California Soul
Various Artists
Luv N’ Haight / Ubiquity
Any audiophile who just loves that funky stuff is probably already familiar with Ubiquity’s Luv N’ Haight label. This archeology project unearths damned near every rare funk tune you never realized existed. This time the folks at Ubiquity dug around in their own backyard, California, and have assembled a fine display of rare, sunshine-y funk from 1971 to ‘81. Of course, rare does not necessarily mean good, but Ubiquity acquits themselves very well in avoiding clunkers.
There are some very good tunes here. Sweet Stuff’s “Freaky (To You)” is a catchy disco cut dripping with pre-HIV horniness. Ike White does his best Sly imitation with “Love And Affection.” Roy Porter’s “Party Time” is a cool, little instrumental groove that would make The JBs proud. “Hang on in There” makes you scream, “Marvin, what’s going on?” But it’s actually Mike James Kirkland. West Coast Revival’s “Feelin’ Alright” is highly reminiscent of Eric Burdon and War. Cool Benny’s “Wobble Cha” is a real cool, vibed-out boogaloo, and “Carnaval” by Orquestra Esencia is fun/ny.
All in all, California Soul is most definitely a funky, good time.
Ubiquity Records: http://www.ubiquityrecords.com
