Various Artists - Soul Hits of the '70s: Didn't It Blow Your Mind, Vol. 16 (1995)

Volume 16 of a 20 volume Rhino series. I had no plans to collect all 20 CDs, but they keep appearing in used bins and I simply can't help myself so we'll have to wait and see where this leads. From what I can ascertain, the later volumes released in 1995 are getting harder to find which normally translates to higher price tags, so I'm lucky I happened across this one in 2024 even though it came with a $19.99 price tag (I'm not saying that's what I paid, simply stating what the price sticker read).

Tracks, with Billboard chart peaks:

1. Patches - Clarence Carter (1970, #4 pop, #2 R&B)
   I dig the building pre-chorus, but not so much the spoken word verse. And it's such a depressing song. Nevertheless, it won the 1971 Grammy Award for Best Rhythm & Blues Song.
2. Betcha By Golly, Wow - The Stylistics (1972, #3 pop, #2 R&B, #7 AC)
   From the mind of Thom Bell comes this classic, oft covered tune. So dadgum smooth it could glide on sandpaper.
3. You're Still A Young Man - Tower Of Power (1972, #29 pop, #24 R&B)
   Love this waltz with its screaming trumpets and doo-wop vocals. I don't care much for the abbreviated single edit included on the compilation.
4. Misdemeanor - Foster Sylvers (1973, #22 pop, #7 R&B)
   11 year old Foster does his best Michael Jackson imitation and sounds almost exactly like him. Unfortunately, the backing group isn't up to the standards of the Funk Brothers or The Corporation. That's Foster in the CD's cover photo. A couple of years later, he'd contract a bad case of boogie fever.
5. Nobody Wants You When You're Down And Out - Bobby Womack (1973, #29 pop, #2 R&B)
   In which a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer takes an old blues tune, completely deconstructs it, and makes it his own.
6. Cheaper To Keep Her - Johnnie Taylor (1973, #15 pop, #2 R&B)
   Part bluesy jazz tune, part Stax groove, all good.
7. Put Your Hands Together - The O'Jays (1974, #10 pop, #2 R&B)
   Another cut on this compilation performed by members of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Written and produced by the legendary Gamble & Huff team, containing the same formula - both musically and lyrically - as the group's 1972 hit Love Train. What a joyful chorus!
8. Trying To Hold On To My Woman - Lamont Dozier (1974, #15 pop, #4 R&B)
   Also a member of the Rock Hall. This song is a pleading slow burn and was Dozier's biggest hit as a solo artist.
9. Sexy Mama - The Moments (1974, #17 pop, #3 R&B)
   Take a smooth groove, add some strings plus a little pillow talk and you've got a sexy stew goin'.
10. Touch A Hand, Make A Friend - The Staple Singers (1974, #23 pop, #3 R&B, #27 AC)
    The Staple Singers (Rock Hall 1999) recorded tunes that were so basic they immediately hooked you, lyrics so positive they immediately uplifted you, and arrangements so perfect they always gave you something new. This track is no exception. 
11. Skin Tight - Ohio Players (1974, #13 pop, #2 R&B)
    A sweet chunk of polished funk from the boys from Dayton. Between the bass line, the horn licks, and the immediately identifiable "well, well, well" from Sugarfoot, I can't decide which I like more.
12. Sha-La-La (Make Me Happy) - Al Green (1974, #7 pop, #2 R&B, #28 disco)
    They literally saved the best for last. What a legend. Of course the Rev. Green is in many Halls of Fame, including Rock, Grammy, Gospel Music, Songwriters, Memphis Music, etc. And here's a picture from the time I saw him in concert in Austin, April 2012.

Previously revisited for the blog:

Volume 2	Volume 13
Volume 5	Volume 14
Volume 6	Volume 15
Volume 12	Volume 18

Various Artists - Soul Hits of the '70s: Didn't It Blow Your Mind, Vol. 2 (1991)

Volume 2 of a 20 volume Rhino series.

