United States of Electronica - s/t

Name: United States of Electronica
Album: s/t
Year: 2004
Style:  Electronic, Dance, Disco
Similar Bands: Basement Jaxx, Junior Senior, Andrew WK, Daft Punk, Parry Grip
"One-Word" Review: Non Stop Automated Party Rock
Based Out Of: Seattle, Washington
Label: Manaheim, Sonic Boom Recordings

CD & Inner Case

Front & Back

United States of Electronica (2004)

1. It Is On 4:40 (single - Japan)
2. Emerald City 4:05 (single)
3. Climb the Walls (Umbrella of Love) 4:36
4. All Sounds & All People 0:45
5. Open Your Eyes 3:35
6. Takin' It All the Way 5:14
7. ...City of Stars 1:04
8. Night Shift 4:58
9. There's Always Music 4:33
10. Vamos A La Playa 4:43
11. ...the Chase 0:39
12. La Discoteca 4:20

Album Rating (1-10): 7.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Jason Holstrom - Guitar, Vox, Recording, Mastering (Wonderful, Aqueduct, Dolour, Bobby Karate)
• Jon E. Rock - Drums, Vox (Wonderful, Dolour)
• Peter Sali - Guitar, Vox (Wonderful, The Kalendar Band)
• Noah Star Weaver - Keys, Vocoder  (Wonderful, Shane Tutmarc & Travelling Mercies, Rosie Thomas, Dolour)
• Derek Chan - Bass
• Carly Nicklaus - Vox (The Catch, Bruno Pronsato, Michael Vermillion)
• Amanda Okonek - Vox
• PJ Ramey - Additional Performance
• Phil Peterson - Additional Performance (Portugal. The Man, The Bluebird, Sherri Youngward, Pedro the Lion, Rivulets & Violets, Nevada Bachelors, Sarah Shannon, Dear John Letters, Holly Figueroa, Kutless, Demon Hunter, Rosie Thomas, Late Tuesday, Holland, David LaMotte, Leroy M Bell, Wonderful, Dead Poetic, Seven Places. Ken Stringfello, Jeremy Camp, Mastodon, Verona, Lashes, Kutless, Harvey Danger, Acceptance, Brandi Carlile, J. Tillman, Ruth, Owl City, Posies, John Totten, Wavves, Maroon 5, Deniz Tek, Vance Joy, Benny Blanco, Rose Blossom Punch)
• Shane Tutmarc - Additional Performance (Dolour, Gatsbys American Dream, Traveling Mercies, Star Anna)

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band. Picked up the CD in a bin, probably based on the word Electronica in the name. I'm hoping this is a fun rock-electronic hybrid album that's catchy but not too much into the techno genre, even if the cover looks like a spray-painted template of a rave.

Album Review: The band formed as an experimental joke, part joke, part way to express a more fun musical environment, and when it was received well by the audience, the band Wonderful decided to start the side project. They only had this one album for a while, self released & funded, and eventually picked up & distributed. It performed well in Japan, and eventually released a follow up in 2009. Apparently they played a one-off reunion show in 2019, but the members still have side projects they work on.

The album is more mainstream acceptable with elements of pop rock and standard catchy party songs  than other full-on electronic bands, and the atmosphere they create is a care free fun world. It falls somewhere between Daft Punk ("Emerald City" borrows from "Around the World's" vocoder melody) and the amusing tongue in cheek silly songs of Parry Gripp, with a little Vengaboys + dicso thrown in. It starts strong and falters toward the end, whether it be out of tedium or a stronger, padded front.

Stand Out Track: Emerald City

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Brides of Funkenstein - Funk or Walk

Name: The Brides of Funkenstein
Album: Funk or Walk
Year: 1978
Style: Disco, Funk
Similar Bands: Disco Boogie, Parliament Funkadelic, Bootsy's Rubber Band, Sly Stone, Parlet
"One-Word" Review: Big Band Mellow Funk
Based Out Of: Detroit, MI
Label: Atlantic Records, Warner Communication

Cover, Record

Record, Back

Funk or Walk (1978)

1. Disco to Go 5:03 (single: gold in US, platinum in Europe/Asia)
2. War Ship Touchante 5:27 (single b-side)
3. Nappy 4:29
4. Birdie 5:39 /
5. Just Like You 9:17
6. When You're Gone 5:19 (single b-side)
7. Amorous 4:54 (single)

Album Rating (1-10): 5.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Lynn Mabry - Vox (Sly Stone, P-Funk, Eddie Hazel, Talking Heads, Fred Wesley & Horny Horns, Junie, George Michael, Elton John, Aaron Neville, Mick Jagger, Shelia E, Eric Clapton, Steve Perry, Hozier, Killers, more)
• Dawn Silva - Vox (Sly Stone, P-Funk, Eddie Hazel, New Wave Brides, Gap Band, Ice Cube, Fred Wesley & Horny Horns, Sweat Band, General Caine, Yarbrough & Peoples, WC and the Maad Circle, Slapbak, Bootsy Collins, Caine, Shorty, )
• George Clinton - Producer, Writer, 
• Williams Collins - Producer, Bass, Drums (Bonzo Goes to DC, Bootsy Phelps & Gary, The Complete Strangers, Bootsy's Rubber Band, Flo, Funkadelic, Hardware, House Guest Rated X, Malcolm McLaren, P-Funk Allstars, Parliament, Praxis, Science Fiction, Groovegrass Boys, JB's, World-Wide Funkdrive, Deee-Lite more)
• Phelps Collins - Guitar (Bootsy Phelps & Gary, Complete Strangers, Bootsy's Rubber Band,  Houseguests, The JB's, Funkadelic, Parliament, Fred Westley & Horny Horns, Bernie Worrell, Parlet, James Brown, George Clinton, Brian Culbertson)
• Gary Shider - Guitar (Drugs, Flo, Funkadelic, Incorporated Thang Band, Legz, P-Funk All Stars, Parliament, The Put Yo Body Where Yo' Mouf Iz Choir, U.S., Bernie Worrell, Sweat Band, Bohannon, Bootsy Collins, George Clinton, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Boogie Boys, Prince, Material, Digital Underground, Too $hort, Black Crows, Parlet, many)
• Michael Hampton - Guitar (Funkadelic, Kiddo, Material, No Self Control and the Band, P-Funk Allstars, Parliament, Slave Master, Spaceship Earth, Michael Hampton, Bootsy's Rubber Band, Fred Wesley & Horny Horns, Eddie Hazel, Fuzzy Haskins, Parlet, Bernie Worrell, Sly & Robbie, Golden Palominos, Afrika Bambaataa, Deee-Lite, Digital Underground, Too Short, Meshell Ndegrocello, Dean Ween Group, more)
• Bernard Worrell - Keys, String & Horn Arrangement (Activities of Dust, Baby Elephant, Bahia Black, Black Jack Johnson, Colonel Claypool's Bucket of Bernie Brains, Flo, Fool Proof, Funkadelic, Jack Bruce, Cuicoland Express, Jerry Harrison, Khu.eex, Material, Method of Defiance, Niels & NY St Percussionists, Parliament, Praxis, SociaLybrium, Space Cadets, Spacer, Third Rail, WesNWorrell, Open Operatives, Fred Wesley, Horny Horns, Talking Heads, Fred Schneider, Bootsy Collins, Ruth Copeland, Parlet, O'Jays, Lou Rawls, Stephanie Mills, Nona Hendryx, Rita Coolidge, Gil Scott-Heron, Mtume, Black Uhuru, Yoko Ono, Golden Palominos, Sly & Robbie, Matthew Sweet, Public Image Ltd, Pretenders, Afrika Bambaataa, Victoria Williams, Little Steven, Face to Face, Woodentops, Drivin' N Cryin, Keith Richards, Syd Straw, Throwing Muses, Maceo Parker, Soul Asylum, Deee-Lite, Color Me Badd, Mike Watt, Arlo Lindsay, Jah Wobble, Cibo Matto, Spin Doctors, Big Head Todd & Monsters, Herb Alpert, Bijou Phillips, Gov't Mule, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Simply Red, Mos Def, OAR, Buddy Guy, Burning Spear, Keith Richards,Lee Scratch Perry, more)
• Joel Johnson - Keys (Bootsy's Rubber Band, Madhouse, Sweat Band, The Put Yo Body Where Yo' Mouf Iz Choir, Parliament, Maceo Parker, Bootsy Collins, Octavepussy, Fred Wesley & the Horny Horns, Super Sonic Sid, Boy Meets Girl, Parlet, Dodge, Kohndo, Cody ChesnuTT, Freekbass)
• Rodney "Skeet" Curtis - Bass (Parliament, Funkadelic, P-Funk All Stars, Bernie Worrell, Parlet, Fred Wesley & Horny Horns, Philippe Wynne, Mutiny, Gerry Cott, George Clinton, Dolby's Cube, Thomas Dolby, Richie Rich, Maceo Parker, Da Campaign, Corey Parker, Dennis Chambers, Martha High, Ishan Cooper, Susanne Alt)
• Gary Cooper - Drums  (Parliament, Funkadelic, P-Funk All Stars, Bernie Worrell, Parlet, Fred Wesley & Horny Horns, Bootsy's Rubber Band, Madhouse, The Put Yo Body Where Yo' Mouf Iz Choir, Da Universal Playaz, Matrieal, Shining Path, Sly Fox, Eddie Hazel, Mtume, George Clinton, Empyre, Sly & Robbie, Bernie Worrell, Deee-Lite, Digital Underground, Black Crows, Jimmy Cliff, Mick Jagger, Anastacia, more)
• Frankie "Kosh" Waddy - Drums (400 Years of What, Parliament, Funkadelic, Bootsy's Rubber Band, Houseguests, JB's, Fred Wesley & Horny Horns, Parlet, Stealin' Horses, George Clinton)
• Tyrone Lampkin - Drums (Parliament, Funkadelic, Flo, Space Cadets, Bernie Worrell, Fred Wesley & Horny Horns, Philippe Wynne, Busta Jones, Parlet, Jesse Rae)
• Larry Fratangelo - Percussion (Parliament, Funkadelic, Albert King, Solid Solution, Bobby Womack, David Ruffin, Dramatics, Bootsy's Rubber Band, Philippe Wynne, Parlet, Alicia Myers, Jerry Carr, Was (Not Was), LJ Reynolds, Sweat Pea Atkinson, Shotgun, Josep LoDuca, Wendell Harrison, Pharaoh, Eramus Hall, Floy Joy, One Way, Mitch Ryder, Jimmy G & Tackheads, Lyman Woodard, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Dennis Coffey, RJ's Latest Arrival, Anita Baker, Helen Terry, Detroit Energy Asylum, Minister Thomas A Whitfield, Bert Robinson, Al Hudson, Earl Klugh, Eric Leeds, Aretha Franklin, Higher, AWOL, Dave Stewart, Ronnie McNeir, Alto Reed, Hip Bop Essence Allstars, Bob James, Dan Hall, John Arnold, Amp Fiddler, Kid Rock, Randolph. Mark Moultrup, Blackfoot)
• Wayman Reed - Horns (Count Baise, Thad Jones, Mel Lewis, Butch Miles, James Brown, George benson, Frank Foster, Eddie Jefferson, Oliver Nelson, Art Webb, Harold Vick, Pee Wee Ellis, Charlie Rouse, John Gordon, Milt Kackson, Sarah Vaughan, BB King, Hank Crawford, Al Grey, Bobby Byrd, Buddy Rich, Marva Whitney)
• Pete Minger - Horns (Count Baise, Frank Wess, Mel Torme, HIlton Ruiz, Al Grey, Oliver Nelson, Milt Jackson, Cleveland Eaton, Ella Fitzgerald, Nancy Reed, University of Miami Concert Jazz, Joe Turner, Athenas, Turk Mauro, Keter Betts, Oscar Peterson, Alice Day)
• Danny Turner - Horns (Chris Powell, Five Blue Flames, Count Baise, Doc bagby, Jimmy McGriff, Bobby Cook, Milt Buckner, Jack McDuff, Pat Martino, Jimmy Witherspoon, Voices Four, Shirley Scott, Bohannon, Milt Jackson, Caroline Crawford, Cleveland Eaton, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Manhattan Transfer, Caterina Valente, Viktor Lazlo, Diane Schuur, Thad Jones, George Benson, Joe Williams, Lena Horne, Four Tops, Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, Lucky Thompson, Hans Mantel, Gladys Knight & Pips, 
• Detroit Symphony - Strings
• Ron Banks - Backing Vox (The Dramatics, Browns All-Star Band, Bobby Lyle, Wayne Henderson, The Dells, WC)
• Larry Demps - Backing Vox (The Dramatics, Ron Banks, Dells)
• Dave Van De Pitte - String Arrangement
• Fred Wesley - Horn Arrangement
• Jim Vitti - Mixing & Recording Engineer
• Mike Iacopelli  - Recording Engineer
• Jerry Estes - Recording Engineer
• Allen Zentz - Mastering
• In Search of the Miraculous - Cover Concept, Design, Illustrations

