Van Hunt - s/t

Name:Van Hunt
Album: s/t
Year: 2003
Style: R&B, Funk, Soul
Similar Bands: Maxwell, Codu ChesnuTT, D'Angelo, Erykah Badu, Chocolate Genius
"One-Word" Review: Funky, Slick Bedroom Eyes
Based Out Of: Dayton OH
Label: Capitol, EMI

Cover, Liner Notes

Lyrics, CD, CD Tray

Poster CD Back

Van Hunt (2003)

1. Dust 4:14 (Single)
2. Seconds of Pleasure 5:40 (Single)
3. Hello, Goodbye 4:25
4. Down Here in Hell (With You) 4:49 (Single)
5. What Can I Say (For Millicent) 4:46
6. Anything (To Get Your Attention) 3:28
7. Highlights 5:35
8. Precious 4:29
9. Her December 4:16
10. Hold My Hand 3:50
11. Who Will Love Me in Winter 4:15
12. Out of the Sky 5:10

Album Rating (1-10): 6.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Andrew Slater - Exec Producer, Additional Production
• Randy Jackson - Exec Producer, Mgmt
• Van Hunt - Exec Producer & Producer, Writer, Arranger, Performer (Royalty, Dionne Farris, Cree Summer, Sam Moore, Nikka Costa, Rahsaan Patterson, Joi, Count BassD, Sam Moore, The Decoders, Nate Smith, Billy Lawrence, Afghan Wigs)
• Howard Willing - Additional Producing, A&R, Recording
• Curtis Whitehead - Writing, Rhythm & Acoustic Guitar, Bass (Count BassD, Curtis Harding)
• Mary Fagot - Creative Director
• Tait Hawes - Art Direction, Design
• Chris James - Recording
• Bill Malina - Recording
• Dave Way - Mixing
• Creed - Backing Vox (Kenny Dope, Karizma)
• Ro - Backing Vox (Kenny Dope, Karizma)
• Amy White - Backing Vox (Douglas, Linus and Amy, Controversy, Purple Mixed Adult Choir, West Indian Girl, Kenny Dope, Karizma, M83, Mononoid, David Wilcox)
• Matt Chamberlain - Drums (Many, Pearl Jam, Edie Brikell & New Bohemians, Tori Amos, Bruce Springsteen, Mike Gordon, Brad Mehldau, Wild Colonials, Aaron Neville, WallFlowers, Fiona Apple, Critters Buggin, Corrs, Chris isaak, Bruce Hornsby, Melissa Ethridge, Macy Gray, Willy Porter, DC Talk, Lisa Loeb...)
• Patrick Warren - Melotron (Many, Michael Penn, Vic Chestnutt, Madeline Peyroux, Charlie Sexton, X, Aimee Mann, Fiona Apple, Wallflowers, Chris Isaak, Phantom Planet, Remy Zero, Hootie & the Blowfish, Bijou Phillips, Macy Gray, Melissa Ethridge...)
• Isaac Curtis - Trombone
• Nolan Smith - Trumpet (Baya, Count Baise Orch, Buddy Collette Big Band, Al Williams Quintet, Blackbyrds, DJ Rogers, Jimmy Smith, les McCann, Karen Pree, Carrie Lucas, Carole King, Willie Bobo, Norman Connors, Bill Quateman, John Mayall, Freddie Hubbard, Marvin Gaye, Brotherhood, Natalie Cole, Diana Ross, Phil Collins, Anita Baker, Stevie Wonder, more)
• Daryl Richards - Alto Sax (Kirk Whalum, Norman Connors)
• Daniel Solomon - Tenor Sax, Horns Arrangement (Rick Margitza)
• Annie Stela - Backing Vox (Third Eye Blind)
• Truth - Backing Vox, Moog, Wurlitzer 
• Tim Leblanc - Mixing
• Dwight Farrell - Celeste (Count BassD)
• Larry James - Percussion, Drums (Avery Sunshine)
• Kevin Guarnieri - Recording
• Kevin Ricard - Percussion (Kenny Loggins, East West Band, Flamenco Dura, Tonight Show Band, East West Band, Johnson & Branson, Matt Bianco, Herb Alpert, MVP, Starr Parodi, Juan Carlos Quintero, Susie Hansen, Ciro Hurtado, Rie Akagi, Marc Russo, Robi Kahakalau, Wayne Shorter, Masayoshi Takanaka, Larry Steen, BB Shawn, Bobby Lyle, Zero Ted, Nils, Everette Harp, Venice, Kleber Jorge, Speak, Rob Mullins, Eric Gulliom, Gloria Loring, Rickie Byars, Daniel Indart Project, Wayne Jones, Kevin Toney, Chris Bennett, Take 6, George Kahn, Rhian Benson, Elan, Impromp2, Shelby Lynne, Ann Nesby, Pat Longo, Kids of Widney High, Queen Latifah, Oskar Cartaya, Gerald Albright, Will Downing, Christina Aguilera, Everette Harp, LaToya London, Kurt Carr, George Benson, Corey Clark, Dave Rodgers, Natalie Cole, Lynne Fiddmont, Faramarz Assef, LA Guitar Quartet, Everlife, Jill Scott, Marek Niedzwiecki, SMV, Stephen Bishop, Paul Jackson Jr, James Ingram, Bill Fulton, Amanda McBroom, Carol Welsman, Dorian Holley, Norman Brown, Christian Dupree, Christophe Beck, Dan Fornero, Toni Reed, Dave Koz, Tina Campbell, Orgone, Clair Fischer Latin Jazz Band, Jazz Funk Soul, Paul Brown, David Garfield)
• David Campbell - String Arrangement (Campbell-Kurban String Section, Clockwork Angles String Ensemble, James Taylor, Cher, Linda Ronstandt, Neil Diamond, Billy Joel, Carole King, James Brown, Many Many More)
• Melissa Mattey - Recording, Mixing
• Ray Brown - Trumpet (Count Baise Orch, Earth Wind & Fire, Madagascar, Horns of Fire, Donald Byrd, Hubert Laws, Con Funk Shun, SOS Band, More)
• Ta Ta - Backing Vox
• Wendy Melvoin - Rhythm Guitar (Girl Bros, Peace Choir, Prince & the Revolution, The Flesh, Wendy & Lisa, Andre Cymone, Joni Mitchell, Seal, BB KIng, Eric Clapton, Latin Playboys, Neil Finn, Melba Moore many more)
• Paul Franklin - Pedal Steel (Dicie Pearls, The Time Jumpers, Dire Straits, Lyle Lovett, Gary Parker, Parliament, Slim Whitman, Charlie McCoy, Mel Tillis, Jerry Reed, Chicken String Band, BJ Thomas, George Strait, Tammy Wynette, Lyle Lovett, Randy Travis, Barbara Mandrell  Many Many More)
• Peter Mokran - Mixing
• Lenny Castro - Percussion (Jazz Express, Karizma, Larsen-Feiten Band, Los Lobotomys, Steve Vai's Monsters, Toto, Melissa Manchester, Rita Coolidge, Leo Sayer, Diana Ross, Pointer Sisters, Paul Anka, Dusty Springfield, Robert Palmer, Kiss, Olivia Newton-John, Gary Wright, Shotgun, Wet Willie much more)
• Jermaine Rand - Acoustic Guitar (The Rand Experiment, Jahallah, Playa G, Blackperl, MC Divinity, Steve Joz)
• Terry McMillen - Harmonica (The Players, Michael McDonald, Bobby Charles, Ronnie Milsap, Jerry Reed, Chet Atkins, Frank Sinatra Jr, Ray Stevens, Dolly Parton, Barbara Mandrell, Bobby Bare, Burl Ives, Crystal Gayle, many more)
• Dionne Farris - Backing Vox (Arrested Development, Charlie Hunter, Immature, TLC, Xscape, El Debarge, Count Bass D, Guru's Jazzmatazz)
• Jeff Wright - Asst Recording
• Kevin Paige - Asst Recording
• Adam Deane - Asst Recording
• Tony High - Asst Recording
• Kevin Pickle - Asst Recording
• David Streit - Asst Recording
• Charlie Paakkarl - Asst Recording
• Steve Genewick - Asst Recording
• Jimmy Hoyson - Asst Recording
• Chris Reynolds- Asst Recording
• Kevin Deane - Asst Recording
• Aaron Kessel - Asst Recording
• Jesse Gorman - Asst Recording
• Cesar Ramirez- Asst Recording
• Jennifer Young - Asst Recording
• Ari Famila - Asst Recording
• Aaron Familia - Asst Recording