Tracks, with Billboard chart peaks:

1. The Bells - The Originals (1970, #12 pop, #4 R&B)
   Produced by Marvin Gaye and backed by The Funk Brothers, this lush ballad is heavy on the harmonies and orchestration and I don't mind a bit.
2. Love Or Let Me Be Lonely - The Friends Of Distinction (1970, #6 pop, #13 R&B, #9 AC)
   With that verse over a ostinato verse, a double time chorus, tasty horns licks, and tight vocal harmonies, this thing is catchy as all get out and a great blend of soul and sunshine pop.
3. Girls It Ain't Easy - The Honey Cone (1969, #68 pop, #8 R&B)
   Great tune; it's the lyrical content where there's a problem. Written by Ronald Dunbar and “Edyth Wayne” (pseudonym of Holland-Dozier-Holland), this strong vocal trio delivers lyrics clearly penned from a male perspective about the emotional pressures placed on women to keep their man. As they say on the social medias, this hasn't aged well. The music is great, though.
4. Viva Tirado (Pt. 1) - El Chicano (1970, #28 pop, #20 R&B, #10 AC)
   A Chicano instrumental featuring a drawbar organ, this minor crossover hit meets at the intersection of soul, jazz, and rock. I dig it.
5. Turn Back The Hands Of Time - Tyrone Davis (1970, #3 pop, #1 R&B)
   In which Davis wants to mend his broken heart using time travel and an irresistible groove. 
6. Love On A Two-Way Street - The Moments (1970, #3 pop, #1 R&B)
   I first heard this song via the faithful Staci Lattisaw cover back in 1981. Lattisaw was 15 years old and 5 months younger than me but that's neither here nor there. Songs like this make heartbreak feel so good while the falsetto vocals are devastating.
7. Compared To What - Les McCann & Eddie Harris (1970, #85 pop, #35 R&B)
   Possibly the protest song with the best soul/jazz/funk/R&B groove. Tragically, the lyrics are just as salient today as they were in 1970. The song was the lead track on the album Swiss Movement, which was in the top ten of the Billboard Jazz Album charts from December 20, 1969 until November 21, 1970, including thirteen consecutive weeks at #1. Sock it to me.
8. Love Land - Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band (1970, #16 pop, #23 R&B)
   This group gives us a relaxed, mid-tempo vibe with an arrangement that includes horns and strings, but really doesn't have the hook I'm looking for.
9. O-o-h Child - The Five Stairsteps (1970, #8 pop, #14 R&B)
   The best track on this disc. Classic.
10. Band of Gold - Freda Payne (1970, #3 pop, #20 R&B)
    The second best track on this disc. Payne's pleading over incessant downbeats is a relentless exhortation about getting left high and dry on her wedding night. (Also credited to Dunbar & Wayne, see track 3).
11. Are You Ready? - Pacific Gas & Electric (1970, #14 pop, #49 R&B)
    A gospelish tune that borrows its feel (and title?) from The Temptations tune Get Ready, but includes an electric guitar solo. Good, not great.
12. Maybe - The Three Degrees (1970, #29 pop, #4 R&B)
    A remake of an early 1958 hit for The Chantels, this gets bonus points for the spoken word introduction, but despite outstanding performances, doesn't do much for me.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: None. Singles included on this volume charted 1969 - 1970, years when your humble blogger had yet to start his formal education.

Previously revisited for the blog:

Volume 5	Volume 13
Volume 6	Volume 14
Volume 12	Volume 15
	Volume 18

Various Artists - Soul Hits of the '70s: Didn't It Blow Your Mind, Vol. 18 (1995)

Volume 18 of a 20 volume Rhino series. I had no plans to collect all 20 CDs, but they keep appearing in used bins and I simply can't help myself so we'll have to wait and see where this leads. From what I can ascertain, the later volumes released in 1995 are getting harder to find which normally translates to higher price tags, so I'm lucky I happened across this one because I think it is one of the strongest in the series. Singles included on this volume charted 1975 - 1977, the years in which I developed a serious commitment to radio and music.

Tracks, with Billboard chart peaks:

1. Give It What You Got - B.T. Express (1975, #40 pop, #5 R&B)
   If it ain't broke, don't fix it. The group's 1974 single Do It ('Til You're Satisfied)" topped the R&B chart in 1974 so this is more of the same as far as groove, style, and lyrical content are concerned. Not quite as successful on the pop chart this time around, though.
2. Wake Up Everybody (Part 1) - Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes (1975, #12 pop, #1 R&B, #34 AC) 
   Typical Philly Soul greatness from Teddy Pendergrass and company. Sadly, the lyrics continue to be relevant half a century after they were written.
3. Sweet Thing - Rufus feat. Chaka Khan (1975, #5 pop, #1 R&B)
   I listen to something this good and can't help from hollering, “@#$%&, Chaka! Sing that $#%!”
4. I'll Be Good To You - The Brothers Johnson (1976, #3 pop, #1 R&B)
   George & Louis Johnson teaming up with producer Quincy Jones made for several excellent collaborations. This was the first.
5. Kiss And Say Goodbye - The Manhattans (1976, #1 pop, #1 R&B, #12 AC)
   Recorded in Philadelphia with MFSB as the backing band, this is a fantastic slow jam. I love this song from the spoken intro to the smooth ever-so-slightly-out-of-tune doo-wop harmonies. A simple break up song, but oh so well done. Pleading, soulful vocals over an insistent, pulsing string hook. After a Barry White-ish spoken word bass voice intro, we're treated to a beautifully subtle, falsetto voice that grows in intensity for the next 3 minutes.
6. You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine - Lou Rawls (1976, #2 pop, #1 R&B, #4 disco, #1 AC)
   Lou Rawls and Gamble & Huff? Gimme! What a voice and what a soulful pair of writer/producers.
7. Who'd She Coo? - Ohio Players (1976, #18 pop, #1 R&B)
   A play on the suggestive euphemism "hoochie coo," but when you've got a funk groove this good, lyrics are practically superfluous.
8. You Are My Starship - Norman Connors (1976, #27 pop, #4 R&B)
   Drummer/producer Connors sure could put together a solid group of musicians for his jazz/R&B albums. This one features vocals by Michael Henderson and a soprano sax solo by Gary Bartz. It was the biggest solo hit from Connors but is one of my least favorites cut from him. Go figure.
9. Dazz - Brick (1976, #3 pop, #1 R&B, #7 disco)
   Dazz is supposedly a combination of disco and jazz. I'm not sure that's what it is, but we're treated to mean flute solo.
10. Tryin' To Love Two - William Bell (1976, #10 pop, #1 R&B, #25 AC)
    This didn't get much airplay in west Texas so I don't recall hearing it as a child. That's my loss because this thing is fantastically smooth. I finally heard it about 15 years ago - better late than never.
11. I Wanna Get Next To You - Rose Royce (1976, #10 pop, #3 R&B, #9 AC)
    We're treated to another fantastic slow jam, this time from the mind of Norman Whitfield. I once included this one and Kiss And Say Goodbye (track 5) in a playlist I titled "The Greatest Slow Jam Mix Ever:
    
12. Best Of My Love - The Emotions (1977, #1 pop, #1 R&B, #11 disco)
    Written and produced by musical genius Maurice White. The bass line is awesome in its simplicity. Great groove throughout. The single deservedly won the Grammy award for Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: Hearing most of these songs while riding around Odessa, Texas through the AM radio in my mother's yellow station wagon (a Ford Country Sedan, maybe?). Particular favorites at the time were Kiss And Say Goodbye, You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine, and Best Of My Love. Other personal faves of 1976 can be found here: Counting down the Top 76 of '76

Previously revisited for the blog:

Volume 5	Volume 13
Volume 6	Volume 14
Volume 12	Volume 15

Various Artists - Soul Hits of the '70s: Didn't It Blow Your Mind, Vol. 12 (1991)

Volume 12 of a 20 volume Rhino series. I had no plans to collect all 20 CDs, but they keep appearing in used bins and I simply can't help myself so we'll have to wait and see where this leads. Singles included on this volume charted in 1973 & 1974 at the dawn of disco, and it is quite possibly the best volume of the series.

Tracks, with my favorites indicated (✔) and Billboard chart peaks:

