Yah Mos Def (The) - Plays Ugly for Suckers EP

Name: Yah Mos Def (The) 
Album: Plays Ugly for Suckers EP
Year: 2005
Style: Rap-Rock
Similar Bands: Armalite, Low Budgets, Beastie Boys, Suburban Hoodz, Zebrahead
"One-Word" Review:
Based Out Of: Philadelphia
Label: N/A

Cover, Back, CD Back, CD

Lyrics

Plays Ugly for Suckers EP (2005)

1. New Direction 2:52
2. Global Liberation Army 2:02
3. I'm Gonna Be Under Your Bed 2:38
4. Jive Like Jehu 2:29
5. Scoty Biebin Owes Me Money 3:36

Album Rating (1-10): 6.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Distro (Rick Mitchell) - Vox,  (The Clocks, S Prcess, Capital Action)
• xB.Aewsomex (Brian Poerner) - Vox (Hour of the Star, Track Star Records, 
• Joey Sweeney - Photo
• Mr Mike Robinson (King God) - Production
• Pink Skull - Production
• Krash - Recording, Mastering (Krash Is King Shit)

Unknown-ness: I had seen the band's name around the Philly scene for Khyber (picture was from there) or North Star Bar shows back in the early-mid 00's but never saw them. So picked this up at AKA records for a dollar to see what I was missing, but never even put this in to listen to. So not sure, but i imagine it will be some interesting high intensity synth collages, jokey stuff, and maybe an indie take on hip-hop, as the name hints.

Album Review: The Philly duo loves their classic punk and in this outfit, lays rap vocals, many Philly-centric, over the well worn tracks. Then persuaded to change their name from the rapper with the same name, YMD began with one album in 2008. This EP precedes it. The duo reunited in 2014, too. And recently, Brian Poerner became the CEO of North American's Diadaro market (Feb'24).

Included in the local lyrics added are Mike Schmidt, Killtime, Bryn Mawr, (Joey) Sweeney and all the neighborhoods as well as some dated lyrics about The Wire and borrowed lines from Ween and Bikini Kill. The dual lyricists do call back to the Beastie Boys with their different intensities, pitches and rhyme styles. And as advertised, the rapid fire lyrics overtop guitar loops work as well as any synth sample.

Stand Out Track: Jive Like Jehu

Links:

Discogs

Bandcamp

rateyourmusic

last.fm

Apple Music

XPN Reunite

Comedy Minus One

Poerner: NA pres of Diadora

(the) Vexers - s/t

Name: The Vexers
Album: s/t
Year: 2003
Style: New Wave, Post Punk
Similar Bands: The Daves, Blondie, Bikini Kill, Delta 5, Runaways, Long Blondes, Elastica, Wire, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Martha & the Muffins, Sleater-Kinney
"One-Word" Review: Dark, Ragged Energetic Punk
Based Out Of: Philadelphia, PA
Label: Ace Fu

Cover & Back

Liner Notes, CD Back, CD

The Vexers (2003)

1. Something Dirty 2:31
2. Human Machine 1:36
3. Mutual Masturbation 2:21
4. City Life 1:14
5. You Get Nothing 2:51
6. The Saint 3:13
7. Fuck it Up 3:01
8. Get Up Get Out 2:21
9. Rat-Bite Fever 2:08
10. Sick Sick Sick 3:21

Album Rating (1-10): 9.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Mike Musmanno - Recording, Mixing
• Rachel Kotkoskie - Live Photo
• Michael Hammel - Bass
• Jennifer Taylor - Guitar/Vox (Caramel Jack, Marcia Hines, Max Sharam, Jan Hellriegel, Annie Crummer, Australian Youth Orch, Amity Dry, Anthony Callea, Billie Thorpe, Beat Bugs)
• Jesse Van Anglen - Drums
• Tres Warren - Guitar (Compound Eye, Messages, Psychic Ills, Moon Duo, Jeff Burch, Alfredo Thierman)

Unknown-ness: Never heard of the band. But I liked the simple angle of the font of the band name on the front and the MS Dos font on the back. Perhaps this is an angular, computer thinking band who used tech and synth in their basic indie rock style. Ace Fu is a Philly label, so I'm surprised i didn't hear of or cross paths seeing this band back in the aughts, as i was going to a lot of shows then.

Album Review: The band borrows from 70-80's new wave/punk with catchy  guitar work and bass lines and straightforward spoke/sung melodic but powerful female vocals. Mutual Masturbation brings in the angular guitar and energetic vocals bringing to mind the great 80's punk bands like Blondie, The Runaways and Sleater-Kinney at times. It is just a very fun record, full of driving energy and danceable spirit. 

The band is 3/4 LA kids who left the lifestyle out west for shocking reality of Philadelphia's forgotten youth. 5-10 years older than the rest of the bands they played with, they started with a confidence their counterparts were trying to build, and still moved slowly, being true to their musical vision and selves. Apparently their live shows were fun (really wish i had seen them around the scene then), and from this record, i can tell they would have been a favorite.

Stand Out Track: Mutual Masturbation

Links:

Discogs

Allmusic

Spotify

Rate your Music

Pop Matters

Chicago reader

The Mind's Construction Quarterly

In Music We Trust

The Studio Philly

Up Up Down Down Left Right Left Right B A Start - ~s/t EP & *Girls Names EP

Name: Up Up Down Down Left Right Left Right B A Start
Album: s/t EP~, Girls Names*
Year: 1999~, 2006
Style: Emo, Math Rock
Similar Bands: Math the Band, Sunny Day Real Estate, Fire Theft, Dismemberment Plan
"One-Word" Review: Plucky Complexly Calculated DIY'ers
Based Out Of: Philadelphia
Label: Papermade Records~, self-released*

~Cover, Back, CDR

*Promo Cover, Back

*Promo Liner Notes, CD

~Up Up Down Down Left Right Left Right B A Start (1999)

1. Song Competition 2:49
2. Working Title 3:38
3. I'm Holding Hands With Me 1:39
4. Action 4:08
5. Walked Out This Season 3:52
6. Real Philosophers Vs. The Lovers of Sights and Sounds 3:24

*Girls Names (2006)

1. Janet Bateman 1:52
2. Melanie Flury 2:13
3. Rachel Strayer 0:56
4. Robyn Fleshman 1:53

Album Rating (1-10):~7.0

*6.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Steve Poponi - Vox, Bass~ Guitar* (The Jazz June, Cabana Wear, The Progress, Young Statues, Fight Amp)
• Scott Rumble - Drums~
• Jeff Mott - Guitar, Vox~ (Hands of Despair, Thrawnsunblat)
• Dave Damm - Bass* 
• Dave Dunn - Drums*
• Dave Downham - Guitar* (The Secession Movement, Kill Verona, The Progress, Cabana Wear)
• Evan Weiss - Guitar* (Damiera, Into It. Over It, Map the Growth, Pet Symmetry, Stay Ahead of the Weather, The Progress, Their/They're/There, CSTVT, Moving Mountains, Koji, The Jazz June, You Blew It!, Pacemaker, Evan Myall, Castevet, Noumenon, Chris Farren, Sincere Engineer, Lana Del Rey)
• Brian Mietz - Artwork*

Unknown-ness: I had heard the name before, but never really heard them. This goes back to the early 00's when i found a CDR of their first EP at AKA records here in Philly. Always kinda associated them with Math Rock/Emo scene, but again, couldn't say for sure, aside from other bands they were mentioned in conjunction with. So not a pure unknown band, but enough that i don't know what it's going to sound like, exactly, and if i'll enjoy it. The black EP was found out in LA at Amoeba, and was a promotional CD, produced just for journals or airplay...otherwise, it could be downloaded for free, as an internet-only release.

Album Review: Blending the concentrated Math Rock/Prog elements with emo almost needs not be separated, but they are the elements that go into the first EP. Calculated guitars that go from loud to melodic to quiet and reserved, overlayed by vocals that drone and shout like a ride on Space Mountain; where you don't know if you're going for a drop or a turn. I get a lot of the mid 90's alt-emo band influence like Sunny Day & Dismemberment Plan in the guitar work and overall production (Dis Plan & Hail Social in the lead vocals). The Girls Names EP is quite short, the songs averaging less than 105 seconds each.

It goes without saying, to most folks with even a passing interest in the band, that they take their name from the infamous Konami cheat code to score extra lives in their Nintendo games. In the spirit of "free" and "extra," both of these EPs took advantage of the internet age, where all the songs were available for free, legal download from the artist's recording studio website. Most of the band's life span between these two eps, as their career started with the self titled CDR, and their end coming less than 2 years after Girl's Names. Though it all was Steve Poponi, who still works with Gradwell House recording studio in Jersey producing albums for bands with a similar mindset, like Beach Slang (at least Downham has worked on their albums).

