A fantastic debut by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes that wasn't meant to be. Most of these songs, including "If You Don't Know Me by Now," were originally written for the Dells, but the deal fell through. Harold Melvin got the opportunity because his ex-drummer, Teddy Pendergrass, had a voice similar to the Dells lead singer, Marvin Junior. The way Pendergrass tore into these songs, nobody remotely suspected that these love dramas were written for anybody but Teddy. He sounds like he's about to lose it when he sings "I Miss You" as he pleads with his ex-love about how he has changed. The poignant "If You Don't Know Me by Now" sold a million for the Blue Notes, and did even better years later for Simply Red. "Be for Real" is one of the finest recorded pieces in R&B history; it's not a song, it's a pleader where a guy admonishes his woman for looking down on people. They dusted off "Let Me Into Your World" for the Blue Notes; this one was not written for the Dells, as Gamble & Huff had recorded it a few years earlier with the O'Jays for Neptune Records. A hard-hitting package that established Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes as a force to be reckoned with. [The 2003 reissue of the record provides upgraded sound, new liner notes by noted soul DJ Dyana Williams, plus a bonus track: a live 1973 recording of the group's signature ballad "If You Don't Know Me by Now".]~ Andrew Hamilton, All Music Guide

Singer Mike James Kirkland recorded an impressive pair of albums for MCA during the 1970s but lack of interest on the label's part led to their eventual obscurity. That is until fans of ultra-rare rare groove caught wind of the sounds of Doin' It Right and Hang on in There, both of which began to change hands for astronomical prices amongst collectors. The latter drew obvious comparisons to What's Going On, Marvin Gaye's classic 1971 meditation on an ailing society. The first side of Kirkland's Hang on in There reads like an alternate version, exploring many of the same themes. What Have We Done? he asks on the album opener over an excellent conga and flute-spiced funk groove, a track followed by the equally pained Where is the Soul of Man?. Both are eclipsed however, by the eight-minutes-plus title track. The album's undeniable centerpiece, Hang on in There is a lyrical tour de force over a slow-burning groove. Though arrangement touches are as lush as a film score, the underlying rhythms are rooted in urban funk: bells, backing singers and syrupy strings meshing perfectly with guitar scratch and percolating bass. Unfortunately, Kirkland drops the concept for the album's second half, turning his attention to the mysteries of love and throwing the album off balance. He would have been better off integrating the two sides or voicing the greater concerns of side one over a full-length album. Regardless, at least half of this material is the product of an underrated artist at the peak of his compositional powers. Making this disc even more desirable are a trio of tracks culled from 45s amongst them The Prophet: a scorcher that finds the singer riding a vibrant, horn-seasoned funk rhythm that's the toughest thing on hand.

You’re The Man is the first-ever planned “lost” Tamla/Motown album from Marvin Gaye. Includes three tracks newly mixed by SaLaAM ReMi. The album also includes a rare long version of Marvin Gaye’s cancelled Christmas single, as well as an unreleased vault mix of its instrumental B-side, and new essay by Marvin’s biographer, David Ritz. You’re The Man was the album originally proposed to follow-up the monumental What’s Going On. The release coincides with the 60th anniversary of the Motown label and also Marvin Gaye’s 80th Birthday (April 2).

tags: 90s hip-hop/rap jazzy hip hop sample-based underground hip hop Portland

The upstart Virginia MC returns with a baker's dozen of ultra-smooth hip-hop songs, embellished with elements of jazz and soul.
12" Limited Edition Clear Vinyl with Golden Yellow Splatter (Pre-Order. Ships in 8-12 Weeks)Record/Vinyl + Digital Album,Signed Vinyl with Sticker 3-Pack

With the R&B project known as Rhye, Toronto-born Michael Milosh has enjoyed a level of success, even after the mystique and mystery around the 2013 debut offering, Woman, has since dissipated. Blood, in 2018, further explored the parameters of a chamber pop-soul aesthetic and the eight-track Spirit finds Milosh in a mellow, piano-oriented groove.

