Lucifer's Friend -....Where The Groupies Killed The Blues (1972)

On their second album, Lucifer's Friend pushes their sound in a more straightforward prog-rock direction with mixed results. The resulting album, Where the Groupies Killed the Blues, shows the band had the instrumental dexterity necessary for this style of music but lacked the discipline to create focused and coherent art rock. The album is riddled with instrumental solos that seem so different from the songs surrounding them that they often feel like they have been arbitrarily added to the songs. A good example of this problem is "Rose on the Vine": it features an arresting, Black Sabbathish guitar riff that is effectively doubled by the vocal melody but makes the mistake of burying these hooks in a series of noodly keyboard and guitar solos. The numbers that work the best are the ones that cut back the excesses and play up the group's songwriting skills: "Hobo" is a keyboard layered rocker built on a solid array of riffs and a dramatic vocal from John Lawton, and "Burning Ships" is an acoustic-based number that utilizes the band's instrumental chops to create a compelling atmosphere for the strong tune at its core. Ultimately, Where the Groupies Killed the Blues is neither fish nor fowl: it is too artsy and jazzy to please heavy metal fans, yet is too full of guitar bombast to make a comfortable listen for prog fans. It has enough moments of interest for anyone seriously interested in the work of Lucifer's Friend, but will most likely be seen by casual listeners as an interesting misfire.

Track listing

01. "Hobo" (Hesslein, Lawton)  -  3:42
       Words By – John Lawton / Written-By – J. Lawton, P. Hesslein
02. "Rose on the Vine" (Hesslein)  - 8:19
       Words By – John O'Brien-Docker / Written-By – J. O'Brian Docker, P. Hesslein
03. "Mother" (Hecht)  - 7:25
       Words By – John O'Brien-Docker / Written-By – J. O'Brian Docker, P. Hecht
04. "Where the Groupies Killed the Blues" (Hesslein)  - 5:04
       Words By – John O'Brien-Docker / Written-By – D. Horns, J. O'Brian Docker
05. "Prince of Darkness" (Hesslein)  - 5:37
       Words By – John O'Brien-Docker / Written-By – J. O'Brian Docker, P. Hesslein
06. "Summerdream" (Hecht, Hesslein)  - 8:56)
       Words By – John O'Brien-Docker / Written-By – J. O'Brian Docker, P. Hesslein
07. "Burning Ships" (Hesslein, Horns, Lawton)  - 4:34)
       Words By – John Lawton / Written-By – D. Horns, J. Lawton, P. Hesslein

Credits
Vocals – John Lawton
Piano, Organ, Electric Piano, Synthesizer [Moog], Mellotron – Peter Hecht
Drums, Percussion – Joachim Rietenbach
Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Percussion, Vocals – Peter Hesslein
Electric Bass [Fenderbass], Double Bass [Bass-fiddle] – Dieter Horns
Arranged By [Strings & Brass] – Peter Hecht
Arranged By [The Group] – Lucifer's Friend
Design [Album Design] – Witt (2)
Engineer – Conny Plank
Photography By – Foth
Producer – J. Rietenbach, C. Plank, D. Horns, H. Hildebrandt, P. Hecht, P. Hesslein*

Companies etc
Pressed By – Deutsche Grammophon Gesellschaft Pressing Plant
Recorded At – Windrose-Dumont-Time Studios
Recorded At – Star Studio Hamburg
Lacquer Cut At – Deutsche Grammophon Gesellschaft Pressing Plant

Notes
Recorded at Windrose - Dumont Time Studio & Star Music Studio, Hamburg, January 1972
Genre: Jazz-Rock, Progressive Rock
Length: 41:24
Release: 1972

Label - Vertigo Records

Phish - Hoist (1994)

“Hoist” is the fifth official studio album by the American rock band Phish, released on March 29, 1994, by Elektra Records.
The band suggested a few ideas for the album's title before finally settling on “Hoist”; one of the alternative suggestions was “Hung Like a Horse”. The band ruled this out, but decided to keep the visual joke intact for the album's cover. The horse is also a reference to "The Horse," the only song not visually depicted on the cover of Rift, the band's previous album.
“Hoist” features guest appearances from Alison Krauss, Béla Fleck and a host of other musicians, as well as actor Jonathan Frakes on trombone. With its jazz, blues, soul and bluegrass influences, the album is marked by more stripped-down, straightforward songwriting and pop-friendly hooks, a somewhat new approach for Phish.
However, the album's final track, "Demand", segues into an extended instrumental excerpt from the April 21, 1993, live performance of the song "Split Open and Melt", followed by the first verse and refrain of the Hebrew song "Yerushalayim Shel Zahav (Jerusalem of Gold).
"Riker's Mailbox" is a brief interlude track on the album, and the only "song" on the album to have never been performed live by the band. Album producer Paul Fox lived next to Jonathan Frakes, whose mailbox is apparently uniquely decorated. Frakes, who played Commander Riker on Star Trek: The Next Generation, sat in for a while during the Hoist sessions, giving his name to the track.
Phish's strength is not songcraft or hooks, it's the band's love of free-form song structures and extended jams. When the group's sound is reduced to its core, as it is on Hoist, it isn't quite as compelling. Nevertheless, the album is an improvement on the dismal Rift and features several fine cuts.

Track listing

01.  "Julius"  - 4:42
02.  "Down with Disease"  - 4:07
03.  "If I Could"  (Anastasio) -  4:09
04.  "Riker's Mailbox"  (Anastasio, Jon Fishman, Mike Gordon, Page McConnell)  - 0:26
05.  "Axilla (Part II)"  - 4:28
06.  "Lifeboy"  - 6:54
07.  "Sample in a Jar"  4:41
08.  "Wolfman's Brother"  (Anastasio, Fishman, Gordon, Marshall, McConnell)  - 4:28
09.  "Scent of a Mule" (Gordon)  - 4:02
10.  "Dog Faced Boy"  (Anastasio, Fishman, Marshall, McConnell)  - 2:11
11.  "Demand"  - 10:42

All songs written and composed by Trey Anastasio, Tom Marshall, except where noted.

