"Spinners" by SPINNERS [Known as 'The Detroit Spinners' in the UK] - March 1973 US Debut Album on Atlantic Records – Featuring Producer, Arranger and Songwriter Thom Bell (November 2015 UK Big Break Records (BBR) 'Expanded Edition' CD Reissue – Wayne Dickson and Nick Robbins Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

Amazon UK Purchase Link

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----------------------------------------------------

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"...Falling In Love (Again)..."

I already own this fabulously evocative Atlantic Records Soul LP from 1973 inside the SPINNERS "Original Album Series" 5CD set on Rhino – something I reviewed extensively way back in the mists of 2010. So why buy it again?

Because this new 2015 CD reissue is on Big Break Records of the UK (BBR is part of Cherry Red) and I always get a bit excited by their sensationally good Remasters. The Audio on this peach is best ever and along with quality presentation, a Previously Unreleased in the Bonus Tracks that actually enhances, a total playing time of nearly 78 minutes and a miserly mid-price – and I'm a very happy satin-suited bunny. Life ain't easy indeed...here are the Ghetto Children...

UK released 6 November 2015 – "Spinners" by SPINNERS on Big Break Records WCDBBRX 0321 (Barcode 5013929062139) is an 'Expanded Edition' BBR CD Remaster with 8 Bonus Tracks and plays out as follows (77:43 minutes):

1. Just Can't Get You Out Of My Mind [Side 1]
2. Just You And Me Baby
3. Don't Let The Green Grass Fool You
4. I Could Never (Repay Your Love)
5. I'll Be Around
6. One Of A Kind (Love Affair) [Side 2]
7. We Belong Together
8. Ghetto Child
9. How Could I Let You Get Away
10. Could It Be I'm Falling In Love
Tracks 1 to 10 are the album "Spinners" by SPINNERS - released March 1973 on Atlantic SD 7256 in the USA and Atlantic K 40477 in the UK. In Britain the band was known as and credited as - THE DETROIT SPINNERS. THOM BELL Produced the album (JIMMY ROACH Produced tracks 11 to 14) and it peaked at No. 1 on the US R&B charts - No. 14 on Pop.

BONUS TRACKS:
11. (Oh Lord) I Wish I Could Sleep
Previously unreleased track - first appeared in 1991 on the 2CD Spinners set "A One Of A Kind Love Affair: The Anthology" on Atlantic/Rhino Remasters 7 82332-2 – also on the 1995 CD Remaster Reissue of "Mighty Love" as one of four bonuses

12. I Just Gotta Make It Happen
13. Mr. Big Man
14. You Sure Are Nasty
Tracks 11 to 14 first appeared as 4 Bonus Tracks on the 1995 CD Reissue of "Mighty Love" on Atlantic/Rhino Remasters R2 71586

15. I'll Be Around (Mike Maurro Mix) – 2015 Previously Unreleased
16. Could It Be I'm Falling In Love (A Tom Moulton Mix)
17. One Of A Kind Love Affair (A Tom Moulton Mix)
Tracks 16 and 17 first appeared on Tom Moulton's "Philly ReGrooved 3: Tom Moulton Remixes" 2CD set from June 2013 on Harmless HURTCD122

18. I'll Be Around (Single Version) - see Single No. 2 below

SINGLES:

This CD will allow fans to sequence the following UK and US 7" Singles 

[09] = Track Number:
1. How Could I Let You Get Away [9] b/w I'll Be Around [5]
July 1972 US 7" single on Atlantic 45-2094

2. I'll Be Around [18] b/w How Could I Let You Get Away [9]
August 1972 US 7" single on Atlantic 45-2904
September 1972 UK 7" single on Atlantic K 10243 with sides reversed

3. Could It Be I'm Falling In Love [10] b/w Just You And Me Baby [2]
December 1972 US 7" single on Atlantic 45-2927
April 1973 UK 7" single Atlantic K 10283

4. One Of A Kind (Love Affair) [6] b/w Don't Let The Green Grass Fool You [3]
April 1973 US 7" single on Atlantic 45-2962
May 1973 UK 7" single on Atlantic K 10311

5. Ghetto Child [8] b/w We Belong Together [7]
July 1973 US 7" single on Atlantic 45-2973
September 1973 UK 7" single on Atlantic K 10359

SPINNERS [aka Detroit Spinners] were:
BILLY HENDERSON – Tenor
BOBBIE SMITH – Tenor
PHILLIP WYNNE – Tenor
HENRY FAMBROUGH – Baritone
PERVIS JACKSON - Bass

I've had the Rhino CD of the album from 1995 – but this remaster by WAYNE A DICKSON (of BBR) and NICK ROBBINS (of Ace) is superlative – full of warmth and presence. The 16-page booklet is the usual BBR fan fest of American 45 repros, trade adverts and band photos intertwined with in-depth and affectionate liner notes from noted Soul buff CHRISTIAN JOHN WIKANE. This CD Remaster also comes in one of those round-corner super jewel cases – tasty...

In some respects – it's hard in the distance of 2015 to imagine what a Soul Monster this album really was in 1972 and 1973. Three of the US 45s listed above hit the coveted No.1 spot on their R&B charts – three of them - - all million sellers - "I'll Be Around", "Could It Be I'm Falling in Love" and "One Of A Kind (Love Affair)" - while the sublime and socially informative "Ghetto Child" peaked at an impressive No. 4 (and should have been a foursome with its illustrious predecessors). But even these belie just how good the 'whole' album is - with the exception for me of the vaudeville jazz brass of "Don't Let The Green Grass Fool You" which I always thought was wildly out-of-place.

But the album's masterpiece is the hidden one never edited for a 45 – Lead Tenor PHILLIP WYNNE giving it some serious Soul pleading throughout the gorgeous 6:56 minutes of "I Could Never (Repay Your Love)" that ends Side 1. Surely this is what great Seventies Soul is all about – written by BRUCE HAWES – it features melody, passionate vocals and a complimentary arrangement that elevates rather than swamps. Another less-famous gem is "We Belong Together" where vibes and treated guitars ease in the smooth vocals and heartache of "...where's the love we said would never die..." Atlantic chose "How Could I Let You Go" as one of the representations of Quality Soul on their Rhino Handmade "Atlantic Soul" 4CD Box Set of 2009. And what can you say about the gorgeous "Ghetto Child" – a song that resonated lyrically and musically with British and Irish fans - giving it a No. 7 placing in September 1973 on the UK singles charts.

I must admit that the four bonus outtakes that appeared on the 1995 remaster of "Mighty Love" (presented as tracks 11 to 14 on this CD) are massively disappointing. Those looking for the sophistication of the album should look away. Far better is the very cool and complimentary Remix by Mike Maurro of "I'll Be Around" which bigs-up the intro and emphasizes those wonderful string arrangements – although at 7:06 minutes it kind of out-stays its welcome a tad. The Tom Moulton Remixes of "Could It Be I'm Falling In Love" and "One Of A Kind (Love Affair)" run to 6:40 and 5:51 minutes respectively and do the same trick as the Mike Maurro stab at "I'll Be Around" – with "One Of A Kind (Love Affair)" definitely coming off best (what a tune).

