Artist: Don Julian and the Larks Title Of Album: Shorty The Pimp Year Of Release: 1998 Label: Southbound Rec/Ace Genre: Funk / Blaxploitation / Groove Format: MP3 Quality: 320 kbps I 44.1 Khz I Joint Stereo Total Time: 01:08:40 Total Size: 167 mb (+5%rec.)
Tracks:
01. Shorty The Pimp 05:36 02. Message From A Black Man 04:49 03. Vato's Brew 04:58 04. Schoolin' And Foolin' 03:27 05. Super Slick 02:33 06. Brother What It Is 08:07 07. (Ooh Baby) I Love You 02:51 08. Show And Tell 03:20 09. Check Out Your Mind 02:51 10. (If There's A) Hell Below 03:19 11. Just Tryin' To Make It (Parts 1 & 2) 05:11 12. A Woman Ain't Nothing But A Stone Trip 03:10 13. Respect Yourself 03:34 14. Inner City Blues 03:20 15. I Love You 01:55 16. My Cherie Amour 03:21 17. The Look Of Love 03:51 18. (What Does It Take To) Win Your Love 02:25
Artist: Various Artists Title Of Album: Stroboscopica Vol 2: 70's Psychofunk Jazzy Beats for Erotic Thrilling Fiction Year Of Release: 1999 Label: Plastic Records / PL007 Genre: Jazz-Funk Total Time: 66:19 min Format: Mp3 Quality: CBR 320 kbps / Lossless Total Size: 159 mb / 424 mb (Covers)
TRACKLIST:
01 - Running To The Airport / F.Micalizzi 02 - Sigla R.P / Freedom Power 03 - Intimate Conversation / Puccio Roelens 04 - Soho / I Marc 4 05 - Sixth Dimension / Steffano Torossi 06 - Rhythms In Suspense / Gino Marinuzzi Jr. 07 - Dark Suspense / F.Micalizzi 08 - Coast To Coast / Steffano Torossi 09 - Metropolis / Giovanni Tommaso 10 - Palude / L.Michelini 11 - Rash / Lash, Mirot 12 - Rincorsa Prima / Ennio Morricone 13 - Feasing / Freedom Power 14 - Plancton / I Gres 15 - Piccadilly Circus / I Marc 4 16 - Pensiero Stupendo / Ennio Morricone 17 - To Mendes / I Gres 18 - Regent Street / I Marc 4 19 - Trip Free / Freedom Power 20 - Jeanette / I Gres 21 - Simpton / Lash, Mirot 22 - Movimento / L.Zito 23 - Freedom Power / Freedom Power - Clique Aqui:
Volume 2 of this great series features a massive 23 tracks from the cream of the 1970's Italian soundtrack / library music scene. Once again the main performers showcased are I Gres, I Marc 4 and Freedom Power but they are complimented by excellent pieces from Steffano Torossi and soundtrack legend Ennio Morricone. The general mood is rare groove with some cinematic jazz thrown in, several cuts also have a crime funk vibe which adds further interest. It's impossible to pick highlights out of such a strong selection, anyone who has even a passing interest in Italian soundtracks, library music or rare groove should find themselves more than satisfied. I can't recommend this compilation more highly, it's awesome.
Artist: Various Artists Title Of Album: Stroboscopica Vol 3: 10 Jazzy Orchestral Latin Strobo Sounds from Cinematic 70's Filmworks Year Of Release: 2001 Label: Plastic Records / PL017 Genre: Jazz-Funk, Bossa Nova, Easy Listening Total Time: 58:55 min Format: Mp3 Quality: CBR 320 kbps / Lossless Total Size: 141 mb / 331 mb
TRACKLIST:
01 V. Nadalin - Asfalto 02 Alessandro Alessandroni - Domenica In Riviera 03 Puccio Roelens - Smooth & Manly 04 Sandro Brugnolini - Supermarket 05 Puccio Roelens - The Taste Of Repeat 06 Sandro Brugnolini - Giuggi 07 Giuliano Sorgini - Time Turf 08 Rino De Filippi - Calcolator Elettronico 09 Mirot/Lash - Glamour 10 L. Sordini - Joy Bells 11 Puccio Roelens - A Silness Song 12 Giuliano Sorgini - Zed 13 Mingross - Carter 14 Rino De Filippi - Rotaie 15 Giuliano Sorgini - Clessidra 16 Alessandro Alessandroni - A Little Sad 17 Mingross - Vance 18 Alessandro Alessandroni - Malcontento Popolare 19 F. Tamponi - Daina Pinky 20 Stepchild/Lash - Bike
Jazz orchestration and Latin beats figured prominently into '70s Italian cinema scores. Plastic continues a winning tradition of packaging together long-lost selections of this spicy film funk. We get material ranging from soft Latin jazz to a blaxploitation romaine. Instantly entertaining and classically dated, this material is the bridge for journeying from beat jazz to spy jazz.
