Search - Ruby Andrews :: Just Loving You

The Definitive Ruby Andrews Collection...Must Have Chicago S

Spree Playa | Chicago, IL USA | 06/30/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Most people are sleep on who Ruby Andrews is. For those that don't know, or think they know (because they only heard Cassanova) wake up! This woman is the essence of what Chicago soul singers are really about! Most folk only associate two female singers from Chicago (the late Minnie Riperton and Mavis Staples) and disregard the rest. Ruby Andrews has all the funk Mavis Staples only achieved on one album (the Curtis Mayfield produced A Piece of the Action Soundtrack, which FYI was excellent), and the seriousness of Minnie Riperton classic Come Into My Garden in this collection all in one. For those just finding out about this gem, I would recommend finding a vinyl copy of the 1972 recording of Black Ruby since it hasnt been re-released on CD. However, if you can't, before you play the whole CD in sequential order, listen to the following FIRST:

1. (I Wanna Be) Whatever It Takes To Please You

2. You Ole Boo Boo You

3. My Love Is Comin Down

4. Uh Uh Boy That's A No No

5. Casanova (the first version)

6. You Got To Do The Same Thing

7. The Love I Need

8. You Made A Believer Out Of Me



There are songs on here for everyone. Some are dated, but the funkier cuts are in the aforementioned. Ruby's talent, as well as innovation come out very nicely in this collection; the style of guitar, bass and strings used in some of the songs is very reminiscent of later 70s works of Curtis Mayfield with female singers (mostly Aretha Franklin (Sparkle Soundtrack), Mavis Staples (Piece of the Action Soundtrack), and Gladys Knight (Claudine Soundtrack)) but note: Ruby Andrews did it first!!!

If I had one baby gripe about this compilation, it would be not including Overdose Of Love, which is such a sexy, seductive song IMO that has mystique in it that captures you from the first note to the end. But all in all, you won't be dissapointed.

"

60's & 70's SOUL, FUNK & DEEP SOUL ALL WRAPPED UP IN ONE NIC

Mr. Nightshift | Los Angeles, CA | 02/05/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you don't know who Ruby Andrews is NOW is a good time to find out!!! This was once available as an expensive Japanese Import (Around $50.00), but thanks to the good folks at Grapevine you'll pay around $20.00! Includes ALL of her Billboard Charted Hits: "Casanova" (#9) Note: This is the 'Original' Version, "The Love I Need" (#48), "You Made A Believer" (#18), "Everybody Saw You" (#34) Note: The Edited Single Version, Why?, "Can You Get Away" (#41), and You Ole Boo Boo You", Plus several album favorites & Rare Singles ALL from the Zodiac label. Due to the fact the small indie label Zodiac wasn't as big as Vee-Jay and Chess labels, they were confined to just making a little noise in various markets throughout the South. Understand this...It had NOTHING to do with quality of the good music to be found here. Several were even recorded/produced in Detroit!, so you get the best of 2 (Two) world's...Chicago & Detroit!!! Of the Rare Cuts: "Let's Get A Groove Going On", "Come To Me", and "Just Loving You" ALL stand in high ranks in the Collector's Circle (As well as U.K. Favorites). Do yourself a favor and shell out a few bucks...Sit back relax and enjoy 28 (Twenty-Eight) Tracks from this long overlooked artist. Who knows maybe there might be enough remaining tracks (As well as some Unrealeased Tracks) to prompt Grapevine to put out a Volume 2 of Ruby Andrews the Zodiac years."

Great Singer. Great Music. Awful Mastering.

oxxo | san francisco | 01/12/2010

(1 out of 5 stars)

"Seriously, this is a contender for the worst mastering ever.



How bad is it you ask?



First, borrow one of those old record players from your local library, then take your vinyl Ruby Andrews LPs & play them in front of cassette recorder. Then take that tape and play it back in a long hallway while listening through a closed door several yards away. Get the picture?



Needless to say, the original Zodiac studio master tapes were not used for this release. So now we have two truly useless Ruby Andrews collections to choose from: the one from Collectables (shudder), and this one.



Ruby Andrews deserves better treatment than this. Hopefully Ace/Kent or Edsel/Demon in the UK will come to the rescue..."