Back in the early years of the 21st Century, there was a short lived series of compilation albums where each track was selected by a band or artist to showcase the music that influenced their own work. In response to this, I thought I would put my own series of compilation CDs together which would showcase a particular style of music that could be said to be very influential. On this volume, I focused on music that could be classed as funk and soul as well as being from (but not exclusively limited to) the 1970’s. Judging by the tracks on this first one, Rap, Hip-Hop, R&B etc could be said to have been influenced by what is on this compilation. There are also numerous samples taken from these tracks. I did a slight edit with track 1, ‘What’s Going On’ by Marvin Gaye as I took the introduction from the original album version and edited it to flow into the single mono mix. The single mix had a bit more punch for me (as well as distinctive fake ending). The second disc opens with ‘Ike’s Rap’ by Isaac Hayes, which I changed slightly so it fades in. The third disc concludes with ‘Inner City Blues’, which finishes with reprise of ‘What’s Going On’, brining the compilation full circle.
Disc 1
- What’s Going On – Marvin Gaye (Squire mix)
- The Boss – James Brown
- I Can’t Stand The Rain – Anne Peebles
- Kissing my Love – Bill Withers
- California Soul – Marlena Shaw
- The Message – Cymande
- Do The Funky Chicken – Rufus Thomas
- Watts Breakaway – Johnny Otis Show
- Shack Up (Part 1) – Banbarra
- I Got The – Labi Siffre
- Apache – Michael Viners Incredible Bongo Band
- I Just Want To Celebrate – Rare Earth
- What A Man – Linda Lyndell
- Be Thankful For What You’ve Got – William DeVaughn
- Baby Let Me Take You (In My Arms) – The Detroit Emeralds
- Hercules – Aaron Neville
- Get Up & Get Down – The Dramatics
- Supernatural Thing – Ben E. King
- Higher Ground – Ellen Mcillwaine
- Move On Up (Album Version) – Curtis Mayfield
Disc 2
- Ike’s Rap – Isaac Hayes (Squire Mix)
- Woman Of The Ghetto – Marlena Shaw
- The Payback – James Brown
- Respect Yourself – The Staple Singers
- S.O.U.L. – Burning Spear
- Are You My Woman (Tell Me So) – The Chi-Lites
- Wicky Wacky – The Fatback Band
- Everyman – Double Exposure
- Hot Pants Road – The J.B.’s
- Family Tree – The Family Tree
- Ready Or Not Here I Come (Can’t Hide From Love) – The Delfonics
- Back Stabbers – The O’Jays
- Itch & Scratch (Part 1) – Rufus Thomas
- I Think I’d Do It – Z. Z. Hill
- Cramp Your Style – All The People
- Summer Madness – Kool & The Gang
- Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me) – The Temptations
- Inside My Love (Album Version) – Minnie Ripperton
- I Forgot To Be Your Lover – William Bell
- I Can’t Write Left Handed – Bill Withers
- It’s A Shame – Detroit Spinners
Disc 3
- Right On For The Darkness – Curtis Mayfield
- Funky President (People It’s Bad) – James Brown
- Cross The Track (We Better Go Back) – Maceo & The Macks
- Down On The Avenue (Slow Ride) – Fat Larry’s Band
- The Bottle – Gill Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson
- We Are Neighbours – The Chi-Lites
- Low Rider – War
- Sing A Simple Song – Please
- Get Me Back on Time – Wilson Picket
- Do The Funky Chicken (Part 2) – Rufus Thomas
- Chicken Yellow – Miami
- Express Yourself – Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band
- Born to Live With Heartache – Mary Love
- Impeach The President – The Honeydrippers
- I Walk On Gilded Splinters – Johnny Jenkins
- Mighty Mighty Spade & Whitey – The Impressions
- The Assembly Line – The Commodores
- Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) – Marvin Gaye
A play list could not be completed for this compilation due to the unavailability of one on more songs on Spotify.