I came across this CD completely by accident (a promo copy lying around my office, in fact) and stuck it in the Walkman on the way home, drawn by the inclusion of a few famous names, such as Quicksilver Messenger Service and Ike and Tina. I have to say, it certainly livened up a dull tube journey.
From an era (the late 60s and early 70s) when it seemed it was practically a requirement for every band to get a little funky, this trawl through EMI's vaults throws up a mixed bag, but one which makes for a very enjoyable listen. From the deranged Japanese funk of Sadistic Mika Band (with a break just crying out for sampling!) to the silky funk blues of Quicksilver Messenger Service and the fat horn section funk rock of Alexis Korner's CCS, there's much to enjoy here. But the highlight for fans of Hammond organ is the nearly seven minute work out of Green-Eyed Lady by Denver based one-hit wonders Sugar Loaf, in which the organist pulls out all the stops (literally) over a mesmeric groove vaguely reminiscent of Brian Auger's work from the same period.
Elsewhere, Terry Reid, one of British rock's great lost voices, turns in a creditable version of Donovan's slightly creepy ode to a 14 year old groupie, Superlungs My Supergirl, and you also get a track from the Steve Miller Band before they took off and flew like eagles into FM ubiquity, showcasing Miller's prodigious guitar skills. Also, listen out for the sound of Bob Downes being strangled whilst attempting to play the saxophone...at least that's what it sounds like!
The only sour note is sounded by the bizarre inclusion of Hank Marvin's ill advised foray into psychedelia on Sunday for Seven Days, like your geography teacher trying to get down with the kids.
Like most samplers, you probably won't like it all, but plenty of it is worth having, and might open up a few new seams in your record library. Fascinating stuff, and you get the impression someone at EMI had a blast putting it together. Good effort, whoever you are!
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