All-Music Guide (C) 1994 by Matrix Software, Big Rapids, MI 49307
Please submit corrections or additional albums for this artist
(also bios, sidemen, tracks, ratings, and reviews)
at Internet Address: AMG@ALLMUSIC.FERRIS.EDU
All-Music Guidelines in file: ALLMUSICHELP
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Artist : James Brown
Genres : Rock, Jazz
Style : R&B, Soul, Funk, Dance, 70's Pop,
Instr. : Vocals
Rating : importance (1) popularity (1)
All-Music Guide Biography
When the smoke clears, James Brown will be seen as probably the most
influential African-American singer of recent times. Certainly, he is
preeminent in terms of chart placings, and his influence on today's
Black music is beyond question -- it's literally in the grooves,
thanks to the magic of sampling.,Brown's career stretches across
forty years -- thirty-five or more as a recording artist -- so it
makes no sense to talk about his style, because it inevitably
evolved. He knew something different from the beginning, though
("Please, Please, Please" was not an ordinary record ca. 1956). The
difference was urgency; he went back beyond the gospel progressions
of Ray Charles to primordial rhythms and wordless vocals. It was
African-American music in the purest sense.,By the mid 60s, with hits
like "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" and "I Got You," Brown had ceased
fooling with conventional R&B and had ceased trying to cross over
into the pop market (as he had with "Prisoner of Love," etc.) He
found his groove and he turned it loose. The creative juices began to
get a little watered down as the disco era dawned, but, between the
mid 60s and the mid 70s, James Brown was a force unto himself.
Musically and politically, he was the dominant Black musician of the
day, an importance that subsequent developments have only served to
heighten. ~ Colin Escott
---------- Related Artists -----------
Ellis, Pee Wee
Parker, Maceo
Wesley, Fred
Byrd, Bobby
Collins, Lyn
Collins, Bootsy
Catfish, Phelp
Jones, Nat
Davis, J. C.
Nathan, Syd
Midnight, Charlie
Afrika Bambaataa
Moyet, Alison
Winwood, Steve
---------- Roots & Influences ----------
Gospel
Blues
Fifties jazz
Jordan, Louis
Brown, Roy
---------- Bibliography ----------
Brown, James; Tucker,|James Brown: The Godfather of|Fontana
Rose, Cynthia |Living in America: The Soul S|Serpent's Tail
Birthdate & Place : May 3 , 1928 Barnwell, SC
AMG Artist ID # : P000003779
Chronological Album List |Date| Label | Number |R S T|Rating
--------------------------------+----+----------+--------+-----+------
Soul Pride: The Instrumentals..|1993|Polydor |517845 |R |
Can't Get Any Harder |1993|RCA |75352 | |
Universal James |1992|RCA |75274 |R | Good
Love Power Peace |1992|PolyGram |31451338|R | BestA
Is Back |1992|Hollywood |458 |R | OK
Greatest Hits of the Fourth Dec|1992|Scotti Bro|7529 |R | Good
Star Time |1991|Polydor |849108 |R | BestG
Soul's Alive |1991|Koch Inter|1303 | | Good
Messing with the Blues |1991|PolyGram |847258 |R | BestA
Love Over-Due |1991|Scotti Bro|75225 |R | Good
20 All Time Greatest Hits |1991|Polydor |511326 |R |+BestG
Tribute |1989|Scotti Bro|07783 | | BestA
Soul Session Live (James Brown |1989|Scotti Bro|5214 | | Good
Santa's Got a Brand New Bag |1988|Rhino |70194 |R | BestA
Motherlode |1988|Polydor |837126 |R | BestA
James Brown's Funky People - Pa|1988|Polydor |829417 |R | BestA
James Brown's Funky People - Pa|1988|PolyGram |835857 |R | BestA
I'm Real |1988|Scotti Bro|5213 |R | Good
Cd of Jb, The |1988|PolyGram |825714 | | BestA
Live at the Apollo 2 Pt. 1 |1986|Rhino |70217 |R S | Good
In the Jungle Groove |1986|Polydor |829624 |R | BestA
Gravity |1986|Scotti Bro|5212 |R S | Good
Cd of Jb #2, The |1986|PolyGram |831700 |R S | BestA
Live in Concert |1985|Sugar Hill|5250 | | Good
Live at the Apollo 2 Pt. 2 |1985|Rhino |218 |R S | BestG
Greatest Hits |1985|Rhino |70219 |R S | Good
Dead on the Heavy Funk (74-76) |1985|Polydor |827439 |R S | BestA
Roots of a Revolution |1984|PolyGram |817304 |R S | BestA
Federal Years - Part 2, The |1984|Solid Smok|8024 |R | Good
Federal Years - Part 1, The |1984|Solid Smok|8023 |R S | Good
Doing It to Death 1970-1973 |1984|PolyGram |821232 | S | BestA
Ain't That a Groove 1966-1969 (|1984|Polydor |8212311 |R S | Good
Bring It On! |1983|Churchill |22001 | S | Good
Mean on the Scene |1982|Audio Fide|1016 | S | Good
Third Coming, The |1981|Polydor |1029 | S | Good
Special |1981|Polydor |2417351 | S | Good
Nonstop |1981|Polydor |6318 | S | Good
Live in New York |1981|Audio Fide|1030 | S | Good
Can Your Heart Stand It! |1981|Stradivari|8013 |R S | Good
Best of James Brown, The |1981|Polydor |2343036 | S | Good
Soul Syndrome |1980|Rhino |70569 |R S T| Good
People |1980|Polydor |2391446 | S | Good
Hot on the One |1980|Polydor |26290 | | Good
This Is |197?|Philips |6336210 | S | Good
Pop History |197?|Polydor |2625009 | S | Good
Mister Dynamite |197?|Polydor |2357004 | S | Good
Take a Look at Those Cakes |1979|Polydor |6181 | S | Good
Original Disco Man, The |1979|Polydor |6212 | S | Good
Lost James Brown Tape , The |1979| | | |
Jam/1980's |1978|Polydor |6140 | S | OK
Fabulous James Brown |1978|HRB |1004 | S | Good
Strangers |1977|Polydor |2383511 | S | Good
Solid Gold - 30 Golden Hits |1977|Polydor |829254 |R | BestA
Solid Gold |1977|Polydor |2679044 | S | BestG
Mutha's Nature |1977|Polydor |6111 | S | OK
Hot |1976|Polydor |6059 | S | Good
Get up Offa That Thing |1976|Polydor |6071 | S | Good
Bodyheat |1976|Polydor |6093 | S | OK
Soul Classics - Vol. 3 |1975|Polydor |2391166 | S | Good
Sex Machine Today |1975|Polydor |6042 | S | Poor
Reality |1975|Polydor |6039 | S | OK
Everybody's Doin the Hustle / D|1975|Polydor |6054 | S | OK
Payback (2 Lp), The |1974|PolyGram |517137 |R S | Good
Hell |1974|Polydor |9001 | S | BestA
Soul Classics - Vol. 2 |1973|Polydor |2391116 | | BestA
Soul Brother No 1 |1973|Polydor | | S | OK
Slaughter's Big Rip-Off |1973|PolyGram |517136 | S | OK
Black Caesar |1973|PolyGram |517135 |R S | OK
There It Is |1972|PolyGram |517986 | | BestA
Soul Classics |1972|Polydor |5401 | | BestG
Get on the Good Foot |1972|Polydor |3004 | S | Good
Super Bad |1971|King |1127 | S | Good
Sho Is Funky Down Here |1971|King |1110 | S | OK
Revolution of the Mind |1971|PolyGram |517983 | S | Good
Hot Pants |1971|PolyGram |517985 | S | Good
Soul on Top |1970|King |1100 | S | OK
Sex Machine |1970|PolyGram |517984 |R S | Good
It's a New Day So Let A Man Com|1970|King |1095 | | Good
It's a New Day |1970|Polydor |2310029 | S | BestA
Hey America |1970|King |1124 | S | OK
Ain't It Funky |1970|King |1092 | | OK
Plays Rhythm & Blues |196?|Philips |14575 | S | Good
Say It Loud - I'm Black and I'm|1969|Polydor |583741 | | BestA
Popcorn, The |1969|Polydor |658172 | | Good
It's a Mother |1969|Polydor |658371 |R S | Good
I'm Black and I'm Proud |1969|King |1047 |R | Good
Gettin' Down to It |1969|Polydor |583742 | | OK
Soulful Christmas, A |1968|King |1040 | S | Good
Soul Party |1968|Polydor |658106 | S | Good
