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Star Time [Box] by James Brown (CD - 05/...

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Star Time [Box] by James Brown (CD - 05/07/1991)

"Star Time [Box]" (05/07/1991) R&B Brown, James, Polydor (USA)STAR TIME includes a 64-page booklet with three essays - brief appreciations by writer Nelson George and Brown's longtime tour manager Alan Leeds and a longer history by 2 of the box's producers - a complete discography and an introduction penned by the Godfather of Soul himself. Personnel includes: James Brown (vocals, piano, organ); Bobby Byrd (vocals. organ); Phelps "Catfish" Collins (guitar); Maceo Parker (tenor & baritone saxophones); St. Clair Pickney, Pee Wee Ellis, Clifford "Ace King" MacMillian (tenor saxophone); Al "Brisco" Clark (baritone saxophone); Lewis Hamlin (trumpet); William "Bootsy" Collins, Bernard Odum (bass); John "Jabo" Starks, Nat Kendrick (drums). Producers include: Ralph Bass, Syd Nathan, James Brown, Hal Neely, Afrika Bambaataa. Compilation producer: Harry Weinger. There are few box sets that can match the greatness of James Brown's STARTIME. Backed by such brilliant musicians as Melvin and Maceo Parker, Bootsy Collins and Bobby Byrd, Brown created some of the most intense, soulful music ever recorded. Collecting seventy two tracks that let you hear why Brown is hailed as "the hardest working man in show business," STARTIME is packed with the best R&B and funk that money can buy. From early-'60s R&B hits like "Please, Please, Please" and late-'60s funk essentials like "Papa's Got A Brand New Bag" and "Sex Machine" to the massively influential '70s funk grooves "Funky Drummer" and "The Payback," STARTIME gives you all the James Brown basics. This set is a monument to the life and music of one of the most colorful and inspired performers in popular music. STARTIME also comes with a 64-page booklet that features rare and wonderful photos and essays by Nelson George and several other noted critics. Essential.

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Platinum & Gold Collection: The Best...

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Platinum & Gold Collection: The Best Of James Brown by James Brown (CD) [IMPORT - Germany]

"Platinum & Gold Collection: The Best Of James Brown" (07/13/2004) R&B Brown, James, Volcano Records (Japan)Personnel: James Brown (vocals); Aretha Franklin (vocals). Liner Note Author: Brian Chin. Photographer: Ebet Roberts. Arrangers: Full Force; James H. Brown; Narada Michael Walden.

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20th Century Masters - The Millennium Co...

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20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of James Brown, Vol. 2 by James Brown (CD

"20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of James Brown, Vol. 2" (02/26/2002) R&B Brown, James, Polydor (USA)Personnel includes: James Brown, Bobby Byrd (vocals); Phelps "Catfish" Collins (guitar); Maceo Parker (saxophone); Fred Wesley (trombone); Bootsy Collins (bass); Jab'o Starks (drums). Producer: James Brown. Compilation producer: Harry Weinger. Recorded between 1970 and 1976. Includes liner notes by Daddy Cool. All tracks have been digitally remastered. This is part of Universal's "20th Century Masters The Millenium Collection" series. Photographer: Tom Terrell. Arranger: Fred Wesley. The first volume of the 20TH CENTURY MASTERS James Brown compilation chronicled Brown's rise from Jackie Wilson-inspired R&B crooner to the godfather of soul. The second volume finds him locking down the trademark funk sound that carried him through the '70s. Outside of Marvin Gaye, you'd be hard pressed to find a harder-grooved expression of sensuality than "Sex Machine," but the story doesn't stop there. The '70s found Brown exploring a more highly politicized sensibility, as exemplified by the street-smart "Talking Loud and Saying Nothing" and "The Payback." Aided by the likes of drummer Clyde Stubblefield (the original "funky drummer") and young bass phenom Bootsy Collins, Brown created a sinuous, distinctive style in the '70s that laid the groundwork for most of the funk that followed, and this concise collection shows how it was done.

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Live at the Apollo 1962 [Remaster] by Ja...

