PUNK FUNK! 1987 Style

I have this same 12 inch but ironically radio in my area
always played the dub version with the kick ass synth part
in the middle of the song.

I got the 12" too phunk, I don't remember radio in my area playing this cut back then.

In 1986,Rick began producing a third Mary Jane Girls album and it was titled 'Conversations'.The album was never released,as Rick was feuding with Motown.I wonder if Val's song was originally from the Mary Jane Girls project?

As you all know,"In My House" was originally intended for Val.

SoulAlive said:

I'm certain that it was. I was mad as hell in 86 when i kept calling
the record store for that MJG Conversation album anticipating it on
the release date to find out it had been cancelled. There's also a
couple of other songs on this project called Dreamin and Don't Make
Me Wait that sounds straight out of the MJG bag.

phunkdaddy said:

I wish Motown would finally release that album! The Mary Jane Girls got a raw deal.They were caught in the middle of Rick's war with Motown and it effectively ended their career.

Abdul said:

I never heard this song in my area,either.Her debut album was well-received,though.The two singles ("Seduction" and "If You Should Ever Be Lonely") got alot of airplay.It's a shame that Val didn't really get the attention that she deserved.She should have been as 'big' as the Mary Jane Girls,at least.

SoulAlive said:

I remember Seduction getting lukewarm play in my area. I don't care for
If You Should Ever Be Lonely. Her debut didn't really impress me. I do
like Mind Games however. Her second album packed more punch imo than
her first but her second album was released on an upstart independent
label so the album didn't get the push it needed.

phunkdaddy said:

I love the song "Seduction" I was surprised that it didn't become a big hit.

Another favorite from the Private Conversations album:

This is my favorite track from that CD:

"Sweetest Thing"


[Edited 2/26/10 20:53pm]

A few years ago,Val was touring with three original members of the Mary Jane Girls (Candi,Maxi and Cheri).Apparently,they released a new single,too! The song is titled "What You Give" and was released in 2008.




meanwhile,orginal lead singer JoJo continues to tour with two other girls,and she released a jazz CD last year.

Yeah the situation with JoJo,Val Young,and the MJG is a mess.
JoJo has a website where she comments on Val Young trying
to sell the public on bogus shows. And if i'm not mistaking
the other MJG recently kicked Val Young out the group. This
has become one big soap opera.

a soap opera,indeed! It's a shame that JoJo and the other three original members can't work things out and tour together.I don't understand what all the drama is about.

In any case,that new song (posted above) is CRAP! If that's an indication of what a new MJG album would sound like,I'l pass.

SoulAlive said:

What would be great is if the original MJG could reunite and
have Teena Marie produce the project.

phunkdaddy said:

phunkdaddy said:

Do you have a link to that site?

looks like i found it


www.jojourbandiva.com

Life is sweet! Things are moving so fast I can't keep up and you thought I was layin' low:) I have been working the whole time. Shows, appearances, interviews that's right, you're girl never left. So I've been told that there have been "Mary Jane Girls" appearences all over but I also hear that the fans aren't happy because there were promises of me singing lead( as I always did) only to find it was "someone else". Just food for thought, if there are MJG shows ANYwhere, know that JoJo will never be apart of it so don't get fooled. I am looking to the future and although grateful for my past, life is ever changing so you have to change with it or...get left behind. I hope you'll love my new music as you did the old. Talk to me, tell what you think.

JOJO

It's sad Jo Jo the voice of the MJG much like Jody Watley won't
be doing any reunions with their former group mates but life
has to go on.

phunkdaddy said:

In 1996,I saw the Mary Jane Girls in concert at a local nightclub.It featured JoJo,Maxi and Candi.Three original members.They did a great show and seemed to get along great.I don't know what happened between then and now,but it's sad that they can't work out their differences and do a 'real' reunion.


Hey,how about a Mary Jane Girls 'Unsung'?? That would be interesting to watch.