What in the hell is country funk you ask? The answer is a complicated one, in part due to the fact that Country Funk is an inherently defiant genre, escaping all efforts at easy categorization. The style encompasses the elation of gospel with the sexual thrust of the blues, country hoedown harmony with inner city grit. It is alternately playful and melancholic, slow jammin’, and booty shakin’. It is both studio slick and barroom raw. And while these all may seem unlikely combinations at first glance, upon close listen, it all makes sweet sense. Light In The Attic presents Country Funk 1969-1975, a melting pot concoction of the music of Dale Hawkins, John Randolph Marr, Cherokee, Johnny Adams, Mac Davis, Bob Darin, Jim Ford, Gray Fox, Link Wray, Bobby Charles, Tony Joe White, Dennis The Fox, Larry Jon Wilson, Bobbie Gentry, Gritz, and Johnny Jenkins.

Featuring extensive liner notes by Jessica Hundley (MOJO, The New York Times, Vogue), original album/label artwork, and new illustrations by Jess Rotter (JessRotter.com, Rotter & Friends), this down home package is not only a treat for the ears, but a feast for the eyes. Think of this as a fantasyland where the Josie-era Meters back young Elvis singing Kris Kristofferson-penned slices of rustic American life and you’ll begin to understand the country funk vibe. It’s from the swamp to the city and all points in between.

1. L.A. Memphis Tyler Texas - Dale Hawkins

2. Hello L.A., Bye-Bye Birmingham - John Randolph Marr

3. Georgia Morning Dew - Johnny Adams

4. Lucas Was A Redneck - Mac Davis

5. Light Blue - Bob Darin

6. I'm Gonna Make Her Love Me - Jim Ford

7. Hawg Frog - Gray Fox

8. Fire And Brimstone - Link Wray

9. Street People - Bobby Charles

10. Funky Business - Cherokee

11. Stud Spider - Tony Joe White

12. Piledriver - Dennis The Fox

13. Ohoopee River Bottomland - Larry Jon Wilson

14. He Made A Woman Out Of Me - Bobbie Gentry

15. Bayou Country - Gritz

16. I Walk On Gilded Splinters - Johnny Jenkins

As a serious Funk aficionado of the "P" variety, I had my doubts regarding the appropriateness of even placing the words Funk and Country in the same sentence, not to mention the same genre. Nevertheless, having listened to each of the six examples presented in the YouTube clips posted here, I can hear how it all makes sense (...works for ME, anyway). I like the idea that this package features rare cuts, all newly remastered, along with extensive liner notes and illustrations. I am adding "Country Funk 1969-1975" to my Amazon wish list, and expect I will be placing the order within the coming weeks. This is good music.

MickyDolenz said:

Whoa! I missed these two (...guess you're adding them all). Thought I had spoken too soon for a moment while listening to "Lucas Was A Redneck" by Mac Davis, lol. Had to listen to those lyrics REAL close, but nah... I get it, lol. Never knew Mac Davis was so, uh... edgy, lol. "Lucas" may have been a redneck, but Mac clearly wasn't.

PDogz said:

As a serious Funk aficionado of the "P" variety, I had my doubts regarding the appropriateness of even placing the words Funk and Country in the same sentence, not to mention the same genre. Nevertheless, having listened to each of the six examples presented in the YouTube clips posted here, I can hear how it all makes sense (...works for ME, anyway). I like the idea that this package features rare cuts, all newly remastered, along with extensive liner notes and illustrations. I am adding "Country Funk 1969-1975" to my Amazon wish list, and expect I will be placing the order within the coming weeks. This is good music.

The house bands on labels like King and the Muscle Shoals musicians played on country, soul, and R&B records. Then there were singers like Joe Simon that were labeled "country soul/southern soul". Country music itself was partly an offspring of the blues, and it was originally called "hillbilly", then "country & western". There were also acts like Bob Wills And The Texas Playboys who mixed "hillbilly" with big band jazz.

