GOOD GOD: A GOSPEL FUNK HYMNAL / VARIOUS

The birth of our 'Good God!' series, dedicated to diverse sounds from pious records, 'A Gospel Funk Hymnal' delves into infusions of worldly funk into gospel music's hallowed realm. Completing the cyclical journey of a revered rhythm, these tracks bear holy messages filtered through the earthly joys of bass and guitar grooves. Blending primal harmonies, expansive breaks, jungle percussion, senior rappers mimicking the devil, cast recordings, pounding bass, and James Brown impersonators, this is vintage religion bathed in funk's decadent sauce. Such a compilation can only emerge retrospectively. 'Gospel funk' stakes its claim as a genre much like 'deep soul' or 'acid folk', categories coined by collectors and enthusiasts to define subsections within subsections. No label, artist, or producer focused solely on funky gospel music; instead, hundreds of groups kept a funkier tune in their repertoire before recording a budget gospel album. From Canadian Trevor Dandy's 'Don't Cry Little Tree' LP, enjoy the relaxed 'Is There Any Love'... or experience how Sam Taylor might have opened his soul-stirring 'Jesus Christ Superstar' with 'Heaven on Their Minds'. Your spiritual journey starts here.