Monthly Archives: June, 2012
ROBERTA FLACK-FIRST TAKE.
ROBERTA FLACK-FIRST TAKE. Mention Roberta Flack‘s name, and most people automatically think of two songs, The First Time I Saw Your Face and Killing Me Softly. The story of First Take is one where if fate hadn’t intervened, might have resulted in the album forever remaining a hidden gem. Having been released in 1969, First Take …
EARTH, WIND AND FIRE-THAT’S THE WAY OF THE WORLD.
EARTH, WIND AND FIRE-THAT’S THE WAY OF THE WORLD. If I were to ask which group during a ten year period between 1973 and 1983 released nine albums in the US, resulting in two album certified gold, plus three platinum, two double platinum and two triple platinum in the US, how many people answer Earth, …
GQ-TWO.
GQ-TWO. When Sabu and The Soul Survivors were founded in 1968 they were a quartet, but by the early seventies, the group became The Rhythm Makers primarily playing funk. The Rhythm Makers released one album had one Hole In Your Side, which contained the jazz-funk hit Zone. Then when drummer Kenny Banks left the group, …
HEATWAVE-TOO HOT TO HANDLE.
HEATWAVE-TOO HOT TO HANDLE. Having spent several years playing London’s club circuit, Heatwave signed to Epic Records in 1975. What would was a three year period where Heatwave released three albums, two of which were certified platinum and one gold. This remarkable run started with 1976s Too Hot To Handle, which reached number eleven in …
VISIONEERS-HIPOLOGY.
VISIONEERS-HIPOLOGY. After a long wait of six year since the release of Dirty Old Hip Hop, Marc Mac under the guise of Visioneers is back with the follow-up Hipology, a double album,due for release on 11th June 2012, on BBE Music. However, during the intervening six years, Marc hasn’t been resting on his laurels. Far …
JEAN CARN-WHEN I FOUND YOU LOVE.
JEAN CARN-WHEN I FOUND YOU LOVE. This year has been a good vintage for anyone who loves Philly Soul. First came the release of Philadelphia International: The Re-Edits, then came the release of Philadelphia International Classics: The Tom Moulton Remixes. Then just two weeks ago came the Magnus Opus, the Philadelphia International: 40th Anniversary Box …
M.F.S.B.-SUMMERTIME.
M.F.S.B.-SUMMERTIME. Recently, when reviewing The O’Jays’ Message In the Music, I mentioned how that 1976 was a pivotal year for Philadelphia International Records and their legendary house-band M.F.S.B. From the very first album Philadelphia International Records released, M.F.S.B. provided the album’s heartbeat. These musicians included bassist Ron Baker, guitarist Norman Harris and drummer Earl Young. …
DIANA ROSS-DIANA.
DIANA ROSS-DIANA. While Diana Ross’ 1979 album The Boss had been commercially successful, reaching number fourteen in the US Billboard and number ten in the US R&B Charts, resulting in the album being certified gold, for the follow-up Diana wanted a more modern, contemporary sound. Then fate intervened, when Diana was handed an album of …
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