Stormin

Brainstorm’s debut album, “Stormin’” was released in early 1977 on newly formed Tabu Records label at the peak of the Disco craze. However, BRAINSTORM was in no way a Disco band. Bridging funk, R&B and some Disco, BRAINSTORM successfully merged all these styles to release an album of sophisticated music that would have fit on any format in 1977 and it did so with style. The most well known track off the album, “Lovin’ You Is Really My Game”, which became an across the board smash, perfectly caught the ambiance and fun of the hedonistic late 70’s night club culture. But take a closer listen and you will find that “Lovin’ You Is Really My Game” does not in any way represent the whole album. “Easy Thangs” is a funky R&B song, “Wake Up And Be Somebody” is a great funky Disco shuffler as well and became a club hit as well as a mid chart R&B Hit. “Waiting For Someone”, “Stormin’” and “We Know A Place” continue in the vein of spirited funk that you can dance to. Album closer “Hangin’ On” is a jazzy slice of instrumental funk and is a fitting way to end the album. BRAINSTORM’s talents were not only limited to Dance and Funk. The members of BRAINSTORM were skilled musicians and BRAINSTORM was a self contained band. Check out the album’s lone ballad “This Must Be Heaven”. Band members trade vocals here and the song is an aching duet that should have been a Quiet Storm classic. Thanks to Tabu Records for re-mastering this long out of print gem. This re-master has glorious sound and the packaging is simply gorgeous, the liner notes are fascinating and informative and there are Bonus tracks galore here. 5 of them to be exact and they are a treat. “Lovin’ You Is Really My Game” is available here in its rare 12” Disco Version, as well as in Single and Radio Mixes. “Wake Up And Be Somebody” is also available in two different mixes. The album’s beautiful original album cover art front and back is preserved as well. A must have for any Disco/R&B lover and collector.

I recently bought this CD reissue, for those who know the orginal album from 1977, it is great. I am surprised that the Tabu label has been reactivated, & I'm glad it is, but right now as of this date, it's still only available as an import to the USA from England. I am surprised with the packaging, it's very good but the removing the disc fron it's sleeve is a bit tricky, it's tight. No more broken plastic hubs espcially with digi-pack or orginal jewel case. The mastering of this disc seems a bit bass shy, but it's still acceptable to me, but could be a bit more bass pronounced. The liner notes are great and shed light on Brainstorm, a funk band who I really didn't know too much about. I cannot remember if the lyrics were included with the original Tabu/RCA vinyl release, they are welcome here. As for the bonus tracks the 7:39 version of Lovin' Is Really My Game is the track that attracted me to this re-release (track 12). I guess it was a 12" disco double A side release. The 2 versions Wake Up And Be Somebody (tracks 10 & 11) and the 7" single A & B sides of Lovin' Is Really My Game (tracks 13 & 14) are for completists, but still nessary here. I am glad for having all five of these bonus tracks. Listing to the whole CD release takes me back to when I was a 21 year old young man and life seemed simpler. I have to thank by friend, Steve for turning me onto the original Tabu/RCA vinyl release amny years ago and let me transfer it to cassette, and then later to CD-R. If you like this style of "old-school" funk, this CD is for you.

One thing that is fantastic about the digital format in music is the trend of albums that were long out of print being released again, especially since there's such a low overhead in selling them via MP3. It's allowed me to get lots of classic funk albums that weren't selling enough copies to keep being produced physically, but are now being brought back to the market. Such is the case with all three albums from Brainstorm, which also happen to now be available on CD--in fact, one of them is only available that way. I became aware of this band from looking up Belita Woods, who blew my mind at P-Funk concerts and on their albums throughout the nineties and the O's. (Check out Dope Dogs for a prime example.) For several years after I discovered Brainstorm existed, I couldn't track down any of their music, but I recently thought to check again, and it certainly paid off. As wth many performers George Clinton brought into the Parliament Funkadelic empire in later years, Belita Woods was previously part of a smokin' band, and while some of these tunes may be heavy on the disco side for funkateer purists, there are plenty of cuts that fall into the uncut funk category as well. Thanks to whoever put this out! Please keep on keepin' the funk alive!

When "Stormin" was first released, it was welcome music and timely for the times. The bonus cuts included add to the value of this collection. This album, by all means, is my all time favorite! "Wake up and be somebody, Lovin is really my game, This must be heaven," are great cuts, but I've gotta tell ya, the title cut "Stormin" is my most favorite cut! It is a fusion of jazz, R&B, and funk that I believe did not get enough promotion. I love it! You will love it too!

Truly Old School!

This is a must have album for anyone who loves soul, disco, groove and/or just great music. Detroit's own Brainstorm were on fire with the album. Lamont Johnson is killin it on bass!!

Estupendo trabajo que gira alrededor de la pieza estrella "loving is really my game", el resto desmerece un poco ¡Excelente!

I never got this album back in the day, the band were unknown to me. Now with Tabu reissuing all of the companies albums this was finally on my radar due to a high profile advertising campaign. I bought it along with the other 3 albums from Tabu ( I knew the other artists very well) that were released at the same time. I must say that these are great tracks and only after a couple of listens become memorable. I don't know why it took me so long to notice this album but I'm glad TABU brought it back and I can now appreciate this bands output.

From Canada Remembered 70’s song Found it on this cd. Album very good Reminds me of “ tower of power” Recommend lizard If you like disco music

This is another "lost classic" from the late 70s. Best known for the disco classic "Lovin' Is Really My Game" which was a massive club track in 78/9 the album showcases an incredible band. The packaging is excellent, sound quality first class and material is strong- firmly based in the funky soul orbit rather than straight up 70's disco which still sounds great today. A great album from a lesser known "one hit wonder" band that got stuck with the disco label. Well worth investing in this cd

At last, Tabu release this funk masterpiece on CD. From driving funk instrumental Hangin On, soul ballads Waiting for Someone and This Must be Heaven to the great dance tracks Wake up and Be Somebody and Loving is really my game this is pure class from 1977.