Yella - Yella 12" - 1981

This is a really cool record. I think it is actually quite rare. When I first picked it up I really didn't know much about it and found that it was selling for like 75$ on e-bay. I don't know that this is still the case. By the way when I found the record it was on sale for 35 cents and then I happened to be in the thrift store on a half off day so I got it for 18 cents.

So what's the big deal about this record? From what I've read this record was basically a release from the Tom Tom Club before they were the Tom Tom Club. They released this record to clubs and such around New York. You'll recognize the music as the backing tracks for "Genius Of Love" but there is a rap by Yella over it. From what I've read this came first and then was reworked into "Genius Of Love" and released under the new name of the Tom Tom Club. If I'm wrong on this and I've read bad information someone please correct me. I could be wrong. For all I know that story was cooked up. In recent years I've learned that after "Genius Of Love" there were many rappers who stole the song and release dance tracks, especially around New York. So were Tina Weymouth and Chris Frantz involved with this record or was it pirated. I don't think that is the case because the track also appear as a B-side on the "Genius of Love" 12" single. To me that supports the idea that this is the first incarnation of The Tom Tom Club. Read what wikipedia has to say on the subject. I know it is now 100% accurate, but it does support my story.

Well whatever the story, they bottled lightning with this little piece of music. This thing has been sampled endlessly and is instantly recognizable to just about anyone under the age of 40. So if you like "Genius Of Love" and want a new twist on it this may just do the trick.

Enjoy!

01 Yella.mp3
02 Yella! (Dub Version).mp3