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Live at the Apollo 1962 [Remaster] by James Brown (CD - 03/23/2004)

"Live at the Apollo 1962 [Remaster]" (03/23/2004) R&B Brown, James, Polydor (USA)The James Brown Band: James Brown (vocals); Lucas "Fats" Gonder (spoken vocals, organ); Les Buie (guitar); Al "Brisco" Clark (tenor & baritone saxophones); St. Clair Pinckney, Clifford "Ace King" MacMillan (tenor saxophone); Louis Hamblin, Teddy Washington, Mack Johnson (trumpet); Dickie Wells (trombone); Hubert Perry (bass); Clayton Fillyau, Sam Lathan (drums). The Famous Flames: Bobby Byrd (organ, background vocals); Bobby Bennett, "Baby" Lloyd Stallworth (background vocals). Recorded live at the Apollo Theater, New York, New York on October 24, 1962. Many albums are hyped as legendary; few deserve the accolade. LIVE AT THE APOLLO 1962 is one of those rare albums that lives up to the hype. Released despite label misgivings, LIVE AT THE APOLLO cemented James Brown's reputation as the unchallenged master of soul music. Deejays played the entire album at one stretch--this in an era when radio programmers rejected four-minute singles because they were too long--and the record reached number two on the Billboard pop chart, a previously unheard-of achievement for a gritty R&B album. LIVE AT THE APOLLO is more than a pop phenomenon, however; it is a document of one of America's greatest performers at the peak of his artistic powers. Brown's singing is orgasmic--just listen to the opening squeal on "I Go Crazy"--and the intensity never lets up. Brown drives his crack band through breakneck versions of early hits before dragging them through the 11-minute bump-and-grind of "Lost Someone," the high point of a show that is nothing but high points. Decades later, this is still one of the greatest live albums of all-time.

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In the Jungle Groove [Bonus Track] [Rema...

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In the Jungle Groove [Bonus Track] [Remaster] by James Brown (CD - 06/17/2003)

"In the Jungle Groove [Bonus Track] [Remaster]" (06/17/2003) R&B Brown, James, Polydor (USA)Personnel: James Brown, Bobby Byrd (vocals, organ); Jimmy "Chank" Nolen, Alphonso "Country" Kellum, Phelps "Catfish" Collins, Hearlon "Cheese" Martin, Robert Coleman, Bobby Roach (guitar); Jimmy Parker (alto saxophone); Maceo Parker, L.D. "Eldee" Williams, Robert McCulloch (tenor saxophone); St. Clair Pinckney, Louis Tifford (baritone saxophone); Richard "Kush" Griffeth, Joe Davis, Darryl "Hasaan" Jamison, Clayton "Chicken" Gunnels, Jerone "Jasaan" Melson (trumpet); Fred Wesley (trombone); "Sweet Charles" Sherrell, William "Bootsy" Collins, Fred Thomas (bass); Melvin Parker, Charles Stubblefield, John "Jabo" Starks (drums); John Morgan, Art Lopez, Johnny Griggs (congas). Principally recorded at King Studios, Cincinnati, Ohio; Criteria, Miami, Florida; Bobby Smith Studios, Macon, Georgia; A & R Studios, New York, New York between 1969 & 1972. Includes liner notes by Cliff White. Personnel: James Brown (vocals); Bobby Byrd (vocals, organ); Alphonso "Country" Kellum, Jimmy Noeln, Robert Coleman , Bobby Roach, Hearlon "Cheese" Martin, Jimmy Nolen, Phelps "Catfish" Collins (guitar); Jimmy Parker (alto saxophone); Eldee Williams, Robert McCollough, Maceo Parker (tenor saxophone); Louis Tilford, St. Clair Pinckney (baritone saxophone); Russell Crimes, Richard "Kush" Griffeth, Isiah "Ike" Oakley, Clayton "Chicken" Gunnells, Darryl "Hasaan" Jamison, Jerone "Jassan" Sanford (trumpet); Fred Wesley (trombone); David Matthews (electric piano); Clyde Stubblefield, Melvin Parker, John Starks (drums); Art Lopez, Johnny Griggs (congas); John Russell Morgan (percussion). Audio Mixers: Ron Lenhoff; Tim Rogers; Bob Both. Liner Note Author: Clifford White. Recording information: A&R Studios, New York, NY (09/03/1969-12/05/1972); Bobby Smith Studios, Macon, GA (09/03/1969-12/05/1972); Criteria Studios, Miami, FL (09/03/1969-12/05/1972); King Studios, Cincinnati, OH (09/03/1969-12/05/1972); Rodel Studios, Washington DC (09/03/1969-12/05/1972). Editor: Danny Krivit. IN THE JUNGLE GROOVE documents one of the most important periods in the development of James Brown's music. In 1970, Brown's bandleader/sax player Maceo Parker departed to form his own band, taking much of Brown's group with him. This event heralded the arrival of the JB's, which included monster bassist Bootsy Collins, whose hyperkinetic style made Brown's funk harder, leaner, and meaner. This album gives listeners a bird's-eye view of the change, featuring the final sessions of the Maceo-led band as well as the first recordings of Bootsy and the JB's. Maceo and company were at their hardest and funkiest at this point, as seen on "The Funky Drummer," where Clyde Stubblefield lays down the drum break that would launch a thousand hip-hop samples. Stubblefield stuck around long enough to be part of the first JB's, whose tracks here are full of frenetic, barely controlled energy. The sense of joy and revelation in the groove is audible in these orgasmically polyrhythmic sessions. Collins and Stubblefield lay down some of the heaviest grooves in the history of recorded music. As Brown himself observes on the aforementioned Maceo-era "Funky Drummer," "it's a mutha!" This reissue of In the Jungle Groove is a further obfuscation of the original masters, though a welcome one. The album is not so much an album but a 1986 collection of James Brown singles and apocrypha from recordings of the period 1969-1971; it sounds as defining and current today as it did when it was first issued on LP. While the tracks here featured some new sidemen, a good portion of what's here is played by the original J.B.'s. For starters, there's "It's a New Day," a two-part single issued as King 45-6292 and then placed on the album It's a New Day -- So Let a Man Come In. Next is the classic "Funky Drummer," appearing on album for the first time although it was a Top 20 single in 1969. Also included here are remixed versions of tracks that appeared on the original In the Jungle Groove, such as "Give It Up or Turnit a Loose," and from the Sex Machine LP, as well as "Talkin' Loud & Sayin' Nothing." In addition, this ex

