Funk Tapper Curious by Mandrake: A Soulful Disco Gem from 1978
Alright, let’s talk about Funk Tapper Curious by Mandrake. If you’re into that groovy mix of funk and soul with a splash of disco vibes, this album's got your name written all over it. Released in 1978, it came out through RCA Victor in Germany and Finnlevy in Finland—yeah, not exactly the usual suspects for funky beats, but hey, sometimes magic happens where you least expect it.
The mastermind behind this project is Rainer Pietsch, who wore more hats than I can count while making this record: producer, arranger, songwriter—you name it, he did it. He even teamed up with Timothy Touchton to pen some killer tunes. And trust me, these tracks don’t just sit there—they move.
Let’s dive into two standout songs that’ll stick with ya long after the needle lifts off the vinyl.
First up, “Curious.” Oh man, this one hits different. It starts off slow, almost teasing you like, “Hey, you sure you wanna keep listening?” But then BAM! The bassline kicks in, smooth as butter, and suddenly you’re transported straight to a smoky club somewhere between Munich and Helsinki. There’s something hypnotic about how the rhythm builds—it pulls you in without trying too hard. You find yourself nodding along, maybe even mumbling the word "curious" under your breath like it’s a secret mantra. By the time the horns come in, forget it—you’re hooked.
Then there’s “Funk Tapper,” which feels like its rowdier cousin. This track doesn’t mess around; it comes at you full throttle with tight percussion and an energy that screams dance floor. What makes it memorable isn’t just the groove (though, yeah, that helps), but how effortlessly it blends raw funk with polished soul vibes. Like, you could hear this at a party or chilling solo, and either way, it works. Plus, the little guitar licks sprinkled throughout? Chef’s kiss.
What strikes me most about Funk Tapper Curious is how unpretentious it feels. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel—it’s just doing what it does best: delivering solid, feel-good music. Sure, it might not be perfect—the production has that slightly dated ‘70s sheen—but honestly, that adds to its charm. It’s real, y’know?
Reflecting on this album, I can’t help but think about how underrated Mandrake seems to be. These guys were cooking up bangers while everyone else was busy chasing trends. Makes you wonder what other hidden gems are floating out there, waiting for someone to dust them off. Or maybe, just maybe, they knew their music didn’t need flashy gimmicks—it spoke for itself.
So grab a copy if you stumble across it. Put it on, crank the volume, and let those funky vibes take over. Your ears will thank you later.
