I believe that I own a review for Tune #58:
THE FATBACK BAND - IS THIS THE FUTURE?
I do not recall where I came across this song (it has been 2 years since the original post!). Nevertheless, I should try to fill in the gaps for a track of an old era.
The Fatback Band is a musical ensemble created in 1970 by drummer Bill Curtis, who had an idea of fusing the so-called New Orleans 'fatback' jazz beat with West Indie and Caribbean rhythms. Through 40 decades, the band delivered 35 albums with the help of approximately 100 members (including both regular members & guest stars).
Despite its large output, the band are not known to the masses, since they had scored minor success to the charts. That's a pity, due to the fact that their back catalogue is definitely worth listening but most of all taking into account that they were responsible for the release of the first rap single King Tim III (Personality Rock), surfaced a few months before the classic Rapper's Delight by The Sugarhill Gang.
Is This The Future? was released in 1983 by American Spring Records. While most European countries were in the fever of Italo Disco (a disco variation originated by Italy), US was still kicking with the funk stuff, supported by the emerging music genres of hip hop & electro-boogie.
So, what it so special for this track? OK, some basic ingredients for a neat funky song are detected: smooth intro, vocoded samples (in order to follow the trend of electro music), strutting bass hook and a great alto sax (by Ed Jackson).
However, the highlight is that despite its funk-oriented nature, the track is not about the typical feel-good vibes, considering the pessimistic lyrics coming into life with the deep & raspy raps of Gerry Bledsoe. It is a little funny how a funky song has a political meaning, wanting to stress the social/economic issues of Reagan's tenure. Even in that way, the jam leaves listeners with a sweet taste.
Trivia: The first track produced by Nick Bracegirdle (under his Disco Citizens alias), named Right Here Right Know, features a sample from FB's Spread Love, which is also included in studio album Is This A Future?.
The Fatback Band is a musical ensemble created in 1970 by drummer Bill Curtis, who had an idea of fusing the so-called New Orleans 'fatback' jazz beat with West Indie and Caribbean rhythms. Through 40 decades, the band delivered 35 albums with the help of approximately 100 members (including both regular members & guest stars).
Despite its large output, the band are not known to the masses, since they had scored minor success to the charts. That's a pity, due to the fact that their back catalogue is definitely worth listening but most of all taking into account that they were responsible for the release of the first rap single King Tim III (Personality Rock), surfaced a few months before the classic Rapper's Delight by The Sugarhill Gang.
Is This The Future? was released in 1983 by American Spring Records. While most European countries were in the fever of Italo Disco (a disco variation originated by Italy), US was still kicking with the funk stuff, supported by the emerging music genres of hip hop & electro-boogie.
So, what it so special for this track? OK, some basic ingredients for a neat funky song are detected: smooth intro, vocoded samples (in order to follow the trend of electro music), strutting bass hook and a great alto sax (by Ed Jackson).
However, the highlight is that despite its funk-oriented nature, the track is not about the typical feel-good vibes, considering the pessimistic lyrics coming into life with the deep & raspy raps of Gerry Bledsoe. It is a little funny how a funky song has a political meaning, wanting to stress the social/economic issues of Reagan's tenure. Even in that way, the jam leaves listeners with a sweet taste.
Trivia: The first track produced by Nick Bracegirdle (under his Disco Citizens alias), named Right Here Right Know, features a sample from FB's Spread Love, which is also included in studio album Is This A Future?.
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