Unknown-ness: Never heard of the Brides of Funkenstein, but this is one album that's pretty clear what's going to be played: Disco Funk. George Clinton (& Parliament Funkadelic), Bootsy Collins (& Bootsy's Rubber Band) and Bernie Worrell have their name all over the writing and performing of this record. Between this and the Disco Boogie cover, it seems like there was a Sci-Fi niche in the funk boogie & disco category, most likely, boosted by Star Wars popularity.

Album Review: The music on the first couple tracks is definitely funk, with driving percussion, and bouncy bass, but they don't dive head first into disco. "War Ship Touchante" takes on the space/sci-fi genre with aliens boarding a ship...to have a dance party. "Nappy" is a smooth, slower groove, but not without life: definitely a showtune. "Just Like You" slows it down and dims the lights. 

The duo started as background singers for Sly Stone and progressed to Parliament Funkadelic, and the name comes from George Clinton himself, as an extension of his album Clones of Dr. Funkenstein. The band won awards as best new act, their second album was rated as a top 50 coolest albums by Rolling Stone, and they had a hall of fame list of funk musicians in support and production but they never received the acclaim that they seemed to be destined for. Mabry was in The Talking Heads as of 1984, and Silva worked with Ice Cube.

Stand Out Track: Disco to Go

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Stargard - The Changing of the Gard

Name: Stargard
Album: The Changing of the Gard
Year: 1979
Style: Disco, R&B, Funk
Similar Bands: Gloria Gaynor, Donna Summer, A Taste of Honey, Supremes, Pattie Labell, Pointer Sisters, Rose Royce
"One-Word" Review: Playful funky while light rn'b
Based Out Of: Los Angeles, CA
Label: Warner Bros

Cover, Record

Back, Lyrics, Record

The Changing of the Gard (1979)

1. Wear it Out 5:17 (single)
2. (Once In A Lifetime) Dream Come True 4:45
3. Footstompin' Music 4:31
4. Take Me Back 4:37 /
5. Runnin' From the Law 4:41
6. Bedtime Story 0:15
7. I Just Imagined You 4:29
8. Put On Your Rollerskates 4:04
9. Lowdown Dancing 4:11
10. Flashback 0:28