• Love Train - The O'Jays (#1 pop, #1 R&B) ✔
  In 2006, this single was inducted to the Grammy Hall Of Fame.
• Soul Makossa - Manu Dibango (#35 pop, #21 R&B) ✔
  Originally released in Cameroon in 1972, this single is considered by many (including this humble blogger) to be the first disco record.
• Stoned Out Of My Mind - The Chi-Lites (#30 pop, #2 R&B)
  The group from Chicago ultimately placed 5 tunes in the Top 40; this was their fifth and final pop hit. The group would continue to place singles on the R&B charts thru 1984. I'd like to hear Casey Kasem backsell this one.
• Theme From Cleopatra Jones - Joe Simon With The Mainstreeters (#18 pop, #3 R&B)
  Taken from a "blaxploitation" film which I've seen and wholeheartedly agree with this CD's liner notes when they claim "its most redeeming quality is its music."
• The Love I Lost (Part 1) - Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes (#7 pop, #1 R&B) ✔
  Originally written by Gamble & Huff as a ballad, the group turned it into a funk-disco tune with Teddy Pendergrass on vocals.
• Show And Tell - Al Wilson (#1 pop, #10 R&B) ✔
  Originally a very minor hit for Johnny Mathis, this version became Wilson's biggest hit of his career. The mid-tempo ballad with its soaring strings also saw action on the adult contemporary chart, peaking at #3.
• Boogie Down - Eddie Kendricks (#2 pop, #1 R&B) ✔
  The second big solo hit from the former member of The Temptations. Nominated for a Grammy in the category Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male, ultimately losing to Stevie Wonder's Boogie On Reggae Woman.
• Jungle Boogie - Kool & The Gang (#4 pop, #2 R&B) ✔
  This funky thing contains one of the best horn licks of the early '70s and that's really sayin' something.
• TSOP (The Sound Of Philadelphia) - MFSB Featuring The Three Degrees (#1 pop, #1 R&B) ✔
  More proto-disco goodness from Gamble & Huff, who wrote the tune as the theme for Soul Train and it went on to become the first television theme song to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. As if that weren't enough, it won a Grammy award in the category of Best R&B Instrumental Performance.
• Lookin' For A Love - Bobby Womack (#10 pop, #1 R&B)
  Womack originally recorded the tune in 1962 as a member of The Valentinos. This solo remake would become his only top ten pop hit.
• Just Don't Want To Be Lonely - The Main Ingredient (#10 pop, #8 R&B) ✔
  The second of three Top 40 pop hits for the group; it was also a minor hit for Ronnie Dyson a few months prior.
• Be Thankful For What You Got - William DeVaughn (#4 pop, #1 R&B) ✔
  Diamond in the back, sunroof top, diggin' the scene with a gangsta lean.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD:  None from the '70s, but my very young sons and I danced to Jungle Boogie a lot back in the late '90s. A lot.

Previously revisited for the blog:

Volume 5	Volume 14
Volume 6	Volume 15
Volume 13

Various Artists - Soul Hits of the '70s: Didn't It Blow Your Mind, Vol. 6 (1991)

Because one simply doesn't pass over volume 6 of this 20 volume Rhino series when it pitifully sits in the used bins, begging to be played loudly. The series is long out-of-print and many of these volumes are sometimes difficult to find and obtain. However, as more and more people foolishly cast away/sell their CD collections in favor of streaming and/or vinyl, CDs in this series are now hitting the secondary markets at somewhat reasonable prices and here we are. Singles included on this volume charted in late 1971, when your humble blogger was 5 years old. Nice mix of big hits and singles that peaked a little further down the charts. 12 tracks, 43 minutes and when it's over, I'm left wanting more.

Tracks, with my favorites indicated (✔) and Billboard chart peaks:

• Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get - The Dramatics (#9 pop, #3 R&B) ✔
• Ain't No Sunshine - Bill Withers (#3 pop, #6 R&B)
  Produced by Booker T. Jones. Previously appeared on this blog on Bill Withers' Greatest Hits & Forever Soul, Vol. 1.
• Women's Love Rights - Laura Lee (#36 pop, #11 R&B) ✔
• The Love We Had (Stays On My Mind) - The Dells (#30 pop, #8 R&B) ✔
• Thin Line Between Love & Hate - The Persuaders (#15 pop, #1 R&B)
  Previously appeared on this blog in the Atlantic Rhythm and Blues 1947-1974 box set.
• You've Got To Crawl (Before You Walk) - The 8th Day (#28 pop, #3 R&B) ✔
• I've Found Someone Of My Own - The Free Movement (#5 pop, #20 R&B) ✔
• Theme From Shaft - Isaac Hayes (#1 pop, #2 R&B) ✔
  Previously appeared on this blog on Billboard #1 Hits Of The '70s.
• A Natural Man - Lou Rawls (#17 pop, #17 R&B) ✔
• Have You Seen Her - The Chi-Lites (#3 pop, #1 R&B) ✔
• Where Did Our Love Go - Donnie Elbert (#15 pop, #6 R&B)
• Respect Yourself - The Staple Singers (#12 pop, #2 R&B) ✔
  Grammy Hall of Fame Award Winner, 2002

9 of the 12 tracks are apparently new to my shelves, but I can't believe Have You Seen Her and Respect Yourself haven't already appeared here.

