The Ohio Players - Jass-Ay-Lay-Dee

Today Marks The 46th Anniversary of The Ohio Players’ 11th Studio Album “Jass-Ay-Lay-Dee” Originally Released on July 24, 1978.

“Jass-Ay-Lay-Dee” is the eleventh studio album by the Ohio Players released in 1978 by Mercury Records.

The album peaked at #15 on the U.S. Billboard Top Soul LPs chart and at #69 on the U.S. Billboard Top LPs chart.

Two songs were released from the album as singles "Funk-O-Nots" and "Time Slips Away".

"Funk-O-Nots" reached #27 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart and at #105 just beneath the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart.

"Time Slips Away" reached #53 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart.

The album “Jass-Ay-Lay-Dee” is the 8th and last album they would record for Mercury Records.

The album’s title is a unique spelling of the term "jazzy lady." Unlike their last two efforts, the group remained with the nine-man roster that they had with their previous album Mr. Mean.

The group returned to the soul and funk that had been a big part of their sound, since the mellower, jazzier sounds of Mr. Mean (a soundtrack for a film directed by and starring Fred Williamson) failed to move fans and critics. Low sales of the Mr. Mean album would also lead to lower-than-expected sales for their album Jass-Ay-Lay-Dee.

Track-listing

1. Funk-O-Nots

2. Sleepwalkin'

3. Jass-Ay-Lay-Dee

4. Nott Enuff

5. Time Slips Away/Shoot Yer Shot

6. Dance (If Ya Wanta)

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

 

Johnny "Guitar" Watson - Giant

Today Marks The 46th Anniversary of Johnny "Guitar" Watson’s 9th Studio Album “Giant” Originally Released on July 24, 1978.

“Giant” is a funk album by the American funk musician Johnny "Guitar" Watson released in 1978 by DJM Records.

The song “Gangster of Love” was released as a single from the album, The song reached #32 on the U.S. Billboard R&B Singles chart.

Track-listing

1. Miss Frisco (Queen Of The Disco)

2. Tu Jours Amour

3. Gangster Of Love

4. Guitar Disco

5. Wrapped In Black Mink

6. You Can Stay But The Noise Must Go

7. Baby Face (She Said Do Do Do Do)

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

 

The S.O.S. Band - Too

Today Marks The 43rd Anniversary of The S.O.S. Band’s Sophomore Studio Album “Too” Originally Released on July 23, 1981.

“Too” is the second album by the R&B, Funk band The S.O.S. Band, released in 1981 on Tabu Records.

The album reached #30 on the U.S. Billboard Top Soul LPs chart and at #117 on the U.S. Billboard Top LPs chart.

Two songs were released as singles in 1981, "Do It Now (Part 1)" and “You”.

"Do It Now (Part 1)" reached #15 on the U.S. Billboard R&B Singles chart.

“You” reached #64 on the U.S. Billboard R&B Singles chart.

The album was produced by Sigidi Abdullah.

The album was digitally remastered and reissued on CD with bonus tracks in 2013 by Demon Music Group.

Track-listing

1. It's a Long Way to the Top

2. Do It Now

3. There Is No Limit

4. You

5. Stay

6. Are You Ready?

7. Do You Know Where Your Children Are?

8. For the Brothers That Ain't Here

9. Unborn Child

10. Do It Now" (Long Version)

11. Do It Now" (Part 1)

12. Do It Now" (Part 1 - Short Version)

13. Do It Now" (Part 1)

14. You (Long Version)

15. There Is No Limit (Long Version)

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

Maze - Joy and Pain

Today Marks The 44th Anniversary of Maze’s 4th Studio Album “Joy and Pain” Originally Released on July 18, 1980.

“Joy and Pain” is the fourth album by Bay Area-based R&B group Maze, released on July 18, 1980, on Capitol Records.

The album peaked at #5 on the U.S. Billboard R&B Albums chart and at #31 on the U.S. Billboard Top LPs & Tape chart.

Three songs were released as singles "Southern Girl,” "The Look in Your Eyes” and the album’s title track “Joy and Pain”.

"Southern Girl" peaked at #9 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart.

"The Look in Your Eyes” reached #29 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart.

“Joy and Pain” was the third single from the album although it modest airplay on unban radio stations it failed to reach the Billboard charts.

“Joy and Pain” has been covered and sampled numerous times. Donna Allen took her cover to #3 Billboard Hot Black Singles and Top 10 in the UK in 1989, and Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock borrowed the songs chorus for their single of the same name in 1988 which went Top 10 on Billboard's Dance and Rap charts.

