This video took me back to when I lived in Harlem and then the Bronx. My late uncle turned me on to Rufus and Graham Central Station. I remember showing them on my old channel. I still have the originals on LP that were giving to me by my late uncle. I do I remember the Ohio Players "Skin Tight." I remember a song called "Heaven Must be Like This." This got me a little emotional and made me think of how me and my uncle used to play records for hours. Thanks for the memories. I needed something to get out of my deep funk.
Thanx for a great article. I can't seem to get unglued from funk/fusion and the great bands back then, just pure talent. I must mention the 1974 catalog in any category was monumental, with ground breaking releases. As I go down the list, it brings me so much joy, and frankly an overwhelming peace. Absolutely a great year. Thanx again!
Funk, funk, funk, what a great way to start the year, John ;) After a big purge, these two records by Rufus and the Commodored are only ones left from their catalogue. Cheap heat for sure. Cheers. /Paul
1974, a funkified year for sure... Up for the Down Stroke is an all timer, l play it every year... l just got that Graham but haven't listened yet.... l can say something good about all these records but l'll simply end with- great picks!
Loved all the samples John. 70s funk is the best. So true about African reissues, they say they are great and real funky but in actuality they are not that great. I will check Nath and Martin. Wesley also sounded great, hard hitting funk groove. Totally agree with Ohio Players being patchy. Greatest Hits is all I need. Great music
Hi Steve. You’ll definitely dig the Nath & Martin Brothers record. It’s solid aft funk from start to finish. All killer, no filler! Take care. Cheers. John
Big props to this white dude for being a funk enthusiast! I'm an OG funk soldier and a purveyor of the SUPER HEAVY FUNK, so it touches my soul to see the funk uniting all of God's children. Keep up the good work homie! The funk is its own reward!
I bought Rufusized , Live it up , Skin Im in , Up for the Down Stroke , Damn right I am somebody , Skin Tight , Flying start and Machine gun in 1974 . I agree with just about all you said . But I never got into Graham central station , never heard of Martin Brothers before and I must check them out . 1974 what a year to pick out 10 from . Where is The Average White Band's White Album ? That was massive anyway Missing are Kool's Light of the World , Fatback's ,Keep on stepping ,Maxayn's Bail out . What a year , JB's Breakin Bread ( you did mention though ) , KC and the Sunshine band Do it , BT Express .. Do it til your satisfied ..How did this miss out of the top ten , only joking something had to give . I'd still be sat there thinking ..what about a top 20 then ? 😂I must say well done for picking Machine Gun out , so underrated . I get a nice warm feeling watching this . I was doing the same thing back then to the unconverted , Robbie Vincent calls it Missionary work . Got a few hooked . Thanks very much 6 inch !
Nice one John - never heard of the Martin Brothers before, interesting. Gotta grab that Fred Wesley at some point and I have very little by Graham Central Station either. Had the early Blackbyrds in mind to revisit, I agree, Walking In Rhythm never gets old. Cheers!
Hey Doug. How’s it going? Give those Blackbyrds albums a spin. I’ve recently revisited them and was surprised how fresh they sounded. Walking In Rhythm is a song that puts a spring in your step every time you here it. Cheers. John
Mm mm the funky rhythm is just a dance away ☺️😉 the bass on GCS deep funk🎸ahhh The Isleys 😮🎶😎🎶 solid show of 74... be well and keep the grooves clean...cheers John- Lis 😎🎶✨☮️🎤🎸🥁
Great video John! I luv Da Funk! 70’s funk is where it’s at! I’ve been meaning to do a funk video so maybe seeing this is what I needed to get me rolling on it. I’m def a fan of pretty much all these groups ya showed! Thanks for sharing now I gotta get the funk outta here Peace ✨✌️👽✨
Hey John. So many great albums. I’m not one for making New Year resolutions, but I’m going to make a point of buying way more soul albums in 2024. Especially love the cheap part and so accessible. Love your channel. Cheers.