Presents His Show of Tomorrow |1968|King |1024 | S | OK
Plays the New Breed |1968|Smash |67080 | S | Good
Nothing But Soul |1968|King |1034 | S | Good
Live at the Apollo (1967) - Vol|1968|King |1022 |R | BestG
James Brown Sings out of Sight |1968|Smash |67109 |R | Good
James Brown Plays Nothing But S|1968|King |1034 | | Good
I Got a Feeling |1968|Polydor |658105 | S | Good
I Can't Stand Myself When You T|1968|King |1030 |R S | Good
At the Apollo 2 (Rec 67) |1968|King |1022 | S | BestG
Raw Soul |1967|Pye |28103 |R S | Good
Plays the Real Thing |1967|Smash |67093 | S | Good
Live at the Garden |1967|King |1018 | S | Good
James Brown Show |1967|Smash |67087 | S | Good
James Brown Plays the Real Thin|1967|Smash |27093 | | Good
Cold Sweat |1967|King |1020 |R S | Good
Today and Yesterday |1966|Smash |27057 | | BestA
Plays Jb Today |1966|Smash |67072 | | OK
Mighty Instrumentals |1966|King |961 | S | Good
James Brown Plays New Breed |1966|Smash |27080 | | Good
James Brown Plays James Brown-T|1966|Smash |67072 | | Good
It's a Man's Man's Man's World |1966|King |985 |R S | Good
I Got You (I Feel Good) |1966|King |946 |R S | Good
Handful of Soul |1966|Smash |67084 | S | Good
Christmas Songs |1966|King |1010 | S | Good
Papa's Got a Brand New Bag |1965|King |938 |R S | Good
Unbeatable Hits |1964|King |919 | S | Good
Showtime |1964|Smash |27054 | S | OK
Pure Dynamite! Live at the Roya|1964|King |883 | S | BestA
Out of Sight (Withdrawn) |1964|Smash |67058 | S | Good
Grits & Soul |1964|Smash |67057 | S | OK
Prisoner of Love |1963|King |851 |R S | Good
Live at the Apollo |1963|PolyGram |823001 |R |+BestG
Live and Lowdown at the Apollo |1963|Solid Smok|8006 |R | BestG
At the Apollo |1963|King |826 | | Good
Tours the Usa |1962|King |804 | | Good
Shout & Shimmy |1962|King |780 |R | Good
Jump Around |1962|King |771 | | Good
James Brown and His Famous Flam|1962|King |804 |R | Good
Night Train |1961|King |771 | | BestA
Amazing James Brown, The |1961|King |743 |R | Good
Think |1960|King |683 |R | Good
Try Me |1959|King |635 |R | Good
Please Please Please |1959|King |610 |R | Good
Spank |Z |PolyGram |837726 | | Good
Soul Pride-Instrumental 1960-6 |Z |PolyGram |517845 |R |
Soul Jubilee |Z |Magnum |81 | |
Set Fire to the Soul |Z | | | |
Original Showman Live |Z |Onyx Class|261038 | |
Move On |Z |Scotti Bro|5286 | | Good
Lost James Brown Tapes, The |Z |Warner Bro|38295 |R |
Live: Berlin |Z |PolyGram |080847 | |
Live in Concert |Z |Blast Vide|8903 | |
Live in Berlin |Z | | | |
Live in America |Z |Rhino |1904 | |
Live at Chastain Park |Z |Charly |1984 | | Good
James Brown's Greatest Hits | |Rhino | | |
James Brown Soul Classics |Z |Polydor |5401 | | Good
James Brown Plays & Directs the|Z |King |1055 | | Good
James Brown ... Live / Hot on t|Z |Polydor |6290(2) | | Good
James Brown & Friends |Z |Atlantic |50205 | |
James Brown |Z |Audio Fide|326 | | Good
I Got the Feelin' |Z |King |1031 | | Good
Greatest Hits Live | |Scotti Bro| | |
Few Nice Things, A |Z |King Stere|1038 | |
All-Music Guide Album Details (Alphabetical Order)
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : 20 All Time Greatest Hits
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Best-of-Genre (First Pick)
Genre : Rock
Type : compilation
Date : 1991 (release)
AMG ID : R000002702 (album inprint)
--------- Album Releases ---------
1991 CD Polydor 511 326
CD PolyGram 511326
CD Spm 847982
------- AMG Album Reviews -------
A first-rate greatest hits package that covers the essential soul
singles and some of the funk period material as well. While the finest
James Brown package is the boxed set, if you're not going to get that,
you wouldn't be far wrong getting this one instead. ~ Ron Wynn
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Ain't It Funky
Artist : James Brown
Rating : OK
Charts : Billboard #043, entered Feb 14, 1970, on charts 012 weeks
Genre : Rock
Date : 1970 (release)
AMG ID : R000066271
--------- Album Releases ---------
King 1092
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Ain't That a Groove 1966-1969 (James Brown Story)
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
Type : compilation
Date : 1984 (release)
AMG ID : R000002703 (album inprint)
--------- Album Releases ---------
1984 LP Polydor 8212311
CS Polydor 821231-4
------- AMG Album Reviews -------
The foundations of funk from 1966-1969 -- companion to ROOTS OF A
REVOLUTION and SOLID GOLD. ~ George Bedard
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Amazing James Brown, The
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
Date : 1961 (release)
AMG ID : R000002725
--------- Album Releases ---------
1961 LP King 743
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : At the Apollo
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
Date : 1963 (release)
AMG ID : R000031682
--------- Album Releases ---------
1963 LP King 826
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : At the Apollo 2 (Rec 67)
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Best-of-Genre
Genre : Rock
Date : 1968 (release)
AMG ID : R000031640
--------- Album Releases ---------
1968 LP King 1022
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Best of James Brown, The
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
Type : compilation
Date : 1981 (release)
AMG ID : R000031687
--------- Album Releases ---------
1981 LP Polydor 2343036
1982 MC Polydor 3177529
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Black Caesar
Artist : James Brown
Rating : OK
Charts : Billboard #031, entered Mar 3 , 1973, on charts 021 weeks
Genre : Rock
Date : 1973 (release)
AMG ID : R000002741 (album inprint)
--------- Album Releases ---------
CD PolyGram 517135
1973 LP Polydor 6014
------- AMG Album Reviews -------
A classic early-'70s soundtrack by James Brown. The film "Black
Caesar" was prototype "blaxploitation" fodder, but Brown's soundtrack
both defined the urban nightmare the film was trying to depict and
garnered him a hit single in "Down and Out in New York City." ~ Ron
Wynn
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Bodyheat
Artist : James Brown
Rating : OK
Charts : Billboard #126, entered Jan 15, 1977, on charts 010 weeks
Genre : Rock
Date : 1976 (release)
AMG ID : R000031670
--------- Album Releases ---------
1976 LP Polydor 6093
Polydor 6093
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Bring It On!
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
Date : 1983 (release)
AMG ID : R000002745
--------- Album Releases ---------
1983 LP Churchill 22001
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Can Your Heart Stand It!
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
Date : 1981 (release)
AMG ID : R000002756
--------- Album Releases ---------
1981 LP Stradivari 8013
------- AMG Album Reviews -------
Ten fabulous original hits from King Records. ~ George Bedard
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Can't Get Any Harder
Artist : James Brown
Rating : not rated yet
Genre : Rock
Date : 1993 (approx.)
