The Funk Anthology

Johnny "Guitar" Watson

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 6, 2005)
• Original Release Date: September 6, 2005
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Shout Factory
• ASIN: B000AMWJ0W
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #52,000 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The Best of the Funk Years from the Original Gangster of Love

Johnny "Guitar" Watson was a key figure in blues, R&B, soul and funk. From his first records in 1952 to his last in 1994, Watson won the admiration of everyone from Lightnin’ Hopkins to Jimi Hendrix to Prince, his influence pervading five decades of American music. At a time when giants roamed the earth, Johnny stood as tall as any of them.

The two-CD set The Funk Anthology is the first collection to pay proper tribute to his groundbreaking funk recordings, many of which have been sampled numerous times by some of the top names in hip-hop. The Funk Anthology is the first release in Shout! Factory’s reissue campaign of Johnny "Guitar" Watson’s funk albums; 8 individual albums will be reissued in 2005–06, along with a new album consisting of previously unreleased material.

This 2-CD set contains tracks from all of his out-of-print late-'70s and early-'80s funk albums, plus two tracks from his Grammy-nominated 1994 comeback album, Bow Wow. Includes "Superman Lover," "Ain’t That a Bitch," and other funk classics that have been sampled by Dr. Dre, Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, Redman, Montell Jordan, and many others. Also features six previously unreleased cuts and deluxe packaging, including a 32-page booklet.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars No-Brainer Purchase, October 7, 2005

By	SoulBluesMusic "www.soulbluesmusic.com" (Deep South) - See all my reviews

Finally somebody got it right- to release the best, spaced-out funky-ass rhythm & blues jams from this wildcat often called a "genius" by his peers. The red carpet was rolled out for this lush 2 CD 31 song set (6 previously unreleased!) digitally remastered with a 28 page booklet and a plethora of photos spanning the years 1976-1994. The music matters most but the packaging must be praised. The foldout digi-pack even contains pics of both the front and back of each of the albums covered here. Before becoming a pimpin' funkster Watson was a manic, Texas blues stringer known for his rapid-fire guitar fingers and the classic "Gangster Of Love" (way before Steve Miller copped the phrase). He reinveted himself in the 70s and this set focuses on this fruitful period. All the big hits and key album tracks are here: "Superman Lover" (R & B #19), "Aint That A Bitch", the unstoppable "A Real Mother For Ya" (#5 R & B #41 Pop), "Tarzan", "Funk Beyond The Call Of Duty", "It's About The Dollar Bill", the updated "Gangster Of Love" (#32 R & B), "Booty Ooty", "Lone Ranger", "Love Jones" (#28 R & B), his comeback hit "Bow Wow" & more. Most interesting perhaps are the "new" cuts. When asked by biographer David Ritz about stuff in the vault Watson was quoted as saying: "There's gold in them there hills!". He may be right. "Baby's In Love With The Radio" is a loose funk jam with Watson's laidback vocal delivery- recorded in 1976. On "ET" Johnny says his baby is just like that alien freak! I doubt he means in looks cuz she's a "supernatural" chick. "Feel The Spirit Of My Guitar" is Johnny's muatation of the Peter Frampton track. My favorite is "Don't Be What UC", which has a groove similar to George Clinton's "Atomic Dog" (and especially Snoop Dogg's "What's My Name?"). Here Johnny's tell y'all to stop trying to emulate folks and be yourself. There's also a track unreleased from the "Love Jones" sessions ("Before I Let You Go") and one recorded but unissued from 1994 ("Ain't Nodbody's Business"). But it's just icing on an already triple chocolate cake. The cover sticker says "You don't know *@#& until you've heard this funk!". Damn straight.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars superBad FUnkateer, September 11, 2005

By	[e-mail] "mistermaxxx" (usa) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)

if SuperFly met Richard Pryor's Mudbone then He would have Morphed into Johnny "Guitar" Watson. Johnny Guitar watson mixed R&B,Funk,Blues,Pop into a Stew.this Brother knew Groove&Simplicity. He made it all work while maintaining His cool.He was also a One Man band.Played a Variety of Instruments.talk about a Cat changing musical lanes?? back in the 50's&60's Johnny Guitar Watson was a strong Blues Based Cat.but when the Funk of the late 60's&Early 70's ruled Johnny Guitar watson not only got on board,but also brought His own Brand. this collection captures all of His timeless Jams.He willCrack you up,but also make you think.He was a Pre-cursor to Hip-Hop as well.RIP to a Brother who did his talking with His Guitar.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best, February 14, 2007

By	Simon Gaines (New Zealand) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a very good compilation of JGWs funk work. It is ideal for anyone who wants the best of his various funk albums. There is a lot of humour in his lyrics, underpinned by some very tight and funky grooves, laced with lots of blues and jazz guitar licks. Excellent liner notes on an extensive inside folder with colour photographs. This is an all time favourite for me. I highly recommend it.