James Brown




I once sneaked a James Brown song in a DJ booth during a fiesta. The crowd who was minding their festivities smiled at the way of the speakers and groove. Such is James Brown's funkiness that even in a third world country where most people don't know him, people can't help but feel his message.




A friend of mine during high school, more than a decade ago, lend me his album. I couldn't get into his music then, the album that was handed to me was full of fillers. But what I didn't realize then was James Brown isn't an album musician. James Brown is a great singles artist. I realize that now. Traverse his albums and you'll find gems within.




His scream is indescribable: it isn't a primal scream such as those of John Lennon, or a gritty melodic one such as those of Paul McCartney, it was a screaming coming from within, a soulful plunging wanting to get out. The screams would go on and on, like the hooks of Stevie Wonder in Songs in the Key of Life. It was a beautiful fusion of r&b, gospel, soul, funk, jazz, and rock that could go on and on forever.



RIP James Brown.



Boston Garden. The Day after Martin Luther King was killed. 1968:



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Super Bad:



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It's a Man's Man's Man's World:



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Out of Sight:



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I Got You (I Feel Good):



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Prisoner of Love:



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Mother Popcorn:



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Papa's Got a Brand New Bag:



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Get Up (I Feel Like Being A) Sex Machine:



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Please, Please, Please:



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Cold Sweat:




Georgia on My Mind:



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Get Up Offa That Thing:



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UK Hall of Fame 2006:




4 comments:

  1. jhay (26 December, 2006 13:36)

    Thanks for sharing these videos. He will surely be missed.

    BatJay (27 December, 2006 02:37)

    hey schoolmate. nabalitaan ko nga agad kahapon pag gising ko na namatay na si james brown. sayang - paskong pasko pa naman. he's a great artist. one of the most influential musicians in the 20th century.

    thank you sa pag bigay sa akin ng link.

    ingat!
    jay

    Senor Enrique (27 December, 2006 06:48)

    Sad to hear the godfather of soul had died. He was truly an original artist; a man of his own.

    Anonymous (29 December, 2006 02:00)

    Merry xmas din at happy new year! -- jolo

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