The original Maze version was itself re-released in 1989 in the UK, becoming a minor hit there.

The album was certified in the United States gold by the RIAA.

Track-listing

1. Changin' Times

2. The Look In Your Eyes

3. Family

4. Roots

5. Joy And Pain

6. Southern Girl

7. Happiness

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology

 

Rufus - Rufus

Today Marks The 51st Anniversary of Rufus’ Debut Self-Titled Album “Rufus” Originally Released on July 18, 1973.

“Rufus” is the debut album by American R&B and funk band Rufus, released in 1973 on the ABC Records.

The album reached #44 on the U.S. Billboard Top Soul LPs chart and at #175 on the U.S. Billboard Top LPs chart.

Three songs were released as singles from their debut album "Slip 'n Slide", "Whoever's Thrilling You (Is Killing Me)" and "Feel Good".

"Slip 'n Slide" reached #101 just beneath the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart.

"Whoever's Thrilling You (Is Killing Me)" reached #40 on the U.S. Billboard R&B Singles chart.

"Feel Good" reached #45 on the U.S. Billboard R&B Singles chart.

The album is notable for an upbeat rock/soul sound that would be replaced by a more heavy direction into funk and jazzy-styled recordings.

Track-listing

1. Slip 'n Slide

2. Keep It Coming

3. There's No Tellin'

4. Maybe Your Baby

5. I Finally Found You

6. Feel Good

7. Satisfied

8. Haulin' Coal

9. Whoever's Thrilling You (Is Killing Me)

10. Love the One You're With/Sit Yourself Down (Medley)

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

 

Bernard Wright - 'Nard

Today Marks The 43rd Anniversary of Bernard Wright’s Debut Studio Album “'Nard” Originally Released on July 17, 1981.

‘“Nard” is the debut album from American funk keyboardist Bernard Wright. It was released in 1981 by GRP Records and distributed by Arista Records.

The album peaked at #7 on the U.S. Billboard Top Jazz Albums chart, #23 on the U.S. Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and at #116 on the U.S. Billboard Pop Albums chart.

Two songs were released as singles from the album "Just Chillin' Out" and “Haboglabotribin”

"Just Chillin' Out" reached #32 on the U.S. Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart and at #85 on the U.S. Billboard Dance Club Songs chart.

“Haboglabotribin” reached #78 on the U.S. Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart.

The song "Haboglabotribin" is featured in Grand Theft Auto V on the radio station Space 103.2. The song is also featured in the trailer for the Enhanced Edition of the game, which was shown during Sony’s PlayStation 5 reveal event.

Track-listing

1. Master Rocker

2. Firebolt Hustle

3. Haboglabotribin’

4. Spinnin'

5. Just Chillin' Out

6. Bread Sandwiches

7. Music is the Key

8. We're Just the Band

9. Solar

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

 

Rick James - Garden of Love

Today Marks The 44th Anniversary of Rick James’ 4th Studio Album “Garden of Love” Originally Released on July 16, 1980.

“Garden of Love is the fourth studio album by the American musician Rick James, released in 1980 on Motown sub-label Gordy Records.

The album peaked at #17 on the U.S. Billboard Top Soul LPs chart and at #83 on the U.S. Billboard Top LPs chart.

Two Singles were released from the album “Big Time” and “Summer Love”.

“Summer Love” was the album’s first single from the album it failed to reach the Billboard charts.

“Big Time” was released as the album’s second single it peaked at #17 on the U.S. Billboard R&B Singles chart and at #38 on the U.S. Billboard Dance Club Songs chart.

The album was considered too ballad-heavy by fans and critics it was a far cry from the earlier albums he released.

Fans of his "Punk Funk" style would only find two uptempo funk driven songs that made them reminisce of his earlier hits “Big Time” and "Mary-Go-Round," Both songs are intricately arranged in James' trademark style and offer plenty of hooks but neither breaks new ground.

The remainder of the album is more focused on love ballads that were usually used as changes of pace on a typical funk-heavy James outing.

Track-listing

1. Big Time

2. Don't Give up on Love

3. Island Lady

4. Gettin' It On (In the Sunshine)

5. Summer Love

6. Mary -Go- Round

7. Gettin' It On (In the Sunshine) Reprise

8. Big Time" (Extended version – Previously unreleased)

10. Gypsy Girl (Unreleased demo)

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

 

Midnight Star - Victory

Today Marks The 42nd Anniversary of Midnight Star’s 3rd Studio Album “Victory” Originally Released on July 16, 1982.