PDogz said:

Whoa! I missed these two (...guess you're adding them all). Thought I had spoken too soon for a moment while listening to "Lucas Was A Redneck" by Mac Davis, lol. Had to listen to those lyrics REAL close, but nah... I get it, lol. Never knew Mac Davis was so, uh... edgy, lol. "Lucas" may have been a redneck, but Mac clearly wasn't.

Mac wrote In The Ghetto, made famous by Elvis Presley.

MickyDolenz said:

PDogz said:

As a serious Funk aficionado of the "P" variety, I had my doubts regarding the appropriateness of even placing the words Funk and Country in the same sentence, not to mention the same genre. Nevertheless, having listened to each of the six examples presented in the YouTube clips posted here, I can hear how it all makes sense (...works for ME, anyway). I like the idea that this package features rare cuts, all newly remastered, along with extensive liner notes and illustrations. I am adding "Country Funk 1969-1975" to my Amazon wish list, and expect I will be placing the order within the coming weeks. This is good music.

The house bands on labels like King and the Muscle Shoals musicians played on country, soul, and R&B records. Then there were singers like Joe Simon that were labeled "country soul/southern soul". Country music itself was partly an offspring of the blues, and it was originally called "hillbilly", then "country & western". There were also acts like Bob Wills And The Texas Playboys who mixed "hillbilly" with big band jazz.

There may only be so many notes to a scale, yet so many ways they can be configured.

Quite a discovery, I would never thought that someone would combine the genres like this, it's definitely interesting and might be worth the investment.

MickyDolenz said:

PDogz said:

Whoa! I missed these two (...guess you're adding them all). Thought I had spoken too soon for a moment while listening to "Lucas Was A Redneck" by Mac Davis, lol. Had to listen to those lyrics REAL close, but nah... I get it, lol. Never knew Mac Davis was so, uh... edgy, lol. "Lucas" may have been a redneck, but Mac clearly wasn't.

Mac wrote In The Ghetto, made famous by Elvis Presley.

I can't say that I had ever heard that song before, but I just did some quick research, read the lyrics, and will now be going back to give all the music of Mac Davis a closer review (I had always liked him, but am seeing now that he had more layers than I had previously known).

Honestly, I have never been a fan of Elvis Presley (except I have enjoyed some of his movies, like "Viva Las Vegas"), but the fact that "In The Ghetto" was such a significant song in his catalog, recorded at such a significant time in his career (...I just learned), I guess I'll be paying Elvis a little closer attention as well, to see what else I may have missed.

Fuck yeah, I'm down with Country Funk ! I tell people all the time that some of them old school white musicians had more soul, more groove, or more funkyness than a lot of today's soul(less), pop or Rap/Hip Hop music.

When i see fools booty popping to today's radio shit, I think to myself,

Just because it makes you shake your ass....don't mean its Funky !

Thanks for the Post.

[Edited 7/28/12 17:22pm]

Cool topic!


A few groups that combine elements of Country & Funk (or R&B) in their music.


Rhinoceros...



...Apricot Brandy





...When You Say You're Sorry





...You're My Girl




The Band...



...Chest Fever & Up On Cripple Creek



Little Feat



...Spanish Moon & Skin It Back


Some may want to argue that it's more R&B/Country than actual Funk but so be it.

From the comp, Jim Ford's...



...I'm Gonna Make Her Love Me




...Rising Sign

“Jimmy Ford is the baddest white man on the planet.” – Sly Stone
“Jimmy was a beautiful cat, one of the most creative people that I’ve ever met.” – Bobby Womack




Music for adventurous listeners

tA

Tribal Records

theAudience said:

Little Feat



...Skin It Back

PDogz said:

MickyDolenz said:

Mac wrote In The Ghetto, made famous by Elvis Presley.

