My roommate, Thomas, and I were downloading a bunch of rare regional funk compilations yesterday and I thought that was what I was going to write about until I realized that most people don't really have a starting point for the funk. I did find a little website for those that would care to partake, but for efficiency's sake I think I'll just use a quote:
What is Funk?
Funk is a many splendored thing. Funk is a nasty vibe, and a sweet sexy feeling; Funk is funkiness, a natural release of the essence within. Funk is a high, but it is also down at the bottom, the low-down earthy essence, the bass elements. Funk is at the extremes of everything. Funk is hot, but funk can be cool. Funk is primitive, yet funk can be sophisticated. Funk is a way out, and a way in. Funk is all over the place. Funk is a means of release that cannot be denied. *
*FUNK ~ The MUSIC, the PEOPLE and the RHYTHM OF THE ONE ~ Rickey Vincent
I could start at the beginning and end (James Brown), but that's a little too beginner. Then I remembered that I had recently rediscovered Zapp & Roger Troutman, an extremely underrated electrofunk ensemble from the 1970s and 1980s. Roger Troutman basically invented using the talkbox (Frampton Comes Alive my ass), plus the beats are pure P-Funk. The music sounds so modern, and their dress was always top notch. Sadly Roger Troutman was found shot in his recording studio on 25 April 1999 never to produce sweet, sweet funk again.
Zapp & Roger - Do It Roger
Zapp & Roger - Computer Love
2 comments:
I saw hoarse old George Clinton and his P-Funk All-Stars live back in March of 2004. Despite the physical limitations that age has encumbered Mr. Clinton with, that show remains one of my fondest memories and one of the best concerts that I have ever had the privilege of attending - three hours of unrestrained Artaudian violence and sexuality!
Funk is shaking your over seventy year old ass on stage while your granddaughter raps about smokin' weed.
Amen.
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