Soul Express Album Review THE SOUL SEARCHERS Salt of the Earth (UK Soul Brother, 1974 / 2006) 1) I Rolled It You Hold It 2) Blow Your Whistle 3) Close To You 4) Funk To The Folks 5) Ain't It Heavy 6) Windsong 7) Ashley's Roachclip 8) We Share 9) If It Ain't Funky Another Funk classic from the revered Sussex label released by the good brothers Pragnell at Soul Brother! By 1974 the band had seriously developed their brass section and had honed a definitely more horny funk sound. Again, there are 5 tracks on here I adore. The one that really floors me is the old sampler's favourite. And, to be fair, what good taste they have too. The oddly titled “Ashley's Roach Clip” (no, me neither!) has featured on many a rap classic – even some I liked back in the day! Remember classics such as Eric B & Rakim's “Paid In Full”, LL Cool J's excellent “Jack The Ripper” and PM Dawn's “Set Adrift On Memory Bliss”. Along with Funky Drummer that has to be one of the meanest and baddest drum loops EVER! A big song on the two-step scene is the mellow cover of Bacharach & David's “Close To You”. This is not my cup of tea, but I know many will really want this track. “Blow Your Whistle” is a mean groove and does cut the mustard for me, and is one you can really get into! “Ain't It Funky” sure is a funky outing and “Funk To The Folks” develops into a very tuneful and soulful effort – it really is a great track from a great album. Over 30 years old, this does not sound dated or passé whatsoever, and to me that is the calling card of quality writing, production and musicianship. “Windsong” makes up my quintet of funky classics here. If listened to amongst today's releases it really does offer a genuine breath of fresh air. Both releases are worth picking up. Not a CD to overlook. - Barry Towler Other CD Reviews Albums of the Month in 2006 Albums of the Month in 2005 Albums of the Month in 2004 Albums of the Month in 2003 Albums of the Month in 2002 Albums of the Month in 2001 Albums of the Month in 2000 Albums of the Month in 1999 Albums of the Month in 1998 Albums of the Month in 1997 Other CD
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