"People Get Ready! The Curtis Mayfield Story" by CURTIS MAYFIELD – Single and Album Tracks from 1961 to 1990 on ABC-Parkway, Curtom, Boardwalk, CRC and RSO Records - Including Curtis Mayfield with The Impressions and Duets with Linda Clifford (February 1996 US Rhino 3CD Long Box Set – Bill Inglot and Dan Hersch Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

This Review Along With 336 Others Is Available In My

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

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"...Show Me Love..."

Classy, beautiful, one of a kind and still relevant over a quarter of a century after its first issue - in truth, there aren't a lot of 'big' CD Box Sets you can say that about. 

Rhino USA did the career-chronicle business by the mighty Curtis Mayfield when they issued this gorgeous homage in February 1996 to one of Soul's true giants. Across 3CDs and 51-Tracks that include his Harmony Group Soul beginnings with The Impressions up to duets with Linda Clifford – you get all points between September 1961 and June 1990. Some are full album versions whilst others are rare single-edits – and all of it, deeply impressive. 

In fact "People Get Ready!..." would have been perfection bar none had it included tracks from his astonishing comeback album "New World Order" of September 1996 that showed Curtis was still firing on all sixes despite being literally crippled by injury. That niggle withstanding, from my vantage point of March 2021 (a full 25 years after its release) - "People Get Ready!..." is still the best Curtis Mayfield career retrospective ever afforded his legacy. Choices of colours indeed, let's get to them... 

US released 27 February 1996 - "People Get Ready! The Curtis Mayfield Story" by CURTIS MAYFIELD on Rhino R2 72262 (Barcode 081227226220) is a 3CD 51-Track Long Box Set of Remasters covering 1961 to 1990 that plays out as follows: 

CD1 (78:59 minutes):

1. Gypsy Woman – THE IMPRESSIONS (September 1961, ABC-Paramount 45-10241, A-side)

2. It's All Right - THE IMPRESSIONS (September 1963, ABC-Paramount 45-10487, A-side)

3. I'm So Proud - THE IMPRESSIONS (March 1964, ABC-Paramount 45-10544, A-side)

4. Keep On Pushing - THE IMPRESSIONS (May 1964, ABC-Paramount 45-10554, A-side)

5. Amen - THE IMPRESSIONS (Full-Length Version from the July 1964 US LP "Keep On Pushing" on ABC-Paramount ABCS-493 in Stereo)

6. People Get Ready - THE IMPRESSIONS (January 1965, ABC-Paramount 45-10672, A-side)

7. Woman's Got Soul - THE IMPRESSIONS (March 1965, ABC-Paramount 45-10647, A-side)

8. We're A Winner - THE IMPRESSIONS (November 1967, ABC-Paramount 45-11022, A-side)

9. I Loved And I Lost - THE IMPRESSIONS (Full-Length Version from the February 1968 US LP "We're A Winner" on ABC-Paramount ABCS-635 in Stereo)

10. Fool For You - THE IMPRESSIONS (August 1968, Curtom CR 1932, A-side)

11. This Is My Country - THE IMPRESSIONS (November 1968, Curtom CR 1934, A-side)

12. Choice Of Colors - THE IMPRESSIONS (May 1969, Curtom CR 1943, A-side)

13. The Makings Of You (October 1970, Curtom CR 1955, B-side of "(Don't Worry) If There's A Hell Below We're All Going To Go" - see also Track 14)

14. (Don't Worry) If There's A Hell Below We're All Going To Go (Full-Length Version from the September 1970 US LP "Curtis" on Curtom CRS 8005 - an edited version of Track 14 was issued as the A-side to the 45-single for Track 13 – not included here)

15. Move On Up (Full-Length Version from the September 1970 US LP "Curtis" on Curtom CRS 8005)

16. We People Who Are Darker Than Blue (Full-Length Version from the September 1970 US LP "Curtis" on Curtom CRS 8005)

17. Check Out Your Mind (from the May 1971 US LP "Curtis/Live!" on Curtom CRS 8008)

18. Mighty Mighty (Spade And Whitey) (from the May 1971 US LP "Curtis/Live!" on Curtom CRS 8008)

19. Stone Junkie (from the May 1971 US LP "Curtis/Live!" on Curtom CRS 8008)

CD2 (76:24 minutes):

1. Beautiful Brother Of Mine (Edit) (June 1971, Curtom CR 1960, A-side 45-single - reissued April 1972, Curtom CR 1972)

2. Get Down (Full-Length Version from the October 1971 US LP "Roots" on Curtom CRS 8009)

3. We Got To Have Peace (Full-Length Version from the October 1971 US LP "Roots" on Curtom CRS 8009)

4. Freddie's Dead (Theme From "Superfly") (Full-Length Version from the July 1972 US Soundtrack LP "Superfly" on Curtom CRS 8014-ST)