Após um hiato de 18 anos sem gravar nenhuma canção, um dos últimos grandes
cantores de soul do Olimpo do gênero, Bobby Womack, aos 68 anos, ressurgiu no
cenário musical. No ano passado, com o disco The Bravest Man in the Universe
(Lab 344), produzido por Damon Albarn (da banda inglesa Blur), ele fez uma
rentrée espetacular (e até um pouco controversa, já que é um disco que faz uso
muito heterodoxo da eletrônica). Álbum do ano dos Q Awards, tem como convidados
cantoras como Lana Del Rey e a participação de Gil Scott-Heron em uma das
faixas.
Bobby Womack chocou a black music nos anos 1960 ao se casar com a
viúva do seu padrinho artístico, Sam Cooke, três meses após a morte deste. O
mais terrível veio quando publicou sua autobiografia: Bobby tinha ido além:
também manteve um relacionamento afetivo com a filha adolescente de Barbara e
Sam Cooke, Linda, e estiveram na cama enquanto era casado. Tudo isso seria
apenas combustível picante para o mundo das celebridades, não fosse Womack um
homem marcado também pela tragédia.
Após enfrentar um câncer no
intestino, há um ano, no mês passado o cantor sofreu outro baque: foi
diagnosticado com Alzheimer, ainda incipiente. O irmão mais velho, Harry, foi
assassinado por uma namorada ciumenta dentro do seu próprio apartamento. Um dos
filhos de Bobby entrou em coma, quando ainda era um bebê, em um acidente
doméstico. E, há 7 dias, Bobby também viu morrer seu irmão mais novo, Cecil.
Bobby Womack falou ao Estado durante uma hora na tarde de
quinta-feira. Veja a entrevista completa:
Artist: The Staple Singers,Curtis Mayfield Title Of Album:Let's Do It Again OST Year Of Release: 1975 (2002) Label: Spy Records Country:US Genre:Funk,Soul,R&B,Soundtrack Quality: mp3/Flac (tracks+.cue) Bitrate: 320 kbps/Lossless Total Time:00:40:34 Total Size:91,61 / 239,02 Mb Tracklist : 01. Let's Do It Again (4:54) 02. Funky Love (4:50) 03. A Whole Lot Of Love (3:52) 04. New Orleans (4:26) 05. I Want To Thank You (5:23) 06. Big Mac (6:06) 07. After Sex (6:46) 08. Chase (4:16) - Clique Aqui:
Artist: Louis and Bebe Barron Title Of Album: Forbidden Planet OST Year Of Release: March 15, 1956 Label: GNP Crescendo Records Genre: Soundtrack,electronic Quality: mp3 Bitrate: 320 kbps Total Size: 67.7 MB
Tracklist : 1. Main Titles-Overture 2. Deceleration 3. Once Around Altair 4. The Landing 5. Flurry Of Dust-A Robot Approaches 6. A Shangri-La In The Desert Garden With Cuddly Tiger 7. Graveyard-A Night With Two Moons 8. 'Robby, Make Me A Gown' 9. An Invisible Monster Approaches 10. Robby Arranges Flowers, Zaps Monkey 11. Love At The Swimming Hole 12. Morbius' Study 13. Ancient Krell Music 14. The Mind Booster-Creation Of Matter 15. Krell Shuttle Ride And Power Station 16. Giant Footprints In The Sand 17. 'Nothing Like This Claw Found In Nature' 18. Robby, The Cook, And 60 Gallons Of Booze 19. Battle With Invisible Monster 20. 'Come Back To Earth With Me' 21. The Monster Pursues-Morbius Is Overcome 22. The Homecoming 23. Overture Reprise
Artist: Ennio Morricone Title Of Album:Metti, Una Sera A Cena OST Year Of Release: 1976 Genre: Soundtrack Quality: mp3 Bitrate: 320 kbps Total Time:33:28 Total Size: 74,59 Мб