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The Payback by James Brown (CD - 09/22/1...

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The Payback by James Brown (CD - 09/22/1992)

"The Payback" (09/22/1992) R&B Brown, James, Polydor (USA)Personnel: James Brown (vocals, electric piano); Jimmy Nolen, Hearlon Martin (guitar); Maceo Parker (flute, alto saxophone); St. Clair Pinckney (tenor saxophone); Darryl "Hasaan" Jamison, Isiah "Ike" Oakley, Jerone "Jasaan" Sanford (trumpet); Fred Wesley (trombone); Fred Thomas, Charles Sherrell (bass); John "Jabo" Starks (drums); Johnny Griggs, John Morgan (percussion). Recorded at International Recording, Augusta, Georgia. Includes recent and original release liner notes by Alan Leeds. All tracks have been digitally remastered. THE PAYBACK was originally released in 1974 as a 2-LP set. For this reissue, the album was digitally remastered from the original master tapes, including a recently discovered longer version of "Mind Power", which is included here for the first time. Personnel: James Brown (vocals, electric piano); Hearlon "Cheese" Martin, Jimmy Nolen (guitar); Maceo Parker, St. Clair Pinckney (flute); Isiah "Ike" Oakley, Jerone "Jasaan Sanford" Melson, Darryl "Hasaan" Jamison (trumpet); Fred Wesley (trombone); John Starks (drums); John Morgan (percussion). Liner Note Author: Alan Leeds. Recording information: Advantage Sound, New York, NY; International Studios, Augusta, GA. In 1973, Brown was hospitalized for exhaustion. Mere days after his release from the hospital, his oldest son was killed in a car accident. A few months later, he'd completed the sessions for THE PAYBACK. There are echoes of Brown's anger and suffering throughout the album. The title song, with its drop-dead funky bassline, is full of vitriol, as Brown cries out for revenge and compensation. "Doing the Best I Can" is an attractive soul ballad in which Brown sings of maintaining one's balance against adverse circumstances, despite "wondering which way to turn." Though the grooves are propulsive, this is a relatively low-key effort for Brown, filled with a subtly masked darkness. On the harrowing, bluesy "Forever Suffering," Brown sings of separation and loneliness, asking how long the suffering will continue. As the tune progresses, he sings with unsettling detail of the lengths to which his pain drives him. After repeated vows to beat his head against the wall, it becomes clear that the emotions being expressed here, and on the rest of THE PAYBACK, are very real. Fortunately, an artist of Brown's caliber is capable of channeling these feelings into great art.

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Revolution of the Mind by James Brown (C...