Unknown-ness: I remember hearing about Van Hunt when he first came out, but never paid much attention past that. Assuming he's similar to Maxwell or Jamiroquai, with more of a 60's psych influence, perhaps closer to the Black Eye Peas, who I honestly don't know much about in the first place. But i imagine smooth, slightly psychedelic, sexy bedroom vibe R&B tracks

Album Review: The album kicks off with a great slice of catchy pop. And then it settles into a nice smooth R&B groove for the rest of the record, with a little funk added, but mostly mod-setting jams.

Van Hunt has grown up around musical roots, and can play nearly any instrument. He's floated around between labels and self-releasing for years, and even won a grammy for a collaboration for a Sly & Family Stone tribute with John Legend & Joss Stone. He's been in a relationship with Halle Berry since 2020.

Stand Out Track: Dust

Links:
Wiki

Discogs

Allmusic

Instagram

People article about Halle Berry

Twitter

Bandcamp

Facebook

July'22 show

Tinfed - Synaptic Hardware~, Hypersonic Hyperphonic*, Tried+True^

Name: Tinfed
Album: Synaptic Hardware~, Hypersonic Hyperphonic*, Tried+True^
Year: 1993~, 1996*, 2000^
Style: Industrial, Electronic, Nu Metal
Similar Bands: NIN, Fuel, System of a Down, Smashing Pumpkins, God Lives Underwater, Filter, Gravity Kills, Stabbing Westward, Cop Shoot Cop, Bush^, OK Go^
"One-Word" Review: Electro-Clash Industrial Dentistry~* Snotty Alt-Rock^
Based Out Of: Sacramento, Ca
Label: Primitech Releases~, Cargo Music*, Re-Construction*, Hollywood Records^, Third Rail Records^

Cover & Fold out~

Liner Notes & Lyrics, CD, CD Case Back~

Cover & Back*

Liner Notes, CD & CD Tray*

Cover & CD Back^

CD, CD Tray, Lyrics and Liner Notes^

Center Photo^

Synaptic Hardware (1993)~

1. Blood 4:39 (single)
2. Burning 4:01
3. Dominion 4:39
4. Turned Off 4:41
5. Interjector 5:51
6. Reverse Encryption 4:15
7. Cleansed 5:03
8. Mannerism Project 4:55

Hypersonic Hyperphonic (1996)*

1. Thinwall Turmoil 4:27
2. Whatever 4:13
3. Wait Suspension 4:26
4. Dis-jointed 4:20
5. Insulin 5:16
6. Elliv Noir Am 4:09
7. Doubtless 3:10
8. Unfamiliar 5:06
9. Dis-jungle 4:32

Tried + True (2000)^

1. Arrange 3:04
2. Way Thru 3:14
3. Immune 3:48
4. Drop 3:58
5. Never Was Sure 4:17
6. Always/Never 2:45
7. Halo 3:22
8. Mouth As Sharp 3:41
9. Idol 3:44
10. Overrated 3:02
11. Dangergirl 3:50
12. It's Late 4:16

Album Rating (1-10):
~ 5.5

* 5.0

^ 6.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Eric Stenman - Guitar, Bass, Programming, Engineer, Construction~*Writer^ (Elegy, Bureau of the Glorious, Skinny Puppy, Death Valley High)
• Victor Krag - Mixing~
• Paul Stubblebine - Mastering~
• Trevor Henthorn*
• Rey Osburn - Vox, Guitar, Programming Construction~*Writer^ (Elegy, Ghostride, Death Valley High, Platypus Scourge, Deathline International, Vampire Rodents, Deftones, Slave Unit 
• Giovanni Mercado - Construction, Drums~ (Exhale)
• Chino Moreno - Vox^ (Deftones, Palms, Saudade, Team Sleep, Korn, Strife, Far, Soulfly, Skinny Puppy, Hersher, Cypress Hill, Tommy Lee, Handsome Boy Modeling School, Dead Poetic, Norma Jean, Dance Gavin Dance, Zach Hill, Methods of Mayhem, Whitechapel, Lamb of God, Como Asesinar A Felipes, +++, Ray Ramos Y La Sonora)
• Chandler Broggs - Electronic Art & Graphic Production~
• Matt Bassett - Artwork*
• Angi Kelly Lewis - Photography~*
• Scott Torguson - Photography~
• Nick Dickerson Frederick - Bass* (Bureau of the Glorious, Exhale, Pitchfork, Thornucopia, Wet the Rope)
• Rick Verrett - Bass^ (Team Sleep)
• Matthew McCord- Beats, Deprogramming*^ (Elegy, Death Valley High, Bureau of the Glorious, Drop Acid, Platypus Scourge, Cake, Fleeting Joys)
• Ed Buller - Mixing Producer, Engineer^
• Enrique Gonzales - Producer, Mixing, Engineer^
• Howie Weinburg - Mastering^
• Jeff Gros - Photography^
• P.R. Brown - Design^
• Tom Osborn - PR Direction^
• Seth Lichtenstein - Legal^
• Demetre Arges - Web Design^

Unknown-ness: I've never heard of Tinfed, but somehow, probably through a friend ridding himself of some unwanted CDs, I got 3 of their discography. It shows growth from album to album in design and procedure of liner notes, but i still don't know what they sound like, except they apparently all program instruments, on top of the basic guitar drums and bass. From the design, i get the impression that they are sorta like Fuel, with a more tech-centric approach. Nu Metal and pop is my guess based on the last album's band photo.

Album Review: The first album takes a page of NIN's playbook with emotive, screaming vocals in parts and an electro-techno-industrial rock sound with dialogue snippets imbedded in the music. It would be easy to imagine this being on the Crow soundtrack. Hypersonic continues the seemingly experimental industrial-via-electro-clash style and adds to it with dentistry noise. even with a creepy, cavernous ambient instrumental "Unfamiliar," followed by a remix of Disjointed called "Dis-Jungle." which doubles down on the clanging and industrial Stomp. Throw in a song titled Insulin- an unrepresented subject within pop music, and "Wait Suspension," which has a similar base line to Bjork's "Army of Me," and you have a building, dark-techno-wave follow-up.