Credits

Phish
Trey Anastasio - guitars, vocals
Page McConnell - keyboards, vocals
Mike Gordon - bass guitar, vocals
Jon Fishman - drums, vocals

Special Guests
Morgan Fichter - violin on "Lifeboy"
Alison Krauss - additional vocals on "If I Could"
Rickey Grundy Chorale - backing vocals on "Julius"
Rose Stone & Jean McClain - backing vocals on "Julius" and "Down With Disease"
Tower of Power Horn Section - horns on "Julius" and "Wolfman's Brother"
Jonathan Frakes - trombone on "Riker's Mailbox"
Bela Fleck - banjo on "Riker's Mailbox", "Lifeboy," and "Scent of a Mule"
The Richard Greene Fourteen - strings on "If I Could"

Notes
Recorded: October–November 1993, American Recording Co., Woodland Hills, California
Mixed By, Recorded By: Ed Thacker
Producer: Paul Fox
Genre: Rock
Length: 50:28
Release: 1994

Label - Elektra Records

The Del Fuegos - Stand Up (1987)

On the front cover of "Stand Up", the Del Fuegos third album, lead singer and guitarist Dan Zanes looks as if he's struggling to stay awake, and it seems sadly indicative of a band that was clearly running out of steam. While guitarist Warren Zanes and Tom Lloyd had contributed to the songwriting on the Del Fuegos' first two albums, on "Stand Up" Dan wrote all the songs either by himself or with outside contributors (among them producer Mitchell Froom), and with a third guitarist, a handful of guest musicians, a horn section and six backing vocalists contributing to the sessions, this album simply doesn't sound like the work of the same band that made The Longest Day and Boston, Mass. It doesn't help that Dan Zanes' voice sounds a bit ragged here, and while having Tom Petty and James Burton contribute guitar work to the album certainly seemed like a great idea at the time, the songs just aren't up to what this band was capable of and the performances lack the energy and keen focus of their best work. Between the arrangements and the melodic hooks of tunes like "Wear It Like a Cape" and "A Town Called Love," it's clear that Dan Zanes was embracing his R&B influences while making Stand Up, but his voice just isn't up to the challenge of the material, and the oddball experiment "He Had A Lot to Drink Today" simply sounds like a mistake.
Warren Zanes and drummer Woody Geissman would both leave the Del Fuegos after "Stand Up" failed to make an impression with either critics or fans, and it's not hard to imagine why this album is the sound of a band that has clearly lost the plot.

Track listing

01. Wear It Like A Cape - 4:15 
      Written By – Dan Zanes/Mitchell Froom
02. New Old World - 3:54 
      Written By – Dan Zanes
03. Name Names - 3:21 
      Written By – Dan Zanes
04. Long Slide (For An Out) - 4:36
      Written By – Dan Zanes (Resonator Guitar [Dobro] - James Burton)
05. He Had A Lot To Drink Today - 3:02
      Written By - Dan Zanes/Mitchell Froom  (Froom Harp – Charlotte Elizabeth)
06. A Town Called Love - 4:04
      Written By - Dan Zanes/Jerry Scheff (Guitar [Wha-wha]( – James Burton)
07. I Can't Take This Place - 2:45
      Written By – Dan Zanes/Mitchell Froom (Vocals – Tom Petty)
08. News From Nowhere  3:50 
      Written By – Dan Zanes
09. Scratching At Your Door  4:00 
      Written By - Dan Zanes/Jerry Scheff
10. I'll Sleep With You (Cha Cha D'Amour)  2:45 
      Written By – Dan Zanes

Credits
Lead Vocals – Dan Zanes
Vocals – Bobby King, Donnie Gerrard, Maxine Waters, Merry Clayton, Stephanie Spruill, Willie Greene, Jr.
Backing Vocals – B. Woody Giessmann, James Ralston, Warren Zanes
Bass, Vocals, Cello [Ten Cellos] – Tom Lloyd
Drums – B. Woody Giessmann
Guitar – Dan Zanes, James Ralston, Warren Zanes
Horns – Heart Attack Horns
Keyboards – Mitchell Froom
Percussion – Alex Acuña
Art Direction, Design – Jeri McManus Heiden
Management – Gary Hobbib, High Noon Entertainment, Russ Rieger
Mastered By – Bob Ludwig
Mixed By, Recorded By – Tchad Blake
Photography By – Arthur Elgort, Matt Mahurin
Producer – Mitchell Froom
Technician [Drum Services] – Paul Jamison

Notes
Recorded at Sunset Sound Factory. Originally mastered at Masterdisk.
Genre:  Roots Rock
Length:  36:32
Label:  Slash Records

© 1987

USA For Africa - We Are The World (1985)

USA for Africa (United Support of Artists for Africa) was the name under which 44 predominantly U.S. artists, led by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, recorded the hit single "We Are the World" in 1985. The song was a U.S. and UK number one for the collective in April of that year. This super group was inspired by Bob Geldof's Band Aid.
“We Are the World” was a 1985 album that contained USA for Africa's "We Are the World" superstar charity recording for famine relief efforts in Ethiopia.
In addition to the title track, the album included nine previously unreleased songs by donating artists, including Prince, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band (a rendition of Jimmy Cliff's obscure "Trapped" recorded live at Meadowlands Arena on their Born in the U.S.A. Tour, which achieved considerable album-oriented rock radio airplay and topped the Mainstream Rock chart), Tina Turner and others.
The album also included another famine relief fundraising song, "Tears Are Not Enough," which was performed by Canadian supergroup Northern Lights.
Prince and The Revolution recorded "4 the Tears in Your Eyes" for the album. A rare live version of the song was included on Prince's The Hits/The B-Sides.

Track listing

01.  USA For Africa We Are The World  - 7:02 
02.  Steve Perry - If Only For The Moment, Girl  - 3:44 
03.  The Pointer Sisters - Just A Little Closer  - 3:53 
04.  Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band - Trapped  - 5:11 
05.  Northern Lights (Canadian All Stars)- Tears Are Not Enough  - 4:21 
06.  Prince And The Revolution - 4 The Tears In Your Eyes  - 2:45 
07.  Chicago - Good For Nothing  - 3:35 
08.  Tina Turner - Total Control -  3:38 
09.  Kenny Rogers - A Little More Love  - 2:54 
10.  Huey Lewis & The News - Trouble In Paradise  - 4:34 

Credits
Dan Aykroyd (The only Canadian, and one of two non-US performers)
Harry Belafonte
Lindsey Buckingham (of Fleetwood Mac)
Kim Carnes
Ray Charles
Bob Dylan
Sheila E.
Bob Geldof (The only member of Band Aid, only Irishman, and one of two non-US performers)
Hall & Oates (Daryl Hall and John Oates)
James Ingram
Jackie Jackson
La Toya Jackson
Marlon Jackson
Michael Jackson
Randy Jackson
Tito Jackson
Al Jarreau
Waylon Jennings
Billy Joel
Cyndi Lauper
Huey Lewis and the News (Sean Hopper, Bill Gibson, Johnny Colla, Mario Cipollina, and Chris Hayes)
Kenny Loggins
Bette Midler
Willie Nelson
Jeffrey Osborne
Steve Perry
The Pointer Sisters (Anita Pointer, June Pointer and Ruth Pointer)
Lionel Richie
Smokey Robinson
Kenny Rogers
Diana Ross
Paul Simon
Bruce Springsteen
Tina Turner
Dionne Warwick
Stevie Wonder

