THE BAMBOOS By Special Arrangement (45 RPM, Transparent Red Vinyl 2LP)

By Special Arrangement is an album by The Bamboos, an Australian funk and soul band, originally released in 2007. The album features a mix of instrumental tracks and soulful vocals, blending funk, soul, jazz, and R&B into an energetic and infectious groove.

Album Overview:

• Artist: The Bamboos
• Album: By Special Arrangement
• Release Year: 2007 (Original), 2020 (Reissue)
• Format: 45 RPM, Transparent Red Vinyl 2LP
• Label: Ubiquity Records / Australian label
• Genre: Funk, Soul, Jazz, R&B

Why It’s Special (45 RPM Reissue):

• 45 RPM Pressing: This 2LP reissue is pressed at 45 RPM, a format typically chosen for audiophile-quality sound, providing better clarity and detail compared to standard 33 1/3 RPM records.
• Transparent Red Vinyl: The limited edition transparent red vinyl gives the release a visually striking appeal, making it a collectible for vinyl enthusiasts.
• Expanded Format: The reissue is a 2LP set, which includes additional content or a higher-quality pressing, ensuring an enhanced listening experience.

Musical Style:

The album blends soulful melodies with tight funk grooves and jazz-infused instrumentation. The Bamboos draw inspiration from classic artists such as James Brown and the Meters, while also adding their unique flavor to the mix with modern production techniques. The album’s tracks are a mixture of instrumental jams and soulful vocal pieces, featuring collaborations with various guest vocalists.

Notable Tracks:

1. "I Got Burned" – One of the standout tracks from the album, showcasing the band’s tight rhythm section and a strong, catchy melody.
2. "The Real Thing" – A funk-infused, energetic track with a memorable brass section and soulful vocals.
3. "Don’t Be Shocked" – A smooth, jazz-inspired tune with a groovy bassline and relaxed feel.
4. "The Bamboos Theme" – An instrumental track that captures the essence of the band’s sound: a mix of funky beats, jazzy brass, and soulful grooves.

Why It’s Important:

• Classic Funk and Soul Revival: By Special Arrangement stands out as one of the albums that helped revive interest in classic funk and soul, blending retro vibes with modern sensibilities. The Bamboos’ sound fits well with both collectors of classic soul and modern funk enthusiasts.
• Crossover Appeal: The Bamboos are known for appealing to both fans of traditional soul music and newer audiences, thanks to their ability to merge old-school sounds with contemporary flair.
• Live Performance Energy: The Bamboos are also renowned for their high-energy live shows, and By Special Arrangement captures that same vibrant, infectious energy.

Critical Reception:

The album received critical praise for its craftsmanship, solid songwriting, and the tight musicianship of the band. It was hailed as a solid effort in the funk and soul revival movement, with the band’s impressive blend of classic sounds and modern arrangements standing out as a unique element.

Vinyl Edition:

• The 45 RPM pressing offers audiophiles superior sound quality, with a more detailed, fuller sound compared to standard vinyl pressings.
• The transparent red vinyl adds a striking visual element to the album, making it a highly sought-after collector's item.