I stumbled on this song back in 2012 and five years later I still find it just as thoughtful and overlooked as when I first heard it. In a musical landscape littered with stylistic cannibalism, this song and artist stood out, and while Amon Tobin is a master of samples, Jon Ragel just creates his own.
Jon Ragel is a very talented person and his Boy Eats Drum Machine project deserves much more attention than it currently receives. http://www.boyeatsdrummachine.com/
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From 1965 to 1971 Clyde Stubblefield performed behind one of the most revolutionary musicians (and social activists) in recorded history. His time with James Brown is considered to be quintessential in shaping funk music, and along with John "Jabo" Starks, he was credited for being one of the most sampled musicians of all time. A self-taught drummer, he was also a well-regarded session player and house drummer for Public Radio International’s Whad'Ya Know?
Stubblefield was best known for his work on the songs “Funky Drummer,” “Cold Sweat,” and “Mother Popcorn” but “Since You Been Gone,” although maybe one of his funkiest, does not get as much notice. This is partly due to it going unreleased until 1988 on James Brown’s Motherlode Compilation. Just listen to Clyde’s left hand, his uncanny ability to turn around a beat, while keeping it funky. He performed all this while staying right in the pocket, never disrupting the tempo. Although Mr. Stubblefield has moved on from this planet, his performances will hopefully live on in infamy. Trojan Records has been releasing outstanding Ska, Rocksteady, Dub and Reggae music since 1968. Aptly named after Duke Reid’s Trojan truck which carried his sound system, it was the springboard for Toots and the Maytals, Desmond Dekker, The Upsetters, and the soundtrack for rude boys, mods, skinheads, and suedeheads in the UK throughout the late 60’s and early 70’s.
Along with the Paragons, Heptones, Silvertones, and Kingstonians, the Pioneers are one of my favorite vocal groups from that time period. They are known for their joyous rocksteady sound and although this track was recorded in 1974, it still gives off that upbeat sweet aroma. This was the original Monday Night Football theme song. Enjoy the Superbowl for those of you that still care.
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