Notes
Genre:  Pop
Producer:  Quincy Jones, Various
Length: 41:37
Label:  CBS Records

© 1985

The Graveyard Train - The Graveyard Train (1993)

The Graveyard Train were essentially a blues rock band that tried to incorporate some party rock into the sound as well.
Upon the demise of Angora, singer John Corabi found success with The Scream and Motley Crue. His former Angora bandmates Frank Scimeca and Robert Iezzi formed The Graveyard Train, hooked up with legendary producer Tom Werman, released a killer debut that no one heard and quickly vanished.
A strange album to reissue, simply because no one paid attention when it was released, The Graveyard Train's one and only release now includes five bonus tracks and reinforces my opinion that this was always a criminally underrated album. With a blues driven sleaze sound, The Graveyard Train came across as both honest and sincere resulting in the band appearing more mature than the majority of their peers. Even though they weren't a hair metal band per say, with the long hair and ties to the '80s metal scene no one was paying any attention when this album got released in 1993.
You'll be hard pressed to find an album that starts off in such consistent fashion, as the first six songs rival that of any group. "Down To The Wire" quietly shuffles along before it kicks into gear with some stomping blues rock during the chorus, and continues going back and forth like that throughout. "Hell On Wheels" finds the group following a more typical hard rock formula, but Todd Griffin's solid voice sets it apart. "Memphis #999" continues the trend and incorporates killer guitar and harmonica work into the mix, "Medicine Man" is an up-tempo acoustic/rock hybrid that shows yet another side to The Graveyard Train and "Graveyard Boogie" is a darker number that lives up to its title.
All of that happens during the first half of the album and the second half doesn't let up! The odd ballad is thrown onto the second half, and some Black Crowes inspired numbers, but almost every track impresses. As for the bonus tracks, "Killing Time" completely rocks and contains a slight hint of R&B while "Manchild" could be a hard rock version of The Doors.

Track listing

01.  Down to the Wire  - 4:27
02.  Hell on Wheels  - 4:15
03.  Memphis #999  - 4:44
04.  Walkin' the Line  - 4:28
05.  Medicine Man  - 3:17
06.  Graveyard Boogie  - 3:35
07.  In the Orange Grove  - 4:47
08.  Salvation Psalm  - 3:47
09.  Spirits a Movin'  - 4:44
10.  Love & War  - 3:18
11.  Change the World  - 4:06
12.  The Reason  - 5:20
13.  Breakout  - 3:43

2010 Reissue Bonus Tracks:
14.  Freedom Cry  - 5:49
15.  Killing Time  - 3:42
16.  Manchild  - 4:10
17.  Fire In You  - 4:32
18.  Freedom Cry (alternative version)  - 4:49

Credits
Todd Griffin - Lead & Background Vocals, Acoustic Guitar and Harmonica
Bruce Draper - Guitar, Keyboards and Background Vocals
Frank Scimeca - Bass and Background Vocals
Robert Iezzi - Drums

Additional Musicians
John Purdell - hammond organ
Tom Werman - percussion

Notes
Produced by: Tom Werman.
Associate producer:  Eddie DeLena.
Genre:  Hardrock
Length:  77:47
Label:  Geffen Records

© 1992

Little America - Little America (1987)

Little America was a mid-'80s quartet that came out of the so-called "paisley underground," though their sound was closer in spirit to '60s folk-rock than to psychedelia. Andy Logan was attending the University of California at Santa Barbara when he crossed paths with John Hussey. Both played guitar and sang, and were admirers of '60s folk-rock bands such as the Byrds and the Beau Brummels, and the two of them formed the Colours, a name that would later become something of an albatross around their necks as they weren't British -- on top of which, there had already been a group recording using that name. They eventually headed to Los Angeles, where Logan met Mike Magrisi, who had been the bassist in a local group called the Turn that was part of the then active psychedelic revival scene, often referred to as the paisley underground. Magrisi was as much a Byrds fan as Logan, only his idol was Gene Clark, whereas Logan affected a look and sound similar to David Crosby; a team-up seemed not only logical but natural and inevitable, and Magrisi brought his ex-Turn bandmate, drummer Kurt Custer, along with him. The quartet cut a three-song demo financed by Capitol Records, and seemed destined to be signed to the latter label until a disappointing live gig caused the company to lose interest. Instead, they ended up signed to Geffen Records, where they cut their self-titled debut album, released in 1987. It proceeded to sell over 100,000 copies on the strength of the single "Walk on Fire," and among those contributing to the album was Poco/Eagles alumnus Timothy B. Schmit on vocals. They toured a lot and were building up a following, but they found it hard to overcome the two-year gap between their first and second albums, or the bad feeling that resulted when the label insisted on bringing in an outside songwriter to augment their work, Magrisi providing most of their originals up to that point. The group broke up after being dropped by the label following the poor showing of the Fairgrounds album. Since then, Logan and Custer have worked together, and the latter has also been a member of Lynyrd Skynyrd, and played with Steve Earle, while Logan has recorded solo and also written songs

Track listing

01.  You Were Right  - 3:58 
02.  That's The Way It Stays  - 3:21 
03.  Walk On Fire  Mike Magrisi  - 3:58 
04.  Perfect World  - 4:13 
05.  Lost Along The Way  - 3:33 
06.  Lies  - 4:20 
07.  Walk The Land  Mike Magrisi  - 3:33 
08.  Heroes  - 4:13 
09.  Underground  - 3:49 
10.  Out Of Bounds  - 3:21 
11.  Conversations  Mike Magrisi  - 3:40 
12.  Standin' On Top  - 3:33 

Credits
Mike Magrisi - Lead vocals, Bass
Andy Logan - Lead guitar, Lead vocals
John Hussey - Rhythm guitar, Backing vocals
Kurt Custer - drums, Percussion, Backing vocals
Engineered - Richard Bosworth
Producer and Mixed – John Punter

Notes
Recorded at: Devonshire Sound
Mixed at: Record One
Genre: Rock
Length: 45:51
Label: Geffen Records

© 1987

Ophélie Winter - No Soucy! (1996)

"No Soucy!" made Ophelie Winter a star when it was released in 1996. Though she was already a television personality in France on M6 (channel). The album is a mis of R&B, hip hop, and even has some rap.
Ophélie Winter blends dance and hip hop with European funkiness, and then stamps it with her own, uniquely French signature. Without sounding contrived, she bounces effortlessly between French and English lyrics, usually mixing some of both into the same song.
From "Le Feu qui m'attise" through "Revolution for Love", the songs keep getting funkier and funkier. Winter then transitions to the slow groove of "Rien que pour lui", before launching into "When I Get the Mood", a vocal and percussion jamfest that kicks-off the three-song highlight of this album. "Keep It on the Red Light" is the most danceable song on the CD and features rapped verses in French, a sung chorus and bridge in English, and solo raps by Coolio and Shorty. The jam then continues into the in-your-face "Dieu m'a donné la Foi". This isn't empty-headed pop, my friends this is an often-abused genre of music at its best.
She came before Britney, Christina, Mandy, and all the others stars which have been molded by record companies to reproduce Ophelie's allure by copying her sound and style, but they've never been successful. Christina Aguilera's "What a Girl Wants" is actually Ophelie's song "Ce que je suis!" That's right, Christina did a COVER of Ophelie's song, but never gave up the credit! No Soucy is a timeless album, and I would encourage anyone to buy it, even if they don't understand French.
The album provided five singles, including three top ten hits in France: her signature song "Dieu m'a donné la foi" which reached number one, "Le Feu qui m'attise" , "Shame on U" a duet with Coolio "Keep It On The Red Light" and "Rien que pour lui".

