"Original Album Series" by CHIC - Five Studio Albums from 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980 and 1981 on Atlantic Records featuring Bernard Edwards (Bass) and Nile Rodgers (Guitar) (October 2011 UK Atlantic/Rhino 5CD Capacity Wallet in the 'Original Album Series' – Five Mini LP Repro Card Sleeves with Rhino Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Original-Album-Chic/dp/B005JS7UTM?crid=3OAEAEZMBR6ZS&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.YCYStMmQTLn9w9kjwfwDTA.zERFxJ5e7PpZeGTK40JxvnL756DtAwBByVr4Q5NTruU&dib_tag=se&keywords=081227975951&qid=1710840816&sprefix=081227975951%2Caps%2C71&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=mabasreofcdbl-21&linkId=97c9ecffd41968b383f17106b240bb72&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

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

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"...A Warm Sunny Night... "

In truth you forget just how good Bernard Edwards (Bass) and Niles Rodgers (Guitar) were until you rehear their band CHIC in all their Funky Disco Ball glory. And this clever addition to the Original Album Series is going to whet your beak with enough pigeon neck-jerking dance routines to make your missus cringe and reach for the sedative vials. 

These 5 albums in their cool card repro sleeves contain all 8 of their 9 massive hits - two of which ("Le Freak" and "Good Times") went to Number 1 on the American Billboard R&B singles charts. CHIC had a sophistication and groove that put them head and shoulders above all the other on-the-bandwagon groups of the time - and they looked young, up for it and cool. Here are the C'est Chic details...

UK released October 2011 - "Original Album Classics" by CHIC on Atlantic/Rhino 8122797595 (Barcode 081227975951) is a 5CD/5Album Card Sleeve Capacity Wallet with Mini LP Repro Card Sleeves inside that breaks down as follows:

Disc 1 (38:41 minutes):
1. Dance, Dance, Dance (Yowsah, Yowsah, Yowsah) [Side 1]
2. Sao Paulo
3. You Can Get By
4. Everybody Dance [Side 2]
5. Est-Ce Que C'est Chic
6. Falling in Love With You
7. Strike Up The Band
Tracks 1 to 7 are their debut album "Chic" - released December 1977 in the USA on Atlantic SD 19153 and February 1978 in the UK on Atlantic K 50441

Disc 2 (42:08 minutes):
1. Chic Cheer [Side 1]
2. Le Freak
3. Savoir Faire
4. Happy Man
5. I Want Your Love [Side 2]
6. At Last I Am Free
7. Sometimes You Win
8. (Funny) Bone
Tracks 1 to 8 are their 2nd album "C'est Chic" - released December 1978 in the USA on Atlantic SD 19209 and January 1979 in the UK on Atlantic K 50565

Disc 3 (36:49 minutes):
1. Good Times [Side 1]
2. A Warm Summer Night
3. My Feet Keep Dancing
4. My Forbidden Lover [Side 2]
5. Can't Stand To Love You
6. Will You Cry (When You Hear This Song)
7. What About Me
Tracks 1 to 7 are their 3rd album "Risqué" - released August 1979 in the USA on Atlantic SD 16003 and in the UK on Atlantic K 50634

Disc 4 (37:32 minutes):
1. Open Up [Side 1]
2. Real People
3. I Loved You More
4. I Got Protection
5. Rebels Are We [Side 2]
6. Chip Off The Old Block
7. 26
8. You Can't Do It Alone
Tracks 1 to 8 are their 4th album "Real People" - released July 1980 in the USA on Atlantic SD 16016 and in the UK on Atlantic K 50711

Disc 5 (40:31 minutes):
1. Stage Fright [Side 1]
2. Burn Hard
3. So Fine
4. Flash Back
5. Telling Lies
6. You Love Is Cancelled [Side 2]
7. Would You Be My Baby
8. Take It Off
9. Just Out of Reach
10. Baby Doll
Tracks 1 to 10 are their 5th album "Take It Off" - released December 1981 in the USA on Atlantic SD 19323 and in the UK on Atlantic K 50845

Quite apart from chart hits like "Dance, Dance, Dance (Yowsah, Yowsah, Yowsah)" (No. 6), "Everybody Dance" (No. 12), "I Want Your Love" (No. 5), "My Forbidden Lover" (No. 33) and "Rebels We Are" (No. 8) - you get those albums nuggets you'd completely forgotten about like the gorgeous ballads "A Warm Summer Night" and "Will You Cry (When You Hear This Song)". In fact, the entire "Risqué" album has always been a masterpiece of Soul, Disco and Funk to me. The funky "Chip Off The Old Block" has the girls telling us about "hard knocks" while the mid-tempo and infectious "You Can't Do It Alone" could so easily be a Risqué outtake.

The CHIC sound was centred around the dynamic duo - BERNARD EDWARDS on Bass and NILE RODGERS on Guitar with regular lady vocals who also became synonamous with that Chic-Organization sound - Alfa Anderson, Fonzi Thornton, Luci Martin, Michelle Cobbs and Ullanda McCulloch. The keyboards usually came from a trio - Andy Schwartz, Raymond Jones and Rob Sabrino (he was later with the Kiss-offshoot Frehley's Comet). Produced by Edwards and Rodgers - the CHIC sound also threw in its fair share of strings backing-up those neck-jerking funky Disco grooves. 

And although their commercial shine had diminished by the time they got to "Take It Off" in 1981 - it's an album that's ripe for rediscovery. "Flash Back" is just as catchy as their earlier hits with a distinctive bass opening that stays for the whole of the groove reinforced by great Ronn Matlock type vocals (I think the singer is actually Fonzi Thornton but I could be wrong). "Your Love Is Cancelled" too features a lethal combo of slap bass with bopping keyboards.