Hi John, I enjoyed this list. Some I have in the collection and others that I need to check out such as Graham Central Station. Machine Gun is a killer track. Thanks Steve
Excellent Video!!! I have also been on Funk kick of late. Blackbyrds is new to me, gonna have to search for that. As always, really appreciate the needle drops.
There is actually another record that is their debut entitled simply Rufus, making Rufusized their 3rd record. If I find a copy, I will send it to you, John! Also, I love Chairmen Of The Board & The Blackbyrds!! Thanks for such a cool video, buddy!!
Hi Scott. How’s it going? Yes, I have that first Rufus record. I meant that the Rufusized record was their second album from 74. I just didn’t make myself very clear 😀. I’ve been listening to a lot of Chaka recently. I love her voice! One of the greats. Cheers. John
@@6inchpianist Yes, there were 2 releases in '74!! Chaka is my girl!! I plan on doing a special on her in March for her birthday on my radio program!! Can't wait!! Always love your videos!! Thanks!!
Cool stuff John. I've got a Chairmans comp on Invictus which is great fun. The only record you showed that I've owned is the Chaka Khan and Rufus one, but I had to move it on as it sounded shite despite numerous cleans, and I haven't seen a copy since. I must admit I've got out of the habit of buying soul and funk LPs unless I know they're stone cold classics - no more shelf space for the LPs with only a couple of good tracks. I did pick up 'Gold' by the Ohio Players the other weekend though haven't spun it yet. I'll definitely watch out for that Commodores one! I'm afraid I only showed one funky record in my top 20, but at least there's no Floyd.😇
Hi James. Give the Ohio Players record a listen. I actually think it’s the only one of theirs that you need. One of those bands where a greatest hits does the job. If you see the Commodores record, pick it up. It doesn’t disappoint! Cheers. John
Blimey John this is two videos on the trot this year from your good self,that hasn't cost me money 😀 I'm worried now that the next one is gonna result in a big hit on my wallet 😮 Always great interesting videos John 👍👍👍
I have always been wary of doing needle drops because I get a ton of copyright violations from RUclips. The Isley Brothers are coming to Vegas next month. I am going to try for tickets.
Hi Zach. Ah, man. I’d love to see the Isley Brothers. That’ll be a treat! I very rarely get busted for needle drops. I like putting them in my videos. People like the music, not so much the chat 😀
Great selection. I own 8 Ohio Player lps yet Skin Tight has always alluded me but I refuse to buy it online. The Assembly Line on the Commodores lp, what a track! Worthy mention for 74, Sly's Small Talk lp...a classic! Cheers Nige
Hey Nigel. Yeah, I could certainly have included Small Talk. Too many great records to choose from! You’re right about ‘The Assembly Line’. That’s a great track! Cheers. John
I love the moment when, after blind buying a 70’s funky looking album, you perk up after some heavy funk flows from your speakers, so damn good! John did you do a video like this for 2023? Or 2022?
Hey John, great selection of killer funk albums, Rufus debut was in 1973, it’s also a good album with a little more rock oriented. One album I would have included was Kool & the Gang - Light of Worlds. ✌️
Hey Frank. Yeah, I like the Rufus debut but Rags To Rufus was a step up. It deserves the attention it gets but still not as good as Rufusized. Two great albums in 12 months! I really like Light Of Worlds. You’re right. Should’ve included that one 👍👍
Nothing was funkier in '74 than the double threat releases of Parliament's 'Up for the downstroke' LP and Funkadelic's 'Standing on the verge of getting it on'. Both albums were George Clinton produced masterpieces. If you never read the liner credits, you probably wouldn't guess that they were the same singers and musicians. It was the Parliafunkadelicment Thang, later to be known as P-Funk.
Herbie Hancock-Thrust should get a mention as well as the Meters-Rejuvenation (which has the lowdown ugly greasy funk of Just Kissed My Baby on it for starters).
