Many of these tracks are textured, psychedelicized rewrites of such Parliament songs as "(I Just Wanna) Testify," the group's first #1 hit. The deeply soulful, multi-part vocal version of this track is pure genius and is arguably the album's highlight. The title cut--another hit for the band--is one of Parliament's most infectious booty-movers, and it would be a staple of their live acts for years to follow. While not essential, UP FOR THE DOWN STROKE is an interesting peek at the beginnings of funk's finest ensemble.