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Revolution of the Mind by James Brown (CD - 03/23/1993)

"Revolution of the Mind" (03/23/1993) R&B Brown, James, Polydor (USA)Personnel: James Brown, Bobby Byrd (vocals, organ); Hearlon "Cheese" Martin, Robert Coleman (guitar); Jimmy Parker (alto saxophone); St. Clair Pinckney (tenor saxophone); Jerone "Jasaan" Sanford, Russell Crimes (trumpet); Fred Wesley (trombone); Fred Thomas (bass); John "Jabo" Starks, John Morgan (drums); Danny Ray. Recorded live at The Apollo Theater, New York, New York from July 24-26, 1971. Originally released on Polydor (PD 2 3003). Includes liner notes by Harry Weinger. Digitally remastered by Joseph M. Palmaccio (Polygram Studios). In the Great Encyclopedia of Soul, one should find James Brown cross-referenced with the Apollo Theater, since that legendary Harlem venue was the source of much of Brown's finest recorded material. Brown's famed LIVE AT THE APOLLO recordings are only part of the story. REVOLUTION OF THE MIND was culled from several nights of shows at the Apollo in 1971. The version of the JB's Brown was working with at the time had only been together for a short time, and their playing is infused with a sense of urgency and discovery. Brown's social consciousness was in high gear at the time, as evidenced by the positive political message of "Get Up, Get Into It, Get Involved." Classic Brown funkfests like "Sex Machine" and "Hot Pants" are churned out with unprecedented power and energy, the band running on all cylinders. Brown's unstoppable spirit is reflected in his enthusiastic, shouted intros to the songs as much as in the music itself.

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Say It Live and Loud: Live in Dallas 08....

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Say It Live and Loud: Live in Dallas 08.26.68 by James Brown (CD - 08/11/1998)

"Say It Live and Loud: Live in Dallas 08.26.68" (08/11/1998) R&B Brown, James, ChroniclesPersonnel: James Brown (vocals); St. Clair Pinckney (vocals, tenor & baritone saxophones); Maceo Parker, Jr. (emcee, tenor saxophone); Alfonzo "Country" Kellum (guitar, bass); Jimmy Nolen (guitar); Richard Jones, Marilyn Jones, Sylvia Medford (violin); Alfred "Pee Wee" Ellis (alto saxophone, organ); Waymon Reed, Richard "Kush" Griffith (trumpet); Fred Wesley (trombone); Levi Rasbury (valve trombone); "Sweet" Charles Sherrell (bass); Clyde Stublefield, Nate Jones (drums). Reissue producers: Harry Weinger, Alan Leeds. Engineers: Ron Lenhoff, Suha Gur, Carl Farruggia. Recorded live at the Dallas Memorial Auditorium, Dallas, Texas on August 26, 1968. Includes liner notes by Chuck D. and Alan Leeds. Digitally remastered by Kevin Reeves. Recorded live in Dallas 1968, this album finds James Brown at a key point in his career, both musically and politically. In the aftermath of the King assassination, blacks were rioting in cities throughout the U.S. Any sense of African-American cultural identity was in serious danger. Brown, who till then had largely avoided social commentary in his work, took it upon himself to use his celebrity to help unite his people and halt the violence that was tearing the country apart. One of the key tracks here, "Say it Loud--I'm Black and I'm Proud," is funky, powerful affirmation of black pride that proved inspirational to many during this trying time. During his inner city performances during this period, Brown repeatedly called for an end to the riots, and his influence helped to calm things down. Sonically, James Brown was an artist in transition. Traces of his earliest work can still be heard on "If I Ruled the World" and "I Guess I'll Have to Cry, Cry, Cry," where he wears the mantle of soul crooner. Classics like "Cold Sweat" and "I Got You" represent the swinging proto-funk of Brown's mid-'60s work. The Godfather of Soul was just about to turn the corner into the world of hardcore funk, as foreshadowed by the foreceful rhythms that underlie the jazzy horns and soul guitar picking. Consequently, LIVE AND LOUD provides an excellent live overview of James Brown's repertoire.

