Great musicianship from one of the best British soul outfits
P.J. Le Faucheur | Canada (ex- U.K. resident) | 09/24/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Kokomo were one of the best British blue- eyed soul outfits to grace the stage at a time when their contemporaries, like the "Average White Band" and "Gonzalez" were also making an impact.Unfortunately though, "Kokomo" were extremely underrated and never gained the recognition they deserved ---In various ways they were like the Trans-Atlantic version of "Rufus with Chaka Khan" and the influence of Aretha Franklin, Bobby Womack & Marvin Gaye can be felt throughout on this great recording--- The first track " Kitty Sitting Pretty" rocks you like something "Sly & the Family Stone" would do. It's low down 'n' dirty funk and a great opener for the record--Back in March 1975 the single "I'm Sorry Babe" from this album swum around the U.K charts for several weeks. It featured some great vocals by Tony O'Malley ( an ex-member of a superb '60s British vocal group called "ARRIVAL") --his vocals are very reminiscent of Joe Cocker at times especially on "Anytime". There are some slick guitar licks from Jim Mullen and Neil Hubbard.
Up to today the music on this c.d has pretty much stood the test of time and reminds of us of an era when musicianship reigned above sound techniques and drum machines. All the tracks have some inspiring moments with "Anytime" again being a standout song and the version of Bobby Womacks "I Can Understand It" is equally as good as Bobbys was. The version of Aretha Franklins emotionally tinged soul ballad, "Angel" is heartwarming, although obviously not in the same league as Arethas (but it was definitely getting there fast!!)
It took me a LONG, long time to track this one down on c.d. It's a shame it is so pricey when available but its worth the money! I eventually had to settle for an exorbitantly priced Japanese copy. I hope that Sony eventually re-issue this one since it's the best session "Kokomo" ever did. The current titles available by "Kokomo" don't amount to much at all and are not a clear representation of the bands potential.
The musicians on this recording went on to back other artists like Alvin Lee and if they had been American they would have surely ended up around Muscle Shoals backing singers like Ann Peebles or as the regular houseband for "Saturday Night Live"."
Geat album
Joe Zawinul | Birdland USA | 02/20/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I bought the first two albums and saw them live at the Reading Rock festival in 1975 and in Southampton the following year. Only about 100 people turned up at the latter gig at a large venue - but we had a good time. Most 18 year old white middle class English kids at the time did not get too enthusiastic about soul music. It was the era of Floyd and Zeppelin.
This was a great album, and I still enjoy listening to it. I Can Understand It is a classic track."
A magic album
Richard | Axminster, Devon United Kingdom | 04/14/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I first saw Kokomo playing in the back room of a pub in Peckham London during the '70s I don't know how they all got on the small stage, it was hot sticky and full of acrid smoke. The performance was electric and they had the whole audience jumping, it wasn't long before this album was released and they went onto play for much larger audiences. Kokomo were one of a number of great bands at that time that were doing the pub/club circuits, along with Dr Feelgood, Gonzalez, Kursaal Flyers and Ian Drury. A magic album and essential for fans of that era."
Track Listings (9) - Disc #1