AMG ID : R000169269 (album inprint)
--------- Album Releases ---------
CD RCA 75352
1993 Scotti Brothers 75352
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Cd of Jb #2, The
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Best-of-Artist
Genre : Rock
Type : compilation
Date : 1986 (release)
AMG ID : R000002749 (album inprint)
--------- Album Releases ---------
1987 CD PolyGram 831700
1985 LP Polydor 8257142
------- AMG Album Reviews -------
An excellent follow-up package that includes various James Brown hits
from both the soul and funk eras, beginning with "Cold Sweat" and
continuing into the '70s. It's also not as vital since the issue of
the '91 boxed set, but contains several fine songs. ~ Ron Wynn
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Cd of Jb, The
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Best-of-Artist
Genre : Rock
Type : compilation
Date : 1988 (release)
AMG ID : R000002750 (album inprint)
--------- Album Releases ---------
CD PolyGram 825714
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Christmas Songs
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
Type : christmas
Date : 1966 (release)
AMG ID : R000031630
--------- Album Releases ---------
1966 LP King 1010
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Cold Sweat
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Charts : Billboard #035, entered Sep 16, 1967, on charts 017 weeks
Genre : Rock
Date : 1967 (release)
AMG ID : R000002732
--------- Album Releases ---------
1967 LP King 1020
------- AMG Album Reviews -------
Title hit plus stuff from 1964-67. ~ George Bedard
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Dead on the Heavy Funk (74-76)
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Best-of-Artist
Genre : Rock
Date : 1985 (release)
AMG ID : R000002746 (album inprint)
--------- Album Releases ---------
LP Polydor 827439-1
1985 CS Polydor 827439-4
------- AMG Album Reviews -------
An excellent anthology spotlighting Brown's mid-'70s funk singles and
extended jams. It's now been supplanted by other anthologies and
greatest hits collections on CD. But if you can find the vinyl, it's
worth getting. ~ Ron Wynn
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Doing It to Death 1970-1973
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Best-of-Artist
Genre : Rock
Date : 1984 (release)
AMG ID : R000031692
--------- Album Releases ---------
LP PolyGram 821232
CS Polydor 821232-4
1984 LP Polydor 8212321
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Everybody's Doin the Hustle / Dead on The Double Bump
Artist : James Brown
Rating : OK
Charts : Billboard #193, entered Oct 4 , 1975, on charts 002 weeks
Genre : Rock
Date : 1975 (release)
AMG ID : R000066274
--------- Album Releases ---------
1975 LP Polydor 6054
Polydor 6054
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Fabulous James Brown
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
Date : 1978 (release)
AMG ID : R000031675
--------- Album Releases ---------
1978 LP HRB 1004
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Federal Years - Part 1, The
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
Date : 1984 (release)
AMG ID : R000002720
--------- Album Releases ---------
1984 LP Solid Smoke 8023
------- AMG Album Reviews -------
His doo-wop stuff from the 50s -- John Book was a great R&B ballad
singer before he decided to revolutionize pop music. ~ George Bedard
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Federal Years - Part 2, The
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
Date : 1984 (release)
AMG ID : R000002721
--------- Album Releases ---------
Solid Smoke 8024
------- AMG Album Reviews -------
His doo-wop stuff from the 50s.-- John Book was a great R&B ballad
singer before he decided to revolutionize pop music. ~ George Bedard
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Few Nice Things, A
Artist : James Brown
Rating : not rated yet
Genre : Rock
AMG ID : R000173070 (album inprint)
--------- Album Releases ---------
LP King Stereo 1038
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Get on the Good Foot
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Charts : Billboard #068, entered Dec 9, 1972, on charts 017 weeks
Genre : Rock
Date : 1972 (release)
AMG ID : R000031658
--------- Album Releases ---------
1972 LP Polydor 3004
Polydor SABB-9498
Polydor 3004
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Get up Offa That Thing
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Charts : Billboard #147, entered Aug 14, 1976, on charts 008 weeks
Genre : Rock
Date : 1976 (release)
AMG ID : R000066275
--------- Album Releases ---------
1976 LP Polydor 6071
Polydor 6071
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Gettin' Down to It
Artist : James Brown
Rating : OK
Charts : Billboard #099, entered May 31, 1969, on charts 014 weeks
Genre : Rock
Date : 1969 (release)
AMG ID : R000031645
--------- Album Releases ---------
1969 LP Polydor 583742
King 1051
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Gravity
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Charts : Billboard #156, entered Oct 18, 1986, on charts 006 weeks
Genre : Rock
Date : 1986 (release)
AMG ID : R000002706 (album inprint)
--------- Album Releases ---------
CD Scotti Brothers 5212-2-SB
CS Scotti Brothers 5212-4-SB
CS Rhino R4-70219
LP Rhino R1-70219
LP Scotti Brothers 40380
CD RCA 5212
CD Scotti Bros. 5212-2-SB
CS Scotti Bros. 5212-4-SB
------- AMG Album Reviews -------
Some moderately-interesting late-'80s James Brown sessions. The title
track featured an above average Brown vocal and some up-to-date
production. But the album had the sound and feel of Brown trying to
catch up with contemporary trends, a sad thing since so many
hip-hoppers had borrowed from Brown's work in the first place. ~ Ron
Wynn
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James Brown - Vocal, Organ
Crispin Cioe - Horn
Eddie Fairlight III - Drums, Percussion
Bob Funk - Horn
Dan Hartman - g/k/pro/g/gtb/s/vcb/v
Arno Hecht - Horn
Hollywood Paul Litteral - Horn
Ray Marchica
Charlie Midnight - Vocal (background)
Alison Moyet - Vocal, Vocal (background)
Maceo Parker - Sax (alto)
George Recile - Drums
T M Stevens - Guitar (bass), Vocal (background)
Stevie Ray Vaughan - Guitar
Steve Winwood - Synthesizer
Art Wood - Drums
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Greatest Hits
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
Type : compilation
Date : 1985 (release)
AMG ID : R000002747 (album inprint)
--------- Album Releases ---------
LP Rhino 70219
CS Rhino 70219
1980 LP Polydor 2391228
1985 LP Rhino 219
------- AMG Album Reviews -------
Probably original King singles. If so, essential. ~ George Bedard
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Greatest Hits Live
Artist : James Brown
Rating : not rated yet
Genre : Rock
AMG ID : R000189398 (album inprint)
--------- Album Releases ---------
CD Scotti Bros. 5214-2-SB
CS Scotti Bros. 5214-4-SB
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Greatest Hits of the Fourth Decade, The
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
Type : compilation
Date : 1992 (release)
AMG ID : R000059859 (album inprint)
--------- Album Releases ---------
CD Scotti Brothers 7529-2
CS Scotti Brothers 72392-4
CD Scotti Brothers 75259
1992 Scotti Brothers 75259
CD RCA 75259
------- AMG Album Reviews -------
James Brown STILL rules. He received a well-deserved Lifetime
Achievement Award at this year's Grammy telecast and his subsequent
pay-per-view concert was one of the highest-rated events of its kind.
This release, a must for fans of the Godfather of Soul, includes
"Unity," "Living in America," "Gravity," a live version of "Cold
Sweat," and "Gimme Your Love," a duet with Aretha Franklin. ~ Roundup
Newsletter.
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Grits & Soul
Artist : James Brown
Rating : OK
Charts : Billboard #124, entered Apr 10, 1965, on charts 010 weeks
Genre : Rock
Date : 1964 (release)
AMG ID : R000031623
--------- Album Releases ---------
1964 LP Smash 67057
Smash 67057
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Handful of Soul
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Charts : Billboard #135, entered Dec 3 , 1966, on charts 003 weeks
Genre : Rock
Date : 1966 (release)
AMG ID : R000031631
--------- Album Releases ---------
1966 LP Smash 67084
Smash 67084
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Hell
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Best-of-Artist
Charts : Billboard #035, entered Jul 27, 1974, on charts 019 weeks
Genre : Rock
Date : 1974 (release)
AMG ID : R000031662
--------- Album Releases ---------
1974 LP Polydor 9001
Polydor PD-2-9001
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Hey America
Artist : James Brown
Rating : OK
Genre : Rock
Date : 1970 (release)
AMG ID : R000031649
--------- Album Releases ---------
1970 LP King 1124
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Hot
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
Date : 1976 (release)
AMG ID : R000031667
--------- Album Releases ---------
1976 LP Polydor 6059
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Hot Pants
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Charts : Billboard #022, entered Sep 4 , 1971, on charts 018 weeks
Down Beat #1.5
Genre : Rock
Date : 1971 (release)
AMG ID : R000031652 (album inprint)
--------- Album Releases ---------
CD PolyGram 517985
1971 Polydor 517 985
1971 LP Polydor 4054
Polydor 4054
Polydor PD 4504
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Hot on the One
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Charts : Down Beat #2.5
Genre : Rock
Date : Dec ??, 1980 (release)
AMG ID : R000068629
--------- Album Releases ---------
Polydor PD 2 6290
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : I Can't Stand Myself When You Touch Me
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Charts : Billboard #017, entered Mar 23, 1968, on charts 014 weeks
Genre : Rock
Date : 1968 (release)
AMG ID : R000002739
--------- Album Releases ---------
1968 LP King 1030
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : I Got You (I Feel Good)
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Charts : Billboard #036, entered Jan 22, 1966, on charts 017 weeks
Genre : Rock
Date : 1966 (release)
AMG ID : R000002730
--------- Album Releases ---------
1966 LP King 946
------- AMG Album Reviews -------
Hit single plus older Material. ~ George Bedard
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : I Got a Feeling
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
Date : 1968 (release)
AMG ID : R000031637
--------- Album Releases ---------
1968 LP Polydor 658105
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : I Got the Feelin'
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Charts : Billboard #135, entered May 18, 1968, on charts 014 weeks
Genre : Rock
AMG ID : R000002733
--------- Album Releases ---------
King K1031
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : I'm Black and I'm Proud
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Charts : Billboard #053, entered Apr 12, 1969, on charts 022 weeks
Genre : Rock
Date : 1969 (release)
AMG ID : R000002734
--------- Album Releases ---------
King K1047
------- AMG Album Reviews -------
Title hit -- others from 1967 & 1968. ~ George Bedard
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : I'm Real
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Charts : Billboard #096, entered Jun 18, 1988, on charts 014 weeks
Rock & Roll Disc #3/3
Genre : Rock
Date : 1988 (release)
AMG ID : R000002752 (album inprint)