Stand Out Track: ~Working Title 

*Robyn Fleshman

Links:

Discogs

Allmusic

Chicago Reader - reunion show 2016

Bandcamp

Facebook

Gradwell House Studio

Rate Your Music

Sputnik Music

First EP on Youtube

Two Hundred Pounds of Swingin' Hound - s/t

Name: 200 lbs. of Swingin' Hound
Album: s/t
Year: 1995
Style: Rockabilly
Similar Bands: Stray Cats
"One-Word" Review: Country Pub Raw Swing Band.
Based Out Of: Philadelphia, PA
Label: Apple-Z Productions,

Cover, Back

CD, Sleeve Back

200 lbs. of Swinging Hound (1995)

1. When Your Baby's Got the Blues 3:45
2. Nearly Perfect 4:23
3. 30 Lovesick Days 5:47
4. Rock 'n' Roll Party 2:56
5. Hot Lips! 4:03
6. The Cold Bed Blues 2:48
7. Single Again 3:34
8. Lies 4:33
9. Lifetime Guarantee 5:32
10. I'm A' Gonna Get Ya 2:43

Album Rating (1-10): 5.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Ace Filipini - Vox (Reach Around Rodeo Clowns, Kingpins)
• Joe Gallo - Guitars
• Wally Wollet - Drums, Backing Vox, Piano
• Trey LaRue - Standup Bass
• Mike Lampe - Standup Bass (Steve Guyger)
• Bob Williams - Engineer
• Rick Stranix - Logos, Art Direction (Apple-Z Graphix)
• Ken Hinchey - Cover Photo

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band. When I bought the record, my mind was infected with the late 90's swing movement, and i thought this might have been right in that swing/rockabilly sweet spot, but i don't actually ever remember listening to the album. I reckon this is a small pub band version of the rockabilly-big band sound.

Album Review: Straight up swing & rockabilly, predating the revival of the late 90's. A couple of the songs rock out a little more, but it leans toward the country vibe at it's heart. It seems like it is pretty good for what it is. "Lies" has a slightly more aggressive punk tone to it.

Not much out there on this band based out of the Philly area, just based on their phone and mailing address contacts. "Hot Lips" appears on a compilation of Ace Filipini songs that's on Spotify (Songs That Made Him Infamous) , but is not playable.

Stand Out Track: Lies

Links:

Discogs - wrong name

amazon

Reverb Nation - Ace

Soundcloud - Ace

Tiva Tiva - Music for Interior Castles

Name:Tiva Tiva
Album: Music for Interior Castles
Year: 2011
Style: Chamber Rock, Indie Rock
Similar Bands: Rusted Root, Muse, Ours, Jeff Buckley, Decemberists, Arcade Fire, Starlight Mints
"One-Word" Review: Hipster Chamber Music
Based Out Of: Philadelphia, PA
Label: Sonic Cat Records, Furry Candy Music, Cedar Street

 

Cover, Back, Interior, CD

Lyric Sheet & Liner Notes

Music for Interior Castles(2011)

1. Brother 2:54
2. Sincerely Yours 3:16
3. Divine Rapture 3:19
4. Woe My Wicked Life 4:03
5. Sister 3:02
6. I Greet the Nothing 2:50
7. The Token 2:31
8. The Vision 2:55
9. Re-Call 2:49
10. The Happening 3:34
11. Endless Mercy 3:38

Album Rating (1-10): 8.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Ted Richardson - Producer, Recording, Mixing, Mastering, Guitar, Keys, Bass
• Daniel de Jesus - Cello, Vox (Dejesus, Rasputina, Melora Creager, Lasst Full Measure, Smoke Fairies)
• Darren Keith - Drums, Percussion (Irena Jarocka, Last Full Measure, Lovecartel)

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band. Like the packaging: 100% post-consumer material and its a unique envelope. Lots of religious art work on the liner notes, and perhaps a Spanish theme mixed in with new-agey folk, based on the album artwork and name. Overall, i'm guessing it will be light indie fare, complete with strings and a breezy, sweeping feel.

Album Review: The songs are bombastic, catchy, and powerful, using the strings as soaring, emo elements to accompany the strong, soaring vocals, which are similar at times to Jimmy Gnecco or Muse...almost reaching Jeff Buckley. But at their base they are pop songs performed with a hipster baroque affect

Not much out there about them. They funded this record via Kickstarter, which boasts that this is a concept album of sorts, interpreting the life of 16th century mystic Saint Teresa of Avila. Ted has produced and engineered some other popular bands (Portugal. The Man, The Joy Formidable). Daniel was in Rasputina previously. But it looks like this was a once and done project...perhaps under the time and energy to produce such an ambitious record

Stand Out Track: Sister, Brother

Links:

Discogs

Kickstarter

Ted on Soundbetter

Betsy Spivak - Belly Sweet

 Name: Betsy Spivak
Album: Belly Sweet
Year: 2000
Style: Folk, Singer / Songwriter, Acoustic
Similar Bands: Jefferson Airplane, Fleetwood Mac, Melissa Ethridge
"One-Word" Review: Floatsy Folksy
Based Out Of: Philadelphia, PA / Los Angeles CA
Label: Covergirl Records

Cover, Fold Out Notes, CD Tray Artwork

Back, CD, Liner Notes/Lyrics

Belly Sweet (2000)

1. Twiggy Blue Sky 3:06
2. 222 Ray Street 3:59
3. The Same 3:57
4. Altar Boy & the Female Form 3:56
5. Hundred Dollar Bet 4:15
6. Sally 4:22
7. Me for a Day 6:46

Album Rating (1-10): 5.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Betsy Spivak - Writer, Vox, Piano, Guitar, Producer, Arrangements, Mixing, Art Direction, Artwork
• Anthony King - Guitars, Producer, Arrangements, Recording, Art Direction
• Bruce Witkin - Producer, Recording, Mixing
• Raymond Pitts - Clarinet, Arrangements
• Ethan Phillips - Bass
• George Kaurtis - Drums
• Jack Lees - Percussion
  Diana Bridges - Backing Vox
• Dave Schultz - Mastering
• Marguerite Gaffney - Belly, Insert Photos
• Doug Nahary - Art Direction (dZm Design)anthony king
• Peter Creelman - Photos
• Bill Parker - Photos

Unknown-ness: I believe i had heard of Betsy Spivak before I bought this in a used bin, just curious if the word of mouth recognition was worth the music. I can't remember what it was like...my mind is set that this will be flowery, folksy Lilith Fair / Indigo Girls singer-songwriter style of music.

Album Review: Betsy has a very light, folky singer/songwriter storyteller vibe, with mostly acoustic performances, and a little country slide guitar. Nothing stood out to me, apart from the sexual exploring charged lyrics of Alter Boy/Female Form, but 222 Ray St is an enjoyable, straight forward song.

Betsy's father is the cofounder of the old Electric factory in Philly, and she studied classical music at Temple, also in Philly. Her early years were spent half in her native Philly, and half in LA. Even when moving back to Philly, he stuff did not follow her for a bit, as she felt part of both worlds. But the LA life opened her up creatively, writing in traffic, and finding her voice

Stand Out Track: 222 Ray St

Links:

Spotify

Allmusic

Rate Your Music

2006 City Paper

Sparklers - Fall Apart Heart

Name: Sparklers
Album: Fall Apart Heart
Year: 2001
Style: Pub Rock, Americana Rock, 
Similar Bands: Replacements, Superchunk, GBV, Gin Blossoms, Cracker, Soul Asylum
"One-Word" Review: Smoky Dive Bar Rock
Based Out Of: Philadelphia, PA
Label: Radioball Records

Cover - sealed

Back - sealed

Fall Apart Heart (2001)

1. Forever and a Day 2:11
2. Midnight All the Time 2:45
3. Goodmorning, Etc. 4:02
4. Heart in Advance 2:51
5. Highball 2:37
6. Home Away from Away 3:13

Album Rating (1-10): 8.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Brian McCracken - Vox, Guitar (454)
• Joel Breen - Bass (Labia)
• Frank - Drums
• Chris DiPinto - Mandolin, Violin (Creem Circus, O Mighty Isis, Jim & Jennie & the Pine Barons, The Three 4 Tens)
• Andy Shahan - Backing Vox (Hogan's Goat)
• Paul Smith - Recording, Production, Engineer
• John Douglas Smith - Cover Design, Layout

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band, outside of somehow, at sometime, getting this CD, BUT, never listening to it. I'm just guessing it's going to be some good old early aughts garage/indie rock, maybe leaning away from gritty to the lighter power pop side, just based on the artwork. The band name adds energy, while the album, or EP title adds a depth of darkness, sadness and emo.

Album Review: Raspy vocals and driving, blue collar pub rock categorize this album as Punk Americana. Power pop leanings and jangley guitar support driving tempos. But there are a couple softer, calculate mellow tracks showing their full array,

Proudly based out of South Philly, the trio has evolved as a band, with McCracken at the helm the whole time, away from their blue collar rock, adding more elements of Alt-Country and twang into their later albums (3 total). Their band website is still active (2021) so i assume they are still together putting material together, still out of South Philly.

