Jesse Anderson - "I Got A Problem w/ Mighty Mighty"

This is a solid 45 from Jesse Anderson on Thomas Records. I've had this record for a while now and whenever I get the chance to play out my funk records, I almost always drop the b-side “Mighty Mighty” to pique the crowds interest. I can't front... I don't know too much about Jesse Anderson, and what little useful information I could track down from the web was from a fine funk and soul blog called Bold Soul Brother which has a feature on this very 45. While the heavier and funkier “Mighty Mighty” is quick to catch the ear, the a-side “I Got A Problem” is no slouch. “I Got A Problem” finds Jesse lamenting about the troubles of mixing it up with a couple ladies on the side unbeknownst to his wife. A problem indeed!

New Digs | December 2011

Some finds I've been sitting on for a couple weeks. Stops in Louisville, Cincinnati and Solana Beach.

Coven S/T: MGM 1972
Probably the worst record of the bunch, I don't know why I started with this one.

Wheedle's Groove "Seattle's Finest In Funk & Soul 1965-1979" : Light In The Attic 2011
Limited edition box set, 10 45's, plus a book and some other goodies. A real thing of beauty. Thanks Mom & Dad! 1253/2000

Killing Floor S/T : Sire 1969
British blues rock. The songs sound familiar because they're bastardizations of other people's songs. Different lyrics. Covers without having the guts to own up to it. That being said, they rock pretty hard.

Curtis Mayfield "Got To Find A Way" : Curtom 1974
You can never have too much Curtis. Never.

Roxy Music S/T : Atlantic 1972
Roxy Music "For Your Pleasure" : Atlantic 1973
First two records from influential rock duo Bryan Ferry and Brain Eno. A unique interpretation of hard experimental glam rock, these still sound groundbreaking today.

Weapons Of Peace S/T : Playboy 1976
Worthwhile boogie album. Wasn't sure what to make of this one at first, but the mack-tastic photo on the back sold me pretty quick. (see below)

Inez Foxx "Inex Foxx at Memphis" : Volt 1973
Some solid mellow soul numbers, dips into the pop vocal realm, never really turns it up.

William Bell "Phases Of Reality" : Stax 1973
Funk, soul, blues, a little gospel. A bit all over the place, but the production stays on point.

James Brown "Sex Machine Today" : Polydor 1975
Far from his best effort, and still essential material.

Pentangle "Cruel Sister" : Reprise 1970
Some real hippy ass shit right here. Dirt road, dirt under your nails, dirt out the faucet folk psychedelia.

Cat S/T : RCA 1970
This one shows potential, but in the end the sound is just too happy and poppy. Give that crap a rest.

Isley Brothers "Soul On The Rocks" : Tamala 1967
Another one you really can't go wrong with and you're better off just owning their first twenty albums.

Spirit S/T : Ode 1968
A benchmark rock album, and a great example of why I'm so fascinated by self-titled rock records from this period.

Ray Bryant "Sound Ray" : Cadet 1969
Trio led by Bryant (piano), with James Rowser (bass) and Harold White (drums). I can get with this, it's got a nice funky pace, even through a cover of "Scarborough Fair". 

Moe Koffman "Moe's Curried Soul" : Buddah 1970
Fairly standard soul jazz covers. It's not all as expected though, instead of doing the typical DJ right-up on the back, they provide a great dinner recipe, "Curried Soul", including sides, how to prepare and serve and possible substitutions. Shredded codfish if the Bombay duck is not obtainable.

Rotary Connection "Songs" : Cadet Concept 1969
Rotary Connection albums can get a little too spaced out for their own good, and the novelty of Minnie Ripperton's signature squeal can quickly become tiresome. "Songs" fortunately displays the most focused version of their brand of experimental soul rock. The fact that all tracks are covers probably helps that cause, but they make some welcome and drastic modifications.

Crabby Appleton S/T : Electra 1970
They try a lot of different things on this album, some interesting, most fall short of successful. 

Black Widow "Sacrifice" : Magus 1970
This is the kind dark evil rock monster I hope to dig up every time I hit the rock section.

Sly & The Family Stone "There's A Riot Going On" : Epic 1971
A gift, a classic I already had, it's not rare by any means, but it is a bonafide dig from a family member, and I respect that.

New Digs | Early September, 2011

Edan - Rapperfiction 12" (Lewis Recordings, 2000)

Edan - Torture Chamber Remix 12" (Lewis Recordings, 2005)

Im always a fan of Edan!  From his earlier, spaced out braggadocious raps, all the way through his more ambitious psychedlic renditions, he always brings the raw shit!

James Brown - Presents His Show Of Tomorrow (King, 1968)

A nice compilation from King Records that features cuts from JB, Vicki Anderson, Bobby Byrd, Marva Whitney, and others. This was a trade that I couldn't resist since the record was in such great condition.

Grootna - S/T (Columbia, 1972)

A solid rock record that sounds more a bit more Texas than California, and that ain't so bad!

Circus Maximus - S/T (Vanguard, 1967)

I was super stoked to find this lp for pretty cheap as I recognized the band from the excellent Vanguard psych compilation 'Follow Me Down' that came out this past Record Store Day. 

Womb - S/T (Dot, 1967)

Still fully digesting this psych rock lp, but so far it sounds incredibly promising and makes a real nice addition to the collection. 

Archie Bell & The Drells - There's Gonna Be A Showdown (Atlantic, 1969)

Curtis Mayfield - Sweet Exorcist (Curtom, 1974)

Tower Of Power - East Bay Grease (San Francisco, 1970)

Cross the last three off my long time wants list. Finally! Strangely, I can't remember ever seeing this Tower Of Power album in the wild. I love their horn arrangements, and think they are consistently overlooked for their songwriting as well. 

Freda Payne - Band Of Gold (Invictus, 1970)

I bought this one on a recommendation from dude at the spot, and once I dropped the needle on the first cut and instantly recognized the title song, I had to bring it on home. There are a couple songs on the album that should be of interest to rap nerds, particularly the last cut 'The Easiest Way to Fall' which so dope and provides the sample source for JVC Force's 'Strong Island'.

Betty Wright - Danger High Voltage (Alston, 1974)

I have quitely been picking up all the Betty Wright lp's I can track down. So far, all her 70's output is pretty strong.  Plus, I love her outfit on the album cover.

The Time - S/T (Warner Brothers, 1981)

I consistently pass on this album because I see it everywhere and know that I can pretty much always land a used copy... but I finally scooped this one up and have been jamming to 'Get it Up' almost everyday.