In The Christmas Groove - Various Artists

In The Christmas Groove (2009)


This album came out last year but I didn't hear about it til this year.  My dad had a very soft spot for quirky songs, but especially holiday songs.  He would put together mixes (on cassette, yes cassette!) for the annual Christmas party at his friends Ted & Peggy Claire's house.  I figured my brother and I could use a break from some of those more overplayed & emotionally-scarring songs. (really: Yogi Yorgesson's "I Yust Go Nuts Ay Christmas"? No thanks!)
Big ups to the fine folks at Strut for saving Christmas with some funk!!

Favorite: Funk Machine - "Soul Santa"; J.D. McDonald - "Boogaloo Santa"; The Black On White Affair - "Auld Lang Syne" - so, so funky!

New York City Live - Hypnotic Brass Ensemble

New York City Live by Hypnotic Brass Ensemble (2007)

Favorites: "Juke Box" "War"

Ya-Ma-Kay - Galactic

Ya-Ma-Kay by Galactic (2010)

Pretty solid from start to finish. There are only a few songs that I didn't really like but overall it's winning!

Favorites: "Boe Money" (ft. The Rebirth Bras Band); "Heart Of Steel" (ft. Irma Thomas); "Katey vs. Nobby" (ft. Katey Red & Sissy Nobby); "Dark Water" (ft. John Boutte)

I Learned The Hard Way - Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings

I Learned The Hard Way by Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings (2010)


I've already mentioned these guys. They still got it!

Favorites: "Money" "She Ain't A Child No More" "If You Call"

Stretching Out In - Bootsy's Rubber Band

Stretching Out In by Bootsy's Rubber Band (1976)

great funk album. I definitely hear the influence it and others like it had on Andre3000.

Least Favorite: "Love Vibes"

Favorite: "Stretchin' Out (In A Rubber Band)" "I'd Rather Be With You"

Back To Oakland - Tower of Power

Back to Oakland by Tower of Power (1974)

Gotta love the Oakland funk & soul!

Least Favorite: "Below Us All The City Lights"

Favorite: "I Got The Chop" "Man From The Past"

The House That Dirt Built - The Heavy

The House That Dirt Built by The Heavy (2009)

The sophomore album from this British quartet. Their sound is a rocking mix of blues & funk with a little hip hop influence. Good stuff!

Favorite: "Long Way From Home" "Sixteen" granted, it is nearly a cover of the Screamin' Jay Hawkins song, "I Put A Spell On You", which I've always loved... but they do a damn good job with this tribute: including the requisite deep, slow bass thump of the funeral march, slightly distorted vocals and overall spooky feel.

Dap-Dippin' With... - Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings

Dap-Dippin' With... - Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings (2002)

Debut album from this Brooklyn-based funk group that has since gained a lot of popularity on the festival circuit playing smoking sets at venues like Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, Langerado and Coachella.

Favorite: "The Dap Dip" "Casella Walk" "Got To Be The Way It Is"