THE COUNTS レコード& CD

Review: A rare and funky reissue of the 1971 album What's Up Front That Counts, by The Counts, the trailblazing Detroit funk outfit who recorded for Westbound Records. Notably, the album's title track has been sampled countless times by hip-hop greats, including Queen Latifah and Eric B and Rakim. Though the record has been out of print on vinyl for nearly two decades and it now comes reissued via Ace.

Review: Soul Junction are ever-dependable reissue specialists who look to Detroit vocalists The Counts for their latest slice of gold. The band started out under the name Fabulous Counts and were a five piece band who initially recorded under the mentorship of Popcorn Wylie. They first charted in 1971 before moving to Atlanta where they signed to Michael Thevis's Awae label. Various singles and albums followed and in 1978 one of the tunes they recorded was 'What's It All About,' a gorgeous tune with the most elegant strings and a perfectly string vocal compliment with subtle horn work. 'Watch The Clock' on the flip is a more dance-y number with big Rhdoes chords and driving drum grooves.

Review: This new hand-numbered 7" from Breaks & Beats is a sample hunter's delight. Two timeless funk gems with super deep vibes and lush vocals that have been pillaged by hip-hop and R&B artists many times over the years. On the a-side is a special extended Breaks Special edition edit of The Headhunters - 'God Make Me Funky' with its super tight drumming, languid bass funk and epic sense of late-night cool. On the reverse is another special extended Breaks Special edition edit, this time of The Counts's playful and funk gem 'Motor City' with its big fills and steamy sax lines.