I've loved returning to this SPINNERS album - I really have - and I'm quite certain Soul fans out there will smile just looking at its cover. Well done to BBR for doing the business by this affectionately remembered LP and those halcyon days. Buy it and do the Soul Step with your sister on the kitchen floor like you used to. Or just think of that special gal. "...Could It Be I'm Falling In Love..." once again, yes I am... 

"Madhouse" by SILVER CONVENTION – October 1976 UK LP on Magnet Records - Midland International Records in the USA (October 2014 UK Big Break Records (BBR) 'Expanded Edition' CD Reissue with Two Bonuses – Nick Robbins and Wayne A. Dickson Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

Amazon UK Purchase Link

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---------------------------------------------------------

This Review Along With A HUGE 356 Others Is Available In My

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70ts Soul, R 'n' B, Funk, Jazz Fusion
Exceptional CD Reissues and Remasters  

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"...Land Of Make Believe..."

This superb-sounding SILVER CONVENTION CD from Big Break Records of the UK features an Expanded CD version of the Euro-Disco group's third and most adventurous album - "Madhouse".  It may have been a commercially disastrous move at the time - but BBR thinks it's worth looking at again. And as there have been some crappy CD bootlegs on the market of late - an official remaster will be more than welcome by fans. Here are the party people's details...

UK released 3 October 2014 - "Madhouse" by SILVER CONVENTION is on Big Break Records CDBBR 0279 (Barcode 5013939057937) and breaks down as follows (49:24 minutes):

1. Madhouse
2. Plastic People
3. I'm Not A Slot Machine
4. Fancy Party
5. Dancing In The Aisle
6. Everybody's Talking 'Bout Love
7. Magic Mountain
8. Midnight Lady
9. Land Of Make Believe
10. Madhouse (Finale)
Tracks 1 to 10 are their 3rd album "Madhouse" released October 1976 in the UK on Magnet Records MAG 5013 and in the USA on Midland International Records BKL1-1824

BONUS TRACKS:
11. Fancy Party (Single Version) - German Single released October 1976 on Jupiter Records 16-617-AT
12. Dancing In The Aisles (Take Me Higher) (Single Version) - USA Single released November 1976 on Midland International Records MB-10849

The 16-page booklet is packed with photos of the three girls - Rhonda Heath, Penny McLean and Romana Wulf - who were the front of Silver Convention and its Disco Vocal sound. There's a short essay on the album by Stephen Schnee (Orange County, USA) and detailed recording info. But the big news for fans is a stunning NICK ROBBINS and WAYNE A. DICKSON remaster - crystal clear slap bass, funky synths and those trademark swirling strings.

Schnee's liner notes loosely (very loosely) suggest that "Madhouse" is some kind of Disco concept album - aimed at the head and the feet - and in some respects he's probably right. And therein lay its downfall. But for me the real problem with the whole Silver Convention sound is the battle of two camps - the amazing backing musicians and songwriters (Michael Kunze and Sylvester Levay) - fronted by insipid and not very inspiring vocalists. The girls have the looks but not the voices. You get amazing almost Steely Dan arrangements on tracks like "I'm Not A Slot Machine" - then those uninspiring vocals kick in - and let's face it - they could be anyone. The musicianship and ideas on "Dancing In The Aisle" is great - but then it's drowned in cheesy lyrics and nondescript vocals.

An amazing sounding CD then - and a must-buy if you're a fan...
PS: Big Break Records (BBR) CD Remasters I've reviewed:
1. Is It Still Good To Ya – ASHFORD and SIMPSON (1978)
2. Stay Free – ASHFORD and SIMPSON (1979)
3. Central Heating – HEATWAVE (1977)
4. Hot Property - HEATWAVE (1979)
5. Candles - HEATWAVE (1980)
6. Turnin' On - HIGH INERGY (1977)
7. Harvest For The World - THE ISLEY BROTHERS (1976)
8. Go For Your Guns - THE ISLEY BROTHERS (1977)
9. In The Heart – KOOL & THE GANG (1983)
10. Let Me Be Your Angel – STACY LATTISAW (1980)
11. I Hope We Get To Love On Time - MARILYN McCOO & BILLY DAVIS (1976)
12.  I Miss You - HAROLD MELVIN & THE BLUE NOTES (1972) [known as "Harold Melvin The Blue Notes" in the UK]
13. Black & Blue - HAROLD MELVIN & THE BLUE NOTES (1973)
14. Love Is The Message - MFSB (1973)
15. Universal Love – MFSB (1975)
16. All The Faces Of... - BUDDY MILES (1974)
17. For The First Time – STEPHANIE MILLS (1975)
18. I Can See Clearly Now - JOHNNY NASH (1972)
19. Back Stabbers - O'JAYS (1972)
20. Ship Ahoy - O'JAYS (1973)
21. Down To Love Town – THE ORIGINALS (1977)
22. Ebony Woman - BILLY PAUL (1970 and 1973)
23. 360 Degrees Of Billy Paul - BILLY PAUL (1972)
24. War Of The Gods - BILLY PAUL (1973)
25. Platinum Hook – PLATINUM HOOK (1978)
26. Love For What It Is - ANITA POINTER (of The Pointer Sisters) (1987)
27. Live: Stompin' At The Savoy – RUFUS and CHAKA KHAN (1983)
28. Madhouse – SILVER CONVENTION (1976)
29. Summernights – SILVER CONVENTION (1977)
30. Smoked Sugar - SMOKED SUGAR (1975)
31. Spinners – SPINNERS (1973)
32. Soul Master – EDWIN STARR (1968)
33. Involved - EDWIN STARR (1971)
34. Switch - SWITCH (1978)
35. Watercolors – THE WATERS (1980)
36. Just As I Am - BILL WITHERS (1971 Debut LP on Sussex/A&M Records)
37. Heartbeats – YARBROUGH & PEOPLES (1983)

"Small Talk At 125th And Lenox" by GIL SCOTT-HERON – 1971 US Debut LP on Flying Dutchman Records (April 2015 UK Ace/Beat Goes Public (BGP)/Flying Dutchman CD Remaster/Reissue) - A Review by Mark Barry...

Amazon UK Purchase Link

https://link.amazon/B0bot2BpP

-----------------------------------------------------

This Review Along With A HUGE 356 Others Is Available In My

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70ts Soul, R 'n' B, Funk, Jazz Fusion
Exceptional CD Reissues and Remasters  

Just Click Below To Purchase for £4.95 (2026 Update)

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"...A New Black Poet..."