5. Superfly (Full-Length Version from the July 1972 US Soundtrack LP "Superfly" on Curtom CRS 8014-ST)

6. Give Me Your Love (from the July 1972 US Soundtrack LP "Superfly" on Curtom CRS 8014-ST)

7. Pusherman (from the July 1972 US Soundtrack LP "Superfly" on Curtom CRS 8014-ST)

8. Future Shock (Edit) (June 1973, Curtom CR 1987, A-side US 45-single)

9. If I Were Only A Child Again (September 1973, Curtom CR 1991, A-side US 45-single) 

10. Can't Say Nothin' (Edit) (November 1973, Curtom CR 1993, A-side US 45-single)

11. Kung Fu (Edit) (May 1974, Curtom CR 1999, A-side US 45-single)

12. Sweet Exorcist (September 1974, Curtom CR 2005, A-side US 45-single)

13. To Be Invisible (from the May 1974 US LP "Sweet Exorcist" on Curtom CRS 8601)

14. Mother's Son (Edit) (December 1974, Curtom CR 2006, A-side US 45-single)

15. Billy Jack (from the May 1975 US LP "(There's No Place Like) America Today" on Curtom CU 5001)

16. So In Love (Edit) (July 1975, Curtom CMS 0105, A-side US 45-single)

CD3 (70:43 minutes):

1. Only You Babe (Full-Length Version from the June 1976 US LP "Give, Get, Take And Have" on Curtom CU 5007)

2. Party Night (October 1976, Curtom CMS 0122, A-side US 45-single)

3. Mr. Welfare Man (from the June 1976 US LP "Give, Get, Take And Have" on Curtom CU 5007)

4. Show Me Love (Edit) (April 1977, Curtom CMS 0125, A-side US 45-single)

5. Do Do Wap Is Strong In Here (from the September 1977 US LP "Short Eyes" on Curtom CMS 0131)

6. You Are, You Are (March 1978, Curtom CR 0135, A-side US 45-single)

7. Do It All Night (Edit) (September 1978, Curtom CMS 0141, A-side US 45-single)

8. You're So Good To Me (Edit, credited to Curtis Mayfield only) (July 1979, RSO/Curtom RS 941, B-side to "Between You Baby And Me" - see Track 9)

9. Between You Baby And Me [credited to Curtis Mayfield And Linda Clifford] (Full-Length Version from the July 1979 US LP "Heartbeat" on RSO/Curtom RS-1-3053)

10. Love's Sweet Sensation [credited to Curtis Mayfield And Linda Clifford] (April 1980, RSO/Curtom RS 1029, A-side)

11. Love Me, Love Me Now (Edit) (June 1980, RSO/Curtom RS 1036, A-side US 45-single)

12. Tripping Out (Edit) (August 1980, RSO/Curtom RS 1046, A-side US 45-single)

13. She Don't Let Nobody (But Me) (August 1981, Boardwalk NB7-11-122, A-side US 45-single)

14. Baby It's You (August 1985, CRC Records 85-001, A-side US 45-single)

15. Homeless (Full-Length Version from the March 1990 US Album "Take It To The Streets" on Curtom CUR 2008)

16. Do Be Down (June 1990, Curtom 7 CUR 107, A-side UK 45-single)

I suppose the downside with 'Long Box' sets is the sheer size and awkward bulkiness, but you also get to see the 60-page colour booklet spread out pictorially in ways that CD-sized ones simply can't. Compiled by DAVID LEES and after testimonials from people as diverse as Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, George Clinton and Chuck D. - there are a few pages by R&B and Social Politics expert WAYNE EDWARDS on the impact of Curtis' deeply messaged music. That's followed by the 'British Ambassador Of Soul' DAVID NATHAN who goes deep into CM from Pages 12 to 39 with loads of period photos breaking up the text. A smart move too is to allow CM his own comments in the final pages (based on a 1994 interview with Alan Warner) followed by track-by-track listings, a thoroughly extensive Singles and Albums Discography and of course detailed compilation credits. The three jewel-case CDs are contained within ribboned trays with the booklet sat atop - the whole thing feeling substantial and classy. 

But the big news is the gorgeous transfers by long-time Audio Engineers to Rhino - BILL INGLOT and DAN HERSCH (done at Digiprep). Anyone who has had interest in The Impressions or Curtis' solo career from 1970 onwards (largely on his own Curtom Records) will know that his music was recorded and kept well. I have reviewed the "Definitive Impressions" Volume 1 and 2 from Ace’s Kent Soul – beautifully transferred too – and Rhino’s superb 1997 25th Anniversary 2CD set for the big one - "Superfly". This Box set is up there with all of it, and more. 

So as you lay into the near perfect run of Tracks 1 to 12 by The Impressions on CD1, you're hammered by songs and productions, which shimmer with brilliance and fidelity. And of course it only gets better as we play through 70ts masterpieces like "Curtis" (1970), "Roots" (1971), "Superfly" (1972) and "Back To The World" (1973) and so on. A really great job done and proper attention paid. To the music...