The third album, from the first note is more straight forward radio alternative produced. The vocals are melodic, not shouty, and the guitars are more prevalent, and the industrial tek is missing. It sounds a bit like Bush with a whiny, Jamiroquai vocal set. Although there is the song Halo, which employs a very NIN style synth and similar vocals. It seems to be an homage/tribute/ripoff of them.

Their height came right before their 2000 major label debut, as they got their single "Immune" on the Mission Impossible 2 soundtrack. Many critics at the time felt they may have had their best years in front of them when they were at the end of their career. 

Stand Out Track:~ Turned Off

* Dis-Jointed

^Halo

Links:

Youtube Tried + True Full album
Wiki

Discogs

Allmusic

Rate Your Music
Bay Area Punk
Sacramento News & Review

Shapes and Sizes - s/t

Name: Shapes and Sizes
Album: s/t
Year: 2006
Style: Indie
Similar Bands: Shins, Mates of State, Deerhoof, Immaculate Machine, Aldous Harding, High Llamas, Pavement, Mirah
"One-Word" Review: gently jagged soundscape pop
Based Out Of: Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Label: Asthmatic Kitty Records

Cover, Tray Artwork

Liner Notes, CD, Promo Sticker, Back

Shapes and Sizes (2006)

1. Island's Gone Bad 4:44
2. Weekends at a Time 4:13
3. I Am Cold 4:34
4. Northern Lights 3:51
5. Wilderness 3:29
6. Goldenhead 3:39
7. Topsy Turvey 3:38
8. Oh, No, Oh Boy 3:46
9. Rory's Bleeding 3:34
10. Boy, You Shouldn't Have 5:32

Album Rating (1-10): 6.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Rory Seydel - Guitar, Ukelele, Vox (the Weird Weeds, Project Pablo)
• Caila Thompson-Hannant - Guitar, Keys, Piano, Vox (Miracle Fortress, Parakeets, Think About Life, The Weird Weeds, TOPS)
• Nathan Gage - Bass, Keys, Vox (Elfin Saddle, Lee Hutzulak, Clues, Bry Webb, Hidden Words, Michae; Feuerstack)
• Jon Crellin - Drums, Vibes (Galen Hartley, Tamara Sandor)
• Caity Gallupel - Artwork
• Darren Bennett - Layouts
• Tolan McNeil - Recording, Pedal, Lap Steel Guitars (Onionhouse, Carolyn Mark, Hank Pine, Lily Fawn, Himalayan Bear, Dayglo Abortions, Daddy's Hands, Amy Honey, Eugene Chadbourne, Dave Lang, Frog Eyes, Tom Holliston, Leeroy Stagger, Pink Mountaintops, Budokan)
• Brooke Maxwell - Tenor Sax (Rachelle Van Zanten, Lester Quitzau)
• Mike Mazza - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
• Mieka Kohut - Viola

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band, but with their artwork + duct tape, it is definitely going to be some Indie music with experimental tendencies and intriguing melodies, perhaps organic and naturally inspired +  noise...i'm thinking Need New Body / Man Man, perhaps (hoping). 

Album Review: Overall, the album has a light, quiet soundscape feel to it, although there are some broken moments, beeps and brass peppered in throughout. If there is any way to *feel* like a band who typifies the Canadian landscape, they feel it. But for a group with two sets of distinct vocals and a handful of instruments, the album does not resonate with anything very memorable.

Three albums decorate the band's discography, as do three locations, including Vancouver and Montreal. They signed to Sufjan Stevens' label based on a demo sent his way & a breakfast that followed.

Stand Out Track: Island's Gone Bad

Links:
Wiki

Discogs

Allmusic
Exclaim! Sufjan's label signing
Asthmatic Kitty Records
Pitchfork
Impose magazine
Rate Your Music

Radioactive Cats - s/t

Name: Radio Active Cats
Album: s/t
Year:1991
Style: Roots Rock, Hair Metal, Blues
Similar Bands: Mr. Big, Blasters, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Cheap Trick, Tesla, Primal Scream
"One-Word" Review: Swamp Hair Metal
Based Out Of: Burbank, CA
Label: Warner Brothers, WEA Manufacturing

CD

Radio Active Cats (1991)

1. Shotgun Shack 4:54 (single)
2. Hold On Tight 3:27
3. Bed of Roses 4:45 (single)
4. Finger in the Pie 4:55
5. Standin' in the Rain 4:24
6. Love Razor 4:18
7. Cry on My Shoulder 3:48
8. Think About Love 3:29
9. Cheap Mascara 4:28
10. Knock Knock 3:56
11. Wet, Hot Sweat 4:36

Album Rating (1-10): 6.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Andy Wallace - Producer, Engineer, Mixing
• Roberta Petersen - Executive Producer
• Shel Graves - Vox (TV in Flames)
• Michael Graves - Drums, Percussion, Vox (Broken Homes, Bang-Bang, Moccasoul, TV in Flames)
• Ian Espinoza - Guitar, Mandolin, Vox (The Breakaways, Dancer, Failsafe, Beachy & the Beachnuts, Honeys. James House, The Coup, TV in Flames)
• Ron Maldonado - Bass (Pappo's Blues)
• Michael Doman - Drums (Broken Homes, Goodie Mob)
• Joe Simon Seibert - Keys (Broken Homes, Rick Parker)
• Janet Levinson - Art Direction
• Andy Earl - Photos
• John Jackson - Asst Engineer
• Judy Kirschner - Asst Engineer
• Bernie Grundman - Mastering
  
  

Unknown-ness: I've never heard of this band...and since i only have the CD, there is not much to go buy. From the song names and the band name, plus year this was released, they sound like a made-for-tv metal band, like something that would have appeared on Married With Children. I know Andy Wallace's name from Faith No More producing and other bands of that type, so perhaps hair metal is spot on. And spacing matters with this band...as they are not the Radioactive Cats, they are Radio Active...as if they are dudes who are active on the radio.

Album Review: The songs are a touch southern roots rock while singing about metal themes of women, love on the run, and roses. The songs are not that threatening, but i wonder if that is just time and the genre pushing the bar up since 1991 that makes it sound almost quaint. "Knock Knock" sounds like a metal singer fronting Cake, which is strangely enjoyable. They suffered the wrong band at the wrong time syndrome, as Alt-Grunge was picking up speed just as they were releasing this debut. Not entirely hair band metal and not classic rock inspired grunge at all, their cover-all-basis music made them a band that was stopped before it started

Stand Out Track: Cheap Mascara (half of the song)

Links:

Discogs

Allmusic
Heavy Harmonies
Facebook
Spirit of Metal
Rate Your Music
Amazon

Professor Spoon - 127 Somerset

Name: Professor Spoon
Album: 127 Somerset
Year: 1994
Style: Funk, Alternative, Jam
Similar Bands: Spin Doctors, Animal Bag, Dave Matthews Band, Black Crows, Moe., The Hatters
"One-Word" Review: Accomplished Hi-Brow Stoner Funk
Based Out Of: Syracuse NY / NJ
Label: none

