July 21, 2014

“Country Funk Volume II” Is the Perfect Summer Soundtrack

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Various Artists
Country Funk Volume II 1967-1974
Light in the Attic

Country FunkLike its predecessor, the beguiling Country Funk Volume II, 1967-1974 is a collection of rebels, reprobates and other outsiders blurring genres and donning different guises. Ranging from big names to cult favorites, this dud-free, 17-track romp captures Kenny Rogers in his pre-crooner, almost-psychedelic phase and the chameleon-like Bobby Darin (here billed as Bob) in his down-home hippie groove. R&B greats Larry Williams and Johnny Watson team up for freaky rock and roll, while Willie Nelson tries out his outlaw persona—and likes it. Elsewhere, former Byrd Gene Clark puts a rootsy spin on the Beatles, and sleepy JJ Cale mines a deep, soulful groove. And there’s plenty more to dig on this scruffy, lovably offbeat set, which makes a perfect summer soundtrack.

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