Picture the scene – New York City, USA, 1970. You're a young black man, fresh out of college and ideological. But you're also broke and living in a city that is being consumed by drugs and violence - and whether or not you've big hopes and even larger dreams – it doesn't matter because in truth 'the man' couldn't give a rat's ass about your future. So in your gut you're angry and you feel betrayed - the stench of political hypocrisy is everywhere. You look forlornly at a system that has consistently defiled your colour for centuries and in the last five years has gingerly sent you and your brothers draft papers followed by a plane ride to an actual war – murderous Hell in Vietnam – where you and your friends are being slaughtered for some unspoken Communist agenda ruthlessly applied by an all-white Government regardless of the physical cost. But one afternoon (on word of mouth from those in the know) - you pop along to a poetry gig in Lenox Avenue and out onto the stage (accompanied by two Conga Players) steps this wiry-looking 21-year Negro who airs everything you've been feeling and thinking with the ferocity of a punch in the solar plexus from Cassius Clay. In 1970 and 1971 "Small Talk At 125th And Lenox" must have been mind-blowing - and in 2015 - it still is.

Talk about records you must hear before you die. Even now it's hard to envisage let alone phantom the cultural impact this concert and its subsequent low-key album release must have had. Re-listening to it now I'm still hammered by its fearlessness, mental clarity and yes rage. I'm also struck by the bad stuff - his arrogance and his awful 'fa**ots' piece - painful at best to listen to and at worst – outright offensive. Scott-Heron probably meant to attach hypocrisy towards gays but ended up sounding like he was smirking with the attackers rather than deriding them. But I'm also saddened by the sickening truth – that after 45 years - Gil Scott-Heron's debut LP still has a point. In fact his embittered hurt about poverty in city ghettos, police brutality and ingrained racism is ludicrously contemporary today because this kind of crap shouldn't be happening in Barack Obama's America - and yet we all know it is. Anyway - let's get to the paint it black details before someone else gets hurt.

Gil Scott-Heron approached BOB THIELE of Flying Dutchman Records hoping for a poetry piece. Thiele had been with ABC's "Impulse" Jazz label for over 10 years and had formed Flying Dutchman in 1969 with the idea of putting out Radical Jazz and Avant Garde recordings. Scott-Heron had already published a novel "The Vulture" and a book of poetry called "Small Talk At 125th And Lenox". So Thiele allowed him to invite a small audience in (mid 1970) and do the 14-track album on the cheap – giving the record the same name as his book of poems but precede the title with an announcement - "A New Black Poet". 

No one seems to know exactly when the album "Small Talk At 125th And Lenox" by GIL SCOTT-HERON on Flying Dutchman FDS-131 was first released – it's copyrighted to 1970 but the first review for it is not until October 1971 in the USA press where the LP is viewed as 'taking off'. It's more likely it was available to the public in January or February 1971 although those dates are open to debate (CD 44:04 minutes):

1. Introduction – The Revolution Will Not Be Televised
2. Omen
3. Brother
4. Comment No. 1
5. Small Talk At 125th And Lennox
6. The Subject Was Fa**ots
7. Evolution (And Flashback)
8. Plastic Patter People [Side 2]
9. Whitey On the Moon
10. The Vulture
11. Enough
12. Paint It Black
13. Who'll Pay Reparations On My Soul?
14. Everyday
[Note: the version of "Who'll Pay Reparations On My Soul?" on the album ran to 4:20 minutes – the CD presents an Extended Version at 5:17 minutes]

This Monday 27 April 2015 CD (May 2015 in the USA) on BGP/Flying Dutchman CDBGPM 290 (Barcode 029667529020) is a reissue by Ace Records of the UK as part of their Flying Dutchman Jazz Classics Series (BGP is Beat Goes Public). 

Although the mastering is credited to Nick Robbins in 2015 – the CD itself says 2001 – so this is the RCA Victor Gold Series CD remaster from that period. The audio is fabulous - incredibly clean as the congas pound across the speakers and Gil raps away about being "...chained by leg irons..." in "Enough" and "...no hot water, no toilets, no lights...a rat bit my sister..." in the loaded "Whitey On The Moon". The album also contains the first version of his most famous piece "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" available here in its original poetry-only form (the music version turned up on his next album – 1971's classic "Piece Of A Man" – see separate review).

The 12-page booklet repro's the original Flying Dutchman labels for Side 1 and 2, pictures the book of poems that gave the album its name and has superb liner notes from DEAN RUDLAND explaining about the making of the record and its radical history. It also wisely reproduces the liner notes from NAT HENTOFF of the Jazz & Pop Magazine that graced the back cover so you can read them properly - themselves full of information and not hyperbole.

With Scott-Heron introducing and speaking the Poems in a spoken scat vocal style – he is backed by a percussion duo consisting of Charlie Saunders and David Barnes on Congas. It's not all poetry. Scott-Heron plays Piano on three tracks - "The Vulture", "Who'll Pay Reparations For My Soul" and "Everyday" – while David Barnes does some secondary vocals on "Who'll Pay Reparations On My Soul?" and "Everyday". And the lyrics are genius - "...Call my brother a junkie...say he ain't got no job...so my old man leave me when times get hard...so my mother...she’s got to carry me all herself..." he sings on the brilliant "Who’ll Pay Reparations On My Soul?"

The crowd response ranges from polite claps ("Brother"), awkwardness "The Subject Was Fa**ots") to giggles and affection ("Whitey On The Moon"). But when he starts on that piano at the beginning of "The Vulture" – the magic kicks in big time when it stops being poetry and starst to become music. And when they clap at the end with real feeling and appreciation – you can 'so' hear that someone 'big' has arrived. You begin to wish the whole album had avoided just poetry raps and done every song as music. He would realise that potential in his next album – the classic "Pieces Of A Man".

"Small Talk At 125th And Lenox" is only a reissue I know (a milestone in the history of rap too) - but given the situation in Baltimore with 5000 troops on the streets in May 2015 - what a timely one. On "Everyday" Gil Scott-Heron sings - "...everyday I seem to be running from the truth..." Don't sweep his wisdom under a rug – this is one truth you should run towards precisely because it's uncomfortable... 

"Rit/Rit 2" by LEE RITENOUR – May 1981 and November 1982 US Albums on Elektra Records featuring Harvey Mason on Keyboards and Percussion, David Foster, Greg Phillinganes, Richard Tee and Greg Mathieson on Keyboards, Abraham Laboriel on Bass, Chuck Finley on Trumpet, Jeff Porcaro on Drums and Eric Tagg on Lead Vocals with Johnny Mandel doing String Arrangements and more (October 2015 UK Robinsongs Compilation – 2LPs Remastered onto 1CD – Alan Wilson Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

Amazon UK Purchase Link

https://link.amazon/B02IStR2S

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"...Captain Fingers..."

Californian Ace Guitarist LEE RITENOUR ("Captain Fingers" to his fans) has probably graced more Audiophile albums than any other session player in living memory. But virtuosity and a wonderful deftness of touch on the old plankaroony are not necessarily what these albums are about. These two very commercial LPs from 1981 and 1982 (his 4th and 5th vinyl platters) went for the jugular of the AWB, Chicago, Earth, Wind & Fire, George Benson albums audience with an 80ts vengeance. Here are the zippy licks and slapped basses...