Track listing

01.  "Soon"  (Garrett, Karlin, SoulShock)  - 4:18
02.  "le Feu qui m'attise"  (O.Winter / J.Harry)  - 3:57
03.  "Jusqu'au bout"  (Brown, Martinelli, Mitchell, Winter, Winter)  - 4:42
04.  "Face to Face"  (Mithra)  - 4:01
05.  "Revolution for Love"  (Cutfather, Garrett, Joe, Martinelli)  - 4:18
06.  "Rien que pour lui"  (O.Winter / J.Harry)  - 4:50
07.  "When I Got the Mood"  (Hardt, Nakache, Nakache)  - 4:49
08.  "Keep It On the Red Light" (feat. Coolio)  (R.Mitra / Coolio / Shorty / Bambi Cruz)  - 4:19
09.  "Dieu m'a donné la foi"  (B.Godsend / D.Godsend - N.Hardt - P.Jerry / Adaptation : M.Winter)  - 3:58
10.  "Everlasting Love"  (B.Godsend /D.Godsend - G.Godsend - N.Hardt / Adpation : O.Winter)  - 4:10
11.  "Shame on U"  (Hardt, Nakache, Nakache)  - 4:38
12.  "Let the River Flow"  (Hardt, Nakache, Nakache)  - 3:46
13.  "Face to Face"  (Slam Jam remix)  (Mitra)  - 4:02
14.  "Dieu m'a donné la foi"  (Dee Litherhaus bootleg) (Hardt, Nakache, Nakache, Perry)  - 6:04
15.  "The Air That I Breathe" (Remix)  (Harry)  - 4:23
16.  "Shame on U"  (P4 Remix)  (Hardt, Nakache, Nakache)  - 4:35
17.  "1000 Lbs Keep It on the Red Light"  (Collio, Cruz, Mitra, Shorty)  - 6:48

Credits
Christophe Denis - guitar
Siedah Garrett - vocals
Gibson - adaptation
Nick Martinelli - vocals
Aisha McCray - vocals
Don Phillips - vocals
Daddy Waku - vocals
Guy Waku - arranger, clavier
Mickaël Winter - adaptation, vocals
Ophélie Winter - adaptation, vocals
Betty Wright - vocals
Jeanette Wright - vocals
Producer(s) - A.Nakache, M.Nakache, N.Hardt, Fred Fraikin, Guy Waku, J.Harry, SoulShock & Karlin, Bambi Cruz, Siedah Garrett

Notes
Recorded: 1995-1996
Genre: Soul, Dance Pop
Length: 55:55
Label: Warner / East West France

© 1996

Catherine - Hot Saki & Bedtime Stories (1996)

“Hot Saki & Bedtime Stories” is the fourth and final studio album by American alternative rock band Catherine. It was released on September 17, 1996 through TVT Records. D'arcy Wretzky of The Smashing Pumpkins, drummer Kerry Brown's wife at the time, contributed vocals on the record.
The song "Four Leaf Clover" was released as a single, and another song, "Whisper," was contributed to the soundtrack of the film Scream.
The merry men from Chicago create an even more varied and generally successful package on Saki; the ghost of Corgan crunch yet lurks throughout, while his Pumpkins bandmate D'Arcy contributes vocals for "Four Leaf Clover," but Catherine is now fully its own concern, as the opening cut "Whisper" demonstrates. Sure, there's more than a little guitar pyrotechnics at points, but the brisk acoustic strums and whispered, T. Rex-ish vocals create more of a gentle summertime feeling, only slightly spiked. The big change is in fact who is singing those vocals, namely guitarist Mark Rew, taking over from the departing Jendon. From there on in, the group cuts a crisp, almost new wave feeling, in terms of tight, sharp performances if not necessarily obvious inspiration or sonic cloning. There's still plenty of charging fuzz but often employed in the surface of more direct hooks, as with "Don't Touch Me There." Rew maintains his vocal purr and sting throughout, exchanging the wistful bliss of the past for a slightly snottier feeling, to an extent. More than a few tracks show a gentle artiness to match the punchy beat on display elsewhere. "Milkshake" is a fine one, a combination of Cocteau Twins-touched electric guitar, soft piano, and lead acoustic lines, resulting in a gentle but still slightly edgy mood. The slight flamenco touches on "Make Me Smile" and the moody lope of "Sign of the Cross" are two other good examples, as is the soft/loud, melancholic (and amusingly titled) post-breakup number "Pink Floyd Poster." Rew comes up with some great zingers at points, thus, from, "It's Gonna Get Worse": "Count your friends, it won't take long, including yourself/You'll find you only have one."

Track listing

01. Whisper - 3:11  
      Written-by - Keith Brown, Kerry Brown, and Mark Rew
02. It's Gonna Get Worse - 3:33
      Written-by - Keith Brown, Kerry Brown, and Mark Rew  (Backing Vocals – Fever)
03. Cotton Candy High - 3:22 
      Written by - Kerry Brown and Rew
04. Milkshake - 3:39
      Written-by - Keith Brown, Kerry Brown, and Mark Rew
05. Four Leaf Clover - 3:31
      Written-by - Keith Brown, Kerry Brown, and Mark Rew  (Vocals – D'Arcy)
06. Vegas Glam - 3:21
      Written-by - Keith Brown, Kerry Brown, and Mark Rew  (Backing Vocals – Neil Jendon)
07. Punch Me Out - 3:19
      Written-by - Keith Brown, Kerry Brown, and Mark Rew  (Backing Vocals – D'Arcy)
08. Make Me Smile - 3:53  
      Written-by - Keith Brown, Kerry Brown, and Mark Rew
09. Blacklight - 4:38
      Written-by - Keith Brown, Kerry Brown, and Mark Rew
10. Don't Touch Me There - 3:44   
      Written-by - Keith Brown, Kerry Brown, and Mark Rew
11. Sign Of The Cross - 2:58
      Written-by - Keith Brown, Kerry Brown, and Mark Rew  (Backing Vocals – Chris Connelly)
12. The Angels - 3:50
      Written-by - Keith Brown, Kerry Brown, and Mark Rew
13. Pink Floyd Poster - 6:25    
      Written-by - Keith Brown, Kerry Brown, and Mark Rew
14. Good Luck Charm - 3:15
      Written-by - Keith Brown, Kerry Brown, and Mark Rew

