Can Love Me (Quite The Way) You Do

5. Good Loving

6. Yes, I'm Ready (Reprise)

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology. 

Ohio Players - Pain

Today Marks The 52nd Anniversary of The Ohio Players Sophomore Studio Album “Pain” Originally Released February 2, 1972.

Pain is the second studio album by Ohio Players, and their debut for the Westbound label.

The album peaked at #21 on the U.S. Billboard Top Soul LPs chart and at #177 on the U.S. Billboard Top LPs chart.

The album’s lead single “Pain” peaked at #35 on the Billboard The Hot R&B Songs chart and at #64 on the Billboard Hot 100.

After significant lineup changes, including the addition of wunderkind Walter “Junie” Morrison, Ohio Players recorded their first album, Pain, and brought their vision of soul to the world early in 1972. Released on Westbound, this album set the template for all the records to follow.

The album was one of their first to feature a bald African-American dancer and model Patricia Evans.

Evans would be featured on their next two album Pleasure, and Ecstasy. 

Track-listing

1. Pain

2. Never Had a Dream

3. Players Balling (Players Doin' Their Own Thing)

4. I Wanna Hear from You

5. The Reds

6. Singing in the Morning

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

Earth, Wind & Fire - Earth, Wind & Fire

Today Marks The 53td Anniversary of Earth, Wind & Fire’s Debut Self-Titled Album “Earth, Wind & Fire “ Originally Released January 2, 1971.

Earth, Wind & Fire is the debut studio album by American R$B band Earth, Wind & Fire, released in February 1971 by Warner Bros. Records.

The album peaked #24 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and reached #172 on the Billboard 200 chart.

The single "Love Is Life" reached No. 43 on the Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart.

The album was produced by Joe Wissert.

The album served as a sampling source for various recording artists. "Moment of Truth" was sampled by LL Cool J on the track "Murdergram", Kid N Play on the track "Energy" and The Jungle Brothers on "Good News Comin' and What You Waiting For". "Bad Tune" was sampled by Brand Nubian on "Dance to My Ministry", Diamond D on "Feel the Vibe", DJ Shadow on "In/Flux" and by Lupe Fiasco on "Carrerra Lu". "Fan the Fire" was also sampled by Michie Mee on "Jamaican Funk"

Track-listing

1. Help Somebody 

2. Moment Of Truth

3. Love Is Life 

4. Fan The Fire

5. C'mon Children 

6. This World Today

7. Bad Tune

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

Con Funk Shun - Organized Con Funk Shun

Today Marks The 51st Anniversary of Con Funk Shun’s Debut Studio Album “Organized Con Funk Shun” Originally Released February 2, 1973.

Organized Con Funk Shun by the musical group Con Funk Shun. It was released in 1973 on the Pickwick Records label.

This album was initially recorded in 1973  at Audio Dimensions Studios in Memphis,  it was reissued in 1978 on Pickwick Records.

Being that this was Con Funk Shun's first album, it set the stage for what was to come during their reign as a premier R&B group. 

During this time, the group was under contract to the Memphis-based Crankshaft Productions, Inc. and under the direction of Ted Sturges. 

Con Funk Shun was a young group with maturity destined for success, The album is a mixture of everything from funk to R&B/soul to jazz;  featuring vocals from a young Michael Cooper and Felton Pilate. 

Track-listing 

1. Time

2. Get Down With It

3. Do You Really Know What Love Is For

4. Sure Feels Good To Me

5. Love In Me

6. Seascape (Instrumental)

7. Funky Things On Your Mind

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology

Happy Birthday To Rick James

Happy Heavenly Birthday To Rick James (born James Ambrose Johnson Jr. February 1, 1948 – August 6, 2004).

Rick James was an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer. 

Born and raised in Buffalo, New York, James began his musical career in his teen years in various bands and groups before entering the U.S. Navy to avoid being drafted in the early 1960s. In 1965, James deserted to Toronto, Canada, where he formed the rock band the Mynah Birds, who eventually signed a recording deal with Motown Records in 1966. 

James's career with the group halted after military authorities discovered his whereabouts and eventually convicted James on a one-year prison term related to the draft charges. After being released, James moved to California where he started a variety of rock and funk groups in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

After forming the Stone City Band in his hometown of Buffalo in 1977, James finally found success as a recording artist after signing with Motown's Gordy Records, releasing the album, Come Get It!, in April 1978, where the hits "You & I" and "Mary Jane", were released, helping the album go platinum and selling over two million records. This was followed with three more successful album releases. 

James released his most successful album, Street Songs, in 1981, which included career-defining hits such as "Give It to Me Baby" and "Super Freak", the latter song becoming his biggest crossover single, mixing elements of funk, disco, rock and new wave. James was also known for his soulful ballads such as "Fire & Desire" and "Ebony Eyes". In addition, James also had a successful career as a songwriter and producer for other artists including Teena Marie, the Mary Jane Girls, the Temptations, Eddie Murphy and Smokey Robinson.

James's mainstream success had peaked by the release of his album Glow in 1985 and his appearance on the popular TV show, The A-Team. James's subsequent releases failed to sell as well as their predecessors. Rapper MC Hammer sampled James's "Super Freak" for his 1990 hit, "U Can't Touch This", and James became the 1991 recipient of a Best R&B Song Grammy for composing the song. 

James's career was hampered by his drug addiction by the early 1990s. In 1993, James was convicted for two separate instances of kidnapping and torturing two different women while under the influence of crack cocaine, resulting in a three-year sentence at Folsom State Prison. James was released on parole in 1996 and released the album, Urban Rhapsody, in 1997. James's health problems halted his career again after a mild stroke during a concert in 1998 and he announced a semi-retirement.

In 2004, James's career returned to the mainstream after he appeared in an episode of Chappelle's Show, in a Charlie Murphy True Hollywood Stories-style segment that satirized James's wild lifestyle, resulting in renewed interest in James's music and that year he returned to perform on the road. James died later that year from heart failure at age 56.

By Romie Rome For Musique Funkology