Back catalogue: Funk

Review: An iconic soundtrack to a classic blaxploitation flick, JJ Johnson and Martha Reeves & The Sweet Things turned a collective head when they simultaneously composed their core themes for Willie Dynamite, directed by obscure director Gilbert Moses. This ineluctable screen treat stars Roscoe Orman and Diana Sands in a quintessential portrayal of early '70s New York pimping, with the central character's foibles giving rise to a latent conscience when he comes into contact with a young social worker. As is often the case with the blaxploitation genre, Willie Dynamite begins with the lead character cruising down the streets of New York in some kind of fancy car, and 'tracked by the central theme: the theme of Reeves' 'Willie D' is clear as day, lyrically portraying D's hustle as 'magic', "never treating two girls the same", "it's no different from any other industry". 'Keep On Movin' On' contrasts this with a note of modesty, signaling the movie's inevitable tonal shift; nor should you miss the B-side instrumentals 'Willie Chase' and 'Parade Strut'.

Review: After a start in the immensely popular Buffalo Springfield and a two-year stint forming Poco in 1968, he entered into a partnership with a young singer/songwriter called Kenny Loggins. Their career lasted for seven years producing multiple albums together. In 1979 Jimmy Messina released his first album which featured the well-regarded Jazz Fusion and Smooth Jazz tracks 'Do You Want To Dance & 'Love is Here'. Dynamite Cuts collects both of these for an appearance on this 7". For fans of eclectic 70s gems, this little 45 will get some strong play.