1. The Meters – “People say” off ‘Rejuvenation’ – 1974
Dating from what was a vintage year for funk and on the same album as ‘Just kissed my baby’ – this track has it all for me. Produced by Allen Toussaint
(bow,scrape,kneel) and the band themselves, from the guitar lick to the bass entry to one of the funkiest drum fills ever at the end of the middle 8, add in Aaron Neville’s ‘why should we put up with this’ vocals and you have one of the dirtiest, funkiest tracks ever cut onto vinyl.
2. The Beauty Room – “Don’t you know” – Parlophone
I don’t really know much about this band, in fact I don’t even know if an album was released but I heard this track early in 2004 and fell in love with it instantly. It’s heavily influenced by Steely Dan in all aspects (definitely no bad thing) – a beautiful chord sequence over a funky groove with some nicely soulful vocals. Simple and very effective.
3. Ethel Beatty – “It’s your love” – Uno melodic records -1981
Produced by Roy Ayers and written by him alongside Dee dee Bridgewater, this rare slice of soul is one of the great man’s lesser known achievements, although samples of it are widespread. Ethereal is one word that springs to mind, thanks to Miss Beatty’s pure soul over a gorgeous groove; a track that will soften the hardest of hearts.
4. JMJ & Richie – “Universal Horn” – Moving Shadow 1995
have many favourite drum’n’bass tracks from around this time, which was the golden era for me, but if I had to pick one out it would be this one.
It’s beautiful and dark and moodily mysterious all at the same time, quite apart from the fact that it makes you want to move.
5. Crooklyn Dodgers – “Return of the Crooklyn Dodgers” off “Clockers”
soundtrack – 1995
I also have many fave hip-hop tracks from around this time from the likes of Pharcyde and Tribe called Quest to name but a few, but the way this one is put together stands it right up there. A strange brew of bass clarinet, bells, sublime piano chords and of course a heavy head-nodding beat make it quintessential of the genre.
6. Plant life – “When she smiles she lights the sky” off “The return of Jack Splash” – Gut records
This is the new single from the band’s debut album that caused quite a stir when it was released last year. Lush production and cheeky Amp-fiddleresque vocals combine to make the perfect late-nite tune that you can melt into.
7. Stevie Wonder – “Boogie on reggae woman” off “Fulfillingness’ first finale” – Motown 1974
I don’t think there’s another track in existence that can make me smile more than this one does.