Album Rating (1-10): 6.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Verdine White - Producer, Writer, Bass (Earth Wind & Fire, Ramsey Lewis, Craze, The Emotions, James Vincent, Gene Harris, Deniece Williams, Harvey Mason, Deodate, Jennifer Lopez, Audio Caviar, Solange, Chicago, Flo Rida, Kelly Clarkson, Carmine Appice,  more)
• Robert Wright - Producer, Writer, Keys (Moon Martin, Michael Wycoff, Fonzi Thornton, Jones Girls, Dalton & Dubarri, Tramaine, Genobia Jeter, Main Ingredient Feat. Cuba Gooding, more)
• Walter Ainsworth - Exec Producer
• F. Byron Clark - Remix Engineer, Recording Engineer
• Charles Fearing - Writer
• Debra Anderson - Vox (Junior Walker, Spyder Turner)
• Rochelle Runnells - Writer, Vox, Keys (Junior Walker, Candi Station, Checkmates Ltd, Arthur Wayne, Raydio, Spyder Turner, Candi Station)
• Janice C Williams - Writer, Vox (Junior Walker, Arthur Wayne, Checkmates Ltd, Spyder Turner, Raydio, Anderson Temple, Pryme)
• Robert E Carpenter - Writer
• Dean Gant - Writer, Keys  (Don Kinsey, Chosen Ones, Invisible Man's Band, Stargard, Linda Clifford, Spinners, Stephanie Mills, Larry Graham, Jones Girls, Madonna, Keni Burke, Anita Baker, Outkast, Peabo Bryson, Sunfire more)
• Allen Zent - Mastering
• Brian Gardner - Mastering Engineer
• Butch Lynch - Recording Engineer
• Serge Reyes - Recording Engineer
• Bruce Grayson - Recording Engineer
• Richard Seireeni - Art Director
• Robert Elias - Photos
• Alexis Caydam - Hair & Makeup
• Keiko - Costumes
• Keni Burke - Bass (Five Stairsteps, Peabo Bryson, Ca$hflow, Andy Lewis, Smoove, Preston Glass, Billy Preston, DJ Rogers, Bill Withers, Gladys Knight & Pips, Stargard, Linda Clifford, Dusty Springfield, Spyder Turner, Leroy Hutson, Les McCann, Emotions, Narada Michael Walden, Eugen Record, Terry Callier, Sly & Family Stone, Undisputed Truth, Clifford Coulter, Ramsey Lewis, Curtis Mayfield, Chocolate Milk, Ahmad Jamal, Smokey Robinson, Thelma Houston, Brenda Holloway, Natalie Cole, Cameo, more)
• Butch Azevedo - Drums, Percussion (Undisputed Truth, Sonald Byrd, Skool Boyz, Band AKA, The Dr's, Jay Gordon, Phillip Walker)
• Larry "Fatback" Talbert - Drums (Raydio, Barrett Strong, Bill Withers, Karen Pree, Edna Wright, Greg Perry, Jack Ashford, Dominic Frontiere, SofTouch, Bill Champlin, Phylliss Bailey, Maxine Nightingale, Shadee, Tom Jones, Jeffree, Thelma Houston, Dream Express, Lani Hall, Sir John Roberts, Jerry Knight, Ray Parker Jr, Menage A Trois, Mary Wells, Cheryl Lynn, Epo, Natalie Cole, Greg Perry)
• Joseph Baker - Guitar (Sly & Family Stone, Josephine Baker)
• Charles Fearing - Guitar (Raydio, Deniece Williams, High Inergy, Dusty Springfield, Edwin Starr, Jimmy Cliff, Ray Parker Jr, Tavares, Peaches & Herb, Bloodstone, Jeffrey Osborne, DeBarge, Dazz Band, Smokey Robinson, Sister Sledge, Teena Marie, Herb Alpert, Sam Harris, New Edition, Tina Turner, Bobby Womack, Four Tops, Lionel Richie, Dionne Warwick, Patti LaBelle, Barry White, Kurtis Blow, Nancy Wilson, Joan Baez, Temptations, Johnny Gill, Melba Moore, Ralph Tresvant, Celine Dion, Ce Ce Peniston, Teddy Pendergrass, SWV, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Enrique Iglesias, Ray Charles, more)
• Robert Palmer - Guitar (Booty People, Chaka Khan, General Caine, Halloween, Natalie Cole, Peabo Bryson, Luther Rabb, Garry Glenn, Robbie Dupree, Mary Wells, Band AKA, Syreeta, Gift of Dreams, LJ Reynolds, Danny Lugo, Destination, Bobby Womack, Billy Griffin, Fizzy Qwick, Billy Preston, Glenn Medeiros, Sheena Easton, Taja Secelle, Pepsi & Shirlie, Smokey Robinson, Starleana, Lionel Richie, i5, 2bd)
• Mark Davis - Keys, Recording (Starlight Express, Minnie Riperton, Rotary Connection, Curtis Mayfield, Calvin Carter, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Earth Wind & Fire, Temptations, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Jackson 5, Lionel Richie, David Ruffin, Undisputed Truth, Rose Royce, Natalie Cole, Sly & the Family Stone, Andrew Lloyd Webber, many)
• Eddie "Bongo" Brown - Percussion (Brass Fever, Funk Brothers, John Handy, Finished Touch, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Wilson Pickett, Undisputed Truth, Supremes, Temptations, Four Tops, Bob Seger, Jimmy Ruffin, Carly Simon, Miracles, Quincy Jones, BB King, The Pips, Blackbyrds, Donnie Osmond, Commodores, Ben E King, 5th Dimension, Grease sndtk, Tower of Power, Deniece Williams, Billy Preston, Tavares, Peaches & Herb, La Toya Jackson, Gloria Gaynor, Kenny Rogers, High Inergy, Herb Alpert, Ray Parker Jr, Johnny Mathis more)
• Paulinho da Costa - Percussion (Baby'o, Fuse One, Patrick Williams, Samba 4, Sergio Mendes, The Bridge, Dizzy Gillespie, Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, Sat. Night Fever sndtk, toto, Madonna, Ella Fitzgerals, Sarah Vaugn, Diana Krall, Claus Ogerman, many more)
• Donald Myrick - Horns, Musical Contractor (Phenix Choir/Horns, Philip Cochran, Artistic Heritage Ensemble, Sky, Intentions, Pharaohs, Salty Peppers, Phil Collins, Howlin' Wolf, Earth Wind and Fire, Ramsey Lewis, Chi-Lites, Emotions, Deniece Williams, Blue Magic, Valerie Carter, Twennynine, Gap Band, Pockets, Invisible Man's Band, La Toya Jackson, Pointer Sisters, Whispers, Dells, Bloodstone, Heaven 17, Philip Bailey, David Byrne, Bobby Womack, Jacksons more)
• Louis Satterfield - Horns (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, Upchurch more)
• Raheem Lee Michael Davis - Horns
• Fred Jackson - Horns (Bobby Hutcherson, Horace Silver, Jimmy Smith, Carole King, Frank Zappa, Maria Muldaur, Bill Cosby, Terry Callier, Joe Sample, The Whispers, Solomon Burke, Dianne Schuur, Earth Wind & Fire, Boz Scaggs, Ramsey Lewis, Ry Cooder, Alice Coltrane, BB King, Natalie Cole, Peabo Bryson, Gap Band, Rick James, LaToya Jackson, Con Funk Shun, Tavares, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Sheena Easton, Quincy Jones, Boz Scaggs, Dee Dee Bridgewater, more)
• Oscar Brashear - Horns (Bird Memorial Quintet, Brass Fever, Count basie Orch, Gerald Wilson Orch of the 80's/90's, Henry Mancini & His Orch,Hubert Laws Group, Karma, Master Fleet, Teddy Edwards Brasstring Ensemble, Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orch, more )
• Jerome Richardson - Horns (All Star Big Band, Cal Tjader, Cannonball Adderley, Charles Mingus, Charlie Shavers, Earl Fatha Hines, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Four Flutes, Gene Ammons, Gerald Wilson, Henry mancini, Jerome Richardson, Jim Tyler, Jimmy Cleveland, Kenny Clarke, Lalo Schifrin, Larry Vuckovich, Lionel Hampton, Manny Albam, Milt Jackson, Nat Adderley, Oliver Nelson, Oscar Pettiford, Per Husby, Quincy Jones, Ray Brown, Tadd Damerson, Thad Jones, Mel Lewis, Blue Mitchell Orch, Clifford Jordan, Creed taylor, Ernie Wilkins, Gary McFarland, Gene Page, Hines Varieties, Kenny Burrell, Michael Coldin, Prestige All Stars, Sextet of Orchaestra USA many)
• Garnett Brown - Horns (Crusaders, Herbie Hancock, Lionel Hampton, Billy Cobham, Dizzy Gillespie, Brass Fever, Charles Mingus, George Russell, Gerald Wilson, Gil Evans, Thad Jones, Mel Lewis, Booker Ervin, Buddy Collette, Chico Hamilton, Duke Pearson, Gene Harris, Thomas Tedesco more)
• Beverly Ashby - Harp 
• Benjamin Wright - Orch Direction
• June Gatlin - Spiritual Adviser

Unknown-ness: I had never heard of this band. From the cover, I'm hoping it will be some solid poppy girl RnB, like Seduction, Vanity 6, of En Vogue. I fear it is a little early for that, and is smack dab in the middle of disco, so i won't be surprised if it tackles that genre.

Album Review: The album is just straight disco, there are some elements of funk involved (Wear it Out, Footstompin' Music, Put On Your Rollerskates). It is also not all light rn'b (Dreams Come True, Take Me Back, I Just Imagined You) with smooth Supremes-like harmonies. "Runnin' From the Law" and "Lowdown Dancing" are solid poppy funk with horns that remind me of Oingo Boingo, oddly enough.

Accoring to IMDB, they were the Diamonds in the 1978 Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band movie and recorded the theme song to the 1977 Richard Pryor film "Which Way is Up." This is their third album, first on WB's after departing MCA. As a band, the lasted for two more records (as a duo, minus Anderson) and broke up in 1983. 

Stand Out Track: Runnin' From the Law

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Third World - Rock the World

Name: Third World
Album: Rock the World
Year: 1981
Style: R&B, Soul, Reggae
Similar Bands: Stylistics, Inner Circle, Wailers
"One-Word" Review: Free Love Soul Disco
Based Out Of: Jamaica
Label: Columbia

Cover, Sleeve, Record

Back, Lyrics, Record

Rock the World (1981)

1. Rock the World 3:46
2. Spiritual Revolution 5:11
3. Who Gave You (Jah Rastafari)  4:26
4. Dubb Music 3:37
5. Shine Like a Blazing Fire 3:47 /
6. Dancing on the Floor (Hooked On Love) 5:32(single)
7. There's No Need to Question Why 3:48
8. Peace and Love 4:14
9. Standing In The Rain 3:10 (single)
10. Hug It Up 4:45

