Customer Reviews

Express Yourself: Best of

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is straight-up-the gut, straight-from-the-heart late '60s, early '70s soul/funk from an underrated band that delivered the goods with little pretense. Charles Wright's astringent vocals mix with the band's punchy horns and scratching guitars to bring you back to the way it was.

If you've seen the movie "Boogie Nights," you'll recognize one of the tunes from this set, "Do Your Thing," that made it into the film. That tune demonstrates as well as any Wright's powerful vocal style, taking a phrase and hammering it rhythmically until it takes on a life of its own.

There are a couple of great funk instrumental workouts too: "Spreadin' Honey" and "65 Bars and a Taste of Soul." Makes you reflect that although the basis of all rock, soul, blues, funk, etc. is repetition, the effect doesn't need to be mindless or numbing. These guys found the groove but leavened it by mixing in a back beat.

The key tune in the set for me, however, is a ballad, the minor 1970 hit "Love Land," which I'll freely admit takes me back to the days of teenage romance. It's an unabashedly sweet tune of innocence, and once again, I can't help but note how free it is of anger, hatred and misogynism.

There are a couple of dated notes here, but overall this is a strong disc, and it's great to see Warner Brothers dig back in their archives for this material. Pick it up and remember how it was -- or find out what you missed.

This is it, the music that set the stage for Parliament, the Bar-Kays, and all the other funk and groove bands that broke out in the 70s. If you've ever heard God on the One, thank James Brown, Funkadelic, Herbie Hancock, and these guys.

From 1967 until 1973, Charles Wright and the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band made socially conscious, dangerously infectious music that would provide inspiration for future generations of soul bands and DJs. This compilation starts out with the still-fresh "Express Yourself", weaves through a litany of hooks, riffs and beats, and slows down only for a couple of tasteful ballads. Despite the fact that I've memorized nearly every track, this CD still finds its way into the player often, and certainly ranks as one of my all-time favorite albums.

Highest recommendation. If you are a fan of of soul and the history of funk, then you have to go back to a source like Charles Wright. This album is sequenced nicely and hangs together perfectly, despite the tracks being from different eras (and different bands) in Wright's career. The title track alone makes this CD worth purchasing, with "Express Yourself" being one of those rare tunes that can hold up to repetition ad nauseum (it's been in Burger King commercials, et al) and I have to say, it's still a foot tapper every time those opening notes hit my speakers. The rest of the album alternates between lulling you with it's hypnotic grooves (In the Jungle), giving you a soul power work out (65 Bars...) and straight ahead clipped guitar pre-funk (90 Day Cycle People) making this one of those greatest hits CD's you don't just buy for one song, with the rest filler. Give it a try for a dash o' soul.

look here, i knew that there was more to this band than EXPRESS YOURSELF. this cd more than satisfied that. everything on here bumps. i can do without the slow stuff, but overall, mr. wright and company DID THEY THANG!!!!! UHHHHH!!!! i love charles' voice; especially on YOUR LOVE (MEANS EVERYTHING TO ME). that stands out because it sounds like his voice was all shot and he still found something in it to deliver. if you like true blue funkiness, then get this. it is cats and bands like this that never get played on the radio, which sucks, that really bring that sausage gravy vibe. you will understand that latter once you cop this or download it.

He is not only a great artist, but even a greater citizen, a role model for children. He once came to my son's high school oneday, and had a little concert and a motivational speeche. I really thought it was special, since he is willing to put time and effort into helping out children. Express yourself is not only a universal hit, but it is a phrase used by millions and millions people in everyday life. Great music, even greater person.

Everybody knows the perennial, oft-sampled "Express Yourself." And almost everybody knows "Love Land." But Charles Wright, heading up the original funk jam band, released a whole lot more music that's worth owning. The up-tempo "One Lie (Leads to Another)" is an incredible jazzy funk workout. The anguished ballad "Tell Me What You Want Me to Do" is late 60s/early 70s soul at its most, well, souful.

This is a must for funk historians. You want old school? Try listening to the man who built the building.

this disc is funky and time-less.the songs are soul treasures and are must have.groups like them,war&mandrill haven't gotten all the juice that they deserve.

This 16-track collection (originally issued in '92) provides a good overview of the late-60s/early-70s funk and soul produced by this Los Angeles-based combo. From their pop-crossover hit, "Express Yourself" to R&B hits like the percussive "Do Your Thing" and the swampy "Till You Get Enough," Wright's vocals alternate between hypnotic exhortations and electric, James Brown-styled riffing. The rhythm section, bassist Melvin Dunlap and drummer James Gadson (the latter of whom went on to a spectacular session career) cut a soulful groove, aided by the rhythm guitars of Wright and Al McKay (the latter of whom later joined Earth, Wind & Fire, and had a long session career of his own). The horn section adds a punch on top of the beat-heavy mix.

The instrumentals "The Joker (On a Trip Through the Jungle)" and "65 Bars and a Taste of Soul" give the band an expanded chance to show off their chops. Other notable tracks included here are their last hit on Warner, 1971's "Your Love (Means Everything to Me)" the ballad, "Love Land," and the unusual tale of the short-lived, life-accelerated "Ninety Day Cycle People." Missing (for obvious reasons, given that this is a Warner Archives release) is their post-Warner work for Dunhill/ABC. No matter, really, as the band's key tracks were waxed for Warner.

3-1/2 stars, if Amazon allowed fractional ratings.

Highest recommendation. If you are a fan of of soul and the history of funk, then you have to go back to a source like Charles Wright. This album is sequenced nicely and hangs together perfectly, despite the tracks being from different eras (and different bands) in Wright's career. The title track alone makes this CD worth purchasing, with "Express Yourself" being one of those rare tunes that can hold up to repetition ad nauseum (it's been in Burger King commercials, et al) and I have to say, it's still a foot tapper every time those opening notes hit my speakers. The rest of the album alternates between lulling you with it's hypnotic grooves (In the Jungle), giving you a soul power work out (65 Bars...) and straight ahead clipped guitar pre-funk (90 Day Cycle People) making this one of those greatest hits CD's you don't just buy for one song, with the rest filler. Give it a try for a dash o' soul.

This album represents what music used to be - great to listen to and fun. This band is probably one of the greatest ever but you don't hear much about them. If you love soul, you need to buy this CD. Express Yourself is a classic song. Do Your Thing is my favorite song on the album. I just can't say enough good things about this record. In fact, it is difficult to put it into the right words. All I can tell you is, listen to it!!