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Kool and the Gang in the 1970's Hi,
I was wondering if anyone here on this board dig Kool and the Gang?They had two breakthrough and diffrent periods from the 70's and 80's.In the seventies they were jazzy and funky.In the eighties they were pop commercial.Some of you people here have your favorite periods;some of you may like the seventies Kool and the Gang or some of you make like them in the eighties or both.My favorite really is in the 1970's.This is before J.T.Taylor entered the picture and the horns were doing the singing.Their funk was really cooking.I know some of their concerts from the eighties were filmed and released but I was wondering if there's any footage of the band in concert from the seventies?Did anyone here see them way back in the day?Peace! | |
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I liked the Jungle Boogie Kool.....did not care 4 the 80's version of the band. | |
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Graycap23 said: I liked the Jungle Boogie Kool.....did not care 4 the 80's version of the band.
co-sign |
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I liked them through their Forever album ("Victory", "Stone Love"). After that, JT left and they released FIVE compilation albums, and FIVE studio albums, none of which ever charted. The only compilation I bought was the Funk Essentials line. Funk Essentials also have compilations for Cameo, Barry White (got it), The GAP Band (got it), and more. GREAT sets. | |
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The first five albums released by Kool & The Gang are their finest moments and rank among some of the best 1970s Funk.
The following two to three albums, including Spirit of Boogie, are certainly ok albums. But they get watered down and boring after that. The first and second album are still their strongest work. | |
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MrSoulpower said: The following two to three albums, including Spirit of Boogie, are certainly ok albums. But they get watered down and boring after that. The first and second album are still their strongest work.
I'd probably agree but...   
  
...I'd have to go almost "all in" (yours + these) when it comes to comparing the pre-JT & post-JT periods "They're the second-baddest out there...They make such bad records that you got to be careful when you play a new tape on the way home from the record store. Their groove is so strong you could wreck." ~~James Brown (referring to their '70s era work) tA  Tribal Disorder
http://www.soundclick.com...dID=182431 "Ya see, we're not interested in what you know...but what you are willing to learn. C'mon y'all." | |
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I forgot about Good Times.  That one would certainly be in the top-list.
Wild and Peaceful is a good album, it is part of the "three album package" that I also referred to. There are good tracks Light of Worlds and Love and Understanding (especially the two different versions of Summer Madness), but overall, I don't find these albums as strong as the first five to six releases. | |
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I love me some Kool and the Gang, 
I'd have to say my favorite period was 1973-76 and I was lucky enough to see them live during that time...mind blowing shows! My least favorite is the disco era with JT as lead singer. I'm glad he's gone...ick! Of all the celebs I've met, they were the nicest, hands down. No diva attitudes even after they caught us sneaking backstage after a show in '73 or '74.  They were perfect gentlemen to a bunch of giggly, star-struck teen girls, (no groupie hanky-panky). A lot of dudes would have taken advantage, but they didn't...they gave us sodas and snacks and sent us on our way. I still have the autographed photo they gave me.
The good news is they're touring right now. I saw them last month and they ain't missed a beat! The show was off the hook! The sax and keyboard solos were particularly off the chain. The highlight of the show for me was when they played Summer Madness and Open Sesame back to back. The show was just under 2 hours and they played EVERYTHING! This man needs no introduction...he tore it up! 
This part was amazing to watch and hear... 
They had 2 excellent dudes singing the lead, (no JT thank God). This one gave me Eric Benet flashbacks.
Good Times! Prince, in you I found a kindred spirit...Rest In Paradise. | |
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MrSoulpower said: I forgot about Good Times.
That one would certainly be in the top-list.