Stand Out Track: Forever and a Day

Links:

Spotify

Website
Bandcamp

Discogs

Reverb Nation
Facebook
Adobe & Teardrops review
Nine Bullets

Left Handed Boy - Curse of the Left Handed Boy

Name: Left Handed Boy
Album: Curse of the Left Handed Boy
Year: 2006
Style: Dark Rap/Hip Hop
Similar Bands: Judgement Night soundtrack, Gorillaz
"One-Word" Review: Audio Anti-Hero Hip Hop Graphic Novel
Based Out Of: Philadelphia, PA / Mount Holly NJ
Label: Akhenation Music, Cult Member Music

Cover, Comic pg 1,12

CD, Sticker, Flyer, Back, CD Back, Comic pg 2-3

Comic pg 4-5, Sticker

Comic pg 6-7

Comic pg 8-9

Comic pg 10-11

Curse of the Left Handed Boy (2006)

1. Intro 1:12
2. 10th & Arch 3:04
3. Chapter 2 1:14
4. Facefirst 2:55
5. Bio 3:58
6. Picture Perfect 1:28
7. Write to Left 2:39
8. That Arm 3:18
9. Bloody Attitude 4:06
10. Perfect Picture 1:17
11. Art 3:54
12. Kiss the Order 2:40
13. Flatlands 1:28
14. Latest Dish 4:09
15. Family Dinner 4:44

Album Rating (1-10): 6.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Daniel Elish - Artwork, Pamphlet Words & Pictures
• Carl Kavorkian - Producer, Vox  (MF Doom)
• Colin "Coligreens" Ryan - Producer
• Jimmy Greek - Vox
• Rummage - Vox, Producer

Unknown-ness: Never heard of the band... The version i picked up in a dollar bin had some band stickers, a flyer for the band and an interesting comic book about a discarded boy growing up with a deformed, giant left hand. So, for the music, i'm guessing it is dark and emo...with all black and white artwork, i don't imagine it being upbeat emo...perhaps more sludgy and heavy. The album has long & short songs, so perhaps it is laid out like a graphic novel, with some tracks containing dialogue, telling a conceptual story, sort of like Life Of Agony's River Runs Red.

Album Review: There are different sources for the "band name." Searching by the album title, which i first thought was the name, Jam Faction came up as a possible name (spotify), but it is also listed as a copyright / imprint label. The album is on Jimmy Greek's bandcamp page under the band name Left Handed Boy, so that's a more accurate source. The record is mixed genre hip-hop. There are dark tendencies on the album filled with a complex, artistic anger. All along, the record threads the storyline of born different, being berated by father, and having to fight, through the anecdote of being left handed. However, nothing comes off as aggressive: it just flows, telling a story musically and lyrically in a head nodding, interesting fashion, mixing in dialogue/monologues over the music to embellish the graphic novel aspect of the record: like a comic book version of an audiobook.

The group Left Handed Boy / Jam Faction is a collective headed off by Jimmy Greek, and associates Rummage, Coligreens and Carl Kavorkian, who has also worked with MF Doom. The members are based in Philly (10th & Arch was the address of The Trocadero) and Mount Holly, as explained on the album. 

Stand Out Track: Kiss the Order

Links:

Discogs

Exclaim!
Soundcloud
Rate Your Music
Kavorkian bandcamp
Bringing Down the Band
Jimmy Greek & COTLHB Bandcamp 

Tymes (the) - Tymes Up

Name: The Tymes
Album: Tymes Up
Year: 1976
Style: Soul, Gospel, Funk
Similar Bands: Stylistics, TSOP, Philly Cream, Tavaras, Spinners, Delfonics, Chi-Lites, Five Stairsteps
"One-Word" Review: pimped out gospel soul
Based Out Of: Philadelphia, PA
Label: RCA, Victor

Cover, Record

Record, Back

Tymes Up (1976)

1. Only Your Love 5:01
2. It's Cool 3:38 (single)
3. If I Can't Make You Smile 3:54
4. God's Gonna Punish You 4:44/
5. Hypnotized 3:48
6. Goin' Through the Motions 3:40
7. To the Max 4:49
8. Good Morning Dear Lord 5:54