--------- Album Releases ---------
1988 CD Scotti Brothers 5213-2-SB
CS Scotti Brothers 5213-4-SB
CD Scotti Brothers ZK 44241
CD Scotti Brothers 5213
CD RCA 5213
------- AMG Album Reviews -------
On this disc Brown teams up with Full Force, the hardcore hip-hop
singing/songwriting/body-building team responsible for some of the
best work by UTFO, the Real Roxanne, Weather Girls, and Lisa Lisa. ~
J. Poet, Rock & Roll Disc.
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : In the Jungle Groove
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Best-of-Artist
Genre : Rock
Time : 63:17 min
Date : 1986 (release)
AMG ID : R000002707 (album inprint)
--------- Album Releases ---------
CD Polydor 829624-2
1987 CS Polydor 829624-4
CD PolyGram 829624
------- AMG Album Reviews -------
An interesting anthology of leftover funk selections and items from
the vast James Brown catalog. Several of these packages have been
supplanted by recent Brown CD anthologies. But this one includes some
good extended instrumental and vocal funk numbers that aren't on any
of the boxed sets. ~ Ron Wynn
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Is Back
Artist : James Brown
Rating : OK
Genre : Rock
Date : 1992 (release)
AMG ID : R000002708 (album inprint)
--------- Album Releases ---------
1992 CD Hollywood 458
CD Deluxe 458
------- AMG Album Reviews -------
Some recent James Brown material that just doesn't come close to
equaling the quality of his past work. There's little that's hit
material, and even less that longtime fans of Brown will treasure.
It's good that he's still able to record, but someone should find him
some good songs before turning him loose. ~ Ron Wynn
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : It's a Man's Man's Man's World
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Charts : Billboard #090, entered Sep 10, 1966, on charts 009 weeks
Genre : Rock
Date : 1966 (release)
AMG ID : R000002763
--------- Album Releases ---------
1966 LP King 985
------- AMG Album Reviews -------
Hit single plus older stuff. ~ George Bedard
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : It's a Mother
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Charts : Billboard #026, entered Sep 6 , 1969, on charts 022 weeks
Genre : Rock
Date : 1969 (release)
AMG ID : R000002735
--------- Album Releases ---------
1969 LP Polydor 658371
King K1063
------- AMG Album Reviews -------
Material from 1967-1969. ~ George Bedard
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : It's a New Day
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Best-of-Artist
Genre : Rock
Date : 1970 (release)
AMG ID : R000031648
--------- Album Releases ---------
197- LP Polydor 2310029
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : It's a New Day So Let A Man Come in
Artist : James Brown (& His Famous Flames)
Rating : Good
Charts : Billboard #121, entered Jul 4 , 1970, on charts 006 weeks
Genre : Rock
Date : 1970 (release)
AMG ID : R000002768
--------- Album Releases ---------
King Ks-1095
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Jam/1980's
Artist : James Brown
Rating : OK
Charts : Billboard #121, entered May 6 , 1978, on charts 022 weeks
Genre : Rock
Date : 1978 (release)
AMG ID : R000031674
--------- Album Releases ---------
1978 LP Polydor 6140
Polydor 6140
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : James Brown
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
AMG ID : R000059068
--------- Album Releases ---------
PD Audio Fidelity 326
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : James Brown & Friends
Artist : James Brown
Rating : not rated yet
Genre : Rock
Type : video
AMG ID : R000085574
--------- Album Releases ---------
Atlantic 50205
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : James Brown ... Live / Hot on the One
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Charts : Billboard #170, entered Aug 16, 1980, on charts 005 weeks
Genre : Rock
AMG ID : R000066276
--------- Album Releases ---------
Polydor 6290(2)
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : James Brown Plays & Directs the Popcorn
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Charts : Billboard #040, entered Aug 23, 1969, on charts 013 weeks
Genre : Rock
AMG ID : R000066270
--------- Album Releases ---------
King 1055
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : James Brown Plays James Brown-Today & Yesterday
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Charts : Billboard #042, entered Nov 20, 1965, on charts 019 weeks
Genre : Rock
Date : 1966 (release)
AMG ID : R000066267
--------- Album Releases ---------
Smash 67072
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : James Brown Plays New Breed
Artist : James Brown (& His Famous Flames)
Rating : Good
Charts : Billboard #101, entered Apr 16, 1966, on charts 011 weeks
Genre : Rock
Date : 1966 (release)
AMG ID : R000002764
--------- Album Releases ---------
Smash Mgs-27080
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : James Brown Plays Nothing But Soul
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Charts : Billboard #150, entered Aug 24, 1968, on charts 005 weeks
Genre : Rock
Date : 1968 (release)
AMG ID : R000066268
--------- Album Releases ---------
King 1034
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : James Brown Plays the Real Thing
Artist : James Brown (& His Famous Flames)
Rating : Good
Charts : Billboard #164, entered Jul 15, 1967, on charts 005 weeks
Genre : Rock
Date : 1967 (release)
AMG ID : R000002765
--------- Album Releases ---------
Smash Mgs-27093
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : James Brown Show
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
Date : 1967 (release)
AMG ID : R000031632
--------- Album Releases ---------
1967 LP Smash 67087
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : James Brown Sings out of Sight
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
Date : 1968 (release)
AMG ID : R000002766
--------- Album Releases ---------
Smash Srs-67109
------- AMG Album Reviews -------
67109 is a reissue of 67058, which was withdrawn from sale in 1964
because of legal problems during Brown's brief hiatus from King
records in 1964-65. ~ George Bedard
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : James Brown Soul Classics
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Charts : Billboard #083, entered Jun 17, 1972, on charts 016 weeks
Genre : Rock
AMG ID : R000066273
--------- Album Releases ---------
Polydor 5401
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : James Brown and His Famous Flames Tour the Usa
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
Date : 1962 (release)
AMG ID : R000002727
--------- Album Releases ---------
King K804
------- AMG Album Reviews -------
Material from 1961 and 1962, including several instrumentals. ~ George
Bedard
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : James Brown's Funky People - Part 2
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Best-of-Artist
Charts : Rock & Roll Disc #5/4
Genre : Rock
Time : 58:49 min
Date : Feb ??, 1988 (release)
AMG ID : R000002754 (album inprint)
--------- Album Releases ---------
CD PolyGram 835857
CD PolyGram 835857
------- AMG Album Reviews -------
[It] leads off with the long version of "I know You Got Soul"....
There's a powerhouse number by R&B legend Hank Ballard, "From the Love
Side." There are also booming tunes from Marva Whitney and Vicki
Anderson.... boasts one CD-only cut. ~ Ron Wynn, Rock & Roll Disc.
More of the above, including Bobby Byrd's 1971 hits "I Know You Got
Soul" and "Hot Pants - I'm Coming, Coming, I'm Coming." Delves into
some more obscure tracks, such as Hank Ballard's "From the Love Side."
~ Rob Bowman
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : James Brown's Funky People - Part 1
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Best-of-Artist
Charts : Rock & Roll Disc #5/4
Genre : Rock
Time : 58:49 min
Date : Jan ??, 1988 (release)
AMG ID : R000002753 (album inprint)
--------- Album Releases ---------
CD Polydor 829417-2
CD Polydor 825-857-2
------- AMG Album Reviews -------
[It] leads off with the long version of "I know You Got Soul"....
There's a powerhouse number by R&B legend Hank Ballard, "From the Love
Side." There are also booming tunes from Marva Whitney and Vicki
Anderson.... boasts one CD-only cut.... ~ Ron Wynn, Rock & Roll Disc.
James Brown the entrepreneur, writing and producing superlative slices
of funk for various members of his Revue. These two volumes (see
below) include hits and great misses by Lyn Collins, Vicki Anderson,
Marva Whitney, Maceo & the Macks, Bobby Byrd, Fred Wesley & the JB's,
and so on. Part 1 highlights include Collins's powerhouse Top Ten hit
"Think (About It)" and the JB's first two hits, "Gimme Some More" and
"Pass the Peas." ~ Rob Bowman
Several of the tracks on [it] spotlight Fred Wesley & the JBs, the
band that rewrote the book on R&B instrumentals.... boasts one CD-only
cut. ~ Ron Wynn, Rock & Roll Disc.
