Inside Of You / Treat Her Right by Ray, Goodman & Brown: A Funky Little Gem from '79
Alright, let’s talk about this slice of funk heaven—Inside Of You / Treat Her Right by Ray, Goodman & Brown. Released in 1979 under Mercury Records, it's one of those albums that feels like stumbling across a hidden treasure chest at a flea market. The genre is pure funk and soul, dripping with groove so smooth it could make your grandma bust a move. And yeah, it came outta the Netherlands, which might seem random, but hey, good music doesn’t care about borders.
Now, I gotta say, there are only two tracks here, but man, they pack a punch. First up, “Inside Of You.” Oh wow, this track hits different. It starts off with this sultry bassline that just crawls right into your brain and sets up camp. Then the vocals kick in—rich, velvety harmonies that feel like sinking into a leather armchair after a long day. What sticks with me most is how effortlessly cool it sounds. Like, you don’t even realize you’ve been nodding along for five minutes straight until someone taps you on the shoulder asking why you’re grinning like an idiot. That chorus? Sticky as syrup. You’ll hum it while brushing your teeth or waiting for the bus—it’s infectious.
Then there’s “Treat Her Right,” which flips the vibe slightly. This one’s got more grit to it, like a love letter written on scratchy paper. The rhythm section is tight, almost militant, keeping everything locked down while the horns blare out these triumphant bursts of sound. It’s impossible not to imagine yourself strutting down the street in bell-bottoms and oversized sunglasses when this plays. Lyrically, it’s simple stuff—basic advice on how to treat a partner—but delivered with such swagger that it feels profound. Plus, the backing vocals? Chef’s kiss. They add layers to the song that keep pulling you back in.
What makes this record special isn’t just its musical chops; it’s the mood it creates. Listening to it feels like stepping into a dimly lit club where everyone knows each other’s secrets, but nobody’s talking. There’s intimacy in its simplicity, and honesty in its execution. These guys weren’t trying to reinvent the wheel—they just wanted to make people feel something. Mission accomplished.
So yeah, Inside Of You / Treat Her Right might be short, but damn if it ain’t sweet. Two songs, yet enough soul to fill a whole playlist. Honestly, I didn’t expect much going into it, but now I can’t stop spinning it. Funny thing is, sometimes the best discoveries come wrapped in unassuming packages. Kinda like finding a diamond in a box of cereal. Who knew Dutch funk would hit so hard?