Wild and Peaceful is a good album, it is part of the "three album package" that I also referred to. There are good tracks Light of Worlds and Love and Understanding (especially the two different versions of Summer Madness), but overall, I don't find these albums as strong as the first five to six releases. That's my isht! Prince, in you I found a kindred spirit...Rest In Paradise. | |
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babynoz said: I love me some Kool and the Gang,
I'd have to say my favorite period was 1973-76 and I was lucky enough to see them live during that time...mind blowing shows! My least favorite is the disco era with JT as lead singer. I'm glad he's gone...ick! Of all the celebs I've met, they were the nicest, hands down. No diva attitudes even after they caught us sneaking backstage after a show in '73 or '74. They were perfect gentlemen to a bunch of giggly, star-struck teen girls, (no groupie hanky-panky). A lot of dudes would have taken advantage, but they didn't...they gave us sodas and snacks and sent us on our way. I still have the autographed photo they gave me.
Nice..... | |
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^^ Sweet. Great pic.
I was about to promote a show with them about four years ago, and when I asked about their setlist, I was told that they wouldn't perform any pre-1975 material. I was like "nawwww" ... I decided against booking them. I wouldn't want to miss any of their old tunes. Who's gonna take the Weight and Chocolate Buttermilk instead of Ladies Night. | |
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Graycap23 said: babynoz said: I love me some Kool and the Gang,
I'd have to say my favorite period was 1973-76 and I was lucky enough to see them live during that time...mind blowing shows! My least favorite is the disco era with JT as lead singer. I'm glad he's gone...ick! Of all the celebs I've met, they were the nicest, hands down. No diva attitudes even after they caught us sneaking backstage after a show in '73 or '74. They were perfect gentlemen to a bunch of giggly, star-struck teen girls, (no groupie hanky-panky). A lot of dudes would have taken advantage, but they didn't...they gave us sodas and snacks and sent us on our way. I still have the autographed photo they gave me.
Nice..... I don't know how they tolerated us...there's nothing sillier than a bunch of teenybopper girls... Prince, in you I found a kindred spirit...Rest In Paradise. | |
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MrSoulpower said: ^^ Sweet. Great pic.
I was about to promote a show with them about four years ago, and when I asked about their setlist, I was told that they wouldn't perform any pre-1975 material. I was like "nawwww" ... I decided against booking them. I wouldn't want to miss any of their old tunes. Who's gonna take the Weight and Chocolate Buttermilk instead of Ladies Night. You shoulda booked 'em bro...they still put on a helluva show. Prince, in you I found a kindred spirit...Rest In Paradise. | |
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babynoz said: Graycap23 said: Nice..... I don't know how they tolerated us...there's nothing sillier than a bunch of teenybopper girls... Fans make groups.....and some appreciate it. | |
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babynoz said: Graycap23 said: Nice..... I don't know how they tolerated us...there's nothing sillier than a bunch of teenybopper girls... If the teenybopper girls are nice to look at, the tolerance bar is usually pretty high. | |
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babynoz said: You shoulda booked 'em bro...they still put on a helluva show. I saw them in 2001 or 2002 ... and I was very disappointed. They sounded stale, uninspired and simply had no fire in them. And they only played their newer music and biggest hits from the disco era. It was almost as it was an entirely different group. Nothing of the Funk they deliver on Live at the Sex Machine. | |
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MrSoulpower said: babynoz said: You shoulda booked 'em bro...they still put on a helluva show. I saw them in 2001 or 2002 ... and I was very disappointed. They sounded stale, uninspired and simply had no fire in them. And they only played their newer music and biggest hits from the disco era. It was almost as it was an entirely different group. Nothing of the Funk they deliver on Live at the Sex Machine. Man, that's a shame. They are definitely back in the funk phase now, even though they did play a bit of their disco era stuff. And they had more energy onstage than kids half their age. Prince, in you I found a kindred spirit...Rest In Paradise. | |
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babynoz said: MrSoulpower said: I saw them in 2001 or 2002 ... and I was very disappointed. They sounded stale, uninspired and simply had no fire in them. And they only played their newer music and biggest hits from the disco era. It was almost as it was an entirely different group. Nothing of the Funk they deliver on Live at the Sex Machine. Man, that's a shame. They are definitely back in the funk phase now, even though they did play a bit of their disco era stuff. And they had more energy onstage than kids half their age. I'll check them out.  Unfortunately, most oldschool Funk artists today sound nothing like they did back in the 60s or 70s. They just don't have the fire and energy anymore. Which is why new acts like The Dap-Kings or Osaka Monaurail would intimidate them on stage.