"Could you love me...on a warm summer night..." the girls swoon on that Risqué ballad. A couple of tunes into this wicked mini box set and you'll find yourself agreeing...yes, I could. And it's still on UK catalogue in March 2024 at roughly twelve quid or less (five full albums) depending on what site you buy from...

"Night Cruiser" by DEODATO – September 1980 Album on Warner Brothers featuring Eumir Deodato and Platinum Hook on Vocals (July 2014 JAPAN-Only CD on Warner Brothers/Jasrac 'Fusion Best Collection 1000' Series - 24-Bit CD Reissue and Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Night-Cruiser-Eumir-Deodato/dp/B00K0PDR8M?crid=B3OJAWV2DS6J&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.6GeUMCSMjGzIr2koBVyK9g.zt6TQd-PSeJwbm5mP4mZALnsUeYoV7M1QyCx6c_hWsw&dib_tag=se&keywords=4943674180578&qid=1710776579&sprefix=4943674180578%2Caps%2C72&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=mabasreofcdbl-21&linkId=58c0da1ae8001f4e1be6ff41b47f497a&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

"...Uncle Funk..."

I can remember DJ'ing the UK 12" single of "Night Cruiser" by DEODATO on Warner Brothers K 17696 (T) in its distinctive Die-Cut Card Sleeve and the assembled crowd loving every uber-funky echoed-synth moment of it. And as the backing group Platinum Hook shouted and clapped throughout – the assembled dancers hungry for Jazz Funk and Fusion would do the same. 

I used to work for Aer Lingus at the time and I'd fly to Heathrow from Dublin on a Saturday morning – hit Berwick Street and The Record Shack in Soho – get my Jazz Funk and Soul Essentials – and be back that night in a Club that specialized in Jazz Funk. Ah – them was the days…(I shudder to think of the clobber I wore). Which brings us by way of air bubble, needle and deck to this fab reissue…

Warner Brothers Music Group has reissued the "Night Cruiser" album as part of their 'Fusion Best Collection 1000' Series for 2014 in Japan – 24-Bit CD Remasters of classic albums from their large umbrella of labels. The vinyl LP was originally released September 1980 in the USA on Warner Brothers BSK 3467 (No UK issue) and this limited edition CD reissue is a straightforward transfer of that Jazz Fusion classic (34:42 mnutes). Here are the Groovitation details…

Released 23 July 2014 in Japan – "Night Cruiser" by DEODATO on Warner Brothers/Jasrac WPCR-28074 (Barcode 4943674180578) breaks down as follows:

1. Night Cruiser (6:20 minutes)
Eumir Deodato – Keyboards 
Gary Granger – Bass
Stephen Daniels – Drums 
George Parrish, Jr – Guitars 
Jimmy Maelen – Percussion
Platinum Hook – Vocals and Claps

2. East Side Strut (5:38 minutes)
Eumir Deodato – Keyboards 
Gary Granger – Bass
Stephen Daniels – Drums 
Sergio Dias – Guitar 
Jimmy Maelen – Percussion 

3. Skatin' (5:19 minutes)
Eumir Deodato – Keyboards 
David Bravo – Synthesizers 
Gary Granger – Bass
Stephen Daniels – Drums
George Parrish, Jr – Guitars
Jimmy Maelen – Percussion
Platinum Hook – Claps

4. Uncle Funk (6:31 minutes) [Side 2]
Eumir Deodato – Keyboards and Guitar
Skipp Ingram – Bass
Stephen Daniels – Drums
Victor Jones – Rhythm Guitar
Ronald Bell – Tenor Sax
Platinum Hook – Vocals and Claps

5. Love Magic (4:41 minutes)
Eumir Deodato – Keyboards
Gary Granger – Bass
Stephen Daniels – Drums
George Parrish, Jr – Guitars
Jimmy Maelen – Percussion
Platinum Hook – Claps

6. Groovitation (6:15 minutes)
Eumir Deodato – Keyboards and Bass Drums
Skipp Ingram – Bass
Stephen Daniels – Drums
Sergio Dias – Guitar 
Ray Gomez – Guitar Solo
Jimmy Maelen – Percussion
Platinum Hook – Claps

The standard CD has a cream Warner Brothers label and the foldout inlay pictures the album artwork and recording credits on one side with a short May 2014 essay on the album in Japanese on the rear. Only the outer OBI tells us of the 24-Bit Remaster (no names) and it sounds fabulous – clear, punchy and not too over-trebled for the sake of it. It has the magic of the vinyl album and the sheer sonic wallop you got off the 12" single. 

After years with the CTI label – Brazil's primo keyboard player Eumir Deodato decided like many other Jazz Players of the time to go for the feet and not the head come the late Seventies. He embarked on his Funky Journey with "Love Island" in 1978 and "Knights Of Fantasy" in 1979 – finally hitting paydirt with the brill "Night Cruiser" album in 1980. All six tracks are Jazz Fusion/Jazz Funk in the best dancefloor tradition enlisting the musicianship and Production chops of Kool and The Gang members Ronald Bell and George Brown and most of the band Platinum Hook. 

"Easy Side Strut" reminds you of George Benson's "Breezin'" album with its harmonics-guitar opening and brass now crystal clear. It goes all Rod Temperton's Heatwave-sounding with "Skatin'" – a slick groove that could easily have been another single like the brilliant title track. Side 2 opens with "Uncle Funk" a wickedly catchy slice of Saxophone and Guitar Funk co-written with Bassist Jamil Joanes. Ronald Bell of Kool & The Gang plays impressively cool Saxophone throughout. 

We go back to that keyboard aura of "Night Cruiser" for "Love Magic" which sounds like something off Michael Jackson's "Off The Wall" in instrumental form. It has a fabulous feel as it piano grooves along – another dancefloor slayer (a co-write with Dave Bravo). "Groovitation" features a suitably flash solo in its centre from Spanish Electric Guitar virtuoso Ray Gomez – it's another bass-and-brass driven funkster and is a very cool way to end a very cool album…

I've loved rehearing and reliving this forgotten nugget of an LP. If you've any love for "Night Cruiser" the track and fancy more of the same – then wing this mid-priced Japanese CD remaster into your player as soon as your missus isn't looking…Do It!