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Sex Machine

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Sex Machine

"Sex Machine" (03/23/1993) R&B Brown, James, Polydor (USA)J&R Retail Exclusive Personnel: James Brown (vocals, piano, organ); James Brown; Bobby Byrd (vocals, organ); Richard "Kush" Griffith (guitar, trumpet); Alphonso "Country" Kellum, Jimmy Nolen, Kenny Poole (guitar); Pee Wee Ellis (alto saxophone); Eldee Williams, Robert "Chopper" McCullough (tenor saxophone); Joseph Davis , Clayton "Chicken" Gunnells, Darryl "Hasaan" Jamison, Clayton Gunnells, Darryl Jamison (trumpet); Bootsy Collins, Sweet Charles Sherrell (bass instrument); Melvin Parker, John Starks (drums); Johnny Griggs (congas); Art Lopez (percussion); Robert Graham, Marva Whitney (background vocals); Phelps "Catfish" Collins (guitar); St. Clair Pinckney (tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone); Maceo Parker (tenor saxophone, organ); Fred Wesley (trombone); Clyde Stubblefield (drums). Recording information: Augusta, GA (06/12/1969-07/23/1970); Bell Auditorium, Augusta, GA (06/12/1969-07/23/1970); Cincinatti, OH (06/12/1969-07/23/1970); Miami, FL (06/12/1969-07/23/1970). Although the CD was supposedly "Recorded live at home in Augusta, Georgia with his bad self," these recordings come from two different sources: a live concert recorded at Augusta's Bell Auditorium in 1969, and a series of studio recordings that were doctored with audience noises and applause. The record, long considered a soul classic, actually features two different bands. The concert recordings feature Brown's band from the 1960s, while the studio songs feature Brown's then-new band, powered by Bootsy Collins on bass and Pelps "Catfish" Collins on guitar. Whether these recordings are "live" or not is really not the point; Brown has never sung a calculated note in his life, and one would be hard-pressed to distinguish whether one of Brown's trademark howls was recorded in a studio or onstage. His scat singing on "Brother Rapp" sure sounds live. As the furious, barely one-minute-long "I Got the Feelin'" segues into the pure funky adrenaline rush of "Give it Up or Turnit A Loose," it is nearly impossible to keep still. The groove is that infectious. Surprisingly, the title track is not the hit single version of "Sex Machine," but rather an extended, more leisurely rendition.

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Motherlode [Bonus Tracks] [Remaster] by ...

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Motherlode [Bonus Tracks] [Remaster] by James Brown (CD - 06/17/2003)

