Customer Reviews

Feel My Soul

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There's something about The Fatback Band... I don't know how to put my finger on it. Of course, in later years to come, they'd churn out loads and loads of dance hits, but when you listen to their early stuff on Perception... well, I don't know how to explain it.. they weren't necessarily the greatest players in the world... nevertheless, they have a nice sweet and funky groove and these cuts (from 1974) will make a nice listen. - - Though this album lacks some of the harder bumpin' basslines you might come to expect from them, Brother Johnny King who was either a 12 year old kid or a very short guy with a Gary Coleman like disease carries the album very well (even writing most of the tune) and can hit them high notes. - - Why Is It So Hard To Do The Things I Wanna' Do definitely makes the album worth the purchase... and Little Brother Johnny's opening rapp on FEEL MY SOUL a definitely a trip... starts out real sweet and mellow and works its way into a surprizingly funky and tripped out groove.

I have a feeling that this is one of those albums that may not necessarily become an "all time favorite" but if you're into that type of groove, you'll definitely dig it. If you enjoy it, check out BLACK NASTY as well as JOE QUARTERMAN & FREE SOUL.

On their third album,realesed in 1974 The Fatback Band decide to try something a little different with their sound. Even on their earlier albums such as the previous release People Music the band mixed hard funk and soul balladry but the grooves outweighed the slow stuff 10 to 1. On 'Feel My Soul' The Fatback Band are joined by the diminutive singer (and also songwriter) Brother Johnny King. He is a rather unique artist in as much as he possessess a passionate voice not unlike that of Frankie Lymon but also a knack for penning sensative,compassionate and thoughtful soft soul. And "soft soul" is a good description of much of what is found on this recording-"Feeling Mellow",the opening instrumental later occompanied by a vocal version sets the tone well-the quality of melody with soft strings and a steady rhythm are the body of the tune.That pretty much explains most of the material to be found here-including expressive originals such as "Three Dimensional World" and a cover of "You've Got A Friend",where Johnny's high pitched,soulful howl gives the song a slightly more emotional quality the more subdued hit version by James Taylor possessed-it's much closer to Michael Jackson's version from a few years earlier on Motown. Actually there are only two funk tunes on this album-"Sketches Of Life" and "Why Is It So Hard To Do (Things I Wanna Do)" and interesting enough they both emphasize style over substance and are not really the stronger songs showcased here. The real impressive tune is the 9+ minute title song-it blends Isaac Hayes-ish cinematic soul with some of the heavier latin funk-rock of Santana with cosmic lyrics that are almost enough to make Funkadelic blush. So those going into "Feel My Soul' expecting an all out funk assault are probably barking up the wrong tree but it's a very compelling album and for The Fatback Band a refreshing change of pace.