"The Complete Atco Recordings" by DEE DEE WARWICK – Including Her Third Studio Album "Turning Around" from 1970 on Atco Records in Full, Single Sides and Posthumous Rarities (July 2014 USA Real Gone Music 2CD Compilation of Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Complete-Atco-Recordings-Dee-Warwick/dp/B00KTZAK1U?crid=3RXXBH8UALFVQ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.jcSycAFMHGHeDut7QB__Cg.F6WG474dxuCDz9W9VXIcei4VJGoOe0WXIWqDVncrhbY&dib_tag=se&keywords=848064002772&qid=1710722487&sprefix=848064002772%2Caps%2C73&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=mabasreofcdbl-21&linkId=c691a5f12bee6370a92062cf99a72fa5&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

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

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"…You Tore My Wall Down..."

To my knowledge and outside of expensive imports and bad-sounding sources - Dee Dee Warwick (younger sister of Dionne and cousin to Whitney Houston) has seen only snatches of her stay at Atlantic Records 'Atco' label made available on CD - until now that is.

This superb all-encompassing American 2CD compilation by newcomers Real Gone Music (in conjunction with Rhino) is a welcome haul. Included amongst its 35-tracks are 5 non-LP 7" single sides, her whole 10-song album "Turning Around" from 1970, 8 further rarities from three older CD compilations and an additional 12 previously unreleased cuts made available here for the first time ever. And all of it wrapped up in tasty liner notes and newly remastered/improved sound. Here are the Soulful tears and grooves of a classy lady...

US released July 2014 - "The Complete Atco Recordings" by DEE DEE WARWICK on Real Gone Music/Rhino Custom Products/Soul Music Records RGM-0277 OPCD 8864 (Barcode 848064002772) is a 2CD Compilation of Remasters that pans out as follows:

Disc 1 (59:47 minutes):
1. What Manner Of Man
2. You Tore My Wall Down
3. Only The One You Love
4. The Way We Used To Do
5. She Didn't Know (She Kept On Talking)
6. More Today Than Yesterday
7. Make Love To Me
8. I Ain't Got To Love Nobody Else
9. Who Will The Next Fool Be
10. I'm Only Human
11. Down So Low
12. If This Was The Last Song
13. A Girl Who'll Satisfy Her Man
14. I'm Glad I'm A Woman
15. Now That There's You
16. Seachin'
17. Can't We Begin Again

Note: Tracks 1, 2, 15 and 17 are Previously Unreleased
Tracks 3 and 4 first issued in 1996 on the Ichiban CD compilation "She Didn't Know It: The Atco Sessions"

Disc 2 (63:32 minutes):
1. Cold Night In Georgia
2. I Can't Wait Until I See My Baby's Face
3. Love I Found (In You)
4. Rescue Me
5. Pooky
6. Suspicious Minds
7. Make It With You
8. Turn Around And Love You
9. Sweet Dreams
10. Can't it Wait Until Tomorrow
11. Everybody's Got To Believe In Somebody
12. In The Land Of Make Believe
13. Signed Dede
14. Sweet Dreams (Alternate Take)
15. The Way We Used To Do (Alternate Take)
16. Take Your Time And Love Me
17. Beauty, Duty, Charm And Sex
18. Worlds Apart
Tracks 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, and 17 are Previously Unreleased
Tracks 2, 3, 8, 16 and 18 first issued in 1996 on the Ichiban CD compilation "She Didn't Know It: The Atco Sessions"
Track 4 first issued in 2004 on the Rhino CD compilation "Atlantic Unearthed: Soul Sisters"

This 2CD retrospective will allow fans to sequence her US singles and lone album on Atco Records as follows...
[5/1] = Track 5 on Disc 1 - [1/2] = Track 1, Disc 2 etc:

1. She Didn't Know (She Kept On Talking) [5/1] b/w Make Love To Me [7/1]
May 1970 USA 7" on Atco 45-6754
(Backing Vocals by The Dixie Flyers)

2. I'm Only Human [10/1] b/w If This Was The Last Song [12/1]
1970 USA 7" single on Atco 45-6769

3. Cold Night In Georgia [1/2] b/w Searchin' [16/1]
1971 USA 7" single on Atco 45-6796

4. Suspicious Minds [6/2] b/w I'm Glad I'm A Woman [14/1]
May 1971 USA 7" single on Atlantic 45-6810

5. Everybody's Got To Believe In Somebody [11/2] b/w Signed Dede [13/2]
1971 USA 7" single on Atco 45-6840

Her Third Studio LP "Turning Around" was released September 1970 in the USA on Atco SD 33-337 and in the UK on Atco (Plum Label) 2465 018:
Side 1:
1. If This Was The Last Song [12/1]
2. More Today Than Yesterday [6/1]
3. Who Will The Next Fool Be [9/1]
4. I'm Glad I'm A Woman [14/1]
5. She Didn't Know [5/1]
Side 2:
1. A Girl Who'll Satisfy Her Man [13/1]
2. I Ain't Got To Love Nobody Else [8/1]
3. I'm Only Human [10/1]
4. Make Love To Me [7/1]
5. Down So Low [11/1]

The 16-page booklet has detailed liner notes on every song by Soul lover and Genre Expert DAVID NATHAN that includes interviews with the great lady (Nathan cut his journalistic chops on an interview he did with Dee Dee 43-years back). His knowledge and affection for his Soul Lady survivor are infectious while the last few pages feature pictures of those wonderful Atco labels and the rare Picture Sleeves of "She Didn't Know" and "Cold Night In Georgia" (an answer song to "Rainy Night In Georgia"). MIKE MILCHNER carried out the remasters at SonicVision and they're excellent throughout. It should be noted that each track has hiss levels that are higher than some might like (the whole 10-track album was recorded in one day) but Milchner has smartly not tried to damp them down with restrictions - he's let these things breath - and for me - there's even more power in the impassioned performances because of it.

