Court is Closed, equal parts psychedelic rock and deep funk, had a limited release of 500 copies and was rarely heard before Jones overdubbed horns on the album, remixed and augmented it with additional music, and issued it as the better- known Positive Vibes. Here we present both versions of the album on the 23rd release in the deluxe Now-Again Reserve Edition series. Jones’ story, and that of his family, is like his music: a loud, vital voice long silenced. Understanding it now is not just a visceral musical experience, but an essential dissection of racism and classism in America.
The set includes an oversized 10 page booklet by Jeremy Cargill, with contributions by Now-Again founder Eothen “Egon” Alapatt which delves into Jones’ music, milieu and life as an author, activist and orator, shining a light not only on his prescient awareness of hip-hop, but also on the struggles he confronted, and his urgent, current mandate.
| The Court Is Closed |
| A1 | Court Is Closed |
| A2 | Inside Black America |
| A3 | Times Are Hard, Friends Are Few |
| B1 | Prelude To Hell |
| B2 | Needle N' Spoon |
| B3 | Cold Turkey |
| Del Jones' Positive Vibes |
| C1 | Vibe-ing Theme |
| C2 | Prelude Ta Hell |
| C3 | Needle N' Spoon |
| C4 | Cold Turkey |
| D1 | Soul Of Black Folks |
| D2 | Court Is Closed |
| D3 | Inside Black America |
| D4 | Times Are Hard, Friends Are Few |
| Singles |
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