Album Rating (1-10): 6.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Billy Jackson - Producer, Director, Percussion, Backing Vox/Rap (The Citizens' Band, Daddy Kae Trio, Soiree, The Re-Vels, Lifestyle, Beverley Craven)
• Richie Rome - Arrangements, Keys (African Suite, Patti LaBelle, Terry Knight, Cheltenham Orch, Carol Stivers, Jimmy Ruffin, Dianne Steinberg, Persuaders, Horseshoe, Willis Jackson, Archie Bell & Drells, Chi-Lites, Ritchie Family, many)
• George Williams - Lead Vox, Backing Vox/Rap 
• Albert Berry Tenor 1st, 2nd (Latineers)
• Norman Burnett - Tenor, Baritone (Latineers)
• Wade Davis - Baritone (Ferguson, Davis & Jones, Lifestyle, Davis & Lee)
• Jerry Ferguson - Tenor (Ferguson, Davis & Jones, Lifestyle, Davis & Lee)
• Donald Banks - Bass (Latineers)
• Bernard Purdie - The Sounds of NY Band Leader, Drums (Harlem River Drive, Hummingbirg, New Pulse Jazz Band, Pretty Purdie & Playboys, Profile, Rhythmstick, Roy Ayers Ubiquity, Godfathers of Groove, Leon Thomas Blues Band, Mac Chrupcala Trio, Liv Warfield, Bruce Arnold, Nina Simone, Jimmy Smith, Phil Upchurch, Charlie Byrd more)
• Karl Chambers - Drums (MFSB, Ronald & Karl, The Producers, The Romeos, Toomorrow, Yellow Sunshine, Barbara Mason, Don Covay, Teddy Pendergrass, Intruders, The Three Degrees, O'Jays, Orlons)
• George Devins - Percussion, Vibes (Dizzy Gillespie, Harris-Leigh +3, Lew Davis, Ninapinta & his Bongos & Congas, Brassmates, Brothers, Jerry Ross, Don Costa, Irving Joseph, Don Arnone, Al Caiola more)
• Ray Barretto - Congas, Timbales (Art Farmer, Artists United Against Apartheid, Cannonball Adderley, Fania All Stara, Lou Donaldson, Oliver Nelson, Quincy Jones, New World Spirit, Charanga Band, Charanga Moderna, Al Grey, Billy Mitchell, Blackout Allstars, Herbie Mann, Ray Bryant, Tito Puente, Wild Bill Moore, Woody Herman, Thundering Herd, more)
• Paul Griffith - Keys (Aretha Franklin, Tim Carroll) 
• Larry Bongo Washington - Percussion, Congas (Anglo Saxon Brown, Black Light Orch, Eddie Drennon & BBS unlimited, John Davis & Monster Orch, MFSB, Salsoul Orch, Stylistics, Laura Nyro, Good God, Harold Melvin, more)
• Carl Lynch - Guitar (Dayton Selby Sound, Brownie McGhee, Cootie Williams, Will Holt, Preston McKinnon, Casey Anderson, Rose Murphy, The Orioles, Joan Toliver, Curtis Amy, Les McCann, Johnny Hodges, Jerome Richardson, Hank Crawford, George Benson, Jimmy Smith, Circle of Music, Melvin Van Peebles, King Curtis, James Brown, Dizzy Gillespie, Fugs, Peter Allen, Sharon Ridley, Charles McPherson, Carol Hall, Percy Mayfield, Van McCoy, Gerri Granger, Teresa Brewer, Marlena Shaw. Joneses, Bo Diddley, Webster Lewis, Jimmy Owens, Bunky Green, James Moody, Coasters, Herman Chittison, Ruth Brown, James Brown, Nina Simone, Clyde McPhatter, Rita Pavone, Bobby Byrd, JJ Johnson, Carla Thomas, Johnny Hodges, LaVern Baker, Diane Destry, Lee Castle, Sam Taylor, Leo Stephenson)
• Cornell Dupree - Guitar (Harlem River Drive, King Curtis & the Kingpins, Rainbow, Snooky Young, Stuff, Gadd Gang, The RH Factor, Donny Hathaway, Lulu, Aretha Franklin, Laura Nyro, Freddie King, Herbie Mann, Jerry Williams, more)
• Wilbur Bascombe - Bass (New Pulse Jazz Band, Players Assoc. The Zodiac, Willie Collins, Marion Williams, Buddy Terry, Lightnin' Rod, Billy Butler, Bo Diddley, Martin Mull, Roy Ayers, Michael Bolotin, Chuck Berry, Jeff Beck, Frankie Valli, Grace Jones more)
• Don Renaldo - The Sound of Philadelphia Band Leader (Horns & Strings, John Davis & Monster Orch, MFSB, Salsoul Orch, Delfonics, Barbara Mason, Stylistics, Grady Tate, Billy Paul, Charles Mann, Spinners, First Choice, Manhattans, Dick Jensen, Ecstasy-Passion-Pain, Major Harris, Persuaders, William DeVaughn, BB King, Modulations, Blue Magic, Gwen & Bruce, Eddie Kendricks, Universe City, Loleatta Holloway, Double Exposure, Arthur Prysock, Carol Williams, Ritchie Family, Eddie Drennon, Chi-Lites, Johnny Mathis, Harold Melvin, Archie Bell, Grace Jones, Lou Rawls, Billy Paul, Charo, Eddie Holman, Gaz, Metropolis, Ellen McIlwaine, Gary Criss, Jerry Butler, Montana, Dexter Wansel, Silver Convention, Trammps, Karen Young, Love Committee, The Futures, Gabriel, Ruth Waters, Jean Carn, Jones Girls, Bonnie Boyer, Cindy & Roy, Jackie Moore, Michael Pedicin Jr, Chuck brown, McFadden & Whitehead, Philly Cream, Fania All Stars, Strange Affair, OC Smith, Mizz, Sal Barbieri & Royal Company, Kat Mandu, Teddy Pendergrass, Dee Dee Sharp, Deniece Williams, Cashmere, Spinners, Flower, The Three Degrees, Laura Nyro, Exodus)
• Richie Genovese - Bass Trombone (Salsoul Orch, Stylistics, Delfonics, JJ Barnes, First Choice, Spinners, Loleattsa Holloway, Doulbe Exposure, Eddie Holman, Charo, Gloria Gaynor, Montana, Arthur Prysock, Ahsa Puthli, Bonnie Boyer, Michael Pedicin Jr, William Bolcom, Arnold Weinstein, Lulu Santos, Nuyorican Soul, Exodus)
• Roger DeLillo - Trombone, Euphonium (Dan McMillion, Jazz in the Classroom, Salsoul Orch, Woody Herman, Herman & Puemte, Carol Williams, Arthur Prysock, Loleatta Holloway, Paul Williams, First Choice, Eddie Holman, Charo, Gloria Gaynor, Montana, Karen Young, Michael Pedicin Jr, Bonnie Boyer, Mizz)
• Rocco Bene - Trumpet (Salsoul Orch, Stylistics, Delfonics, JJ Barnes, First Choice, Spinners, Loleattsa Holloway, Doulbe Exposure, Willis Jackson, Eddie Holman, Charo, Kool & the Gang,  Arthur Prysock, Ahsa Puthli, Touch of Class, Bonnie Boyer, Michael Pedicin Jr, Montana, FLB, Mizz, Abstract Truth, Nuyorican Soul, Joe Sgro, Exodus)
• Bob Hartzell - Trumpet (Salsoul Orch, Stylistics, Delfonics, JJ Barnes, First Choice, Spinners, Loleatta Holloway, Double Exposure, University City, Willis Jackson, Eddie Holman, Arthur Prysock, Ahsa Puthli, Cindy & Roy, Touch of Class, Bonnie Boyer, Michael Pedicin Jr, Montana, Karen Young, Mizz, Moana, Exodus)
• Christine P Reeves - Strings (Salsoul Orch, Frist Choice, Loleatta Holloway, Carol Williams, Double Exposure, Charo, Eddie Holman, Gloria Gaynor, Montana, Karen Young, Bonnie Boyer, Cinry & Roy, Mizz, Was (Not Was), Jean Carne, Men At Large, Gerald Levert, Eddie Levert, Incognito, Braxtons, Lulu Santos, O'Jays, Nuyorican Soul, Phyllis Hyman, Men of Vizion, Delfonics, Fantastic Plastic Machine)
• Charles A Apollonia - Strings (Salsoul Orch, Stylistics, Delfonics, Carol Williams, First Choice, Loleatta Holloway, Double Exposure, Eddie Holman, Gloria Gaynor, Montana, Karen Young, Bonnie Boyer, Cindy & Roy)
• Davis A Barnett - Strings (Philly Sound Orch, Salsoul Orch, Stylistics, Delfonics, First Choice, Loleatta Holloway, Double Exposure, Eddie Holman, Gloria Gaynor, Montana, Karen Young, Cinry & Roy, Mizz, Bonnie Boyer, Men At Large, Gerald Levert, Eddie Levert, Nuyorican Soul O'Jays, Backstreet Boys, Kelly Price, Nicole Ray, Jermaine Duprie, Men of Vizion, Jazzyfatnastees. Eric Benet, Will Smith, Martha Clancy, Jill Scott, Will Downing, eryKah Badu, Jagged Edge, Jaguar Wright, Vivian Green, Glenn Lewis, Darious Rucker, Floetry, Kindered The Family Soul, Curse, Javier, Ruben Studdard, Funk Bros, Patti LaBelle, Bonnie McKee, Southside Johnny & Asbury Jukes, Vivian, Anthony Hamilton, Margarets, Joy Denalane, Sleepy Brown, Roots, Justin Timberlake, Ron Hall & Muthafunkaz, Carol Riddick, Macy Gray, John Legend, Kanye West, Ne-Yo, NERD, Alexandra Burke, Paul Van Dyk, Rihanna, Esmee Denters, Black Eyed Peas, Fun, Daughtry, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Troye Sivan, Kelly Clarkson, 
• Vincent Pignotti - Strings (MFSB, Gamble & Huff, Salsoul Orch)
• Anthony Singagoga - Strings (Salsoul Orch, Stylistics, Delfonics, Carol Williams, First Choice, Loleatta Holloway, Double Exposure, Eddie Holman, Gloria Gaynor, Charo, Montana, Karen Young, Bonnie Boyer, Cindy & Roy)
• Rudolph Malizia - Strings (Salsoul Orch, Stylistics, Delfonics, Carol Williams, First Choice, Loleatta Holloway, Double Exposure, Eddie Holman, Gloria Gaynor, Charo, Montana, Karen Young, Bonnie Boyer, Cindy & Roy, Mizz)
• Albert Barone - Strings (Salsoul Orch, Stylistics, Delfonics, First Choice)
• J Chudnow - Strings
• Larry Gold - Strings (Good News, NFSB, Salsoul Orch, Woody's Truck Stop, Emile Haynie, Michael Bacon, Carol Williams, First Choice, Double Exposure, Eddie Holman, Charo, Karen Young, Bonnie Boyer, Mark Child & Cottage St Gang, Mizz, Montana, Lorenzo Smith, Bruce Saunders, Good 2 Go, Brue Cohen, John Rose, Rodney Mannsfield, Men At Large, Whitehead Bros, Gerald Levert, 2 Aces & a Jack, Gustav Mahler, Uri Caine, Nicole Renee, Nicole Ray, Kelly Price, Jermaine Dupri, Jazzyfatnastees, Roots, Shaboom, Will Smith, Eric Benet, Will Downing, Common, Jill Scott, Changing Faces, Dice Raw, eryKah Badu, Jagged Edge, Bubba Sparxxx, Bebel Giberto, Jay-Z, Philadelphia Experiment, Jaguar, Wright, Jennifer Lopez, Glenn Lewis, Darius Rucker, Floetry, Ms Jade, Erro, Brandy, Christina Aguilera, Donell Jones, Ms Jade, Justin Timberlake, Kindered the Family Soul, King Britt, Bacon Brothers, Ruben Studdard, LSG, Murphy lee, Joe, Jeff Bradshaw, Zap Mama, Osunlade, R. Kelly, Charlie Wilson, Amos Lee, V, Raheem DeVaughn, Syleena Johnson, Thomas Dutronc, Low Cut Connie, Grace Carter, Michael Jackson, Troye Sivan, Fleeting Ends, Paloma Faith, Kelly Clarkson, Lana Del Ray, Ne-Yo, Caine, Joy Denalane, Natalie, Carol Riddick, Ween, Macy Gray, Al gerween, TI, LL Cool J, John Hill, Kid Cudi, Pleasure P, Bedouin Soundclash)
• Jack Faith - Flute, Strings (Stylistics, Swamp Dogg, Delfonics, Moonglows, Spinners, Salsoul Orch, Blue Magic, Carol Williams, Willis Jackson, LTG Exchange, Charo, Johny Mathis, Montana, First Choice, Asha, Gloria Gaynor, Mizz, Leon Huff, Futures, MFSB, Rose Royce, O'Jays, Patti LaBelle more)
• Romeo DiStephans - Strings (Salsoul Orch, Stylistics, Delfonics, First Choice, Loleatta Holloway, Double Exposure, Charo, Montana)
• J D'Onofrio - Strings
• Isabel Coles - Backing Vox (Kleer, Joey Negro)
• Edna Holt - Backing Vox (Holt '45, Starluv, Ritchie Family, Mongo Santamaria, Michael Boothman, harold Ousley, Fatback Band, Black Renaissance, Stormin' Norman & Suzy, Angela Bofill, OC Smith, Keith Silverfish Ferguson, Fonzi Thornton, Talking Heads, Chickenshack, Kim Ryder, James Freud, Bryan Ferry, Rocking Chairs, David J)
• Barbara Ingram - Backing Vox (School for Arts Singers, Ingram, John Davis & the Monster Orch, New York City, Slick, Spinners, Alpha Angels, Intruders, Philadelphia Angels, Salsoul Hustlers, Sweethearts, Sweeties, Stylistics, Barbara Mason, Detroit Spinners, Dick Jensen, Soul Survivors, Billy Paul, Harold Melvin, Ecstasy-Passion-Pain, MFSB, Archie Bell, Dee Dee Sharp, Blue Magic, Trammps, Dionne Warwick, Manhattans, Major Harris, Bunny Sigler, more)
• Deborah Stockton - Backing Vox (Force of Nature, MFSB)
• Evette L. Benton - Backing Vox (John Davis & the Monster Orch, MFSB, New York City, Spinners, Alpha Angels, Intruders, Philadelphia Angels, Salsoul Hustlers, Sweethearts, Sweeties,  Barbara Mason, Detroit Spinners, Dick Jensen, Soul Survivors, Billy Paul, Harold Melvin, Ecstasy-Passion-Pain, Ritchie Family, Archie Bell, Dee Dee Sharp, Blue Magic, Dionne Warwick, more)
• Carla L Benson - Backing Vox & Special Vox Effect (John Davis & the Monster Orch, New York City, Michael Pedicin Jr, Spinners, Alpha Angels, Intruders, Philadelphia Angels, Salsoul Hustlers, Sweethearts, Sweeties, Barbara Mason, Detroit Spinners, Dick Jensen, Soul Survivors, Billy Paul, Harold Melvin, Ecstasy-Passion-Pain, Ritchie Family, MFSB, Archie Bell, Dee Dee Sharp, Blue Magic, Trammps, Dionne Warwick, more)
• Luz Rivera - Backing Vox Rap (Miguel de Leon)
• Joe Tarsia - Recording Engineer, Remix Engineer
• Jay Marks - Recording Engineer
• Kenny Present - Recording Engineer
• Don Murray - Recording Engineer, Remix Engineer
• Carl Parulo - Recording Engineer
• Vivian Abbott  - Recording Engineer Special Thanks
• Harry Chipetz - Recording Engineer Special Thanks
• Dick Baxter - RCA Recording Engineer
• Tom Brown - RCA Recording Engineer Assistant
• Shelly Yakus - Recording Engineer Record Plant
• Jay Messina - Recording Engineer Record Plant
• Tom Moulton - Mixing
• Nick Sangiamo - Photos
• Design - JJ Stelmach

