Champion Yesterday Today Tomorrow: A Funk-Fueled Time Capsule from 1979 Japan
Alright, buckle up, because this one’s a wild ride through disco fever dreams and soul-soaked grooves. Champion Yesterday Today Tomorrow by J J Stanley & His Band isn’t just an album; it’s a freakin’ vibe machine that slaps harder than most things coming out of Japan in ’79. Released under King Records, this funky little gem straddles genres like Funk/Soul and Stage & Screen while drenching itself in pure disco decadence. And yeah, it’s kinda niche—but damn if it doesn’t leave a mark.
Let’s get into the tracks, shall we? First off, “Champion.” This tune hits you like a freight train wrapped in glitter and gold lamé. The bassline? Ridiculous. It’s so punchy it could knock your socks off—or make you wanna boogie till your legs fall off. I remember hearing this track for the first time, and holy crap, it felt like my brain was on fire. Like, how do you even follow something this explosive? But somehow, they pull it off. The horns scream confidence, the rhythm section locks in tighter than a vice, and J J Stanley himself sounds like he’s channeling every ounce of swagger known to mankind. If this song doesn’t make you want to strut down the street like you own the place, check your pulse—you might be dead.
Then there’s “Today,” which is… different. Not better or worse, just weirdly hypnotic. Where “Champion” is all about raw energy, “Today” slows things down with a sultry groove that sneaks up on you. At first listen, it feels almost too smooth—like butter melting over warm toast—but stick with it, and BAM! You realize the lyrics are kinda introspective as hell. It’s not your typical disco anthem; instead, it’s got this melancholy edge that makes you stop and think. Honestly, I didn’t expect much from this track at first glance, but man, it grew on me like moss on a rock. By the end, I was hooked, replaying it over and over like some kind of masochistic ritual.
Now, here’s the kicker: why does an album like this matter today? Sure, it’s dripping with retro vibes and nostalgia, but let’s not kid ourselves—it’s also a masterclass in doing whatever the hell you want without apologizing for it. J J Stanley wasn’t trying to reinvent the wheel; he was just throwing glitter all over it and letting it spin. And honestly? That’s refreshing as hell in a world where everyone’s chasing perfection.
Final thought: Listening to this record feels like stepping into a time machine that breaks halfway through the trip—and instead of freaking out, you’re kinda glad it did. Because who needs tomorrow when you’ve got Champion Yesterday Today Tomorrow?