“Victory” is the third studio album by Midnight Star released in 1982 by SOLAR Records.

The album reached #58 on the U.S. Billboard R&B Albums chart and at # 205 just beneath the U.S. Billboard 200 chart.

Two singles were released from the album "Hot Spot" and the album’s title track “Victory".

"Hot Spot" reached #35 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart and at #108 just beneath the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

"Victory" reached #83 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart.

Track-listing

1. Victory

2. Strike A Match

3. Move Me

4. Make Time (To Fall In Love)

5. Hot Spot

6. You Can't Stop Me

7. Be With You

8. Love Is Alive

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology

 

Zapp - Zapp II

Today Marks The 42nd Anniversary of Zapp’s Sophomore Studio Album “Zapp II” Originally Released on July 14, 1982.

“Zapp II” is the second studio album by American funk band Zapp, released on 1982 via Warner Bros. Records.

The album peaked at #25 on the US Billboard 200 chart and at #2 on the US Billboard R&B chart.

Three songs were released as singles from the album album, "Doo Wa Ditty (Blow That Thing)”,

"Dance Floor" and "Playin' Kinda Ruff".

"Doo Wa Ditty (Blow That Thing)” peaked at #10 on the U.S. Billboard R&B Singles chart and at #103 just beneath the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

“Dance Floor” peaked at #1 on the U.S. Billboard R&B Singles chart, #62 on the U.S. Billboard Dance Club Songs chart and at #101 just beneath the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

"Playin' Kinda Ruff" was released as the album’s third single it failed to reach the Billboard charts.

The album was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on September 21, 1982.

Track-listing

1. Dance Floor

2. Playin' Kinda Ruff

3. Doo Wa Ditty (Blow That Thing)

4. Do You Really Want an Answer?

5. Come On

6. A Touch of Jazz (Playin' Kinda Ruff Part II)

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology

 

L.T.D. - Something To Love

Today Marks The 47th Anniversary of L.T.D.’s 4th Studio Album “Something to Love” Originally Released on July 11,1977.

“Something to Love” is the fourth studio album by Los Angeles, California -based R&B Funk band, L.T.D., released in 1977 on A&M Records.

The album peaked at #1 on the U.S. Billboard Top Soul LPs chart and at #21 on the U.S. Billboard Top LPs chart.

Two songs were released as singles from the album "(Every Time I Turn Around) Back in Love Again" and

"(Every Time I Turn Around) Back in Love Again"

Peaked at #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart and at #4 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

"Never Get Enough of Your Love" peaked at #8 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart and at #56 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

Track-listing

1. Age of the Showdown

2. (Won't Cha) Stay with Me

3. (Every Time I Turn Around) Back in Love Again

4. You Come First at Last

5. We Party Hearty

6. If You're in Need

7. Never Get Enough of Your Love

8. Make Someone Smile, Today!

9. Material Things

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

Curtis Mayfield - Super Fly

 Today Marks The 52nd Anniversary of Curtis Mayfield’s Motion Picture Soundtrack “Super Fly” Originally Released on July 11, 1972.

“Super Fly” is the third studio album by American soul musician Curtis Mayfield, released on July 11, 1972 on Curtom Records.

The album was released as the soundtrack for the Blaxploitation film of the same name. Widely considered a classic of 1970s soul and funk music, Super Fly was a nearly immediate hit.

The album peaked at #1 on both the U.S. Billboard Pop Albums and the U.S. Billboard Black Albums charts. It also peaked at #2 on the U.S. Billboard Jazz Albums chart and at #88 on the U.S. Billboard Top R&B Albums chart.

Three songs were released from the album "Freddie's Dead", the album’s title track "Superfly" and "Give Me Your Love".

“Freddie's Dead” peaked at #2 on the U.S. Billboard US Black Singles chart and at #4 on the U.S. Billboard Pop Singles chart.

"Superfly" peaked at #5 on the U.S. Billboard US Black Singles chart and at #8 on the U.S. Billboard Pop Singles chart.

"Give Me Your Love" was the third single from the album it failed to reach the Billboard charts.

The singles “Freddie's Dead” and “Super Fly”

both were certified Gold in the United States by the RIAA. The album was also certified Gold by the RIAA selling 1,500,000 copies.

Super Fly was one of the pioneering soul concept albums, with its then-unique socially aware lyrics about poverty and drug abuse making the album a stand out.

The film and the soundtrack may be perceived as dissonant, since the film holds rather ambiguous views on drug dealers.