Tracklist : 1. Metti, Una Sera A Cena 2. Sauna 3. Terrazza Vuota 4. Alle Luce Del Giorno 5. Croce D'amore 6. Uno Che Grida Amore 7. Ric Happening 8. Ti Prego Amami 9. Nina - Clique Aqui:
Artist: Ennio Morricone Title Of Album: La Disubbidienza Year Of Release: 1981 Label: Phantom Sound & Visi Genre: Soundtrack, Instrumental Quality: mp3 Bitrate: 320 kbps Total Time:33:05 Total Size: 75,41 Мb
Tracklist : 1. Morire E Viverti 2. Oboi Sommersi 3. Quasi un Vivaldi 4. Al Teatro Goldoni 5. Repressione 6. La Disubbidienza 7. Il Colore Dei Suoi Occhi 8. A Stefania 9. Rotorsione 10. Dietro la Tenda - Clique Aqui:
Artist: VA Title Of Album:The Wiz OST Year Of Release: 1978 Label: MCA/Motown Country:USA Genre: R&B, Soul, Pop, Disco, Soundtrack Quality: mp3 Bitrate: 320 kbps Total Time:79:22 Total Size: 175.11 MB
Tracklist : 01. Main Title (Overture, Part One) - instrumental - 2:36 02. Overture (Part Two) - instrumental - 1:56 03. The Feeling That We Have - Theresa Merrit and Chorus - 3:30 04. Can I Go On? (Quincy Jones, Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson) - Diana Ross - 1:55 05. Glinda's Theme - instrumental - 1:09 06. He's The Wizard - Thelma Carpenter and Chorus - 4:08 07. Soon As I Get Home / Home - Diana Ross - 4:03 08. You Can't Win - Michael Jackson - 3:13 09. Ease On Down The Road #1 - Diana Ross & Michael Jackson - 1:30 10. What Would I Do If I Could Feel? - Nipsey Russel - 2:17 11. Slide Some Oil To Me - Nipsey Russel - 2:50 12. Ease On Down The Road #2 - Diana Ross, Michael Jackson & Nipsey Russel - 1:30 13. (I'm A) Mean Ole Lion - Ted Ross - 2:24 14. Ease On Down The Road #3 - Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Nipsey Russel & Ted Ross - 1:26 15. Poppy Girls (Anthony Jackson) - instrumental - 3:27 16. Be A Lion - Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Nipsey Russel & Ted Ross - 4:03 17. End Of The Yellow Brick Road - instrumental - 1:01 18. Emerald City Sequence (music: Jones, lyrics: Smalls) - Chorus - 6:41 19. So You Wanted To See The Wizard? - Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Nipsey Russel, Ted Ross & Richard Pryor - 2:46 20. Is This What Feeling Gets? (Dorothy's Theme) (music: Jones, lyrics: Ashford & Simpson) - Diana Ross - 3:20 21. Don't Nobody Bring Me No Bad News - Mabel King and Chorus - 3:01 22. A Brand New Day (Luther Vandross) - Diana Ross, Michael Jackson & The Wiz Stars - 7:45 23. Believe In Yourself (Dorothy) - Diana Ross - 2:54 24. The Good Witch Glinda (Richard Pryor & Lena Horne) - 1:09 25. Believe In Yourself (Reprise) - Lena Horne - 2:15 26. Home - Diana Ross - 4:01
Personnel: - Diana Ross - Dorothy Gale - Michael Jackson - Scarecrow - Lena Horne - Glinda, the Good Witch Of The South - Ted Ross - Cowardly Lion - Nipsey Russell - Tin Man - Thelma Carpenter - Miss One, the Good Witch of the North - Theresa Merritt - Aunt Em - Stanley Greene - Uncle Henry - Richard Pryor - The Wiz - Mabel King - Evillene, the Wicked Witch of the West - Clique Aqui:
Artist: Bernard Herrmann Title Of Album:Taxi Driver OST Year Of Release: 1976 Label: Arista – AL 4079 Genre: Soundtrack, Jazz-Funk Quality: mp3 Bitrate: V0 Total Size: 98.71 MB
