Any crate-digger worth his salt knows library music LPs can be a goldmine of instrumental delights, funky drum fills and snappy breaks.
But one label more than any other is a sign of quality. The plain, unassuming, green label of a KPM release brings shivers to a sample-hunter's spine. In keeping with this week's 'Make It Funky' challenge we're going to look at a classic sample from this hugely influential label.
KPM brought together some of the most talented musicians and composers of the 1960s and 1970s to create library music for television, film and radio.
If you were born in the UK in the 60s, 70s or 80s you will know a whole load of KPM tunes whether you are aware of it or not.
The snooker theme, the music from Grandstand, even the twangy playground funk of Grange Hill all came from this powerhouse label.
Of course this makes it hugely popular among samplists worldwide.
Gnarls Barkley have sampled their tracks as have Talib Kwali, Chemical Brothers and Jay Z.
But let's look at an artist close to our hearts here at NuFunk.net - Fatboy Slim.
His album 'Better Living Through Chemistry' brough big funky breaks into the mainstream and one of the biggest tunes on the album was 'Punk To Funk'.
So, any of that sound familiar? Did it remind you of a certain sporting theme? How about 'The Big Match'?
The tune is 'Young Scene' by KPM supremo Keith Mansfield, who also wrote the iconic themes for 'The Sweeney' and Wimbledon Tennis on BBC. You can get the track on KPM 1037 - 'Flaboyant Themes Volume 1' and those clever folks over at Junodownload have got a whole bundle of KPM releases for download.
As a special bonus, we're also tipping a sample from Freestylers Ft. Million Dan 'Dogz & Sledges'.
Again by Keith Mansfield, check out 'Teenage Villain' below:
Until next time, keep your fingers dusty and your grooves clean.
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