LPCDreissues: Looking forward to the past

Available for the first time on CD, this self-titledalbum is also known to fans (and in somediscographies) as Hot Heat and Sweet Groove asthat slogan appears clearly on the back cover. Withthis 1968 Warner debut, the Watts 103rd StreetRhythm Band outlined their loose, improvisationalsound bridging the gap between the proto-funkexplosiveness of James Brown and the earthySouthern grooves of the Stax/Volt stable, topped offby Charles Wright's incantatory lead vocals. Alongwith strong originals, the album featuresunexpectedly soulful covers of the Beatles' "YellowSubmarine" and Sam Cooke's "Bring It On Home ToMe." Includes original liner notes by comedy iconBill Cosby — who discovered the band and usedthem as the backing group for his own 1967Reprise R&B LP.T R A C K L I S T I N G :1. Caesar's Palace 2. Yellow Submarine 3. Brown Sugar 4. SoulConcerto 5. Fried Okra 6. Spreadin' Honey 7. A Little Class & A LittleTrash 8. 103rd Street Theme 9. The Girl From Ipanema 10. Bring ItOn Home To Me 11. Whole Hog, or None At All 12. Watts Happening