Foundations Of Funk: A Brand New Bag: 1964-1969

Funk 101, for sure. We may never totally understand how James Brown took his music from the earlier styles of R&B he assimilated to the feverish development of the harder, more modern sound of records ranging from "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" to "Say It Loud-I'm Black and I'm Proud," but here's another chance for us to listen in awe. In addition to long versions of the period's cornerstones, Foundations of Funk offers an alternate take of "Cold Sweat" and live versions of "Licking Stick-Licking Stick" and "Mother Popcorn"--the latter achieving a meltdown that puts the Brown band on the same side of the street as Funhouse-era Stooges. Hah! --Rickey Wright