I can't say that I had ever heard that song before, but I just did some quick research, read the lyrics, and will now be going back to give all the music of Mac Davis a closer review (I had always liked him, but am seeing now that he had more layers than I had previously known).

Honestly, I have never been a fan of Elvis Presley (except I have enjoyed some of his movies, like "Viva Las Vegas"), but the fact that "In The Ghetto" was such a significant song in his catalog, recorded at such a significant time in his career (...I just learned), I guess I'll be paying Elvis a little closer attention as well, to see what else I may have missed.

If you are interested in that era of Elvis' career I highly recommend this:

[img:$uid]http://images1.buymusichere.net/images/s/972/88697514972.jpg[/img:$uid]

http://www.amazon.com/Elv...From+Elvis

I don't know if I would call it funk but it is definitely quite soulful plus it is fairly cheap.

PDogz said:

MickyDolenz said:

Mac wrote In The Ghetto, made famous by Elvis Presley.

I can't say that I had ever heard that song before, but I just did some quick research, read the lyrics, and will now be going back to give all the music of Mac Davis a closer review (I had always liked him, but am seeing now that he had more layers than I had previously known).

Honestly, I have never been a fan of Elvis Presley (except I have enjoyed some of his movies, like "Viva Las Vegas"), but the fact that "In The Ghetto" was such a significant song in his catalog, recorded at such a significant time in his career (...I just learned), I guess I'll be paying Elvis a little closer attention as well, to see what else I may have missed.

Mac Davis wrote a song called "Friend, Lover, Woman, Wife". I'm not saying Prince ripped this off, or was even inspired by it when he wrote "Friend, Lover, Sister, Mother/Wife" but it's interesting to see how two artists seemingly miles apart might come up with the same concept.

In other words, Mac Davis was funkier than we thought, LOL.

rialb said:

PDogz said:

I can't say that I had ever heard that song before, but I just did some quick research, read the lyrics, and will now be going back to give all the music of Mac Davis a closer review (I had always liked him, but am seeing now that he had more layers than I had previously known).

Honestly, I have never been a fan of Elvis Presley (except I have enjoyed some of his movies, like "Viva Las Vegas"), but the fact that "In The Ghetto" was such a significant song in his catalog, recorded at such a significant time in his career (...I just learned), I guess I'll be paying Elvis a little closer attention as well, to see what else I may have missed.

If you are interested in that era of Elvis' career I highly recommend this:

[img:$uid]http://images1.buymusichere.net/images/s/972/88697514972.jpg[/img:$uid]

http://www.amazon.com/Elv...From+Elvis

I don't know if I would call it funk but it is definitely quite soulful plus it is fairly cheap.

I take the recommendations of my fellow “seasoned” orgers seriously, as we each bring to the table specific expertise in the areas of our individual interests. Plus, I know from personal experience that these “Legacy Edition” multi-disc sets are meticulously remastered, beautifully packaged, with comprehensive booklets that detail every aspect of each of the songs, including rare selections, that are included in the set. Moreover, if RCA Records does half the job with Presley’s “From Elvis in Memphis ...dition]” that Columbia Records did with Billy Joel’s “Piano Man [Legacy Edition]" set (both companies owned by Sony Music Entertainment), then I know I’ll be pleased. I was highly impressed by what they did with Billy Joel’s 1973, critically acclaimed, masterpiece. In addition to your recommendation, I also see that allmusic.com has given “From Elvis in Memphis [Legacy Edition]” a full five stars.

All this, coupled with the introduction MickyDolenz provided me with “In The Ghetto” (one of the many songs included in this set), along with the litany of other famous songwriters that contributed songs for this album (like Gamble & Huff, Eddie Arnold, Burt Bacharach, Bobby Darin, Lennon & McCartney, Eddie Rabbitt, Neil Diamond, and of course Mac Davis), I have no doubt that I will be completely pleased with this purchase, and new addition to my collection.

I can't believe I'm excited about buying an Elvis Presley album (my first one, no doubt, lol).

