This is the 1971 debut LP by obscure Chicago funkateers Rasputin's Stash. It currently changes hands on eBay for mucho dinero, ostensibly for the good-to-great Blaxploitation-era grooves within; but when I scored my copy for a few measly bucks back in the early 90s, it was strictly for the jaw-dropping cover juxtaposition of my favorite mad Russian monk and some prodigious 'fro action. Seriously, WTF?!?!
It wasn't until several years later that I actually got around to playing the album. And while it didn't quite live up to the cover (what could?), I was pleased to discover that it contained a number of funky gems, including "Mr. Cool," which was recently anthologized on Rhino's swell What It Is! Funky Soul and Rare Grooves (1967-1977) box set. From the dope-smoking intro, to the nasty fuzz guitar, to the specious claims about getting it on "with the President's old lady" (Pat Nixon could not be reached for comment), "Mr. Cool" packs some serious circa-''71 ghetto 'tude. You can really hear the hair!
dan, while watching carolina lose to maryland last night i spotted a fro worthy of the FF prestige... kid's name is Bambale Ospy
Posted by: Greg Barbera | January 20, 2008 at 06:09 AM