It opens with an absolute one-two sucker punch of previously unreleased nuggets recorded February 1970 in Florida in glorious Stereo clarity - two stormingly great Northern Soul type dancers "What Manner Of Man" and "You Tore My Wall Down". Part penned by Marvin Gaye's Ed Townsend - honestly - expect someone to put out a repro 45 of "You Tore My Wall Down" real soon - and then watch as a feeding frenzy ensues amongst collectors to get a copy and make their way pronto to a dancehall with a jumbo-sized tin of Johnson's Talcum Powder.

The album is mainly slow torch songs - her cover of Charlie Rich's "Who Will The Next Fool Be" is a good example - a slow chugging Soul pace punctuated with roaring vocals, Mike Utley's organ and Jim Dickinson's fiery guitar. It mellows with the lovely "I'm Glad I'm A Woman" (used as a B-side to her cover of Elvis Presley's "Suspicious Minds"). Written by Swamp Dogg and Gary Bonds - the confessional talking-song style of "She Didn't Know (She Kept On Talking)" saw the infidelity tune rise to Number 10 on the R&B singles charts. "Make Love To Me" and "I'm Only Human" plead and hurt in that classic early Seventies Soul way - great stuff. Her Bluesy cover of Mother Earth's "Down So Low' is the closest the album comes to Lydia Pense and the Soul-Rock of Cold Blood - echoed guitars complimenting her powerhouse vocals and the misery mood.

Of the singles her chugging "Cold Night In Georgia" is excellent. It was an answer tune to Brook Benton's hit "Rainy Night In Georgia" (itself a Tony Joe White cover) with lyrics like "I heat my room to 100 degrees...still my heart's about to freeze..." Her Soulful take on Presley's "Suspicious Minds" is workmanlike really - but better is her cover of Sam & Dave's 1968 hit "Everybody's Got To Believe In Somebody" (written by Isaac Hayes and David Porter) with its pretty non-album flipside "Signed Dede".

Of the unreleased stuff perhaps most unexpected is a funked up trot through Patsy Cline's Country stalwart "Sweet Dreams" that is surprisingly cool - but easily trumping that is "The Way We Used To Do" is a torcher where she sounds not unlike a female Donny Hathaway (fabulous Production values too). "Pooky" is awful but redemption comes when she goes a bit Northern Soul again with a brassy version of Fontella Bass' "Rescue Me".

Having cut her backing-vocalist teeth in the early to mid Sixties with Aretha Franklin, Garnet Mimms, Nina Simone and many others - it was time her to shine on her own - so sweet Dee Dee Warwick signed to Atlantic. And on the strength of this wickedly entertaining double-CD - I'm glad she did...

Similar 'Real Gone Music' CD Compilations 

1. LINDA JONES - The Complete Atco-Loma-Warner Brothers Recordings
2. PATTI LaBELLE and THE BLUEBELLES - The Complete Atlantic Sides (2CDs)
3. BARBARA LEWIS - The Complete Atlantic Singles (2CDs)
4. BARBARA LYNN - The Complete Atlantic Recordings
5. JACKIE MOORE - The Complete Atlantic Recordings
6. BETTYE SWANN - The Complete Atlantic Recordings
7. THE SWEET INSPIRATIONS - The Complete Atlantic Singles (2CDs)
8. IRMA THOMAS - Full Time Woman: The Lost Cotillion Album

"The Best Of The Chi-Lites: The Original Brunswick Recordings 1969-1976" by THE CHI-LITES – Including Singles and Album Tracks featuring Eugene Record (June 1987 Original and February 2004 Reissue (with Different Artwork) UK Ace/Kent Soul CD Compilation with Adam Skeaping Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Best-Chi-Lites/dp/B0000013C8?crid=3MH9PTKJOO0VH&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.OSZ3pHPfLng0nvJ2dVIF5Q.JysE5fp3ETdQ7sVGjQU7Jkko4-VY7aRDsaMeBi49RUo&dib_tag=se&keywords=029667291125&qid=1710683153&sprefix=029667291125%2Caps%2C86&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=mabasreofcdbl-21&linkId=dd73ab563e9356db53c391f00fe2dc52&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

This Review Along With Over 336 Others Is Available in my

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SOUL, R 'n' B, FUNK and JAZZ FUSION 
Exceptional CD Reissues and Remasters  

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Rating: *****

"...I Found Sunshine..."

When Ace Records of the UK started issuing CDs back in the late Eighties (much to the excitement of collectors)  – this peach on CDKEN 911 was amongst their first vanguard of titles (originally released June 1987). I bought their Jackie Wilson CD compilation too - "Reet Petite" from May 1986 on Ace CDCH 902. I purchased both because they boasted astonishing remastered sound direct from original Brunswick master tapes. 

So why lose a winner to time because Ace has clearly decided to upgrade this early CHI-LITES CD compilation gem (the old artwork is pictured on the rear inlay - see photo above) by reissuing it in June 2004 with a different sleeve and better booklet (the same amazing Audio has been used). So here is the power to the people…

Re-issued February 2004 (see PS below) – "The Best Of The Chi-Lites: The Original Brunswick Recordings 1969-1976" by THE CHI-LITES on Ace/Kent Soul CDKEN 911 (Barcode 029667291125) breaks down as follows (74:18 minutes): 

1. Give It Away (January 1969 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55398, A-side)

2. Let Me Be The Man My Daddy Was (July 1969 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55414, A-side)

3. 24 Hours Of Sadness (February 1970 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55426, A-side)

