James Brown – Sex Machine (2xLP, MoFi)

Sex Machine is a double album by James Brown, released in 1970 on King Records. A cornerstone of funk and soul, it combines studio recordings with overdubbed crowd noise and genuine live performances, featuring the powerhouse original J.B.’s lineup with Bootsy Collins on bass and Catfish Collins on guitar. The album captures Brown at the height of his creative force, driving the band with relentless energy and precision, particularly on the extended 11-minute take of the title track.

The record is defined by taut grooves, fiery vocals and the locked-in interplay between instruments, with Brown’s emphasis on “the one” shaping funk’s rhythmic foundation. While some parts were produced in the studio to simulate a live show, the intensity and innovation shine through. Sex Machine is widely regarded as one of Brown’s definitive statements and a benchmark in the history of funk music.

Reviews

“Sex Machine saw Brown’s band, the JBs, at the height of their powers, blending live and studio recordings.” — Rolling Stone Australia