Search - Sylvers :: Concept

Classic early 80's R&B

TONY | FT. LAUD, FL | 10/04/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This album "Concept" by The Sylvers was so underrated and overlooked. It is easily one the best albums they released during their heydey. The standout is "Come Back Lover Come back", the musical intro is so beautifully arranged. Other gems include "Just When I Thought Is Was Over" and "I'm Gettin Over". The sound of the album was of course the classic Solar sound, found in other groups like Shalamar, the Whispers and Dynasty. Why this album was not successful is beyond me. Maybe it was a combination of poor promotion and lack of radio airplay. The vocals are excellent, but then again the Sylvers were gifted singers and had some of the best harmonies a group could possess. It was a shame the late great Edmund Sylvers did not appear on this album. With his fine voice, he should have been a very successful solo artist in his own right. But it was good to see Charmaine come back after a long abscence from the group. Why is this the only Sylvers album available on CD. I think Capitol Records should reissue all three Sylvers albums. "Showcase" "Something Special" and "New Horizons" on CD. Let's not forget the superb "Forever Yours" On Casablanca. Let's give this excellent, underrated family group the due it finally deserves."

Ol' school family funk.

d.nice | richmond,va | 09/15/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Sylvers were a family soul-funk crew like the Jacksons, and from the mid 70's towards the mid 80's they were still producing music as a group ,recording for various labels. This addition of the Sylvers brings siblings Foster,Angelica,Jonathan,Patricia,& Ricky together for this jamming 1981 Solar recording(Sounds of Los Angelos Records). Down from 9 members during their 70's bubblegum period when they produced hit's like "boogie fever" and "high school dance" this recording for Solar(which I believe was originally known as "Soul Train Records") was also home to Midnight Starr,Shalamar(who Foster and older brother Leon would eventually write and co-produce with),Lakeside,and The Deale (which featured L.A.Reid & Babyface)to name a few, was recorded after their period with Casablanca records. This album is period(81') soul and funk and the musicianship is great, not dominated by keyboards and electric drums as much of R&B at that period had begun to reflect. The extended Sylvers family contributes on this album, representing songwriting from Nidra,James,Leon and Carmaine Sylvers as well as fine production work from Leon Sylvers III.The 9 tracks featured cross the boundaries of soul and funk with ease. This album for whatever reason did not gain wide air play went it debuted, personally listening to many of the tracks they hold up to the test of time very well. Maybe some Ol'School D.J. out their could explain this early 80's ommision from urban radio,especially from a veteran group like the Sylvers who in 1981 were still well known? Why this is the only complete Sylvers album to be issued on disc is another mystery. Capital I believe controls the early to mid 70's material while Casablanca(once owned by Polygram now possibly owned by Universal music?)recorded them during the mid to late 70's. It would seem likely that other material would had emerged by now in this period of rapid reissuing, hopefully more interest in this reissue might move some company too license and reissue more from the classic works of The Sylvers.On a final note, sadly Brother Edmund Sylvers passed away in my hometown of Richmond,Va on May-31-2004 (age listed,47)after battling cancer,as reported nationally in JET Magazine. Edmund was married with 11 children, one son, Jeremy was casted in the 1991 film "Child's Play III". Edmund also produced a solo album in 1980, producing the hit "That Burning Love"( ironically he was also the voice of Marlon Jackson in the Jackson 5 cartoon series that aired in the early 70's on network T.V.).... R.I.P Soul Brother."

Nice

MUSIC MANIAC | Oregon | 05/25/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Why is this the only Sylvers non-compilaton CD available? It is a good one. Mostly upbeat songs typical of the time period. Best being 'Come Back Lover" and "I'm Getting Over" either one wouldn't of sounded out of place on a Shalamar or Whispers LP.

"Just When I Thought It Was Over" is a good ballad, once again evoking Shalamar. Even though the price on this is a bit steep, it's nice to have this again."