Soul Cal: Funky Disco & Modern Soul, 1971–82

Soul Cal: Funky Disco & Modern Soul, 1971-82
Compilation album by Various artists
Released May 1, 2012
Recorded 1971-1982
Genre Disco, soul, funk, psychedelic soul
Length 63:53
Language English
Label Now-Again/Stones Throw

Soul Cal: Funky Disco & Modern Soul, 1971–82 is a compilation album featuring various disco, Soul, and funk artists. Released on May 1, 2012 on Now-Again Records, a subsidiary of Stones Throw Records, the collection contains 15 songs and an 80-page book which summarizes the artists' backstories and recording processes.[1]

Reception

Joe Muggs of The Wire remarked that the album encapsulates "the retro-utopian vision of a past where every smalltown record store or garage in the US might have hidden a virtuosic funk outfit; the thrill of knowing that jobbing musicians might be getting paid for the first time; plus the bittersweet knowledge that those that passed on are getting deserved recognition. And all that before you get the thrill of the music itself."[2] Cyril Cordor of Okayplayer wrote that "Soul Cal may not have the same intellectual intrigue of Now Again compilations on Zambian psych-rock or Afro-spiritual jazz, but (Stones Throw general manager Egon) Alapatt wholeheartedly accomplishes this task with his meticulous handling and care of these bands’ precious music and stories."[3]

Allmusic's Fred Thomas said: "To be sure, this collection and book are pure record-nerd fare, even more fine-tuned for those already versed in funk 45 obsession and looking to get even deeper into hyper obscure subgenres and micro-histories."[4] Jim Farber of the New York Daily News suggested that the set "of obscure, American indie-R&B acts [...] bridged the gap between disco and soul with tracks that sound like outtakes from the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack."[5] The Quietus named the album to its list of 2012's best reissues, compilations, mixes & live albums.[6]

Track listing

No. TitleArtist Length
1. "You Can Be a Star"  Luther Davis 4:36
2. "Don't Get Discouraged"  U.P.C. All Stars 3:32
3. "Wake Up"  Pure Essence 6:08
4. "Ecology"  Anibus 4:00
5. "Put a Smile on Time"  Rhythm Machine 3:53
6. "I'm Gonna Miss You Girl"  Ellis & Cephas 2:51
7. "It's a Bad Feeling"  Mixed Sugar 3:03
8. "Sha-La-La"  Mixed Feelings 3:28
9. "What It Takes to Live"  Key & Cleary 3:12
10. "Love Is"  Leon Mitchison & the Eastex Freeway Band 4:17
11. "Keep Running Away"  Clifford Nyren 2:56
12. "Things Cannot Stop Forever"  Stanton Davis' Ghetto/Mysticism 6:06
13. "The Stranger"  C. Henry Woods Troupe 8:33
14. "Free Your Mind"  Record Player 3:50
15. "Get Down"  Colors of Love Choir / Freedom Express 3:28

References

  1. ↑ Reynolds, Rachel (April 12, 2012). "You Can Be A Star!". KCRW. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  2. ↑ Muggs, Joe (April 2012). "A-Z Soundcheck". The Wire 1 (338): 61. ISSN 0952-0686.
  3. ↑ Cordor, Cyril. "Reviews: Various Artists - 'Soul Cal: Funky Disco & Modern Soul, 1971-82'". Okayplayer. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  4. ↑ Thomas, Fred. "Various Artists - Soul Cal: Disco & Modern Soul, 1971-1982 - Review". Allmusic. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  5. ↑ Farber, Jim (April 8, 2012). "Jim Farber’s Top Ten in Music for Week of April 8, 2012". New York Daily News. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  6. ↑ Gibb, Rory (December 29, 2012). "Past Caring: 2012's Best Reissues, Compilations, Mixes & Live Albums". The Quietus. Retrieved March 7, 2014.

External links