Agosto 31, 2009 a 11:58 pm (Contemporary R&B, Funk)
A Woman Needs Love (1981 Arista – BMG Japan).
Review:
This was the last album Parker did with Raydio, and it was a successful outing. It yielded the number one Billboard R&B smash hit “A Woman Needs Love,” and an easy-flowing track with lyrics supporting women in relationships that retained its number one position for two weeks. That single was followed up with “That Old Song,” reflecting on the yester-love a girl and boy shared; it peaked at #26 after 11 weeks. Parker slows down the pace with “Old Pro” and “So Into You.” With the latter’s title being self explanatory, the former is the tale of a reformed player wanting to settle down. As for dance grooves, Parker exhibits his musicianship on the remainder of the album on tracks like “It’s Your Night,” (#73, five weeks), “Still in the Groove,” and “All in the Way You Get Down,” all creditable(Craig Lytle-All Music Guide).
Tracks:
01. A Woman Needs Love
02. It’s Your Night
03. That Old Song
04. All In The Way You Get Down
05. You Can’t Fight What You Feel
06. Old Pro
07. Still In The Groove
08. So Into You
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Agosto 31, 2009 a 10:44 pm (Disco)
Nightflight To Venus [1978]
This 1978 album finds producer/Svengali Frank Farian starting to push his pop-disco attraction Boney M. into new and interesting musical territory. The songs are still very much disco tracks with an emphasis on bubblegum pop hooks, but Farian works some interesting musical flavors into the mix: “Painter Man” (a cover of a track by mod rockers Creation) effectively pits a series of heavy, distorted hard rock guitar riffs against its danceable beat, and “Brown Girl in the Ring” adds some distinctive steel drums into its rhythmic calypso-pop mixture. However, the oddest and most unusual and interesting combination of musical elements arrives with “Rasputin,” a tribute to the legendary Russian historical figure that uses balalaikas to create its textured rhythm guitar hook. Nightflight to Venus also spawned a major international hit with “Rivers of Babylon,” which mixes religious lyrics and a folk song melody with a pronounced beat to create an instantly accessible pop hymn. The other tracks include a few less than colorful moments (“Never Change Lovers in the Middle of the Night” could have been performed by any disco outfit), but Nightflight to Venus is an overall success thanks to the group’s strong harmonies and the slick production from Farian, which keeps everything moving at a fast clip. The end result is one of the strongest albums in the Boney M. catalog, and a treat for anyone who likes dance music that is sugary sweet. (Donald A. Guarisco, AMG)
Tracks:
01. Nightflight to Venus
02. Rasputin
03. Painter Man
04. He Was a Steppenwolf
05. King of the Road
06. Rivers of Babylon
07. Voodoonight
08. Brown Girl in the Ring
09. Never Change Lovers in the Middle of the Night
10. Heart of Gold
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Agosto 31, 2009 a 9:56 pm (Disco, R&B)
On The Race Track (1980)
1. Though born in Jamaica, vocalist Precious Wilson spent her childhood in England, later moving to Connecticut. She sang gospel extensively as a teen before returning to England. Wilson joined the Silent Eruption, which later became Eruption, and recorded singles produced by Frank Farian. Farian produced Wilson’s Epic debut LP in 1981, On The Race Track, and the singles “If I Loved You Less” and “I Need You” in 1985. Her single “I’ll Be Your Friend” reached the R&B Top 40 in America and did even better internationally. (Ron Wynn, AMG).
2. Wilson started out as a backing singer for the all-male group Eruption. The group enjoyed a minor hit when they won a talent competition in 1975 with the song “Let Me Take You Back in Time”. Unable to sustain their momentum, the lead singer left the group, and Precious stepped forward to front the band.
While on the road in Germany, Eruption was discovered in 1977 by German producer Frank Farian who hired them to support Boney M. on their tour. Signing them to Boney M.’s label, Hansa Records, Farian released the single “Party Party” but it was their cover version of Ann Peebles’, “I Can’t Stand the Rain” from their first album which broke big, giving them a UK #5 hit and a US #18 hit. After a second album and another hit single with the Hank Hunter and Jack Keller penned “One Way Ticket” (UK #9), Wilson left the group to pursue a solo career.