Cover & Back

Lyrics & CD

Lyrics & CD Tray Back

Lyrics and Liner Notes

127 Somerset (1994)

1. Mind of a Kid 3:21
2. What's On Your Mind? 4:38
3. Reason 3:06
4. Danny 3:24
5. Who Told You? 2:50
6. The Knowledge 5:43
7. Keep It Down 5:06
8. Under My Skin 5:37
9. Skinner Box 5:11
10. Oblitorious 3:32
11. The Sublime Alcindor Meets the Monster 6:30

Album Rating (1-10): 6.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Darren Buck - Vox, Art Direction, Design, Logo (Bitches Brew, State Radio)
• Jared Hart - Bass (Bitches Brew)
• Chris Kaye - Guitars, Cover Painting (Bitches Brew)
• Derek Landel - Drums, Percussion (Bitches Brew)
• Jordon Rothstein - Keys (Bitches Brew)
• Tony Greene - Sax
• Jason Raynovich - Cello (Tim Daisy)
• Alison Shirk - Photos
• Howard Sadowsky - Mgmt
• Jamie Santos - Producer
• Mike Jackson - Engineer, Mixing
• Alan Douches - Mastering

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band. Based on the album art, the band photo, the year and the name, I'm guessing this will be some Gin Blossoms, amateur alternative grunge music.

Album Review: 
So this is dated, 1994 alternative funk. I imagine goatees, berets and drug rugs abound in the fan base for this band & genre music. Their sounds shift along the lines of jazzy funk, from Black Crows, to Dave Matthews to Ben Folds, and many other 90's bands that added a funk/studio session vibe with complex songwriting to the jam band & alt genre.

They were a Syracuse College band in the early 90's playing around NY & PA. They had 2 albums, and eventually found their way to NYC, but did not last very long, as their career ended in 1995. The production makes them sound like accomplished musicians, however, this is not a genre that fits my enjoyment.

Stand Out Track: Danny

Links:
Discogs
Allmusic
Youtube Documentaty
Amazon
Facebook

White, Lenny - Presents the Adventures of Astral Pirates

Name: Lenny White
Album: Presents the Adventures of Astral Pirates
Year: 1978
Style: Jazz, Prog, Funk, Soul
Similar Bands: TS Monk, Miles Davis, Return to Forever
"One-Word" Review: Safe Conceptual Funky Jazz
Based Out Of: NYC
Label: Elektra/Asylum, Warner Communications

Cover, Back, Sleeve, Record

Gatefold Story, Sleeve, Record

Presents the Adventures of Astral Pirates (1978)

1. Prelude: Theme for Astral Pirates 1:20
2. Pursuit 2:58
3. Mandarin Warlords 5:06
4. The Great Pyramid 2:30
5. Universal Love 3:30
6. Remembering 0:34
7. Revelation (Astral Pirates) 3:25 /
8. Stew Cabbage and Galactic beans 3:51
9. Heavy Metal Monster 4:39
10. Assault 3:36
11. Climax: Theme for Astral Pirates 7:42

Album Rating (1-10):

Members & Other Bands:

• Lenny White - Producer, Album & Story Concept, Drums, Synth Drums, Eu, Percussion, Re-Mixing, Music Arrangement (Return to Forever, Jackie Mclean, Miles Davis, Freddie Hubbard, Twennynine, Chick Corea, Chaka Khan, Azteca, Cyrus Chestnut, Stanley Clarke, Al Di Meola, Larry Coryell, Victor Bailey, Joe Henderson, Wallace Roney, Buster Williams, Andrew Hill, Woody Shaw, Gato Barbieri, Curtis Fuller, Buddy Terry, Eddie Henderson, Don Cherry, Jaco Pastorius, Brian Auger, Elaine Elias, Manhattan Project, Michael Patrucciani, Bobby Hutcherson, Urbanator, Geri Allen, Ron Carter, Jamey Haddad, Letizia Gambi, Stan Getz, Echoes of an Era, Griffith Park, Jamacia Boys, Gil Evans, Carlos Santana, Herbie Hancock, Big Daddy Kane, Hiromi, Marcus Miller, Tom Browne, Renee Rosnes, Fuse One, Meeting Point, Michael Urbaniak, Milky Way, Powerhouse, Essence All Stars, Super Premium Band, Vertu, many )
• Al Kooper - Producer
• Alex Blake - Bass, Music Arrangement (Ahmed Abdullah's Diaspora, Malcolm Braff, Manhattan Blaze, Randy Weston African Rhythms, Ryo Kawasaki, Manhattan Transfer Band, Puppeteers, Sun Ra Arkestra, Greg Bandy, Emanuel K Rahim, Weldon Irvine, Charles Sullivan, Carlos Garnett, Arif Mardin, Billy Cobham, Airto, Don Pullen, Frank Lowe, Brownie McGhee, Sonny Rollins, Yusef Lateef, Last Poets, Kazumi Watanabe, Charles Bobo Shaw, Pharoah Sanders, Linda Williams, Blast, Jaroslav Jakubovic, Cory Daye, Norman Connors, Janis Siegel, Carmen Lundy, Jimmy Buffett, Earl Klugh, Chico Freeman, Brainstorm, Jonathan Butler, Dom Um Romao, Vertical Hold, Oran 'Juice' Jones, Mac Gollehon, Phyllis Hyman, Andrienne Wilson, Stan Getz, Babatunde Lea, Roman Kunsman, Elements of the 7th, Ximo Tebar, Harry Whitaker)
• Donald "Captain Keyboards" Blackman - Organ, Pianos, Oberheim Polyphonic, Synth, Eu, Vox, String & Music Arrangement (Twennynine, Weldon Irvine, Bernard Wright, Roy Ayers, Esperanto, Kenji Hino, Patches Stewart, Livesavas, Lips, Sylvia St James, Hugh Masekela, EPM, Kurtis Blow, Fat Boys, Vikki Love, la La, Missing Links, Gwen Guthrie, TMNT,Mmajee, Hamiet Bluiett, World Sax Quartert, Yoko Oginome, The Men X Perience, Sting, Joey Negro, Mino Cinelu, Waymen Tisdale, Femi Temowo, Brandon Williams)
• Nick Moroch - Lead Guitar, Music Arrangement (Twennynine, Mongo Santamaria, Jeff Conaway, Lips, Poussez, Sylvia St James, Rick James, Michael Franks, Tony Frye, Eddie Jobson, Zinc, Bernard Wright, Marcus Miller, Michael Johnson, Scritti Politti, Kirk Whalum, Temptations, Fury, Melba Moore, Porter Carroll 2, Michael W Smith, David Bowie, Howard Jones, Chaka Khan, Bob James, Vanesse Thomas, Claude Nougaro, Bee Gees, David Sanborn, Terumasa Hino, Sarah Dash, Toshiki Kadomatsu, Michael Colina, Gillian & Glover, Blues Trottoir, John Warren, Patrick Bruel, Arthur Baker & Backbeat Disciples, Kashif, Mira, Jeffrey Osborne,  Jibri Wise One, Nicki Richards, Pete Levin, Voyceboxing, Johnny Hallyday, Gary Brown, Baby Jane Dexter, Roch Voisine, Malta, Jonathan Butler, Tony Terry, Henri Salvador, Donna Summer, Vanessa Williams, Julie Masse, Michael Davis, Bill Evans, Rinken Band, Philippe Saisse, Selena, SMAP, T-Square, Cheryl Lynn, Tony Toni Tone, Marylin Scott, Smappies, Yoshiko Kishino, Mica Paris, Rachel Z, Liane Foly, Still Wicked, Marc Nelson, Marek Niedzwiecki, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Ronn Moss, Terumasa Hino, Point of Grace, 2Ge+her, Kathy Troccoli, David Arnold, Ak, Joe, Jesse Powell, Wayman Tisdale, What For, Dennis Chambers, Roger Glover, Brian McKnight, Kelly Rowland, Gareth Hates, Jessica Simpson, Do Swing, Jason Miles, Nicole C Mullen, Danny Brill, Cliff Dawson, Gene Lake, From the Fire, Alice Soyer, Curtis King, Chris Bender)
• David Gahr - Photos
• Patrick Gleeson - All Synth Programming
• Don Mizell - Album & Story Concept, Narrative Language
• Bob Edwards - Engineer, Re-Mixing
• Skip Shimmin - Recordist
• Seth Dworkin - Recordist
• Dave Rader - Recordist
• Bob Graham - Equipment
• Bernie Grundman - Mastering
• Michael Kaluta - Illustrations & Cover
• Anthony Gleeson - Color
• Tony Lane - Art Direction
• Johnny lee - Design
• Michael Bryant - Narrative Language
• Toby Byron - Mgmt