Tracklist : A1 Theme From Taxi Driver Saxophone [Alto] – Tom Scott 4:06 A2 I Work The Whole City 2:24 A3 Betsy In A White Dress 2:13 A4 The Days Do Not End 4:05 A5 Reprise: Theme From Taxi Driver 2:24 B1 Diary Of A Taxi Driver Voice [Narration] – Robert De Niro 4:28 B2 Theme From Taxi Driver 3:35 B3 The .44 Magnum Is A Monster 3:11 B4 Sport And Iris 2:17 B5 God's Lonely Man (End Title) 1:52
Artist: John Barry Title Of Album: Diamonds Are Forever Year Of Release: 1971 Label: EMI Records Country:US Genre: Soundtrack, Score, Easy Listening Quality: mp3 Bitrate: 320 kbps Total Size: 75.64 MB
Tracklist : 1 Diamonds Are Forever (Main Title) 2:41 2 Bond Meets Bambi And Thumper 2:05 3 Moon Buggy Ride 3:13 4 Circus, Circus 2:55 5 Death At The Whyte House 3:44 6 Diamonds Are Forever 3:44 7 Diamonds Are Forever 2:33 8 Bond Smells A Rat 1:52 9 Tiffany Case 3:44 10 007 And Counting 3:31 11 Q's Trick 2:24 12 To Hell With Blofeld 1:35
Artist: Lalo Schifrin Title Of Album:The Fox Year Of Release: Label: Warner Music Genre: Soundtrack, Score Quality: mp3 Bitrate: 320 kbps Total Time:
Tracklist : 1. Theme from the Fox - Lalo Schifrin Listen 2. Frost Trees 3. Soft Clay 4. Ellen's Image 5. Dead Leaf 6. Foxhole 7. That Night 8. Foxtail 9. Paul's Memories 10. Roll It Over 11. Trembling 12. Lonely Road 13. Dripping Icicles
Artist: Isaac Hayes Title Of Album: Shaft OST Year Of Release: 1971 Label: Stax Country:US Genre: Soundtracks,Funk,R&B Quality: mp3 Bitrate: 320 kbps Total Time:69:29 Total Size: 148.92 MB
Tracklist : 1. Theme from Shaft 2. Bumpy's Lament 3. Walk From Regio's 4. Ellie's Love Theme 5. Shaft's Cab Ride 6. Cafe Regio's 7. Early Sunday Morning 8. Be Yourself 9. A Friend's Place 10. Soulsville 11. No-Name Bar 12. Bumpy's Blues 13. Shaft Strikes Again 14. Do Your Thing 15. The End Theme
Artist: Nino Rota Title Of Album: Otto E Mezzo Year Of Release: 1963 Label: Cam Genre: Instrumental,Soundtrack Quality: Mp3 Bitrate: 320 kbit/Lossless Total Time: 42:11 Total Size: 91,46 Мb/222,52 M Tracklist:
1. La Passerella Di Otto E Mezzo 2. Cimitero - Cigolette 3. E Poi (Valzer) 4. L'Illusionista 5. Concertino Alle Terme 6. Nell'Ufficio Di Produzioni Di Otto E Mezzo 7. Ricordo D'Infanzia 8. Guido E Luiza - Nostalgico Swing 9. Carlotta's Galopp 10. L'Harem 11. Rivolta Nell'Harem 12. La Passerella Di Addio
Artist:Wendy Carlos Title Of Album:Clockwork Orange OST Year Of Release:1972 (2000) Label: East Side Digital Genre: Score,Electronic,New Age Quality: Mp3 Bitrate: 320kbps/Lossless Total Time:46:54 Total Size: 100,39 Mb/222,53 Mb
Track Listings 01 - Timesteps (13:48) 02 - March from A Clockwork Orange (07:03) 03 - Title Music from A Clockwork Orange (02:24) 04 - La Gazza Ladra (06:01) 05 - Theme from A Clockwork Orange (Beethoviana) (01:49) 06 - Ninth Symphony: Second Movement (Scherzo) (04:53) 07 - William Tell Overture, Abridged (01:18) 08 - Orange Minuet (02:36) 09 - Biblical Daydreams (02:06) 10 - Country Lane (04:57)
Artist: Piero Umiliani Title Of Album:La Ragazza Fuori Strada Year Of Release: 1975 (2003) Label:Easy Tempo ET921 Country:Italy Genre: Score,Easy Listening, Lounge, Cool Jazz, Quality:APE (image+.cue) Bitrate: Lossless Total Time:01:12:04 Total Size: 430,44 Mb