There are no complaints about skimpy playing times on any of the discs because Rhino has cleverly (and rightly) chosen 'Full-Length' Album Versions (instead of Single Edits) of such biggies as his positivity anthem "Move on Up" and social-awareness warning "(Don't Worry) If There's A Hell Below We're All Going to Go". Those full LP cuts extend to huge fan faves like "Get Down", "We Got To Have Peace" and the No. 2 R&B hit "Freddie's Dead". 

It's been an age since I revisited the "Sweet Exorcist" and "(There's No Place Like) America Today" albums and I'd forgotten how good "To be Invisible" and "Billy Jack" were. And somehow common consensus tells us that 1972's Blaxploitation Movie Soundtrack "Superfly" marked a zenith for Curtis Mayfield's music, but if anything this Box set nails that untruth with a CD3 that surprises way more than you would expect (it begins in 1976). And on it goes, his voice deepening into the 80s and 90s. 

Chicago’s finest was a musician of love and conscience who influenced so many in every genre and the "People Get Ready!" Box Set is a joyous Audio and Presentation winner worthy of him. You want the best Beautiful Brother Of Mine - then look no further...

"Right On! Break Beats And Grooves From The Atlantic And Warner Vaults 1967-1975" by VARIOUS ARTISTS - Volume 1 of 5 (September 1999 UK Warner.ESP - Warner/Atlantic/Reprise CD Compilation of Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

This Review Along With 304 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 £6.95 (2021 Update)

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

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"...Got More Glide In My Stride And More Dip In My Hip..."

Sometime in the late Nineties, the UK branch of Warner Brothers seemed to suddenly get hip to the public's needs. And WEA did this at the exact moment they also sheepishly realised they'd an abundance of riches in their glorious back catalogue to meet those cravings. I recall the 3 sets of "Funk Drops", 3 more for Northern Soul in "After Hours", 2 for Philly in "Crème De La Creme", more Soul, Funk and Gospel rarities in "You Better Believe It" - and on it went. 

Which brings us to here. Your starter for ten was the very cool "Right On!" series of compilations that tapped the Funkier side of Jazz, Fusion and Rock albums issued on Atlantic, Atco, Cotillion, San Francisco, Reprise and of course Warner Bros between 1967 and 1975. So September 1999 through to August 2004 saw Five Volumes of "Right On!" in all with a 4CD mop-up 'Box Set' in-between for Volumes 1 to 3 that contained a fourth Bonus Disc of 6 Rare Tracks. 

Suddenly, underground names held in collector awe like Eugene McDaniels, David Axelrod and David Newman got pride of place and new recognition. And much to the joy of collectors/album fetishists alike, the "Right On!" series was also backed up by 2LP VINYL sets, all of which boasted a lone Bonus Track over their CD counterparts. 

Remastered - well annotated and compiled with some serious smarts by CHAS CHANDLER and STUART KIRKHAM – they quickly became a way for fans and cash-strapped curious-types of getting rare and largely forgotten Funk and Soul for a decent price (I diligently pickled up each as they appeared). Frankly all five volumes are filled with Mr. Cool and still relatively cheap too, so let's get busy with the starting gate...Volume 1...

UK released 27 September 1999 - "Right On! Break Beats And Grooves From The Atlantic And Warner Vaults 1967-1975" byVARIOUS ARTISTS on Warner.ESP  - Warner/Atlantic/Reprise 9548378052 (Barcode 095483780525) is a 17-Track CD/18-Track 2LP Compilation of Remasters that plays out as follows (67:23 minutes, CD):

1. For What It's Worth – CHER (from the June 1969 US LP "3614 Jackson Highway" on Atco SD 33-298 in Stereo – a Buffalo Springfield cover version, written by Stephen Stills)

2. General Confessional – THE ELECTRIC PRUNES (from the November 1968 US LP "Release Of An Oath" on Reprise RS 6316 in Stereo - Arranged and Written by DAVID AXELROD) 

3. Fat Mama - HERBIE HANCOCK (Instrumental from the December 1969 US LP "Fat Albert Rotunda" on Warner Brothers WS 1834 in Stereo - featuring Billy Butler and Eric Gale on Guitars with Joe Farrell and Joe Henderson on Saxophones)

4. Captain Buckles - DAVID NEWMAN (from the March 1971 US LP "Captain Buckles" on Cotillion SD 18002 - featuring Eric Gale on Guitar, Newman on Saxophones and Flute)

5. Headless Heroes - EUGENE McDANIELS (from the May 1971 US LP "Headless Heroes Of The Apocalypse" on Atlantic SD 8281 - Miroslav Vitous of Weather Report on Bass with Alphonse Mouzon on Drums)