UK released October 2015 – "Rit/Rit/2" by LEE RITENOUR on Robinsongs WROBIN3CD (Barcode 5013929950320) offers 2LPs Remastered onto 1CD and plays out as follows (77:38 minutes): 

1. Mr. Briefcase [Side 1]
2. (Just) Tell Me Pretty Lies
3. No Sympathy 
4. Is It You?
5. Dreamwalk 
6. Countdown (Captain Fingers) [Side 2]
7. Good Question
8. (You Caught Me) Smilin'
9. On The Slow Guide
10. No Sympathy (Reprise Version)
Tracks 1 to 10 are the album "Rit" – released May 1981 in the USA on Elektra Records 6E-331 and June 1981 in the UK on Elektra Records K 52273. Peaked at No. 26 in the US album charts and No. 4 on the Jazz charts (didn’t chart in the UK). 

11. Cross My Heart 
12. Promises, Promises 
13. Dreamwalkin'
14. Keep It Alive 
15. A Fantasy 
16. Tied Up [Side 2]
17. Voices
18. On The Boardwalk 
19. Road Runner 
20. Malibu 
Tracks 11 to 20 are the album "Rit/2" – released November 1982 in the USA on Elektra Records 60186 and in the UK/Europe on Elektra Records 96.0186-1. Peaked at No. 99 on the US album charts and No. 5 on the Jazz charts (didn’t chart in the UK).  

Robinsongs is a subsidiary of England's Cherry Red Records and has been building up a solid and enviable rep with regard to Soul, Funk and Jazz Fusion CD Reissues (two quality albums Remastered onto 1CD and pitched at mid-price). The 12-page booklet is a pleasingly indepth affair with new liner notes from noted Jazz writer CHARLES WARING (Contributes to the Mojo Magazine) and photos of those Elektra Records labels as well as full musician credits. ALAN WILSON at Western Star has handled the Mastering and the Audio reflects the original Production Values – clear, polished and sophisticated (if not a little 'too' Eighties in places).
Each album features a huge plethora of quality musicians – "Rit" has Harvey Mason on Keyboards and Percussion, David Foster, Greg Phillinganes, Richard Tee and Greg Mathieson (all) on Keyboards, Abraham Laboriel on Bass, Chuck Finley on Trumpet, Jeff Porcaro on Drums and Eric Tagg on Lead Vocals with Johnny Mandel doing String Arrangements (to name but a few). 

"Rit/2" features Eric Tagg doing Lead Vocals on six of its ten compositions and co-wrote "Cross My Heart", "Promises, Promises", "Dreamwalkin'", "Keep It Alive" and "Voices". Vocalist Bill Champlin features on "Promises, Promises" and co-wrote the song with Ritenour and Tagg. Lee Ritenour plays Electric and Acoustic Guitars, Vocoder and Guitar Synthesizer throughout. Guests include Tom Scott on Saxophone and Larry Williams on Flute as well as many of the virtuoso types that played on "Rit". 

Proceedings open with the upbeat but throwaway "Mr. Briefcase" (a 12" on both sides of the pond) – better is the Earth, Wind & Fire slap-bass Funk of "(Just) Tell Me Pretty Lies". Things mellow out with "No Sympathy" which features his delicate fretwork before Eric Tagg gets all Chicago on the Vocals. Back to the George Benson "Give Me The Night" marketplace with the infectious "Is It You?" (an obvious single) - but my fave Funky groove has always been Side 2's Instrumental "On The Slow Glide" – finger-picked Bass with treated guitars...

"Rit/2" seems more RCA-period Average White Band than Columbia's Earth, Wind & Fire opening with the schlocky "Cross My Heart". Bill Champlin of Sons Of Champlin co-wrote the commercial synth Funk of "Promises, Promises" and can be heard in the backing vocals. 'Lurve' enters the scene with "Dreamwalkin' (Along With Me)" sounding like some movie soundtrack finisher as the happy couple walk off into the Malibu sunset with Pina Coladas in hand.  Far better is his superb fluid playing on the Funky yet slick Instrumental "Road Runner" – about as sweet as the album gets. 

Admittedly in 2015 - many might find the saccharine elements of the vocals on both records a tad too much to take nowadays – but those Funky Grooves, Wicked Instrumental flourishes and that gorgeous Audio make it a worthwhile purchase for the curious - and a must-have for fans... 

"First Course" by LEE RITENOUR – March 1976 US Debut Album on Epic Records featuring Harvey Mason on Drums, Louis Johnson (of The Brothers Johnson) on Bass, Dave Grusin. Patrice Rushen, Michael Omartian and Ian Underwood on Keyboards with Tom Scott and Chuck Findley on Horns (October 2014 UK Beat Goes On Records (BGO) CD Reissue and Remaster – Andrew Thompson Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

Amazon UK Purchase Link

https://link.amazon/B0f5dXCdJ

-----------------------------------------------------

This Review Along With A HUGE 356 Others Is Available In My

SOUNDS GOOD E-Book on all Amazon sites

HIGHER GROUND 
70ts Soul, R 'n' B, Funk, Jazz Fusion
Exceptional CD Reissues and Remasters  

Just Click Below To Purchase for £4.95 (2026 Update)

Thousands of E-Pages - All Details and In-Depth Reviews From Discs 

(No Cut and Paste Crap)

"…Sweet Syncopation…"

Playing his first studio session for The Mama's & Papa's at the tender age of 15 in 1969 - you could say that Los Angelino LEE RITENOUR can handle the odd lick or two on a guitar. Amazingly - his funky-as-a-gnat's underpants debut album "First Course" has been off the digital circuit for decades. Well luckily for us along comes Beat Goes On of the UK with a fabulous new remaster of this forgotten Crusaders-like Seventies classic to rectify all that. Here are the fatback details...

UK released October 2014 - "First Course" by LEE RITENOUR on Beat Goes On BGOCD 1163 (Barcode 5017261211637) is a straightforward CD Remaster of his 1976 Nine-Track Debut Album on Epic Records and breaks down as follows (41:37 minutes):

1. A Little Bit Of This And A Little Bit Of That [6:19 minutes] – Side 1
2. Sweet Syncopation [4:49 minutes]
3. Theme From 'Three Days Of The Condor' [4:10 minutes]
4. Fatback [4:21 minutes]
5. Memories Past [1:54 minutes]
6. Caterpillar [4:23 minutes] – Side 2
7. Canticle For The Universe [6:13 minutes]
8. Wild Rice [5:35 minutes]
9. Ohla Maria (Amparo) [3:51 minutes]
Tracks 1 to 9 are his debut LP "First Course" released in March 1976 in the USA on Epic Records PE 33947 (no UK release).

The outer card slipcase and the 12-page booklet with excellent CHARLES WARING liner notes give this reissue the usual BGO classy feel - but the big news for fans is a fantastic new remaster by England's ANDREW THOMPSON done at Sound Mastering in London. This album sounds almost audiophile - and it should.