Credits

Catherine
Keith Brown – bass guitar
Kerry Brown – drums
Mark Rew – vocals

Additional personnel
Jerome Brown – guitar
Chris Connelly – backing vocals
Fever – backing vocals and guitar
Neil Jendon – backing vocals, guitar, trombone
Marina Peterson – cello
Todd Tatnall – timpani
D'arcy Wretzky – vocals
Production
Steve Spapperi – mixing
Todd Tatnall – additional engineering
Engineer [Additional] – Chris Hayback, Todd (Gus) Tatnall
Mixed By – David Kahne, Jeff Lane, Kerry Brown, Steve Spapperi
Recorded By, Producer – Catherine

Notes
Recorded at: The Farm, Michigan.
Genre: Alternative Rock
Length: 52:55
Label: TVT Records

© 1996

Mary Davis - Separate Ways (1990)

When we think of Mary Davis' voice, many songs come to mind and they SHOULD, where it was HER VOICE that saw the S.O.S. Band to the upper reaches of the R&B singles and Albums charts from 1980-1986 with original producer, Sigidi and then with the infamous Flyte Tyme Productions.
Lead vocalist Mary Davis left the group in 1987 to pursue a solo career, and was replaced by Chandra Currelley beginning with the band's 1989 “Diamonds in the Raw” album. Here, on "Separate Ways," her second solo set, once again, no Jam & Lewis to be found, but L.A. Reid & Babyface appear with the first two singles, "Don't Wear It Out" and "Have You Been Loved" instead. How neither of these reached the R&B Top Ten or even crossed over to the Top 100 is also puzzling, as the voice is familiar to most and so unlike any other voice in music today or during that time period. It's uniquely smooth, creamy and has the ability to erupt with great force into a sexy vibrato.
Mary Davis may have played it safer by staying with the S.O.S. Band, but like most who pursue "solo" careers, the risk is always there and success is not always a guarantee. This CD is awesome despite the fact that it sold poorly. Fortunately, she's still out there touring with the original lineup on the Old School circuit and with the United We Funk All-Stars who have a "live" as well as a "studio" CD to their credit.

Track listing

01. Don't Wear It Out - 4:44
      Written-By – D. Bristol, L.A. Reid, Babyface (Backing Vocals – Babyface, Mary Davis, Pebbles)
02. Baby, Baby (You Ain't Treatin' Me Right) - 4:35
      Written-By – B. Terry, Z. Dubois (Backing Vocals – Gwen Penniman, Mary Davis)
03. Separate Ways - 5:40
      Written-By – B. Terry, M. Davis (Backing Vocals – Gwen Penniman, Mary Davis)
04. I'm Gonna Love You Better - 3:34
      Written-By – A. Rich, D. Sea, H. Rice, I. Gamboa
05. I Get Nervous - 5:12
      Written-By – D. Simmons, K. Roberson (Backing Vocals – After 7, Dee Bristol)
06. I Wanna Be Sure - 3:55
      Written-By – M. Davis, R. Bayyan
07. Some Kind Of Lover - 4:32
      Written-By – A. Lee, J. Lee
08. Have You Been Loved? - 4:45
      Written-By – D. Simmons, K. Roberson
09. Sweet Obsession - 4:12
      Written-By – John Johnson (Backing Vocals – Gwen Penniman, Mary Davis, Simuel Overall)

Credits
Drums, Percussion – L.A.
Bass, Keyboards – Babyface
Keyboards – Albert Lee, Bernard Terry, John Lee
Programmed By [Drums] – Bernard Terry, Albert Lee, John Lee, John Johnson
Saxophone – John Oppenheim
Bass – Kayo
Drums – De'rock, Kayo
Programmed By [Synthesizer, Additional] – Donald Parks
Programmed By [Synthesizer] – Jeff Lorber
Producer(s) - L.A.,Babyface, Pebbles, Bernard Terry, Howie Rice, De'rock, Kayo, Royal Bayyan, John Lee, John V. Johnson   
Engineer [Assistant] – Bonnell Sullivan, Danny Costa, Michael Girgis, Neal Poque, Rick Caughron
Engineer [Mixing] – Keith Cohen
Engineer [Recording & Mixing] – Bernard Terry, Jon Gass
Engineer [Recording] – Dave Rideau
Photography By – Raul Vega

Notes
Pebbles appears courtesy of MCA Records
Kevon Edmonds, Melvin Edmonds & Keith Mitchell appear courtesy opf Virgin Records
L.A., Babyface, Kayo & Dee Bristol appear courtesy of Solar Records

Recorded at
Elumba Studios, Hollywood, CA
M'Bila Studios, Hollywood, CA
Galaxy Sound, Hollywood, CA
Studio Masters, Hollywood, CA
Silver Sun Recording, Flint, MI

Mixed at
Larrabbee Sound, West Hollywood, CA
Elumba Studios, Hollywood, CA
Silver Sun Recording, Flint, MI

Genre: RnB/Swing, Synth-pop
Length: 41:29
Label: Tabu Records

© 1990

B.E.F. (British Electric Foundation) - Music Of Quality And Distinction Volume 1 (1982)

B.E.F. (British Electric Foundation) were a band/production company formed by former Human League members Martyn Ware and Ian Craig Marsh who later became Heaven 17 (with lead singer Glenn Gregory).
Ware and Marsh's first release as B.E.F. in 1980, a collection of instrumentals entitled Music For Stowaways, was initially available only on cassette and was inspired by the appearance of the first Sony Walkman (at first marketed in the UK as the Sony Stowaway). There was also a vinyl release, Music For Listening To, mainly targeted for export sales, which was slightly truncated (though with the addition of a track not found on the cassette).
In 1982, with Heaven 17 already established with Glenn Gregory as the lead vocalist, B.E.F. released an album entitled “Music of Quality and Distinction Volume One” on Virgin Records, which involved other artists covering classic songs. The production was mainly in the Heaven 17/ B.E.F. style (i.e. synthesisers and LinnDrums). Tina Turner's version of The Temptations's "Ball of Confusion" drew the attention of Capitol Records and her next single "Let's Stay Together", co-produced by Ware, peaked at number six in the UK chart and made the US Top 20. B.E.F.'s album also featured covers by Billy Mackenzie - "The Secret Life of Arabia" and "It's Over," Paul Jones - "There's A Ghost In My House," Paula Yates - "These Boots Are Made For Walkin'," Gary Glitter - "Suspicious Minds," Bernie Nolan - "You Keep Me Hangin' On," Glenn Gregory - "Wichita Lineman" and "Perfect Day" and Sandie Shaw - "Anyone Who Had a Heart."