4. I Like Your Lovin' (Do You Like Mine) (July 1970 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55438, A-side)

5. Are You My Woman? (Tell Me So) (November 1970 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55442, A-side)

6. (For God's Sake) Give More Power To The People (April 1971 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55450, June 1971 UK 45-single on MCA Records MU 1138, A-side)

7. Have You Seen Her (October 1971 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55462, Number 1 R&B hit, December 1971 UK 45-single on MCA Records MU 1146, A-side)

8. Oh Girl (April 1972 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55471, Number 1 R&B hit, April 1972 UK 45-single on MCA Records MU 1156, A-side)

9. The Coldest Days Of My Life (July 1972 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55478, July 1972 UK 45-single on MCA Records MU 1162)

10. We Need Order (December 1972 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55489, December 1972 UK 45-single on Brunswick BR 1, A-side)

11. A Letter To Myself (February 1973 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55491, March 1973 UK 45-single on Brunswick BR 2, A-side)

12. Stoned Out Of My Mind (July 1973 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55500, September 1973 UK 45-single on Brunswick BR 7, A-side)

13. I Found Sunshine (November 1973 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55503, June 1974 UK 45-single on Brunswick BR 12, A-side)

14. Homely Girl (February 1974 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55505, March 1974 UK 45-single on Brunswick BR 9, A-side)

15. Too Good To Be Forgotten (May 1974 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55512, B-side to "There Will Never Be Any Peace (Until God Is Seated At The Conference Table)" in the USA - September 1974 UK 45-single on Brunswick BR 13, A-side in the UK)

16. There Will Never Be Any Peace (Until God Is Seated At The Conference Table) (May 1974 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55512, B-side to "Too Good To Be Forgotten" in the USA - September 1974 UK 45-single on Brunswick BR 13, B-side in the UK)

17. Toby (January 1975 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55515, January 1975 UK 45-single on Brunswick BR 15, A-side)

18. It's Time For Love (October 1975 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55520, August 1975 UK 45-single on Brunswick BR 25, A-side)

19. You Don't Have To Go (July 1976 USA 7" single on Brunswick 55528, June 1976 UK 45-single on Brunswick BR 34, A-side)

The 1987 original UK CD (as I recall) had a basic inlay – the 2004 reissue features great liner notes for noted Soul expert TONY ROUNCE in a 12-page upgrade – a man whose name has turned up on countless Ace and Edsel reissues. This time the track-by-track text is peppered with those great US Brunswick singles, UK demos and Trade Adverts. But once again what really grabs you is the audio - fantastically good remasters full of detail and huge presence – Ultimate Sound from original Brunswick Tapes done by ADAM SKEAPING. As most fans will know the Brunswick label famously had the talents of the 5-time Grammy winner BRUCE SWEDIEN as their Audio Engineer (later worked on Michael Jackson's "Thriller") and man does it show. 

Take a song like "We Need Order" – a No. 13 Billboard R&B hit in the States (not so in the UK) – it's a mixed tempo song – slinky one second – fast the next. The remaster brings out the fabulous rhythm and layered vocals and brass. The whole run sounds truly amazing and makes for a serious audio nostalgia fest that will have more than a few olden types like me reaching for the Kleenex before the kids see.

Every one of the 19 entries detailed above charted on the American Billboard R&B listings (they had 8 in the UK with "Have You Seen Her" having been a hit twice in 1972 and 1975). The first five tracks were US only 45s - tremendous Chicago-based Soul/R&B - the first British 'Brunswick' 7" single was the seriously synth-funky "(For God's Sake) Give More Power To The People)". 

Of course the big secret with THE CHI-LITES was the songwriting talent of EUGENE RECORD - even now in 2024 - you forget how good his songs are and why they were so popular. The talking/strings tunes like "A Letter To Myself" and "The Coldest Days Of My Life" border on the cheesy for sure and yet they tug on the heart strings with ease. 

"Have You Seen Her", "Oh Girl" and "Homely Girl" are gorgeous Seventies Soul and now bona fide classics (covered by many in tribute). And while I love the huge synth intro to "(For God's Sake) Give More Power To The People" and the Beyoncé-sampled brass of "Are You My Woman? (Tell Me So)" – my real poison on here has always been the fabulous "It's Time For Love" from 1975 – which in my book should have been a Number One. For me it encompasses everything that was so dash-darn good about 70ts Soul - Can You Dig It Y'all! Yes! I Do Brother!

There are lots of cheap CHI-LITES compilations (some with re-recordings bearing the same title) - but I urge you to look no further (seek this Kent Soul compilation out). A winner then and now…

PS: Rather confusingly both the 1987 and 2004 CDs for this release use exactly the same catalogue number CDKEN 911 – and worse – the same barcode 029667291125. I mention this because a seller will use the Barcode to locate the right issue for sale. You can therefore get the 1987 original issue with the lesser liner notes instead of the 2004 version with the upgraded booklet – so 'check' with your buyer that it is the 2004 version you're getting (the artwork presently showing on Amazon with the Kent Soul logo in the top right hand corner). 

I have included Front, Inner and Rear artwork photos above for the 2004 reissue so you know what to look for...

"A Natural Woman: The Ode Collection 1968-1976" by CAROLE KING - Guest Musicians Include The City, James Taylor, Danny 'Kootch' Kortchmar, Joni Mitchell, Merry Clayton, Dean Parks, Tom Scott, Harvey Mason, David T. Walker, Tom Horn, Andy Newmark, Leland Sklar, Russ Kunkle and many more (April 1998 UK/EUROPE Ode/Epic/Legacy 2CD 36-Track Compilation with Four Previously Unreleased Tracks (Two Studio, Two Live) and Vic Anesini Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"…Home Again…And Feeling Right…"

Statistics are a strange one. 

