This one goes out to Jerome.

For a long time I’ve been really amazed by Eddie Hazel. I didn’t know much about him until I started to get into Funkadelic. I threw on Maggot Brain was instantly astounded by this dude, even if I was a little annoyed with Clinton’s preamble. I remember thinking, this is some music that my mother could listen to, even though she’s always been more into Cream and Janis than Parliament. Here was this whole other side of P-Funk that I had never really been introduced to, this whole psychedelic side to a band I thought I had loved since I learned who was behind all those West Coast samples. I’ve seen it written that Michael Hampton’s golden pass into Funkadelic when Eddie Hazel was on temporary leave was a note for note rendition of this track, and it was this track that they played at Eddie’s funeral after he passed in ’92.

Download.

Have to say, though, the song that stays on my iPod isn’t Maggot Brain (damn that intro), but instead comes from Hazel’s solo effort, Game, Dames and Guitar Thangs. I’ve always had a soft spot for this song, and sometimes rock the José Feliciano version; this has been my favorite for awhile.

Download.

It’s a trip to me to think that Hazel’s also on this Temptations track that made it to No. 1 on the soul charts in ’75, along with bassist Billy “Bass” Nelson also from Funkadelic.

Download.

Bonus: Physical Love

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Two dope tracks from Isaac Hayes.

Walk On By

Just for reference, that’s an Isaac Hayes cover of a Burt Bacharach track originally recorded by Dionne Warwick. Mr. Hayes is no joke my friends, and he exudes quite a lot of things. One of them is funk all over this track. The distance between the two is staggering.

Walk On By

The second track here isn’t quite as funky, but is probably just as soulful. Fellas, I’m gonna look away now, but nobody’s gonna be mad if you cry. Promise you that.

Need to Belong to Someone

I’m telling you, put that second track away for safe keeping until you wake up lonely one night in your bed. Not for heavy rotation, but I’m always glad when it comes on.

Right click to download.

Original introduction to this song was the Nina Simone, but I’ve been loving this version.

Right click to download.

Another band with a name that makes it impossible to google for more information. Managed to find a myspace page and what looks to be their band site. Let’s hope there’s more to come soon.

And be careful not to mistype the myspace link, Kisses is an all female KISS cover band, and blowkisses with one s on the end takes you to a completely different band. Thanks guys.

No idea where this band came from or where they’re going. They have a 7 inch EP with three tracks available for download on their website, and they’re tagged as being in NY. This track also gets bonus points for being a bright sounding breakup song.