Way Out: 80-84

The first half of Way Out (80-84) consists of highlights from funk great Steve Arringtons two albums with his Hall of Fame, released on Atlantic in 1983 and 1984, after he left Slave. Perhaps due to licensing or budget restrictions, the set doesnt cover the drummer, singer, songwriter, and producers two Atlantic albums made without the Hall of Fame, which were released in 1985 and 1986; the Top 20 "Feel So Real" and the Top 10 "Dancin in the Key of Life," at the very least, should be sought by anyone with the slightest interest in obtaining Arringtons best output. This portion does include all the gems from Steve Arringtons Hall of Fame I and Positive Power -- frisky, rousing jams like "Way Out," "Weak at the Knees," and "Nobody Can Be You." Some of the songs were sampled for popular rap recordings, but the connections neednt be noted for Arringtons sake. Eternal funk classics dont need legitimization. The second half of Way Out features both sides of "Summertime Lovin," Arringtons 1980 12" single for Salsoul. Released the same year as Slaves excellent Stone Jam, these inclusions involve support from Arringtons bandmates, from Mark Adams unmistakable bass to Starleana Youngs sparkling backing vocals. The remaining eight cuts, all previously unreleased, are a mix of songs "deemed too progressive" by Atlantic and other Hall of Fame-era cuts that were completed by Arrington and a later lineup for this set. The stand-out is "Without Your Love," presumably an all-new recording, that resembles a synthesis of "Weak at the Knees" and early-80s Slave. "Funk and Roll Junky," "Crazy About You," "Why," and "Mysterious Woman" all have the hard, driving rhythms and invigorating spirit of Arringtons decades-old hits. Unfortunately, the accompanying booklet offers only a basic list of credits. Those who want to learn more about Arrington should look for an archived lecture facilitated by Red Bull Music Academy in 2013. ~ Andy Kellman