Wilson’s debut single was a cover version of Sam & Dave’s “Hold On I’m Coming”, released in August 1979. The song was also included in Boney M.’s fourth album Oceans of Fantasy which also yielded a guest performance by Wilson on the opening track “Let It All Be Music”.
Her debut album On the Race Track was completed during 1980 with high expectations from Hansa. It was released in October, heralded by the single “Cry to Me” which Wilson performed on TV, backed by the dancing troop Sky Train. The single reached #3 in Switzerland. The second single “We Are on the Race Track” gave her a #11 hit single in Germany in early 1981. (AMG)
Tracks:
01. We Are on the Race Track
02. Cry to Me
03. Stop Runnin’
04. Stay by My Side
05. You Ain’t Got Love
06. If I Loved You Less
07. Together Forever
08. Mr. Pilot Man
09. Funky Dancer
10. Killing Me Softly
Bonus
11. Cry to Me ( Long Version)
12. I Can’t Stand the Rain (Remix ‘88)
13. On the Race Track (Long Version)
14. One Way Ticket (Long Version)
15. I Can’t Stand the Rain (Instrumental Mix)
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2 comentarios
Agosto 31, 2009 a 1:15 pm (Disco, Disco Funk)
Disco Nights (1979)
1. A Bronx group that effectively mixed East Coast disco and Chicago soul covers in the late ’70s and early ’80s, GQ began as Sabu & the Survivors in 1968. Lead vocalist Emanuel Rahiem Leblanc, Keith Crier, Herb Lane, and Paul Service were original members, but by 1980 GQ was a trio following Service’s departure. They had two Top 10 R&B and Top 20 pop hits, as well as a number one R&B single in 1979, with “Disco Nights (Rock-Freak)” also peaking at #12 pop; the single also won GQ an American Music Award. Their remakes of the Billy Stewart classics “I Do Love You” and “Sitting in the Park” were number five and number nine R&B singles in 1979 and 1980 respectively, with “I Do Love You” also reaching number 20 pop. They enjoyed one other Top 30 R&B single in 1981, “Shake.” All their hits were on Arista from 1979 to 1982. (Ron Wynn, AMG)
2. The four members of GQ — Emmanuel Rahiem LeBlanc, Keith “Sabu” Crier, Herb Lane, and Paul Service — first recorded as the Rhythm Makers for Vigor Records. Their smash “Disco Nights (Rock Freak)” was first recorded on Vigor as “Soul on Your Side”; the track is identical, but a new title and lyrics were added to cash in on the disco craze. “Disco Nights” topped the R&B charts for two weeks in 1970. LeBlanc first recorded at the tender age of 13 with a group he formed called Sons of Darkness. GQ was self-contained and wrote most of the material on this LP, except for A Taste of Honey’s “Boogie Oogie Oogie” and Billy Stewart’s classic “I Do Love You,” which nearly went to number one also. “It’s Your Love” is a beautiful, airy-sounding ballad that is uniquely arranged; the enthusiastic, positive message of “Make My Dream a Reality” will have you disco dancing to its lively beats and urgent, pleading vocals. (Andrew Hamilton, AMG)
Tracks:
01. Disco Nights (Rock Freak)
02. Boogie Oogie Oogie
03. This Happy Feeling
04. Shake
05. Is It Cool?
06. Standing Ovation
07. GQ Down
08. Make My Dreams A Reality
09. I Love (the Skin You’re In)
10. Someday (In Your Live)
11. Sad Girl
12. Sitting In The Park
13. Don’t Stop This Feeling
14. I Do love You
Bonus
15. Zone (By Rhythm Makers)
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*Gracias a nuestro amigo Adrian por su aporte
23 comentarios
Agosto 30, 2009 a 2:25 am (R&B)
In a Special Way (1983)
1. In a Special Way is a 1983 album released by family singing group DeBarge released on the Gordy label. Produced, by El DeBarge and the writing credits varying from El, Marty, James and Bunny, the album reached gold after the releases of the following singles “Time Will Reveal” and “Love Me in a Special Way”, which hit number one on the Billboard R&B and adult contemporary singles chart respectively. The album is most memorable for not only its singles but album tracks such as “Stay with Me” (led by El DeBarge) and “A Dream” (sung and penned by sister Bunny). The album has been regarded by some critics as a “classic” in the family group’s catalog. (wikepedia)
2. Formed in 1979, Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S.A., Disbanded 1989 (in the groups second incarnation), Debarge comprised of:
Bunny DeBarge (vocals)
Mark ‘Marty’ DeBarge (trumpet, saxophone and vocals)
James DeBarge (keyboards and vocals)
Randy DeBarge (bass and vocals)
and EIdra DeBarge (keyboards and vocals)
The DeBarge family group were formed in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1978, the group comprised of four brothers (Eldra, Mark, James, and Randy) and one sister (Bunny), The group were signed to Motown Records in 1979, this occurrence transpired with the help of their two older brothers, Tommy and Bobby (both of whom were members of another Motown group called Switch). Initially known as the DeBarges, the group’s career was launched via the album ‘The DeBarges’ in March 1981, By 1982, produced by Iris Gordy and Eldra DeBarge, the groups second album, entitled ‘All This Love’, was released, with James joining the groups ranks, the album became their first gold-certified success, and contained the hit singles as ‘I Like It,’ ‘Time Will Reveal,’ along with the excellent title track, The album also featured artistic input from Raymond Crossley (from the duo Nolen and Crossley).
After supporting Luther Vandross on a U.S. tour in 1984, they acheived international success with their song ‘Rhythm Of The Night’, taken from the soundtrack to Motown’s film ‘The Last Dragon’, The group also made an appearance in the movie. DeBarge employed songwriter Diane Warren along with producers David Foster, Richard Perry, Giorgio Moroder, Paulinho Da Costa, Jeff Lorber, Jesse Johnson and Glen Ballard for the project. The album became the group’s third gold release in a row with ‘Rhythm’ becoming the biggest hit single of their career, reaching the number 3 slot, a follow up single ‘Who’s Holding Donna Now?’ was also highly successful. Eldra DeBarge then left the group in 1986, which led to a drop in the group’s popularity.
In 1987, Bunny also left the group after the remaining group members signed to the Striped Horse Records imprint, Bunny’s solo album was entitled ‘In Love’, with her brother, Bobby, co-penning ‘Let’s Spend The Night’. Bunny also re-recorded ‘(Bad Boys) Dance All Night’. Mark, Randy and James were then the only remaining members. James was married to Janet Jackson in the mid-80’s for a short spell. Bobby and Chico DeBarge were arrested and convicted of cocaine trafficking charges in 1988. Bobby DeBarge died on the 16th of August 1995, from the AIDS virus. (www.soulwalking.co.uk)
Tracks:
01. Be My Lady
02. Stay with Me
03. Time Will Reveal
04. Need Somebody
05. Love Me in a Special Way
06. Queen of My Heart
07. Baby, Won’t Cha Come Quick?
08. I Give Up on You
09. A Dream
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Agosto 28, 2009 a 4:50 pm (Disco Funk, R&B)
One Way Featuring Al Hudson (1979)
One Way was an R&B/funk band that was popular in the late 1970s and throughout most of the 1980s. One Way was formed in 1979 in Detroit, Michigan and were originally known as Soul Partners. Al Hudson, Alicia Meyers, guitarists Dave Roberson and Cortez Harris, bassist Kevin McCord, drummer Gregory Green and keyboardist Jonathan Meadows were the original members.
