This one may have dropped through the cracks, but in March 2012 De-Lite Records reissued the first Kool and the Gang LP. Originally released in January 1970, "Kool and the Gang" bears about the same relationship to the well know hit making machine of the late 70s that say the "Chicago Transit Authority" album has to the singles oriented Chicago post "Chicago VII" . It's a matter of personal taste, but I prefer the energy and rawness of the early stuff. Anyway, for all you early funk fans out there, enjoy another piece of history.



http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007EGGFJS/?tag=imwan-20

I like early Chicago better. I may have to check this out.

Also, Amazon says this came out on Reel Music. Does this mean that they're still in business?

And, to keep up this recent run of Kool & The Gang reissues, "The Force" and "Everybody's Dancin'" will be released on import on July 31. All we need now is for "Spirit of the Boogie" to come out and you will be able to get a complete run of Kool & The Gang's 70s output on CD at reasonable prices. As an aside, the disc that turned me onto to the band was actually the "Kool Jazz" anthology released by Mercury as part of their Chronicles program back in 1997. Until I heard this disc, I thought all they had going for them was "Jungle Boogie", "Celebrate" and a few other dance singles. I didn't realize what talented jazz rockers they actually were. A pity th bandy can't go back to that type music any more. It would be great to hear what 40 years of experience could add to material along the lines of "Wild & Peaceful".

Before they became a wedding band.