Fat Larry's Band

[eddie]

A while ago, there was question asking about haphazardly compiled sets. The Greatest hits set put out by Fantasy on Fat Larry's Band has to take top prize in my book. Obviously, their 1980's hits can not be included for legal reasons. Why is "Close encounters of the funky kind" and "Good time" omitted?
I really trashed this group on one of my posts based on that Fantasy compilation. What else is odd about that compilation is that Fantasy rarely does compilations especially without issuing the original albums like was done with Blackbyrds, Soul Children, Isaac Hayes, ect.
Opinions on the compilation or the group.

[paul]

Overall, I like the band. I also bought that cd mostly to get Lookin' For Love. Though it also has Here Comes The Sun, I was surprised the cd didn't have Act Like You Know. I've seen this kinda stuff before where the record companies spread the hits on several cds. I wondered sometimes why they didn't just reissue the albums if they're gonna do that :roll:

[eddie]

For "Act like you know", there was a licensing issue. WMOT records I guess was a lot like Solar. While Philly International switched from Sony to Capital distribution in 1977, Solar was initially distributed by BMG. Around 1978, Capital picked up some distribution but then became very picky. Elektra (division of Wea) then distributed a handful that Capital rejected. Later in the 1980's Sony distributed Babyface's Solar recordings and had him signed for several vocal albums before he could leave.

Leverage in the industry is prominent. In the mid 1960's, Stax wanted a better deal with Atlantic. Atlantic only wanted select 45's after they were on the R&B charts or hits in 2 regions. Keep in mind companies only got paid for the first hit in the 1960's after the signed over the rights to the second hit. Cross-licensing for duets was onheard of.

I also hate that Fantasy Greatest hits collection because "Boogie Town" is the 45 version. The version on Hot records BOF is the elongated 12inch with blazing saxophone lines.

[paul]

Didn't know there were licensing issues. Thanks for sharing that eddie. 8)