The Whatnauts: Hurry Up And Wait andWhy Can’t People Be Colors Too?
From: On The Rocks [Stang, 1972]
Sometimes the high quality of an album actually makes it harder rather than easier to post about. I’ve spent waaaaaay too long with this album on rotation trying to decide which two tracks would best represent the quality of the Whatnauts 1972 release On The Rocks, and, after changing my mind over and over, I’ve come to some kind of decision on the matter and am finally in the position to put up their music.
Comprising three truly outstanding vocalists this Blatimore band never really hit the major big time that they deserved. Perhaps it’s because their sound, while undoubtedly funky, was less immediately catchy than many of their contemporaries of the time, who knows. However, from a personal perspective, each time I listen to their music I notice new subtleties to the blend and it cannot be stated enough how talented these guys are.
Hurry Up And Wait displays the band’s soulful class with aplomb. There’s something about the change up in the chorus which near on breaks my heart everytime, the lead, tenor and bass vocals taking their turns to plead their message. Full of real soul and raw emotions this is wonderful, wonderful stuff.
Although the band’s music did tend towards the soulful ballad the guys could funk when necessary and the classic Why Can’t People Be Colours Too? is a damn fine example of this. Over a minimalist funk break the band give their usual top quality performances before halfway through the vocals drop from the mix and the meatiest of beats kicks in to carry the track home. Perfect.
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One of the things I love most about funk and soul is how you'd have groups with many singers who'd contribute interestingly. Score.
Ohio for some reason totally subjugated most bands coming out of Baltimore in the 70s. D.C. still had some churners. But between D.C. and Philly, Baltimore's funk bands seemed to kind of be more on the deep off. I suggest you check out another Baltimore band, Madhouse – members went on to Bootsy's Rubber Band and P-Funk. Let me see if I can dig up that CD here.
cHUCk
Great post Junior. This site is the premier site for funky beats. I love "Why Can't People Be Colors Too?". In fact, I just used it as a beat for a mix of "Party and Bullshit" by Notorious BIG. Check it out:
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=7LQQ49R9
Keep up the good work!
Fantastic. Genuine melodies, genuine soul and genuine singing. Killer post!
Yeah I think you're onto something regarding Baltimore there Chuck. Think I may have to investigate that theory in more depth.
Hey pfunkrockit, having trouble with megaupload, would like to hear the remix – can you post it via yousendit instead?
here this should do it:
http://s41.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=34SH87ZJMHBHK1LKTD7DL8F44L
never heard of these guys before. 'hurry up and wait' is fantastic, except it sounds like hes singing why you make me "hairy". nevermind, dope track.
Nice track pfunkrockit.
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