Unknown-ness: I've never heard of this artist / band. Which makes me very frightened...because this album looks to be heavy on high concept art and is basically a soundtrack to a piece of elaborate fiction. This actually sounds very exciting, and I can't wait to find out if this is prog, like most concept albums were from the 70's, or if it is something else completely, since neither Lenny White nor the band appear to be a bunch of stereotypical nerdy white dudes. But since it is really out there and goes all-in on the creativity, the fact that i've never heard of it makes me thing it's going to be terrible- that it never broke out of the complex, Star Wars inspired starting gate, and was forgotten for good reason.

Album Review: From the start, it is pretty straight forward jazzy prog...a little more in a controlled space than say Brand X, but definitely Jazzy. Once "Universal Love" hits, the first with lyrical vocals, the tone has shifted to funk and soul. 

While being a left handed self taught drummer on a right handed kit, he is considered one of the founders of the Jazz Fusion concept. He played on the uberfamous Bitch's Brew with Miles Davis, is the winner of 4 (of 6 nominations) Grammy awards, and is a professor at NYU Steinhardt. He has also recorded soundtrack music for films, including House Party with Kid n' Play.

Stand Out Track: Universal Love, Stew Cabbage & Galactic Beans

Links:

Spotify Album
Wiki

Discogs

Allmusic
Facebook
Drummer World
NYU Music Adjunct Faculty
Istanbul Cymbals
Vic Firth Zildjian
NY Jazz Workshop
Chesky records
All About Jazz
Modern Drummer (subscription)
Rate Your Music

Wasted Youth (LA's) - Get Out of My Yard!

Name: LA's Wasted Youth
Album: Get Out of My Yard
Year: 1990
Style: Hard Core, Punk, Metal
Similar Bands: NOFX, Bad Religion, Circle Jerks, Adolescents, Suicidal Tendencies
"One-Word" Review: Juvenile Tendencies
Based Out Of: Los Angeles, CA
Label: Medusa Records

Cover, Record

Back, Record

Get Out of My Yard (1990)

1. Young & Board 2:18
2. Blind Nuns 2:38
3. Ethiopian Nightmare 3:56 /
4. Happy Birthday 2:49
5. Missionary Imposition 2:08
6. Tormented 2:48

Album Rating (1-10): 6.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Chett Lehrer - Music, Guitar Glue Gun
• Paolo Rossi - Lyrics, Vox
• Joey Castillo - Drums (Danzig, Queens of the Stone Age, Bl'ast, Bloodclot!, California Breed, Eagles of Death Metal, General Fucking Principle, Goatsnake, Scott Weiland & the Wildabouts, Sugartooth, The Bronx, The Desert Sessions, Zakk Sabbath, Zilch, Mass Mental?, Son of Sam, Youjeen, Mark Lanegan Band, Boots Electric, The Bosshoss, Blackbird Days, Hifiklub & Alain Johannes, Love Zombies, Nick Oliveri, Sun trash, Last Internationale, Landfill Crew, The Hives, Patron, WC & the Madd Circle, Roberto Zenteno)
• Bryen - Bass
• Darin Scheff - Producer
• "Woody" - Engineer
• Barri Conley - Asst. Engineer, Mixing
• David O - Mixing
• Bobby Duron - Photography, Layout, Design
• David Arquette "Kingz" - Logos
• Lee Ellington - Car Drawing

Unknown-ness: I may have heard of this band, but don't much about them, if anything. I think they are a hard core, crust punk-ish band, and the band photo on the cover bring attacked by children in a kiddie pool paints them to be a punk band at the very least. Interesting, Patricia Arquette is thanked in the liner notes (wikipedia says she dated Rossi, and they had a child Enzo right around the time this came out), and David Arquette designed the logo.

Album Review: We're talking about a 79-80's hard core punk band that turned into thrash metal in the mid-late 80's as the personnel changed. The playing is fast, heavy and abrasive, but it maintains driving melody, and does not comes off as threatening as perhaps it was for the time & culture (or meant to be). Lyrically, the messages cover religion and consumerism.

Wasted Youth added the "LA's" to their name since there was also a British band of the same name. This version is a rerelease of the 1986 EP. This album was written by the previous (and second) front man, who quit while recording. So the version that finally came out was re-recorded by Paolo & team. Lehrer is the only remaining member of the original line up.

Stand Out Track: Tormented

Links:
Wiki

Discogs

Allmusic

Facebook
Metal Archives
Something Hard In There
Altopedia
Metal Music Archives
Rate Your Music
Berkeley B-Side
Spirit of Metal
Tour Dates

Vanwarmer, Randy - Beat Of Love

Name: Randy Vanwarmer
Album: Beat of Love
Year: 1981
Style: New Wave, Island, Light Rock
Similar Bands: The Cars, Grandaddy, Generationals, Marshall Crenshaw, Cecilio & Kapono, Eric Carmen, Howard Jones, Billy Squier
"One-Word" Review: Wispy Contemplative Pop
Based Out Of: New York

Label: Bearsville, Warner, Warner Communications

Cover, Record

Back/Lyrics, Record

Beat of Love (1981)

1. Suzi Found a Weapon 3:08 (single #55)
2. Always Right 3:56
3. Babel / Don't Hide 3:07/4:08
4. Amen 1:48 
5. I Guess it Never Hurts to Hurt Sometimes 3:54 /
6. Frightened By the Light of Day 3:26
7. Hanging On To Heaven 3:18
8. The Beat of Love 4:33
9. When I'm Dead & Gone 3:27 (McGuinness Flint cover)
10. Don't Wake Me Up 2:48