Rufus played Bakersfield quite a lot in the early 70’s. They were great live. I need to check out that Graham Central Station. The Isley Brothers were Funk masters in the 70’s. I wasn’t as big a fan of the slow numbers. Skin Tight was the first Ohio Players album that Zi heard. I went to a hippy couple’s house to buy some weed and they played it. I loved it.
1974… definitely a good Funk vintage! Love Chaka & Prince’s later version of Larry Graham’s Hair too.. my most played album for that year is probably Maceo Parker’s Us..
Good to see my cousin Lionel getting a mention at the end.
This video took me back to when I lived in Harlem and then the Bronx. My late uncle turned me on to Rufus and Graham Central Station. I remember showing them on my old channel. I still have the originals on LP that were giving to me by my late uncle. I do I remember the Ohio Players "Skin Tight." I remember a song called "Heaven Must be Like This." This got me a little emotional and made me think of how me and my uncle used to play records for hours. Thanks for the memories. I needed something to get out of my deep funk.
Thanx for a great article. I can't seem to get unglued from funk/fusion and the great bands back then, just pure talent. I must mention the 1974 catalog in any category was monumental, with ground breaking releases. As I go down the list, it brings me so much joy, and frankly an overwhelming peace. Absolutely a great year. Thanx again!
Funk, funk, funk, what a great way to start the year, John ;) After a big purge, these two records by Rufus and the Commodored are only ones left from their catalogue. Cheap heat for sure. Cheers. /Paul
1974, a funkified year for sure... Up for the Down Stroke is an all timer, l play it every year... l just got that Graham but haven't listened yet.... l can say something good about all these records but l'll simply end with- great picks!
Cheers Sherv. The Graham Central Station record is a corker. I hadn’t heard it in years. Much better than I remembered. 👍👍
1974. Was that Long Ago. 50 Years. DAMN
Great👍 .The funk is always ON 👍😉.
My favourites lps are The Blackbyrds and The Commodores .Thanks 👍😉
Hey Zal. Yeah, the Commodores album is 🔥🔥🔥. Cheers! John
@@6inchpianist ,i am totally agree with you .👍 1977 - Machine Gun , the most groovy album in funk world. Thanks 👍
Great stuff, nice ending with a tune I never heard before. Cheers
Cheers P&C!
Loved all the samples John. 70s funk is the best. So true about African reissues, they say they are great and real funky but in actuality they are not that great. I will check Nath and Martin. Wesley also sounded great, hard hitting funk groove. Totally agree with Ohio Players being patchy. Greatest Hits is all I need. Great music
Hi Steve. You’ll definitely dig the Nath & Martin Brothers record. It’s solid aft funk from start to finish. All killer, no filler! Take care. Cheers. John
Big props to this white dude for being a funk enthusiast! I'm an OG funk soldier and a purveyor of the SUPER HEAVY FUNK, so it touches my soul to see the funk uniting all of God's children.
Keep up the good work homie! The funk is its own reward!
Hey! The funk brings us all together 👌
Really enjoy your videos!
Hey. Thanks very much!! 👍
I bought Rufusized , Live it up , Skin Im in , Up for the Down Stroke , Damn right I am somebody , Skin Tight , Flying start and Machine gun in 1974 . I agree with just about all you said . But I never got into Graham central station , never heard of Martin Brothers before and I must check them out . 1974 what a year to pick out 10 from . Where is The Average White Band's White Album ? That was massive anyway Missing are Kool's Light of the World , Fatback's ,Keep on stepping ,Maxayn's Bail out . What a year , JB's Breakin Bread ( you did mention though ) , KC and the Sunshine band Do it , BT Express .. Do it til your satisfied ..How did this miss out of the top ten , only joking something had to give . I'd still be sat there thinking ..what about a top 20 then ? 😂I must say well done for picking Machine Gun out , so underrated . I get a nice warm feeling watching this . I was doing the same thing back then to the unconverted , Robbie Vincent calls it Missionary work . Got a few hooked . Thanks very much 6 inch !
