VA - Cold Heat, Heavy Funk Rarities 1968-1974 Vol. 1 [2004]

FUNK

VA - Cold Heat, Heavy Funk Rarities 1968-1974 Vol. 1 [2004]

Released in 2004 by Now-Again Records, Cold Heat, Heavy Funk Rarities 1968–1974 Vol. 1 is a crate-digger’s dream, an expertly curated compilation that unearths raw, regional funk from the golden age of independent soul. Compiled by Egon and Peanut Butter Wolf, the set sidesteps polished studio fare in favor of gritty, groove-heavy obscurities that once lived on dusty 45s and vanished labels.

The opener, Carleen & The Groovers’ “The Thing,” sets the tone with breakbeat-ready drums and a locked-in rhythm section led by Carleen Jean Butler. Amnesty’s “Free Your Mind” follows with psychedelic flair and socially conscious lyrics, while Detroit Sex Machines’ “The Stretch” delivers stripped-down funk with a garage-band edge. Other standouts include Michael Liggins & The Super Souls’ “Loaded to the Gills,” Kenny Smith & The Loveliters’ “Go For Your Self,” and the Dayton Sidewinders’ cover of “Slipping Into Darkness.”

Features is a James Brown medley by The Apollo Commanders, and Lil’ Lavair & The Fabulous Jades’ “Cold Heat” the compilation’s namesake, burns with brass and attitude. The Soul Seven’s “Mr. Chicken” appears in alternate take form, and Kashmere Stage Band’s “Scorpio” adds high school band swagger with professional-level chops.

Many tracks were previously unreleased or issued in micro-pressings, making this set essential for funk archivists. The mastering preserves analog grit, and the gatefold packaging includes liner notes that trace each band’s origin story. Cold Heat isn’t just a compilation; it’s a rescue mission for the forgotten pulse of American funk. (B)

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Track list

01 Carleen & The Groovers - The Thing 2:40

02 Amnesty - Free Your Mind 5:50

03 Detroit Sex Machines - The Stretch (edit) 5:01

04 Michael Liggins & The Supersouls - Loaded to The Gills (edit) 4:41

05 Kenny Smith & The Loveliters - Go for Your Self (edit) 5:17

06 Dayton Sidewinders - Slipping Into Darkness 4:33

07 Apollo Commanders - James Brown Medley ('I Made A  Mistake/Lowdown Popcorn' edit) 4:43

08 Lil' Lavair and The Fabulous Jades - Cold Heat 2:44

09 Soul Seven - The Cissy's Thang 2:22

10 L.A. Carnival - Color (original 7' version) 2:35

11 Aristocrats - Don't Go 2:23

12 Ebony Rhythm Band - Drugs Ain't Cool (instrumental) 2:45

13 Soul Seven - Mr. Chicken (alternate take) 4:40

14 Leon Mitchison - Street Scene 2:48

15 Kashmere Stage Band - Scorpio 4:39

16 Leroy & The Drivers - The Sad Chicken 3:00

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Music weaves itself into the fabric of our emotions, dances through the corridors of memory, and whispers to the soul of who we are. Sharing these stories deepens the connection, turning the experience into something timeless and profound.

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