Rare Political Funk/Soul 45: The Lumpen, Free Bobby Now
$
180
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Description
This record was written, performed and produced by members of the Black Panther Party in Oakland, California, around 1969. The BPP were at the vanguard of the "Black Power" movement and sought to improve the conditions of urban African-Americans through a combination of community self-help programs and confrontational political action. The Lumpen (derived from "lumpenproletariat," a Marxist term for the underclass) were created to spread the BPP message through the power of music; for more info on the group, go to http://www.itsabouttimebpp.com/Our_Stories/The_Lumpen/the_lumpen.html.
"Free Bobby Now" is an aggressive plea/demand for the release of Bobby Seale, a BPP leader who was in the joint for real or imagined crimes against the state. It's up-tempo, mostly vocals with a woo-hoo bridge between verses, backed by drums, bass, a choked guitar and one or two tenor saxes. Think along the lines of an unpolished combination of the Temps, Isley Bros. and Rare Earth, without the horn charts. By contrast, "No More" is a song of hope and determination that could pass for Muscle Shoals gospel. Mid-tempo, good harmonies, backed with drums, bass, piano and some tasty guitar figures.
The record itself is in VG+ condition, with shiny wax and no visible wear. There are some very light and inaudible surface scuffs and scratches on side 1, and side 2 is VG++. The labels have light wear, as pictured. The only other thing I can tell you is that I've never seen another copy in person or at auction/sale, and last time I looked it did not show up on Manship's website.
PayPal only, please. Add $3.00 for insured shipping to USA addresses; $4.00 (no insurance) to Canada; or $6.00 (no insurance) anywhere else.
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