Great funk selections John , have some , not others , will be on a funk hunt in February, Cheers 🥂
Hey AL. Always keep your eye out for the funk! 😀
Great soundtrack to the year I was born! 🎉
Yep. Not a bad year to enter the world!
Nice one John - never heard of the Martin Brothers before, interesting. Gotta grab that Fred Wesley at some point and I have very little by Graham Central Station either. Had the early Blackbyrds in mind to revisit, I agree, Walking In Rhythm never gets old. Cheers!
Hey Doug. How’s it going? Give those Blackbyrds albums a spin. I’ve recently revisited them and was surprised how fresh they sounded. Walking In Rhythm is a song that puts a spring in your step every time you here it. Cheers. John
Another great video, John. Ive definitely started buying more Soul and Funk records since ive followed you 👍 Keep up the good work!
Cheers Derek. Really appreciate your comment 👍
Mm mm the funky rhythm is just a dance away ☺️😉 the bass on GCS deep funk🎸ahhh The Isleys 😮🎶😎🎶 solid show of 74... be well and keep the grooves clean...cheers John- Lis 😎🎶✨☮️🎤🎸🥁
Thanks Lis! I hope all is good with you 👍
I always enjoy it
I don’t have that Commodores Machine Gun album. I’ll be on the lookout for that! Ohio Players Skin Tight is a favorite of mine
That Rufus and Chaka Kahn album sounded great plus I’m going to keep an eye out for that Isley Bros album. Love that cover! Cheers John 👍
Hi Andy. It’s worth keeping an eye out for any of the Isley’s or Chaka’s 70’s records. Always cheap too 👍
Great video John! I luv Da Funk! 70’s funk is where it’s at! I’ve been meaning to do a funk video so maybe seeing this is what I needed to get me rolling on it. I’m def a fan of pretty much all these groups ya showed! Thanks for sharing now I gotta get the funk outta here Peace ✨✌️👽✨
Hey Cosmic! You gotta make that funk video. We need more funk in the VC! Cheers. John
I never knew of that Martin Brothers album
Hey John. So many great albums. I’m not one for making New Year resolutions, but I’m going to make a point of buying way more soul albums in 2024. Especially love the cheap part and so accessible. Love your channel. Cheers.
Hey VM. There’re plenty of great cheap funk records. No need to spend big bucks. The Rufus and Commodores albums are perfect examples. Cheers!
Hi John, I enjoyed this list. Some I have in the collection and others that I need to check out such as Graham Central Station. Machine Gun is a killer track. Thanks Steve
Hey Steve. Machine Gun never gets old. It’s amazing because they never topped the first track on their first record. 👍
Excellent Video!!! I have also been on Funk kick of late. Blackbyrds is new to me, gonna have to search for that. As always, really appreciate the needle drops.
Hey Greg. The Blackbyrds are a bit more jazz funk than funk but still fun. Give them a listen on line. They had some killer tracks. Cheers! John
There is actually another record that is their debut entitled simply Rufus, making Rufusized their 3rd record. If I find a copy, I will send it to you, John! Also, I love Chairmen Of The Board & The Blackbyrds!! Thanks for such a cool video, buddy!!
Hi Scott. How’s it going? Yes, I have that first Rufus record. I meant that the Rufusized record was their second album from 74. I just didn’t make myself very clear 😀. I’ve been listening to a lot of Chaka recently. I love her voice! One of the greats. Cheers. John
@@6inchpianist Yes, there were 2 releases in '74!! Chaka is my girl!! I plan on doing a special on her in March for her birthday on my radio program!! Can't wait!! Always love your videos!! Thanks!!
