Get Up Offa That Thing

This weekend's Book Review includes RJ Smith's take on The James Brown Reader: 50 Years of Writing About the Godfather of Soul, an anthology of articles written about the hardest working man in show business. In this 1976 video -- "Sex Machine" with some "Get on the Good Foot" -- a 43-year-old Brown sings, commands the audience and his band with equal vigor, and drops a split.

After the jump, more James Brown video fun. Happy Sunday.

Carolyn Kellogg

1968: It's a Man's Man's Man's World medley, live at the Apollo

Nov. 1968: "Say It Loud -- I'm Black and I'm Proud" on Playboy After Dark. Interesting song choice for the very white crowd; also, JB's let his hair go natural.

Circa 1970?  James Brown's dancing lessons

1971: "Ain't It Funky Now" live in Paris

1985: "Living in America" from Rocky IV - perhaps the most extravagant production of a James Brown song ever.

1999: "Sex Machine" live at Woodstock. I was at this one. (some audience shots NSFW)

1999: "Get Up Offa That Thing" live at the House of Blues, Las Vegas

Oct. 2006: "Get on the Good Foot" for the BBC