There are a few that I've seen who still got it, though. Mandrill for example. Tower of Power are still pretty heavy on the Funk, too. RAMP as well. | |
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MrSoulpower said: babynoz said: Man, that's a shame. They are definitely back in the funk phase now, even though they did play a bit of their disco era stuff. And they had more energy onstage than kids half their age. I'll check them out. Unfortunately, most oldschool Funk artists today sound nothing like they did back in the 60s or 70s. They just don't have the fire and energy anymore. Which is why new acts like The Dap-Kings or Osaka Monaurail would intimidate them on stage.
There are a few that I've seen who still got it, though. Mandrill for example. Tower of Power are still pretty heavy on the Funk, too. RAMP as well. I saw Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings last year...they're fantastic. I'd dearly love to see Mandrill. Prince, in you I found a kindred spirit...Rest In Paradise. | |
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"Ya see, we're not interested in what you know...but what you are willing to learn. C'mon y'all." | |
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Am I the only one here who likes both versions of Kool and the Gang?  I dig the 70s albums but I also like the JT Taylor era,too. | |
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SoulAlive said: Am I the only one here who likes both versions of Kool and the Gang?
I dig the 70s albums but I also like the JT Taylor era,too. welllll.....I actually stayed with them up to Something Special ( come to think of it, I still like that album )...but after that, they got a little too Poppy for me, ..... but I do like their first 3 early 80's records for what they are, commercial Pop albums--
but those albums on De Lite are another animal entirely...when I want straight up, no holds barred Funk/R&B, I reach for that Kool and the Gang.... ... [Edited 6/5/09 7:12am] " I've got six things on my mind --you're no longer one of them." - Paddy McAloon, Prefab Sprout | |
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paligap said: SoulAlive said: Am I the only one here who likes both versions of Kool and the Gang?
I dig the 70s albums but I also like the JT Taylor era,too. welllll.....I actually stayed with them up to Something Special ( come to think of it, I still like that album )...but after that, they got a little too Poppy for me, ..... but I do like their first 3 early 80's records for what they are, commercial Pop albums--
but those albums on De Lite are another animal entirely...when I want straight up, no holds barred Funk/R&B, I reach for that Kool and the Gang..... 'Something Special' is probably the best of the JT-era albums but you didn't like "Misled"? I think that song is excellent....one of their finest singles. | |
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SoulAlive said: paligap said: welllll.....I actually stayed with them up to Something Special ( come to think of it, I still like that album )...but after that, they got a little too Poppy for me, ..... but I do like their first 3 early 80's records for what they are, commercial Pop albums--
but those albums on De Lite are another animal entirely...when I want straight up, no holds barred Funk/R&B, I reach for that Kool and the Gang..... 'Something Special' is probably the best of the JT-era albums but you didn't like "Misled"? I think that song is excellent....one of their finest singles. mmmm...Nahhhh....but that's just me,
... " I've got six things on my mind --you're no longer one of them." - Paddy McAloon, Prefab Sprout | |
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babynoz said: I love me some Kool and the Gang,
I'd have to say my favorite period was 1973-76 and I was lucky enough to see them live during that time...mind blowing shows! My least favorite is the disco era with JT as lead singer. I'm glad he's gone...ick! Hey babynoz,how many times you caught these boys in concert from around that time?Did they have supporting or opening acts?I wish I had seen them back then.Their wardrobe and musicianship was totally out of this world.Like I said,I hope there's footage of the band of the 73-76 era.Peace! Of all the celebs I've met, they were the nicest, hands down. No diva attitudes even after they caught us sneaking backstage after a show in '73 or '74. They were perfect gentlemen to a bunch of giggly, star-struck teen girls, (no groupie hanky-panky). A lot of dudes would have taken advantage, but they didn't...they gave us sodas and snacks and sent us on our way. I still have the autographed photo they gave me.
