 Larry Graham & Graham Central Station What can I say here except "Damn, where's Volume 2?" Larry Graham, who's received the appropriate props for being a founding father of funk bass, gets the retrospective treatment for his post-Sly & The Family Stone solo career. Opening with the infectious and undeniable street-corner harmonies of "We've Been Waiting," the CD traverses through smooth-as-butta slow jams ("One In a Million You"), funky ol' funk ("Can You Handle It," "Hair," "The Jam," etc.) and Graham Central's signature doo-wop workouts ("Your Love," "My Radio Sure Sounds Good To Me"). You know you've got a good group when your music could be compared favorably to Teddy Pendergrass, the O'Jays, and Sha-Na-Na. I wish all those white kids would quit trying to "funk things up" and leave it to the experts. Funk was never abrasive or cheesy when it was black. The great thing about Graham Central, a point made crystal clear by this comp, is that the songs were songs. Catchy-ass melodies over goddamn good grooves. Factor in the singing (better on some songs than the Family Stone itself) and you got an unstoppable style. And it's got the best back cover of all time, to boot!
Review by Lane Bowling |