6. The Shadow Of Your Smile - JACK McDUFF (from the February 1967 US LP "Tobacco Road" on Atlantic SD 1472 in Stereo)

7. Tighten Up - ARCHIE BELL & THE DRELLS (from the April 1968 US LP "Tighten Up" on Atlantic SC-8181 in Stereo)

8. Spinning Wheel – WADE MARCUS (from the 1971 US LP "A New Era" on Cotillion SD 9043 – a Blood, Sweat & Tears cover – featuring Eric Gale and Richard Tee on Guitars)

9. Bad Tune – EARTH, WIND & FIRE (from the March 1971 US Debut LP "Earth, Wind & Fire" on Warner Brothers WS 1905)

10. Mr. Cool – RASPUTIN'S STASH (from the September 1971 US LP "Rasputin's Stash" on Cotillion SD 9046 - Lead Vocals by Bruce Butler)

11. Don't Cha Hear Me Calling To Ya - JUNIOR MANCE (from the August 1970 US LP "With A Lotta Help From My Friends" on Atlantic SD 1562 - backing band is Chuck Rainey on Bass, Eric Gale on Guitar, Billy Cobham on Drums with Mance on Keyboards) 

12. Stepping Stones - JOHNNY HARRIS (from the 1970 UK LP "Movements" on Warner Brothers WS 3002)

13. Black Heat - ZIMBA KU (from the June 1975 US LP "Keep On Running" on Atlantic SD 18128) 

14. Soul Train - CHARLES WRIGHT (from the September 1972 US LP "Rhythm & Poetry" on Warner BS 2620) 

15. Get Out Of My Life Woman - GRASSELLA OLIPHANT (from the December 1967 US LP "The Grass Is Greener" on Atlantic SD 1494 in Stereo - Grant Green on Guitar, Harold Ousley and Clarke Terry on Horns with John Patton on Organ - song is Allen Toussaint cover)

16. Feeling Alright - LULU (from the January 1970 US LP "New Routes" on Atlantic SD 33-310 in Stereo - Dave Mason song, Traffic cover) 

17. Crosswind - BILLY COBHAM (from the March 1974 US LP "Crosswinds" on Atlantic SD 7300)

The big disappointment (which they would change as the Volumes progressed) is the virtually information-less gatefold slip of paper that masquerades as a booklet. You get the titles and the album names they came from but naught else really – no paragraphs on the songs – no photos of those LP sleeves you never see – Drummer Grassella Oliphant or the Junior Mance album. I know it is remastered but there is just no credit as to who did what or where - which in 1999 was sloppy to say the least. But – and I must emphasis this – the Audio is fantastic – and the track play really cool and at times completely revelatory. Focusing on music with 'breaks' - there are drums ahoy and they rattle and bash out of your speakers with real intent. To the music... 

The only real slip for me is the Wade Marcus cover of Blood, Sweat & Tear's "Spinning Wheel" that feels more Lounge Lizard than Black Heat (which is a damn shame). No such complaint for the fabulous agitator – smooth operator – they call me "Mr. Cool" – where the confident lead singer of Rasputin's Stash assures us that he fooled around with the President's old lady and then called her shady into the rhyming bargain (wowser). Genius pacing follow-up comes with the Piano-Funky instrumental "Don't Cha Hear Me Calling To Ya" where Junior Mance hums along to his own playing while a truly mean Bass, Guitar and Drum ensemble Funk the mother out of the groove. 

The Axelrod arranged "General Confessional" ambles along as one of those indefinable Funk instrumentals for most of its duration until the boys sing one line towards the end (title) and fade out. But its Soundtrack even Avant Garde vibe is brilliant – a 60ts Rock groove with its infectious rhythms nodding at Soul Boys. In some ways Joe Cocker gets the gong for best cover of Dave Mason's stunning Traffic song "Feeling Alright" – but our Lulu gives it a fair shake. The Johnny Harris "Movements" UK-only LP has a legend all to its own in Blighty – so incredibly sought after. And on it goes to the brilliant and dare we even say it 'commercial fusion' of Drummer Billy Cobham on his "Crosswinds" album – a cornerstone of many a young dude's hipster collection.  

"Right On!" is a brilliant little CD play and there are four more entries to look forward too (see below). 

"...I Got More Glide In My Stride And More Dip In My Hip..." - sang Bruce Butler of Rasputin's Stash as he stroked his ego in the impossibly sexy groove of "Mr. Cool"

Amen to that baby and I envy you the Right On journey...

RIGHT ON! 