Album Rating (1-10): 6.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Michael Cooper - Recording & Mixing
• Bruce Hensal - Recording & Mixing
• Patrice Carroll - Asst Engineer
• Robert Stweart - Asst Engineer
• Vishwaka Wadinambiaratchi - Asst. Engineer
• Bobby Bootheel - Album Art Concept
• Mark Diamond - Photos
• Mark Paternostro - Cover Art
• Bob Heimall - Art Direction
• Michael "Ibo" Cooper - Clavinet, Keys, Prophet 5, Vox, Funde Drum (The Alley Cats, Inner Circle, more)
• Stephen "Cat" Coore - Bass, Vox, Harmonica, Guitar, Synth, Tubular Bells (The Alley Cats, Inner Circle more )
• Richie Daley - Guitar, Cowbell, Backing Vox, Bass (Tomorrow's Children, Blaze, Derrick Harriott, Ras Eliebank, Black Market Rhythm Band, Jimmy Tucker, AJ Brown, Foundation, Earth Messengers, Bob Marley & Wailers, Candy McKenzi)
• Irvin "Carrot" Jarrett - Golbell, Conga, Cowbell, Backing Vox, Akete drum, Bell Chimes, Tambarine, Quaker Drum, Open End Spanners, Bongas, Bell of Three, Wood Claps (Inner Circle, The Wailers Band, NDTC Singers, Bob Andy, I Kong, Jimmy Tucker, AJ Brown, Judy Mowatt, Joe Higgs, Peter Broggs, Jampara, National Dance Theater Co of Jamica, Toots & the Maytals, Candy McKenzie, Bunny Rugs)
• Willie Stewart - Drums, Wood-ago-go-bell, Roaring Thunder, Tympani, Traps, Funde Drum, Timbales, Bottle of Green, Wood Claps, (Inner Circle, Blaze, Barry Biggs, T. Brothers, Pablo Moses, Jimmy Tucker, Cynthia Schloss, Gregory Isaacs, Lloyd Parks, Man of Nobility Ensemble, Marcia Griffiths, Earth Messengers, Ras Elibank, Karen Smith, Dawn Penn, Wailing Souls, Natalia Beylis, Paula Clarke, Delroy Wilson, The Jamaicans)
• William "Bunny Rugs" Clarke - Vox, Guitar, Cabassa (Inner Circle, Bunny & Ricky, Bush Weed & Corn Trash, Hugh Hendricks & the Buccaneers, Candy McKenzie)
• Valerie Von Pechy - Whitcup-Harp (Rosewater Blue, Billion Dollar Band, Peter Brown, KC & the Sunshine Band, Passion, Michael Blate, Raul Di Blasio)

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band, but it looks like it will be straight up Reggae made to heal the world. Like the matching white outfits.

Album Review: While the album does have many reggae vibes, much of the production, sound and vocal performances are more in line with straight up smooth R&B, and dip a toe into disco on some of the tracks (Dancing on the Floor). "Who Gave You" sounds a little like Elvis Costello's "Ship Building" or "Almost Blue."
With  over 47 years (1973 formation) and 9 Grammy nominations, Third World is one of the longest lasting reggae bands of all time, often blending/fusing reggae with R&B, Funk, Pop and Rap, giving them cross-genre appreciation. Their biggest success was in '78 with their cover of the O'Jays "Now That We Found Love," which was the basis for the Heavy D's 1991 cover. This album was their first with Columbia after leaving Island records. Both Rugs & Carrot have passed away in 2014 & 2018 respectively, but the band still records and performs.

Stand Out Track: Rock the World

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Tavares - Madam Butterfly

Name: Tavares
Album: Madam Butterfly
Year: 1979
Style: R&B, Soul, Funk
Similar Bands: Hues Corporation, Spinners, Stylistics, Temptations, LTD, KC & the Sunshine Band, Peaches & Herb
"One-Word" Review: Funky Smooth Bedroom Jawns
Based Out Of: New Bedford, Massachusetts, Rhode Island
Label: EMI, Capitol

Cover, Record

Record, Back

Madam Butterfly (1979)

1. Straight From Your Heart 4:27 (single)
2. Games, Games 4:33
3. Madam Buttefly 4:32
4. Let Me Heal the Bruises 4:26 /
5. Never Had a Love Like This Before 4:35 (single)
6. One Telephone Call Away 4:25
7. My Love Calls 5:09
8. Positive Forces 2:58
9. I'm Back for More 3:02

Album Rating (1-10): 6.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Bobby Martin - Producer
• Larkin Arnold - Exec Producer
• Brian Panella - Direction, Personal Mgmt
• Roy Kohara - Art Direction
• Henry Marquez - Design
• Oliver Ferrand - Cover/Back Photos
• Robert Hickson - Illustration
• Jim McCary - Liner/Sleeve Photos
• Antone Laurence "Chubby" Tavares (Chubby & the Turnpikes, Linda & the Del Rios, Lime)
• Perry Lee "Tiny" Tavares
• Feliciano Vierra "Butch" Tavares (Chubby & the Turnpikes)
• Ralph Vierra Tavares (Chubby & the Turnpikes, Linda & the Del Rios)
• Arthur Paul "Pooch" Tavares (Chubby & the Turnpikes, Linda & the Del Rios)
• Ron Kersey - Clavinet, Piano, Organ, Melodica (MFSB, Salsoul Orch, Trammps, more)
• Benorce Blackmon - Guitar (Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd St Rhythm Band, Mike James Kirkland, Bill Withers, The Persuasions, LTD, Mel Browne, Jean Terrell, John Handy, Benny Golson, DJ Rogers, Kurtis Blow, Justin Timberlake)
• Melvin Webb - Bongos, Congas, Drums, Percussion (Bloodstone, Fred Wesley, Johnny Nash, LTD, Marvin Gaye, Mel Browne, Jean Terrell, John Handy, Greg & Hanks, Wright Brothers Flying Machine, Halloween, Maxine Nightingale, Sir John Roberts, Syl Johnson, Thelma Houston, Deborah Washington, High Energy, Les McCann, Juice People Unlimited, Alain Chamfort, Street Players, Mary Wilson, Patrice Rushen, Splendor, Dramatics, Edwin Starr, Vernon Burch, Syreeta, Pyrymyd, Gap Band, Al Johnson, Yarbrough & Peoples, Nolen & Crossley, Esther Phillips, Jose Feliciano, Spinners, Billy Preston, Phyllis Hyman, O'Bryan, Atkins, Bobby Davenport, Goodie, Janet Jackson, Marlena Shaw, Gladys Knight & the Pops, Monalisa Young, Junior Walker, Dimples, Champaign)
• Len Ron Hanks - Clavinet, Piano (Grey & Hanks, Jean Terrell, Larry Graham, Alfie Silas)
• John Roberts - Flugelhorn, Trumpet (Barry White, jay Ansill, Natalie Merchant, Main Ingredient, Martha Reeves, Mel Brown Love Unlimited orch, T-Boy Ross, Penthouse Dance band, Tal Armstrong, Rockie Robbins, Vernon Burch, Christy Essien Igbokwe, Michael Wycoff, Albert King, George Duke, ZARD, Rachelle Ferrell, Musiq, Charlene Ava, Kirk Whalum, Spectrals, Gloria Newsom, Deniz Tek, Groupe Kounabeli De Masuku, Woodley Yeomen)
• Oscar Brashear  - Flugelhorn, Trumpet (Bird Memorial Quintet, Brass Fever, Count basie Orch, Gerald Wilson Orch of the 80's/90's, Henry Mancini & His Orch,Hubert Laws Group, Karma, Master Fleet, Teddy Edwards Brasstring Ensemble, Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orch, more )
• David Shields - Bass (First Cousins Jazz Ensemble, Mean Machine, Bill Cosby, Bill Quateman, Memphis Horns, Jackie De Shannon, Marlene Shaw, Blackbyrds, Thelma Houston, Jerry Butler, Kellee Patterson, Syteeta, GC Cameron, Patti Labelle, Emotions, The Originals, Karen Pree, Nancy Wilson, Haruko, Jim Capaldi, Leon Haywood, Mel Brown, Gladys Knight, Benny Golson, Bill LaBounty, Ms. Sharon Ridley, Bill Champlin, Smokey Robinson, 5th Dimension, Finished Touch, Deborah Washington, Bloodstone, Stephen Bishop, High Inergy, Chery Lynn, Rodney Franklin, Juice People Unlimiter, Vernon Burch, T-Boy Ross, John Mayall, Denise Williams, Robert John, Adrian Gurvitz, Gloria Gaynor, Valentine Bros, Harvey Mason, Randy Newman, DC LaRue, Andrae Crouch, Letta Mbulu, Flakes, Pyrymyd, John & Arthur Simms, Edwin Starr, Klique, Henry Gross, Freddie Hubbard, Stevie Woods, Bobby Womack, O'Bryan, Michael Wycoff, Wilton Felder, Manhattans, Marylin Scott, Jay Graydon, Jeff Porcaro, Beau Williams, Joey Negro, Cosmos Dwellerz Arkestra)
• Maurice Spears - Bass Trombone (Gerald Wilson Orch of 80's/90's, Teddy Edwards Brasstring Ensemble, Buddy Collette Big Band, Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orch, Phenix Horns More)
• Gaylord Birch - Drums (Cold Blood, Graham Central Station, Reconstruction, Santana, marvin Holmes & the Uptights, Natural Four, Merl Saunders, Pointer Sisters, Marvin Holmes & Justice, Roger Glenn, Lonnie Hewitt, Walter Hawkins & the Family, Kimm, Larry Graham, Bill Bell, Leon Patillo, Martha Young All Stars, Larry Vuckovich, John Lee Hooker, Charles Brown, Bob Stewart, Anthony Paule, Eddie Harris, Houston Person, Mary Stallings, Jerry Garcia, Napata Mero)
• Steve Erquiaga - Guitar (Frank Mantooth Jazz Orch, Roberta VanDere, John Handy, Art Van Damme Quintet, Les McCann, Andy Narell, Jon Illg, Bobby McFerrin, Antonio Lozano, Steve Erquiaga/Brasel/Kenneth Nash, Mehler, Melvin Seals, Rich Hodge, Carole Walker, Barbara Higbie, Rhiannon, Will Ackerman, Alex De Grassi, Turtle island String Quartet, Johann Sebastian Bach, Windham Hill Artists, Howie Smith, Pete Escovedo, Kitty margolis, Jacqui Naylor, Raquel Bitton, Noel McFarlane)
• Grover Mitchell - Trombone (Count Basie Big Band Orch,New Blue Devils, Lalo Schifrin, Frank Weiss, Harry Edison, more)
• Linda Small - Trombone  (Gary Urwin Jazz Orch, Tompall Glaser, Cate Bros, Jules & the Polar Bears, Pete Chistlieb)
• Tom McIntosh - Trombone (Dizzy Gillespie, Hubert Laws, Milt Jackson, NY Jazz Sextet, Oliver Nelson, Thad Jones, Mel Lewis, The Jazztet, more)
• Don Moors - Vibraphone (Richard Dimples Fields, Taj Mahal, Mel Brown, Rockie Robbins)

