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Still Alive, F*ckers: “Do It (‘Til You’re Satisfied)” by B.T. Express

By Marcello Carlin




Now, where was I? I know I said I’d see you last month but the combination of the need for gradual recuperation at home and an ancient home laptop on its last legs has prevented me from doing so. Believe me, I’m extremely fortunate to be sitting here at all, let alone write about anything.


Anyway, I return with some very nice funk, the kind which Sly Stone was no longer able to produce in late 1974. They were originally called Madison Street Express before changing their name to Brooklyn Transit Express, and then came the abbreviation. It gently bumps along for just under six minutes – we do full-length versions on this here blog - with the occasional basso profundo interloping of “whatever it is” leaving you in no doubt as to what “it” is. Apart from the startling irruption of sustained atonal organ chords in a couple of places – highly reminiscent of what Miles was doing at the time on tracks like “Rated X” – this is a fine and amiable reintroduction to its world, as well as the world in general.


Date Record Made Number Two: 16 November 1974
Number Of Weeks At Number Two: 2
Records At Number One: “Whatever Gets You Thru’ The Night” by John Lennon and “I Can Help” by Billy Swan
UK Chart Position: None
Other Information: One of the band’s two saxophone players was Carla Bley Band/Jazz Composer’s Orchestra regular Carlos Ward

Comments

  1. Billy Smart18 October 2018 at 06:16

    Oh good, it's a pleasure to see you back and active!

    I'd *hope* that 1974/5 will be a good run... but as to what got to #2 in America at the time I am in ignorance. It will be fun having you to guide us through what did.

    ReplyDelete

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