Fatback ‎– Up Against The Wall (1983)

A seminal funk ensemble, the Fatback Band made many great singles throughout the ’70s and early ’80s, ranging from humorous novelty tunes to energetic dance vehicles and even occasional political/message tracks. The original lineup featured drummer Bill Curtis, trumpeter George Williams, guitarist Johnny King, bassist Johnny Flippin, saxophonist Earl Shelton, and flutist George Adam. Synthesizer player Gerry Thomas, saxophonist Fred Demerey, and guitarist George Victory were integral parts of the group during their peak years.

They began recording for Perception in the early ’70s, and had moderate luck with “Street Dance” in 1973. They moved to Event in 1974, and while funk audiences loved such songs as “Wicki-Wacky” and “(Are You Ready) Do the Bus Stop,” they didn’t generate much sales action. Their first sizable hit was “Spanish Hustle” in 1976, which reached number 12 on the R&B charts. They shortened their name to Fatback in 1977, and landed their first Top Ten R&B hit with “I Like Girls” in 1978. But their biggest year was 1980. They scored two Top Ten R&B hits with “Gotta Get My Hands on Some (Money)” and “Backstrokin’,” their finest tune.

Fatback kept going through the mid-’80s, landing one more Top 20 hit with “Take It Any Way You Can Want It” in 1981.

In 1983, Fatback released the album “Is This The Future?”, the album featured dancefloor favourites Spread Love (#88 US R&B), The Girl Is Fine (So Fine) (#28 US R&B) and Up Against The Wall.

The 12″ single release of “Up Against The Wall” featured a disco remix by Gerry Thomas and Ron St.Germain.

Up Against The Wall                                    5:20

Up Against The Wall (Disco Mix)                  6:44

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Fatback – Spread Love (1984)

Formed in New York City in 1970, The Fatback Band was the concept of Bill Curtis, an experienced session drummer, inspired to merge the “fatback” jazz beat of New Orleans into a funk band. In addition to Curtis, the band’s initial line-up included guitarist Johnny King, bassist Johnny Flippin, trumpet player George Williams, saxophonist Earl Shelton, flautist George Adams, and keyboardist Gerry Thomas. The band specialized in playing “street funk”. The group also later included conga player Wayne Woolford, vocalists Jayne and Gerry, Deborah Cooper saxophonist Fred Demerey, guitarist Louis Wright and George Victory.

In 1980, Fatback had a pair of their biggest hits with “Gotta Get My Hands On Some (Money)” and “Backstrokin'”. Also finding the charts in the 1980s were “Take It Any Way You Can’t It”, “I Found Lovin'”, and “Spread Love”, with singer Evelyn Thomas, in 1985.

“Spread Love” was written by Evelyn Thomas & Gerry Thomas, Gerry was simultaneously a member of The Jimmy Castor Bunch during his time with Fatback.

The 12″ mixes of “Spread Love” are by John Morales & Sergio Munzibai. The track would go to #88 on the US R&B charts in 1985.

One of my absolute favourite 80’s Club tunes, this one comes highly recommended !

Spread Love                                           8:00

Spread Love (Instrumental)                      5:36

Listen !

 

Fatback – The Girl Is Fine (So Fine) (1983)

The Fatback Band (later, simply Fatback) is an American funk and disco band. Most popular in the 1970s and 1980s, The Fatback Band is most known for their Top Ten R&B hits, “(Do The) Spanish Hustle”, “I Like Girls”, “Gotta Get My Hands on Some (Money)”, and “Backstrokin'”. Their 1979 single “King Tim III (Personality Jock)” is sometimes considered the first hip hop single.

Formed in New York City in 1970, The Fatback Band was the concept of Bill Curtis, an experienced session drummer, inspired to merge the “fatback” jazz beat of New Orleans into a funk band. In addition to Curtis, the band’s initial line-up included guitarist Johnny King, bassist Johnny Flippin, trumpet player George Williams, saxophonist Earl Shelton, flautist George Adams, and keyboardist Gerry Thomas. The band specialized in playing “street funk”. The group also later included conga player Wayne Woolford, vocalists Jayne and Gerry, Deborah Cooper saxophonist Fred Demerey, guitarist Louis Wright and George Victory.

In 1980, Fatback had a pair of their biggest hits with “Gotta Get My Hands On Some (Money)” and “Backstrokin'”. Also finding the charts in the 1980s were “Take It Any Way You Can’t It”, “I Found Lovin'”, and “Spread Love”, with singer Evelyn Thomas, in 1985.

It was during this successful period that Fatback released the single “The Girl Is Fine (So Fine)” in 1983, the Dance Version on the Spring Records 12″ was remixed by Francois Kevorkian.

The Girl Is Fine (So Fine) (Long Version)      5:52

The Girl Is Fine (So Fine) (Dance Version)    5:46

Listen !