Pleasure Ohio Players Artist

When {|the Ohio Players|} recorded their second {|Westbound|} album, {|Pleasure|}, in 1972, they weren't as big as they would be from 1974-1976. But their popularity was growing -- slowly but surely -- and those who were hip to the band recognized th... Read more

When {|the Ohio Players|} recorded their second {|Westbound|} album, {|Pleasure|}, in 1972, they weren't as big as they would be from 1974-1976. But their popularity was growing -- slowly but surely -- and those who were hip to the band recognized them as one of the most cutting-edge acts in the funk field. A lot of bands were providing funk in 1972, but not many of them used jazz progressions as creatively as {|the Players|} use them on {|Laid It,|} {|Walked Away from You,|} and {|Pleasure|}'s title song. Those tracks are gems, and {|the Players|} are equally captivating on the sweet soul ballad {|Varee Is Love.|} But the best known tune on the album is the goofy {|Funky Worm,|} which employed {|the Players|}' amusing Granny character and was, in 1972, their biggest hit to date. Long after the band's popularity faded, {|Funky Worm|} would live on in the 1980s and 1990s thanks to the various hip-hoppers who sampled its irresistible bassline. Like {|Pain|} in 1971, {|Pleasure|} had a kinky cover that generated some controversy -- the same bald woman who brandished a bullwhip and wore dominatrix attire on the front cover of {|Pain|} was chained up on the cover of {|Pleasure|}. Some folks found {|the Players|}' kinky LP covers intriguing, while others were shocked and offended. And {|the Players|}, having struggled in the 1960s, were happy to be noticed. But ultimately, it is the quality of the music -- not the bondage-minded cover -- that makes {|Pleasure|} a funk classic. ~ Alex Henderson Less