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : James Brown's Greatest Hits
Artist : James Brown
Rating : not rated yet
Genre : Rock
AMG ID : R000189645 (album inprint)
--------- Album Releases ---------
CS Rhino R4-70219
LP Rhino R1-70219
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Jump Around
Artist : James Brown (& His Famous Flames)
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
Date : 1962 (release)
AMG ID : R000002761
--------- Album Releases ---------
King Lp-771
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Live and Lowdown at the Apollo - Vol. 1
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Best-of-Genre
Charts : Billboard #163, entered Nov 22, 1980, on charts 003 weeks
Genre : Rock
Date : 1963 (release)
AMG ID : R000002718
--------- Album Releases ---------
Solid Smoke 8006
------- AMG Album Reviews -------
Incredible live 1962 classic, perhaps the best live recording of all
time. Essential for any fan of Brown, R&B, or African-American music
in general. EEEEEEEH! (May be the same as Polydor 23011 -- IS reissue
of the King original). ~ George Bedard
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Live at Chastain Park
Artist : James Brown & The Soul G's
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
AMG ID : R000071396 (album inprint)
--------- Album Releases ---------
CD Charly 1984
Instant 5065
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Live at the Apollo
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Best-of-Genre (First Pick)
Charts : Billboard #002
Down Beat #5
Rock & Roll Disc #3/4
Genre : Rock
Time : 73:32 min
Date : 1963 (release)
AMG ID : R000002736 (album inprint)
--------- Album Releases ---------
CD PolyGram 823001
Polydor 823-001-2
CD PolyGram 843479
1966 Polydor 823 001
1962 Polydor 843 479
King 826
------- AMG Album Reviews -------
A 1968 release spotlighting one of his lesser-celebrated concerts at
the historic venue. While it doesn't match the astonishing heights of
Brown's 1962 Apollo date, there are plenty of first-rate things.
There's enough quality stuff to merit getting it, particularly if you
don't own much live James Brown on CD. ~ Ron Wynn, Rock & Roll Disc.
An astonishing record of James and the Flames tearing the roof off the
sucker at the mecca of R&B theatres, New York's Apollo. When King
Records owner Syd Nathan refused to fund the recording, thinking it
commercial folly, Brown singlemindedly proceeded anyway, paying for it
out of his own pocket. He had been out on the road night after night
for a while, and he knew that the alchemy magic that was part and
parcel of a James Brown show was something no record had ever caught.
Hit follows hit without a pause -- "I'll Go Crazy," "Try Me," "Think,"
"Please Please Please," "I Don't Mind," "Night Train," and more. The
affirmative screams and cries of the audience are something you've
never experienced unless you've seen the Brown Revue in a Black
theatre. If you have I need not say more; if you haven't, suffice it
to say that this should be one of the very first records you ever own.
~ Rob Bowman
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Live at the Apollo (1967) - Vol. 2
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Best-of-Genre
Genre : Rock
Date : 1968 (release)
AMG ID : R000002738
--------- Album Releases ---------
King 1022
------- AMG Album Reviews -------
Though other artists were perhaps as dynamic in live performance
(Jackie Wilson and the Swan Silvertones come to mind), live recordings
weren't as common then as in the narcissistic 70s, and Brown truly
stands alone as the greatest live performer on wax. This two-disc set
showcases phenomenal readings of "Prisoner of Love" and "This Is a
Man's Man's World" which torment the listener with yearning for a
long-lost film of the event to surface. At least this record is ours
to transport us in imagination to some of the most amazing moments
ever seen on the Apollo Theatre's venerable boards. ~ George Bedard
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Live at the Apollo 2 Pt. 1
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Charts : Billboard #002, entered Jun 29, 1963, on charts 066 weeks
Genre : Rock
Date : 1986 (release)
AMG ID : R000002709 (album inprint)
--------- Album Releases ---------
1966 LP Rhino 70217
CS Rhino RNC-217
------- AMG Album Reviews -------
The first volume in a two-part set spotlighting another tremendous
early-'60s concert recorded live at the Apollo by James Brown and his
Famous Flames. It's not a landmark event like his first date, but was
still an epic concert highlighted by Brown's robust vocals and
spiraling screams, plus the Flames tight background vocals and a
first-rate band. ~ Ron Wynn
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Live at the Apollo 2 Pt. 2
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Best-of-Genre
Charts : Billboard #032, entered Sep 7 , 1968, on charts 039 weeks
Genre : Rock
Date : 1985 (release)
AMG ID : R000002710 (album inprint)
--------- Album Releases ---------
1986 LP Rhino 218
1966 CS Rhino RNC-218
------- AMG Album Reviews -------
The second volume devoted to another visit by Brown and his Famous
Flames to the Apollo in the early '60s. The sprawling arrangements,
intense screams and frenzied pace accurately conveyed the excitement
inherent in any Brown performance during the '60s. ~ Ron Wynn
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Live at the Garden
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Charts : Billboard #041, entered Jun 10, 1967, on charts 017 weeks
Genre : Rock
Date : 1967 (release)
AMG ID : R000031634
--------- Album Releases ---------
1967 LP King 1018
King 1018
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Live in America
Artist : James Brown
Rating : not rated yet
Genre : Rock
Type : video
AMG ID : R000085576 (album inprint)
--------- Album Releases ---------
Rhino 1904
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Live in Berlin
Artist : James Brown
Rating : not rated yet
Genre : Rock
Type : video
AMG ID : R000131751 (album inprint)
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Live in Concert
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
Date : 1985 (release)
AMG ID : R000002748 (album inprint)
--------- Album Releases ---------
CD Sugar Hill Rap 5250
LP Sugar Hill 5250
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Live in Concert
Artist : James Brown
Rating : not rated yet
Genre : Rock
Type : video
AMG ID : R000085577
--------- Album Releases ---------
Blast Video 8903
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Live in New York
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
Date : 1981 (release)
AMG ID : R000031684
--------- Album Releases ---------
1981 LP Audio Fidelity 1030
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Live: Berlin
Artist : James Brown
Rating : not rated yet
Genre : Rock
Type : video
AMG ID : R000085575
--------- Album Releases ---------
PolyGram 080847
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Lost James Brown Tape , The
Artist : James Brown
Rating : not rated yet
Genre : Rock
Type : video
Date : 1979 (release)
AMG ID : R000132097 (album inprint)
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Lost James Brown Tapes, The
Artist : James Brown
Rating : not rated yet
Genre : Rock
Type : video
AMG ID : R000122903
--------- Album Releases ---------
VH Warner Brothers 38295
------- AMG Album Reviews -------
In 1979, three young television producers convinced James Brown to fly
to Santa Cruz, California, to make a comeback performance after a
period of retirement from the music scene. Brown came back lean and
mean and put on one of the greatest shows of his career. He sang a
touching rendition of "Georgia" and tore through an unbelievable
20-minute version of "Sex Machine." However, due to unfortunate
business circumstances, the videotapes were locked in a vault for 12
years. The legal problems have been resolved and the producers of the
show are proud to release this video. ~ Roundup newsletter
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Love Over-Due
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
Time : 36:09 min
Date : 1991 (release)
AMG ID : R000002759 (album inprint)
--------- Album Releases ---------
CD Scotti Brothers 75225-2
1991 CS Scotti Brothers 75225-4
CD RCA 75225
------- AMG Album Reviews -------
Some recent James Brown, much of it delivered with fire and fury but
little substance. Brown hasn't had a major hit since "I'm Real" in
1988, and there's nothing on this collection that seems like it will
end the cold streak. ~ Ron Wynn
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Love Power Peace
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Best-of-Artist
Genre : Rock
Date : 1992 (release)
AMG ID : R000002760 (album inprint)
--------- Album Releases ---------
1992 CD PolyGram 314 513 389
CD PolyGram 513389
------- AMG Album Reviews -------
James Brown with the then newly formed JB's -- the maestro's second
great band including Bootsy Collins, Phelps Collins, Jabo Starks,
Bobby Byrd, and Fred Wesley. LIVE AT THE APOLLO had caught James
Brown, the 50s gospel/rhythm and blues singer; LOVE POWER PEACE - LIVE
AT THE OLYMPIA, PARIS 1971 captures James the funkster. In the early
70s Brown turned up the funk, recording such litanies for Black
America as "Ain't It Funky Now," "Sex Machine," "Give It Up or Turn It
Loose," "Super Bad," "Get Up, Get into It, Get Involved," and "Soul
Power." They are all here, along with revved white-hot versions of the
early- and middle-period classics. The ferocity of this band is nearly
too much for the heart. Brown had planned to release this as a triple
album in 1971. When several band members left shortly after it was
recorded, Brown switched from King to Polydor Records, leading him to
scrap the record at the time and record a new studio album instead.