The album was a surprise hit that record executives felt had little chance at significant sales. Due to its success, Mayfield was tapped for several film soundtracks over the course of the decade.

Track-listing

1. Little Child Runnin' Wild

2. Pusherman

3. Freddie's Dead

4. Junkie Chase" (instrumental)

5. Give Me Your Love (Love Song)

6. Eddie You Should Know Better

7. No Thing on Me (Cocaine Song)

8. Think (instrumental)

9. Super Fly

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

Graham Central Station - Ain't No 'Bout-A-Doubt It

Today Marks The 49th Anniversary of Graham Central Station’s 3rd Studio Album “Ain't No 'Bout-A-Doubt It” Originally Released on July 11, 1975.

“Ain't No 'Bout-A-Doubt It” is the third album by Graham Central Station. Released in 1975 by Warner Bros. Records.

The album peaked at #4 on the U.S. Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and at #22 on the U.S. Billboard Pop Albums chart.

Three songs were released as singles from the album "Your Love", "It's Alright" and “The Jam”.

"Your Love" peaked at #4 on the U.S. Billboard Dance Club Songs chart, #19 on the U.S. Billboard Top Soul Singles chart and at #92 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart.

"It's Alright" peaked at #1 on the U.S. Billboard Top Soul Singles chart and at #38 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

“The Jam” peaked at #15 on the U.S. Billboard Top Soul Singles chart and at #63 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The album was produced and arranged by Larry Graham.

Track-listing

1. The Jam

2. Your Love

3. It's Alright

4. I Can't Stand The Rain

5. It Ain't Nothing But A Warner Bros. Party

6. Ole Smokey

7. Easy Rider

8. Water

9. Luckiest People

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

 

The Blackbyrds - Unfinished Business

Today Marks The 48th Anniversary of The Blackbyrds’ 5th Studio Album “Unfinished Business” Originally Released on July 11, 1976.

“Unfinished Business” is the fifth studio album by American rhythm and blues and jazz-funk fusion group the Blackbyrds released in 1976 by Fantasy Records.

The album peaked at #5 on the U.S. Jazz Album chart, #6 on the U.S. Billboard R&B Albums chart and at #34 on the U.S. Billboard Top LPs & Tape chart.

Three songs were released as singles from the album "Unfinished Business", "Time Is Movin'" and "Party Land".

"Unfinished Business" peaked at #14 on the U.S. Billboard Dance Club Songs chart.

"Time Is Movin'" peaked at #15 on the U.S. Billboard R&B Singles chart and at #95 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

"Party Land" reached #30 on the U.S. Billboard R&B Singles chart.

Track-listing

1. Time Is Movin'

2. In Life

3. Enter In

4. You've Got That Something

5. Party Land

6. Lady

7. Unfinished Business

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

 

The Time - Pandemonium

Today Marks The 34th Anniversary of The Time’s 4th Studio Album “Pandemonium” Originally Released on July 10,1990.

“Pandemonium” is the fourth studio album by American band The Time released in July 1990.on Paisley Park Records.

The album peaked at #9 on the U.S.Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and at #18 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart.

Two songs were released as singles from the album "Jerk Out" and “Chocolate.”

"Jerk Out" peaked at #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, #6 on the U.S. Billboard Dance Song chart and at #9 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

“Chocolate” reached #43 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

The album was certified Gold by the RIAA and "Jerk Out" became one of the band's biggest selling singles.

The album breaks the Time's six-song album tradition. The album is a tie-in with the film Graffiti Bridge, and several songs from the album appear in the film.

Track-listing

1. Dreamland

2. Pandemonium

3. Sexy Socialites

4. Jerk Out

5. Yount

6. Blondie

7. Donald Trump (Black Version)

8. Chocolate

9. Cooking Class

10. Skillet

11. It's Your World

12. Sometimes I Get Lonely

13. Data Bank

14. My Summertime Thang

15. Pretty Little Women

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

 

The Jimmy Caster Bunch - Maximum Stimulation

Today Marks 47th Anniversary of The Jimmy Castor Bunch’s 9th Studio Album “Maximum Stimulation” Originally Released on July 7, 1977.

“Maximum Stimulation” is the ninth studio album by the Jimmy Castor Bunch, released in 1977 on Atlantic Records.

The album’s title-track Maximum Stimulation" reached #82 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart.

Track-listing

1. E-Man Par-tay

2. Maximum Stimulation

3. Equal People

4. Mind Power

5. TR-7

6. Magnolia

7. The Return Of Leroy Pt.

8. The Return Of Leroy Pt. II

9. It Was You

10. Mandy

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.