Album Rating (1-10): 6.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Randy Vanwarmer - Vox (Brian Briggs, Michael Franks, Svenne & Lotta, Barbara Mandrell, Ottar "Big Hand" Johansen, Tony Wilson, Pat Terry)
• John Holbrook / Brian Briggs - Producer, Engineer, Guitar, Synth, Vox (TCTC, Freida Parton, Utopia, Josh Joplin Group, Claude Dubois, Paul Butterfield, Bernie Cash, Isley Bros, Terence Boylan, Roger Powell, Ian Hunter, Nicole Wills, Tony Wilson, natalie Merchant, Joy Askew, Katell Leineg, Madder Rose, David Mead, Jim Weider, Honky Tonk Gurus, Brian Vander Ark, Five Day Rain, Upchuck, Verve Pipe)
• Ian Kimmet - Producer, Vox (Jook, The Band, Trevor White)
• Del Newman - String Arrangement & Conducting (Cat Stevens, Ten Years After, Peter Frampton, Donovan, Roger Daltrey, Elton John, Kiki Dee Band, Neil Sedaka, Rod Srtewart, Charles Aznavour, Art Garfunkel, George Harrison, Squeeze, Paul Simon, Carly Simon, more)
• Jeff Golub - Guitar (Avenue Blue, Rod Stewart, Billy Squier, Sharz, Patris, Bill Evans, Peter Wolf, Toshiki Kadomatsu, Palace, David Broza, Paul Shaffer, Tina Turner, Grayson Hugh, Bryan Adams, Rick Braun, Cheryl Wheeler, Dar Williams, Gato Barbieri, Kazee, Shawn Mullins, Philippe Saisse, Marcia Hines, Joe Lynn Turner, Miu Sakamoto, Everette Harp, Marc Antoine, Dulcie Taylor, Richard Elliot, VIP Club, Marek Niedzeiecki, Krysten Berg, Jimmy Norman, Steve Cole, Steve Ferrone, Yves Carini, Sax Pack, Harlem Parlour Music Club, Bernie Williams, Kirk Whalum. Euge Groove, David Benoit, Michael Lington, Nils, Bob James
• Leigh Foxx - Bass (Blondie, Brian Briggs, Benny Mardones, Paley Bros, Frankie & Knockouts, Nicole Willis, Iggy Pop, Henry Lee Summer, Cyndi Lauper, Debbie Harry, Yoko Ono, DJ David Knapp, Clayton Bruce Ost, Holly & the Italians, Sonny Kenn Band, Karen Lawrence & the Pinz)
• Mike Braun - Drums, Percussion (Graham Parker & the Shot, Brian Briggs, Elliott Murphy, King of Hearts, Arlen Roth, Eddie Schwartz, Tycoon, Rick Wakeman, Leon Redbone, Peter Criss, Nicole Wills, Michael Bolton, Ellen Shipley, Stevie, Dian Tell, Rick Springfield, Peter Allen, Jennifer Rush, Elm St Group, John Waite, Hall & Oates, Diane Tell, Eileen Ivers, Madgesdiq, Mackintosh Braun, Kenny Rogers)
• Murray Weinstock - Keys, Horn Arrangement (Fifth Ave Band, Mark Moogy Klingman, Jon Paris Band, Bread & Butter, Manhattan Transfer, John Sebastian, Tom Pacheco, Woodstyock Mts Revue, Artie Traum, Pat Alger, Sic Fucks, Nicole Wills, Motherhead Bug, Richie Havens)
• Kevin Jones - Congas (Sunrize, Winard Harper, Charles McPherson, Archie Shepp, Isley Bros, Michael Gregory, Clyde Criner, Sweet Obsession, Larry Price, Blaze, Nick Rolfe, Norman Simmons, Babatunde Lea, Winvent Ector, Jihad Muhammad, Organissimo, 
• Cyndi Cashdollar - Dobro, Vox (Asleep at the Wheel, Bob Dylan, Leon Redbone, Dave Alvin, Guilty Women, Geoff Muldaur, Tx Sheiks, Woodstock Mt revue, Happy Traum Band, John Herald, Ryan Adams & Cardinals, Cathy Winter, Karen Beth, Jean Redpath, Christopher Shaw, Graham Parker, Peter Rowan, Hans Theessink, Don Walser, Steve Hames, Peter Stone Brown, Manhattan Transfer, Omar & the Howlers, George Strait, Trace Adkins, Red Dirt Rangers, Kris Kehr, Rod Moag, Leroi Bros., Rex Foster, Gina Lee, Dwight Yoakam, Susanna Van Tassel, Roger Wallace, Ted Roddy, Lucky Tomblin Band, Joe McDermott, Beausoleil Avec Michael Doucet, Cooder Graw, The Gimbles, Eric Hanke, Van Morrison, Bill Kirchen, The Twang, Heybale, Burrito Delux, Matthew Ballard, Fingerpistol, Marcia Ball, Carolyn Wonderland, James Hand, Leo Rondeau, JaLaLa, David Newbould, Houston Marchman, Bordertown Bootleggers, Esteban, Manodlin Bros, Booka & Flaming Geckos, Pinetop Perkins, Carla Olson, Arlen Roth, Okee Dokee Bros, Amy Laber, Happy Traum, Elly Wininger, Rosie Flores, Mamadou Kelly, Leif Vollebekk, Shelley King)
• Mark McKenna - Engineer, Vox (Johnny Average Band)
• Ray Neznik - Asst Engineer
• RJ Raymon - Asst Engineer
• Shep Siegel - Asst Engineer
• Bob Ludwig - Mastering
• Philip Balou - Backing Vox (Revelation, Utopia, Genral Johnson, Southside Johnny & Asbury Jukes, Steve Goodman, Joe Thomas, Major Harris, Asleep at the Wheel, Jebadiah, John Hall, Ramona Brooks, Bette Midler, Charles Earland, Lou Rawls, Luther Vandross, Hi-Gloss, Pleasure, Change, High Fashion, Aretha, Michael Franks, Irene Cara, Melba Moore, Howard Johnson, Cheryl Lynn, Fonzi Thorton, Bernard Edwards, Michael Wycoff, Lillo Thomas, Dionne Warwick, Manhattans, Kashif, Nile Rodgers, Carl Anderson, EPM, Teddy Pendergrass, Damaris, Merc & Monk, Village People, Ralph macDonald, Jeff Tyzik, Nona Hendryx, Tramaine, Air Supply, Peter Gordon, Jonathan Butler, Glenn Jones, The System, Gavin Christopher, Bernard Lavilliers, George Benson, Stage Dolls, Billy Ocean, Darryl Tookes, Carol Davi$, Dance With A Stranger, Laurie Anderson, James Taylor, Billy Joel, Simon Tittley, Arnold McCuller, David Lasley, Carly Simon, Harvey Miller, Michael Wycoff, Power Station, Boys Choir of Harlem, Tom Jones)
• Benny Diggs - Backing Vox (Revelation, Douglas Sisters, Melba Moore, Southside Johnny & Asbury Jukes, Asleep at the Wheel, Lou Rawls, Ramsey Lewis, Hi-Gloss, Sylvester, Nona Hendryx, Robert Palmer, Doc Powell, Joe Cocker, Diana Ross, Dance With a Stranger, Al Green, Braxtons, Laurie Anderson, Carly Simon, George Benson, Westlife more)
• Morris Gray - Backing Vox (Revelation, Ramsey Lewis, Cheri, Peter Gordon, Golden Gospel Singers)
• Kevin Owens - Backing Vox (Revelation, Ray Goodman & Brown, Luther Vandross, Jaheim, Caress, Festival, Masquerade, Lou Rawls, Cheri, Ramsey Lewis, Pleasure, Nona Hendryx, Curtis Hairston, Doc Powell, Gavin Christopher, Kirk Whalum, Gregory Hines, Philip Michael Thomas, Millie Scott, Freddie Jackson, Darryl Tookes, Dance With a Stranger, Edelweiss, Marc Nelson, Lisa Fischer, Noel Pointer, Ava Cherry, Smappies, Byron Stingily, USA-European Connection, Boris Midney, Black Russian, Kathy Troccoli, Anastacia, Norman Connors)
• Dick Katz - String Performance (New World Philharmonic, Benny Carter, Buck Clayton, Gene Quill, Jimmy Knepper, Joe newman, Larry Sonn, Lee Konitz, Loren Schoenberg, Manny Albam, Oscar Pettiford, Osie Johnson, Paul Horn, Stan Getz, American Jass Orch, Jay and Kai, Mat Matthers, Tony Scott more )
• George James - Trumpet (Benny Carter, Louis Armstrong, Lucky Millinder, Teddy Wilson, Harlem Blues & Jazz Band, Sarah Vaughn, Jabbo Smith, Clyde EB Bernhardt, Fats Waller, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Punch Miller, Albert Wynn, Sine, Alex Hill, Hoagy Carmichael, Junie C. Cobb, :Kid Punch" Miller)
• Josh Shneider - Alto Sax (Irene Cara, Eric Von Schmidt & the Cruel Family, Artie Traum, Steve Forbert, Late Nite Music Band, Tom Rush, Force MDs, Joy Askew)
• Ralph Carney - Tenor Sax (Tom Waits, Tin Huey, B-52's, Marc Ribot, Jim White, Jonathan Richman, Waitresses, Clarinet Thing, Caucho, Labatomy, Swollen Monkeys, Pluto, Preacher Boy, Melon, Bill Laswell, Victoria Williams, Jad Fair, Allen Ginsberg, Galaxie 500, Loved Ones, Elvis Costello, Grant Lee Buffalo, Pere Ubu, Custard, Chuck Prophet, Jack Kerouac, Black Francis, Thao & the Get Down Stay Down, Stephen King-John Mellencamp-T Bone Burnett,St. Vincent, Drive By Truckers, Legendary Shack Shakers, more)
• Tim Ritchie - Art Direction, Design
• Broun - Photos
• RonVanwarmer - (WDST)
• Helen Kimmet - Haircuts

