War - Why Can't We Be Friends?

Latin funk group that started life in the early 1970s in Southern California. They formed out of the ashes of an earlier R&B covers group, [a=The Creators (6)] (who also recorded as The Romeos and [a136141]), initially naming themselves Nightshift before producer [a=Jerry Goldstein] discovered them and gave them a more distinctive name. Goldstein also brought them into contact with former Animals frontman and vocalist [a188393] and harmonica player [a327676] Levitin. As such they became [a1287974] and recorded their first album [r=579685]. Another (double) album followed in 1970, upon which Burdon left. The band then signed to United Artists and began releasing material on their own. Their first album was not a big success but their popularity was growing and later albums were very successful. They peaked commercially in the mid-1970s with their number 1 hit Low Rider. Things started to go downhill for the group in the late 1970s when bassist B.B. Dickerson left and another member, Charles Miller, was murdered. Various line-up changes followed but the group were not as successful, eventually becoming just a touring act. A new generation has since discovered the music of War as they have been heavily sampled by hip-hop artists. The band continues to tour, although with only one of the original members. Four members of the classic lineup from the 1970s have formed a new band (for legal reasons) called Lowrider Band. However due to legal restrictions they are not even allowed to advertise themselves as former members of the band War.

Released: 2022

Label: Avenue Records, Rhino Records (2), Far Out Productions

Country: USA, Canada & Europe

Tracklist

A1	Don't Let No One Get You Down	3:59
A2	Lotus Blossom	3:59
A3	Heartbeat	7:25
	Leroy's Latin Lament (Medley)
B1	Smile Happy	7:22
B2	So	4:58
B3	Low Rider	3:11
B4	In Mazatlan	2:45
B5	Why Can't We Be Friends?	3:49