The Five Deadly Venoms (1978)

In the late '70s and early '80s, funk could be divided into two main categories: hardcore funk (which included Rick James, Graham Central Station, Cameo, the Gap Band, the Bar-Kays, and George Clinton's Parliament/Funkadelic empire) and the lighter, softer sophisticated funk ("sophisti-funk" for short) of Rufus & Chaka Khan, the Average White Band, the Whispers, Heatwave, Chic, Dynasty, and Teena Marie. Before the arrival of J.T. Taylor in 1979, Kool & the Gang were the epitome of hardcore funk – and once he arrived, they epitomized sophisti-funk (which was also called "uptown funk"). Another group that epitomized sophisti-funk was the Brothers Johnson, whose third album, Blam!!, demonstrates that funk can be sleek and gritty at the same time. This 1978 classic is full of definitive examples of sophisti-funk; if you're a lover of that style, tracks like "Ain't We Funkin' Now" (a major hit), "Mista' Cool," "Ride-O-Rocket," and the title song are required listening. Equally strong are the mellow ballad "It's You, Girl" and the pop-jazz instrumental "Streetwave," both of which were well-received by quiet storm enthusiasts. The person the Brothers Johnson can thank for this album being so consistent is producer Quincy Jones, who really knew how to bring out the best in the group.

Reissue of "Out Of The Mist" (1977) and "Illusion" (1978) on a single CD.
Featuring original Renaissance members Jane Relf (Vocals), Jim Mccarty (Vocals, Guitar, Percussion), John Hawken (Keyboards) and Louis Cennamo (Bass), Illusion came together in 1976 following the death of original Renaissance vocalist Keith Relf (originally vocalist with The Yardbirds). Recruiting Lead Guitarist John Knightsbridge and drummer and percussionist Eddie Mcneil, the band assumed the name of Illusion (taken from the title of the second Renaissance album) and signed to Island Records. Their debut album was an updated version of the classical and folk inspired Progressive Rock that had been explored on the first two Renaissance albums. Featuring outstanding material such as "Isadora", "Roads to Freedom" and "Candles Are Burning", the album Out Of The Mist was a fine debut.

Reissue of "Out Of The Mist" (1977) and "Illusion" (1978) on a single CD.
Featuring original Renaissance members Jane Relf (Vocals), Jim Mccarty (Vocals, Guitar, Percussion), John Hawken (Keyboards) and Louis Cennamo (Bass), Illusion came together in 1976 following the death of original Renaissance vocalist Keith Relf (originally vocalist with The Yardbirds). Recruiting Lead Guitarist John Knightsbridge and drummer and percussionist Eddie Mcneil, the band assumed the name of Illusion (taken from the title of the second Renaissance album) and signed to Island Records. Their debut album was an updated version of the classical and folk inspired Progressive Rock that had been explored on the first two Renaissance albums. Featuring outstanding material such as "Isadora", "Roads to Freedom" and "Candles Are Burning", the album Out Of The Mist was a fine debut.

This one-off disco outing was recorded by Don Ray, an arranger who is best known for his work with disco maestros like Alec Costandinos and Cerrone (who produced this outing and also co-wrote many of the songs). It is a slick, ornate slab of Eurodisco that infuses its ornate orchestrations and pulsating rhythms with a layer of Kraftwerk-style programmed synthesizers…