Unknown-ness: I've never heard of this band, but my mind automatically goes toward associating it with Morris Day And the Time. With the silly misspelled name and the play on words with Tymes Up parking meter photo in the graveyard, i get a sense that they think of themselves as a fun band. But looking at the immense list of musicians who went into the production of this record, i wonder if it will be more choir-like or operatic...especially with two tracks referencing god. I'm going to suggest that this will be soulful R&B, perhaps with a foot in disco, just due to the instruments listed and the year.

Album Review: This is a collection of soulful R&B with some fear of god gospel. Lots of smooth sexy sections coupled with the upbeat soul and cheery gods gonna punish you if you break my heart and sermon filled good morning dear lord. "It's Cool" is a fun, empowering story song where a woman gets hit on at a restaurant and has to cool down her jealous man. The strings do swirl around, hinting at disco on occasion, but it is much firmer placed in the vocal soul group category.

This album comes 20 years into their career (16 as The Tymes). Their two biggest hits in came in 1963 in the US (So Much Love, which beat the Beatles in the #1 spot) and then in 1975 in the UK (Ms Grace). They bounced around from label to label and had minor alterations to their sound trying to find a place to capture the initial first album success. Williams and Banks have both passed away in 2004 & 20011 respectively. But surviving members still play out as The Tymes to this day (2020). They were part of Dick Clark's 1963 American Bandstand tour, which was supposed to play Dallas the day JFK was shot.

Stand Out Track: Only Your Love

Links:
Wiki

Discogs

Allmusic
ABKCO
Banks Obit - Philly Inquirer 11/1/11
Soul Express
Rebeat Mag
Rate Your Music
All but forgotten Oldies
Delafont
Gary Cape Booking
Oldies . com

Kit Kats (the) - It's Just A Matter of Time

Name: The Kit Kats
Album: It's Just A Matter of Time
Year: 1967
Style: Male Vocal Group, Baroque Rock
Similar Bands: Association, We Five, Turtles, Bachelors, Kingston Trio, Beach Boys, Herman's Hermits, Four Seasons, Zombies, Vogues
"One-Word" Review: Old Time Barbershop Vocalists with a wild side
Based Out Of: Philadelphia, Pa
Label: Jamie Records

Cover, Record

Record, Back

It's Just A Matter of Time (1967)

1. Let's Get Lost on a Country Road 2:25 (single)
2. Breezy 2:30 (single b-side)
3. Cotton Fields 2:33 (cover)
4. Liza-Jane 2:34
5. These Are a Few of My Favorite Things 2:20 (cover)
6. The Nut Rocker 2:00 (B Bumble & the Stingers cover) /
7. Funny How Love Can Be 2:05 (Carter-Lewis cover)
8. That's The Way 2:10 (single)
9. Sea of Love 3:05 (Phil Phillips cover, single)
10. Won't Find Better Than Me 2:45 (single)
11. You Got to Know 2:40 (single)
12. Cold Walls 2:20 (single)

Album Rating (1-10): 6.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Bob Finiz - Producer, Engineer
• C(K)arl Hausman - Rhythm & Vocal Arrangements, Vox, Keys (Chancellors, Roscoe & the Green Men)
• Richard Rome - Strings & Horn Arrangements (African Suite)
• Kit (Carson Wesley) Stewart - Vox, Drums
• John Bradley - Vox, Guitar (Chancellors)
• Ronnie Cichonski (Shane) - Bass
• Dom Romeo - Engineer
• Phil Macey - Engineer
• Max Bodden - Photos
• Tom Kennedy - Cover Design

Unknown-ness: Never heard of The Kit Kats. But they look like a generic Hermans Hermits, Monkees or Beatles band of the mid to late 60's. I can't imagine it being anything else than musicians for hire playing record label suit composed music, even if the bio on the back gives them credit as musicians playing the south-eastern chunk of PA and seashore resorts.

Album Review: Sometimes getting close to the harmonies of the Beach Boys, this packaged band that looks like it might be mod like the Beatles or Kinks has more in common with the Weavers, Bachelors and Kingston Trio, with barbershop harmony vocals and light, whispy songs. They even make "Favorite Things" sound like a monk's religious chant. At least that's on the A side of the record, or the "parent's side"...on B, they let their hair grow a little longer, and have punchier and more dance-able melodies (save "Cold Wall"). It is a much more mod song, with You Got to Know getting a little crazy, like a sugar filled toddler crashing.

They were local to the Philly area, especially at their start, but they played from Harrisburg to the shore (The Riptide in Wildwood). With local success making them enough money- more than they may have found had they broken out nationally, they stayed local, only chancing national success with "Country Road" reaching #119 on the billboard charts. They lasted 12 years however, 1962 - 1974, and had a name change to New Hope in 1969 (and at times, went by Pablo Ponce Four or the Tak Tiks). They were different and a cut above their competition, if only because they blended a lot of popular styles and played their own instruments. They reunited a handful of times in the tri-state area, and still will (as of 2015), but Kit Stewart passed away in 2001.

Stand Out Track: That's The Way

Links:
Wiki
Discogs
Allmusic
Spectropop
Cape May County Herald
Media Five Entertainment Archive
All But Forgotten Oldies

Soul Survivors - When the Whistle Blows, Anything Goes

Name: Soul Survivors
Album: When the Whistle Blows, Anything Goes
Year: 1967
Style: Oldies, Psych, R&B/Soul
Similar Bands: Box Tops, Animals, Zombies, Association, Sam & Dave, Paul Revere & the Raiders
"One-Word" Review: Quirky Psych Rock N' Blue-Eyed Soul Roll 
Based Out Of: Philadelphia
Label: Crimson Records, Inc

Cover, Record

Record, Back

When the Whistle Blows, Anything Goes (1967)

1. Do You Feel It 3:46
2. Please Please Please 3:29
3. Too Many Fish in the Sea...Shake 5:53
4. Dathon's Theme 2:46
5. Taboo-India 3:43 /
6. Expressway (To Your Heart) 3:33 (single)
7. Respect 2:43 (Otis Redding cover)
8. A Change is Gonna Come 3:48
9. Hey Gyp 4:54
10. The Rydle 2:36

Album Rating (1-10): 8.5

Members & Other Bands: 

• Howard Michaels - Bio
• Joe Forglone - Drummer (Steeplechase, Duane Allman)
• Paul Venturini - Organ (Privilege, Duane Allman)
• Chuck Trois - Guitar 
• Charles Ingui - Vox (Dedications, Cindy & Roy, Felix Cavaliere, Duane Allman)
• Richard Ingui - Vox (Dedications,Cindy & Roy, Felix Cavaliere, Duane Allman)
• Kenny Jermiah - Vox (Dedications, Duane Allman)
• Nat Segall - Producer
• Joe Tarsia - Engineer
• Richard Price / Snyder Studio - Album Design
• Shelly Roseman - Cover Photo

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band. Even with their sticker on the cover, promoting Expressway To Your Heart, i can't say i know this band. The look is a little out there, scattered and varied with a little bit psych (especially the font) and a little bit R&B-Disco

Album Review: The band itself is little bit garage, a little bit soul / r&b, all catchy oldies rock. Single "Expressway..." sounds a little like "Soul Man," was the first hit single from Gamble & Huff, and was inspired by the Schuylkill Expressway. They cover Otis Reddings version or Respect, the same year that Franklin's ground breaking version was released. "Taboo-India" is an off instrumental, with some yelling that sounds like it might shift into the Italian song  "L'urlo Negro" by the Blackmen. Per the back of the record, the band met via an accident on the NJ Turnpike and hanging out / recovering in a nearby diner afterwords where they discovered a mutual admiration for soul music (thus Soul Survivors in 1966). They basically stopped performing & recording after a few years absence of a follow up hit in the mid 70's. It was not until after they were referenced in a Steely Dan song (Hey 19) that they returned to playing & writing in 1987. Richie Inqui passed away in 2017, but the rest still work with the Hooter's Drummer David Uosikkinen's Philly Tribute Supergroup "In the Pocket."