The good news is they're touring right now. I saw them last month and they ain't missed a beat! The show was off the hook! The sax and keyboard solos were particularly off the chain. The highlight of the show for me was when they played Summer Madness and Open Sesame back to back. The show was just under 2 hours and they played EVERYTHING! This man needs no introduction...he tore it up!
This part was amazing to watch and hear...
They had 2 excellent dudes singing the lead, (no JT thank God). This one gave me Eric Benet flashbacks.
Good Times! | |
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Daryl, I saw them twice back in the day. I'm thinking 1973 and '75. Both times the opening act was a local group, (they used to have locals open a lot back then).
It was an incredible time for funk music and everybody was bringing their A-game. I had to get on a dude at work the other day for saying you can't put Kool's horn section up against EWF. 
I wish there was more video around from these shows too. Prince, in you I found a kindred spirit...Rest In Paradise. | |
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SoulAlive said: Am I the only one here who likes both versions of Kool and the Gang?
I dig the 70s albums but I also like the JT Taylor era,too.No I like both versions too Soul, for the raw funk of the Pre-JT version and the Pop/R&B for the JT version as well. Both factions made some great cuts IMO | |
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Abdul said: SoulAlive said: Am I the only one here who likes both versions of Kool and the Gang?
I dig the 70s albums but I also like the JT Taylor era,too.No I like both versions too Soul, for the raw funk of the Pre-JT version and the Pop/R&B for the JT version as well. Both factions made some great cuts IMO  I think it's great that they have two successful eras that they can be proud of.Many 70s funk bands didn't survive into the 80s,but Kool and the Gang certainly did.
... [Edited 6/6/09 12:36pm] | |
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The 80's version of Kool and the Gang pulled off an incredible feat.
In the middle of a huge hit song they said: ....."If you receive your calling before I awake could I make it through the night....." To this day I get the Scooby Doo look when I hear that. I figured well, Kool must've got a call from his Mercedes dealer asking about payments while he and JT were writing the song. Kool (On phone with Sales Rep.) "Yes, we just received our royalty checks for "Let's Go Dancing". I'll send the payment for the remaining balance." JT (Interrupts from the other room.) Kool? What do you think about this line man? "I hope and pray before I lay down by your side. If you receive your calling before I awake uh..... could I make it through the night." Kool (Covers phone) JT, I'm talkin' business. JT: Do you like it? Kool: Yeah man. Go with it. JT: (Wipes forehead) "Whew. That was close." I remember thinking: "OK. You're asleep. Probably dreaming about Jayne Kennedy. Snoring. A little slob coming down the side of your mouth. And your wife or girlfriend receives her calling. How will you know?" Well, you're asleep so you are going to make it through the night because..... you're ASLEEP! "The first time I saw the cover of Dirty Mind in the early 80s I thought, 'Is this some drag queen ripping on Freddie Prinze?'" - Some guy on The Gear Page | |
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carlcranshaw said: The 80's version of Kool and the Gang pulled off an incredible feat.
In the middle of a huge hit song they said: ....."If you receive your calling before I awake could I make it through the night....." To this day I get the Scooby Doo look when I hear that. I figured well, Kool must've got a call from his Mercedes dealer asking about payments while he and JT were writing the song. Kool (On phone with Sales Rep.) "Yes, we just received our royalty checks for "Let's Go Dancing". I'll send the payment for the remaining balance." JT (Interrupts from the other room.) Kool? What do you think about this line man? "I hope and pray before I lay down by your side. If you receive your calling before I awake uh..... could I make it through the night." Kool (Covers phone) JT, I'm talkin' business. JT: Do you like it? Kool: Yeah man. Go with it. JT: (Wipes forehead) "Whew. That was close." I remember thinking: "OK. You're asleep. Probably dreaming about Jayne Kennedy. Snoring. A little slob coming down the side of your mouth. And your wife or girlfriend receives her calling. How will you know?" Well, you're asleep so you are going to make it through the night because..... you're ASLEEP! 
similarly,the song "Get Down On It" contains a lyric that doesn't really make alot of sense... how you gonna do it if you really don't wanna dance by standing on the wall "standing on the wall"??  Are they singing this line to Spider-Man? | |
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