Search - Linda Clifford :: Runaway Love

Finally !

Marc200 | Los Angeles, CA | 08/31/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After years of suffering through the skips, tics and sundry noises a 22 year old piece of vinyl is wont to make, the wait is finally over. The new millennium has brought us a COMPACT DISC anthology of one of the disco era's greatest exponents, Linda Clifford. There is also a BONUS cd in this 2-CD set. The "I'M YOURS" album is here in its entirety. Clifford is responsible for two of the most attitudinal songs ever to ignite a dance-floor: "Runaway Love" -- the ultimate "pack-your-stuff-and-get-out" anthem -- and "Don't Give It Up". "Runaway Love" is found here in all its 9 minute, 42 second glory. Unfortunately, "Don't Give It Up" is an edit that cuts out most of the drama. Clifford also managed to take the goofy "If My Friends Could See Me Now" from SWEET CHARITY and give it a little spirit. The great thing about this CD is that it shows that Linda was much more than a "Disco Diva". It includes some of her earlier R&B recordings, two of her duets with soul man Curtis Mayfield and two of her great soul radio cuts:"You Can Do It" from LINDA and "I Just Wanna Wanna". Doesn't stop there: we get Clifford's funky "Red Light" from the movie FAME, "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and "Shoot Your Best Shot". Also, Linda turns in a virtuoso rendition of "I Had A Talk With My Man" that is so soulful she can make you forget that Aretha Franklin and Dusty Springfield both recorded this great song. All in all, this is a mind-blowing collection for anyone with an appreciation for 70's soul and Disco."

Unjustly neglected disco star!

Kevin Winkler | New York, NY USA | 08/07/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Clifford is an unjustly neglected star of the disco era, perhaps because her best-remembered records are disco-kitsch versions of the show tune, "If My Friends Could See Me Now," and the Simon and Garfunkel anthem, "Bridge Over Troubled Waters." A protegee of Curtis Mayfield, Clifford recorded a handful of marvelous r&b-cum-disco albums for his Curtom Records between 1977 and 1980, none of which had been reissued on CD until the UK-based Castle Music/Sequel Records released them on bargain-minded twofer packages. The "must have" among the series is this anthology featuring all Clifford's Curtom singles, as well as a sampling of earlier recordings for other labels. Among the highlights are her first hit, "Runaway Love" and (the unfortunately truncated) "Don't Give It Up," both of which spotlight Clifford's sly wit in a series of hilarious spoken interludes. However, the big attraction here is the inclusion of Clifford's final Curtom album, the 1980 "I'm Yours," produced by Isaac Hayes. Arguably Clifford's best album, Hayes showcases her in lush, orchestral r&b settings, only a few of which could be labelled "disco." Among the choice items is a credible remake of Mitty Collier's 1960s classic "I Had a Talk With My Man." Clifford had a full, rich, womanly voice that distinguished her from the heavy-breathers and disco-shouters of the dance era. And she was equally at home in dramatic ballads and rhythm numbers. The contemporary singer she most resembles is Whitney Houston without the mannerisms. Every song on this 2 CD set is worthwhile, and though the disco embellishments may sound dated, Clifford's vocals are timeless. A Linda Clifford revival is long overdue!"

She Shoots Her Best Shots!!!

David A. Preiser | Tacoma, WA United States | 02/24/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Linda Clifford is in a word wonderful! The duets with Curtis Mayfield are highlights! As are "From Now On" & "Runaway Love". The second CD, The "I'm Yours" album is not to be missed!!! Linda at her Best! I am so glad to have this music on CD. To sum up in two words Wonderful Memories!!"