"Motherlode [Bonus Tracks] [Remaster]" (06/17/2003) R&B Brown, James, Polydor (USA)Personnel: James Brown (vocals, organ); Bobby Byrd (vocals, keyboards); Jimmy "Chank" Nolen, Healon "Cheese" Martin, Alphonso "Country" Kellum, Phelps "Catfish" Collins, Jimmy Nolan, Robert Coleman (guitar); Jimmy Parker, Alfred "Pee Wee" Ellis, Joe Poff (alto saxophone); Robert McCollough, Maceo Parker, L.D. "Eldee" Williams (tenor saxophone); St. Clair Pinckney, Louis Tilford (baritone saxophone); Darryl "Hasaan" Jamison, Jerone "Jasaan" Sanford, Ike Oakley, Richard "Kush" Griffith, Joseph Davis, Waymond Reed, Joe Dupars (trumpet); Louis Tilford, Fred Wesley, Levi Rasbury, Hollie Farris (trombone); Mike Lawler (Clavinet); Fred Thomas, William "Bootsy" Collins (bass); John "Jabo" Starks, Melvin Parker (drums); Johnny Griggs (percussion). Producer: James Brown. Compilation producers: Tim Rogers, Cliff White. Recorded between 1967 & 1976. Originally released on Polydor (6093). Includes liner notes by Cliff White. Personnel: James Razor Brown , Bobby Byrd (vocals, organ); Alphonso "Country" Kellum, Hearlon "Cheese" Martin, Jimmy Nolen, Phelps "Catfish" Collins (guitar); Pee Wee Ellis (alto saxophone, organ); Jimmy Parker (alto saxophone); St. Clair Pinckney (tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone); Eldee Williams, Robert McCollough, Maceo Parker (tenor saxophone); Louis Tilford (baritone saxophone); Joe Dupars, Waymon Reed, Isiah "Ike" Oakley, Joseph Davis , Jerone "Jasaan Sanford" Melson, Darryl "Hasaan" Jamison, Richard "Kush" Griffith (trumpet); Levi Rasbury, Fred Wesley (trombone); Clyde Stubblefield, Melvin Parker, John Russell Morgan, John Starks (drums); Johnny Griggs (congas, percussion); Benny Parks (percussion). Audio Mixers: Tom "Curly" Ruff; Dennis M. Drake. Liner Note Author: Clifford White. Recording information: Bell Auditorium, Augusta, GA (04/11/1969-09/??/1976); Bobby Smith Studios, Macon, GA (04/11/1969-09/??/1976); Criteria Studios, Miami, FL (04/11/1969-09/??/1976); International Studios, Augusta, GA (04/11/1969-09/??/1976); King Studios, Cincinnati, OH (04/11/1969-09/??/1976); Mastersound Studios, Atlanta, GA (04/11/1969-09/??/1976); RCA Studios, Los Angeles, CA (04/11/1969-09/??/1976); Starday-King Studios, Nashville, TN (04/11/1969-09/??/1976); The Apollo, New York, NY (04/11/1969-09/??/1976); United Artists Studios, Hollywood, CA (04/11/1969-09/??/1976). Editors: Tom "Curly" Ruff; Dennis M. Drake. Illustrator: Chris Thompson. Introduction by: James Razor Brown . Unknown Contributor Role: Danny Ray. During the mid- and late '80s, after Brown and Polydor parted ways, the label began to reissue his work, some of which had been out of print for close to a decade. Motherlode is one of the finest compilations. Coming a few years after In the Jungle Groove, a compilation effort that culled some of Brown's harder-edged 1969-1971 tracks, this covers 1969-1973 and has the smoothness of a regular release effort. By this point, Motherlode producers Cliff White and Tim Rogers began to know more about Brown's "classic" work than he did and could do compilations where the tracks were all potent. This set starts off with an explosive live take of "There It Is" recorded at the Apollo in 1972. 1969's "She's the One" with his late-'60s orchestra has great guitar work from both Jimmy "Chank" Nolan and Alphonso "Country" Kellum. Since most of the tracks here weren't hits, or were even released, it provides a fresh interpretation of Brown's production style and the skills of his players. "Untitled Instrumental" features Brown's rock and psychedelic-influenced unit, with included guitarist Phelps Collins and his brother, Bootsy Collins, and his singular bass skills. The heart of this CD, however, is "People Drive Your Funky Soul." Originally on Slaughter's Big Rip Off in a too brief 3:50 version, Motherlode brings the entire take to the public for the first time. The track, which manages to subtly cross reggae with bebop, again features Brown with his 1971-1975 band and it exhibits their chemistry and the band's unbelievable versatility. Although Motherlode has been lost in the shuffle due to a plethora of other compilation

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20th Century Masters - The Christmas Col...

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20th Century Masters - The Christmas Collection: The Best of James Brown by James Brown (CD - 09/23/

"20th Century Masters - The Christmas Collection: The Best of James Brown" (09/23/2003) R&B Brown, James, Polydor (USA)Producer: James Brown. Compilation producer: Alan Leeds. Recorded at King Studios, Cincinnati, Ohio. Recorded at King Studios, Cincinnati, Ohio. Personnel: The Charmaines (background vocals). Audio Remasterer: Ellen Fitton. Recording information: King Studios, Cincinnati, OH. Arrangers: Nat Jones; Pee Wee Ellis. One doesn't generally associate the Godfather of Soul with Christmas music, but in fact, James Brown recorded a fair amount of yuletide offerings. This collection of seasonal soul draws its selections mainly from 1968's SOULFUL CHRISTMAS and 1966's JAMES BROWN AND HIS FAMOUS FLAMES SING CHRISTMAS SONGS. This is no schmaltzy holiday fare, though. Though Brown takes a turn at the venerated "Christmas Song," most of the tunes here are original compositions that bear his unmistakable mark. "Santa Claus Go Straight to the Ghetto" (one of Brown's many contenders for best song title of all time) injects a socially conscious message into the proceedings. The blues track "Merry Christmas Baby" turns out to be a natural for Brown, who does his best slow burn on the tune. The lengthy "Let's Make Christmas Mean Something This Year" is a tour de force that features a spoken message from Brown, who revels in the joys of Christmas and urges his listeners to put some genuine thought and emotion into their holiday rituals.

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Love Power Peace by James Brown (CD - 06...