Tracklist : 01. Volto Di Donna (Original Demo) (3:32) 02. Volto Di Donna (3:29) 03. Nostalgia (3:23) 04. La Rinuncia (2:14) 05. Nostalgia (3:19) 06. Senza Tregua (1:57) 07. Volto Di Donna (3:34) 08. Il Tuo Volto (2:58) 09. Nostalgia (3:29) 10. Cantata Per Maryam (1:56) 11. La Rinuncia (2:30) 12. Oltre L'acqua Del Fiume (2:40) 13. La Prima Uscita (2:33) 14. Tra La Gente (2:47) 15. Le Ore Che Contano (Base) (5:05) 16. Volto Di Donna (2:59) 17. Maryam (2:38) 18. The Party (2:31) 19. Le Ore Che Contano (5:06) 20. Volto Di Donna (3:28) 21. Il Tuo Volto (2:05) 22. La Rinuncia (2:30) 23. Cantata Per Maryam (1:56) 24. Volto Di Donna (3:27) - Clique Aqui:
Artist: VA Title Of Album: The Best of Blaxploitation (3CD box set) Label: Metro Music Year Of Release: 2006 Genre: Funk / Soul / Oldies Format: mp3, CBR 320 Kbps Tracks: 45 Total Time: 1:36:21 min Total Size: 391.2 Mb
Tracklist: CD1 1. James Brown - The Boss (3:11) 2. Cymande - Brothers On The Slide (4:09) 3. Kool & The Gang - Jungle Boogie (3:02) 4. Marvin Gaye - "T" Plays It Cool (4:26) 5. Curtis Mayfield - Freddie's Dead (5:23) 6. Syl Johnson - Different Strokes (2:19) 7. Lightnin' Rod - Sport (2:33) 8. The Last Poets - It's A Trip (4:44) 9. The Politcians (Feat. McKinley Jackson) - The World We Live In (4:19) 10. Ike Turner's Kings Of Rhythm - Funky Mule (3:20) 11. Joe Tex - I Gotcha (2:12) 12. Mavis Staples - Chocolate City (5:15) 13. Pee Wee Ellis - Moon Walk (2:43) 14. The Meters - Tippi Toes (2:25) 15. Gil Scott-Heron With Brian Jackson - Back Home (2:52)
CD2 1. Curtis Mayfield - Superfly (3:53) 2. Eddie Kendricks - My People... Hold On (5:36) 3. The Temptations - Papa Was A Rollin' Stone (5:08) 4. Aaron Neville - Hercules (4:11) 5. Cymande - Bra (5:04) 6. The Notations - Superpeople (3:45) 7. Maceo & All The King's Men - Thank You For Letting Me Be Myself Again (6:17) 8. Johnny Pate - Brother On The Run (1:56) 9. Syl Johnson - Concrete Reservation (2:25) 10. Ohio Players - It's A Cryin' Shame (2:21) 11. The Rimshots - Neighbour! Get Your Own (2:52) 12. Maceo & All The Kings Men - (I Remember) Mr. Banks (5:26) 13. Ripple - Get Off (3:17) 14. The Meters - Funky Miracle (2:26) 15. Lee Dorsey - Yes We Can Can (4:49)
CD3 1. The Last Poets - When The Revolution Comes (2:27) 2. Gil Scott Heron with Brian Jackson - The Bottle (5:11) 3. Curtis Mayfield - Move On Up (Live) (3:00) 4. Sir Joe Quarterman & Free Soul - (I've Got) So Much Trouble In My Mind (6:15) 5. The Watnauts - Why Can't People Be Colors Too ? (4:49) 6. Ripple - A Funky Song (3:18) 7. Mickey Murray - Mama's Got The Wagon (2:41) 8. Alvin Cash - Doin' The Ali Shuffle (2:58) 9. Sir Joe Quarterman & Free Soul - Give Me Back My Freedom (3:30) 10. Ike & Tina Turner - Livin' For The City (3:31) 11. Ohio Players - Cold, Cold World (3:43) 12. Pee Wee Ellis - That Thang (2:44) 13. Moody Scott - (We Gotta) Bust Out of the Ghetto (6:12) 14. Backyard Heavies - Soul Junction (3:01) 15. Leroy Hutson - Cool Out (2:57) - Clique Aqui:
The sonic methodology prescribed to the *Blaxploitation genre should be a standard of modern film. In this modicum of cinematic classification, a musician was given the opportunity to engage the entirety of a motion picture. However, this was not a peripheral endeavor. Instead, the artist worked directly with the film—perusing frames, conversing with director(s)—creating total immersion with which they were hired to score.