Unknown-ness: I've never heard of this singer / band. From the cover photo and the band photo on the back, I imagine this will be nasally, anxious, neurotic, jittery, catchy-as-hell power pop. I'll actually be slightly upset if it is not...perhaps i'm setting too high a bar, surly to lead to disappointment.

Album Review:  From the first track, Vanwarmers voice is delicate and warm, a little like Ric Ocasek  but an octave higher. The opening two tracks mixes power chords with jangleypop melodies and throws in some keys and synth to keep up with appearances in the 80's. Much of the rest are lighter ballads, that harken back to simple oldies and classic country, and a couple would fit right in to today's breezy island pop sound, even if it is not all synthesized.

Vanwarmer was a friendly, well liked musician who passed away too early at 48 years old from leukemia, a year after diagnosis. He had a short, bright career in pop, with the #1 single "Just When I Needed You the Most," a song that his wife sued Warner/Chappell for copyright ownership. Soon after his first 3 records, he transitioned to writing Country songs when "I Guess It Never Hurts to Hurt Sometimes" which already sounds like a country ballad, was covered by the Oak Ridge Boys. Other musicians Charley Pride, Michael Johnson, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Alabama (and many more) converted his songs to hits. Upon his death a portion of his ashes were sent into space.

Stand Out Track: Suzi Found a Weapon

Links:
Wiki

Discogs

Allmusic
Celestis Memorial Spaceflight
Billboard Obit
Country Daily
CMT obit
LA Times Obit
West Coast DK
IMDB
Wife's Lawsuit
Offical Charts
Second Hand Songs

Upchurch, Phil - Upchurch

Name: Phil Upchurch
Album: Upchurch
Year: 1969
Style: Jazz Guitar, Funk
Similar Bands: Ramsey Lewis, Curtis Mayfield, Al Hirt, Jimmy Smith, George Benson
"One-Word" Review: Meditative Guitar Noodling in various settings.
Based Out Of: Chicago, IL
Label: Cadet, Chess

Cover, Record

Record, Back

Upchurch (1969)

1. Black Gold  4:31
2. America 3:30 (Paul Simon Cover)
3. As You Said 2:31 (Cream Cover)
4. You Wouldn't. You Couldn't Be True 3:02
5. Cross Town Traffic 4:00 (Hendrix Cover) /
6. Adam and Charlene 4:19
7. Spinning Wheel 3:28 (Blood Sweat & Tears Cover)
8. Voodoo Chile 2:52 (Hendrix Cover)
9. More and More 2:43 (Blood Sweat & Tears cover)
10. Midnight Chile 4:09 

Album Rating (1-10): 6.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Phil Upchurch- Guitar (Kool Gents, Dells, Spaniels, Curtis Mayfield, Otis Rush, Jimmy Reed, Dee Clark, Woody Herman, Stan Getz, Groove Holmes, BB King, Dizzy Gillespie, Oscar Brown, Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, Gene Chandler, John Lee Hooker, Grover Washington Jr, Cannonball Adderley, Soulful String, Rotary Connection, Donny Hathaway, Harvey Mason, Ramsay Lewis, Quincy Jones, Tennyson Stephens, George Benson, Mose Allison, Gary Burton, Lenny Breau, Joe Williams, Chaka Khan, Natalie Cole, Carmen McRae, Cat Stevens, David Sanborn, Michael Jackson, Jimmy Smith, Jack McDuff, Bob Dylan, Peabo Bryson, Anita Baker, Minnie Riperton, Red Holloway, Sheena Easton, Hubert Laws, Ben Sidran, Maurice White, The Crusaders, Palladin, Ichiban, Ridgetop, Bo Diddley, Marlena Shaw, Whitney Houston, Julio Iglesias, Moonglows, The Co-Ops, more)
• Louis Satterfield - Bass (Phenix Choir/Horns, Philip Cohran & Artistic Heritage Ensemble, Sky, Intentions, Pharaohs, Salty Peppers, Phil Collins, Fontella Bass, James Cotton, BB King, Jack McDuff, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Okie Duke, The Dells, Shel Silverstein, Mighty Joe Young, Earth Wind & Fire, Emotions, ChiLites, Staples, Denise Williams, Ronnie Laws, Gap Band, Tavares, Invisible Mans Band, more)
• Morris Jennings - Drums (Electronic Concept Orch, Operation Breadbasket Orch & Choir, Ramsey Lewis Trio, Woody Herman, Buddy Rich, Soulful Strings, Jack McDuff, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Zeet Band, Odell Brown, Jerry Butler, Dells, Peabo Bryson, Terry Callier, Charles Jackson, Chi-Lites, Manhattans, Curtis Mayfield, Jesus Wayne, Superior Movement, Roy Buchanan  more)
• Donny Hathaway - Piano (Mayfield Singers, Salty Peppers, Woody Herman, Roberta Flack, Young-Holt Unlimited, Margie Joseph, Fascinations, Zeet Band, Billy Prewitt, Operation Breadbasket Orch & Choir, Little Milton, Barry Melton, Aretha Franklin, Jerry Butler, Cold Blood, Joe Cocker, King Curtis, Dr Dre, Nate Dogg, Sam Moore, Lo-Fi Allstars, Missy Elliott, Danny O'Keefe, Lou Vega, Rick Ro$$, more)
• Bobby Christian - Percussion (Carl Stevens, Harry Lookofsky, Soulful Strings, Louis Panico, Louise Massey, David Carroll, Dick Schory, Sid Cooper, Melody Four, Jack McDuff, Zager & Evans, Guy Lombardo, Okie Duke, Joe Venuti, Hollins & Starr, Gene Chandler, Bonnie Koloc, McLuhan, Dells, Terry Callier, Jerry Butler, Charles Bevel, Bonnie Koloc, Chi-Lites, Heaven & Earth, Honeytree, Morello, Cleveland Eaton, Ron Steele, Tyrone Davis, Walter Jackson, Teresa Wiater, Peabo Bryson, Little Milton, Marti McCartney, LeRoy Hutson, Eugene Record, Manhattans, Rotary Connection, Gus Gioradano, Russ Morgan)
• Dave Chausow - Strings & Horns (Ramsey Lewis, David Carroll, Joe Morello, Electric Concept Orch, Okie Duke, Jerry Sandifer, Mason Profit)
• Stu Black - Engineer
• Charles Stepney - Arrangement, Conducting, Producer
• Jim Taylor - Cover Photo
• Victor Skrebneski - Liner Photo
• Randy Harter - Album Design
• James Mack Singers - Vocals

