100% Pure Poison<div hidden>100 Percent Pure Poison</div>
100% Pure Poison was a short-lived American jazz-funk and soul band formed in the early 1970s by U.S. military personnel stationed in Germany. They released only one album, Coming Right at You, on EMI in 1974.
The group consisted of nine musicians led by Chicago native Danny Leake. Members were American servicemen who came together during their time overseas, blending jazz-funk, soul, and pre-disco grooves. Trumpeter Marvin Daniels was a founding member.
Their self-titled album Coming Right at You featured tracks like "Windy C" and "No More City, No More Country," noted for high-quality production. EMI released it in the UK, marking their sole output before disbanding. The sound drew praise for its jazzy funk elements.
As a one-album wonder, the band remains obscure but cult-favored among soul collectors.
Coming Right At You
Written-By – McIntyre
A2 No More City, No More Country
Written-By – Daniels
A3 Boarding Pass
Written-By – Leake
A4 Holes In My Shoes
Written-By – Leake, Harrison
A5 My Little Someone
Written-By – Daniels
B1 Windy C.
Written-By – Leake
B2 (But You Say) You Want To Make It With Me
Written-By – Leake
B3 Don't Let Your Pride, Overpower Your Love
Written-By – Leake, Parrish
B4 (And When I Said) I Love You
Written-By – Hartung
B5 Puppet On A Chain
Written-By – Durham, Leake, Davis
Label: EMI International – INS 3001
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: UK
Released: 1974
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk
The album Coming Right At You by 100% Pure Poison is a highly-regarded, sought-after jazz-funk and soul "rare groove" classic known for its exceptional musicianship, groovy tracks, and varied sound. Its rarity and unique backstory (recorded by American servicemen in Germany in 1974) add to its legendary status among collectors.
The album is praised for its high level of musical content, offering a good balance of soulful, comforting songs and upper-key, dance-inducing funky tunes. The nine-piece group demonstrates high-level instrumental sophistication, including funky guitar riffs, organ playing, horns, and percussion.
Highlights mentioned by reviewers include the "lost funk classic" and often-sampled track "Windy C," the "Blaxploitation funk affair" "No More City, No More Country," the soulful ballad "Puppet On A Chain," and the "J.B.'s style funk-soul fusion" "Hole In My Shoe".
Some user and expert reviews point out that the only significant detractor of the album is the production of the vocals, which are reportedly set too far back in the mix, making them seem weak compared to the instrumental tracks. This is considered a missed opportunity, as the singing itself is tuneful.
Reviewers of some reissued CD and vinyl versions have noted issues with the mastering, specifically that the high frequencies (cymbals, hi-hats) can be too sharp and overwhelming on certain tracks like "Windy C," which can be irritating to an "audiophile" ear. The original vinyl is often considered to have a better sound balance.
Despite being largely overlooked at the time of its initial 1974 UK release, the album has consistently been revived and celebrated during the "rare groove" movement of the 80s and onward. Its legacy is cemented by its quality and the interesting story behind its creation.
100 Percent Pure Poison