Recorded between September and December 1975 in Epic's Sound Labs studios in Hollywood and employing top session players of the time allied with the Production skills of SKIP DRINKWATER - this is a beautifully produced album - slick, expertly played and Steely Dan polished. The instrumentation sound on this is glorious.
Excepting "Theme From 'Three Days Of The Condor'" and Caterpillar" by DAVE GRUSIN and the cover version of Brazil's finest Antonio Jobim's "Ohla Maria (Amparo)" - all the others are Ritenour originals. The players are a who's who of quality - Harvey Mason on Drums, Louis Johnson (of The Brothers Johnson) on Bass, Dave Grusin on Keyboards, Michael Omartion on Clavinet with Tom Scott and Chuck Findley on Horns. You even get the genius Patrice Rushen on "Wild Rice" playing Clavinet and Synthesizer whizz-kid Ian Underwood underlying most tracks with Stevie Wonder type funkiness.

Epic USA tried to edit the cool and catchy six-minute opener "A Little Bit Of This And A Little Bit of That" onto a three and a half minute 7" single in early 1976 (Epic 8-50250) - but neither it nor the LP bothered the charts. And yet listening back to "First Course" and its effortless cool now - it's hard to understand why the album didn't make bigger waves outside of musician circles that applauded the arrival of a virtuoso guitarist and still only in his mid-twenties. A particular favourite of mine is the slick and gritty "Fatback" and the pretty acoustic "Memories Past" that seems over too soon. The slow groove of "Caterpillar" mimics its name and it ends on the lovely Spanish acoustic guitar and mellowness of that Cobim cover - now sounding crystal clear.

Genius reissue and well done (once again) to England's BGO (Beat Goes on Records) for giving "First Course the belated credit this album was always due... 

"Perfect Angel/Adventures In Paradise" by MINNIE RIPERTON [Ex Rotary Connection aka The New Rotary Connection] – Second and Third Studio Albums from August 1974 and June 1975 on Epic Records featuring Stevie Wonder and Denise Williams (February 2004 UK EMI/Stateside Compilation - 2LPs Remastered Onto 1CD) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"…Lovin' You…"

Apparently able to hit an octave above what is normal for most people - the legendary voice of Rotary Connection's Minnie Riperton could break glass at ten paces (some people claim). And my God - do you get that shiver down your spine when you hear the vocal peaks Minnie Julia hits on these two fabulous slabs of Seventies Soul. All this and the monster Number 1 hit "Lovin' You" - easily up there as being one of the most beautiful love songs ever written. Here are the angelic details...

UK released February 2004 - "Perfect Angel/Adventures In Paradise" by MINNIE RIPERTON on EMI/Stateside 597 1972 (Barcode 724359719726) offers two albums ("Perfect Angel" and "Adventures In Paradise") originally from 1974 and 1975 on Epic Records Remastered onto 1CD that breaks down as follows (77:07 minutes):

1. Reasons [Side 1]
2. It's So Nice (To See Old Friends)
3. Take A Little Trip
4. Seeing You This Way
5. The Edge Of A Dream
6. Perfect Angel [Side 2]
7. Every Time He Comes Around
8. Lovin' You
9. Our Lives
Tracks 1 to 9 are their album "Perfect Angel" - released August 1974 in the USA on Epic KE 32561 and October 1974 in the UK on Epic EPC 80426

10. Baby, This Love I Have [Side 1]
11. Feelin' That Your Feelin's Right
12. When It Comes Down To It
13. Minnie's Lament
14. Love And Its Glory
15. Adventures In Paradise [Side 2]
16. Inside My Love
17. Alone In Brewster Bay
18. Simple Things
19. Don't Let Anyone Bring You Down
Tracks 10 to 19 are her 3rd solo album "Adventures In Paradise" - released June 1975 in the USA and UK on Epic PE 33454 and Epic EPC 69142

The album "Perfect Angel" hit the prestigious Number 1 spot on the American R&B Billboard charts in August 1974 - ploughed into that position by its centrepiece - the gorgeous "Lovin' You". To this day the melody and the power of her vocal delivery on that aching love song can reduce people to tears. And I've always thought that the B-side "The Edge Of A Dream" equal to the A - a perfect Soul single really. 

The album also benefited from an unsung/uncredited presence. Arranged by 'Wonderlove', liner notes by a 'fan' and instruments played by the mysterious 'El Toro Negro' - all of it lead to one obvious conclusion - it was Stevie Wonder under a pseudonym (avoiding being contractually sued by Motown). 

In fact of the nine songs on the album - "Take A Little Trip" and "Perfect Angel" are Stevie Wonder originals while the other seven are co-writes between Minnie Riperton and her then husband Richard Rudolph (including the Number One smash "Lovin' You"). Denise Williams and Lani Green added Backing Vocals to many tracks including the excellent "Every Time He Comes Around" which also features Marlo Henderson playing an Isley Brothers blinder on guitar (the track was also the flip of the album's other wicked single - "Reasons"). It finishes with the pretty "Our Lives" with Stevie playing his distinctive harmonica style.

"Adventures In Paradise" featured a stellar cast of musicians too - Larry Carlton and Dean Parks on Guitars, Joe Sample of The Crusaders on Keyboards with Jim Horn and Tom Scott on Saxophones and Jim Gordon on Drums. Songs like "Simple Things" and "Minnie's Lament" clearly had the magic of "Perfect Angel" and it's easy to see why the sexy "Inside My Love" was picked as a single (with the equally lovely "Don't Let Anyone Bring You Down" as its B-side). Wonderful stuff...

In 1976 she announced on the Johnny Carsons Show that she had contracted breast cancer and had already undergone a mastectomy to combat it. An untalked-about topic and family destroyer - her speaking out on public television caused shock waves - and for all the right reasons. Minnie then spent the next three years recording as much as she could and campaigning for better research funding. The then President Jimmy Carter awarded her a courage award in the White House in 1978 - but in July 1979 and aged only 31 - the disease took her - a star quite literally put out.

We at least have her stunning recorded legacy to remind us that life is precious and music is a healing part of that...

PS: see my reviews for Rotary Connection, Terry Callier and The Dells - all of whom benefitted from Riperton's beautiful voice...

"Gold" by LIONEL RICHIE/COMMODORES – Commodores Band and Solo Album Tracks from August 1974 to October 2000 on Motown Records (April 2006 UK Universal/Hip-O Select/Motown 2CD Anthology with Suha Gur Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"...Easy Like Sunday Morning..."

Cheap as chips and twice as cheerful - this is one of those Universal "Gold" 2CD sets that offers a lot of good Soul music for frankly zero outlay. Cleverly splitting Lionel Richie's hugely successful solo career with his earlier days fronting The Commodores hit machine (most tunes penned by him anyway) - you get a nice slice of both worlds. Here are the penny lovers and the all-night-long details...