Thank God for the CD revolution, as in 1992 Polygram decided to make
the recording available for the first time. Ain't it funky now indeed.
~ Rob Bowman
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Mean on the Scene
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
Date : 1982 (release)
AMG ID : R000031688
--------- Album Releases ---------
1982 LP Audio Fidelity 1016
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Messing with the Blues
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Best-of-Artist
Charts : Down Beat #5
Rock & Roll Disc #4.5/5
Genre : Rock
Type : compilation
Date : 1991 (release)
AMG ID : R000002755 (album inprint)
--------- Album Releases ---------
1990 CD PolyGram 847258-2
------- AMG Album Reviews -------
To hear James Brown recast blues, jazz, and R&B standards on [it] is
to listen to a man reshaping his background in his own image ...
compilers Harry Weinger and Cliff White show James Brown ...
transubstantiating songs by Clyde McPhatter, Wynonie Harris, Wilbert
Harrison, Guitar Slim, Roy Brown, and Louis Jordan, a virtual roll
call of mentors and influences, the kind of sophisticated jazz and
blues performers to whom James Brown listened studiously and lovingly
in his youth, some of them the very men with whom he was competing
when he snarled that first, shattering "Please," into a King Records
microphone in 1956. ~ Dave Marsh, Rock & Roll Disc.
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Mighty Instrumentals
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
Date : 1966 (release)
AMG ID : R000031628
--------- Album Releases ---------
1966 LP King 961
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Mister Dynamite
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
Date : 197? (release)
AMG ID : R000031678
--------- Album Releases ---------
197- LP Polydor 2357004
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Motherlode
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Best-of-Artist
Charts : Rock & Roll Disc #4/4
Genre : Rock
Time : 55:26 min
Date : 1988 (release)
AMG ID : R000002713 (album inprint)
--------- Album Releases ---------
1988 CD Polydor 837126-2
------- AMG Album Reviews -------
"Motherlode" has more nuggets and fragments, most of them unreleased.
Whether it's studio dates such as "There It Is," "She's the One," and
"Can I Get Some Help" or live tracks like the shortened version of
"Say It Loud (Say It Live)," Brown and company were constantly
refining and reshaping material. Because so much of [it] was locked in
the studio for years, it's possibly even more valuable than the "Funky
People" discs. ~ Ron Wynn, Rock & Roll Disc.
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Move On
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
AMG ID : R000002714
--------- Album Releases ---------
CD Scotti Brothers 5286
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Mutha's Nature
Artist : James Brown
Rating : OK
Genre : Rock
Date : 1977 (release)
AMG ID : R000002744
--------- Album Releases ---------
1977 LP Polydor 6111
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Night Train
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Best-of-Artist
Genre : Rock
Date : 1961 (release)
AMG ID : R000031653
--------- Album Releases ---------
1961 LP King 771
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Nonstop
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
Date : 1981 (release)
AMG ID : R000031683
--------- Album Releases ---------
1981 LP Polydor 6318
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Nothing But Soul
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
Date : 1968 (release)
AMG ID : R000031639
--------- Album Releases ---------
1968 LP King 1034
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Original Disco Man, The
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Charts : Billboard #152, entered Aug 11, 1979, on charts 006 weeks
Genre : Rock
Date : 1979 (release)
AMG ID : R000031677
--------- Album Releases ---------
1978 LP Polydor 6212
Polydor 6212
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Original Showman Live
Artist : James Brown
Rating : not rated yet
Genre : Rock
AMG ID : R000179534 (album inprint)
--------- Album Releases ---------
CD Onyx Classix 261038
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Out of Sight (Withdrawn)
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
Date : 1964 (release)
AMG ID : R000031624
--------- Album Releases ---------
1964 LP Smash 67058
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Papa's Got a Brand New Bag
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Charts : Billboard #026, entered Sep 11, 1965, on charts 027 weeks
Genre : Rock
Date : 1965 (release)
AMG ID : R000002729 (album inprint)
--------- Album Releases ---------
1965 LP King 938
PolyGram 847 982
------- AMG Album Reviews -------
Hit single plus older stuff. ~ George Bedard
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Payback (2 Lp), The
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Charts : Billboard #034, entered Jan 5 , 1974, on charts 036 weeks
Genre : Rock
Date : 1974 (release)
AMG ID : R000002742 (album inprint)
--------- Album Releases ---------
CD PolyGram 517137
1974 LP Polydor 3007
------- AMG Album Reviews -------
A superb funk album by James Brown, one of his '70s masterpiece. The
title cut, with its jutting horn charts, lyric hooks, repeated phrases
and striding bass line was extremely influential, while Brown's
trademark screams on the breaks, and the breaks themselves, were later
sampled ad infinitum by various hip-hop groups. ~ Ron Wynn
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : People
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
Date : 1980 (release)
AMG ID : R000031681
--------- Album Releases ---------
1980 LP Polydor 2391446
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Plays Jb Today
Artist : James Brown
Rating : OK
Genre : Rock
Date : 1966 (release)
AMG ID : R000031627
--------- Album Releases ---------
1966 LP Smash 67072
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Plays Rhythm & Blues
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
Date : 196? (release)
AMG ID : R000031690
--------- Album Releases ---------
196- LP Philips 14575
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Plays the New Breed
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
Date : 1968 (release)
AMG ID : R000031629
--------- Album Releases ---------
1968 LP Smash 67080
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Plays the Real Thing
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
Date : 1967 (release)
AMG ID : R000031633
--------- Album Releases ---------
1967 LP Smash 67093
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Please Please Please
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
Date : 1959 (release)
AMG ID : R000002722
--------- Album Releases ---------
1959 LP King 610
King K6110/909
------- AMG Album Reviews -------
Collection of singles from 2/56 to 9/53. ~ George Bedard
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Pop History
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
Date : 197? (release)
AMG ID : R000031680
--------- Album Releases ---------
197- LP Polydor 2625009
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Popcorn, The
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
Date : 1969 (release)
AMG ID : R000031646
--------- Album Releases ---------
1969 LP Polydor 658172
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Presents His Show of Tomorrow
Artist : James Brown
Rating : OK
Genre : Rock
Date : 1968 (release)
AMG ID : R000031635
--------- Album Releases ---------
1968 LP King 1024
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Prisoner of Love
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Charts : Billboard #073, entered Sep 28, 1963, on charts 017 weeks
Genre : Rock
Date : 1963 (release)
AMG ID : R000002728
--------- Album Releases ---------
1963 LP King 851
1983 LP Polydor 8134911
------- AMG Album Reviews -------
Great title track plus some older material. ~ George Bedard
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Pure Dynamite! Live at the Royal
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Best-of-Artist
Charts : Billboard #010, entered Feb 29, 1964, on charts 022 weeks
Genre : Rock
Date : 1964 (release)
AMG ID : R000066266
--------- Album Releases ---------
1964 LP King 883
King 883
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Raw Soul
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Charts : Billboard #088, entered Apr 8 , 1967, on charts 014 weeks
Genre : Rock
Date : 1967 (release)
AMG ID : R000002731
--------- Album Releases ---------
1966 LP Pye 28103
King K1016
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Reality
Artist : James Brown
Rating : OK
Charts : Billboard #056, entered Jan 25, 1975, on charts 010 weeks
Genre : Rock
Date : 1975 (release)
AMG ID : R000031663
--------- Album Releases ---------
1975 LP Polydor 6039
Polydor 6039
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Revolution of the Mind
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
Date : 1971 (release)
AMG ID : R000031654 (album inprint)
--------- Album Releases ---------
CD PolyGram 517983
1971 Polydor 517 983
1971 LP Polydor 3003
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Roots of a Revolution
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Best-of-Artist
Charts : Rock & Roll Disc #
Genre : Rock
Time : 50:42 min
Type : compilation
Date : 1984 (release)
AMG ID : R000002751 (album inprint)
--------- Album Releases ---------
1989 CD PolyGram 817304-2
1984 LP Polydor 1
Polydor 81 7-304-2
------- AMG Album Reviews -------
... an expanded two-disc variation of a 1984 British compilation,
fills in the gaps and offers as definitive a vision of the embryonic
Brown sound as possible. The set spans the eight-year era when Brown's
sound evolved from conventional reworkings of current idioms to a
pulsating groove that was all his own. These discs are mainly B-sides,
unissued takes, or unduly obscure selections. A major hole in the
Brown catalog has been filled, and with it a sizable gap in pop
knowledge as well. ~ Ron Wynn, Rock & Roll Disc.