They first recorded as “Al Hudson and the Partners”, scoring an R&B hit on the ABC label called “You Can Do It.” in 1979. At that time, however, ABC records was in the process of being taken over by MCA as part of a buyout, and when the band moved to the MCA label, they subsequently changed their name to One Way featuring Al Hudson before becoming One Way. They were on MCA Records from 1980 to 1988. (wikepedia)
Tracks:
01. Now That I Found
02. You Can Do It
03. Guess You Didn’t Know
04. Music
05. Come Dance With Me
06. I Am Under Your Spell
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Agosto 28, 2009 a 3:20 pm (Disco Funk, Funk, R&B)
S.O.S. (1980)
One of 1980’s most promising R&B debuts came from the S.O.S. Band, whose debut album is a classic. This sleek yet gritty album went gold in the U.S. (which isn’t counting sales in Europe), and the infectious “Take Your Time (Do It Right)” soared to number one on Billboard’s R&B singles chart. It isn’t hard to see why the S.O.S. Band’s first album was a hit; all of the tracks are excellent. That is true of up-tempo funk-dance gems like “Take Your Time (Do It Right),” “S.O.S. (Dit Dit Dit Dat Dat Dat Dit Dit Dit),” “Love Won’t Wait for Love,” and “Take Love Where You Find It,” as well as the melancholy soul ballad “What’s Wrong With Our Love Affair?” In 1980, there were plenty of inconsistent albums that failed to live up to the promise of an exciting single, but the S.O.S. Band’s debut isn’t one of them. Those who bought this LP after hearing “Take Your Time (Do It Right)” on the radio were not disappointed by the other tracks — they were happy to learn that the S.O.S. Band’s first album is impressively consistent. And they also discovered that the Atlanta outfit had a major asset in lead singer Mary Davis, an expressive, big-voiced belter who demonstrated that she could handle up-tempo material and ballads equally well. Not all of the S.O.S. Band’s subsequent albums were consistent, but this release is superb as well as essential. (Alex Henderson, AMG)
Tracks:
1. S.O.S. (Dit Dit Dit Dash Dash Dash Dit Dit Dit)
2. What’s Wrong With Our Love Affair
3. Open Letter
4. Love Won’t Wait for Love
5. Take Your Time (Do It Right)
6. I’m in Love
7. Take Love Where You Find It
8. S.O.S. (Reprise)
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1 comentario
Agosto 28, 2009 a 1:48 am (Disco, Post Disco)
12 Inch Classics On Cd (1993)
Tracks:
1. Evelyn Thomas
01. High Energy
02. High Energy (Remix)
03. MegaMix
2. Freddie James
01. Everybody Get Up & Boogie
02. Hollywood
03. Megamix
3. Gary Low
01. La Colegiala
02. I Want You
03. You Are A Danger
4. Musique
01. In The Bush (Remix)
02. Keep On Jumpin’ (Remix)
03. In The Bush (Radio Edit)
04. Keep On Jumpin’ (Radio Edit)
5. Ritchie Family
01. The Best Disco In Town
02. American Generation
6. Suzy “Q”
01. Computer Music
02. Get On Up And Do It Again
03. Harmony
7. The Strikers
01. Inch By Inch
02. Body Music
03. Inch By Inch (Radio Edit)
04. Body Music (Radio Edit)
8. Silver Convention/Penny McLean
01. Fly Robin Fly
02. Lady Bump
9. Gino Soccio
01. Try it out
02. I wanna take you there (Now)
03. Rythm of the World
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5 comentarios
Agosto 27, 2009 a 5:59 pm (Disco, R&B)
Love Somebody Today (1980)
Although Sister Sledge had already peaked with their 1979 powerhouse We Are Family LP, they returned in the first half of 1980 with Love Somebody Today. Not quite as successful as its predecessor, but still showcasing the group’s remarkable vocal strength, the album foundered primarily because it hit the brick wall laid down by the burgeoning disco backlash, but still managed to peak at number seven on the R&B charts in March.
Partnered for the second go-round with Chic’s Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers, who wrote and produced all the songs, Sister Sledge spun out a sophisticated, slick set of smooth, mid-tempo R&B that concentrated on the sisters’ vocals, leaving the musical arrangements in the background. Both the title track, which proved the album’s only major hit, and the melancholy “You Fooled Around” emerged as the set’s high points. Elsewhere, “Reach Your Peak” is a surprising combination of disco and jazz, leaving both “I’m a Good Girl” and “How to Love” to weigh in on the ballad front. It would have been hard for Sister Sledge to surpass the monstrously good one-two punch of “We Are Family” and “He’s the Greatest Dancer.” And, not surprisingly, much of Love Somebody Today sounds flat in comparison. But still, the sounds of Sister Sledge at the peak of their star power are better than much of the pap that passed for pop at the time. (Amy Hanson, AMG)
Tracks:
01. Got to Love Somebody
02. You Fooled Around
03. I’m a Good Girl
04. Easy Street
05. Reach Your Peak
06. Pretty Baby
07. How to Love
08. Let’s Go on a Vacation
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7 comentarios
Agosto 25, 2009 a 2:59 am (Disco, Disco Funk)
Disco Hits Paradise Collection (1991)
Tracks:
01. Go All The Way – The Isley Brothers
02. You Get High In N.Y.C. – Revange
03. We Ought To Be Dancin’ – Kwick
04. Dancin’ Forever – THP
05. Get Up And Boogie – Leroy Gomez
06. Wear It Out – Stargard
07. Rock It – Lipps Inc.
08. Party Tonight! – Gary’s Gang
09. Sky Zoo – Skyy
10. Dance Sing Alone – Freedom
11. Bang A Gong – Witch Queen
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5 comentarios
Agosto 24, 2009 a 9:24 pm (Funk)
Cameron’s In Love (1981)
With singles from his 1980 self-titled debut barely out of the charts, Rafael Cameron slammed another batch in when he released Cameron’s in Love just a year later. Working again with Brass Construction’s Randy Muller, who wrote all but one song on the LP, and still with the now-credited Skyy’s instrumental alter ego, Funk Deluxe, Cameron reached even higher than before, delivering another snappy set. Divided into up-tempo dance grooves and tender ballads, Cameron’s in Love spun two catchy songs into the charts. “Funtown U.S.A.,” an incredibly funky slab that drew from influences including Chic and Sly Stone, wrapped shouts and call-outs around a rolling bass juiced up with freshly synthesized bells and whistles. “Boogies Gonna Get Ya’” repeated the process with a more restrained funk for a cooler groove, while “Daisy” spun off in another direction entirely, a sweet love song wrapped in Caribbean rhythms. The song unwittingly provided an interesting bridge between Cameron’s tender ballads, “In Love” and “I Go Crazy.” While Cameron’s in Love emerges as a strong effort overall, one can’t help but wish that more of Cameron’s own imprint were present here. Having proved his own songwriting worth on his debut, his surrender to producer Muller’s pen leaves one wondering precisely whose album — or, indeed, career — this was turning out to be. (Amy Hanson, AMG)
Tacks:
01. Number One
02. All That’s Good to Me
03. Lets Get Married
04. Boogie’s Gonna Get Ya’
05. Funtown U.S.A.
06. I’d Go Crazy
07. Daisy
08. In Love
Bonus
09. All That’s Good to Me (12″ Version-Bonus)
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2 comentarios
Agosto 24, 2009 a 7:29 pm (Disco, R&B, Soul)
Get Down With The Get Down: The Best Of The Chi-Sound Years 1978-83 (1999)
Gene Chandler’s one of those artists who never fails to surprise us. First known for his big early hits for Vee Jay — including “Duke Of Earl” — Gene stayed strong over many many years, shifting labels from time to time, continuing to grow as a singer and move through a range of different styles all handled quite well. This set offers an oft-lost side of Gene’s career — his later recordings for Carl Davis’ Chi-Sound label, home to a number of older Chicago soul artists who worked with Davis earlier at other labels. As with other singers on the label — such as Walter Jackson — Gene here moves into a smooth modern soul vein, mixing uptempo and midtempo tunes with ease, showing a sophisticated vocal style that you’d hardly ever expect from his earlier work! There’s some real gems on this set — which features some of the best moments from Gene’s years at Chi-Sound, including a few unissued cuts and at least one 12″ track. 15 cuts in all, including “I’ll Be There”, in a previously unissued duet with Barbara Acklin, plus “Skate (aka Miss Crazy Legs)”, “Does She Have A Friend”, “I Keep Coming Back”, “Time Is A Thief”, “All About The Paper”, “I’ll Make The Living If You Make The Loving Worthwhile”, “When You’re #1″, “Do What Comes Natural”, “Love Is The Answer”, and “Get Down”, in both 12″ and demo versions. (DGA; Inc)
*Track 3 and 4 are previously unissued. Track 6, 8 and 15 are previously unreleased.