I've always thought that Charlie Daniels' Devil Goes Down To Georgia had a little funk to it, especially during the fiddle solo.

MickyDolenz said:

I've always thought that Charlie Daniels' Devil Goes Down To Georgia had a little funk to it, especially during the fiddle solo.

Funny you should mention Charlie Daniels and Funk. Bet you didn't know Bootsy Collins featured Charlie Daniels on his "Christmas is 4 Ever" CD, most notably on "Sleigh Ride", and my favorite; "Winterfunkyland (Winter Wonderland)", which also featured some very groovy vocals by the late Belita Woods (who, in my opinion, really made that song what it was - an instant, very funky, holiday classic). Charlie Daniel's violin work on "Winterfunkyland" was damn-nearly scary, and his part is followed by a Michael Hampton solo (...those two dudes ripped it up, exchanging riffs back and forth). Bootsy comments in the background "Oh you really thought violin wasn't funky... THINK AGAIN!".

In short, Charlie Daniels contribution to Bootsy's "Christmas is 4 Ever" CD is significant.

PDogz said:

MickyDolenz said:

I've always thought that Charlie Daniels' Devil Goes Down To Georgia had a little funk to it, especially during the fiddle solo.

Funny you should mention Charlie Daniels and Funk. Bet you didn't know Bootsy Collins featured Charlie Daniels on his "Christmas is 4 Ever" CD, most notably on "Sleigh Ride", and my favorite; "Winterfunkyland (Winter Wonderland)", which also featured some very groovy vocals by the late Belita Woods (who, in my opinion, really made that song what it was - an instant, very funky, holiday classic). Charlie Daniel's violin work on "Winterfunkyland" was damn-nearly scary, and his part is followed by a Michael Hampton solo (...those two dudes ripped it up, exchanging riffs back and forth). Bootsy comments in the background "Oh you really thought violin wasn't funky... THINK AGAIN!".

In short, Charlie Daniels contribution to Bootsy's "Christmas is 4 Ever" CD is significant.

He also plays with James Brown:

MickyDolenz said:

PDogz said:

Funny you should mention Charlie Daniels and Funk. Bet you didn't know Bootsy Collins featured Charlie Daniels on his "Christmas is 4 Ever" CD, most notably on "Sleigh Ride", and my favorite; "Winterfunkyland (Winter Wonderland)", which also featured some very groovy vocals by the late Belita Woods (who, in my opinion, really made that song what it was - an instant, very funky, holiday classic). Charlie Daniel's violin work on "Winterfunkyland" was damn-nearly scary, and his part is followed by a Michael Hampton solo (...those two dudes ripped it up, exchanging riffs back and forth). Bootsy comments in the background "Oh you really thought violin wasn't funky... THINK AGAIN!".

In short, Charlie Daniels contribution to Bootsy's "Christmas is 4 Ever" CD is significant.

He also plays with James Brown:

Well Dayum! Brother James was wearing that jumpsuit OUT!

And then it's settled... Charlie Daniels is officially FUNKY!

PDogz said:

Well Dayum! Brother James was wearing that jumpsuit OUT!

And then it's settled... Charlie Daniels is officially FUNKY!

You could also say that Charlie was doing some proto-rapping. Here's a track from 1973:

Here's another song from the same album that's kinda gospel.

I always though Life In the Fast Lane by the Eagles sounded like it

really cool thread

bookmarked for later

alphastreet said:

I always though Life In the Fast Lane by the Eagles sounded like it

Maybe this song too, but I guess like The Eagles, MTB isn't really a country group, but southern rock.

Q&A: Talking "Country Funk" With Light In The Attic Label Head Matt Sullivan

By Nick Murray
Published Mon., Aug. 6 2012 at 10:00 AM

Last month, Light in the Attic Records unearthed a group of songs that could at once catch the of ears of Nashville rockers and Brooklyn indie kids. Dubbed Country Funk, 1969-1975 (but not including the Boston band of the same name), the record places one-off demos and misfit tunes about female truckers side-by-side with tracks from Bobbie Gentry and late-career Bobby Darin. On Friday, Sound of the City talked to the label's founder, Matt Sullivan, about the genesis of the project and the music's place in history.