And this is why the sounds emanating from that particular era have stood the test of time. They served as sociopolitical indicators, beyond the typical self-indulgent background noise. Funk provided the rhythm by which the hustler navigated his urban terrain. Jazz fusion was more than a complex schema redirecting a timeless musical tradition. It became Black Nationalism redefining a white power structure. And sometimes, it simply became foreplay to an obligatory moment of sexual bliss.
What took place in this era may never be duplicated. But as I sit back and listen to the recently released 40th Anniversary Edition of Marvin Gaye’s Trouble Man, I reflect upon those records that redefined a generation, musically and socially: Curtis Mayfield – Super Fly (1972)
It starts here. Super Fly is Blaxploitation’s definitive composition. Encompassing the multi-layered dynamics of 1970s black America, this was the grittier version of Gaye’s What’s Going On. Mayfield capture the inner-city hustle with a vivid imagery nearly unparalleled. What makes this concept even more exotic is the simple fact that it’s placed atop such a haunting blend of funk grooves. It only enhances an already dark subject matter, one that Mayfield tackled from both the perspective of supplier and consumer. Of all the iconic moments in Blaxploitation history, few rival the montage tied with Mayfield’s “Pusherman.” Perfect.
– Roy Ayers – Coffy (1973)
To be honest, no conversation of black music in the 70s is complete without a discussion on Roy Ayers. While Coffy gave us much of the funk paradigm, it’s true strength was belied in the lusher recordings found on the soundtrack. As the film’s namesake and subsequent heroine, Coffy carried herself with an atypical aggression, something not applied to women of the era. But, at the end of the day, we’re talking about Pam Grier, and while, I hate to trivialize the dominant archetype she portrayed throughout, ultimately it goes back to her unfailing beauty—the embodiment of femininity. Moments such as “Coffy Baby,” “Shining Symbol,” and “Making Love” captured Grier at her rawest. She was Blaxploitation’s leading lady, in all of it’s gorgeous upsides and sexist pitfalls.
– Willie Hutch – The Mack (1973)
If I were to teach Hip-Hop Sampling 101, The Mack would be required listening. With that said, I could discuss the million and one different places this soundtrack has found new life in not only modern music, but modern pop culture. I won’t, however. Instead, I’ll point to just one. When I first heard Outkast’s (featuring UGK) “International Player’s Anthem,” I was hooked. Three Stacks spit the perfect love verse, with the perfect sample, because of course, Willie Hutch’s “I Choose You,” was the perfect love ballad. And then, I saw The Mack. It was at this point that I realized “I Choose You” is actually about a “working woman” choosing her “boss.” It was also then that I realized Willie Hutch is one of the coldest dudes in soul music history.
