Mighty Ryeders
The Mighty Ryeders were a short-lived American soul-funk group formed in April 1977 in the Richmond Heights area of Miami, Florida. Led by vocalist and songwriter Rodney Mathews (sometimes listed as Rodney K. Matthews or Rodney Mathews), the core trio included Carl Crowder and Lionel H. Harrison. They performed soul and R&B around Miami-Dade and released just one album, blending funky grooves with spiritual, peace-themed lyrics reminiscent of Earth, Wind & Fire.
Their sole release, Help Us Spread the Message, came out in 1978 on the obscure Sun Glo Records label. Standout tracks include "Evil Vibrations," a rare groove classic later sampled by De La Soul for their 1991 hit "A Roller Skating Jam Named Saturdays," plus "Let There Be Peace," "Star Children," and the title song urging positive change. The album's hippie-missionary vibe and tight instrumentation gained cult status after reissues by labels like Luv N' Haight.
Details remain mysterious, with no confirmed later activity or solo careers for members. "Evil Vibrations" saw remixes by The Rebirth in 2006 and others, boosting their profile in hip-hop and funk circles. Recent reissues on colored vinyl keep the music alive for collect.
Help Us Spread The Message
A2 Let There Be Peace 3:15
A3 Lovely 3:58
A4 Evil Vibrations 3:43
A5 Help Us Spread The Message 4:57
B1 Everybody Groove 3:23
B2 I've Really Got The Feeling 2:59
B3 Star Children 3:01
B4 Fly Away With Me (Instrumental) 4:43
B5 Ain't That Away (To Spend Our Day) 4:29
Label: Sun Glo Records Inc. – SG-456
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1978
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk
Help Us Spread The Message by Mighty Ryeders is a classic 1970s funk and soul album praised for its sophisticated arrangements and infectious grooves, described as a "rare groove" treasure. It features a wide range of songs, from the well-known "Evil Vibrations" (sampled by De La Soul) to upbeat funk, jazz-influenced tracks, and ballads like "Lovely".
The album is noted for its tight musicianship, innovative use of instruments like the Clavinette and Fender Rhodes, and is a beloved and highly sought-after record among music collectors. It blends funk, soul, jazz, and disco with a "righteous" and "rough-edged" edge, often compared to bands like Earth, Wind & Fire, but with its own unique sound.
Signature tracks:
"Evil Vibrations": A standout track that has been widely sampled and covered.
"Let There Be Peace": Praised for its intricate interplay between horns and the Clavinette, tight rhythm section, and harmony vocals.
"The Mighty Riders": Features sharp guitars and a powerful bass groove.
"Help Us Spread The Message": The title track is described as a superb funk tune that builds from a slower tempo to a more uplifting feel.
"Lovely": A standout ballad with smooth chorus work.
The album is recognized for its high-level musicianship, including excellent bass lines, tight drumming, and skilled use of keyboards like the Clavinette and Fender Rhodes.
Initially not a huge commercial success, it has gained a cult following over time, becoming a "rare groove" classic due to its quality and sample history, making it a "funk treasure" for many.