Stand Out Track: Expressway (To Your Heart)

Links:

Spotify full album
Wiki

Discogs

Allmusic

Richie Ingui Obit 1-12-17

Ingui Obit Best Classic Bands 1.14.17

All but forgotten Oldies

way back attack

Rate Your Music

Philly Cream - s/t

Name: Philly Cream
Album: s/t
Year: 1979
Style: Disco, Funk, Soul
Similar Bands: Village People, Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor
"One-Word" Review: Studio Disco
Based Out Of: Philly
Label: Fantasy WMOT (We Men of Talent) Records

Cover, Record

Record, Back

Philly Cream (1979)

1. Sly-Hi 7:11 (Sly Stone medley) (Single)
2. Motown Review 5:25 (Single)
3. Doin' It to Death 6:00 (James Brow Cover)/
4. Jammin' At the Disco 6:45 (Single)
5. Soul Man 4:13 (Sam & Dave cover) 
6. Join the Army 4:42 (Single B-Side)

Album Rating (1-10): 6.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Alan Rubens - Exec Producer
• Steve Bernstein - Exec Producer
• Len Barry - Producer,  Lead Vox (WMOT All Stars, Slick, Dovells)
• Bruce Gable - Exec Producer
• Larry James - Producer, Drums, Congas, Percussion, Lead Vox (WMOT All Stars, Fat Larry Band, Slick, Blue Magic, Damon Harris, Sweet Thunder, Archie Bell, Frankie Smith, Major Harris Arthur Prysock)
• Bob Pantano - Asst producer, Creative Force
• Pete DeAngelis - Arrangement
• Butch Ingram - Producer. Arrangement, Bass (Ingram, Slick, Intruders, Stylistics, Ronnie Dyson, Sandy Mercer, Sassafras, Sweet Thunder, Dinosaur L, Galaxxy, Barbara Mason, Odyssey, Loose Joints)
• Jimmy Ingram - Keys, Synth (Ingram, Slick, Stylistics, Galaxxy, Ronnie Dyson, Blue Magic, Barbara Mason, The Moments, Sassafras, David Simmons, Sweet Thunder, Beck Family, Twilight, Dinosaur L, Kevin Anderson, Loose Joints)
• Bud Ellison - Keys (The Champions, Patti Labelle, Damon Harris, Slick)
• Ronnie James - Guitar (Slick, Mike Pedicin Jr, Salsoul Orch, Ice, Louis Prima, Nemo, Yvonne Gray, Archie Bell & Drells, Evelyn Champagne King, Charto, Michele, Barbara Mason, Bunny Sigler, Ray Simpson, Arthur Prysock, Montana, Stanley Turrentine, Karen Cheryl, Montana, Bonnie Boyer, Fania All Stars, Prince Phillip Mitchell, Jones Girls, Flower, John Davis & The Monster Orch, Rory Block, George Bussey Experience, Kat Mandu, Mizz, Strange Affair, Richie Rome, Sal Barbieri, Ultimate, Voggue, Montana Sextet, Karen Young, Tangerue, Nuyorican Soul, Nino Ferrer, Cornell Dupree)
• Billy Ingram - Guitar (Ingram, Slick, Galaxxy, Blue Magic, Barbara Mason, Sassafras, FLB, Dinoasur L, Loose Joints)
• Ronnie Smith - Guitar (Boney Fields & the Bones Project, Maze, Frankie Beverly, Rhythm Logic, Bernard Allison, George Thorogood, Funkiss, Slick, Patti Labelle, Wrabit, George Howard, Tiggi Clay, Don-D, Enemy Squad, Bones Project, Chelsea, Darin Talbot, Lige Curry, Paul Taylor, Steve Boyd, Wavelength, Anna Maria Flechero)
• Rudy Alexander - Bass (Sweet Thunder) 
• Michael Forman - Bass (John Davis & The Monster Orch, MFSB, Salsoul Orch, Dee Dee Sharp, Revelation, Blue Magic, Whispers, Liz Dargan & Gospelettes, Eddie Kendricks, Impact, Arthur Prysock, First Choice, Don Covay, Trammps, Touch of Class, Persuaders, Jimmy Briscoe & the Beaver, Benny Golson, Eli's Second Coming, Tymes, Billy Paul, Phyllis Hyman, Harold Melvin & Blue Notes, Keith Barrow, Archie Bell & Drells, Lou Rawls, Dells, Temptations, Lifestyle, Charo, Joneses, O'Jays, Pegasus, The Jacksons, Teddy Pendergrass, Stylistics, The Futures, Jean Carn, Colleen Heather, East Coast, OC Smith, Vaughan Mason, Major Harris, Philly Groove Orch, Montana)
• Larry LaBes - Bass (Fat Larry Band, Blue Magic, Impact, Damon Harris, Carol Lloyd, Slick, Ultimate, Major Harris, Frankie Smith, Ultimate)
• Jimmy Wilson - Bass
• Jerry Jones - Drums (Brenda & The Tabulations, Automatix, The Dramtics, Impact, Blue Magic, Jeannie Reynolds, Johnnie Taylor, Michael Henderson, Keith Barrow, Ruby Andrews, Wilson Williams, Livin' Proof, Dennis Coffey Band, Detroit Emeralds, Dee Edwards, Five Special, Spinners, Hott City, David Ruffin, Mike Theodore Orch, Carlis Munro, Ronn matlock, Brides of Funkenstein, Enchantment, Rance Allen, Sweat Band, Philippe Wynne, Bootsy, Was (Not Was), LJ Reynolds, Donna Washington, Temptations, Sweet Pea Atkinson, George Clinton, P-Funk Allstars, Ron Banks, Carol Anderson, David Dee, Barret Strong, Ronnie McNeir, Marlena Shaw)
• John Ingram - Drums (Ingram, Slick, MFSB, Champions, David Simmons, Stylistics, Patti Labelle, blue Magic, Ronnie Dyson, Barbara Mason, DeJuanna, Funk Bros, Ben Harper, Softones, Karen Cheyl, Sassafras, Sandy Mercer, Prince Phillip Mitchell, Beck Family, Strange Affair, Dinosaur L, Galaxxy, Tangerue,Loose Joint)
• Keith Benson - Drums (MFSB, Funk Bros, Impact, Teddy Pendergrass, Melba Moore, Archie Bell & Drells, Michele, Temptations, First Choice, Barbara Mason, David Christie, Double Exposure, Joe Simon, Tom N Jerry's Rockets, CJ & Co, Four Tops, Montana, Gloria Gaynor, Michael Henderson, Love Committee, Grace Jones, Salsoul Orch, Robert Palmer, MC Lane Explosion, Charo, Kebekeleltrik, Jean Carn, Michael Pedicin, Billy Paul, Jackie Moore, Loose Change, McFadden & Whitehead, Rory Block, Trammps, TJM, Edgar Winter, Dee Dee Sharp Gamble, Patryce Choc'let Banks, Loleatta Holloway, Swamp Dogg, Ira Watson, Joey Negro)
• Larry Jones - Syndrum (Bobby Boyd Congress, ice, Lafayette Afro Rock Band, Napoleon Jones, Nino Ferrer, Bad Child, Michele, Leroy Gomez, Chantal Curtis, Otis Rush, Crispy & Co)
• Timmy Ingram - Congas, Percussion (Ingram, Slick, Barbara Mason, Sandy Mercer, Softones, David Simmons, Sweet Thunder, Beck Family, Stylistics, Dinosaur L, Galaxxy, Loose Joints)
• Robert Changor - Congas, Percussion (Impact)
• Miguel Fuentez - Congas, Percussion (Damon Harris, Dexter Wansel, Tangerue, Patti Labelle, Ultimate, Freddie James, France Joli, UN, Flower, Nightlife Unlimited, Phil Hurtt, Jones Girls, Strange Affair, Jerry Butler, Stylistics, Plastic Surprise, Geraldine Hunt, Leon Huff, Kat Mandu, African Suite, MFSB, Michael Henderson, Slick, Keni Burke, Hi-Gloss, Norwood B, Peter Allen, Haze Greenfield, Willie Williams, Grover Washington JR, Kantuta, Emma Paki, Teremoana Rapley, Nathan Haines, Jaz Coleman & NZ String Quarter, Wentworth-Brewster, Mark De Clive, King Britt, Gianmarco Liguori, Whirimako Black, Sola Rosa, Kim Paterson, Kevin Field)
• Larry Washington - Congas, Percussion (Anglo Saxon brown, Black Light Orch, Eddie Drennon & The BBS, Unlimited, John Davis & The Monster Orch, MFSB, Salsoul Orch, more)
• Terrence Floyd - Congas, Percussion (FLB, Shalamar, Evelyn Champagne King, Tavares, Krysto., Rockie Robbins, Dynasty, Jamaaladeen Tacuma, Glenn Jones, 
• Sweet Thunder (band) - Lead Vox (WMOT All Stars)
• FLB (band) - Lead Vox (WMOT All Stars)
• David Simmons - Lead Vox (WMOT All Stars, Neo Experience, John Minnis Big Bone Band, Sister Sledge, Damaris, Scott Bradlee & Postmodern Jukebox)
• Damon Harris - Lead Vox (WMOT All Stars, Impact, Temptations, Young Vandals, Rose Royce)
• Breeze / Brandi Wells - Lead Vox (WMOT All Stars, FLB, Slick, Stroke)
• Mike Pedicin Jr - Sax Solos (Salsoul Orch, Charo, Sweet Thunder, Arthur Prysock, Asha, Karen Young, Montana, Loose Change, FLB, Geraldine Hunt, OC Smith, Jerry Butler, Sal Barbieri & Royal Co, Dee Dee Sharp Gamble, Patti Labelle, Spyyce, Ed Vezinho, Jim Ward, Funk Bros, Cintron)
• Don Renaldo - Strings, Horns (MFSB, Gamble & Huff, Salsoul Orch, Don Renaldo, John David & Monster Orch, Delphonics, Barbara Mason, Stylistics, Billy Paul, Grady Tate, Charles Mann, Spinners, First Choice, Manhattans, Dick Jensen, Ecstacy Passion & Pain, Persuaders, William DeVaughn, Major Harris, BB King, Modulations, Blue Magic, Gwen & Bruce, Eddie Kendricks, Universe City, Loleatta Holloway, Double Exposure, Arthur Prysock, Carol Williams, Ritchie Family, Eddie Drennon & BSS Unlimited, Chi-Lites, Johnny Mathis, Harold Melvin & Blue Notes, Lou Rawls, Archie Bell & Drells, Grace Jones, Charo, Eddie Holman, Matropolis, Ellen Mcllwaine, Gary Criss, Jerry Butler, Montana, Dexter Wansel, Silver Convention, Trammps, Karen Young, Love Committee, Futures, Gabriel, Ruth Waters, Jean Carn, Jones Girls, Bonnie Boyer, Cindy & Roy, Jackie Moore, CHuck Brown & Soul Searchers, McFadden & Whitehead, Fania All Atars, Strange Affair, OC Smith, Mizz, Sal Barbieri & the Royal Co, Kat Mandu, Dee Dee Sharp Gamble, Deniece Williams, Cashmere, Flower, Three Degrees, Laura Nyro, O'Jays)
• Gene Leone - Engineer
• Fred Galletti - Engingeer
• Frank Bernardini - Asst Engineer
• Jerry Williamson - Asst Engineer
• Michael Bonghi - Asst Engineer
• Al Albertini - Asst Engineer
• Phil Carroll - Art Direction
• Dennis Gassner- Design
• Phil Bray - Photography