CD and Vinyl 2LP Series by Warners UK 

A List of Releases

1. Right On! Break Beats And Grooves From The Atlantic And Warner Vaults 1967-1975 

CD, 17-Tracks: released 27 September 1999 UK on Warner.ESP Warner/Atlantic/Reprise 9548378052 (Barcode 095483780525)

VINYL, 18-Track 2LP-set: released September 1999 UK on Warner/Atlantic Reprise 9548-378041 (Barcode 95483780401) – Bonus is "North Carolina" by Les McCann, last track on Side 4 – playing time 9:20 minutes

2. Right On! Vol.2: More Break Beats And Grooves From The Atlantic And Warner Vaults 

CD, 19-Tracks: released Monday, 29 May 2000 UK on Warner/Atlantic/Reprise 9548384002 (Barcode 095483840021) 

VINYL, 20-Track 2LP-set: Warner/Atlantic/Reprise 9548-38401-1 (Barcode 095483840113) – Bonus is "Harlem Buck Dance Strut" by Les McCann, last track on Side 4 – playing time 5:55 minutes

3. Right On! Vol.3: More Break Beats And Grooves From The Atlantic And Warner Vaults 

CD, 18-Tracks: released Monday, 11 June 2001 on Warner Music UK 9548392072 (Barcode 095483920723) 

VINYL, 19-Track 2LP-set: Warner Music UK 9548392061 (Barcode 095483920617) – Bonus Track is "Can you Dig It?" by Herbie Mann, last track on Side 4 – 5:51 minutes

4. Right On! Vol.4: More Break Beats And Grooves From The Atlantic And Warner Vaults 

CD, 19-Tracks: 26 August 2002 UK Warner Strategic Marketing UK 0927-42567-2 (Barcode 809274256720)

VINYL, 20-Tracks 2LP set: Warner Strategic Marketing 9274-6388-1 - Bonus Track is "Respect Yourself" by Herbie Mann, last track on Side 4 – 6:50 minutes

5. Right On! Vol. 5 More Break Beats And Grooves From The Atlantic And Warner Vaults 

CD: 17-Tracks: 26 January 2004 UK Warner Strategic Marketing 5046691472 (Barcode 5050466914729)

VINYL, 18-Track 2LP-set: Warner Strategic Marketing 5046696401 (Barcode 5050466964014) – Bonus Track is "Schirokko" by Passport, last track on Side 4 – 5:44 minutes

6. Right On! Box Set: Break Beats And Grooves From The Atlantic And Warner Vaults 

2001 UK Warner Strategic Marketing 092 740477 2 (Barcode 809274047724) 

4CD 67-Track Box Set housed in Book Packaging containing CD Volumes 1, 2 and 3 of the Series (61 Tracks) with a further fourth Bonus CD of Six Tracks. Three of the six CD bonuses appeared only on the VINYL 2LP variants of Volumes 1 to 3 (Tracks 3, 4 and 6 below) – the other three are new to the series here. 

The six bonuses for the Box Set are (1) "People Say" by The Meters, (2) "Fried Okra" by The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band, (3) "Can You Dig It?" by Herbie Mann, (4) "Harlem Buck Dance Strut" by Les McCann, (5) "People" by Graham Central Station and (6) "North Carolina" by Les McCann.

"Make It Funky: The Big Payback: 1971-1975" by JAMES BROWN – Featuring Fred Wesley, Bobby Byrd, Maceo Parker, Vikki Anderson and more (July 1996 UK Polydor/Chronicles 2CD Compilation – Gary N. Mayo Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

This Review Along With 299 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 £6.95 (2021 Update)

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

(No Cut and Paste Crap)

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"...Papa Don't Take No Mess..."

For many JB fans, this astonishing 1996 compilation on Polydor's 'Chronicles' Series of 2CD Remasters is something of a motherlode. Twenty-Six primo tracks – eight of which are previously unreleased versions – proper annotation and top quality tape transfers from original masters. Indeed, after 20-plus years of reviewing and listening and shaking my ancient booty in anyone's unfortunate direction type-thang – I would go as far as saying that "Make It Funky..." is one of the most satisfying Soul/Funk Reissues out there – evah! 

This is James Brown at his peak - absolutely smashing it with every release. At times - and in the misty hindsight of 2021 (some 45 to 50 years after the event) – it is hard to imagine anyone ever coming near to James Brown's genius in the first half of the Seventies. And of course there is also the staggering shadow JB's music and influence has cast ever since (styles, sampling etc). 

But enough of that, time to get into some hot pants, shake hands with our Funky President and get on the good foot. UH! To the details y'all...

UK released 23 July 1996 - "Make It Funky: The Big Payback: 1971-1975" by JAMES BROWN on Polydor/Chronicles 533 052-2 (Barcode 731453305229) is a 2CD 26-Track Compilation of Remasters that plays out as follows (US variant is Polydor/Chronicles 31453 3052-2 - Barcode 731453305229):

CD1 (77:26 minutes):

1. Escape-Ism (4:02 minutes)

Part 2 of the song from the August 1971 US album "Hot Pants" on Polydor PD-4054

2. Hot Pants, Parts 1 & 2 (6:55 minutes)

June 1971 US 45-single on People 45-2501, A&B-sides combined 

3. I'm A Greedy Man (7:08 minutes)

From the June 1972 US LP "There It Is" on Polydor PD 5028 - Parts 1 and 2 combined 

4. Make It Funky, Parts 1, 2, 3 & 4 (12:45 minutes)

Combination of four sides from two US 45-singles - the first was August 1971 on Polydor PD 2-14088 (Parts 1 & 2) - the second was October 1971 on Polydor PD 14098 (Parts 3 & 4). Parts 3 & 4 were also issued on the November 1972 double-album "Get On The Good Foot" on Polydor PD-2-3004. This is the first time all four parts have been issued as one long jam. 

