Strange Games and Funky Things, Vol. II

Strange Games and Funky Things, Vol. II: link taken from a north country bhoy. Check out his site for more quality posts.

“…The second volume in the BBE label’s Strange Games and Funky Things series somehow manages to improve on the excellence of its predecessor, maintaining a perfect balance between superstar favorites and rare groove obscurities. Any record which successfully sequences Jose Feliciano, Donald Byrd, and the Sugarhill Gang back-to-back is clearly working on a different level altogether — the ebb and flow of the disc is remarkable, shifting easily from uptown soul to urban funk to soul-jazz and back again. The majority of tracks come from the late ’70s and early ’80s, and blur the line between funk, disco, and rap — some were hits (like Rick James’ stunning “Mary Jane”), most weren’t, but all are given new life. The collection’s highlight is its closer, Marvin Gaye’s long-unreleased “It’s a Desperate Situation,” a record every bit as brilliant and searing as any of his familiar Motown hits of the late ’60s…”

01. Creative Source – Can’t Hide Love
02. Dee Dee Sharp Gamble – Easy Money
03. Don Blackman – Heart’s Desire
04. Roy Ayers – Life Is Just A Moment (Pts. 1 & 2)
05. Bobby Lyle – Magic Ride
06. Milton Wright – Keep It Up
07. René & Angela – Secret Rendezvous
08. Jose Feliciano – California Dreamin’
09. Donald Byrd – Wind Parade
10. Sugarhill Gang – Passion Play
11. Leroy Hutson – Lucky Fellow
12. Rick James – Mary Jane
13. Bobby Womack – How Could You Break My Heart
14. Bohannon – Save Their Souls
15. Marvin Gaye – It’s A Desperate Situation