UK released April 2006 - "Gold" by LIONEL RICHIE and THE COMMODORES on Universal/Hip-O Select/Motown 0602498879603 (Barcode 602498879603) is split between LIONEL RICHIE solo material and his career before that with THE COMMODORES and it breaks down as follows:

Disc 1 (79:13 minutes):
1. All Night Long (All Night)
2. Penny Lover
3. Say You, Say Me
4. My Destiny
5. Running With The Night
6. Dancing On The Ceiling
7. Love Oh Love
8. Ballerina Girl
9. My Love
10. Love Will Conquer All
11. Do It To Me
12. Cinderella
13. Angel
14. Don't Wanna Lose You
15. Sweet Love - COMMODORES
16. Oh No - COMMODORES
Track 9 is from his debut solo LP "Lionel Richie", November 1982
Tracks 1, 2 and 5 are from his 2nd solo LP "Can't Slow Down", October 1983
Tracks 3, 6, 8 and 10 are from his 3rd solo LP "Dancing On The Ceiling", August 1986 - track 3 also appeared in the "White Nights" film soundtrack
Tracks 4, 7 and 11 are from his 4th solo LP "Back To Front", May 1992
Track 14 is from his 5th solo LP "Louder Than Words", April 1996
Tracks 12 and 13 are his 7th solo LP "Renaissance", October 2000
Track 15 is from The Commodores album "Movin' On", November 1975
Track 16 is from The Commodores album "In The Pocket", July 1981

Disc 2 (79:37 minutes):
1. Hello - LIONEL RICHIE
2. Endless Love - LIONEL RICHIE with DIANA ROSS
3. Three Times A Lady - COMMODORES
4. Sail On - COMMODORES
5. Stuck On You  - LIONEL RICHIE
6. You Are - LIONEL RICHIE
7. Truly - LIONEL RICHIE
8. Easy - COMMODORES
9. Still - COMMODORES
10. Just To Be Close To You - COMMODORES
11. Lady (You Bring Me Up) - COMMODORES
12. Machine Gun - COMMODORES
13. Brick House - COMMODORES
14. Too Hot Ta Trot - COMMODORES
15. Zoom - COMMODORES
16. Jesus Is Love - COMMODORES
Tracks 1 and 5 are from his 2nd solo LP "Can't Slow Down", October 1983
Track 2 is from the "Endless Love" Original Soundtrack LP, July 1981
Track 3 is from the Commodores album "Natural High", May 1978
Tracks 4 and 9 are from the Commodores album "Midnight Magic", August 1979
Tracks 6 and 7 are from his debut album "Lionel Richie", November 1982
Tracks 8, 13 and 15 are from the Commodores album "Commodores", April 1977
Track 10 is from the Commodores album "Hot On The Tracks", July 1976
Track 11 is from the Commodores album "In The Pocket", July 1981
Track 12 is from the Commodores album, "Machine Gun", August 1974
Track 14 is from the album "Commodores Live!", November 1977
Track 16 is from the album "Heroes", June 1980

The 16-page booklet features short but informative liner notes by STEVEN IVORY, colour photos from the album sessions and track-by-track credits. But the big news here is the SUHA GUR remasters lifting every track out of their former muddiness - great sound quality throughout.

His monster second album "Can't Slow Down" (which dominated the summer of 1983) gets five of its eight tracks represented here - with the genuinely lovely "Penny Lover" and the fabulous arrangements of "All Night Long (All Night)" sticking out. "Dancing On The Ceiling" (another number 1 album) bags four. Some of it - like "Don't Wanna Lose You", "Endless Love" or even "Hello" - is awful schmaltz for sure - but then you get the unbelievably sexy groove of "Do It To Me" - a song so slinky it practically slides off of itself. And that knack for hooky commercialism that seems so effortless to Richie crops up again and again in tunes like the love song "You Are" (from the 1st album), the Spanish dancer "Cinderella" and the mid-tempo smoocher "Stuck On You".

And not to be outdone - amongst the Commodores hits are the Disco boogie of "Machine Gun" (big hairdos ahoy), the mid-tempo sway of "Zoom" and that trio of beautiful ballads "Still", "Three Times A Lady" and "Easy" (superb guitar solo). It ends on a gospel-ballad "Jesus Is Love" where he pleads, "father help your children..." which could of course come over as uber-cheesy and yet the loveliness of the melody pulls it off.

"My friends say I'm a dreamer...it takes a fool in love to know what I'm feeling..." our Lionel sings on "Do It To Me". And while you may not want to sculpt his likeness in your blind-girl's art studio...give this Soulful dreamer a go...you'll find yourself liking his soppy tunes more than you care to admit...

"Philadelphia International Records: The Collection" by VARIOUS ARTISTS – 20 Albums from 1972 to 1983 - Featuring Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, The O'Jays, Billy Paul, The Intruders, MFSB, Bunny Sigler, The Three Degrees, Edwin Birdsong, McFadden & Whitehead, Patti Labelle, Lou Rawls, Dexter Wansel, The Jones Girls, The Jacksons, Jean Carn and Teddy Pendergrass - Five with Bonus Tracks (May 2014 UK Sony Music 20CD Flip-Top Brick-Block Box Set of Remasters In Mini LP Repro Card Art Sleeves) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"...On A Love Train..."

"The Collection" offers you 20 Philly Soul albums in single repro card sleeves inside a hard-card box set with a chunky 36-page booklet (5 of the discs even have bonus tracks). But musically it's not all Funky Nirvana by any means. As others have pointed out - there's both bland and genius nestling for your attention here (with more genius than not I'm glad to say). In order to give you a fuller picture - here are the detailed Blue Notes and Back Stabbers...

UK/EU released May 2014 - "Philadelphia International Records: The Collection" by VARIOUS ARTISTS is a 20CD Mini Box Set on Sony Music 8843055662 (Barcode 888430556621) and breaks down as follows:

CD1 (41:07 minutes):
1. I Miss You
2. Ebony Woman
3. Yesterday I Had The Blues
4. If You Don't Know Me By Now [Side 2]
5. Be For Real
6. Let Me Into Your World
7. Let It Be You
Tracks 1 to 7 are the self-titled album "Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes" by HAROLD MELVIN & THE BLUE NOTES - originally released August 1972 in the USA on Philadelphia International PZ 31648 as "I Miss You" with different artwork. When the single "If You Don't Know Me By Now" charted big in October 1972 globally - the album was relaunched as "Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes" with more sophisticated artwork, the same track list and catalogue number. It is this blue sleeve cover that is used here and was also the UK album ("Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes") released February 1973 on CBS Records S 65350 (later reissued in 1974 on Philadelphia International S PIR 65934)

BONUS TRACK:
8. If You Don't Know Me By Now (Live)

CD 2 (40:05 minutes):
1. When The World's At Peace
2. Back Stabbers
3. Who Am I
4. (They Call Me) Mr. Lucky
5. Time To Get Down
6. 992 Arguments [Side 2]
7. Listen To The Clock On The Wall
8. Shiftless, Shady, Jealous Kind Of People
9. Sunshine
10. Love Train
Tracks 1 to 10 are the album "Back Stabbers" by O'JAYS - released September 1972 in the USA on Philadelphia International KZ 31712 and October 1972 in the UK on CBS Records S 65257