Exclusive CD longbox photo courtesy of
Dirk Digglinator of the Hambonian Archives.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD:  None

Previously revisited for the blog:
Volume 5
Volume 13
Volume 14
Volume 15

Various Artists - Soul Hits of the '70s: Didn't It Blow Your Mind, Vol. 13 (1991)

Today marks the 13th anniversary of this blog, so we're celebrating by spinning volume 13 of this 20 volume Rhino series, released in the early '90s. The series is now out-of-print and these volumes are sometimes difficult to find and obtain. However, as more and more people foolishly cast away/sell their CD collections in favor of streaming, CDs in this series are now hitting the secondary markets at reasonable prices (which is a wonderful development in my world).

Tracks:

• Rock The Boat - The Hues Corporation: Peaked at #1 pop, #2 R&B in 1974.
  A disco classic, full of soulful vocals over a syncopated bass line that drives everything forward. When this song hit, I thought the lyrics were about an actual boat. Apparently, metaphors are lost on 8 year old boys.
• Rock Your Baby - George McCrae: Peaked at #1 pop, #1 R&B in 1974.
  Now ain't that some clever sequencing? There's really not much to the thing - just some rhythm guitar scratching over an organ pad. So why is it so damn catchy??
• Hollywood Swinging - Kool & The Gang: Peaked at #6 pop, #1 R&B in 1974.
  I've always loved this tune and my youngest son had the nickname "Hollywood" up until he was about 9, but God help me, I can't hear this song now without thinking of this:
  
  
  
  
• Love's Theme - The Love Unlimited Orchestra: Peaked at #1 pop, #10 R&B in 1974.
  If my memory can be trusted, this was the first disco song I ever fell in love with. I was 8. All these years later, it still sounds as sweet as it did in '74. If the strings and wah-wah guitar don't get ya, those soaring French Horn parts certainly should.
• Sideshow - Blue Magic: Peaked at #8 pop, #1 R&B in 1974.
  This would almost be a novelty single if it wasn't so daggum smooth. Outstanding falsetto lead supported by characteristic Philly Soul harmonies.
• Hurts So Good - Millie Jackson: Peaked at #24 pop, #3 R&B in 1973.
  Well butter my biscuits that's some good ol' Southern soul with its laid back electric piano and an arrangement straight off Dusty In Memphis (or was it the other way around?). Spectacular vocals. I'm not sure, but this thing just had to be recorded in Muscle Shoals, right?
• Finally For Myself Together (I'm A Changed Man) - The Impressions: Peaked at #17 pop, #1 R&B in 1974.
  This song was recorded after Curtis Mayfield left the group, but it is tasty nonetheless. A slow build and worth the wait.
• Tell Me Something Good - Rufus: Peaked at #3 pop, #3 R&B in 1974.
  Written by Stevie Wonder, sung by Chaka Khan. Best cut on this compilation and that's really saying something.
• Hang On In There Baby - Johnny Bristol: Peaked at #8 pop, #2 R&B in 1974.
  You can almost hear the record executive proclaim, "Get me a song that sounds exactly like that Love Unlimited tune! Now!"
• Nothing From Nothing - Billy Preston: Peaked at #1 pop, #8 R&B in 1974.
  The incomparable, underrated Billy Preston. (Is it possible for a Hall of Famer to be underrated? Discuss amongst yourselves while I enjoy this funky track.) Bonus trivia: Preston performed this tune on Saturday Night Live on the show's premiere episode (October 11, 1975), making it the first musical performance ever on the show.
• Express - B.T. Express: Peaked at #4 pop, #1 R&B in 1975.
  Mislabeled on the CD packaging as (Do It) 'Til You're Satisfied. Express was that single's follow-up and it is all about the horn arrangements. One can hear its influence on the Brooklyn disco sound prevalent in Saturday Night Fever.
• Everlasting Love - Carl Carlton: Peaked at #6 pop, #11 R&B in 1974.
  This is such a happy, uplifting song that I'm just gonna sit back and float away on the waves of positivity.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD:  None

