{"product_id":"1619-bad-ass-band-1619-bad-ass-band-lp","title":"1619 Bad Ass Band - 1619 Bad Ass Band (LP)","description":"\u003cp\u003eMr Bongo presents a reissue of the self-titled album by the 1619 Bad Ass Band, originally released in 1976 on the ultra-rare tax-scam label TSG Records.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eFormed by Khalid Abdul Shalid, this was the group’s only album, and it has since become a mythical, highly sought-after collector’s item for DJs and vinyl collectors alike—one of the most desirable records in the 1970s rare soul scene.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis New Jersey soul-funk gem captures the raw energy of mid-’70s underground funk and soul. The album initially disappeared into obscurity due to its release on TSG, one of many American “tax-scam” labels active at the time. These labels exploited loopholes in the tax system by inflating production costs to generate tax deductions, meaning commercial success was never the goal. Records were often pressed in extremely limited quantities, with little to no promotion or distribution, and in many cases artists were unaware their music had even been released.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhile this left the 1619 Bad Ass Band’s album overlooked at the time, it later helped elevate it into a holy grail for crate diggers and DJs—though the band itself never received the recognition they deserved.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eMusically, the album is highly diverse, ranging from lush, dreamy soul ballads like “Rain” to raw, drum-driven funk such as “Love To Love.” Other highlights include the string-laced, atmospheric stepper “Just From You,” and “Nothing Can Stop My Loving You,” known for its spacious synth lines. The track “Step Out” opens with a heavy drum break (later sampled on Latyrx’s “Interlude” from their 1997 debut album) before unfolding into a dynamic interplay of male and female vocals.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eEach track stands out, making it remarkable that the band received so little recognition at the time of release. After its original 1976 issue on TSG, the album was reissued in 1978 with alternate artwork on another tax-scam label, Graham International. Both versions are now highly collectible.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis reissue from Mr Bongo finally gives a wider audience the chance to discover a truly exceptional record—a testament to the often-overlooked brilliance of 1970s underground soul and funk.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MR BONGO","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57436994994520,"sku":null,"price":28.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0259\/9403\/5259\/files\/1619-Bad-Ass-Band-1619-Bad-Ass-Band.jpg?v=1780529770","url":"https:\/\/3345.nl\/products\/1619-bad-ass-band-1619-bad-ass-band-lp","provider":"3345 Record Store The Hague","version":"1.0","type":"link"}