Track listing

01. Ball Of Confusion  - 3:50
      Vocals – Tina Turner, Written-By – B. Strong, N. Whitfield
02. The Secret Life Of Arabia  - 4:00
      Vocals – Billy MacKenzie, Written-By – Eno, Carlos Alomar, Bowie
03. There's A Ghost In My House  - 2:55
      Vocals – Paul Jones, Written-By – Holland-Dozier-Holland 
04. These Boots Are Made For Walking  - 2:48
      Vocals – Paula Yates, Written-By – Lee Hazelwood  
05. Suspicious Minds  - 3:51
      Vocals – Gary Glitter, Written-By – Mark James
06. You Keep Me Hanging On  - 2:43
      Vocals – Bernie Nolan, Written-By – Holland-Dozier-Holland 
07. Wichita Lineman  - 4:18
      Vocals – Glenn Gregory, Written-By – Jimmy Webb 
08. Anyone Who Had A Heart  - 3:10
      Vocals – Sandie Shaw, Written-By – Bacharach And David 
09. Perfect Day  - 4:06
      Vocals – Glenn Gregory, Written-By – Lou Reed 
10. It's Over  - 2:40
      Vocals – Billy MacKenzie, Written-By – Roy Orbison, Bill Dees

Credits
Lead Vocals – Billy MacKenzie, Paula Yates, Tina Turner, Paul Jones, Gary Glitter, Bernie Nolan, Glenn Gregory
Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals – Sandie Shaw
Backing Vocals – Gerry Shepherd, John Springate, Martyn Ware, The Nancy Boys
Guitar [Distorted], Rhythm Guitar – Nevil 'Breeze' McKreith
Guitar [Intro] – John McGeoch
Harmonica – Paul Jones
Saxophone – David 'Baps' Baptiste, Brian Jones
Trombone – Nathaniel 'Nat' Augustin, Jake
Trumpet – Canute 'Kenny' Wellington
Double Bass, Bass – Jo Dworniak
Bass [Glitter] – John Springate
Drums [Glitter] – Tony Leonard
Guitar [Clitter] – Gerry Shepherd
Bass Guitar – John Wilson
Piano – Nick Plytas
Programmed By [Roland System 100] – Ian Craig Marsh, Martyn Ware
Drum Programming [Linndrum], Synthesizer [Roland Jupiter 4], Vocoder [Roland], Synthesizer [Synclavier 2] – Martyn Ware
Synthesizer [Roland System 100], Sequenced By – Ian Craig Marsh
Acoustic Guitar – David Lockwood
Saxophone – Glenn Gregory, Ian Craig Marsh
Bass Guitar – Camelle Hinds
Guitar – Hank Marvin
Acoustic Guitar – John Foxx
Cello – Glyn Perrin
French Horn – Jonathan Williams
Harp – Helen Tunstall
Timpani, Castanets – Simon Limbrick
Violin – A.W. Thorpe, Steve Jones, Vicky Aspinall
Arranged By [Orchestra] – John Barker
Arranged By, Producer – Ian Craig Marsh, Martyn Ware
Engineer, Producer [Assistant] – Nick Patrick
Producer – BEF

Companies etc
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Virgin Records Ltd.
Copyright (c) – Virgin Records Ltd.
Recorded At – The Garden
Recorded At – Monumental Pictures
Mixed At – The Garden

Notes
Recorded and mixed at The Garden Studio Nov '81 - Feb 82
except track 7 and track 9 recorded at Monumental Pictures Studio, Jan '81.
Genre:  Electronic. New Wave, Synth-pop
Length: 35:00
Label: Virgin Records

© 1982

The Randy Newman Orchestra - Original Music From Peyton Place (1965)

Enthusiasm for music composed especially for televison programs has never been greater. Just as background music is indispensable for the fullest enjoyment of motion pictures, music written for today´s exciting television fare enormously increases the pleasure we find in our favourite dramatic programs.
But Whether you are an original-music buff, a regular television fan or just enjoy good music for its own sake, Original music from the hit television show “Peyton Place” is certain to thrill and delight you. Many times we can recall a program by its score, a haunting theme, an unusual instrumentation or intriguing music creatively used to enchance the drama on the home screen. From his immensely popular dramatic show, Randy Newman and his orchestra present a dozen selections that will stimulate memories of incidents depicted in Peyton Place, or provide musical moods to match your own. Inspired by Grace Metalious best-selling novel set in a small New England town, the television series retains many of the book´s characters while introducing completely new Peyton Place personalities. The music in this album brilliantly reflects the serialized drama´s events and personal relationships, all of which are as fascinating and richly complex as life itself.

Randall Stuart "Randy" Newman (born November 28, 1943) is an American singer-songwriter, arranger, composer, and pianist who is known for his distinctive voice, mordant (and often satirical) pop songs, and for film scores.
Once he settled in, Newman began to write some cues and rock and roll themes for a few Fox television productions, most notably for the popular TV soap Peyton Place. To capitalize on the show's success, an album of primarily Newman-penned instrumentals was issued in 1965 under the windy title The Randy Newman Orchestra Plays “Original Music From Peyton Place” (Epic 24147). Newman professes to have been oblivious to the album's existence at the time; that he would burden his blossoming career with such dated elevator-ready organ muzak as "Let's Dance", "Blue Watusi", "The Slurp", and "Randy's Riff" lends his disavowal some credibility. .

Track listing

01.  Theme From Peyton Place  - 3:14 
02.  Pot Shot  - 1:43 
03.  The Inn  - 1:59 
04.  Yea, Yea, Yea  - 2:33 
05.  Blue Watusi  - 2:29 
06.  Dust Storm  - 1:14 
07.  The Slurp  - 3:15 
08.  Full Boat  - 1:30 
09.  Strong  - 1:30 
10.  A Smoky Room  - 2:30 
11.  Do You Know  - 1:22 
12.  Randy's Riff  - 2:04 

Credits
Producer – Manny Kellem

Notes
Genre:  Stage & Screen, Soundtrack
Length: 25:47
Label:  Epic Records

© 1965

The Lamont Cranston Band - Shakedown (1981)

The Lamont Cranston Band is an American blues band, based out of Hamel, Minnesota, United States. It was founded in 1969 by brothers Pat and Larry Hayes, and continues today with Pat as the band's frontman. The band is named after the alter-ego of the pulp hero, The Shadow.
The band has played with some notable musicians, such as Muddy Waters, Albert King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Buddy Guy, The Kinks, The Yardbirds, Kansas, Yes and The Blues Brothers. In 1981, they opened for The Rolling Stones on a leg of their North American tour.
From the rural hometown settings of Hamel, Minnesota and the river banks of Minneapolis/St. Paul, the blues influence surfaced as early as the mid 1960's for what was to become "The Lamont Cranston Blues Band". By 1969, The Lamont Cranston Blues Band was well on their way to becoming the legend that it is today. You can't seem to go anywhere today from coast to coast without running into someone that has heard of the band. They are one of the founders of the Minneapolis music scene which is flourishing more than ever to this day.

