The Motor City's young black futurists would really demonstrate the Shape Of Thing To Come, and much of this compilation sounds more like the employment of fad gadgets, but there are a few goodies here. The Makers' 'Don't Challenge Me' is one. It's been on YouTube for a few weeks now, proving to be a deceptive taster because much of what's here doesn't match it's uber cool minimalist electro-soul wiggle. Guitar Red's 'Disco From A Space Show' hits the spot, though, with a deep space groove that retains an old skool R&B instrumental feel thanks to Red's guitar. Don't bother hunting down the album, mind; it's rubbish.
Deborah Washington's 'Shortest Lady' is odd enough to be interesting, with a stripped ESG-type groove and meaty bass. Key And Cleary add some quality by, ironically, harking back to Muddy's 'I'm A Man', although it's not a cover, it's a personal/political declaration of humanity in the face of suggestions to the contrary by would-be lynch mobs. Starship Commander Woo Woo (I'm not making this up) provides the closest thing to 'future music' (of old) with 'Master Ship', a six-minute instrumental powered by syndrum and near-cheese-but-not-quite upfront melody.
Much of this comp reminds me of how amazing Parliament's futurist Funk was, although comparisons with the genius of Clinton's crew may be a little unfair. Likewise, I can't help but think of Stevie Wonder's futuristic soul aided by TONTO, and we know how great that was. Still, if you fancy picking, thanks to this archaeological effort some treats have been made available.
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