Unknown-ness: Can't say I've heard of this band before getting this record. The cover looks like it is going to be heavily Japanese influenced, even if the back shows the band to be a bunch of 70s leisure suited gentlemen. Leaning toward a funk style with some inspiration from Japanese music.

Album Review: It is pretty much a straight forward Funk R&B outfit, with slow, methodical songs breaking up the disco funk dancing and street corner pop. 

They truly were brothers from a musical household, and started out as first The Del Rios, a backing band for Linda Steele, and then Chubby & the Realities / Turnpikes in the late 1950s. Both Bernie Worrell (P-Funk) and Joey Kramer (Aerosmith) were in the band at points in time. They eventually took their last name as the band name in 1969. They had a string of albums and solid collection of hits. In 1977 they acquired the disco band label- a label that undeservedly pigeonholed them- as their Grammy award winning version of the Bee Gees song "More Than a Woman" was on the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack (the Bee gees wrote it specifically for Tavares). This album was the record that tried to break the image, sounding very Philadelphia Soul thanks to producer Bobby Martin. Eldest brother Ralph quit the band to pursue a 9-5 job (Court Officer) which he stayed at for 30 years and become a devoted father who was present in his family's life. The other brothers carried on, and in 2014, the five reunited for the first time in 30 years. And the band is still active, with future dates booked in 2021.

Stand Out Track: Positive Forces

Links:
Spotify full album
Wiki

Discogs

Allmusic
Providence Journal - Where are they now 2018
Facebook
2021 show @ Stadium Theater
Rhode Island  Music HoF
Music Museum of NE
NJ 101.5
Boston Globe
Soul Tracks
South Coast Today 2014: 30 yr reunion

Crazy Joe and the Variable Speed Band - Eugene

Name: Crazy Joe and the Variable Speed Band
Album: Eugene
Year: 1981
Style: Humor, Disco, Novelty
Similar Bands: Ween (in a bad way), Was (Not Was), MECO, Ray Stevens, Rick Dees
"One-Word" Review: problematic novelty island disco rock
Based Out Of: NYC
Label: Polygram, Casablanca Records & Filmworks

Cover, Record

Record, Back

Eugene (1981)

1. Eugene 4:11 (single)
2. Buzz Me 2:47
3. Gay Ranchero 4:10
4. You 3:23
5. Ugga Ugga Boo 4:25/
6. Little Puffies 4:21
7. Ice Cream 2:58 (single)
8. Stranded in the Jungle 3:26
9. Madam Palm 3:11
10. Blow Up 1:40

Album Rating (1-10): 4.0

Members & Other Bands:

• "Crazy Joe" Renda - Vox, Keys, Producer (Country Cousins, Sherwoods, Alex Parche, Chip Taylor, Stoney Edwards, Bum Bar Bastards)
• Kat McCord - Vox (Fabulour Rhinestones, David Sanborn Band, Guy & Pipp Gillette)
• John Regan - Bass, Musical Arrangement (Frehly's Comet, Ace Frehly, Peter Frampton, Chip Taylor, Wendy Waldman, Lisa bade, Diane Richards, Bowie & Jagger, Rolling Stones, Billy Idol, John Waite, Bonnie Tyler, Michael Monroe, Robin Trower, David Lee Roth, Brad Absher, John Phillips, Rob Arthur, Four by Fate, High Priest, Henning Hallqvist)
• Ed Monteleone - Guitars, Musical Arrangement (Peter Frampton)
• Claude Lehenaff - Drums, Percussion (Frankie & The Knockouts)
• Rob Sabino - Organ, Piano, Synth (Frehly's Comet, Joined Forces, Simms Bros Band, Nile Rodgers, Ace Frehly, Robert Cotter, Ashford & Simpson, Chic, Norma Jean, Sister Sledge, Peter Frampton, Debbie Harry, Odyssey, Blotto, Fonzi Thornton, Michael Gregory, Bernard Edwards, Paul Simon, Bowie, Diane Richards, Madonna, Bryan Adams, Richie Scarlet, Cartoons, Rosanne Cash, Power Station, EG Daily, Mick Jagger, Jeff Beck, Rodney Crowell, Matthew Sweet, Laurie Anderson, Michael Monroe, Terri Gonzalez, Larry Neil, Art Garfunkel, Mick Jones, Todd Rundgren, Carly Simon, Johnny Mathis)
• Diane Scanlon - Backing Vox (Univ of Bridgeport Jazz Rock Ensemble, Felix Cavaliere, Guy & Pipp Gillette, Siji)
• Ace Frehley - Syndrum, Co-Producer (Frehly's Comet, Kiss, For Love Not Lisa, Gene Simmons, Wendy O Williams, Criss, ESP, Still Wicked, Richie Scarlet, Kathy Valentine, Jam Pain Society, Ken Sharp)
• John Platania - Guitar Effects (Prof. Louie & the Crowmatrix, Caledonia Soul Orch, Giants, Chip Taylor, John Prine, Van Morrison, Gary Kuper, Don Cooper, Genya Ravan, Sam Leopold, Randy Newman, Stony Edwards, Gary Windo, Martha Velez, Dean Batstone, Gathering Field, Children of Earth, Greg Kroll, Guy Davis, MJ Nelson, Kendel Carson, Billy Vera, Evie Sands)
• Chris Cassone - Backing Vox, Talk Box, Engineer 
• Mike Hunt - Sax (Billy Blacktooth)
• Gary Axelbank - Radio Announcer
• Dennis Kaplan - Mgmt
• John Nagy - Mixing
• Greg Calbi - Mastering
• Richard Wexler - Photo
• Stephanie Zuras - Design
• Bob Heimall - Art Direction

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band. Looks like a basic power pop or pub rock band who likes to have a good time (see: guy tugging pizza out of a dog's mouth with his mouth)

Album Review: This entire album is absolutely horrible. Musically, it is OK, mostly leans toward disco,  and when the female vocals are isolated, it can be enjoyable. But each song employs comical vocals or effects, some of which are not very PC sounding, and most of the time, not very musical...take the immigrant, for whom, English is not his first language on "Eugene," or the alien rock band obsessed with underaged girls on "Little Puffies," or the homosexual vocal inflection in "Gay Ranchero." Even on the best track "Ice Cream," which starts out like a nice female r&b pop number with some fun synth energy. It is hampered by the sedated, monotone male speaking voice placed jarringly over some verse and backing the lead chorus. This vocal is the main vocal across the whole record, most of the time seeming more like a failed sketch comedy skit than a musical endeavor. 

The only pop appeal is that Ace Frehley had a hand in this band & it's "popularity." This is his first official work non related to Kiss. He co-produced and is featured on the single "Eugene." Other than that, Joe Renda made a name for himself as a producer more than a performer.