Cool stuff John. I've got a Chairmans comp on Invictus which is great fun. The only record you showed that I've owned is the Chaka Khan and Rufus one, but I had to move it on as it sounded shite despite numerous cleans, and I haven't seen a copy since. I must admit I've got out of the habit of buying soul and funk LPs unless I know they're stone cold classics - no more shelf space for the LPs with only a couple of good tracks. I did pick up 'Gold' by the Ohio Players the other weekend though haven't spun it yet. I'll definitely watch out for that Commodores one! I'm afraid I only showed one funky record in my top 20, but at least there's no Floyd.😇
Hi James. Give the Ohio Players record a listen. I actually think it’s the only one of theirs that you need. One of those bands where a greatest hits does the job. If you see the Commodores record, pick it up. It doesn’t disappoint! Cheers. John
Blimey John this is two videos on the trot this year from your good self,that hasn't cost me money 😀 I'm worried now that the next one is gonna result in a big hit on my wallet 😮
Always great interesting videos John 👍👍👍
C’mon Nick. I thought you’d be running out to buy some Lionel Richie albums after watching… 😀
@@6inchpianist
I've actually got MACHINE GUN on 7" single and the sickly sweet THREE TIMES A LADY .
I have always been wary of doing needle drops because I get a ton of copyright violations from RUclips. The Isley Brothers are coming to Vegas next month. I am going to try for tickets.
Hi Zach. Ah, man. I’d love to see the Isley Brothers. That’ll be a treat!
I very rarely get busted for needle drops. I like putting them in my videos. People like the music, not so much the chat 😀
B.T. Express-Do It. All killer, no filler. Greetings
Can’t argue with that 👍👍
this right here!!!! that BT Express album was bangin!!!
Great selection. I own 8 Ohio Player lps yet Skin Tight has always alluded me but I refuse to buy it online. The Assembly Line on the Commodores lp, what a track! Worthy mention for 74, Sly's Small Talk lp...a classic! Cheers Nige
Hey Nigel. Yeah, I could certainly have included Small Talk. Too many great records to choose from! You’re right about ‘The Assembly Line’. That’s a great track! Cheers. John
I love the moment when, after blind buying a 70’s funky looking album, you perk up after some heavy funk flows from your speakers, so damn good! John did you do a video like this for 2023? Or 2022?
Hey Dean. No, I haven’t done one of these before. I might do a Soul 74 video at some point thought. Cheers! John
Hey John, great selection of killer funk albums, Rufus debut was in 1973, it’s also a good album with a little more rock oriented. One album I would have included was Kool & the Gang - Light of Worlds. ✌️
Hey Frank. Yeah, I like the Rufus debut but Rags To Rufus was a step up. It deserves the attention it gets but still not as good as Rufusized. Two great albums in 12 months!
I really like Light Of Worlds. You’re right. Should’ve included that one 👍👍
Nothing was funkier in '74 than the double threat releases of Parliament's 'Up for the downstroke' LP and Funkadelic's 'Standing on the verge of getting it on'.
Both albums were George Clinton produced masterpieces.
If you never read the liner credits, you probably wouldn't guess that they were the same singers and musicians.
It was the Parliafunkadelicment Thang, later to be known as P-Funk.
Herbie Hancock-Thrust should get a mention as well as the Meters-Rejuvenation (which has the lowdown ugly greasy funk of Just Kissed My Baby on it for starters).
Hey Mark. I should’ve included the Funkadelic record. Foolishly left it out because I was showing the Parliament album. Schoolboy error. Cheers! John
Rufus played Bakersfield quite a lot in the early 70’s. They were great live. I need to check out that Graham Central Station. The Isley Brothers were Funk masters in the 70’s. I wasn’t as big a fan of the slow numbers. Skin Tight was the first Ohio Players album that Zi heard. I went to a hippy couple’s house to buy some weed and they played it. I loved it.
Hi Richie. I expect that the perfect way to hear the Ohio Players is being played them by weed selling, Funk spinning hippies.
1974… definitely a good Funk vintage! Love Chaka & Prince’s later version of Larry Graham’s Hair too.. my most played album for that year is probably Maceo Parker’s Us..
I should’ve included Us! A couple of really big tunes on there 👍
The Commodores lp is an excellent one (except perhaps the lyrics to the 2nd song 😃)
Ha! Yeah best not listen to the words 😀
Superstuff!
Cheers!