Track listing

01. "Two Trains Runnin'"   (Traditional, Roy Alstad)  - 5:06
02. "Upper Mississippi Shakedown"   (Pat Hayes, Bruce McCabe)  - 3:48)
03. "Seven"   (Bruce McCabe)  - 2:40
04. "Moonlight On The Broken Glass"   (Bruce McCabe)  - 4:20
05. "Streets Around Here"   (Pat Hayes, Larry Hayes)  - 3:30) 
06. "I'm So Shy"   (Bruce McCabe)  - 3:49
07. "So Much"   (Bruce McCabe)  - 2:58
08. "Party Train"   (Larry Hayes)  - 2:56)
09. "Cold, Broke & Hungry"   (Pat Hayes)  - 3:34)
10. "What Love Will Do  " (Bruce McCabe)  - 4:40

Credits
The Lamont Cranston Band
Pat Hayes - Harps, vocals
Larry Hayes - Guitars, vocals
Bruce McCabe - Keyboards, vocals
Charlie Bingham - Guitars
Terry Grant - Bass
Jim Novak - Drums
Jim Greenwell - Saxophone
Rick O'Dell - Saxophone

Other Musicians
Danny L. & The Brewerettes - background vocals on 'Upper Mississippi Shakedown', 'So Much' and 'What Love Will Do'.
Steve Kilbride - Organ on 'Moonlight On The Broken Glass' and Rhythm guitar on 'I'm So Shy'.
Tom Heinig - Bass on 'Streets Around Here', 'I'm So Shy', 'So Much' and 'Cold, Broke & Hungry'.
Dave Salisbury - Classical guitar solo on 'Moonlight On The Broken Glass'.
Mike Nelson - Trombone on 'Streets Around Here'.

Notes
Recorded at: Creation Audio, Bloomington, Minnesota.
Mixed at: Creation Audio, Bloomington, Minnesota by Jack Daly and Steve Wiese.
Mastered at: Disk Werks, Chicago, Illinois by Kevin Vogts.
Produced by: The Lamont Cranston Band, Jack Daly and Steve Wiese.
Engineered by Jack Daly and Steve Wiese.
Genre: Blues
Length: 37:57
Label: Waterhouse Records

© 1981

A.B. Skhy - Ramblin' On (1970)

Formed in Milwaukee in the late 1960s as New Blues, the band comprised Dennis Geyer (guitar, vocals), Jim Marcotte (bass guitar), Terry Anderson (drums), and Howard Wales (keyboards). Wales had previously played with artists such as James Brown and Freddie King. They relocated to San Francisco and changed the band name to A.B. Skhy, building a following with live performances.
They were signed by MGM Records and worked with producer Richard Delvy on their self-titled debut album, released in 1969. The album featured contributions from guitarist Russell DaShiell, harmonica player Jim Liban, and flautist Otis Hale and spawned the single "Camel Back", which reached number 100 on the Billboard Hot 100. A seven-piece horn section supported the group on their debut album, a blues-based set modelled on B.B. King and Bobby Bland.
Following the departures of Andersen and Wales, the remaining members continued with newcomers Rick Jaeger (drums) and James ‘Curley’ Cooke (guitar). The latter was a founder member of the Steve Miller Band, and a former colleague of Geyer in an earlier group, Tim Davis And The Chordaires. Ramblin’ On was produced by the notorious Kim Fowley.
This informal collection showcased the group’s instrumental muscle and featured cameo performances from guitarist Elvin Bishop and pianist Ben Sidran. However, the group failed to secure a commercial success and broke up during sessions for a projected third album.
Founder member Wales later enjoyed a brief association with the Grateful Dead, and recorded 1971’s experimental Hooteroll with the latter’s guitarist, Jerry Garcia.

Track listing  

01.  Gotta Be Free  - 2:35
02.  My Baby's Quit Me  - 3:52
03.  Pearl  - 1:40
04.  Lady In The Dark  - 4:27
05.  Hope For The Future  - 3:14
06.  Sweet Mother Earth  - 4:01
07.  Groovin'  - 3:34
08.  Trackin' Shoes  - 4:32
09.  I'm Walkin'  - 2:40
10.  Gazeebo (Dedicated To Gabor Szabo)  - 6:03

Credits
Dennis Geyer - guitar, vocals
Jim Marcotte - bass
Curly Cooke - guitar, vocals
Rick Jaeger - percussion
Elvin Bishop  -guitar
Wally Rose - piano
Ben Sidran - harpsichord

Notes
Genre:  Psychedelic Rock, Blues Rock
Length:  36:05
Producer:  Kim Fowley
Label:  MGM Records

© 1970

Albion Country Band - Battle Of The Field (1976)

The Albion Band, also known as The Albion Country Band and The Albion Dance Band, were an English electric folk band, originally brought together and led by musician Ashley Hutchings. Generally considered one of the most important groupings in the genre, it has contained or been associated with a large proportion of major English folk performers in its long and fluid history.
“Battle of the Field” is a folk-rock album by the Albion Country Band, recorded in summer 1973 immediately prior to the band's breakup and only released in 1976 following public demand.
The album was produced and engineered by John Wood, and was recorded at Sound Techniques Studio and Island Studio, St Peter's Square, London. The album cover was designed by Ian Logan Associates with photographs by Keith Morris, and the original LP sleeve notes were by Rod McShane.
“Battle of the Field” was recorded by the Albion Country Band in 1973, but it wasn't released until 1976. The delay didn't really matter, since the group's music traditional English folk played on electric instruments is essentially timeless. The group wasn't quite as skilled as Fairport Convention, but they were nevertheless extraordinarily talented, and this arguably remains their finest moment.