Technically Carole King hammered the Seventies. When her second solo album came out after a decade writing for other artists and a one-album stint with a group called The City in late 1968 on Lou Adler's Ode Records - "Tapestry" hit the shops in the second week of February 1971 and it was little short of a sensation. Along with Joni Mitchell and her gorgeous "Blue" album in May 1971 on Reprise Records – they blew open singer-songwriting for women. Culturally, music has never been the same since but King's "Tapestry" was also a commercial beast – a No.1 for fifteen weeks – took four Grammys in 1972 and has gone on to near biblical deity status ever since (and rightly so). On re-release in October 2022, Joni's "Blue" finally achieved the No.1 status it had always deserved - a whole new generation digging its heart-on-my-sleeve and stomach-in-the-gutter songs of love gained and lost. 

Back to statistics to Carole King. The follow-up LP should have been another commercial and musical monster and the three after too - and technically they were. "Music" was her third album launched 30 November 1971 which went to No.1 for three weeks, "Rhymes & Reasons" hit the shops 4 October 1972 and charged up to No.2, her fifth "Fantasy" was released 2 May 1973 and hit No. 6 on the US LP charts while "Wrap Around Joy" released 18 July 1974 brought her back to the coveted No.1 slot. 

So why mention these – because I don't remember any of them bar "Tapestry" and to some degree – this strangely short-changing yet occasionally fab twofer seems to agree. "Tapestry" is included in full, but "Writer" gets only 2, "Music" gets 4, "Rhymes & Reasons" gets 3 and so on. And when you look at the playing times – ten minutes short on CD1 and fifteen on CD2. No genius like the "Snow Queen" song and US-45 by The City. 

You see for me, the albums that followed "Tapestry" were nice, good too in places – but somehow that magical cohesion she achieved with "Tapestry" was missing. And I can remember that as each album arrived in Ireland and England – they were met largely with indifference. But although it is too bare - what "A Natural Woman: The Ode Collection 1968-1976" does is hit you on two fronts – the choice cuts and the fact that they're coming out of your speakers with beautifully balanced Remasters (from original tapes) by VIC ANESINI. You throw in serious sessionmen and feel artists like James Taylor, Danny 'Kootch' Kortchmar, Joni Mitchell, Merry Clayton, Dean Parks, Tom Scott, Harvey Mason, David T. Walker, Jim Horn, Andy Newmark, Ralph Schukett, Leland Sklar, Russ Kunkle, Chuck Findley (and more) – a 42-page booklet that respects and celebrates the mighty lady with style – then this twofer does indeed wrap itself around you with joy. To the Smackwater details…

UK/EU released 6 April 1998 - "A Natural Woman: The Ode Collection 1968-1976" by CAROLE KING on Ode/Epic/Legacy EPC 489321 2 (Barcode 5099748932129) is a 2CD 36-Track Compilation with Four Previously Unreleased Tracks and Vic Anesini Remasters throughout – it plays out as follows:

CD1 (66:36 minutes):
1. Hi-De-Ho (see Notes)
2. Wasn't Born To Follow (see Notes)
3. Up On The Roof
4. Child Of Mine
5. I Feel The Earth Move
6. So Far Away
7. It's Too Late
8. Home Again
9. Beautiful
10. Way Over Yonder
11. You've Got A Friend
12. Where You Lead
13. Will You Love Me Tomorrow
14. Smackwater Jack
15. Tapestry
16. (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman
17. Music
18. Brother, Brother
NOTES ON CD1:
Tracks 1 and 2 by THE CITY, the band Carole King was in before going solo in 1970. Both tracks from their lone album "Now That Everything's Been Said" released 18 December 1968 in the USA on Ode Records Z12 44012
Tracks 3 and 4 are from her debut solo album "Writer: Carole King" released 21 September 1970 in the USA on Ode Records SP-77006
Tracks 5 to 16 are the entirety of her second solo album "Tapestry" released 10 February 1971 in the USA on Ode Records ODE SP-77009
Tracks 17 and 18 are from her third studio album "Carole King Music" released 30 November 1971 on Ode Records SP-77013

CD2 (60:39 minutes):
1. Sweet Seasons
2. Pocket Money
3. It's Gonna Take Some Time
4. Bitter With The Sweet
5. Goodbye Don't Mean I'm Gone
6. At This Time In My Life?
7. Been To Canaan
8. Ties That Bind
9. Corazón
10. Believe In Humanity (Live) 
11. Jazzman
12. Wrap Around Joy
13. Nightingale
14. Really Rosie
15. Alligators All Around
16. There's A Space Between Us
17. Only Love Is Real
18. You've Got A Friend (Live) with James Taylor and String Group
NOTES ON CD2:
Tracks 1 and 3 are from her third studio album "Carole King Music" released 30 November 1971 on Ode Records SP-77013
Track 2 is from the motion picture "Pocket Money" starring Paul Newman and Lee Marvin, also issued 11 January 1972 as the B-side to a US Carole King 45-Single for "Sweet Seasons" on Ode Records ODE-66022
Tracks 4, 5 and 7 are from her fourth studio album "Rhymes & Reasons" released 4 October 1972 on Ode Records SP-77016
Tracks 6 and 8 are PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED studio outtakes from the "Rhymes & Reasons" LP sessions in July 1972
Track 9 is from her fifth studio album "Fantasy" released 2 May 1973 on Ode Records SP-77018
Tracks 10 and 18 are PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED live songs; Track 10 recorded live 26 May 1973 in Central Park in New York City with Guests David T. Walker, Charles Larkey, Harvey Mason, Bobbye Hall, Tom Scott, Curtis my and many more; Track 18 recorded live 18 June 1971 at Carnegie Hall in New York City with guests James Taylor on Vocals and Keyboards, Barry Socher on Violin, David Campbell on Viola, Terry King on Cello and Charles Larkey on String Bass (Produced by Lou Adler)
Tracks 11, 12 and 13 are from her sixth studio album "Wrap Around Joy" released 18 July 1974 in the USA on Ode Records SP-77024
Tracks 14 and 15 are from her seventh studio album "Really Rosie" released 31 January 1975 in the USA on Ode Records SP 77027
Tracks 16 and 17 are her eighth studio album "Thoroughbred" released 15 December 1975 in the USA on Ode Records SP 77034