CD 3 (53:44 minutes):
1. Brown Baby
2. I'm Just A Prisoner
3. It's Too Late
4. Me And Mrs. Jones
5. Am I Black Enough For You [Side 2]
6. Let's Stay Together
7. Your Song
8. I'm Gonna Make It This Time
Tracks 1 to 8 are the album "360 Degrees Of Billy Paul" by BILLY PAUL - released November 1972 in the USA on Philadelphia International KZ 31793 and in the UK on Epic Records EPC 65351 (reissued in 1973 on Philadelphia International S PIR 65930)

BONUS TRACK:
9. Me And Mrs. Jones (Live)

CD 4 (38:56 minutes):
1. Save The Children
2. Mother And Child Reunion
3. I Wanna Know Your Name
4. To Be Happy Is The Real Thing
5. I'll Always Love My Mama [Side 2]
6. Memories Are Here To Stay
7. Teardrops
8. Hang On In There
Tracks 1 to 8 are the album "Save The Children" by THE INTRUDERS - released May 1973 in the USA on Gamble/Philadelphia International KZ 31991 and in the UK on Philadelphia International S PIR 65865

CD 5 (31:29 minutes):
1. Can't You See What You're Doing To Me
2. A Woman Needs A Good Man
3. Dirty Ol' Man
4. When Will I See You Again
5. I Didn't Know
6. Year Of Decision
7. If And When
8. I Like Being A Woman
NOTE: For some unexplained reason, both the CD running order and the track list in the booklet lay out the songs of "The Three Degrees" as above - but both the US and UK self-titled original LPs ran the tracks as follows:
Side 1: 3, 1, 2 and 4
Side 2: 5, 8, 7 and 6
Tracks 1 to 8 are the album "The Three Degrees" by THE THREE DEGREES - released February 1973 in the USA on Philadelphia International KZ 32406 and in the UK on Philadelphia International S PIR 65858. The 2010 CD reissue and remaster by Big Break Records of the UK on CDBBR 0002 (Barcode 5013929030220) reverts to this original track run and adds on three bonus cuts. 

CD 6 (52:11 minutes):
1. Put Your Hands Together
2. Ship Ahoy
3. This Air I Breathe
4. You Got Your Hooks In Me
5. For The Love Of Money [Side 2]
6. Now That We Found Love
7. Don't Call Me Brother
8. People Keep Tellin' Me
Tracks 1 to 8 are the album "Ship Ahoy" by THE O'JAYS - released October 1973 in the USA on Philadelphia International KZ 32408 and June 1974 in the UK on Philadelphia International S PIR 65860

BONUS TRACK:
9. Put Your Hands Together (Live Version)

CD 7 (35:08 minutes):
1. Zack's Fanfare
2. Love Is The Message
3. Cheaper To Keep Her
4. My One And Only Love
5. TSOP (The Sound Of Philadelphia - Theme From The TV Show "Soul Train") [Side 2]
6. Zack's Fanfare ( I Hear The Music)
7. Touch Me In The Morning
8. Bitter Sweet
Tracks 1 to 8 are the album "Love Is The Message" by MFSB - released December 1973 in the USA on Philadelphia International KZ 32707 and May 1974 as "TSOP – The Sound Of Philadelphia" in the UK on Philadelphia International S PIR 80154

CD 8 (42:32 minutes):
1. Shake Your Booty
2. Picture Us
3. Keep Smilin'
4. That's How Long I'll Be Loving You
5. I Lied
6. Things Are Gonna Get Better [Side 2]
7. Sweeter Than The Berry
8. Your Love Is Good
9. Somebody Free
10. Love Train
Tracks 1 to 10 are the album "Keep Smilin'" by BUNNY SIGLER - released 1974 in the USA on Philadelphia International KZ 33249. The album had no UK release under this name "Keep Smilin'" but some of its tracks appeared on the album "That's How Long I'll Be Loving You" released July 1974 in the UK on Philadelphia International S PIR 80253 (Side 1: 6, 4, 5, 2 and 10 / Side 2: 8 and 9 only)

CD 9 (46:03 minutes):
1. Wake Up Everybody [Side 1]
2. Keep On Lovin' You
3. You Know How To Make Me Feel So Good
4. Don't Leave Me This Way [Side 2]
5. Tell The World How I Feel About 'Cha Baby
6. To Be Free To Be Who You Are
7. I'm Reaching For A Love
Tracks 1 to 7 are the album "Wake Up Everybody" by HAROLD MELVIN & THE BLUE NOTES - released November 1975 in the USA on Philadelphia International PZ 33808 and January 1976 in the UK on Philadelphia International PIR 69193

BONUS TRACK:
8. Don't Leave Me This Way (Tom Moulton Mix)

CD 10 (38:36 minutes):
1. You're The One
2. You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine
3. Time
4. Groovy People
5. Need You Forever
6. From Now On [Side 1]
7. Pure Imagination
8. This Song Will Last Forever
9. Let's Fall In Love All Over Again
Tracks 1 to 9 are the album "All Things In Time" by LOU RAWLS - released June 1976 in the USA on Philadelphia International PZ 33957 and June 1976 in the UK on Philadelphia International PIR 81368. It was a US R&B Number 1 album.

CD 11 (36:40 minutes):
1. A Prophet Named K.G.
2. Life On Mars
3. Together Once Again
4. Stargazer
5. One Million Miles From The Ground [Side 2]
6. You Can Be What You Wanna Be
7. Theme From The Planets
8. Rings Of Saturn
Tracks 1 to 8 are the album "Life On Mars" by DEXTER WANSEL - released August 1976 in the USA on Philadelphia International PZ 34079 (no UK release).

CD 12 (39:32 minutes):
1. Enjoy Yourself
2. Think Happy
3. Good Times
4. Keep On Dancing
5. Blues Away
6. Show You The Way To Go [Side 2]
7. Living Together
8. Strength Of One Man
9. Dreamer
10. Style Of Life
Tracks 1 to 10 are the album "The Jacksons" by THE JACKSONS - released November 1976 in the USA on Epic PE 34229 and in the UK on Epic EPC 86009. "Blues Away" and "Style Of Life" by Michael Jackson.

