10th
Speedometer Buries the Needle with “Four Flights Up”
Speedometer is proof positive that the deep funk revival is in full force, as well as the fact that Europe continues to rival the heavy New York funk scene. Following the groove stylings of other big names in deep funk like the Bamboos, Quantic Soul Orchestra, and the Budos Band, Speedometer plays tight rhythms together with sharp horn arrangements, funky clean guitar, and the seemingly required hammond organ. Guest vocalist Ria Currie fits the mold of funk soul sister to a T. She’s smooth and fits right in the deep pockets that Speedometer provides. The song “Am I Your Woman?” could be the catchiest funk song of the last 5 years. Robert Moore brings the male yang to Currie’s yin, rounding out the overall flow. Over and over while listening to “Four Flights Up”, I kept saying to myself, “Wow, I’ve heard that before.” It’s like this album is the soundtrack of my life, and maybe for good reason. I’m almost certain that at least a few of the tracks have been used in movies and/or advertisements. Does that mean Speedometer has sold out? As an aspiring musician myself, I would just say that means they are making the music work for them, rather than the other way around. The music itself comes off as easy and natural. I could drive my car all day to this stuff. Check these guys out! Though, trying to find them in searches is almost as bad as looking up my band People Within, as you’ll justifiably find a bunch of articles about cars. So here’s a little help: http://www.myspace.com/speedometeruk http://www.dustygroove.com/browse.php?incl_oos=1&incl_cs=1&kwfilter=speedometer Their myspace page says they have a new album “Soul Grooving LIVE” out as of March 2009. I’ll be sure to check that out sometime soon.