Tracks:
01. Get Down (12″ Version)
02. Does She Have A Friend For Me?
03. Skate A.K.A. Miss Crazy Legs
04. Good For You
05. Let Me Make Love To You
06. I’ll Be There Featuring – Barbara Acklin
07. All About The Paper
08. Where Have You Benn?
09. I’ll Make The Living If You Make The Loving Worthwhile
10. When You’re #1
11. Time Is A Thief
12. Do What Comes So Natural
13. Love I The Answer
14. I Keep Coming Back
15. Get Down (Demo Version)
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*Gracias Adrian por esta compilación
25 comentarios
Agosto 24, 2009 a 5:26 pm (R&B)
All Night Long (1982)
Starpoint’s getting a bit loose and free with their fashions on the cover of this one but the grooves themselves are tighter than ever! If anything, Starpoint seems to be a lot more confident than before working in a mode that’s completely free from late 70s trends, but which also doesn’t fall into the traps of others of their generation a sound that’s electric and funky, yet also plenty darn soulful too. Renee Diggs’ vocals are completely great on the album bringing in a depth that’s really appreciated, and giving the group a much more well-rounded sound than so many other all male ensemble funk acts of the time. Ballads and mellower numbers are every bit as great as the groovers too and titles include “All Night Long”, “Get Your Body Up”, “Bring Your Sweet Lovin Back”, “Show Me”, “I Can Give You Love”, and “It’s You”. (www.groovecollector.com)
Tracks:
01. Bring Your Sweet Lovin’ Back
02. Get Your Body Up
03. All Night Long
04. Show Me
05. I Like It
06. I Can Give You Love
07. Miracle Love
08. It’s You
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5 comentarios
Agosto 23, 2009 a 10:36 pm (R&B)
Street Called Desire …And More (1997)
René & Angela’s obvious enthusiasm and for-real emotions make listening to Street Called Desire a pleasure. The uptempo numbers aren’t jokes — the throbbing beat on “I’ll Be Good” is mind locking, but the two ballads, “You Don’t Have to Cry” and “Your Smile,” are outstanding. What makes them work is their unpredictability. No particular or predetermined pattern is set. No attempt is made to divide the lines and choruses equally; each singer unselfishly contributes what’s necessary. “Smile” is mostly Angela until René repeatedly chants “No other love can light my life, no one can make things right, ’til my baby smiles.” René has more juice on “You Don’t Have to Cry,” matching alternating verses with Angela, who gives an incredible performance on the heart-stopping ballad. René’s brother Bobby Watson (formerly of Rufus) co-produced the sides with Bruce Swedien. “Save Your Love for Number #1″ and “Your Smile” both reached number one R&B; “You Don’t Have to Cry” went to number two, and “I’ll Be Good” climbed to number four. Billboard’s pop chart proved a tougher nut for R&A to scale, as a number 47 ranking for “I’ll Be Good” was their highest number. Due to personal problems and conflicts, the duo called it quits and released no more LPs. This one is essential for any soul music aficionado. (Andrew Hamilton, AMG).
STREET CALLED DESIRE…AND MORE contains the full original album as well as additional hits and rare remixes.
Tracks:
1. Save Your Love (For #1)
2. I’ll Be Good
3. No How – No Way
4. You Don’t Have to Cry
5. Street Called Desire
6. Your Smile
7. Who’s Foolin’ Who
8. Drive My Love
Plus
9. Set Me Free (From The Motion Picture “”Jumping Jack Flash”)
And the 12″ Mixes
10. Save Your Love (For #1) (12″ version)
11. I’ll Be Good (12″ version)
12. No How-No Way (12″ version)
13. Your Smile (12″ version)
14. Drive My Love (12″ version)
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1 comentario
Agosto 22, 2009 a 12:43 am (Funk, R&B)
Your Wish Is My Command (1982).
Review:
Kool & the Gang may have labeled themselves as the original genies of funk on Open Sesame, but Lakeside did a fine job of wresting away that crown across 1981’s Your Wish Is My Command. Their third album to reach the R&B Top Ten, Your Wish Is My Command found Lakeside in fine fettle, returning to a stronger form after the relative disappointment of Keep On Moving Straight Ahead. And, although this set was packed with soft grooves that belied the heaviest funk of their early material, Lakeside nevertheless kept a smooth flow. Portrayed on the cover as be-turbaned genies with magic glitter, Lakeside triumphed immediately with the title track. A delirious blend of beat and bass, “Your Wish Is My Command not only conjured up vivid visuals, it was perfect for the dancefloor — and not only because there is just a ghost of their “Fantastic Voyage” hovering in the background. Elsewhere, both “Magic Moments” and “The Urban Man” re-create that same vibe, with the latter adding a fierce guitar solo to the bridge. “There’s Something About That Woman,” meanwhile, emerged the freshest flower of the bunch, and Lakeside was rewarded with a Top 30 hit. Oddly, the only other song on Your Wish Is My Command to enter the chart was a ballad — a style one didn’t usually turn to Lakeside for. Their soulful rendering of the Beatles’ “I Want to Hold Your Hand” reached number five early in 1982, and while it seemed an odd choice of cover, the band rose wonderfully to the occasion. Predictable and uneven in places, there are still some fine moments on Your Wish Is My Command. And, although it cannot touch the best of Lakeside’s mid-’70s output, there is still room to groove. (Amy Hanson – All Music Guide).