Can you talk a little bit about how you put this together?

A friend of ours named Zach Cowie—he goes by the DJ name Turquoise Wisdom—a couple of years ago he told us some of the stuff we were fans of before, like Tony Joe White and a few of the other artists, he came up with the concept of putting together a comp he nicknamed "Country Funk" and I was very intrigued. And he'd had mixes over the years that I've heard and liked, and when he DJs out a lot, in Los Angeles or anywhere else, he plays a lot of the stuff. So I was naturally and instantly a fan of it. So we sat down with Zach and tried to put together a tracklisting. Patrick McCarthy, the project manager here at Light in the Attic, helped out a bunch and picked out a few songs too.

And we narrowed it down, which wasn't easy because Zach had a lot of great songs to choose from, and then I started working on the licensing and then we got a hold of Jess Rotter to do the artist and Jessica Huntley wrote the liner notes. Jessica has written books on Gram Parson and did the liner notes for our Louvin Brothers reissues and quite a few other things. It took quite a while, a lot longer than I thought it was going to take, mostly due to licensing just because most of the tracks are all owned by different parties. There are a lot of reasons why people don't license things from majors and and indies on the same comp anymore.

Did you lose anything in the licensing process?

Actually, no; we got every track we wanted. When we narrowed it down, that was hard just because there were probably 30 tracks that we all really like. But once we narrowed it down we ended up finding all of the copyright holders and got to chat with most of the artists who are still alive, which was great. Unfortunately, a lot have passed away. We didn't get a chance to chat with Bobbie Gentry—she's as reclusive as they come.

What was the response from the artists with whom you did talk?

They all liked it. I think for them they enjoyed being on it and they loved the mix of artists, but I think for them the word "country funk" might have been new to them, even though they were deep into it and creating it. I don't think they saw their music or these songs under that moniker. Not to say they didn't like it, but I think it was something unique to them

When those artists were making these songs, to what extent were they listening to or even playing with the other artists who are included?

I think some of them were listening to each other's music, but not all. It's a wide array of music—people like Dennis the Fox, that was a private press kind of demo that he made, and I think Dave Clark even produced it or funded it. I don't think he was going for a funky country sound, but I don't know, and I think no one on this comp even knows who Dennis the Fox is. But people like Bobby Charles and Jim Ford and Bobbie Gentry, they were all in somewhat of the same scene, at least Jim Ford and Bobbie Gentry were. Mac Davis and Tony Joe White. Some of those people definitely did overlap. One thing I liked about it, which I don't think we were expecting at all, was the theme of the South and heading west to Los Angeles—you notice it on the first few tracks.

When I heard the title, my first thought was James Brown covering "Your Cheating Heart," or the country albums made by artists like Bobby Womack and Ray Charles. Was there any band-and-forth between that side of country funk—or country soul or country r&b or whatever—and the music collected here?

There's actually two volumes of a comp that we distribute called Dirty Laundry, and those are great. When Zach first came up with the idea, he liked all that stuff but his cup of tea was more this stuff, so we wanted to go a different route. It wasn't really intentional, it was just what we were digging, but those Dirty Laundry comps are incredible, some of my favorite stuff we've ever distributed. I don't know if that answers your question.

I mean, were the Dirty Laundry artists listening to the Country Funk artists? Or vice versa?

I don't know. I would think at this time, the late '60s early '70s period, the Country Funk artists were listening to some of those Dirty Laundry and probably grew up on some of them, but I don't know about vice versa, that's a good question. I don't if Ike and Tina were listening to Bobbie Gentry and Link Wray, but maybe so.

http://blogs.villagevoice..._attic.php