Previously revisited for the blog:
Volume 5
Volume 14
Volume 15

---

First post, 2010: Paul Simon - Graceland (1986)
1st anniversary, 2011 (post #378): Electric Light Orchestra - Time (1981)
2nd anniversary, 2012 (post #694): Seal (1994)
3rd anniversary, 2013 (post #948): Fun Boy Three - Really Saying Something: The Best of Fun Boy Three (1997)
4th anniversary, 2014 (post #1127): Ultravox - Quartet (1982)
5th anniversary, 2015 (post #1231): Soul Hits of the '70s: Didn't It Blow Your Mind, Vol. 5 (1991)
6th anniversary, 2016: no post
7th anniversary, 2017: no post
8th anniversary, 2018 (post #1461): Pat Metheny - Watercolors (1977)
9th anniversary, 2019 (post #1524): Tom Petty - Full Moon Fever (1989)
10th anniversary, 2020 (post #1594): Various Artists - Windham Hill - The First Ten Years (1990)
11th anniversary, 2021: no post
12th anniversary, 2022 (post #1800): Talk Talk - 12 x 12 Original Remixes (1999)

Today's post is #1901.

Various Artists - Soul Hits of the '70s: Didn't It Blow Your Mind, Vol. 5 (1991)

Today marks the 5th anniversary of this blog, so we're celebrating by spinning volume 5 of this 20 volume Rhino series, released in the early '90s. The series is now out-of-print and these volumes used to be difficult to find and obtain. However, as more and more people foolishly cast away/sell their CD collections in favor of files/streaming, CDs in this series are now hitting the secondary markets at reasonable prices (which is a wonderful development in my world). Most songs on this disc hit the charts during the summer of 1971, when I was celebrating another 5th anniversary: my fifth birthday.

Tracks:

• Want Ads - The Honey Cone: Peaked at #1 pop, #1 R&B in June 1971.
  Classic Detroit girl-group soul. Great groove, strong vocals, and hooks that understandably took it to the top of the charts. "Wanted: young man single and free, experience in love preferred but we'll accept a young trainee." I don't meet any of their qualifications or I'd apply for an internship.
• She's Not Just Another Woman - The 8th Day: Peaked at #11 pop, #3 R&B in July 1971.
  Typical Holland–Dozier–Holland goodness. Even though they used pseudonyms, the sound gives them away.
• Cool Aid - Paul Humphrey & His Cool Aid Chemists: Peaked at #29 pop, #14 R&B in June 1971.
  This one reminds me more than a little of Joe Tex's Show Me. Nonetheless, a good groove is a good groove and with some tasty organ licks from Clarence McDonald, this instrumental hits. The liner notes call this the "feel-good hit of the summer of 1971."
• Are You My Woman? (Tell Me So) - The Chi-Lites: Peaked at #72 pop, #8 R&B in January 1971.
  These guys are crushing it and all my son can say is, "That's not Beyonce." I feel like I've failed as a parent. Still, this Temptations sound-alike works for me, regardless of a generation gap.
• Treat Her Like A Lady - Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose: Peaked at #3 pop, #20 R&B in July 1971.
  Sounds like Knock On Wood until you get to the chorus which takes it to another level. The background vocals make this. Can't hear it now without thinking of the movie Anchorman.
• Baby Let Me Kiss You - King Floyd: Peaked at #29 pop, #5 R&B in May 1971.
  Lots of grunts and James Brown wannabe screams like you expect from Floyd, but over a New Orleans funk groove that is one of the best on this compilation.
• Funky Nassau (Part 1) - The Beginning of the End: Peaked at #15 pop, #7 R&B in July 1971.
  This one can't decide if wants to be funk. Latin, or Bahamian, but those work together here and this thing is catchy in spite of the questionable horn playing.
• Double Barrel - Dave & Ansel Collins: Peaked at #22 pop in August 1971.
  I wouldn't call this a soul hit and it seems oddly out of place on this CD, but I find myself bobbing along with the reggae beat and simple piano lick. And how can I resist the bravado of "I am the magnificent W-O-O-O"?
• Bring The Boys Home - Freda Payne: Peaked at #12 pop, #3 R&B in August 1971.
  A classy war protest song. This sounds like a Tammi Terrell or Diana Ross song, but, once again, Holland-Dozier-Holland put their distinctive production style on it. I don't know who wrote their string parts, but they had a great arranging sense. Sadly, this song is just as timely now as it was 44 years ago.
• Mr. Big Stuff - Jean Knight: Peaked at #2 pop, #1 R&B in August 1971.
  One of Stax Records' most popular and recognizable hits, and deservedly so. Rarely have two chords and an ostinato bass line sounded so good.
• Stick-Up - The Honey Cone: Peaked at #11 pop, #1 R&B in September 1971.
  In the exact same vein as the group's earlier contribution (track 1), this has a Motown sound to it. Not much to it but just when I'm about to give up on the thing, the girls hit me with a little "boom boom shucka lucka ba boom boom" and recapture my attention.
• Smiling Faces Sometimes - The Undisputed Truth: Peaked at #3 pop, #2 R&B in September 1971.
  One of those times when the music and lyrics are in one glorious, seamless agreement. In other words, if you heard an instrumental version of this, you'd know exactly what the song was about. Ominous, but oh so good.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD:  None

