Foundations Of Funk: A Brand New Bag: 1964-1969 [Import]

James Brown

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 10, 2007)
• Original Release Date: March 19, 1996
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Import
• Label: Polydor / Umgd
• ASIN: B000002G77
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #74,965 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential recording

Funk 101, for sure. We may never totally understand how James Brown took his music from the earlier styles of R&B he assimilated to the feverish development of the harder, more modern sound of records ranging from "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" to "Say It Loud-I'm Black and I'm Proud," but here's another chance for us to listen in awe. In addition to long versions of the period's cornerstones, Foundations of Funk offers an alternate take of "Cold Sweat" and live versions of "Licking Stick-Licking Stick" and "Mother Popcorn"--the latter achieving a meltdown that puts the Brown band on the same side of the street as Funhouse-era Stooges. Hah! --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Can I Take it to the Bridge? Simply the Best!, October 14, 2000

By	M. Allen Greenbaum (California) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Whoaaaa! If this doesn't get you moving...well, funk and soul are not your thang. This is the real thang, from one of the top two or three individuals performers in all of rock/funk/soul music, "Mr. Dynamite, The Man with the Crown, Soul Brother No. 1, The Original Brother Rapp., the Amazing Mr. Please Please Please Himself, JAAAAAAAMES BROWWWWWWWWNNN" (from the liner notes)." You'll hear some of his all-time great performances, mostly live and non-stop; all of it excellently recorded and remastered material. Close your eyes and you can easily picture James slipping and sliding, working himself and exhorting the band and audience; it's an emotional, visceral performance, you can almost feel the sweat rolling off when you experience this. I think it's as exciting as the famed "Live at the Apollo" CD, maybe more so.

The personnel is outstanding and, again, recorded exceptionally well. While I expected the tight horn section, I was surprised by the brilliant solo performances, often by the well known Maceo Parker. Aside from the dynamism of the music itself, you can discover the band's progression into deeper and deeper expressions of funk, with now-familiar guitar riffs, funk drumming, and strong bass lines. Absolutely essential for anyone interested in the roots of funk. Personnel and recording dates for every recording here, photos, and excellent, intelligent liner notes by Harry Weinger with Alan Leeds Electrifying!!!! Do yourself a huge favor and get this outstanding compilation from the incomparable JB!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Foundational Compilation!, March 11, 2000

By	plsilverman (USA) - See all my reviews

This 2-CD set is the perfect companion to the STAR-TIME anthology: it digs deeper into the vaults and yields some of the significant sounds in music history, i.e. 2 prev. unrel. tunes from the 01-67 Latin Casino shows; an almost completely diff. vers. of "Cold Sweat"; full-length takes of "I Don't Want Nobody..", the live "Mother Popcorn"; "Let A Man..." and the super classic "I Got The Feelin'". Thank you Polydor/Chronicles.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wise investment, February 25, 2006

By	Richard Lee "What is Hip?" (Newark, NJ USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Ever pay for a James Brown album and within five minutes of getting it out of the wrapper you realized you were had? Ever heard James accompanied by a Casio keyboard recorded in a broom closet? Must be bad needing a quick album release to satisy some recording contract agreement James made to get a few bucks.

Well this is NOT one of THOSE.

This is simply a fabulous collection of greatest recording. It demonstrates why James was considered a genius. And his band was so powerful they could blow down walls. And make you dance, Man. And smile. And get funky RIGHT NOW.

A must for your next soul funk dance party. Put it on and EVERYBODY will get up off a that thing and bust a move. I guarantee it.