5. King Heroin (3:55 minutes)

From the June 1972 US LP "There It Is" on Polydor PD 5028

6. I Got Ants In My Pants (And I Want To Dance) (7:26 minutes)

January 1973 US 45-single on Polydor PD 14162 – the A-side was (Part 1) with the B-side being Parts 15 and 16. This variant combines both sides and adds a small amount more 

7. There It Is (5:47 minutes)

From the June 1972 US LP "There It Is" on Polydor PD 5028. The album split the track into Parts 1 & 2 - this is the full version combined. It was also issued April 1972 as a Parts 1 & 2 US 45-single on Polydor PD 14125

8. Get On The Good Foot (5:44 minutes)

From the November 1972 double-album "Get On The Good Foot" on Polydor PD-2-3004 - also issued as a Parts 1 & 2 July 1972 US 45-single on Polydor PD 14139

9. Don't Tell It (8:25 minutes)

PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED Complete Version (recorded January 1973) - a 3:57-minute edit was issued on the December 1976 US LP "Bodyheat" on Polydor PD-1-6093

10. I Got A Bag Of My Own (3:46 minutes)

From the November 1972 double-album "Get On The Good Foot" on Polydor PD-2-3004 - also issued as the A-side to an October 1972 US 45-single on Polydor PD 14153

11. Down And Out in New York City (5:21 minutes) 

PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED Version with Spoken Intro - the February 1973 US Soundtrack LP to "Black Caesar" on Polydor PD 6014 has a version at 4:43 minutes (by James Brown & The J.B.'s) - whilst the February 1973 US 45-single A-side of "Down And Out In New York City" had an edit at 3:15 minutes – this is the first time the full version has been issued

12. Think (3:12 minutes)

April 1973 US 45-single on Polydor PD 14177, A-side only

13. Make It Good To Yourself (Interlude) (2:19 minutes)

PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED Version - a 22-second portion of this was issued on the Fred Wesley & The J.B.'s June 1974 US LP "Damn Right I Am Somebody" on People PE 6602

Tracks 9, 11 and 13 are PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED on CD1

CD2 (76:43 minutes):

1. The Payback (7:39 minutes)

Full album version from the December 1973 US 2LP set "The Payback" on Polydor PD 2-3007 - also issued as a Parts 1 & 2 US 45-single in February 1974 on Polydor PD-14223

2. Stoned To The Bone (4:00 minutes)

October 1973 US 45-single on Polydor PD 14210, A-side only - edit of a 10:05 minute version on "The Payback" 2LP set

3. Mind Power (4:08 minutes)

PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED Alternate Version (recorded February 1973)

4. World Of Soul (5:44 minutes)

PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED Session (recorded February 1973)

5. Papa Don't Take No Mess (13:50 minutes)

Full Album Version from the June 1974 2LP-set "Hell" on Polydor PD 2-9001 - track took up all of Side 4 - also issued as an August 1974 US 45-single that edited down the full LP version into Parts 1 & 2 for Polydor PD 14255 

6. Coldblooded (5:04 minutes)

PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED Undubbed Version - issued on the "Hell" 2LP-set with overdubs 

7. I Can't Stand It "76" (8:11 minutes)

Full Version from the June 1974 US 2LP-set "Hell" on Polydor PD 2-9001

8. My Thang (4:15 minutes)

Full Version from the June 1974 US 2LP-set "Hell" on Polydor PD 2-9001 - also issued in full as Side A of a June 1974 US 45-single on Polydor PD 14244

9. Funky President (People It's Bad) (4:08 minutes)

PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED Original Speed Master - speed-up version issued as an October 1974 US 45-single on Polydor PD 14258 and featured on the December 1974 US LP "Reality" on Polydor PD 6039 

10. I Feel Good (3:02 minutes)

Full album version from the May 1975 US LP "Sex Machine Today" on Polydor PD 6042

11. Problems (2:50 minutes)

Full album version from the May 1975 US LP "Sex Machine Today" on Polydor PD 6042

12. Turn On The Heat And Build Some Fire (6:07 minutes)

Full Album Version from the September 1975 US LP "Everybody's Doin' The Hustle & The Double Bump" on Polydor PD 6054

13. Hot Pants Finale (Live) (7:20 minutes)

PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED Version (recorded 26 July 1971 at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem, NYC)

Tracks 3, 4, 6, 9 and 13 are PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED on CD2

Both HENRY WEINGER and former JB Tour Manager ALAN LEEDS have been at helm of so many Brown reissues - and received special-praise for the stunning Hip-O Select 'Singles' Series that ran to eleven 2CD volumes covering 1956 to 1981 (finished in October 2011, I have reviewed Volumes 4 to 11). Leeds was there from 1969 to 1973 (working with and for the Soul Brother) and proffers superb liner notes and track-by-track recording details in the 24-page booklet. 