Previously revisited for the blog:
Volume 14
Volume 15

---

First post, 2010: Paul Simon - Graceland (1986)
First anniversary, 2011 (post #378): Electric Light Orchestra - Time (1981)
Second anniversary, 2012 (post #694): Seal (1994)
Third anniversary, 2013 (post #948): Fun Boy Three - Really Saying Something: The Best of Fun Boy Three (1997)
Fourth anniversary, 2014 (post #1127): Ultravox - Quartet (1982)
Today's post is #1231.

Various Artists - Soul Hits of the '70s: Didn't It Blow Your Mind, Vol. 15 (1991)

This is the volume 15 of the 20 volume Rhino series, released in the early '90s. Unfortunately, the series is now out-of-print so these volumes are increasingly difficult to find and obtain. The songs on this disc hit the charts between December 1974 and December 1975. There's some great female vocalists on this volume: Chaka Khan, Shirley Brown, the Staple Sisters, and the fantastic Minnie Riperton.

Tracks, with Billboard magazine chart peaks:

• Once You Get Started - Rufus featuring Chaka Khan
  #10 pop, #4 R&B in April 1975.
  And what a great way to get started. This is a fun disco-funk tune with support from the Tower of Power horns. You know you're in for a real treat a few seconds in when Chaka lets loose. Man, that woman could bring it! Everybody party hearty!
• Supernatural Thing (Part 1) - Ben E. King
  #5 pop, #1 R&B in April 1975.
  This great mid-tempo groove was shamelessly lifted a year later by Diana Ross for Love Hangover. King sounds great.
• Cut The Cake - Average White Band
  #10 pop, #7 R&B in June 1975.
  More great funk from AWB. Love the double entendres: dude is begging for "a little piece" and "some sugar," while the band chants "gimme, gimme, gimme that cake!" This here's some some sweet cake, fo sho.
• The Bertha Butt Boogie (Part 1) - The Jimmy Castor Bunch
  #16 pop, #22 R&B in April 1975.
  Novelty follow-up to the 1972 hit Troglodyte (Caveman). Like most novelty hits, the novelty wears off quickly.
• Woman To Woman - Shirley Brown
  #22 pop, #1 R&B in December 1974.
  I love '70s soul slow jams with a spoken intro (my favorite is Kiss And Say Goodbye by the Manhattans), so this story song is right up my alley. Brown seems to be channeling Aretha on the vocal and it all works. So smooth.
• Walking In Rhythm - The Blackbyrds
  #6 pop, #4 R&B in May 1975.
  A happy-sounding crossover hit that's as much adult contemporary soft rock as soul. This strut also charted on the disco chart (#9) and the adult contemporary chart (#5). The group was formed, produced by, and named for, jazz trumpeter Donald Byrd who, sadly, probably made more money on this single than any of his own stuff.
• Lovin' You - Minnie Riperton
  #1 pop, #3 R&B in April 1975
  All I can say is "WOW!!!"
• It Only Takes A Minute - Tavares
  #10 pop, #1 R&B in October 1975.
  Tavares put out some great disco tunes, including this catchy commentary on the tedium of daily life. No, the music doesn't quite match the lyrics, but it really doesn't matter.
• Get Down, Get Down (Get On The Floor) - Joe Simon
  #8 pop, #1 R&B in June 1975.
  A strange-sounding piece that sounds like they took a country tune, added lyrics like "kung-fu bumpin' 'til it's time to go," and tried to make a disco track. Not a personal favorite.
• Rockin' Chair - Gwen McCrae
  #9 pop, #1 R&B in August 1975.
  A follow-up to husband George McCrae's Rock Your Baby, it has a similar groove and lyrics and is likeable enough, but it doesn't quite live up to Rock Your Baby.
• Love Won't Let Me Wait - Major Harris
  #5 pop, #1 R&B in June 1975.
  This isn't the best slow jam of all-time (that honor goes to Always And Forever by Heatwave), but this classic is definitely on my list of Top 5 slow jams. A great make-out ballad complete with unnecessary sound effects.
• Let's Do It Again - The Staple Singers
  #1 pop, #1 R&B in December 1975.
  The Staples rarely disappoint. Here, they team up with songwriter Curtis Mayfield for a hit song from the movie of the same name. I don't remember the movie, evidently it was a sequel to Uptown Saturday Night and starred Sidney Poitier, Bill Cosby, Jimmie Walker, and John Amos.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD:  Nothing in particular comes to mind, but I'm reminded that back in 1975 I didn't choose what I listened to, it was chosen for me by the local AM radio program director. That's the only reason I got to hear some of these great soul songs when they came out; I certainly wasn't combing through the local record bins at that time. Hell, I didn't even know where the local record bins were!

