WPR001

East of Underground

Self-Titled

In 1971, in the midst of America’s conflict in Vietnam, the U.S. Army held a show-band contest and showcased the two winning bands in a promotional album. East of Underground, the gritty runner-up, managed to capture the spirit of America with their sweet-soul covers of Sly Stone, Curtis Mayfield, and Funkadelic.

The quality of the recording is superior, as is the musicianship: the falsetto harmonies, the gritty guitar, the devouring drums. But song choice is just as responsible for the success of the album.

Unlike other obscure-funk reissues and compilations, East of Underground is immediately familiar, instantly gratifying, and endlessly playable. And especially poignant today.

Only a handful of original copies known to exist, the album is now reissued for the first time on CD.

Track Listing

  1. Higher
  2. Smiling Faces
  3. Hell Below
  4. People Get Ready
  5. Getting Over
  6. Bet ‘Ya Never Lose My Love/California Dreamer
  7. Popcorn/Santana
  8. I Love You
  9. Java Girl
  10. Walk On By

 

Browse More Wax Poetics Records