The album's origins came from tooling around on an old baby grand piano, a morning practice that inspired Milosh to tap into his foundation in classical music, through the lens of alternative R&B. Frequent collaborator Thomas "Doveman" Bartlett is on hand, and Rhye is joined by songwriter Dan Wilson (of Semisonic fame) to deliver a more analog sound compared to previous Rhye outings. The end result is an organic offering, one that leans on the electric foundation that Rhye is known for.

"Dark" sets the scene and classical sound to come. "Needed" is trademark Rhye — haunting, soulful, orchestral — that revels in its lightly libertine appeal, by way of classical keys. "Patience" featuring Icelandic musician Ólafur Arnalds is stridently soulful and ethereal, while "Save Me" quietly and expertly melds piano with Milosh's falsetto with his penchant for strings arrangement.

Spirit is a satisfying addition to Rhye's growing discography. While the mystery is long gone when it comes to what and who Rhye are and stand for, the passion and striving for genreless perfection remains.

UK reissue of the funk legend's debut album, originally released on Invictus in 1970. Includes six bonus tracks, 'Red Hot Mama', 'The Breakdown', 'Come In Out Of The Rain', 'Fantasy Is Reality', 'Unfinished Instrumental', 'Loose Booty' & 'Breakdown' (mono 45 version). 2001.

Yet another jazz-funk banger! Take A Look At Yourself has Russ working at a level that's right up there with keyboard giants like Weldon Irvine, Lonnie Liston Smith, and Bobby Lyle -- a wonderful fusion of jazz and soul that's carried off perfectly throughout the entire set.
The backings are sublime -- rich and full, but never sleepy -- and with a strength that really moves past even Eddie's great work on other albums. The keyboards soar over the top of the tunes mightily -- supported by some great horn parts, and just a bit of chorus vocals on a few cuts. Eddie's playing Arp, electric piano, and a bit of un-named synth on the set -- and titles include the great title track, "I Want To Be Somebody", "Tea Leaves", "Lay Back", "Feelin Fine", and a version of "Don't Ask My Neighbors".

Despite their name, the Chicago Gangsters were originally from Ohio, consisting of brothers James, Sam, Chris, and Leroy McCant. Their sound ranged from heavy funk and disco to sweet, smooth soul balladry. They adopted the name Chicago Gangsters after catching on with the Gold Plate label, where they worked with prolific songwriter/arranger Richard Evans and a number of Chicago's top studio musicians. Their debut LP, Blind Over You, was released in 1975 and contained the slamming funk of "Gangster Boogie," as well as a minor hit cover of "I Choose You," which Willie Hutch had originally recorded as the love theme to the film The Mack. The title track of their 1976 sophomore album Gangster Love was another minor hit, and also the first 12" single their label ever issued. 1977's "I'm an Outlaw" was their last single for Gold Plate; a year later, they cut "Windy City Boogie" for RCA. Dropping the "Chicago" part of their name, the Gangsters subsequently signed with Heat and recorded a third album, Life Is Not Easy Without You, in 1979. They continued on into the early '80s before disbanding. "Gangster Boogie" became a massively popular sample item for hip-hoppers and breakbeat aficionados, most prominently appearing on L.L. Cool J's hit "Mama Said Knock You Out"; their first album was eventually reissued as Gangster Boogie.

Love Unlimited was a female vocal trio that provided backing vocals for American R&B/soul singer Barry White on his albums and concert tours. They also found success with their own recordings.

A Taste of Honey was an American recording act, formed in 1971 by associates Janice–Marie Johnson and Perry Kibble. In 1978, they had one of the best known chart-toppers of the disco era, "Boogie Oogie Oogie". After their popularity waned during the 1980s, Johnson went on to record as a solo artist and released the album One Taste of Honey which produced numerous minor hits. In 2004, Hazel Payne and Janice–Marie Johnson reunited for the first time in over 20 years to perform on the PBS specials Get Down Tonight: The Disco Explosion and My Music: Funky Soul Superstars.