The card wrapround sleeve, fat double jewel case and especially its 42-page booklet lend this release a major feel. Produced and Project Managed by LOU ADLER, BOB IRWIN and PENNY ARMSTRONG for Epic/Legacy - the STEPHEN K. PEOPLES liner notes (dated April 1994) thank a long list of contributors and fact collaborators (and he should). Photos of her and James Taylor, live shots, the Carnegie Hall poster for June 18th that uses the Tapestry artwork and other musician friends pepper the details (singer Merry Clayton, Joni & JT at the microphones) – each album titled and discussed. The musical history building is seriously impressive – Billboard chart details for the eight No.1 singles and three No.1 LPs along with the heroes who musically accompanied her on such a groundbreaking journey – Danny Kortchmar, James Taylor, Leland Sklar and Russ Kunkle never mind the myriad of musicians after. 

There is discussion of the Brill Building/Tin Pan Alley songwriting beginnings with Gerry Goffin – Carol Klein morphing into Carole King. There are six pages alone of track-by-track and LP-by-LP credits at the rear (Pages 33 to 39) – it is impressive and deeply thorough.
And the original tapes were used throughout – the VIC ANESINI Remasters shining with what at times feels like compromised material – especially in 1970 and 1971. There are four rarities (discussed later), but overall the sounds get more audiophile as 1972 becomes 1973 etc. 

While CD1 cannot fail to impress with the entire "Tapestry" album dominating (Tracks 5 to 16) – the other six cuts are no slackers either. While (as I said earlier) the exclusion of the hugely melodious "Snow Queen" is a major dick move – the lovely re-working of her "Up On The Roof" (originally a hit in 1962) and her own "Child Of Mine" are pointing at the mellow and warm style that would flourish during the January 1971 sessions for "Tapestry". Her second album for the tailend of 1971 "Music" is under-represented here – but I will forever associate "Brother, Brother" with The Isley Brothers and their superb Soul-Funk cover of it on their "Brother. Brother. Brother." album on T-Neck Records). 

But things take something of a nose-dive for me when you get to CD2 and its mid-riff. Stuff from "Really Rosie" and "Fantasy" have not worn well at all with even "Jazzman" sounding seriously dated now. And while the two Previously Unreleased 1972 outtakes from the "Rhymes & Reasons" LP sessions are interesting at best – the 1973 live in Central Park previously unreleased song has her vocals wavering badly and is easy to hear why it remained canned. An emotional live rendition of "You’ve Got A Friend" – a hit for James Taylor from his "Mud Slide Slim And The Blue Horizon" also (also 1971) – takes it all home but again you can hear why it was canned – their vocals are off in places - James taking a few moments to get his voice in line with hers (at least the string instruments give it a lovely feel). "Only Love Is Real" is a forgotten melodious gem from the "Thoroughbred" album too.

Classily presented, sounding boss and lickity-split - "A Natural Woman: The Ode Collection 1968-1976" is a looker for sure and a wee treat on the ears into the under five pounds bargain. You just wish it had gone that extra mile on both discs – Carole King is indeed the kind of Legacy Artist who deserves it and more... 

"The Concert For Bangladesh" by GEORGE HARRISON and Friends – 20 December 1971 USA 3LP Live Box Set (7 January 1972 UK) on Apple Records – Benefit Concert Staged and Recorded 1 August 1971 at Madison Square Gardens in New York for Famine and War Relief in the Indian Country – Guests Included Bob Dylan, Ravi Shankar, Ringo Starr of The Beatles, Eric Clapton of Cream, Blind Faith and Derek & The Dominoes, Billy Preston, Leon Russell, Most of Badfinger, Klaus Voormann, Claudia Lennear, Marlin and Jo Greene, Don Nix and many more (October 2005 UK Sony/BMG-Epic-Apple 2CD Clamshell Box Set of Remasters with New Front Cover Artwork, a 36-Page Booklet and a Bonus Track on CD2 That Features Unreleased Bob Dylan) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"…Awaiting On You All…"

Recorded across two shows on 1 August 1971 in Madison Square Gardens, New York City – George Harrison had roped in an impressive array of British, American, European and Indian Sub-Continent like-minded and concerned Music Citizens to host this First of its Kind Charity Concert. The aim was to raise awareness and money for the appalling starvation situation being faced by a politically stranded populace in the then impoverished country of Bangladesh (east of India, Bay of Bengal).

Although the money and proceeds would notoriously become embroiled in rather ugly red-tape and poor distribution long after those helpless people needed it – it was a gallant and brave effort by the former Beatle long before Bob Geldof did 'Live Aid' for Ethiopia and the all-star 'We Are The World' song and album project that followed-on from that in the USA. This time around (2005) The George Harrison Fund For UNICEF is involved (logo in the booklet and the rear of the clamshell box) and the bulk of sales/proceeds go to many countries in crisis – thereby carrying on the quiet Beatle's fervent wishes.

The band famously featured Eric Clapton (off the back of Cream, Blind Faith and Derek & The Dominoes), Bob Dylan, Drummer Jim Keltner, Keyboardists and Singers Billy Preston and Leon Russell, Sitar Player Ravi Shankar, his old mucker and Drummer pal from The Fabs Ringo Starr, Bassist Klaus Voormann (of Revolver fame), Horn player Jim Horn alongside vocal boosting American Singers like Claudia Lennear, Marlin and Jeanie Green, Don Nix and Dolores Hall. Most of the British band Badfinger – Pete Ham, Tom Evans and Joey Molland (only Mike Gibbons was absent) - lent subtle acoustic guitars too (Badfinger were on Apple Records at the time and would issue their superb "Straight Up" album in December 1971 too in the USA, January 1972 in the UK – the same release schedule as "The Concert For Bangladesh"). 