Unknown-ness: The album has a generic cover, but the back photo of the ensemble is more telling. Just knowing a little about Philly's music history and the date of this album, I assume it is going to be well-studied disco, almost a supergroup of talented musicians brought together to show off their talents together.

Album Review: So this is a combo of two groups, so a disco supergroup would be accurate: Ingram (a family band) and Fat Larry's Band (previously reviewed). There are a lot of layers to these songs, and minute extentions to related generes aside from disco...they tap into Funk with a James Brown cover and a Sly Stone medly. And R&B Soul with their cover of Soul Man- and that's half the album right there. Motown Review is a time capsule of changing times of the mid to late 70's, a little embarrassing at times with it's specific recollections (swapping Jeans for Dungarees), but it is a fun, good song down to its melodic core. Join the Army is a silly disco advert for the army, complete with marching drum beat and shouty section as if a major is commanding the listener to enlist. There is not a lot of easily found info about the band, mostly because of the name's poor SEO quality (Philadelphia Cream Cheese, and Cream playing Philly seem to populate more often). 

Stand Out Track: Motown Review

Links:

Youtube Full Album
WMOT Wiki

Discogs

Allmusic

mentioned on Ingram's Soulwalking page

Slick bio

Spaces - s/t

Name: Spaces
Album: s/t
Year: 1981
Style: Jazz
Similar Bands: Group 87, Grover Washington Jr, Brand X
"One-Word" Review: TV Theme Jazz
Based Out Of: Philadelphia, PA
Label: Artista

 Cover, Record

Record, back

Spaces (1981)

1. Song For Jeremy 5:45
2. Try Some Of This 5:00
3. Eddie and Carol 5:02
4. The Clam 4:00 /
5. Shadow Street 6:55
6. Life Line 5:34
7. Chemical Man 5:20 

Album Rating (1-10): 5.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Scott Clancy - Guitars, Vox (Billy Glenn)
• Steve Dublin - Drums (Billy Glenn, Chico DeBarge, Bebe & Cece Winans, Princess, Judy Mowatt, Elisa Fiorillo, Nick Kamen, Parthenon Huxley, The Way Moves, Robbie Nevil, Darlene Love, F Machine, Cerrone, Bert Robinson, Alisha, Dee Harvey, The Fixx, Go West)
• Marc Goodman - Pianos, Synth, Clavinet (Battle of Mice, Sleepytime Gorilla Museum, Illminea, 2 Foot Yard, A Storm of Light, Book of Knots, Care Bears on Fire, Jolie Holland)
• Don Eaton - Tenor, Alto, Soprano Sax (Billy Glenn)
• Michael Schlesinger - Bass, Vox (Billy Glenn)
• Ralph MacDonald - Percussion, Production (Antisia Music, Coral Reef Band, Rainbow, The Writers, many, many more...)
• Bill Eaton - Backing Vox (Idris Muhammad, Gary Buck)
• Frank Floyd - Backing Vox (Consumer Rapport, The Writers, The Wiz, Rachel Faro, Hank Crawford, Bob James, Frankie Valli, Freddie Hubbard, Robin Kenyatta, Idris Muhammad, Cy Coleman, Patti Austin, Blood Sweat & Tears, Yusef Lateef, Burt Bacharach, Harry Belafonte, Nils Lofgren, Nina Simone, Roberta Flack, Billy Joel, Quincy Jones)
• Zak Sanders - Backing Vox (Bob James, Esther Phillips, Robin Kenyatta, Patti Austin, Hank Crawford, Freddie Hubbard, Blood Sweat & Tears, Burt Bacharach, Nils Lofgren, Roberta Flack, Idris Muhammad, Billy Joel, Mongo Santamaria, Quincy Jones)
• Eliot Scheiner - Engineer, Mixing
• Jerry Williamson - Engineer
• Bruce Weeden - Engineer
• Garth Persichetti - Production Assistant
• John Senior - Production Assistant
• Lloyd Zane Remick - Mgmt
• John Ford - Photo
• Sonia Santos - Hair/Makeup
• Hui Wang - Stylist
• Howard Fritzon - Design
• Donn Davenport - Art Direction

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band, but it looks quite promising. Like the action in the font, and the capture of the rainbow light burst through the pane of glass also possesses a lot of energy. The photo on the back looks like a bunch of confident beardy dudes who might produce some good, fun music.

Album Review: Boy was I wrong, this album is not really my thing, so it's hard to write a short, straight critique when the bar was set high...and for a different "sport" (genre) altogether. Not much info on them, thanks to a hard-to-track SEO name. But the songs feel like either 80's tv show themes or mid-tempo video game scores (thinking Sonic in the Chaos Emerald Bonus stage). Track 2 has vocals, and it is slightly funky, maybe even a little Talking Heads-ish, if they had made music for a furniture outlet.

Stand Out Track: Try Some of This

Links:
Discogs
Website
Ralph MacDonald soulwalking

R.L. Stein - This Cover Was Left Intentionally Blank

Name: R.L. Stein
Album: This Cover Was Left Intentionally Blank
Year: 2004
Style: Improv Noise
Similar Bands: 90's Internet modem log-on sound
"One-Word" Review: Noisey Space Feedback
Based Out Of: Philadelphia, PA
Label: Breathmint

Cover, Insert, Record

Back, Record

This Cover Was Left Intentionally Blank (2004)