Tracks:
01. Your Wish Is My Command
02. Something About That Woman
03. I Want to Hold Your Hand
04. Special
05. Magic Moments
06. The Urban Man
07. I”ll Be Standing By
08. Teh Songwriter
09. I Want to Hold Your Hand(Remix)
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4 comentarios
Agosto 22, 2009 a 12:31 am (R&B, Soul Funk)
Chaka Khan (1982).
Review:
An excellent album from Chaka Khan, mixing tingling uptempo tunes with her characteristic soaring, glorious vocals. “Got to Be There” reached number five on the R&B charts, but it actually wasn’t the album’s high point. That was the marvelous “Be Bop Medley,” which later led hardcore jazz purist Betty Carter to proclaim Khan the one female singer working outside the jazz arena with legitimate improvising credentials. (Ron Wynn-All Music Guide).
Tracks:
01. Tearin’ It Up
02. Slow Dancin’
03. Best In The West
04. Got To Be There
05. Be Bop Medley:
Hot House
East Of Suez (Come On Sailor)
Eepistrophy (I Wanna Play)
Yardbird Suite
Con Alma
Giant Steps
06. Twisted
07. So Not Worry
08. Pass It On (A Sure Thing) (Pasa Lo Esta Seguro)
See in the comments.
2 comentarios
Agosto 21, 2009 a 3:51 am (Modern Soul, R&B, Soul, Synthesizer rhythm)
Woman Out Of Control (1983).
Review:
With the proliferation of new music technology, Parker seizes the moment to incorporate some of it on selections like “Electronic Lover,” “Invasion” and “N2U2.” These are merely experimental endeavors.The highest-charted single on this album was the midtempo “I Still Can’t Get Over Loving You,” which peaked at #12 on the Billboard R&B charts following an 18-week run. It was succeeded by two lesser-achieving singles: “In the Heat of the Night,” (#64, five weeks) and “Woman Out of Control.” The latter is a frail, yet danceable effort; it still maneuvered its way onto the Billboard R&B charts for a brief visit at #71 for four weeks. The former allows Parker to artistically express his trademark moan-and-groan appeal. Selections like “I Don’t Wanna Know” and “She Still Feels the Need” never made the charts, but are a good listen.(Craig Lytle – All Music Guide).
Tracks:
01. Woman Out Of Control
02. I Still Can’t Get Over Loving You
03. Electronic Lover
04. In The Heat Of The Night
05. I Don’t Wanna Know
06. She Still Feels The Need
07. Invasion
08. N2U2
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14 comentarios
Agosto 21, 2009 a 2:53 am (Dance Funk)
Hot Fun (1982).
Review:
The 1982 follow-up was the group’s best-selling set, spurred by the success of their cover of the Sly & Family Stone classic, “Hot Fun In The Summertime.” Features Bootsy Collins and Rhanny Harris. A wonderfully sweet groover from Dayton — a group that’s equal parts modern soul and 80s groove — and outta site all the way! The album’s big title hit is a remake of Sly Stone’s classic “Hot Fun In The Summertime”, done in such a way that it’s got a cool skating stepper’s groove to it — and set amidst some jazzy riffing and ensemble vocals that are totally great. The rest of the album follows in a similar mode — really bouncy and joyous, with mixed male and female vocals stepping out over a set of lean, mean 80s groovers that should have been huge! Tracks include “Hot Fun”, “Patiently”, “We Can’t Miss”, “Meet The Man”, “Movin Up”, and “Gunch”. (Dusty Groove Inc.).