Stand Out Track: Ice Cream

Links:
Youtube full album
Discogs
Allmusic
Kissmonster
101.5 WPDH
The Stranger
Rate your Music
105.7 The Hawk

Taste of Honey (A) - s/t

Name: A Taste of Honey
Album: s/t
Year: 1978
Style: Disco, Funk, Soul
Similar Bands: Gloria Gaynor, George Clinton, Chic, Sister Sledge, Musique
"One-Word" Review: Disco-Funk
Based Out Of: LA, CA
Label: Capitol, EMI

Cover, Record

Record, Back

A Taste of Honey (1978)

1. Boogie Oogie Oogie 5:37 (single)
2. This Love of Ours 3:20
3. Distant 4:38
4. World Spin 3:42 /
5. Disco Dancin' 3:29 (single)
6. You 3:20
7. If We Loved 4:24 
8. Sky High 5:04 (single b-side_
9. You're In Good Hands 3:52

Album Rating (1-10): 6.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Perry L. Kibble - Arrangements, Production Assistant, Backing Vox, Keys (JC Davis)
• Janice M Johnson - Lead Vox, Bass (Lionel Richie, Felton Pilate)
• Hazel P. Payne - Lead Vox, Guitar (Space People)
• Donald R Johnson - Backing Vox, Drums 
• Larkin Arnold - Back Quote, VP/GM Soul Music Division, Exec Producer
• Fonce Misell - Producer, Arrangements
• Larry Mizell - Producer, Arrangements
• Steve Maslow  - Recording
• Gil Jones - Recording
• Sergio Reyes - Mixing
• Butch Lynch - Mixing
• Jim Nipar - Mixing
• Ken Perry - Mastering
• Tom Oliver - Additional Recording
• Wade Marcus - String Arrangement & Conduction
• Roy Kohara - Art Direction
• Ken Anderson - Design
• Dick Zimmerman - Cover Photo
• Rosenberg/Levy - Liner Photo

Unknown-ness: I never heard of this band, but since buying this, i've seen the cover elsewhere, in a kind of iconic reputation. The image is great: two powerful, badass women stand with guitars and bass- in a world where that was very uncommon, in front of a honeycomb backdrop, driving the name home. The serious look on their faces gives question to the sweetness of the band name, "honey," so as to what is on this record, i can only judge as intriguing. Although the song names lend themselves to disco, i hope it leans toward real instruments, perhaps in a heavier, rock setting.

Album Review: This is pretty straightforward disco. Lots of swirling strings, and funky basslines, but there are some tender, softer moments that relax into the R&B world. Then there are some guitar solos peppered in that Hendrix and Prince would be proud of as well. 

The group started in 1971, and after doing USO shows internationally, they were "discovered" oncwe they returned home in an LA club. Named after Herb Alpert's song of the same name, not the play or film also of the same name. This iconic album had one of the biggest disco singles in Boogie Oogie Oogie, (written in backlash to an unresponsive USO crowd) which propelled both the single and album to go platinum in sales, and won them best new artist of the year, 1979 at the Grammys (first black group to do so). They burned bright and short, because as the Disco era was winding down, so did the band after their contract negotiated 5 album run. Surviving members have reunited in 2004 for a PBS special. And Janice M. Johnson, who is a member of the Native American Hall of Fame, carries on the band's name. They have been sampled quite a bit by rap/hip hop artists.

Stand Out Track: Boogie Oogie Oogie

Links:
Wiki
Discogs
Allmusic
Ultimate Disco Cruise
NJ 101.5
Jay Siegan Presents
IMDB
What Happened To...CBS News
Bold Soul Sisters

Marc Tanner Band (the) - No Escape

Name: The Marc Tanner Band
Album: No Escape
Year: 1979
Style: Disco, Rock
Similar Bands: Bee Gees, Journey, Steely Dan, Supertramp, Doobie Bros.
"One-Word" Review: Smooth Disco infused Pub Band
Based Out Of: California
Label: Elektra, Asylum, Nonesuch, Warner Communications

Cover, Sleeve, Record

Back, Lyrics, Record

No Escape (1979)

1. Never Again 3:12 (single b-side)
2. Crawlin' 2:54
3. She's So High 4:30 (single)
4. Elena 3:27 (single)
5. Edge of Love 3:25 /
6. Getaway 3:35
7. Lady in Blue 3:51 (single b-side)
8. In A Spotlight 4:15
9. Lost at Love 3:42
10. Your Tears Don't Lie 3:33 