1. Untitled A1 3:29
2. Untitled A2 7:09
3. Untitled A3 3:40 / 
4. Untitled B1 6:23
5. Untitled B2 8:37

Album Rating (1-10): 2.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Matt Bacon (Broke Box, Cock E.S.P)
• Sarah Bernat (16 Bitch Pile-Up, Bad News, Work)
• Jared Burak (Distressed Signal, Sanguine Piss, Sanguine Vessel, Seekers of the Claw, The GTC, The Sound of Failure)
• Frank Falestra (Frankenstein Drag Queens from Planet 13, Laundry Room Squelchers, To Live & Shave in LA)
• Carlos Gonzalez
• E.W. (Emil)Hagstrom - Layout (Cock E.S.P, Coward Electronics, Hagony, New port, Origami Genitalia, Origami Republika, Paekong Mae's Integer & Real Fathom Band, The Amputease, Wrong)
• Valerie Martino (Unocorn Hard-On, Salt Swan, Russian Tsarcasm, Leslie Keffer)
• Andy Ortmann - Abstructum, Behold! The Living Corpse, Contradiction, Fashion Dictator, Glass Bath, O/W, Panicsville, Plastic Crimewave Sound, Pound of Flesh)
• Mat Rademan - Guitars, Electronics, Layout (Micronauts, Antler Piss, Chapter 9, Desiccant, FUN, Lotus, Milton, Sanguine Piss, Sanguine Vessel, Seekers of the Claw, Newton)
• Mike Schauwitzer (Mildew, Milton, Peter J Woods Free Jazz Ensemble, Slow Owls, SWWS)
• Ren Schofield - Drums (Dynasty, Form a Log, Gang Wizard, Mercy Light, Pool, Rods of God, Japanese Karaoke Afterlife Experiment, Container)
• Jason Verjagen (Cock E.S.P)
• Steve Albini - Recording
• Chris Pottinger - Drawing
• Ian Lynne - Dedecation

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band, Breathmints. But it is a beautifully, creative and mysterious product, as there is really no information about the band at all except a few names printed on a clear plastic insert, like you'd use on an overhead projector. The picture disc itself is beautiful, with an insane MTV's The Head looking drawing on the "JAM" side, and the studio tracking/order sheet of this album's recording on the shark/ladybird side. No idea what the content is, since 2004, it could be anything. leaning toward arty indie rock.

Album Review: So this is an orchestrated noise record. Songs had general ideas, and the hired hands played improv-style noise through grit and feedback. They got insanely popular Steve Albini to engineer the album, What's interesting is that most of the tracks are isolated on the album. That is, when a track ends, the record spins in an infinite loop, and a needle re-drop is needed to advance. As the mystery far exceeds the music, I feel it is necessary to copy this anecdote from Mat Rademans hand (on the discogs page): "Approx, spring 2004 plans start being set into motion to record R.L. Stein's 1st LP.  At this point, the band was a duo of Ren Schofield on drums, myself on guitar/electronics & guest players depending on the city we were playing in. So talks between Ren & I began, who was gonna play on it with us? who was gonna record it? should we even really do this? After a few "uhhhs" & "mmmmm's" i basically said "fuck it, let's get Albini to record it, we'll get some rad people to play on it, get it pressed to picture disc, & i'll slave away on overtime at work the next few months & pay for it all!" Ren i believe responded with something like "cool.", delivered in a very monotone voice.So there it began....I had been running my mouth for years about wanting to record a record with Steve Albini. I can honestly remember calling Steve on the phone as far back as when i was in the Mirconauts to set up a session with him. I have been a long time fan of his work, & loved the sound he got on tape. So i got in touch with him and set up a date that worked best for all involved.Next to assemble the additional players, which ended up being a massive group of Breathmint's inner circle & other pals close to the heart.Matt Bacon Sarah Bernat Jared Burak Frank Falestra Carlos Gonzalez E.W. Hagstrom Valerie Martino Andy Ortmann Mike Schauwitzer Jason VerhagenI booked the Newton "Cruel Summer" tour around the session, and off we went.So on August 19th, 2004 A.D., the 12 of us met that for breakfast and i presented the "gameplan", a loose structure of "songs" & a list of who would be playing with Ren & I on what track. Then over to Electrical Audio ( a two-studio complex located in Chicago, Illinois and owned by Steve Albini) to record & mix this LP." - Mat Rademan June 13th, 2008

Stand Out Track:

Links:
Discogs
Breathmints
Steve Albini WIki
Mat Raderman Discogs

Fat Larry's Band - Spacin Out

Name: FLB (Fat Larry's Band)

Album: Spacin Out

Year: 1978

Style: R&B, Soul, Funk, Disco

Similar Bands: Delfonics, Commodors, Bootsy Collins, Parliament Funkadelic, Kool & the Gang, Harold Melvin & Blue Notes

One Word Review: Charming Space Funk

Based Out Of: Philadelphia, PA

Labels: Fantasy Records, WMOT records

 Spacin Out - Cover & Record

Spacin Out - Back & Record

Spacin Out (1978)

1. Close Encounters of a Funky Kind 4:22
2. Countryside 4:18
3. Space Lady 4:41
4. Boogie Town 5:52 /
5. Good Time 3:25
6. We Just Can't Get It Together 6:00
7. Love Alive 4:50
8. Starstruck 3:26

Album Rating (1-10): 7.0

Members & Other Bands:
Fat Larry James - Drummer, Producer, Conductor, Arranger (Larry James Band, Delfonics, Blue Magic, Damon Harris, Slick, Philly Cream, )
Art Capehart - Trumpet, Flute (Kent Gomez, Sweet Thunder, Blue Magic, Kool & The Gang)
Jimmy Lee - Trombone, Sax (Sweet Thunder)
Doug Jones Sax (Sweet Thunder, Carol Hahn)
Erskine Williams - Keys (Rick James, Melanie, Blue Magic, Damon Harris, Stone City Band, Temptations)
Ted Cohen - Guitar (Blue Magic, Damon Harris, Slick)
Larry LaBes - Bass (Blue Magic, Damon Harris, Slick, Philly Cream, Impact, Ultimate, )
Darryl Grant - Percussion
Alan Rubens - Exec Producer
Steve Bernstein - Exec Producer

Unknown-ness: Never heard of FLB. I assume it is a standard funky R&B act, and since it is dated 1978, that would make sense. Its interesting to see their take on the intergalactic style of music, probably matching style to Capt Sky and another album I have yet to review, Lenny White. Maybe a little like Parliament Funkadelic, but probably smoother and less challenging.

Album Review: Started in Philly by drummer “Fat” Larry James, this group came together and released 9 albums in 10 years between 76-86. They were bigger in the UK than the states, having 5 charting hits. At 38 years old, James had a fatal heart attack (Dec 87), and the group disbanded. This album, combined with the titles like Close Encounters and Space Lady, has a sort of Space Disco theme, which was a thing thanks to the combination of Star Wars & the era of disco. A majority of these songs were written with Larry’s Wife, Doris

“Close Encounters of a Funky Kind” begins with space noises and synth effects, which continue throughout the song, but the funky bass line and brass section create a fun groove, which is also quite silly lyrically. The chorus is just that; a harmonized chorus of vocals, and is quite catchy. They whole vibe puts the listener in a much more New Orleans mood than Philly. Not that anyone else should care or agree, but the piano reminds me of the 90’s band EMF.
“Countryside” is a slower, mellow R&B slice of butter that has more in common with male vocal groups like Smokey & the Miracles and Harold Melvin than any disco, even though there are some swirling strings, and punctuating brass. This has more laid back groove than Fresh Prince’s Summertime.  The lead vocals are higher pitch (and can hold notes for a long time), while a deeper set of vocals supports in call-back.

“Space Lady” was the b-side to the “Boogie Town” single. And is pure disco, with weird space vocal distortions (can hardly understand when they sing space lady) and a bubbling, rubber band bouncing bass effects. The song advances into a continually driving harmonized disco, with all of the stereotypical affects.

“Boogie Town” was a single. It starts with a drum beat, and is quickly added to with a funky zig zagging synth hook, and brass. The first vocals are distorted through a robotic effect, and then shuffling chorus adds to the disco groove. A different robotic vocal effect; a slowed down, digitized, auto-tune-like effect,  

 assists the next “verse” and all future verses. The jungle bongos feel very prevalent in the mixing. The song feels like a generic song someone would try to make today to capture and mimic the era of disco. I could hear Chromeo doing this.

“Good Time” begins with a simple guitar hook, and has other slight effects added behind. Then the strings are added, and an upbeat, care free disco jam begins to take hold. Assisted by trumpets and ringing guitars, the song continues to use the boogie theme to have a good time. This is like a more laid back version of Kool & The Gang’s “Celebrate.”

“We Just Can't Get It Together” starts with a twinkling piano intro. It builds into a swaying sorrowful slow song. Beginning vocals are deep, speaking directly to the listener. The vocals jump up in pitch, and sing an explanation of why the lovers can’t work out their differences, with the help of a chorus bringing up the background. Flute flutterings also bring in the sentimental vibe as a peace offering to work things out.

“Love Alive” is a cover of a Gary Wright song from 1975. It starts with swirling synth, and gets a little funky with call and response trumpet to keys. It takes the original song and speads it up, ads a little Detroit soul to an already soulful song, and adds some extra funk. The structure is basic, with verse leading to catchy chorus. The song, although able to, does not get out of control with the instrumentation, and instead keeps a tight reigned in melody that is enjoyable, down to the trumpets interpreting the vocal melody for a section. The song gets a little jammy- in a good way- with about a minute and a half to go.

“Starstruck” is a folksy, guitar picking song at first, but transfers to shuffling disco melody with horns and bass leading the way. Female vocals lay the groundwork for the melody and chorus. The verse is just a pleasant, good natured and upbeat male vocals having a good time. Squeaky synth leads the track out, and the female chorus singing Starstuck fades away.

Stand Out Track: Love Alive

Links:
Wiki
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SoulWalking
Allmusic
WhoSampled
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