Pages 10 and 11 features a black-and-white snap of 'the boys' - the heroes in JB's backing band - Jimmy Nolen and Hearlon 'Cheese' Martin on Guitars, Charles Sherrell and Fred Thomas on Bass, Drummers John Morgan and John 'Jabo' Starks with Horn Players Fred Wesley, Maceo Parker, St. Clair Pinckney, Isiah 'Ike' Oakley and "Cheese" Martin. Not pictured but name-checked are other huge contributors including long-time collaborator with JB and founder of The Famous Flames – Bobby Byrd – accompanied by his Vocalist wife Vikki Anderson – both on "Make It Funky". Fusion Drummer Billy Cobham plays on "King Heroin" while Trumpeter and Trombonists Randy and Michael Brecker worked on "I Got A Bag Of My Own". David Sanborn with Alfred "Pee Wee" Ellis did their Horn bits for "My Thang" and so on (there are numerous other contributions – too many to document). 

But the real deal for me is the balls-to-the-wall muscle in the GARY N. MAYO Remasters done at Polygram's Studios. The tightness of the band - the groove - the wonderful butt swinging Funk of it all - fabulous. All tracks are in STEREO except "Make It Funky" and "Stoned To The Bone" which are MONO.

Fans will be quietly thrilled by several of the Previously Unreleased tracks – all parts of the singles "Hot Pants" and that monster four-piece "Make It Funky" (none have ever been on LP before). "Funky President" is as originally recorded and mixed and the version of the stand-alone 45 for "Think" is the rare STEREO Mix that got put out in tandem with the Mono variant (they are on Volume 8 of the Singles series). The "Interlude" piece that ends CD1 is a blast – an intense Funk-a-thon snippet that wasn't put on the "Black Caesar" soundtrack. And don't get me started on the holy trilogy of tracks from his run of double-album nirvana - "Get On The Good Foot", "The Payback" and "Hell". 

A fantastic kick-ass twofer that is now surprisingly hard to find in near-mint used condition (for a CD anyway). Papa Don't Take No Mess – James Brown sang on that near fourteen-minute workout. Neither should you, invest, and right soon...

"Understanding/Communication" by BOBBY WOMACK – September 1971 ("Communication") and March 1972 ("Understanding") Third and Fourth US Studio Albums on United Artists Records (issued June and September 1972 in the UK). Featuring Linda Womack, Barry Beckett, Pam Grier, Joe Hicks with David Hood and Ronnie Hawkins of the Muscle Shoals House Band (September 2004 UK EMI Stateside Compilation – 2LPs Remastered onto 1CD – Steve Rooke and Nigel Reeve Abbey Road Studios Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

This Review Along With 299 Others Is Available In My

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

Just Click Below To Purchase for £6.95 (2021 Update)

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"...I Can Understand It... "

A sob Soul story with a happy ending... I'd bought the then newcomer 'Q' Magazine from a shop in Berwick Street on a whim, absolutely loved its contents and funky writing and quickly began collecting them (I think it was only issue 5 or 6 in 1986 or 1987). Damn, I even had two of those Perspex 'Q' holders they sold for £11.99 from their back pages to house my collection in (numbered on the spines with cryptic messages from films and albums). 

Anyway, back to that early issue of Q. What caught my eye was that it contained a near seven-or-eight page article accompanied by cool photos on the amazing musical life of Bobby Womack. While his albums "The Poet I" and "II" had made impact and reignited interest in 1981 and 1984, few talked of BW in Blighty in the late Eighties let alone acknowledged his contributions to Soul in the Sixties and Seventies on Imperial and United Artists Records. 

And in some respects, in March 2021, it's the same really. Womack always seems to be overlooked for the bigger names, yet he made consistently good albums that at times tipped over into greatness and even brilliance. Case in point here. You get his excellent fourth and third studio albums (the running order is reversed for some reason) from 1971 and 1972 - Remastered in their entirety onto 1CD with a half decent booklet and a not too ludicrous price tag. Time for us to understand it...indeed...here are the communicative details...

