Search - Harold Melvin & Blue Notes, Teddy Pendergrass :: Essential Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes

Seventies soul from Philadelphia

Peter Durward Harris | Leicester England | 10/29/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Philadelphia is not one of the first cities that usually come to mind when discussing pop music, but during the seventies this was where much of the best soul-pop music came from, with many brilliant singers and groups showing the world what they were capable of. The Three Degrees and the O' Jays were among the most successful, together with Harold Melvin and the Blue notes, whose lead singer during their peak years was actually Teddy Pendergrass.



Singer-pianist Harold Melvin formed the group in 1954 (yes, I was surprised to learn that) and was its lead singer and songwriter for many years, during which time the group remained a local act. John Atkins took over lead vocals in the mid sixties but the group remained local. Eventually, Harold discovered Teddy who then joined the group, initially as a drummer. After John Atkins quit, Teddy was given his chance as lead singer and things happened quickly. The group were signed to a new label and given new songs by top songwriters, resulting in a series of great hits. Perhaps the name should have also been changed as Teddy was by then the star and focal point of the group.



The group had several major international hits including Wake up everybody, The love I lost and If you don't know me by now before Teddy quit the group in 1976, apparently because he resented the group name with Harold's name up front.



In the UK, the group's biggest hit was Don't leave me this way, which they had recorded in 1975 but wasn't released as a single anywhere at the time. Thelma Houston covered the song in 1977 and topped the American charts but Harold Melvin's original version was released as a UK single and made number five with Thelma's version peaking at thirteen. I wonder what might have been if their own version had been released in Britain and America in 1975. Actually, I love both these versions as well as the 1986 cover by the Communards (with Jimmy Somerville as lead singer) that topped the UK charts.



This re-mastered collection contains all the essential tracks from the Teddy Pendergrass years, including all the tracks I've already mentioned. If you enjoy seventies soul music, you'll love this collection."

Essential to your 70's collection

cycleman | PA USA | 12/26/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I couldn't possibly provide a more concise review of the music on this Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes collection than can be found in the review entitled, "Seventies soul from Philadelphia". I'll just add that despite this album's 2004 mastering, most people will find it lacking in bass. The sound is clean, clear, and free from background noise, but you'll be missing out on the bass that you will find on the The Blue Notes' excellent vinyl releases. A recommended collection, but bring your equalizer."

Classic--and a wonderful place to start as well

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 01/14/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes made some of the best Philly soul/pop music ever; and just one listen to this album proves it! Of course, their collaboration with Teddy Pendergrass was flawless; Teddy's passing away really makes me think of the days when this music was just hitting the airwaves. It certainly brings back memories!



There's so much fine music here that everything glows bright; but there are some songs that are my personal favorites. "Wake Up Everybody" features Teddy Pendergrass singing squarely front and center--which is quite all right by me! That music adds a wonderful feel to this song and it's hard to forget this awesome tune. "Don't Leave Me This Way" sounds as terrific as it ever did; Teddy's excellent diction bolsters his performance even more. Thelma Houston did a great job covering this but Teddy along with the rest of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes really outdo even themselves on this number; this music leaves nothing to be desired--it's all THAT good.



Other great songs include the very dynamic "The Love I Lost" which made the airwaves sizzle; "If You Don't Know Me By Now" with that beautiful music to accompany the vocals and "Bad Luck" with that amazing beat--what an exceptional song this is! In addition, "Hope That We Can Be Together Soon" with Sharon Paige really is another standout--it shows just how versatile these performers were--the slower, softer feel to this ballad works wonders for it. "I Miss You" is quite a torch song; and listen also for "Yesterday I Had the Blues" with that percussion, guitar and more that rounds out this song as Teddy and the band ace this as effortlessly as if it were mere breathing! Of course, we know it really wasn't all that easy; their talents carried them through every time.



"Satisfaction Guaranteed (Or Take Your Love Back)" has Teddy Pendergrass singing at his very best with the rest of the vocalists doing an outstanding job; and I also like the relentlessly upbeat and joyous "Tell the World How I Feel About 'Cha Baby." The CD ends strong with "Keep On Lovin' You;" this is one brilliant last number that leaves me wanting more!



Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes had a great deal of talent; and when Teddy Pendergrass worked with them everything was even brighter! This is a great CD for fans of Harold Melvin & the Bluenotes; and Teddy Pendergrass fans will be very pleased with this album, too."