Album Review: Kearney Barton by Wheedle's Groove

I've had this not-fully-formed theory that a musician/band's talent is inversely proportionate to their age, i.e., the older a cat gets, the worse his/her music begins to sound. One need look no further than one of my favorite artists of all time to prove my point. His Royal Badness tore up the 80s and most of the 90s, but his last half dozen or so CDs have been lackluster at best. I'm not sure if it's a matter of the talent well drying up, not having the same fire in the belly as when the performer was younger or what, but Eric Clapton through Madonna seem to further my point rather nicely. Well, since hearing Kearney Baton by Wheedle's Groove, I see I'm going to have to re-think my entire argument.

The always strong folks over at Light in the Attic, known for uncovering excellent gems from yesteryear and today, are getting ready to re-release Wheedle’s Groove: Seattle’s Finest In Funk & Soul 1965-75 on September 8. When first released in 2004, KEXP DJ Johnny Horn, along with some friends, decided to get the original artists together for a one-night-only concert that apparently tore the roof off the mutha. So much so, in fact, that LITA, Horn, DJ Mr. Supreme, and lead-producer Dynomite D (of Beastie Boys fame) decided to cut a new CD featuring the original artists, many of whom are now easily into their 60s. The result is Kearney Barton, a funk fest so groovey it's going to put Funkateers of all ages to shame. The album boasts tracks by such local artists as Seattle soul legends Patrinell (Pastor Pat Wright) Staten, Robbie Hill, Ron Buford, Ural Thomas, members of Black On White Affair, Cookin' Bag, and Cold Bold & Together. Add production by studio wiz Kearney Barton (The Sonics, The Wailers, Black On White Affair), and it's easy to see that this is the bag Papa needs.

mp3: Jesus Christ Pose (Patrinell "Pastor Pat Wright Staten" and the Total Experience Gospel Choir covering Soundgarden)