JBs, Meters and Kool VS everybody else

[Headless mermaid]

What is it that makes these three groups so much better than Nite-Liters and all the other known 70s funk groups? Discuss!

You can have Watergate, North East South West and Pungee VS Afro-Strut?

[mr sayers]

With regards the JB's/James Brown it could be argued they are the originators of funk, so that's why they have the edge on most of the competition !

[Billy Dynamite]

Kool and the Gang have released a lot of good records so consistency across the 70s is a big point for them. Similar for EW&F and they probably straddled the disco era more successfully for me.

[medlar]

BT Express caned them all...

[babycart]

Because they weren´t funk bands.
JBs are a megalomaniac´s world domination project.
Meters are a high modernist exercise in the production of musical machinery.
Kool and the Gang are a lounge jazz combo with a sharp eye on the main chance.

And It´s Your Thing and Tighten Up are to funk what the Madonna & Child and the Crucifixion were to renaissance artists.

[Boi Bach o Bethel]

I think Charles Wright and The Watts street band are underrated, they should get a honourable mention. Their rhythm section backed Bill Withers on his early albums

[babycart]

I think Charles Wright and The Watts street band are underrated, they should get a honourable mention.Their rhythm section backed Bill Withers on his early albums

I agree. late Dyke and the Blazers was basically the Watts 103rd St band, too. Really distinctive dry, sparse sound with that lot.

[Brainbomb]

I've heard lots of obscure 7" tracks by virtually unknown bands that I think are as good as JB & Charles Wright (no that into Meters and Kool & the Gang, just haven't found many early records by them for some reason) - so I think one main point is that they stayed together for a long time and enjoyed early commercial success?

Since I'm no funk fiend... what are the other well-known 70s funk bands apart from Nite-Liters (that I have several records I like with)?

Where does Sly fit in here? Is it funk or some kinda freaked out soul?

[ricardosevere]

Since I'm no funk fiend... what are the other well-known 70s funk bands apart from Nite-Liters (that I have several records I like with)?

I'd put The (Fabulous) Counts and The Soul Searchers ahead of The Meters. If we can include 2-LP wonders then S.O.U.L too

[Mescal]

Well, cause George Porter Jr is one of the tightest bass players ever, and his playing with the drummer is groove as fuck. Their first three albums are all killer no filler.

Kool and the Gand def have their moments, but less solid than the meters

And the Jb's, because they had Bootsy

There are some other good funk bands and all that. But yes, there's a reason why the meters, Kool and JB's are highly regarded

[Knitwearfan]

If we can include 2-LP wonders then S.O.U.L too

You beat me to it sir. Also gave up the roughest, and possibly best version of 'Express yourself', bringing us nicely back to Charles Wright.

[blue burt]

I think Charles Wright and The Watts street band are underrated, they should get a honourable mention. Their rhythm section backed Bill Withers on his early albums

Yeah, I haven't listened them for ages but seem to remember them laying down pretty solid grooves on "You're So Beautiful". Need to revisit.

I picked up a copy of the Sir Quarterman lp this week - songwriting-wise definitely one of the most consistent albums of its ilk imo

[Headless mermaid]

Guess I agree with both Mescal and BabyCart's answers.

For the record honorable mention to Sly, Cymande, Nite-Liters/New Birth, Charles Wright, Ike Turner and all the super rare and super expensive deep funk records.