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Hand picked records important to the history of Soul Strut.

Archie Bell & The Drells - Tighten Up

  • Archie Bell & The Drells

    Tighten Up 45 (1968)

    Atlantic

Yes, we are not above reviewing hit songs here on Soul Strut.  "Tighten Up" was one of the first funk songs to make it big and influenced a decade of small label garage soul that fetch for big bucks today.  Houston native Archie Bell recorded this song written by local DJ Skipper Lee Frazier right before he was drafted to serve in Vietnam.  It ended up becoming a hit while he was in combat.  It features one of the most recognizable guitar and bass grooves ever thanks to the backing band The T.S.U. Toronadoes (they have quite a repertoire of funky 45 themselves.)  Bell enjoyed modest success after this song, but nothing that remotely comes close to this feel good funker.


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