The Valentine Bros. – Money's Too Tight (To Mention)

The Valentine Bros. – Money's Too Tight (To Mention)

Originally released in 1982, 'Money's Too Tight (To Mention)' is a superb slice of American funk and boogie soul from brothers John and William Valentine. Driven by a deep, infectious groove, punchy rhythm section, soulful vocals and a memorable horn arrangement, the track is an excellent example of the dancefloor-oriented soul sound emerging in the early 1980s.

Produced by The Valentine Brothers alongside keyboardist and jazz-soul musician Bobby Lyle and producer Stanley Bethel, the recording combines polished studio production with a gritty, rhythm-led feel. The brothers' vocal delivery gives the song plenty of character, while its infectious arrangement makes it equally appealing to funk, disco and modern soul enthusiasts.

The song's subject matter is particularly interesting. Its lyrics explore financial hardship, mounting bills and the frustrations of trying to make ends meet, with pointed references to the economic and political climate of early-1980s America. Its social commentary is delivered through an irresistibly danceable groove, creating an effective contrast between the seriousness of the subject and the upbeat musical arrangement.

Although the original Valentine Brothers recording first appeared in 1982, the song became much more widely recognised following its successful 1985 cover by British soul-pop group Simply Red. Their version introduced the composition to a much larger international audience, but the original remains a favourite among collectors and enthusiasts of classic American funk and boogie.

This release features the extended six-minute vocal version on the A-side, allowing the groove and arrangement plenty of room to develop, backed with a shorter instrumental version on the flip. The instrumental provides an opportunity to appreciate the musicianship and rhythmic construction without the lead vocals.

A highly enjoyable piece of early-1980s boogie, funk and soul, this is an excellent choice for collectors of dancefloor soul, disco, modern soul and classic American R&B, as well as anyone interested in hearing the original recording behind Simply Red's later hit.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Money's Too Tight (To Mention) (Vocal / Long) (6:00)

Side B

1. Money's Too Tight (To Mention) (Instrumental / Short) (5:18)