UK released September 2004 - "Understanding/Communication" by BOBBY WOMACK on EMI/Stateside 866 0782 (Barcode 724386607829) offers two LPs from 1971 and 1972 Remastered onto 1CD (see below re running order) that plays out as follows (71:41 minutes):

1. I Can Understand It [Side 1]

2. Woman's Gotta Have It 

3. And I Love Her 

4. Got To Get You Back 

5. Simple Man [Side 2]

6. Ruby Dean 

7. Thing Called Love 

8. Sweet Caroline (Good Times Never Seemed So Good)

9. Harry Hippie 

Tracks 1 to 9 are his fourth studio album "Understanding" (fifth LP overall) - released March 1972 in the USA on United Artists UAS-5577 and September 1972 in the UK on United Artists UAS 29365. It peaked at No. 7 on the US R&B charts (didn't chart UK). 

10. Communication [Side 1]

11. Come L'Amore 

12. Fire And Rain 

13. (If You Don't Want My Love) Give It Back 

14. Monologue / (They Long To Be) Close To You [Side 2]

15. Everything Is Beautiful 

16. That's The Way I Feel About Cha 

17. Yield Not To Temptation

Tracks 10 to 17 are his third studio album "Communication" (fourth overall) - released September 1971 in the USA on United Artists UAS-5539 and June 1972 in the UK on United Artists UAS 29306. It peaked at No. 7 on the US R&B LP charts (didn't chart UK). 

DEAN RUDLAND of Ace Records reissue-fame provides the liner notes in the 12-page booklet. It's nice if not a tad underwhelming – a couple of black and white period photos with BW sporting an open chest, trademark sunglasses and a hanging medallion (no LP artwork). Rudland gives a potted history of the period LPs – but the big news is Remasters done at Abbey Road Studios by STEVE ROOKE and NIGEL REEVE. Rooke was part of the team that handled the much praised Beatles reissues and Apple Artists catalogue – whilst Nigel Reeve has been at the helm of many revered Audiophile reissues including huge swathes of the Universal "Originals" catalogue. Both know their way around a tape box or two in other words and the Audio is fabulous. I had British LP pressings of both albums for years and they never sounded this good. To the music... 

Womack used the same trusted crew on top-flight musicians for both records. Guests included Barry Beckett on Keyboards, Tippy Armstrong and Jimmy Johnson on Guitars, David Hood and Roger Hawkins of the Muscle Shoals inhouse-band on Bass and Drums with Bobby Womack, Ronnie Eads, Harvey Thompson, Dale Quillen and Harrison Calloway, Jr. on Horns. Backing Singers included Blaxploitation star Pam Grier with veteran vocalists Patrice Holloway and Janice Singleton. 

Although released in September 1971 – the "Communication" album turned out to have great legs (a 40-week run) aided by two singles from it – one of which almost clipped the coveted No. 1 spot. United Artists opened the "Communication" LP's onslaught with its title track released a month before the LP – the James Taylor cover "Fire And Rain" on its flipside. Released August 1971, United Artists 50816 entered the US R&B charts in October and eventually settled at a modest No. 40 placing. Although the album used just his name - the American seven-inch singles credited him as '(The Preacher) Bobby Womack And Peace' – a nod in part to the talking-then-singing style that was his trademark. 

But in November 1971, UA hit Radio and Sales paydirt when they issued the irrepressibly catchy "That's The Way I Feel About Cha" with "Come L'Amore" on the B-side. The sexy groove of United Artists 50847 saw the single smash into the Top Ten and eventually peak at No. 2 with a 17-week run. 

Better was to come for the follow-up "Understanding" album when in April 1972, United Artists 50902 coupled the instantly likeable "Woman's Gotta Have It" with another Side 1 LP track "(If You Don't Want My Love) Give It Back". This time the 45 went all the way to Number 1 – an impressive feat back in the day. July 1972 then saw the Neil Diamond cover version of "Sweet Caroline (Good Times Never Seemed So Good)" coupled with "Harry Hippie" on United Artists 50946. The A-side of that 45 stalled at No. 16 in September 1972, but then the flip gained popularity and went to No. 8 in late December 1972. 

With four sides known to Joe Public, the "Understanding" LP secured sales to put it (like its popular predecessor) up to No. 7 R&B and No. 43 Rock. Womack would only compound that success in the early months of 1973 with his soundtrack album to "Across 110th Street". The title song to "Across 110th Street" was famously re-used in full by Quentin Tarantino in the opening airport walkway sequence to his "Jackie Brown" film of 1997 - his gangster homage movie featuring Pam Grier who had sung with Womack all those decades ago. 

I love this little release. For sure in 2021, I find some of the cover versions completely superfluous to requirements and the long talked leads-ins a tad testing too – but when Bobby The Preacher got his great lungs around a great tune – I was sold and slaughtered. And there are far more of those on here than filler. Very cool. 

Bobby Womack sang "Yield Not To Temptation" - I'm gonna ignore him and buy as many of these reissues as I can. RIP you pioneer and thanks for all the great memories...

PS: see my review for "Fly Me To The Moon/My Prescription" - his first two albums on Imperial Records also in this EMI-Stateside CD Reissue series