Search - Various Artists :: Oldies But Goodies 13

PRETTY GOOD, EXCEPT. . .

Karina A. Suarez | 09/04/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"THIS CD IS VERY GOOD, EXCEPT FOR THE VERSION OF UNCHAINED MELODY ON IT. INSTEAD OF THE ORIGINAL VERSION, THEY INCLUDED THE RE RELEASED NEW STEREO VERSION. I MYSELF PREFER THE ORIGINAL. STILL, THE OTHER SONGS ARE GOOD. -PETER A."

One of the best collections of R&B

Karina A. Suarez | Walt Disney World, USA | 12/06/1998

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Right around the time of the year when the days are somewhat cold and the rush of the holidays is over, the spirit of the Harlem revival takes over me. Perhaps is the proximity of the Zora Neale Hurston festival (I live in Orlando, not far from Eatonville, where it takes place), or perhaps it is the fact that rhythm and blues can carry the romance of Valentine's Day so eloquently.



If you are a nostalgic at heart like me, you will like a CD like this one. Famous disc-jockey Art Laboe ensured that jewels like Ray Charles, Marvin Gaye and Gladys Knight & the Pips are all included (with a few others) in their own original recordings. When I bought this CD I was looking for a song by the Flamingos called "I only have eyes for you" (listed in second place in this collection), a romantic tune that gives me goose bumps and which I first heard in the American soap opera "Days of our Lives" as a couple's song. It is a tune for slow dancing in silk lingerie, alongside a fireplace, champagne, strawberries and all.



But this collection is plagued with gems. I discovered one in Ray Charles' "What I'd say". He yells with his unique cranky but incredibly seductive voice in this rocky tune, and one understands why he's always been held in such consideration for his performances. He's truly a magnificent performer. The Righteous Brothers are the only white group in the collection with their classical "Unchained Melody". This is, however, the remastered version (one not much preferred by some fans). Marvin Gaye, that genius of black music, who died such an untimely death, gives us one of his best performances with the suggestive "Let's get it on". I was honestly surprised at the words of this song the first time I listened to it, as they could not have been more 'descriptive', and I applaud Gaye for having dared against taboos, i.e. I can't imagine him singing it during the seventies. The fact that he did, makes him even more remarkable.



"Oldies but goodies" closes with a recording of a live performance by Gladys Knight & The Pips of "The way we were". I love her voice and the hope it brings to the song. So next time that you are in for a romantic mood, I suggest you tap into some Harlem revival in play the songs in this collection. You and your significant other will be all for the treat."