And the music had Beatles classics George wrote, large dollops of the best from his 3LP 1970 Box Set "All Things Must Pass" (shame though he didn't do "Isn't It A Pity", my favourite track) and Bob Dylan songs on CD2 from his excellent set. This Remixed 2CD Clamshell Box Set even comes with an unissued Dylan track which finds him in great voice – a genuine rediscovery. To the collaborative details…

EU and UK released 25 October 2005 - "The Concert For Bangladesh" by GEORGE HARRISON And Friends on Sony BMG-Epic-Apple 82876729862 (Barcode 828767298627) is a 2CD Clamshell Box Set of Remixes and Remasters with New Front Cover Artwork, a (Truncated) 36-Page Booklet and a Bonus Track on CD2 featuring Unreleased Bob Dylan. It plays outs as follows:

CD1 (51:32 minutes):
1. Introduction by George Harrison and Ravi Shankar
2. Bangla Dhun 
3. Wah-Wah
4. My Sweet Lord
5. Awaiting On You All
6. That's The Way God Planned It
7. It Don't Come Easy 
8. Beware Of Darkness
9. Band Introduction (by George Harrison)
10. While My Guitar Gently Weeps

CD2 (48:00 minutes):
1. Medley: Jumpin' Jack Flash/Young Blood
2. Here Comes The Sun 
3. A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall 
4. It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry
5. Blowin' In The Wind
6. Mr. Tambourine Man
7. Just Like A Woman
8. Something
9. Bangla Desh (Live)

ADDITIONAL TRACK:
10. Love Minus Zero/No Limit

Originally US released 20 December 1971 as a 3LP Live Box Set on Apple STCX 3385 (7 January 1972 in the UK with the same catalogue number) - "The Concert For Bangla Desh" went to No. 1 – a placing better than the 3LP set "All Things Must Pass" had done at the tail end of 1970. However, the July 1991 US 2CD reissue has always had the worst of reputations – a truncated booklet that almost halved the impact of the initial 65-page LP-Sized Booklet and worse - rubbish sound. 

So here in October 2005 (almost four years after Harrison's sad passing in November 2001) - three Abbey Road stalwarts are involved in the Audio brush-up. ALLAN ROUSE and PAUL HICKS remixed the tapes while STEVE ROOKE did the Master/Remaster – names that appeared across nearly 20 Apple CD reissues and further into The Beatles catalogue in 2009 and beyond. 

And what a difference a trio makes – suddenly the veil has been lifted and there is power and far more clarity. The Box Cover is changed to a photo of George with guitar – while the starving child in front of an almost empty bowl (the original artwork) is inside on the cover of the booklet and on both the CD card sleeves (see photos provided). The August 1971 US concert poster is reproduced alongside snaps of Producer Phil Spector and track-by-track credit pages listing who played on what. A good effort – to the songs…
 
Admittedly the six-minute intro now tests your patience, but the sixteen-minute Indian Instrumental fest that is "Bangla Dhun" is not only a real introduction of World Music to an International arena but also timely (leave your egos at the door) and beautiful. Musicians on the Ravi Shankar written piece play Tabla (Ustad Alla Rakah), Sitar (Ravi Shankar), Tambura (Kamala Chakravarty) and Sarod (Ustad Ali Akbar Khan). Billy Preston who had duetted with The Beatles on the 'Let It Be' Sessions and was also on their Apple label at the time sings his "That's The Way God Planned It". Ringo Starr does a fab vocal and drums job on his single of the moment "It Don't Come Easy" – such a tune - while American Shelter Records hoodoo man Leon Russell joined George for duet vocals on "Beware Of Darkness" (Jim Horn also on Saxophone). Leon Russell did get some ego-flack (and still does) for hogging the vocals on his double-cover-version medley that opens CD2 – Don Preston also on Guitar and Vocals with Carl Radle of Derek & The Dominoes on Bass. But it is still a kick-ass performance. 

Speaking of boot-tapping and Eric – EC joined (not surprisingly) George on twin Lead Guitars for the 'White Album' epic "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" much to the rapture of the huge audience. Clapton is also Lead Guitar on "Wah-Wah", "My Sweet Lord" and "Awaiting On You". Pete Ham of Badfinger joins George Harrison on a lovely Acoustic version of the "Abbey Road" gem "Here Comes The Sun" while both Beatles Ringo Starr and George Harrison alongside Leon Russell (on Bass) joined Dylan on stage (Sings, plays Acoustic and Harmonica) for a quadruple Bob-whammy of his Sixties nuggets - "A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall", "It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry", "Mr. Tambourine Man" and "Just Like A Woman". George brings it all to a close with the Abbey Road stunner "Something" while Jim Horn once again lends a Saxophone hand for the live version of "Bangla Desh". 

But it must be said that it's a bit of a major boo-boo not including the studio recorded Single Mix of "Bangla Desh" as a second Additional Track – apparently it is still only available on an old 'Best Of' or an Expensive Whole Catalogue Box Set.

Compensating big time however is an outtake from the afternoon show – a live version of "Love Minus Zero/No Limit" with the band that consisted of Leon Russell, Eric Clapton and Ringo Starr. What a find – Bob Dylan in great voice and form – confident – not tired of playing the same old same old for fans.

For an album that reached No.1 (advance sales of over 3-million dollars) and made such an impact at the time (good and bad publicity) and that even Harrison himself parodied in one of his movies – it surprises me that the musical content of "The Concert For Bangla Desh" has been all but forgotten. 

Well, I would argue that two Beatles on the same stage (had not been so since 1966 in the USA) and Dylan et al in great form (it was his first appearance in five years) – Eric playing so fluidly – Billy and Leon adding a bit of colour and a decent set of tunes from when the mainman was actually Fab – then this is a rediscovery worth seeking out. And how we miss GH still…