James Last - the funk is out there..maybe

[vinylism]

I know Hair/Herr Last can be something of a divisive topic on the board, but some might enjoy this i knocked out for Wax Poetics :

http://www.waxpoetics.com/html/conte...cle=james_last

[Brainbomb]

I like the title track on Games that Lovers Play - it sounds so sinister and evil. A friend of mine called it "nazified" easy listening... and there's something to it, when those pompous drums kick in...
Not exactly funky though...

[bongolia]

I like the title track on Games that Lovers Play - it sounds so sinister and evil. A friend of mine called it "nazified" easy listening... and there's something to it, when those pompous drums kick in...
Not exactly funky though...

always liked that one too. it was his signature tune i think, so there's loads of versions. the one on Love This is My Song might also be worth the 50p, assuming they're not the same recording - i can't be bothered to check...

[Lord Thames]

Yep, it's the same version on both LPs. Also worthy of note is the one on 'Live In London' where the strings go hideously out of tune at the end - very un-Lasty!

Nice article, Vinylism - always good to see someone approach James last with an open mind!

[bongolia]

Nice article, Vinylism - always good to see someone approach James last with an open mind!

one of the things i love about VV in particular, but often goes for fans of genres like Soul or Easy Listening, is that good tracks can be appreciated on their own merits, and separate from the rest of the career. was just over at the 'I Love Music' forum which is full of indie fans or ex-indie fans, and they have such a different attitude to music - all these people upset (i think someone may even have been in tears!) over the latest Daft Punk album not being up to the standard of the last one. crazy!

[Dr Rubberfunk]

Nice article - and timely, as yesterday, some 14 years after first hearing 'Happy Brasilia' in a club, I finally broke my 'Beach Party' duck. By finding two in the same shop

Now, what's the scoop on ROBERT Last then eh?

[bongolia]

and i don't think the article mentions that charity shop staple Kai Warner is Werner Last either...

[Blighty]

Nice article, Mr Wall.

and i don't think the article mentions that charity shop staple Kai Warner is Werner Last either...

That's interesting. I have a soft spot for some of his poppier moments.

[vinylism]

cheers for the feedback folks, glad you liked it. i know JL is well documented on VV, but some (non vulture) people will still pass on music unless it's of a certain pedigree, missing the point that funky music can sometimes come from the most unlikely places.

[70s-Kid]

Excellent article, Vinylism! Superbly researched and a fascinating read - nice one!

[Lord Thames]

Now, what's the scoop on ROBERT Last then eh?

Oldest of the three Last brothers, played drums on James' 60s LPs, then went solo and did great versions of Lucretia MacEvil, Black Night and Hey Joe!

Incidentally, the LP with those three tracks on may still be lurking in a local charity shop - I might pick it up today if anyone fancies it!

[emperor tomato ketchup]

was just over at the 'I Love Music' forum which is full of indie fans or ex-indie fans, and they have such a different attitude to music - all these people upset (i think someone may even have been in tears!) over the latest Daft Punk album not being up to the standard of the last one. crazy!

That place did my head in years back.

[Sie Vulture]

Nice one Darren, lovely article. I do wonder what the Yanks will make of it ( doubles at the ready lads! ) ... I thought I was the only person daft enough to have bought James Last's reggae album ( I probably only got it for the cover...haha! )

[Mumbles]

As a recently converted Last virgin ( there's a big psychological barrier to get over) it's good to see the man get some attention. 'Herr'... sorry 'Hair' is terrific
Given the number of his records that flooded Woolies,WH Smiths and the like in the '70's and for someone who's received over 200 gold and 17 platinum discs, it amazes me he's still a bit obscure in the USA.

[bongolia]

it's been posted before, but:

http://www.jameslast.com/

some great photos!