Great collection ranging from early doo-wop up to "Papa's Got a Brand
New Bag" -- conceived as part of a comprehensive overview of Brown's
career along with "Solid Gold" and "Ain't That a Groove." ~ George
Bedard
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Santa's Got a Brand New Bag
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Best-of-Artist
Charts : Rock & Roll Disc #4/2.5,
Genre : Rock
Time : 55:34 min
Type : christmas
Date : 1988 (release)
AMG ID : R000002715 (album inprint)
--------- Album Releases ---------
CD Rhino R2-70194
CS Rhino R4-70194
LP Rhino R1-70194
CD Rhino 70194
CD Rhino 70194
------- AMG Album Reviews -------
How can anyone resist James Brown's music? All I know is I can't take
this disc off my player. ~ Rick Clark, Rock & Roll Disc.
This essential album was compiled from J.B.'s three rare King
Christmas albums, plus a 1969 single, "It's Christmas Time (Part 1)."
The screams on "Let's Make Christmas Mean Something This Year" rank up
there with his "Please Please Please" work. The Hardest Working Man
in Show Business makes Christmas standards his own ("Please Come Home
For Christmas," "Merry Christmas Baby") and unleashes many powerful
performances of his own songs ("Santa Claus Goes Straight to the
Ghetto," "Santa Claus, Santa Claus"). Among the CD-only tracks are
the absolutely essential "Sweet Little Baby Boy (Part 1)" and "Santa
Claus Is Definitely Here to Stay." ~ Decibel Dennis MacDonald, Roundup
Newsletter.
The really legendary tracks all make their appearance: "Santa Claus
Goes Straight To the Ghetto," with its gutbucket guitar; "Let's Make
Christmas Mean Something This Year," which makes "It's A Man's, Man's,
Man's World" sound emotionally restrained. ~ Dave Marsh, Rock & Roll
Disc.
The really legendary tracks all make their appearance: "Santa Claus
Goes Straight To the Ghetto," with its gutbucket guitar; "Let's Make
Christmas Mean Something This Year," which makes "It's A Man's, Man's,
Man's World" sound emotionally restrained. ~ Dave Marsh, Rock & Roll
Disc.
How can anyone resist James Brown's music? To listen to him get down
on "Let's Make Christmas Mean Something This Year" or "Santa Claus
Santa Claus" is to be baptized in pure holiday soul. Essential for R&B
lovers. ~ Rick Clark
A must for every Christmas collection. It contains the classics "Santa
Claus, Go Straight to the Ghetto" and "Let's Make Christmas Mean
Something This Year." ~ David A. Milberg
This CD was compiled from three King LPs by Soul Santa #1, the man who
put the wet in sweat, James Brown. JB makes several yuletide standards
his own but his over-the-top screams on originals such as "Let's Make
Christmas Mean Something This Year" rival the intensity he poured into
"Please, Please, Please." Among the 16 tracks, recorded between 1966
and 1970, are the socio-politically conscious "Hey America" and the
sublime ballad "Sweet Little Baby Boy (Part 1)." Only James Brown
could testify "Santa Claus, Go Straight to the Ghetto" and make it
work. ~ Dennis MacDonald
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Say It Loud - I'm Black and I'm Proud
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Best-of-Artist
Charts : Billboard #053, entered Apr 12, 1969, on charts 022 weeks
Genre : Rock
Date : 1969 (release)
AMG ID : R000066269
--------- Album Releases ---------
1969 LP Polydor 583741
King 1047
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Set Fire to the Soul
Artist : James Brown & Friends
Rating : not rated yet
Genre : Rock
Type : video
AMG ID : R000132096 (album inprint)
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Sex Machine
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Charts : Billboard #029, entered Sep 12, 1970, on charts 031 weeks
Genre : Rock
Date : 1970 (release)
AMG ID : R000002719 (album inprint)
--------- Album Releases ---------
CD PolyGram 517984
1970 Polydor 517 984
1970 LP King 1115
1976 LP Polydor 9004
King 1115
------- AMG Album Reviews -------
Live early 70s relentless funk groove -- dance, dance, dance. ~ George
Bedard
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal, Producer
Ron Lenhoff - Engineer
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Sex Machine Today
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Poor
Charts : Billboard #103, entered May 24, 1975, on charts 008 weeks
Genre : Rock
Date : 1975 (release)
AMG ID : R000031664
--------- Album Releases ---------
1975 LP Polydor 6042
Polydor 6042
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Sho Is Funky Down Here
Artist : James Brown
Rating : OK
Charts : Billboard #137, entered May 1 , 1971, on charts 004 weeks
Genre : Rock
Date : 1971 (release)
AMG ID : R000066272
--------- Album Releases ---------
1971 LP King 1110
King 1110
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Shout & Shimmy
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
Date : 1962 (release)
AMG ID : R000002726
--------- Album Releases ---------
1962 LP King 780
------- AMG Album Reviews -------
Singles from 1957-61. ~ George Bedard
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Showtime
Artist : James Brown
Rating : OK
Charts : Billboard #061, entered May 9, 1964, on charts 018 weeks
Genre : Rock
Date : 1964 (release)
AMG ID : R000031622
--------- Album Releases ---------
1964 LP Smash 27054
Smash 67054
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Slaughter's Big Rip-Off
Artist : James Brown
Rating : OK
Charts : Billboard #092, entered Jul 28, 1973, on charts 011 weeks
Genre : Rock
Date : 1973 (release)
AMG ID : R000031659 (album inprint)
--------- Album Releases ---------
CD PolyGram 517136
1973 LP Polydor 6015
Polydor 6015
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Solid Gold
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Best-of-Genre
Genre : Rock
Date : 1977 (release)
AMG ID : R000031671
--------- Album Releases ---------
1977 LP Polydor 2679044
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Solid Gold - 30 Golden Hits
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Best-of-Artist
Genre : Rock
Type : compilation
Date : 1977 (release)
AMG ID : R000002716 (album inprint)
--------- Album Releases ---------
1977 Polydor 829 254
------- AMG Album Reviews -------
Collection of original King singles? If so, essential -- the roots of
much of today's dance music. ~ George Bedard
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Soul Brother No 1
Artist : James Brown
Rating : OK
Genre : Rock
Date : 1973 (release)
AMG ID : R000031657
--------- Album Releases ---------
1973 LP Polydor
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Soul Classics
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Best-of-Genre
Genre : Rock
Date : 1972 (release)
AMG ID : R000031655
--------- Album Releases ---------
1972 LP Polydor 5401
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Soul Classics - Vol. 2
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Best-of-Artist
Genre : Rock
Date : 1973 (release)
AMG ID : R000031660
--------- Album Releases ---------
1975 LP Polydor 2391116
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Soul Classics - Vol. 3
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
Date : 1975 (release)
AMG ID : R000031666
--------- Album Releases ---------
1975 LP Polydor 2391166
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Soul Jubilee
Artist : James Brown
Rating : not rated yet
Genre : Rock
AMG ID : R000178719 (album inprint)
--------- Album Releases ---------
CD Magnum 81
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Soul Party
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
Date : 1968 (release)
AMG ID : R000031638
--------- Album Releases ---------
1968 LP Polydor 658106
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Soul Pride-Instrumental 1960-6
Artist : James Brown
Rating : not rated yet
Genre : Rock
AMG ID : R000180435 (album inprint)
--------- Album Releases ---------
CD PolyGram 517845
------- AMG Album Reviews -------
The double-CD anthology SOUL PRIDE: THE INSTRUMENTALS (1960-1969) pays
tribute to both bandleader Brown (whose large self-contained musical
unit was a throwback to the big bands of the 40s and 50s and highly
unusual for a pop star, then or now) and the over-worked cadre of
dedicated musicians who created these monster rhythm workouts. You've
been hearing this music sampled by less imaginative artists for years;
check out the real deal. ~ Jerry McCulley, Request
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Soul Pride: The Instrumentals...
Artist : James Brown
Rating : not rated yet
Genre : Rock
Date : 1993 (approx.)
AMG ID : R000168928 (album inprint)
--------- Album Releases ---------
1993 Polydor 517 845
------- AMG Album Reviews -------
The double-CD anthology SOUL PRIDE: THE INSTRUMENTALS (1960-1969 pays
tribute to both bandleader James Brown (whose large self-contained
musical unit was a throwback to the big bands of the '40s and '50s and
highly unusual for a pop star, then or now) and the overworked cadre
of dedicated musicians who created these monster rhythm
workouts.~Jerry McCulley, Request
Everyone knows how hot James Brown's bands were, but not everyone's
aware that he and his sidemen recorded lots of instrumental sides in
the '60s. Originally scattered haphazardly over many out-of-print
singles and albums, "Soul Pride" brings together the best of this work
into one cohesive and chronological package. These cuts are nearly
equal in power to J.B.'s vocal performances. Not only does the band
cook on most of these insinuating vamps -you can also hear the
evolution of the man's sound from gritty R&B to tight-as-a-drum soul
to free-form funk. Soul Brother #1 himself plays organ and adds
unpredictable shouts and screams on most of these tracks. But the
chief stars are sidemen like Maceo Parker, Fred Wesley, and Pee Wee
Ellis, who broke new ground with their compulsive counterpoint riffs.