Unknown-ness: This is one cool looking album...love the simple yellow and black art direction, the kaleidoscope image of Phil Upchurch, and most enjoyable, the Upchurch font. Since the cover shows just Upchurch and his guitar, I'm going to assume this is something bluesy, but along the lines of Clapton with more soul. However, the back of the record lists him as a Jazz-Rock guitarist, as well as the accompaniment of drums and piano (and 36 pieces on one track), so I assume it will be much more jazzy than that.

Album Review: The album spans the range of jazz from full orchestral support to three piece night club performances. The result is mood setting and relaxing for half the tracks, and bright, bombastic, yet gritty for a handful of others.  

Upchurch was a very talented guitarist, starting professionally at 16 years old. He had one big single in 1961 called You Can't Sit Down (US top 30), which President Clinton performed at his inauguration. In the mid 60's became the house guitarist for Chess Records, so he has performed on many records. 27 solo albums later, he is still performing today (2021), playing Jazz, Soul, Funk, RnB and Blues, not to mention an advertisement or a cameo role here and there.

Stand Out Track: As You Said

Links:
Website
Youtube Full Album
Wiki
Discogs
Allmusic
Soul Walking
La Bella Strings
WNCU
Jazz Musician Archives
Smooth Jazz
Rate Your Music
Facebook
NTS Live
IMDB
Experience Talks
New Directions in Music
Vintage Guitar
Who Sampled

UK - Danger Money

Name: UK
Album: Danger Money
Year: 1979
Style: Prog, Jazz Fusion
Similar Bands: Styx, Brand X, Battles, Mike Batt, Emerson Lake Palmer, King Crimson
"One-Word" Review: Cinematic Space Soundscapes
Based Out Of: England
Label: EG Records, Polydor, Polygram Distribution

Cover, Record, Liner Notes

Back, Record, Sleeve Notes

Danger Money (1979)

1. Danger Money 8:12
2. Rendezvous 6.05 5:00 (single)
3. The Only Thing She Needs 7:53 (single) /
4. Caesar's Palace Blues 4:42 (single B-Side)
5. Nothing to Lose 3:57 (single)
6. Carrying No Cross 12:20

Album Rating (1-10): 6.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Eddie Jobnson - Writing, Arrangement, Producer, Violin, Keys (Curved Air, Roxy Music, Frank Zappa, Jethro Tull, Legacy, UKZ, Ultimate Zero, Fat Grapple, Roger Glover, Neoteric Orch, Yes, Mark Mancina, Andy Mackay, Bryan Ferry, Dana Gillespie, Amazing Blondel, John Entwistle, Mike Heron's Reputation, Phil Manzanera, Jasun Martz, Spyro Gyra,   more)
• John Wetton - Writing, Arrangement, Producer, Vox, Bass (Asia, King Crimson, Roxy Music, Brian Eno, Uriah Heep, Edward Hand, Family, The Human Experience, Jack-Knife, Mogul Thrash, Qango, Renaissance, Wishbone Ash, Ultimate Zero, Bryan Ferry, Phil Manzanera, Atoll)
• Terry Bozzio - Drums, Percussion (Frank Zappa, Missing Persons, HoBoLeMa, Lonely Bears, Vai, Bozzio Levin Stevens, Brecker Bros, Jeff Beck, Luis Gasca, Barretto, A.Heller, Spinettam Group 87, more)
• John Punter - Engineer
• Geoff Emerick - Recording
• Nigel Walker - Asst. Engineer
• Dave Fidler - Crew
• Graham Davis - Crew
• Hipgnosis - Cover Design, Photos
• George Marino - Mastering
• Mark Fenwick - Special Thanks
• Sam Alder - Special Thanks

Unknown-ness: I've never heard of this band. The cover of a corporate employee washing their hands, couple with the album title Danger Money offer a political commentary on corporate greed and the difficult subjugation. The back show long hairs with their instruments, and overall, i get a hard rock, power pop standing on the edge of metal vibe...if it were not for the 6 tracks at rather lengthy times. That makes me think it is more of a prog act. Not to say the two cannot be blended. Also, I see the name John Wetton, whom I have reviewed previously as a solo artist. So if that gives me any indication, this will still be that fine line of power pop & arena rock.

Album Review: The music emits the feeling of a cohesive theatrical play about psychedelic space adventures, even if that was not the intention. The vocal sections show they can be an arena rock band like Journey, but the rest of the progressive sections tie them to the 8-10 minute musings genre. The first 4 minutes of The Only Thing She Needs is a nice song with some Battles and Genesis sounding sections, but the song pauses and builds itself back up for an extra 4 minutes or so.

UK were a supergroup, with each member coming from 3-5 different popular bands from King Crimson, Roxy Music, Frank Zappa to name a few (obviously i'm not well versed enough in these bands or I may have picked a name out.). The end of Prog's popularity & differences in stylistic direction plagued the band, as this is their second of two studio albums (where the first one had four members, one of whom was a different drummer [Bill Bruford], and they did not replace the guitarist [Allan Holdsworth]), and they broke up while touring for the album. But their differences were not enough to burn any bridges, as these three all worked together in various projects, and reformed together for a US tour in 2012.

Stand Out Track: The Only Thing She Needs

Links:

Youtube full album
Wiki

Discogs

Allmusic
Music Aficionado (first album)
Prog Archives
classic rock history
Q104.3
Under the Bridge 2015 show promo
John Wetton
Something Else!
Progrography
The Progressive Aspect
Rate Your Music
Music Street Journal
all about jazz

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