New York street gang turned peace making musicians, The Ghetto Brothers' Power Fuerza gets the proper reissue from Vampi Soul. Protecting their block in the Bronx was the m.o., but once a member was murdered their outlook became that of positivity and change in the ghetto. Influenced by The Beatles, Grand Funk Railroad, and Eddie Palmieri’s Harlem River Drive, the GB’s combined the pop sensibilities with rock, latin, and funk grooves. 'Got This Feeling' is a certified jammer for the top rock circles across the world, 'You Say That You're My Friend' goes for the heart felt Lennon songwriting we heard early in The Beatles catalog, and 'Viva Puerto Rico Libre' pays homage to the mother land of Puerto Rico in a Psychedelic Latin Funk explosion. This is as much a part of New York's vibrant musical history as some of the classics, you just didn't know about it til now. Remastered with liner notes from Ego Trip's Chairman Mao. Recommended

• black vinyl pressing
• includes printed foldout insert w/ extensive liner notes by Jeff 'Chairman' Mao
• original release year: 1972
• music label: Vampi Soul 2024

reviewed by Gene Jacket 1/2013