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Love Power Peace by James Brown (CD - 06/23/1992)

"Love Power Peace" (06/23/1992) R&B Brown, James, Polydor (USA)Full title: Love Power Peace: Live At The Olympia, Paris, 1971. Personnel: James Brown (vocals, organ); Bobby Byrd (M.C., vocals, organ), Phelps "Catfish" Collins, Hearlon "Cheese" Martin (guitar); St. Clair Pinckney (tenor saxophone); Darryl "Hasaan" Jamison, Clayton "Chicken" Gunnells (trumpet); Fred Wesley (trombone); William "Bootsy" Collins (bass); John "Jabo" Starks, Don Juan "Tiger" Martin (drums). Recorded live at The Olympia, Paris, France on March 8, 1971. Includes liner notes by Daddy Cool. Recorded in 1971 at L'Olympia in Paris, France, LOVE POWER PEACE is the only live recording with the original JB's backing James Brown. The hardest working man in show business and his original band go full force with jams that capture the genuine sweat of the Godfather Of Soul shuffling across the stage in a gold lame fury, flanked by half- naked dancers. With original JB's such as MC/organist Bobby Byrd and bassist Bootsy Collins, you can hear the superior musicianship that is required to keep time with James Brown's frenetic pace. Drummers Jabo Starks and Tiger Martin would play both kits at once to get the groove on, making abrupt tempo changes, as in the transition between "Brother Rapp" and "Aint It Funky Now," illustrating both their talent and the tightness of their groove. Blasting through a number of Brown's greatest hits--"I Got You (I Feel Good)," "Papa's Got A Brand New Bag" and "Georgia On My Mind"--this release is a chunk of funk/soul history spotlighting Brown in his prime.

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50th Anniversary Collection by James Bro...

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50th Anniversary Collection by James Brown (CD - 09/16/2003)

"50th Anniversary Collection" (09/16/2003) R&B Brown, James, UTVPersonnel: James Brown (vocals, keyboards); Bobby Byrd (vocals); Maceo Parker (saxophone); The JB's, Full Force. Producers: Ralph Bass, Andy Gibson, James Brown, Hal Neely. Compilation producer: harry Weinger, Jeff Moskow. Recorded between 1956 & 1988. Includes liner notes by Cliff White. James Brown's two-CD 40th Anniversary Collection gathered 40 of the soul-funk giant's biggest hits, and in keeping with its title, The 50th Anniversary Collection is just that little bit bigger and better, with (could you guess?) 50 of his most famous tracks. From 1956's "Please, Please, Please" to 1988's "Static, Pts. 1 & 2," it has almost all of his biggies, though the absence of the 1986 Top Five hit "Living in America" is puzzling indeed. But that's a minor quibble given the dozens of classics onboard, which taken as a whole not only represent the best Brown compilation on the market, but also make a plain case for the singer as one of the major talents of 20th century American music. It's not wholly redundant on the off-chance that you're willing to replace 40th Anniversary Collection, mopping up a few hits of note ("Bewildered," "Bring It Up," "Let Yourself Go," "I Can't Stand Myself [When You Touch Me], Pt. 1," "It's a New Day, Pt. 1," "The Popcorn") that didn't make the cut the previous time around. If you're keeping score, it does lose a couple minor goodies from 40th Anniversary Collection ("Money Won't Change You," "King Heroin"). Also, the '70s funk years might be given too much emphasis and his R&B-soul beginnings shortchanged, though there are plenty of other reissues of his '50s/'60s material out there if you want to investigate further. Want another minor quibble on what is nonetheless a superb anthology? 40th Anniversary Collection came out in 1996; The 50th Anniversary Collection came out in 2003. Now that's the sort of creative accounting only a marketing department could love. Didn't this anniversary come three years early, especially considering that Brown's recording debut was in 1956? ~ Richie Unterberger

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Gold Collection [Fine Tune] by James Bro...

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Gold Collection [Fine Tune] by James Brown (CD - 10/13/1998)

"Gold Collection [Fine Tune]" (10/13/1998) R&B Brown, James, Fine TuneThough it makes no mention of it anywhere on the outer sleeve, The Gold Collection is actually a live James Brown set, and a poorly recorded one at that; it's certainly hard to quibble with the song selection ("Give It Up, Turn It Loose," "Cold Sweat" and "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" are among the featured tracks), but the atrocious sound and disingenous packaging make it a must to avoid for all but the most avid JB collector. ~ Jason Ankeny

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Forever Gold Live by James Brown (CD) [I...

