Not something I'd usually buy, but I found this 1986 two-fer set from Motown in a smooth-sided jewel case for 50¢ at a thrift store and couldn't pass it up. The legendary tune Shotgun is such a great cut, the rest has to be good, right? Boy howdy did I luck out because this this is some fun stuff. With powerful saxophone solos and raw vocal energy, the music is all very similar, it doesn't take itself too seriously, it's made for good times, and I can't sit still.
SHOTGUN (1965)
11 tracks, 33 minutes
11 tracks, 33 minutes
Press of the time:
- CashBox: "Jammed with a flock of teen shakeables"
- Record World: "Groovy, gutsy instrumentals"
- Billboard: "Powerful album"
- Record Mirror: ★★★
Album chart peaks:
- US Billboard 200: #108
- Billboard R&B: #1
Tracks: The album contained 5 tunes that hit various Top 40 charts: Shotgun (#1 R&B, #4 pop), Do The Boomerang (#10 R&B, #36 pop), Cleo's Mood (#14 R&B), and the double A-side Shake And Fingerpop b/w Cleo's Back (#7 R&B, #29 pop).
ROAD RUNNER (1966)
11 tracks, 35 minutes
11 tracks, 35 minutes
Press of the time:
- CashBox: "should delight lots of soul fans with this groovy disk"
- Billboard: "this album can't miss"
Album chart peaks:
- US Billboard 200: #64
- Billboard R&B: #6
Tracks: This album contained 4 tunes that charted in at least one Top 40: (I'm A) Road Runner (#4 R&B, #20 pop), How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) (#3 R&B, #18 pop), Money (That's What I Want) (#35 R&B), and Pucker Up Buttercup (#11 R&B, #31 pop).
Personal Memory Associated with this CD: None.
