No-Brainer Purchase
SoulBluesMusic | Deep South | 10/07/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Finally somebody got it right- to release the best, spaced-out funky-ass rhythm & blues jams from this wildcat often called a "genius" by his peers. The red carpet was rolled out for this lush 2 CD 31 song set (6 previously unreleased!) digitally remastered with a 28 page booklet and a plethora of photos spanning the years 1976-1994. The music matters most but the packaging must be praised. The foldout digi-pack even contains pics of both the front and back of each of the albums covered here. Before becoming a pimpin' funkster Watson was a manic, Texas blues stringer known for his rapid-fire guitar fingers and the classic "Gangster Of Love" (way before Steve Miller copped the phrase). He reinveted himself in the 70s and this set focuses on this fruitful period. All the big hits and key album tracks are here: "Superman Lover" (R & B #19), "Aint That A Bitch", the unstoppable "A Real Mother For Ya" (#5 R & B #41 Pop), "Tarzan", "Funk Beyond The Call Of Duty", "It's About The Dollar Bill", the updated "Gangster Of Love" (#32 R & B), "Booty Ooty", "Lone Ranger", "Love Jones" (#28 R & B), his comeback hit "Bow Wow" & more. Most interesting perhaps are the "new" cuts. When asked by biographer David Ritz about stuff in the vault Watson was quoted as saying: "There's gold in them there hills!". He may be right. "Baby's In Love With The Radio" is a loose funk jam with Watson's laidback vocal delivery- recorded in 1976. On "ET" Johnny says his baby is just like that alien freak! I doubt he means in looks cuz she's a "supernatural" chick. "Feel The Spirit Of My Guitar" is Johnny's muatation of the Peter Frampton track. My favorite is "Don't Be What UC", which has a groove similar to George Clinton's "Atomic Dog" (and especially Snoop Dogg's "What's My Name?"). Here Johnny's tell y'all to stop trying to emulate folks and be yourself. There's also a track unreleased from the "Love Jones" sessions ("Before I Let You Go") and one recorded but unissued from 1994 ("Ain't Nodbody's Business"). But it's just icing on an already triple chocolate cake. The cover sticker says "You don't know *@#& until you've heard this funk!". Damn straight."
SuperBad FUnkateer
mistermaxxx@yahoo.com | usa | 09/11/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"if SuperFly met Richard Pryor's Mudbone then He would have Morphed into Johnny "Guitar" Watson. Johnny Guitar watson mixed R&B,Funk,Blues,Pop into a Stew.this Brother knew Groove&Simplicity. He made it all work while maintaining His cool.He was also a One Man band.Played a Variety of Instruments.talk about a Cat changing musical lanes?? back in the 50's&60's Johnny Guitar Watson was a strong Blues Based Cat.but when the Funk of the late 60's&Early 70's ruled Johnny Guitar watson not only got on board,but also brought His own Brand. this collection captures all of His timeless Jams.He willCrack you up,but also make you think.He was a Pre-cursor to Hip-Hop as well.RIP to a Brother who did his talking with His Guitar."
Track Listings (16) - Disc #1