by Steve HueyFunk bandleader Boobie Knight specialized in a heavy, psychedelic-tinged, guitar-centered brand of groove, something along the lines of the proverbial stoned soul picnic. Dubbing his first outfit the Soulciety, Knight landed a deal with RCA and recorded the album Soul Aint No New Thing in 1972; it included jam-oriented tracks like King of the Real Good Guys, Power to the People, and the title cut. Moving over to Brunswick, Knight reorganized the band and renamed it the Universal Lady, taking on Al Johnson as lead vocalist. 1974s Boobie Knight & the Universal Lady expanded on the trippy vibes of the debut, with key cuts including Earth Creature and the oft-compiled The Lovomaniacs. Knights two albums are now considered collectors items among die-hard funk aficionados.