Off of Graham Central Station's 1974 album "Release Yourself", "Today" is not only my favorite GCS song, but one of my favorite songs by anyone! Man, there are so many elements in this song. Classical, funk, rock, and anthemic! It has a strong Beatle vibe to it and Larry's vocals are dead on. The harpsichord is beautiful. And Larry's bassline, maaaan! The bassline, in itself, is excellent and "different" from what was happening in funk at that time. Larry gives a nod to Sir Paul and to the bassline in the song "God Gave Rock and Roll To You" from Argent. "Today" bassline also directly influenced Bootsy's "Another Point Of View". Anybody else love's GCS 'Today"

Classic Tune, Classic album!



...

I haven't heard it BG. I guess I need to find a good greatest hits album to get started on LG. I still have that post you wrote with a list of LP's to listen to that showcases LG's talent.
I keep hearing you and Legs talking about his talent.
I am going to hear for myself. I guess I will check out Ebay.

good choice on point as usual

TheRealFiness said:

Ah, damn, player. Thanx.

The first time I heard this song, I was crying. After all the funk of the first 7 tracks of the "Release Yourself" LP, I was not ready for the cut "Today". That intro is one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever composed. Even though it's on a funk record, it reminds me some type of signature music that would be played during a ceremony (i.e. wedding march, graduation ceremony) And the lyrics hit home too. "Music is the only love"

When Prince was in his GCS covers stage (94/95) I was hoping he'd turn this one out.

As usual, Black is on it...Oh!!!

Good pick, Black! A lot of the "Larry Haters" need to see where P got his "funkface" from.

Great record.


tA

Tribal Disorder

http://www.soundclick.com...rmusic.htm

TO ALL THE HATERS!!!!!


LEAVE LARRY ALONE!!!
LEAVE LARRY ALONE!!!
LEAVE LARRY ALONE!!!
LEAVE LARRY ALONE!!!

Well, you get the point....

funkpill said:

Thank u.

SPYZFAN1 said:

Thank u. Yeah they do!

theAudience said:

Thanx.

u know, I've been meaning to run a thread on this tune for quite some time, but I always forget to do it. But, seeing all this bullshit about Larry being blamed for P's downfall or whatever, reminded me to run it. i didn't expect anyone to post on this except for the funkateers, anyway. Those other folks don't even know what "GCS" mean anyway. So, this is for ya'll, the funkateers with the open minds!

blackguitaristz said:

Blackguitaristz I really appreciate you starting this thread because I am a big fan of Graham's work and I enjoy discussing his brilliance with people that have an informed opinion of him. I generally steer clear of starting these topics because they will fall into that typical convo that has nothing to do with music. It just amazes me how closed minded some people are about Graham because his influence on Prince's music is immense and has been there from day one. But 2 hell with the haters..keep on posting because this brother is a legend and deserves the respect.

BG, here you better put this in the initial post

psykosoul said:

By order of the Groove Master General...

tA

Tribal Disorder

http://www.soundclick.com...rmusic.htm

This song is the JAM and yes that intro is damn good. I love the vocal arrangement and his basswork is inspired as usual.

funkpill said:

Tell'em Pill. They need to stop trying to fight the strong Funk that Larry is layin down on the bass. Hell, you know this cat's bad when Booty's has to take notice.

"Free You Mind And Your Ass Will Follow."

Sho' yo' right Ms. Legs!!!

I've been wanted to say that for quite some time now....
[Edited 5/25/05 18:13pm]

Hollywood's RockWalk® - Celebrating The Greatest Names In Rock 'N Roll
http://www.rockwalk.com/R...rymore.cfm

Looks like somebody knows who he is.



Play on brother, hate on hater

tA

Tribal Disorder

http://www.soundclick.com...rmusic.htm

blackguitaristz said:

I had to add another reply to this thread because I've had this song on repeat since you posted it last week. I just cannot fathom how brilliant this song is. The bassline of Today alone is worth the price of the album. And that intro, LAWD HAVE MERCY!!! I defintely feel the Beatle vibe becase the bassline is similar to McCartney's playing and it resembles James Jamersons legendary playing as well. That harpischord is exquisite and the way it segues into the organ and then to the bass as the drums are ushered in is mindblowing. The vocal arrangement is damn good too!! As you stated, Graham's voice is OUTSTANDING!!! Larry Graham is so talented its unbelievable. If the closed minded people on this site actually pulled some of his records instead of badmouthing him they would really appreciate his greatness. That cat was so far ahead of his time!
[Edited 5/29/05 16:09pm]

One of the best songs ever! I played it for my dad once and he thought it was Prince. It's amazing how much of an influence Larry Graham (not only Sly) had on Prince in his formative years.

sunlite said:

Indeed!!

Hotlegs said:

Got to agree
He is a true true funk legend. Those that know, know. The rest can fcuk off