Track listing

01.  Albion Sunrise  - 2:55
02.  Morris Medley: Mouresque / London Pride / So Selfish Runs The Hare (song) / Maid Of The  
        Mill / Sheriff's Ride  - 7:16
03.  I Was A Young Man  - 4:06
04.  New St. George (song) / La Rotta (instrumental)  - 4:15
05.  Gallant Poacher  - 4:26
06.  Cheshire Rounds / The Old Lancashire Hornpipe (instrumentals)  - 2:44
07.  Hangèd I Shall Be  - 6:23
08.  Reaphook And Sickle  - 2:47
09.  Battle Of The Somme (instrumental)  - 1:51

(all tracks trad. arr. Carthy/Harris/Hutchings/Kirkpatrick/Nicol/Swallow except "Albion Sunrise" and "New St. George" composed by Richard Thompson)

Credits
Vocals – Ashley Hutchings, John Kirkpatrick, Martin Carthy, Simon Nicol, Sue Harris
Accordion [Button] – John Kirkpatrick
Acoustic Guitar – Martin Carthy, Simon Nicol
Bass – Ashley Hutchings
Concertina [Anglo] – John Kirkpatrick
Synthesizer – Simon Nicol
Drums, Percussion – Roger Swallow
Dulcimer [Electric] – Simon Nicol
Dulcimer [Hammer] – Sue Harris
Electric Guitar – Simon Nicol
Electric Piano – John Kirkpatrick
Melodeon – John Kirkpatrick
Oboe – Sue Harris
Photography – Keith Morris
Artwork [Original Cover] – Ian Logan Associates
Engineer, Producer – John Wood

with
Dave Mattacks - percussion on Reaphook And Sickle
Martin Nicholls, John Iveson, Colin Sheen, Paul Beer - Sackbuts on Gallant Poacher

Notes
Recorded at: Sound Techniques and Island Studio
Genre:  Folk-rock
Length:  36:46
Label:  Island Records

© 1976

Scott Baio - Scott Baio (1982)

Scott Vincent James Baio (born September 22, 1960 is an American actor and television director, best known for his roles as Chachi Arcola on the sitcom Happy Days and its spin-off Joanie Loves Chachi, the titular character on the sitcom Charles in Charge and the main character in the musical Bugsy Malone. He is also known for his role as Dr. Jack Stewart in the medical-mystery-drama series Diagnosis: Murder.
Baio has also appeared in various television programs as a guest star, several independent films, and currently stars on the Nick at Nite sitcom See Dad Run.
Baio actually recorded two albums for RCA in 1982-83. They're not good enough to be good, or bad enough to be "so bad they're good." The production is standard sterile-sounding early '80s shlock, over which Baio delivers his wobbly vocals.  
A few moments are funny. Like on the first album when Baio goes out of tune on "How Do You Talk to Girls" and "Midnight Confessions."
Baio's TV fan base bought enough copies of his debut album to keep it on the lower rungs of the Billboard album chart for four weeks, where it peaked at #181. RCA advertised the album as a "major market breakout" and claimed that its single "What Was in That Kiss" was a hit, but that was only wishful thinking on RCA's part.

Track listing

01.  Wanted For Love  - 3:14 
02.  What Was In That Kiss  - 3:37 
03.  Runnin' Out Of Reasons To Go  - 3:33 
04.  How Do You Talk To Girls  - 3:10 
05.  Half The World  - 3:55 
06.  Woman I Love Only You  - 3:23 
07.  When You Find Somone Who Loves You  - 3:48 
08.  What Am I Supposed To Do  - 3:19 
09.  Looking For The Right Girl  - 3:24 
10 . Midnight Confessions  - 3:14 

Credits
Producer – Bob Reno, Stephen Metz

Notes
Genre:  Pop
Length:  35:01
Label:  RCA Records

© 1982

Patti Labelle - Released (1980)

Patricia Louise Holte-Edwards (born May 24, 1944), better known under the stage name Patti LaBelle, is an American singer, author, and actress who has spent over 50 years in the music industry. LaBelle spent 16 years as lead singer of Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles, who changed their name to Labelle in the early 1970s and released the iconic disco song "Lady Marmalade". Labelle are also noted for being the first African American group to play at the prestigious Metropolitan Opera House and the first African American vocal group to land the cover of Rolling Stone magazine.
Her solo career began shortly after the group disbanded in 1977 with the release of her self-titled and critically acclaimed debut album. Tasty and It’s Alright With Me followed but many believed her fourth and final Epic album, “RELEASED”, was her finest on the label. “RELEASED” reunited Patti with New Orleans Soul maestro, Allen Toussaint.   It would turn out to be the final release from LaBelle by Epic Records, who then reassigned her to Philadelphia International the next year. While the disco song, "Release (The Tension)", found modest international success, and its pop ballad, "I Don't Go Shopping", written by famed songwriter Peter Allen, much like the singer's previous albums, the album failed to become a success. LaBelle co-wrote five of the songs with collaborator James Ellison.

Track listing

01.  "Give It Up (The Dawning of Rejection)"   (Allen Toussaint)  (5:40)
02.  "Don't Make Your Angel Cry"   (Allen Toussaint)  (3:20)
03.  "Release"   (Allen Toussaint)  (3:01)
04.  "I Don't Go Shopping"   (Peter Allen, David Lasley)  (3:54)
05.  "Ain't That Enough"   (Patti LaBelle, James Ellison, Victor Orsborn)  (3:45)
06.  "Love Has Finally Come"   (Patti LaBelle, James Ellison, Victor Orsborn)  (5:36)
07.  "Come and Dance With Me"   (Patti LaBelle, James Ellison, Edward Batts)  (4:28)
08.  "Get Ready (Lookin' for Loving)"   (Patti LaBelle, James Ellison, Edward Batts)  (4:54)
09.  "Find the Love"   (Patti LaBelle, James Ellison, Theodore McClean)  (5:42)

Credits
Vocals - Patti Labelle
Alto Saxophone – Albert White
Backing Vocals – Edward "Rev" Battes, Jay Van Hall, Vernon Manuel
Baritone Saxophone – Carl Blouin, Harris Deffes
Bass – David Barard
Tenor Saxophone – Paul McGinley
Trombone – Jerome Verges, James Duggan, Michael Genevay
Trumpet – Clyde Kerr Jr., James Weber
Drums – Herman V. Ernest III
Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes 88] – Sam Henry, Jr.
Electric Piano [Yamaha Electric Grand] – Allen R. Toussaint
Guitar – Edward "Rev" Battes, Ronald Smith
Percussion – Kenneth "Afro" Williams, Miguel Fuentes
Piano [Acoustic] – James "Bud" Ellison
Concept By [Album] – Patti LaBelle
Design [Cover] – Andrea Klein, John Berg
Mastered By – Jack Skinner
Photography By – Hiro
Producer [Associate] – James "Bud" Ellison, Patti Labelle
Producer, Arranged By – Allen R. Toussaint
Recorded By, Engineer [Mix] – Danny Jones, Skip Godwin

Companies etc
Recorded At – Sea-Saint Studio
Mastered At – Sterling Sound
Phonographic Copyright (p) – CBS Inc.
Copyright (c) – CBS Inc.

Notes
Released:  March 14, 1980
Genre:  Disco, R&B
Length:  40:20
Label:  Epic Records

© 1980