This fiery two-disc, 36-track box set contains over two hours of
music, as well as a few non-LP B-sides and previously unreleased
tracks. ~ Richie Unterberger
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Soul Session Live (James Brown & Friends)
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
Date : 1989 (release)
AMG ID : R000002704 (album inprint)
--------- Album Releases ---------
CD Scotti Brothers 5214-2-SB
1989 CS Scotti Brothers 5214-4-SB6
CD RCA 5214
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Soul Syndrome
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
Date : 1980 (release)
AMG ID : R000002717 (album inprint)
--------- Album Releases ---------
CD Rhino R2-70569
CS Rhino R4-70569
1980 LP TK 615
CD Rhino 70569
------- AMG Album Reviews -------
Probably original King singles. If so, essential. ~ George Bedard
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
-------- Album Tracks --------
Rapp Payback
Mashed Potatoes
Funky Men
Smokin' & Drinkin'
Stay With Me
Honky Tonk
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Soul on Top
Artist : James Brown
Rating : OK
Genre : Rock
Date : 1970 (release)
AMG ID : R000031647
--------- Album Releases ---------
1970 LP King 1100
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Soul's Alive
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
Date : 1991 (release)
AMG ID : R000071391 (album inprint)
--------- Album Releases ---------
1991 Koch International Corp. 1303
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Soulful Christmas, A
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
Date : 1968 (release)
AMG ID : R000031643
--------- Album Releases ---------
1968 LP King 1040
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Spank
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
AMG ID : R000071392 (album inprint)
--------- Album Releases ---------
PolyGram 837 726
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Special
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
Date : 1981 (release)
AMG ID : R000031686
--------- Album Releases ---------
1981 LP Polydor 2417351
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Star Time
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Best-of-Genre
Charts : Down Beat #5
Genre : Rock
Type : compilation, box
Date : 1991 (release)
AMG ID : R000002758 (album inprint)
--------- Album Releases ---------
1991 CD Polydor 849108
CD Polydor SACD 331
CD PolyGram 849108
------- AMG Album Reviews -------
A four-disc treasure, STAR TIME is a stellar compilation worthy of the
35-year career of the Godfather of Soul. ~ Donna DiChario, Rock & Roll
Disc.
One of the great boxed sets of all time; over four CDs, Brown's
recorded legacy is traced from "Please Please Please" in 1956 through
his 1984 duet with Afrika Bambaataa, "Unity Pt. 1." With 71 tracks in
all, the set places the #1 R&B artist ever in his proper perspective
as the prime progenitor of funk, one of the architects of soul, and
the Godfather of Rap. To have done any one of these things would have
been a bid for immortality, having done all three makes him a god.
Four CDs at once is virtually too rich for one sitting. The
well-written liner notes provide three different perspectives on
Brown's career. A cornerstone of any great collection. ~ Rob Bowman
It would be hard to overstate this man's immense musical contribution.
Fortunately, this breathtaking box set goes a long way towards
illustrating his genius. ~ Roundup Newsletter
STAR TIME is the most comprehensive collection of the prime James
Brown to date: four CDs covering 71 exercises in total funk, from the
1956 career launching workout "Please Please Please," through the
Godfather's 1988 duet with Afrika Bambaata for Tommy Boy, "Unity Pt.
1." Divided into four sections STAR TIME naturally includes all of the
hits. The compilers have also uncovered a few rarities. A 64-page
booklet includes several sets of notes (among them an introduction by
Brown and an historical essay by two of the compilers, Harry Weinger
and Cliff White), thrilling photos and a discography. ~ Jeff Tamarkin,
Pulse, November 1992
As artistically compiled by Harry Weinger as it was performed and
recorded by James Brown himself. Makes clear why astute observers
consider Brown the greatest musical innovator of his time. ~ Tom
Graves, Rock & Roll Disc.
With over five hours of music contained in these four CDs (71 songs)
accompanied by a 64-page book, the word "definitive" hardly begins to
describe how essential this set is. The booklet starts with an
introduction by James Brown, and includes pieces by Nelson George,
Alan Leeds, and Cliff White, a song-by-song sessionography (rarely
were the musicians credited on the original releases) followed by a
discography of James Brown's singles and albums, and over 50 photos,
repros of original LP & 45 sleeves, ads, and more. Disc One, "Mr.
Dynamite," begins with the Federal years, 1956's gospel-derived
"Please Please Please" and goes through the early '60s King and Smash
years including a previously unreleased stereo mix of "It's a Man's
World" and the previously unreleased complete take of "Papa's Got a
Brand New Bag. Pts. 1, 2 & 3." Disc 2, "The Hardest Working Man in
Show Business," opens up with the '65 "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" and
moves into his ultra-funky late 60's period (with tenor saxman Maceo
Parker in tow) including "Say it Loud -- I'm Black and I'm Proud."
Disc 3, "Soul Brother No. 1," (1969-72), only gets funkier, including
"Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine," and "Hot Pants, Pt. 1."
Disc 4, "The Godfather of Soul," picks up in 1972 with "There It Is,
Pt. 1." By now, the funky polyrhythms are in full gear, laying the
foundation for many soul/funk bands to follow. The set finishes with
the 1984 pairing of J.B. with Afrika Bambaataa on "Unity, Pt. 1" -- it
shows that James Brown was always on the move, keeping ahead of the
next trend (or setting it himself). Today, James Brown's funky riffs
and drumbeats are sampled by literally thousands of artists for their
own rap or rock records, and throughout the years, it's hard to
imagine how there ever could have been Parliament/Funkadelic, Sly &
the Family Stone, Rick James, Prince and many others without "The
Godfather of Soul" laying down his funky sounds first. As essential
as it gets. ~ Decibel Dennis MacDonald, Roundup newsletter.
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Strangers
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
Date : 1977 (release)
AMG ID : R000031673
--------- Album Releases ---------
1977 LP Polydor 2383511
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Super Bad
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Charts : Billboard #061, entered Jan 30, 1971, on charts 015 weeks
Genre : Rock
Date : 1971 (release)
AMG ID : R000031650
--------- Album Releases ---------
1971 LP King 1127
King 1127
King 1127
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Take a Look at Those Cakes
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
Date : 1979 (release)
AMG ID : R000031676
--------- Album Releases ---------
1978 LP Polydor 6181
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : There It Is
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Best-of-Artist
Charts : Billboard #060, entered Jul 8 , 1972, on charts 021 weeks
Genre : Rock
Date : 1972 (release)
AMG ID : R000031656 (album inprint)
--------- Album Releases ---------
CD PolyGram 517986
1972 Polydor 517 986
1972 LP Polydor 5028
Polydor 5028
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Think
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
Date : 1960 (release)
AMG ID : R000002724
--------- Album Releases ---------
1960 LP King 683
------- AMG Album Reviews -------
Collection of singles 1/59 to 9/60. ~ George Bedard
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Third Coming, The
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
Date : 1981 (release)
AMG ID : R000031685
--------- Album Releases ---------
1981 LP Polydor 1029
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : This Is
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
Date : 197? (release)
AMG ID : R000031679
--------- Album Releases ---------
197- LP Philips 6336210
------- Album Personnel/Sidemen -------
James. Brown - Vocal
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Today and Yesterday
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Best-of-Artist
Charts : Down Beat #3
Genre : Rock
Date : Feb ??, 1966 (review)
AMG ID : R000135887
--------- Album Releases ---------
Smash 27057
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Tours the Usa
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Good
Genre : Rock
Date : 1962 (release)
AMG ID : R000031672
--------- Album Releases ---------
1962 LP King 804
----------------------- All-Music Guide Album ------------------------
Album : Tribute
Artist : James Brown
Rating : Best-of-Artist
Genre : Rock
Date : 1989 (release)
AMG ID : R000002757
--------- Album Releases
Return to The Skeptic Tank's main Index page.
The views and opinions stated within this web page are those of the
author or authors which wrote them and may not reflect the views and
opinions of the ISP or account user which hosts the web page. The
opinions may or may not be those of the Chairman of The Skeptic Tank.