#439 James Brown, 'Sex Machine' (1970)

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Ever the showman, James Brown would lead you to believe that this double album is made up completely of live recordings. As it turns out, the first disc was recorded in studio. Reverb was added to it, as was live applause. It’s an unconventional way to present an album, but then James Brown was an unconventional artist.

It begins with an 11-minute version of the title track. As funky as ever, with Bootsy Collins on the bass and Jabo Starks on the drums leading the charge. A quick personnel change on the drums for the next song to the Funky Drummer himself, Clyde Stubblefield to take us through to the medley.

The medley includes ‘I Got The Feelin’,’ a song that was performed by The Jackson 5 during their Motown audition (look for it on YouTube. Young Michael embodies James Brown. It’s a wonder to see).

Even though this record is only half live recordings, James Brown live energy comes through on all. Close your eyes and you can see him spinning, dropping and sliding across the stage. While a great record, this isn’t even his best live album. That would have to be ‘Live At The Apollo.’ Hoping that shows up later down the line.

James Brown and these songs were so important in the development of music to come. James Brown, and to a very large extent, Clyde Stubblefield & Bootsy Collins, played such a large part in the sound of Hip Hop. Listen to these songs with that in mind and you’ll hear it.

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