Available at 4 stores

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Forever Gold Live by James Brown (CD) [IMPORT - (not USA)]

"Forever Gold Live" (04/13/2007) R&B Brown, James, St. Clair

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Godfather Returns by James Brown (CD - 0...

Available at 5 stores

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Godfather Returns by James Brown (CD - 09/24/1997)

"Godfather Returns" (09/24/1997) R&B Brown, James, Polygram (Japan)

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Live Top Ten With Special Guests by Jame...

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Live Top Ten With Special Guests by James Brown (CD - 12/2005)

"Live Top Ten With Special Guests" (12/2005) R&B Brown, James, BMG Special ProductsPhotographer: Anastasia Pantsios.

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70's Funk Classics (Collectables) by Jam...

Available at 7 stores

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70's Funk Classics (Collectables) by James Brown (CD - 03/14/2006)

"70's Funk Classics (Collectables)" (03/14/2006) R&B Brown, James, Collectables RecordsCollectables' James Brown's 70's Funk Classics is a pretty good budget-priced, ten-track collection containing some of the Godfather of Soul's most popular songs of the era including "Funky President (People It's Bad)," "Sex Machine" and "Get Up, Get Into It, Get Involved." Please note that this edition includes the exact same track listing and cover art as the 1995 Polygram Special Markets release of the same name. ~ Al Campbell This 11-track collection includes the best tracks from Brown's '70s funk period, like "Sex Machine," "The Payback," "Think '73," "Make It Funky" and "My Thang." ~ Keith Farley

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Greatest Hits (Collectables) by James Br...

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Greatest Hits (Collectables) by James Brown (CD - 03/14/2006)

"Greatest Hits (Collectables)" (03/14/2006) R&B Brown, James, Collectables RecordsWell, not all of his greatest hits--there're only 10 tracks here. Of course, some of them certainly deserve the appellation, like "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag," "Get Up Offa That Thing." "It's Too Funky in Here," and of course, "Cold Sweat" (this is the studio version, incidentally, not as claimed here a track from LIVE AT THE APOLLO VOL. II). The rest of the stuff here is, however, much less familiar, but no less worthy, the standouts including "For Goodness Sakes, Look at Those Cakes" (which is about exactly what you think it's about) and "Sayin' It and Doin' It," which is probably the first R&B song to combine musings on both sex and Watergate.

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Godfather Of Soul *

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Godfather Of Soul *

"Godfather of Soul [American Legends]" (07/10/2007) R&B Brown, James, American LegendsLiner Note Author: Gary Tanenbaum. The Godfather of Soul has several greatest-hits compilation to his name, and with good reason. Anyone with over four decades of solid soul and funk classics most definitely has enough to fill volume after volume of greatest-hits and best-of releases. While this isn't necessarily a definitive best-of collection, it most certainly covers the majority of his earliest (and some would say best) works. Most of these songs are already in the die-hard fan's collection, so this release would serve the newcomer or casual fan best. ~ Rob Theakston A budget-line two-fer featuring two of James Brown's live performances from the 1980s, Goldenlane's Godfather of Soul release is as generic as its title, if not more so. The '80s weren't the best of times for Brown, and it doesn't help that the two live recordings here -- a CD titled "Live in New York (1980)" and a DVD titled "Live at Castain Park (1985)," both hourlong shows featuring essentially the same set list -- are totally uneventful. Granted, it's impressive that Brown was still out there performing in the '80s, which was his fourth decade on-stage. He's still energetic and full of life here, for sure. However, he's all show biz at this late point, performing many of his greatest hits with a faceless backing band that seems well rehearsed yet showcases little creative spark. To make matters worse, the live CD recording is edited so that the tracks fade in and out, and the DVD consists mainly of a single camera focused on Brown exclusively, with an occasional shot of the entire band. All of this leaves room for few surprises. In fact, the biggest surprise is liable to be how lackluster this two-disc package actually is -- not only is the musical and video content dull, the packaging is dull too, providing no context whatsoever for these latter-day recordings. This Goldenlane two-fer ultimately has little to no appeal. Not even collectors or completists will find much value here. After all, there's more than enough James Brown out there to feast your ears and eyes upon, and if indeed you're looking for live performances, you'll want to find ones that predate these by a good decade or so (the mid-'70s are a good marker for when Brown lost his edge, retreating downhill to the oldies circuit). ~ Jason Birchmeier

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