The second entry from Las Vegas-based funk/R&B group Home Cookin’ shows a group that is evolving rapidly. Home Cookin’ still pays tribute to the rhythm-and-bluesier side of 70s disco – think James Brown backed by a big horn section – but there’s also a growing acceptance of some slightly more modern sounds, a couple of samples and some electronic percussion (primarily heard in “City Of Sin” and the “X-Rated Superstar” remix).
The dozen tracks on Pink In The Middle are a strong offering. The band has a little more self-assurance both lyrically and musically, and the songs are more varied in tempo and arrangement. The first Home Cookin’ album featured some stretches of two or three songs where it was difficult to separate the songs. No such problem with Pink In The Middle. The new album spans several styles of funk and ’70s R&B, and even manages to make them sound fresh.
My favorite track from Pink In The Middle is the heavy-hitting, modern-funk-classic-in-the-
making “City Of Sin”, a tribute to the dark, seamy and seductive underbelly of Las Vegas. It’s a perfect example of the right song coupled with the right production style (it sounds unlike anything Home Cookin’ has done before), but the rest of the CD isn’t a slouch either.
If you’re looking to bring back the funk, you can’t go wrong with this one!
- Super Cool Sexy (6:08)
- Got Your Back (4:33)
- Leavin’ (5:06)
- Daddy’s Gone (3:54)
- Keep On Movin’ (4:18)
- What’s Your Crime (6:14)
- Cold Cock (4:30)
- City Of Sin (3:31)
- Rump Roast (5:41)
- Pride (3:59)
- Big Wheel (6:34)
- X-Rated Superstar Remix (17:25)
Released by: Fly Records
Release date: 2000
Total running time: 71:59