CD 13 (40:53 minutes):
1. Free Love
2. No Laughing Matter
3. I'm In Love Once Again
4. Don't You Know Love When You See It
5. Where Did You Ever Go [Side 2]
6. You Are All I Need
7. If You Wanna Go Back
8. You Got A Problem
9. Time Waits For No One
Tracks 1 to 9 are the album "Jean Carn" by JEAN CARN - released February 1977 in the USA on Philadelphia International PZ 39394 (no UK release)

CD 14 (36:45 minutes):
1. You Can't Hide From Yourself
2. Somebody Told Me
3. Be Sure
4. And If I Had
5. I Don't Love You Anymore [Side 2]
6. The Whole Town's Laughing At Me
7. Easy, Easy, Got To Take It Easy
8. The More I Get, The More I Want
Tracks 1 to 8 are the album "Teddy Pendergrass" by TEDDY PENDERGRASS - released March 1977 in the USA on Philadelphia International PZ 34390 and April 1977 in the UK on Philadelphia International PIR 81756 (ex Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes - first Solo album)

CD 15 (38:03 minutes):
1. Lady Love
2. I Wish It Were Yesterday
3. One Life To Live
4. Dollar Green
5. Trade Winds
6. There Will Be Love [Side 2]
7. Unforgettable
8. That Would Do It For Me
9. If I Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda
10. Not The Staying Kind
Tracks 1 to 10 are the album "When You Hear Lou, You've Heard It All" by LOU RAWLS - released December 1977 in the USA on Philadelphia International JZ 35036 and January 1978 in the UK on Philadelphia International S PIR 82402

CD 16 (46:30 minutes):
1. Life Is A Song Worth Singing
2. Only You
3. Cold, Cold World
4. Get Up, Get Down, Get Funky, Get Loose
5. Close The Door [Side 2]
6. It Don't Hurt Now
7. When Somebody Loves You Back
Tracks 1 to 7 are the album "Life Is A Song Worth Singing" by TEDDY PENDERGRASS - released June 1978 in the USA on Philadelphia International JZ 35095 and July 1978 in the UK on Philadelphia International S PIR 82555. The album was a USA R&B Number 1.

BONUS TRACKS:
8. Only You (Single Version)
9. Get Down, Get Funky (Disco Version)

CD 17 (35:12 minutes):
1. This Feeling's Killing Me
2. You Made Me Love You
3. Show Love Today
4. You Gonna Make Me Love Somebody Else
5. Life Goes On [Side 2]
6. Who Can I Run To
7. We're A Melody
8. I'm At Your Mercy
Tracks 1 to 8 are the album "The Jones Girls" by THE JONES GIRLS - released May 1979 in the USA on Philadelphia International JZ 35757 and in the UK on Philadelphia International S PIR 83831

CD 18 (38:47 minutes):
1. Cola Bottle Baby
2. Phiss-Phizz
3. Kunta Dance
4. Lollipop [Side 2]
5. Goldmine
6. Freaky Deaky Sities
7. Autumn Eyes
8. Lollipop (Slow)
Tracks 1 to 8 are the album "Edwin Birdsong" by EDWIN BIRDSONG - released May 1979 in the USA on Philadelphia International JZ 35758 (no UK release)

CD 19 (42:53 minutes):
1. Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now
2. I've Been Pushed Aside
3. Mr. Music
4. Just Wanna Love You Baby
5. Got To Change [Side 2]
6. You're My Someone To Love
7. I Got The Love
8. Do You Want To Dance
Tracks 1 to 8 are the album "McFadden & Whitehead" by McFADDEN & WHITEHEAD (Jean and John) - released May 1979 in the USA on Philadelphia International JZ 35800 and in the UK on Philadelphia International S PIR 83613

CD 20 (38:46 minutes):
1. I'm In Love Again
2. Lover Man (Oh, Where Can You Be?)
3. Love, Need And Want You
4. If Only You Knew
5. Body Language [Side 2]
6. I'll Never, Never Give Up
7. Love Bankrupt
8. When Am I Gonna Find True Love
Tracks 1 to 8 are the album "I'm In Love Again" by PATTI LaBELLE - released December 1983 in the USA on Philadelphia International FZ 38539 and in the UK on Philadelphia International 450621 1

As you can see from the list above - five of the twenty CDs (1, 3, 6, 9 and 16) have bonus tracks. All albums (including their bonuses) are documented in the lovely 36-page colour booklet with features brief reviews of each title by long-time Soul aficionado DEAN RUDLAND. These are followed by page-after-page of the albums pictured alongside detailed track lists. Each of the CDs is numbered on the label so you know where they're placed in the order of things. There are no mastering credits - but as all of these albums have been available before at one point on Sony/Legacy reissues so those remasters have been used and the sound quality is uniformly great.

The set opens with a winner - the "Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes" debut album with monsters like "If You Don't Know Me By Now", "I Miss You" and the sublime "Yesterday I Had The Blues" (shame they didn't tag on the single edit of this which is Soul perfection). We're then soothed with another fan rave - "Back Stabbers" by The O'Jays sporting the hit singles "992 Arguments" and "Love Train". Unsung album hero is "Who Am I" - a gorgeous ballad that was the B-side of "Love Train" in the UK on CBS 1181 (February 1973).

The gems keep on coming with "360 Degrees Of Billy Paul" - a Number 1 album on American's Billboard R&B charts which contained "Am I Black Enough For You?" and the classic "Me And Mrs. Jones" (a No. 1 R&B single). Album nuggets are his fabulous cover of Carole King's "Tapestry" classic "It's Too Late", the Fusion Soul consciousness of the five-year jail song "I'm Just A Prisoner" and the Jean Lang/Bunny Sigler torch ballad "I'm Gonna Make It This Time".

The 'Philly Sound' that would properly dominate much of the Seventies arrives with The Intruders doing a cover of Gil Scott-Heron's "Save The Children" while those Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff love songs fill out the rest of the album ("I Wanna Know Your Name" and "Memories Are Here To Stay"). Things go Pop Soul on The Three Degrees album and while they were hugely successful - frankly I've never liked it and find the album dismissible. Things recover big time with the magisterial "Ship Ahoy" album by The O'Jays from 1974 - Bunny Sigler's gorgeous smoocher "You Got Your Hooks In Me" impressing mightily while the uber-funky and brilliant "For The Love Of Money" has early echoes of Dexter Wansel.

I've reviewed MFSB's "Love Is The Message" - sporting a slick keyboards and vibes instrumental cover of Johnnie Taylor's anthem "Cheaper To Keep Her" - but better is the album finisher of "Bitter Sweet" - Fusion Funk one moment - all swirling happy strings the next. Bunny Sigler's "Keep Smilin'" album opens with a cod party piece that hasn't dated well but the (hissy) ballad "Picture Us" is pretty and the title track is superb. Tracks like the upbeat "Things Are Gonna Get Better" and the lovely "That's How Long I'll Be Loving You" should have been hits  - while the almost Acapella "Sweeter Than The Berry" is a welcome oddity arrangement for Philly. In fact, you can't but feel that the album is a hidden gem that makes buying a box set like this so worth it. Lou Rawls, Teddy Pendergrass, Jean Carn and The Jones Girls all distinguish themselves - but my heart goes to Dexter Wansel's superb "Life On Mars" Fusion album while commercial Funk arrives with the "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now" by McFadden & Whitehead. But excepting say the ballad "Love, Need And Want You" - for me the Patti Labelle album is maudlin Eighties schlock I can live without.

So there you have it - with only a few clunkers "The Collection" is a winner - beautifully presented, sounds spiffing and full of great Seventies Soul memories you will want to relive again and again. 

My only question would be - why isn't there an equivalent Motown Box Set? Or a long overdue Chess/Cadet/Checker Box? Or even an Atlantic Records Soul Box Volume 2? Bring them all on baby...