“I’m going to be everything to you. I’m going to be your father. I’m going to be your friend. I’m going to be your friend, but you’ve got to believe in me…”
– Isaac Hayes – Shaft (1971)
Musically, I consider this to be the strongest of all Blaxploitation soundtracks. Even taking it out of that context, I think few, if any, have really matched what Hayes did on this album. Forget the “Theme from Shaft.” That’s too easy. You can even forget “Bumpy’s Lament,” which most people recognized as the joint Dre flipped for “Xxplosive.” (Or Badu’s “Bag Lady,” for my Bohemians). The entire album was arranged with this sort of jazzy orchestral feel that I can’t really explain. If anything, I’d call it incredibly rich and warm, immediately hitting you even at its more tender moments (such as “Ellie’s Love Theme” and “Early Sunday Morning”). For me, however, it always goes back to “Café Regio’s,” in my opinion, the greatest original record from the Blaxploitation era.
– Barry White – Together Brothers (1974)
When mentioning the Together Brothers’ score, most would say “good, not great” and I’m fine with that. I include this particular album because of its overall structure. Shaft had an orchestral “feel.” Together Brothers was legitimately orchestral. For this project, White was joined by the underappreciated Love Unlimited Orchestra. The collective was comprised of a 40-piece string section and the female vocal trio Love Unlimited. In performing with his backing outfit, White composed one of the most traditional soundtracks, whilst maintaining that funk influence, I’ve spoken of thus far. It was a masterpiece of hybridity and for that alone it deserves credit. Also, the “Theme from Together Brothers” was sampled for the Quad City DJ’s “C’mon ‘N Ride It (The Train)” My childhood smiles as my mother’s weeps. Sorry.
– Marvin Gaye – Trouble Man (1972) Trouble Man was a pretty bad film, even for the low budget standards forced upon many of these productions. However, it sounded incredible. And it was a different side of Gaye. The greatest instrument that man ever used was his voice, but here we find him in the role of producer, exploring an entirely different entity. The results are incredible. Even the sound is divergent from much of the Gaye catalogue. The titular recording carries much of that indelible soul found in most of these soundtracks, incorporating his most effective weapon—that voice. However, I most appreciate the tracks where he takes a step back, using his voice as an additional layer, more so than the focal point, as heard on “Poor Abbey Walsh” and “Cleo’s Apartment.” On the former, he vocalizes for the sole purpose of dramatic sound effect. Like Here, My Dear, this one, more often than not, gets lost in the Marvin Gaye shuffle.
– Don Costa/Lou Rawls – The Soul of Nigger Charley (1973)
Here’s my wildcard. People remember the Fred Williamson-driven original Boss Nigger, but its sequel gave us the classic record. This was a genuine Blaxploitation Western, two novelty genres that produced some incredibly timeless products. Accordingly, we get a Spaghetti Western soundtrack with a bit of soul. “The Lonely Summer” is situated somewhere between Dimitri Tiomkin and Isaac Hayes, while “Fiesta” sounds like something out of a Tarantino film. This is THE lost gem of the Blaxploitation music factory.
–
Honestly, I could do this for days. The list is endless:
James Brown – Black Caesar (1973)
Bobby Womack/J.J. Johnson – Across 110th Street (1972)
Earth, Wind & Fire – Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song (1971)
Badder Than Evil – Gordon’s War (1973)
Willie Hutch – Foxy Brown (1974)
Donald Byrd – Cornbread, Earl & Me (1975)
Rose Royce/Norman Whitfield – Car Wash (1976)
More than anything, on the wake of Trouble Man’s re-release, it seemed appropriate to highlight a magnificent era of achievement in a rather marginalized genre. Regardless of how we feel about the films, their influence is undeniable. When listening to these soundtracks that opinion turns to fact. Right now, I am most thankful for the gifts bestowed upon us by a legendary period of black art.
Written By: Paul Pennington *”Blaxploitation” is a term meant to describe the subgenre of films made in the 1970s targeted towards urban audiences, with predominately black casts. While many of the era have discredited the term (an amalgamation of “black” and “exploitation”), the term is used here for the sake of simplicity, not social statement.