Album Rating (1-10): 6.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Marc Tanner - Writer, Vox, Guitar (Eddie Money, Nelson, Choice Reunion)
• Mike Baird - Drums (Ironhorse, Airborne, HP Riot, Journey, Sam Kinison, Cecilio & Kapono, Hall & Oates, Buffy Saint-Marie, Richie Havens, Tommy James, Doonesbury's Jimmy Thudpucker, Rita Coolidge, Pointer Sisters, Johnny Mathis, Denise Williams, Nigel Olsson, Shawn Phillips, Flyer, Brooklyn Dreams, Paul Anka, Cher, Art Garfunkel, Beach Boys, Rick Springfield, America  many)
• Bob Glaub - Bass (Jackson Browne, Adam Sandler, Journey, Dave Mason, Booker T, Rod Stewart, Arlo Guthrie, Carly Simon, Leo Sayer, Warren Zevon, Steve Miller Band, Gladys Knight, Jim Morrison, Cher, Bonnie Raitt, Rita Coolidge, Donna Summer, Linda Ronstadt, Seals & Crofts, Eric Carmen, Eddie Money, Gordon Lightfoot, Peter Cetera, Phoebe Snow, Bee Gees, David Lindley, Stevie Nicks, Karla Bonoff, Laura Brannigan, CS&N, Don Henley, Jimmy Buffett, Donovan, Carole King many)
• Ritchie Zito - Guitar (Snowball, The Bay Ridge, Teri DeSario, Joey Carborne, Eric Carmen, Annie, Eddie Money, Tyketto, Prism, Mr. Big, Liza Minnelli, Diana Ross, Art Garfunkel, Beach Boys, Nigel Olsson, Harry Nillsson, Elton john, Peter Allen, Elton john, Sparks, Ringo Starr, Kenny Rogers, Chuck Berry, Toni Basil, Barry Manilow, Lionel Richie, Irene Cara, Giorgio Moroder, Nina Hagen, America, Janet Jackson, Tina Turner, Joe Cocker, Neville Bros, Red 7, Kenny Loggins, Berlin  more)
• William Smitty Smith - Piano, Backing Vox (Motherlode, Eric mercury, Ricky Lee Jones, Domenic Troiano, Craig Doerge, Neil Sedaka, Bruce Miller, Jade, Richie Havens, Jorge Calderon, Dianne Brooks, Blood Sweat & Tears, Larry Carlton, Leah Kunkel, Ronnie Dyson, Gap Mandione, Ry Cooder, Renee Geyer, Rita Coolidge, David Lindley, Brenda Russel, Danny Kortchmar, Bob Dylan, James Gang, Etta James, Harry Nilsson, Billy Joel, Sam & Dave, Bonnie Raitt, Lily Tomlin, Kenny Rankin, Robert Palmer, Tina Turner, Rare Earth, Dusty Springfield, Tom Jones, Pointer Sisters, Peter Cetera, Donovan, Bruce Willis lots)
• Vanetta Fields - Backing Vox (Ike & Tina Turner, Pink Floyd, Humble Pie, Barbara Streisand, Elkie Brooks, Neil Diamond, Steely Dan, Rolling Stones, Richard Clapton, Australian Crawl, Cold Chisel, Jimmy Barnes, James Morrison, John Farnham, Blackberries, Ikettes, Mirettes, Mundane Willis Singers, Quincy Jones, Shuggie Otis, Johnny Rivers, more )
• Jim Horn - Flute (Duane Eddy, George's Band, Johnny Rivers, Kip Tyler, Lalo Schifrin, Horn Section, The Rebels, The Shelter People, Righteous Brothers, Ike & Tina Turner, Lou Rawls,  many more)
• Gary Mallaber - Drums (Chi Blues Reunion, Raven, Stan & the Ravens, Steve Miller Band, Thunderbox, Tracker, Tom Rush, Van Morrison, America, Paul Williams, Cher, Danny O'Keefe, Randy Newman, Jose Feliciano, David Soul, Warren Zevon, Paul Williams, Eddie Money, Joan Armatrading, Peter Frampton, Beach Boys, Muppets, Dusty Springfield, Tommy Tutone, Barbara Streisand, Kim Carnes, Bob Seger, Alyssa Milano, Bruce Springsteen, Los Lobos, The Heights, more)
• Ben Benay - Guitar (Delaney & Bonnie & Friends, Funzone, Goldenrod, Your Gang, Kim Fowley, Mama Cass, Grass Roots, Tommy Roe, Mae West, Chi Coltrane, Duane Allman, T-Bone Walker, Dusty Springfield, Steely Dan, Four Tops, Fifth Dimension, Neil Sedaka, Righteous Bros, Tavares, BB King, Barbara Streisand, Johnny Rivers, Glen Campbell, Hues Corp., Joe Cocker, Three Dog Night, more)
• Jay Graydon - Guitar (Airplay, JaR, Planet, Rhythm Heritage, Manhattan Transfer, Airplay, Al Jarreau, Lou Rawls, Michael & Stormie Omartian, Don Ellis, Boz Scaggs, Joe Cocker, Edwin Starr, Barbara Streisand, Aretha Franklin, Jack Jones, Four Tops, Paul Anka, Supremes, Cher, Donovan, Candi Staton, Marvin Gaye, Stephen Bishop, Dionne Warwick, Leo Sayer, Gary Wright,  so many)
• David Paich - Piano (Far Corporation, Steve Vai, Toto, Leo Sayer, Diana Ross, Black Rose, Joe Scott, Boz Scaggs, Leo Sayer, Sonny & Cher, Seals & Crofts, Jackson Browne, Steely Dan, Cecilio & Kapono, Loggins & Messina, Neil Diamond, Hues Corp, Righteous Bros, Fifth Dimension, Helen Reddy, Glen Campbell, Jose Feliciano, Nilsson, Boz Scaggs, Sparks, Paul Williams, Paul Anka, Aretha Franklin, Barbara Streisand, Eric Carmen, Bob Weir, Dusty Springfield, Pointer Sisters, many)
• Bryan Savage - Sax (John McEuen, LA String Wizards, Shot in the Dark, Broadway Clique, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Starwood, Steve martin, Louisiana's Le Roux, David James Holster Mary MacGregor, Al Stewart, Amazing Rhythm Aces, William E McEuen, Al Stewart, Night Plane, hans Olson, Rhythm & Bluefield Band, 3rd Force, McLain & Gregg)
• Rosemary Butler - Backing Vox (Birtha, Metro Voices, Daisy Chain, Honey Sisters, Catfish Hodge, Bonnie Raitt, Ned Doheny, Warren Zevon, Jackson Browne, Paul Williams Doobie Bros, Tim Moore, Dirt Band, Fuller &Katz, Steve Harley, Ben Sidran, Maria Muldaur, Allen Toussaint Richie Furay, Little Feat, Nicolette Larson, Lauren Wood, Leah Kunkel, Rosanne Cash, Linda Ronstadt, Ozark Mt Daredevils, Boz Scaggs, Rodney Crowell, Johnny Lee, Billy Katt, Anne Bertucci, Night Plane, Jack Mack & Heart Attack, Yichiro Oda, Masato Kai, Darrell Mansfield Band, Keith Emerson, Derek Austin, Karisma, Sissy Spacek, Dolly Parton, Jack Wagner, Charlie Daniels Band, Laura Branigan, James Taylor, Cher, Pure Prarie League, Russel Hitchcock, Steve Camp, Michael Rofgers, Karen Stanley, Burton Cumings, The Simpsons, Julio Iglesias, Glenn Frey, Aaron Neville, Bob Seger, Allen Toussaint, Maggie's Farm, Darrell Mansfield, Ringo Starr, Neil Diamond, Joshua Kadison, Willie Nelson, Ray Charles, Candye Kane, Micael McDonals, Neil Young)
• Mike Finnegan - Backing Vox (Black Rose, Finnigan & Wood, Dudek Finnegan Krueger Band, Jerry Hahn, Phantom Blues Band, Serfs, West Coast Gang, Serfs, Jerry Hahan Brotherhood, Dave Mason, Maria Muldaur, Funky Kings, Peter Frampton, Rod Stewart, Stephen Stills, Ringo Starr, CS&N, Alice Cooper, The Heights, Steve Vai, Andy Griffith, barbara Blue, Taj Mahal, Joe Cocker, Bonnie Raitt, Jimi Hendrix Experience, Dan Fogelberg, Sharks, Manhattan Transfer some more)
• Max Gronenthal - Backing Vox (New Breed Blues Band, Chancellors, Fabulous Flippers, Gangbusters, Energy, DFK Band, Dan Fogelberg, Don Henley, Elton John, Kenny Loggins, Molly Hatchet, Bonnie Raitt, Bette Midler, Jack Mack & the Heart Attack, 38 Speical, Joe Cocker, Bad Company, Charlie Daniels, Wynonna Judd, Richard Marx, Tower of Power, Grand Funk Railroad, Rod Stewart, Dusty Springfield)
• Tommy Vig - Percussion (Chappy Tanczenekara, Henry Mancini,  The Vigs, UssDob, Martin Denny, Jack Wilson, Dr. John Street Corner Symphony, Rod Stewart, Alexander's Discotime Band, Randy Edelman, Quincy Jones, Bruce Roberts, Carpenters, Freddie Hubbard, Johnny Mathis, Denise Williams, Dusty Springfield, George Deffet, Marlena Shaw, Stephen Bishio, Paul Jabara, Art Garfunkel. Manhattan Transfer, Dream Express, High Energy, Robben Ford, Jesse Barish, Art garfunkel, Hans Koller, Diana Ross, Lajos Dudas, Maxi Anderson, Four Tops, Bruce Broughton, Joe Fritz, Marvin Gaye, Bruce Roberts)
• Jeff Porcaro -Drums (Sonny & Cher, Toto, Steve Lukather, Greg Mathieson, Grimaldi / Zeiher, Joe Cocker, Ricky Gianco, Melanie, Jack Daugherty, Seals & Crofts, Steely Dan, Joe Cocker, Juice Newton, Bonnie Raitt, 5th Dimension, Helen Reddy, Robert Palmer, Leo Sayer, Boz Scaggs, Three Dog Night, Jackson Browne, Paul Williams, Eric Carmen, Hall & Oates, Barbara Streisand, Diana Ross, Etta James, Al Stewart, Gary Wright, lots)
• Steve Lukather - Guitar (Baby'O, Far Corporation, Larry Carlton-Steve lukather Band, Los Lobotomys, The Greg Mathieson Project, Toto, discogs page)
• Dan Dugmore - Lap Steel Guitar (Ronin, Can't Hardly Playboys, Linda Ronstadt discog page)
• Joe Turano - Backing Vox (Jam Squad, Stupid Guys, Rickie Lee Jones. Robbie Dupree, Jan Storey, Jack Street band, bette Midler, Allan Holdsworth, Matthew Wilder, Michael Ruff, Joe Lamont, John Denver Van Stephenson, Joe Cocker, Rod Stewart, Julie Brown. Donna Summer, Zuma2, Jack Wagner, Joleen, Eddie Money, Brenda Russell, Boy Meets Girl, Four Tops, Chantal, Michael Bolton, Alice Cooper, Henry lee Summer, Cher, Neil Diamond, Rod Stewart, Albert Hammond, Taylor Dayne, Thom Rotella, Beck, Joe Cocker, Deborah McColl, Al Jarreau, Seawind, Kevin Wells, Ted Taylor, Chris Camozzi, Kids of Widney High, Shapes, George Benson, Michael Ruff)
• Glen Spreen - Co Producer, Engineer, String Arrangements, Piano, Moog, Synth, Bass (Elvis Presley, Dan Fogelberg, Ronnie Milsap, Buffy Saint-Marie, Jose Feliciano, Potliquor, Eric Anderson, James Gang, Joan Baez, BJ Thomas, Donovan, Rusty Weir, Ian Matthews Many more)
• Nat Jeffrey - Producer, Writer, Mixing
• Jeff Monday - Writer
• Sal Marquez - Writer
• Bil Gazecki - Engineer, Mixing
• Teri Diane Becker - Engineer
• Joe Tuzen - Engineer
• Wayne Neuendorf - Engineer
• Nick Van Maarth - Engineer
• Roger Mayer - Engineer
• Bob Bullock - Engineer
• Bob Gore - Engineer
• Karla Frederick - Engineer
• Than Silverlight - Moog Programmer
• Neil Brody - Mixing
• Terry Dunavan - Mastering
• Lewis Kaplan - Mgmt
• Johnny Bright - Mgmt
• Ron Coro - Art Direction & Design
• Elliot Gilbert - Photos
• Johnny Lee - Design

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band / artist. Looks like a typical 70's pub rock singer/songwriter from the picture on a desolate dried up desert/landscape. Other than the picture on front & back, the packaging & fonts are quite generic, so there is nothing to read into the music, unless it parallels the generic artwork.

Album Review: Musically, the album is light, poppy and disco influenced in the bass beats and synth. A lot of the songs feel like he's a piano based singer songwriter with a session/studio musician ensemble in support. 

Later in life, Tanner became a producer for film music and albums, including Nelson's hit record After the Rain. With this release, they packaged a promo gift of a tie clip in the shape of handcuffs, which became a sought after product in and out of the music industry. 