Exclusive longbox photo courtesy of
Dirk Digglinator of the Hambonian Archives.

Previously revisited for the blog:
Volume 14

Various Artists - Soul Hits of the '70s: Didn't It Blow Your Mind, Vol. 14 (1991)

This is the volume 14 of the 20 volume Rhino series, released in the early '90s. Top-notch from track selection to liner notes. Unfortunately, the series is now out-of-print. The songs on this volume hit the charts between June 1974 and March 1975 which when I was just beginning to listen to a lot of radio. You can also hear the beginnings of disco on some of these tracks. Now I just need to locate the other 19 volumes...

Tracks:

• For the Love of Money - The O'Jays: Peaked at #9 pop, #3 R&B in June 1974
  Awesome tune and the only reason to watch The Apprentice reality TV series.
• Do It Baby - The Miracles: Peaked at #13 pop, #4 R&B in October 1974
  This post-Smokey Robinson, with Billy Griffin singing lead. Despite chart success, I don't recall hearing this in the '70s. Not bad, although the use of oboe is an interesting choice.
• You Little Trustmaker - The Tymes: Peaked at #12 pop, #20 R&B in October 1974
  Very pop-ish, but with a great hook.
• Fire - Ohio Players: Peaked at #1 pop, #1 R&B in February 1975
  More funk, than soul, but I'm not complaining.
• Let's Straighten It Out - Latimore: Peaked at #31 pop, #1 R&B in November 1974
  An earthy soul ballad in line with Barry White or Bobby Womack.
• When Will I See You Again - The Three Degrees: Peaked at #2 pop, #4 R&B in December 1974
  Classic Philly Soul from Gamble and Huff.
• Never Can Say Goodbye - Gloria Gaynor: Peaked at #9 pop, #34 R&B in January 1975
  A straight-up disco tune from a disco diva. This tune was originally written for the Jackson 5 by Clifton Davis, who would go on to star as a preacher in the late '80s NBC sitcom, Amen.
• Pick Up The Pieces - Average White Band: Peaked at #1 pop, #5 R&B in February 1975
  A great funk instrumental. The sax solo is fantastic.
• Shame, Shame, Shame - Shirley & Company: Peaked at #12 pop, #1 R&B in March 1975
  Don't remember this one.
• Doctor's Orders - Carol Douglas: Peaked at #11 pop, #9 R&B in February 1975
  Pure '70s silliness complete with spoken-word intro, disco strings, and lots of hi-hat.
• Express - B.T. Express: Peaked at #4 pop, #1 R&B in March 1975
  A solid instrumental along the lines of their other hit, Do It ('Til Your Satisfied). Love the wah-wah guitar. Would it even be possible to have an instrumental hit these days?
• Lady Marmalade- LaBelle: Peaked at #1 pop, #1 R&B in March 1975
  The mega-hit that taught us all at least one phrase in French: "voulez-vous coucher avec moi (ce soir)?"

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: Nothing comes to mind, but then again, there wasn't much soul music being played in the oilfields of West Texas in '70s.