Amazing SOUL MUSIC from DETROIT
brazuka | Curitiba, Brazil | 10/15/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
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Demon Edsel, 2009, 2 CDs, 40 tracks
Led by singer/songwriter General Johnson, The Chairmen of the Board was created in 1969 by the trio Holland-Dozier-Holland, after their departure from Motown Records. The other members were Danny Woods, Harrison Kennedy and Eddie Custis (who left the group after the release of the second album).
The double CD comprises four albums + four singles:
THE CHAIRMEN OF THE BOARD (April 1970) - tracks 1 to 12
General Johnson GENERALLY SPEAKING (March 1972) - tracks 13 to 18
three non-album singles from General Johnson - tracks 19 to 21
IN SESSION (October 1970) - tracks 1 to 11 (Disc 2)
Harrison Kennedy HYPNOTIC MUSIC (October 1972) - tracks 12 to 18
and another b-side from General Johnson - track 19
All the songs are excellent, but the solo release from General Johnson is the strongest material here: great songs and performances, from one of the best soul singers of all times. The album has nine songs, the other three appeared on the COTB regular albums: "All We Need Is Understanding" and "Everything's Tuesday" from the second IN SESSION and "Saginaw County Line" from the third BITTERSWEET.
The non-album singles from General Johnson: "Savannah Lady", "I'm In Love Darling" and "Only Time Will Tell" (vocal and instrumental).
The solo album by Harrison Kennedy is more pop/rock, like the instrumental "Up The Organization", but there are smooth ballads like "Night Comes Day Goes" and "You Hurt Your Mother Again". The original album has more two songs: "Come Together" from the FIRST ALBUM and "Children of Today" from the second IN SESSION.
Highlights: "Patches", "You've Got Me Dangling On A String", "Every Couple's Not a Pair", "I'll Never Get Tired of You", "Mary Lou Thomas", "Everything's Tuesday", "Pay to The Piper" and "Sunday Morning People".
The sound is superb (the same remastering from the Castle 1999 edition, excellent).
Highly recommended.
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