My Bass Rocks

Every now-and-then I get a healthy slap in the face from some funky soul music…The most recent instance is no exception.  While in my zone at the record store last weekend, a certain 7″ was brought to my attention.  This was “Misdameanor” by The Sylvers (performed by Foster Sylver), which I had yet to experience.  

However, the second the needle hit the groove, it all came full-circle…   

The Sylvers: “Misdameanor”

The beginning sample is easily recognizable by any NWA fan as the main loop for The D.O.C.’s “It’s Funky Enough,” as produced by Dr. Dre:

The D.O.C.: “It’s Funky Enough”

Some years later, Bad Boy Records released Shyne’s “That’s Gangsta.”  While it’s basically the Dre instrumental sped-up by about 2 BPM, it still goes pretty hard:

Shyne: “That’s Gangsta”

The Sylvers had a formula similar to the Jackson 5, complete with an all-family ensemble, and baby-brother leader in the form of Foster Sylver (ala Michael Jackson).  Their first two LP’s on Pride Records (The Sylvers, The Sylvers 2) are exceptionally rare, easily selling near the $100 level.

Regardless, if anyone can hook up either of the Pride joints, send me a goddam private message…

Don’t sleep!