Tracks:
1. Hot Fun In The Summertime
2. We Can’t Miss
3. Patiently
4. Krackity Krack
5. Meet The Man
6. Gunch
7. Never Repay Your Love
8. Movin’ Up
9. Movin’ Up (reprise)
See the comments.
4 comentarios
Agosto 21, 2009 a 2:27 am (Dance, Pop)
The Twelve Inch Mixes (1986).
Review:
Although the majority of Spandau Ballet compilations have been absolutely superseded by the Reformation box set, that set’s need to present rare and live material alongside the expected highlights leaves a gaping hole in the band’s resumé, one that The Twelve Inch Mixes effortlessly plugs. Originally issued as one half of the band’s British vinyl Singles Collection package, The Twelve Inch Mixes offers a near-complete recounting of the band’s extended remix catalog, from the six-minute glory of their debut, “To Cut a Long Story Short,” through to the last gasp heroics of “Highly [Re]Strung” four years later. The album, like the band, is at its best in the early years, while Spandau still took their status as Britain’s finest club funk band seriously — the four closing tracks here all date from that period and include pulsating remixes of “Chant #1″ and “Musclebound” (but not, strangely, “Paint Me Down,” reminding you that, had the band never cut another record, their place in history would be assured). In fact, the balladic successes of “Gold,” “True,” and “Only When You Leave” do much to detract from the sheer genius of those early hits, although their own brilliance cannot be disavowed. Few bands from this era were ever able to escape the gravity of their new romantic beginnings. Spandau, however, didn’t simply escape it. They utterly reinvented themselves and there’s still a thrill to be gleaned from the six-plus minutes of “True,” the 1983 U.K. chart-topper that announced the group’s new direction. The seven-minute “Gold” and a surprisingly successful reinvention of “Round and Round” also offer glowing testament to the period remixer’s art, and Twelve Inch Mixes emerges an immensely enjoyable reminder of just how electrifying even latter-day Spandau Ballet could be. (Dave Thompson – All Music Guide).
Tracks:
01. Gold (12″ Mix)
02. Lifeline (12″ Mix)
03. Round And Round (12″ Mix)
04. Only When You Leave (12″ Mix)
05. Instinction (12″ Mix)
06. Highlyrestrung (12″ Mix)
07. True (12″ Mix)
08. Communication (12″ Mix)
09. I’ll Fly For You (12″ Mix)
10. To Cut A Long Story Short (12″ Mix)
11. Chant No. 1 (I Don’t Need This Pressure On) (12″ Mix)
12. The Freeze (12″ Mix)
13. Musclebound (12″ Mix)
**Listen**
3 comentarios
Agosto 21, 2009 a 1:47 am (Dance, Funk, Pop)
Diamond (1982).
Review:
With the new romantic movement they’d helped spearhead on the way out, futurist icons Spandau Ballet began thinking seriously about the future on their second album. The seeds of the group’s transition to a slick, MOR soul outfit can be heard in hits like “Chant No. 1,” the best song Spandau Ballet had come up with. More funk than rock, “Chant No. 1″ got punctuation from the horn section of the British R&B act Beggar & Co., who were apparently a major inspiration for the track. Diamond features other tentative moves toward an authentically soulful sound; the tuneless single “Paint Me Down” is all chattering rhythm guitar and popping bass, while “She Loved Like Diamond” offers an inferior trial run at the approach that would produce the global mega-hit “True” (this version has an underdeveloped melody, which is OK, since still-improving vocalist Tony Hadley wasn’t ready yet for a better one). The rest of the album sounds like the group had been listening too long to the second side of David Bowie’s Heroes. “Pharoah” is off-kilter funk reminiscent of “The Secret Life of Arabia” — a dubious choice for emulation — and the gentle, oriental balladry of “Innocence and Science” segues into “Missionary,” a percussion-filled mood piece light on actual substance. Although it’s an improvement on their debut, Diamond showed Spandau Ballet was musically still far behind likeminded acts such as Duran Duran, Ultravox, and Visage — a situation that would change somewhat with the band’s next, most successful album, True. (Dan LeRoy – All Music Guide).
Tracks:
01. Chant No.1
02. Instinction
03. Paint Me Down
04. Coffee club
05. She Loved Like Diamond
06. Pharaoh
07. Innocence And Science
08. Missionary
**Listen**
3 comentarios
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