Modern funk and soul appears to have been swept under the ‘mainstream’ rug like traces of a 4am kebab on your mother’s favourite carpet. That’s why DJs who specialise in funk and soul have to dig, delve and fight for modern vinyl; it’s such a niche market. All the decent stuff is few and far between; unique and often rare. Brooklyn-based Truth and Soul Records, one of the finest producers of modern funk and soul, have released their second compilation ‘Fallin’ Off the Reel Volume 2’. I know, I know: it’s a compilation and compilations are generally bad - if you liked a particular song by a particular artist you’d probably own their album anyway, right? The difference is that Truth and Soul are renowned for releasing music on limited edition 45 singles that never exceed 2000 pressed. It’s akin to popping down the supermarket and picking up some Evian after a code red terror warning; you’re going to have a bit of trouble. ‘Fallin’ Off the Reel 2’ is an opportunity for collectors who missed out on tracks to get their hands on them, or for those poor souls that don’t own a record player to become acquainted with the finest in modern funk and soul; and boy is it a fine collection. In a nutshell it’s a host of artists from Truth and Soul delving into everything from Latin-funk to the kind of funk beats you’d associate with Crockett and Tubbs in the ghettos of Miami Vice or Tarantino’s Jackie Brown. There are old favourites including ‘I Can’t Help Myself’ and an excellent version of Marvin Gaye’s ‘What’s Going On’, lovingly performed by artists with respect for the music and who, well, sing it with a lot of soul. We’re talking the likes of ‘Tyron Ashley’s Funky Music Machine’ and ‘Black Velvet’; a Cuban edge to the Latin-funk scores performed by the likes of ‘Bronx River Parkway’ – thrusting you into Little Havana with a fat cigar and a quart of rum. Wu-Tang’s Raekwon even gets involved for a hip hop score on the Pete Rock classic PJ’s – giving it a deep and funky edge. It’s a peculiar inclusion, granted, but it works surprisingly well surrounded by the more classic funk and soul fodder. If you haven’t heard of Truth and Soul before now, then Fallin’ Off the Reel 2 is the perfect way to become acquainted. Sexy, funky and smooth. A bit like yours truly on a Friday night… Dave Dryden www.truthandsoulrecords.com
tags: truth and soul | fallin' off the reel 2 | i can't help myself | marvin gaye | what's going on | miami vice | tarantino | jackie brown | wu-tang clan | raetwon | tyron ashley's funky music machine | black velvet | bronx river parkway | pj's | pete rock |
