The Good Thing Selection for April 2023
I first heard this record on a tip from a fellow Good Thing member who said, “I’ve been listening non-stop to Cymande’s self-titled 1972 debut LP”. If you are listening to something non-stop, then hey, I’ll listen to it at least once. Glad I did! Formed in London 40-something years ago by Steve Scipio and Patrick Patterson, Cymande brought together a group of nine Caribbean-born musicians to form what Rolling Stone would call “London’s greatest funk band.” They quickly released 3 albums in 3 years between ‘72 and ‘74 before beginning a near 40 year hiatus in ‘75. During that long interlude their music continued to excite and inspire. Their records were a cratedigger's delight and their sounds were sampled by the likes of De La Soul, The Fugees, Wu Tang and many, many more. Founding members Patrick Patterson and Steve Scipio gathered the original members back together in 2011 to record their 4th studio album. Cymande is still active and on the road today. Damn, they are playing in Italy in August. Let’s freakin’ go!
- Will Pratt
Tracklist:
- Zion I
- One More
- Getting It Back
- Listen
- Rickshaw
- Dove
- Bra
- The Message
- Ras Tafarian Folk Song