Up For The Down Stroke

Recorded in 1974 at United Sound Studios in Detroit and Crystal Sound Studios and Hollywood Sound Recorders in Los Angeles, 'Up for the Down Stroke' features George Clinton on vocals, Bootsy Collins and Cordell Mosson on bass, Bernie Worrell on keyboards and members of the Parliament-Funkadelic collective. Produced by Clinton, the recording includes instrumental arrangements by Worrell and Eddie Hazel. Released in 1974 on Casablanca Records, 'Up for the Down Stroke' marked Parliament's return to recording after their debut album, Osmium, and became their first major hit under the Casablanca label. The single reached number 10 on Billboard's Hot Soul Singles chart and number 63 on the Billboard Hot 100, helping establish the group's commercial breakthrough and the musical identity of P-Funk. 'Up for the Down Stroke' remains one of Parliament's defining early recordings, recognised for its commanding bassline, rhythmic interplay and communal vocal refrain. The song was covered by Fred Wesley & The Horny Horns featuring Maceo Parker in 1977 and continues to feature in P-Funk retrospectives, DJ selections and discussions of George Clinton's influence on subsequent popular music.