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John Kongos
John Kongos
John Kongos
Genres: Folk, Pop, Rock, Metal
 
  •  Track Listings (9) - Disc #1

You can hear so many early ?70s British musical currents coursing through this record that it?s no wonder this album ranks as one of the period?s great lost classics (don?t just take our word for it?4 1/2 stars in All Musi...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: John Kongos
Title: John Kongos
Members Wishing: 4
Total Copies: 0
Label: Collector's Choice
Release Date: 5/11/2004
Genres: Folk, Pop, Rock, Metal
Styles: Singer-Songwriters, Oldies
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPCs: 617742042429, 0617742042429

Synopsis

Album Description
You can hear so many early ?70s British musical currents coursing through this record that it?s no wonder this album ranks as one of the period?s great lost classics (don?t just take our word for it?4 1/2 stars in All Music Guide)! John Kongos was something of a rock and roll journeyman when he hooked up with Bowie and Elton John producer Gus Dudgeon, who brought along many of the crew that made Elton?s classic "Madman Across the Water" album to these sessions. The result sounded a little like Elton, sure, but there was a definite glam element to the proceedings?"Tokoloshe Man" sounds like the prototype for Gary Glitter?s "Rock and Roll Part 2," and the gospel-come-rock vibe brings T. Rex to mind?and the production was nothing short of groundbreaking, featuring the first known use of sampling (of African drums in "He?s Gonna Step on You Again"). In fact, this album sounds like it could have been made yesterday; it?s progressive pop in the best sense of the word.

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CD Reviews

Real good.
jblyn | Maryland, USA | 11/11/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)

"John Kongos was, apparently, really hot in South Africa in the Sixties and Seventies, and you can see why from this album. It shows a guy who could belt 'em out with the best of the white British rockers of that time; he particularly reminds me of early Seventies Elton John (and it seems appropriate that most of Mr. Dwight's MADMAN-era band is helping Kongos out here as well). The songs are also outstanding; "Jubilee Cloud" is great quasi-gospel, as is "Come On Down Jesus," and "Gold" and "Tomorrow I'll Go" are as good a set of songs as any of the John/James Taylor/Carole King collection from back in the day. But the two standouts are the songs that bookend the album, "Tokoloshe Man" and especially "He's Gonna Step On You Again," rockers that are ferocious and snarling, and you want to play them over and over the way you do with any good song.



I was vaguely aware of Kongos in the Seventies, but I'm glad I finally had a chance to become better acquainted with his music. This is a great album."
Good to have you back John!
W. Lockwood | Washington state | 03/15/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I lucked upon a promo copy of this album in the early 70's and it remains in my vinyl collection. It's wonderful to see Collector's Choice rereleasing this undiscovered gem. The album remains one of my favorites of that time and I'm filled with joy that another generation will be able to enjoy this versatile artist's music. Kudos to CC for the release and thanks for giving these albums fresh life. Another great lost album, Tiptoe Past the Dragon by Marlin Greene from 1972 has just resurfaced in the CC collection. Yea! It feels like Christmas all over again!"