What's up forum members and freinds? It's been a long time since I visited here (probably my first post of 2008). I have come across some pretty good stuff over the last few months but I really am digging the disco/funk outfit "Shotgun". I had the blessing of being able to attain all 3 of the groups albums...1977's self titled album, 1978's "Good, Bad & Funky" and 1979's "Shotgun III". I liked them all but my favorite is the second offering, Good Bad & Funky.
I admit that I probably wouldn't have delved any further if I had heard the debut or 3rd albums before I did the 2nd one because the debut album seemed to be mediocre for a funk album (listenable but nothing to really rant over) and the 3rd album seemed to run str8 into disco territory which is not really my thing but that second one made me take notice and it was my introduction to the group.
I was amazed that I had never heard of these guys (here on the forum or anywhere else). I had to give them a listen when I heard them compared to Ohio Players & Cameo (which I have to disagree with) but I will say that they should have been recognized more than what they were.![]()
Last edited by visuals; April 25th, 2008 at 09:39 PM.
**Funk Is It's Own Reward**
I never got into their stuff. I only knew of them through the inclusion of their breakbeat track 'Dynomite' on one of the volumes of Ultimate Breaks & Beats, a compilations series that was heavily sampled in the 80s.
And I know that a member or two came from the group 24 Karat Black, which recorded an album on Stax in the early 70s. They did that track 'Ghetto Misfortunes Wealth', which was sampled by Eric B & Rakim on 'In The Ghetto'.
If you like late 70s dirty funk, I'd recommend seeking out stuff on the LCR label. Artists like APB (or All Points Bulletin) put out some pretty cool stuff. There might be websites out there with sound samples of their music so you can hear for yourself. I don't recall any LCR stuff making it onto CD comps, but the records (45s) are still reasonably priced.
Disco Funk
Hey Visuals:
Shotgun actually had 5 or possibly 6 albums. I know I guy in Jersey that has them. Titles include Shotgun, The Good the bad the funky, Shotgun III, Shotgun IV, and Kingdome Come. All were on ABC/MCA. I'm familiar with the track "Don't you wanna make love" but its not really remarkable.
SHOTGUN - stand up @ Dailymotion
Spot on Eddie !
"Ladies Choice", their last-known album from 1982 is the only one on another label ( Montage Records )
Shotgun - Artist - The Ultimate Soul And Funk Music Records Database
Shotgun Page
Last edited by boogyjuice; June 16th, 2008 at 09:35 AM.
"I'm All Strung Out" (from "the Good,The Bad...etc LP) was really popular in my local club when it came out.
JJ
Though I'm not really familar with most of their stuff, I am a huge fan of their 1979 hit "Don't You Wanna Make Love". Definitely an underrated funk classic.
I've seen some of their albums in my travels but never took a chance on one, which can only mean the ones I saw were at a price that prevented me from taking a chance. One thing that often crossed my mind when I saw their albums was that I recall reading somewhere that it was considered bad luck for a band to name themselves after another band's song.....silly? A few rock bands have done that and really got ragged for it in the rock press.
I started spinning at age 17, I am now 50 and made my living doing so until 1997. Here in Northern CA. USA, Shotgun's hit "Don't You Wanna Make Love" was a floor packer for at least a year in the cooler smaller clubs and discos. In a little place called Ozzie Funukins in Sacramento it would sometimes get played twice a night. At the IBeam in San Fran. one DJ would extend it for at least 10 minutes it was so popular. Back then a DJ would never do that unless he knew people would go crazy about a song.
By the way, where were these Cats from? Were they from Brooklyn, NY or somewhere in Jersey?
The reason why I'm asking is because, one of it's members looks like one of the original members of Slave!!! And Slave originated in East Orange, NJ.
Also, that large album picture looks like it was taken on Bushwick Ave. in Brooklyn!!! I'm totally unfamiliar with the group itself, but after reading your posts about them, "Don't You Wanna Make Love" sounds like a Cut I'd like to get my hands on!!!
'NUFF SAID
To me Shotgun were in the same league as Lakeside , Cameo , Breakwater , Kleeer & many others .
They like all others followed the going trend on their LP releases over the years .
I had 3 or 4 of their Lp's & all had their standouts .
Im gonna go revisit this track Jeff H mentions ...
must also mention that playa second on the left looks a lot like Ice Cube !!
** great work on the pics & info again boogyjuice !
R.I.P .... ISAAC HAYES
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