Stand Out Track: Never Again

Links:
Wiki

Discogs

Allmusic

Rate your music

Wikiwand

west coast music

imdb

Youtube album

handcuffs pin-ebay

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

Invisible Man's Band - s/t

Name: Invisible Man's Band
Album: s/t
Year: 1980
Style: Disco, R&B, Funk
Similar Bands: Dr Buzzards Savannah Band, Parliament Funkadelic, Bobby McFerrin
"One-Word" Review: Island Funk Disco
Based Out Of: Chicago
Label: Mango Records, Island Records

Cover, Notes, Record

Back, Lyrics, Record

Invisible Man's Band (1980)

1. Full Moon 4:53
2. All Night Thing 6:20 (#9 R&B chart single)
3. X Country 6:19 /
4. 9 X's Out of Ten 5:52
5. Rent Strike 6:54
6. Love Can't Come / Love Has Come 8:03

Album Rating (1-10): 5.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Clarence Burke - Producer, Lead + Acoustic Guitar, Rhythm+Synth Arrangement (Five Stairsteps, Venus Dodson, Kwame, Keith Pol, Together as One, Dream Theater, herbie Mann, Touch of Class, Freddie Jackson)
• Alex Masucci - Producer, Backing Vox, Mgmt, Direction
• Chris Blackwell - Exec Producer
• Keni Burke - Bass (Five Stairsteps, Peabo Bryson, Ca$hflow, Andy Lewis, Smoove, Preston Glass, Billy Preston, DJ Rogers, Bill Withers, Gladys Knight & Pips, Stargard, Linda Clifford, Dusty Springfield, Spyder Turner, Leroy Hutson, Les McCann, Emotions, Narada Michael Walden, Eugen Record, Terry Callier, Sly & Family Stone, Undisputed Truth, Clifford Coulter, Ramsey Lewis, Curtis Mayfield, Chocolate Milk, Ahmad Jamal, Smokey Robinson, Thelma Houston, Brenda Holloway, Natalie Cole, Cameo, more  )
• Dennis Burke - Rhythm Guitar (Five Stairsteps, Trinidad Oil Company, Brenda Holloway)
• James Burke - Vibes (Five Stairsteps, Rob Galbraith)
• Dean Grant - Synths, Keys, Arrangement (Stargard, Linda Clifford, Spinners, Stephanie Mills, Larry Graham, Jones Girls, Madonna, Keni Burke, Anita Baker, Outkast, Peabo Bryson, Don Kinsey, Sunfire more)
• Steve Ferrone - Drums (Average White Band, BFD, Brian Auger's Oblivion Express, Easy Pieces, Eric Clapton, Legacy, Spin 1ne 2wo, Superfriends, Domenic Troiano, SNL band, Tom Petty & Heartbreakers more)
• Ricardo Marrero - Latin Percussion (Buggers, Las Siete Potencias, Ruben Blades Y Seis Del Solar, Stairsteps, Franke Dante, Touch of Class, La Charanga 76, Special Request, Jellybean, Roman Sandals, Caco Senante Y Despues, Hector Lavoe, James Ingram, Roberto Roena Apollo Sound)
• John Weisenburg - Banjo
• Totico Sanchez - Latin+Vocal Percussion
• Carlos Sanchez - Latin+Vocal Percussion 
• Bob Byrant - Trumpet (Corcovado Trumpets, Gerald Wilson, James Bond & his Sextet, Oliver Nelson, Quincy Jones, South Central Avenue Municipal Blues Band, Buddy Collette, Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orch. more)
• Greg Fowler - Guitar 
• Lee Jaffe - Harmonica (Bob Marley & Wailers, Peace Choir, Kwame, Joe Higgs, Culture, Lenny Kravitz, Wingless Angels, Alpha Blondy, Tricky, Peter Tosh)
• Don Myrick - Sax, Flute (Sky, Phil Collins, Phenix Choir, Philip Cohran, Artistic Heritage Ensemble, Intentions, Pharaohs, Salty Peppers more)
• Rahm Lee - Trumpet, Flugal Horn, all solos (Phenix Choir/Horns, Piece of Peace, Ramsey Lewis, Grey and Hanks, Phil Collins, Beatchuggers, Imaginations, Smoke, Chanson, Emotions, Pockets, Kinsman Dazz, Eugene Record, Twennynine, Lenny White, Whispers, Earth Wind & Fire, Al Johnson, Edmund Sylvers, Kwame, Chuck Jackson, Chi-Lites, Randy Brown, Rodney Franklin, Dells, Gene Chandler, Stanley Turrentine, Patrick Cowley, Frida, Toshiki Kadomatsu, Superior Movement, Kaoru Hirose, Heaven 17, MCB, George Kranz, Philip Bailey, Shuybah, Kassav, Topanga Express, France Gall, Jocelyne Beroard, Pharaohs, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Anri, Bobby Lyle, Grainger)
• Louis "Vibes" Satterfield - Trombone (Phenix Choir/Horns, Philip Cochran, Artistic Heritage Ensemble, Sky, Inentions, Pharaohs, Salty Peppers, Phil Collins, BB King, Fontella Bass, more)
• Brenda Madison - Backing Vox (David Dancious & Tone, Andy Pratt, Kwame, Don Kinsey & Chosen Ones)
• Janice Burke - Backing Vox (Kwame)
• Yvonne Wright - Backing Vox (Minnie Riperton, Kwame)
• Vernon Stuart - Backing Vox 
• Pete Jackson  - Backing Vox (Al Raymond Big Band, Touch of Class, Moody Blues, T. Life, Michael Pedicin Jr, Meco, Buddy FeFranco, Maynard Ferguson)
• Gerald Jackson - Backing Vox  (Touch of Class, Bohannon, Ojeda Penn, Victor Vick, Sonny Emory, Meco, Issac Hayes, MC Breed)
• Ben Taylor - Backing Vox 
• Chris White - Rhythm Arrangement
• Steven Stanley - Mixing Engineer
• Jonathan Fearing - Editing
• Jim Douglas - Mixing Engineer
• Alfredo Li - Mixing Engineer
• Mark Ledzian - Photos, Design
• Jane Walsh-Ronayne - Art Direction, Design
• Eddie Kamali - Clothing
• Maggie Hahn - Model

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band, but it looks like a weird Robert Palmer-like (model's red outfit + red lipstick) new wave band.

Album Review: This is the Burke family's regrouping from the remnants of Five Stairsteps. The doo-wop sound is mostly dropped, and this is an interesting mix of genre-disco...imagine disco through the eyes of funk, soul, r&b, calypso, country, and soft ballad for each song. But it always carries the shuffle percussive beat. The first track features a lot of earthy tribal vocal beats, track 2 is straight up disco single, track three comically plays with country music at the intro, before trading it in for a stereotypical disco (Flaming/Hot/Fire/Burning) lyric content. Side B track one is a smooth & slow R&B love song. Rent Strike explores Funk (and comes off as very topical in the current pandemic), and the closing track explores island percussion and Love Boat wavering vocals with a solid support harmonic choir and smooth jazz.

Stand Out Track: Rent Strike

Links:
discogs
Five Stairsteps wiki
allmusic
Gant's Passing 4/25/20
Clarence Burke's Passing
Soulwalking
Who Sampled

Image (thee) - Inside the Triangle

Name: Thee Image
Album: Inside the Triangle
Year: 1975
Style: Prog, Jazz, Disco, Psych
Similar Bands: Traffic, Little Feat, Dr. John, Bee-Gees
"One-Word" Review: Hard Jazz Fusion Disco
Based Out Of: Miami FL
Label: Manticore, Motown

Cover & Record

Back, Record

Inside the Triangle (1975)

1. Fly Away 6:36
2. Far Away Places 2:55 (single b-side)
3. High Time Feeling 3:34
4. IOU's 2:32
5. All Night Long 4:15 / 
6. Good To You 6:02
7. Alone With You 5:05 (single)
8. Rapture of the Deep 1:45
9. Nobody Wins till the Game is Over 4:15 (cover Sir Mack Rice)

Album Rating (1-10): 5.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Mike Pinera - Producer, Guitar, Lead & Backing Vox (Blues Image, Iron Butterfly, Cactus, Alice Cooper, Ramatam, Classic Rock All Stars, Fanz, Thee Butterfly, Judy Mayhan, )
• Duane Hitchings - Keys, Moog, Synth, Backing Vox (Buddy Miles Express, Cactus, Charmer, Steel, Kim Carnes, Carmine Appice,  The Runaways, Rod Stewart, Bad Finger, Alice Cooper )
• Donny Vosburgh - Drums, Percussion, Backing Vox (Blues Image, Buddy Miles, Fortress, Mother's Finest, Darrell Mansfield Band)
• Karl Richardson - Recording & Mixing
• Ed Mashal - Asst. Engineer
• John Blanche - Mastering Engineer
• Srat Stills - Cover Art
• Mario A Algaze - Photography
• Thee Big "M" - Album Concept & Art Direction
• Mario Medious - Executive Producer

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band. Although the title and cover are is heading to somewhere ominous...the Bermuda triangle...the three guys in the band couldn't look more like three stoner surfer dudes incapable of evil. I assume the back image is of them at some palace in Bermuda, with the three guys looking a little glammy with cape, embroidered shirt, and bedazzled bell-bottoms. So I'm guessing this band is somewhere between glam, and prog, with the cover art being conceptual enough to make me think of prog.

Album Review: The Band name was a nostalgic throw-back tribute for Pinera & Vosburgh, who used to play together in Blue Image at a "legendary" club in Miami called Thee Image. Some of the album (Single "Alone With You") sounds like if a typical lounge singer like Tom Jones would decide to make a funky-disco album..okay, that might actually work or sound cool, but this does not sit in such a positive light. But some sounds like psych rock, or prog fusion. "IOUs" sounds kind like a video game

Stand Out Track: IOU's

Links:
prog aspect
audiophile man
discogs
rockasteria
rate your music
classic rock louder sound
spotify double album
allmusic