The new edition to the Soul Crazy series is number 8. The usual mix of Modern Soul, Boogie, 80’s Funk and UK Street Soul.
Some absolute blinders on here like the Pamela Nivens and Neddy Smith bombs. Plus the Kevin McCord track at the end is just simply beautiful. That was a new track for me and I can’t say or see why or how I hadn’t heard it before. Been waking up with it playing in my head. A good way to start the day. On constant rewind.
The Isabel Roberts track starts a little loud on the down beat bass but it does mellow out as the track goes along.
Another joy to compile I really do hope you enjoy listening.
Big love Mike
Tracklist Isabel Roberts – Rhythm Of Your Love – ZYZ Records Shara – Can’t get Over You – Unit 7 Records Pamela Nivens – It’s You I Love – Sun Valley Records Rosaline Joyce – Waiting So Long (Original Mix) – Unyque Artists Loni Clarke – U (R&B Mix) – A&M Records Curtis Hairston – I Want You (All Night) – Pretty Pearl Records Neddy Smith – Give It Up – PTG Records Miles Jaye – Lets Start Over – 4th & Broadway John White – Victim – Geffen records Part II – You Lose Again (Soul Mix)- Behind The Groove Records The New Investigators – Make This Love (For Real) Radio Mix – Celestial Records Kevin Mccord – When The Night Comes – Chance Records
Was only just chatting about the amazing, awesome, incredible Magnetic Eyes lp today with my friend that I thought I’d go check Jeff’s website to see if there was any updates. Low and behold he’s only gone and recorded a new record. With his friend, musical collaborator, guitar and bass player Marcel Miler, they have come up with a recording which aims to recapture the style and lyrical greatness of the original beloved cult that is Magnetic Eyes.
What I’ve heard so far is very strong. The first tune Can’t Go Home is very “Eyes” as is Don’t Be So Alone and We Never Let Go but impossible to comprehend the whole project on 20 sec clips and I’m extremely excited to get my ears fully wrapped around the new material. The young essential rawness might not be there from “Eyes” but man it’s 30 years on. But what you can hear from those clips is all so very present, the heart, social awareness and raw understanding of the world. Massive respects are due.
Right I’m off to buy the CD now. Shakes a little as it’s the first CD I’ve ever bought. It’s gonna be lonely next to all the vinyl but needs have to be fulfilled. It’s going straight in to the Mongo wagon 🙂
1. Can’t Go Home 2. Nowhere to Be Found 3. American Winter 4. This Time 5. Never Went There 6. Deep in Your Circle 7. Winter Softness 8. Why Stand There? 9. The Struggle 10. Third Dot Society 11. We Never Let Go 12. Don’t Be So Alone 13. Truth > Fiction > Lies
Check this – How good is this tune. First up on the record. Can’t Go Home
Wonderful images on the video from Jeff’s own Youtube account.
Album notes.
This is the 5th album project Jeff Phelps has been associated with over the years, but the first attempt to somewhat reclaim the sound and style of the original “Magnetic Eyes” LP from 1985. “Magnetic Eyes” consisted of 10 songs that were composed, arranged, performed and recorded entirely by Jeff on an early Tascam 4-track stereo cassette recorder. Vocals on two songs were provided by then-16 year old Antoinette Marie Pugh, and a third song featured words adapted from a poem by Vicki Allen Reece. Amazingly, nearly 30 years after its original release, the LP continues to generate interest among vinyl collectors and was re-released on vinyl by Germany’s Tomlab in 2011.
Truth>Fiction>Lies again features original songs by Jeff, but while he plays keys, sax, & vocals, the tracks include a healthy dose of fantastic guitar and bass work provided by long time friend and musician, Marcel Miner. The CD’s 13 songs also include an instrumental track written by Marcel. Singer/performer Traci Ki provides just the right touch on background vocals. Although the music is highly original, if you listen closely you’ll be able to hear Jeff’s main musical influences (Gil Scot-Heron, Steely Dan, Crusaders) sprinkled lightly about in bits and pieces.
Mad Mongos Music 