Soul Talk

Track Listings

1. Intro - Big Hut, Lost Souls

2. Coming of the Rugged

3. Every Now & Then

4. Power of the Steel

5. Paint the Town Red, Pt. 1 - Lost Souls, Dottie Sterling

6. Hot

7. Killing Fields

8. Soul Mate

9. Letter to Life - Sunshine Anderson, Lost Souls, Mark Sparks,

10. Ozone/Intermission

11. Paint the Town Red, Pt. 2

12. Lockdown - Lost Souls, A.G. Thomas

13. Revolution

14. Why? - Sunshine Anderson, Lost Souls

15. Watch My Back

16. Respect

17. Soul Talk

18. Outro

Average customer rating:

Thank you fellow reviewers
MONO MANIAC
Reincarnation Rhythm and Blues
Cooke-ing with Soul
Sam Cooke and Ray Charles he isn't....

People Gonna Talk
James Hunter
Manufacturer: Rounder / Umgd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Blue-Eyed Soul | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000E1NX1S
Release Date: 2006-03-07

Tracks:

People Gonna Talk
No Smoke Without Fire
You Can't Win
Riot in My Heart
Til Your Fool Comes Home
Mollena
I'll Walk Away
Watch & Chain
Kick It Around
Don't Come Back
It's Easy to Say
Tell Her for Me
Talkin' 'Bout My Love
All Through Cryin'

Amazon.com

Van Morrison calls James Hunter "the best voice and best-kept secret in British R&B and soul." And the Colchester native and former busker does, indeed, sound like a one-man blue-eyed revival on his U.S. debut, People Gonna Talk. He navigates 14 self-penned ska (the title track), soul-blues ("Kick It Around"), and primal funk ("No Smoke Without Fire") tunes with panache. Hunter's voice unerringly carves out graceful melodies and soars into falsetto at whim over his horn-sparked band as he digs through his vast bag of traditional, stinging blues'n'soul licks on electric guitar. But... there's something missing. Although the disc was cut live in the studio, it lacks the vibrant energy of his stage performances. And Hunter borrows so extensively from his influences that he sounds like he's covering Bobby Bland, Howard Tate, James Brown, and the Studio One roster rather than traveling his own path. Nevertheless, as Morrison intimates, Hunter's estimable singing and playing will please fans of classic R&B and soul. --Ted Drozdowski

Album Description

"2006 Grammy Nomination for Best Traditional Blues Album of the Year"

"James is one of the best voices, and best kept secrets, in British R & B and soul. Check him out." -Van Morrison

On his U.S. debut, James Hunter proves to be a man of impeccable taste who has learned from his influences rather than simply imitating them. 'People Gonna Talk' features 14 original tracks written and arranged by Hunter, who partnered with producer Liam Watson to create a wonderfully rich, classic soul sound. The album was recorded at Watson's Toe Rag Studios in East London (also home to The White Stripes' 'Elephant'), where vintage analog equipment captured the warmth of Hunter's authentic and heartfelt sensibilities.

Customer Reviews:

Thank you fellow reviewers.......2007-07-10

This is all as promised and more. One of the best SOUL releases I have ever heard. What a voice and what a songwriter. If there is a better singer / songwriter in the genre, I have not heard him. This spans age and gender gaps in one single bound. No qualifiers necessary. If you like music, buy it. Irrespective of the genre you'r into, this will get your toe's tapping and if you have a spouse, hers will be tapping right along.
One of my best recent purchases !!!!!

MONO MANIAC.......2007-06-05

It's rare to find a new CD where both the music and the recording set the standard for quality. James Hunter's music speaks for itself, but I doubt MP3 downloaders will be able to fully appreciate how good the sound quality is. This recording has a retro feel but with rich tone, vibrant dynamics, and the presence of a live event. This is a tribute to the vintage analog recording techniques used at Toe Rag Studios in London. However, I haven't heard anyone mention that the recording is Monaural, rather than the usual Stereo. When these Brits go retro, they really do it right. This is the kind of recording that makes me glad to have high end audio gear. People Gonna Talk is highly recommended for both audiophiles and music lovers.

Reincarnation Rhythm and Blues.......2007-05-13

The ghosts of Chicago Blues men and Sam Cooke float like mylar balloons listening to the reborn sounds emitting from James Hunter's voice and guitar. He invokes his muses to bring forth joy and verve in song after song. The sparseness of his guitar licks makes you crave more. Never into long extended solos he lets his sidemen take center stage. I am looking forward to a live recording. For now this CD is plenty good.

Cooke-ing with Soul.......2007-04-24

British singer-songwriter James Hunter has been stylistically compared to everyone from James Brown to Bobby Bland, but he also must have been listening to a lot of Sam Cooke records. In terms of his song structure and his laconic brand of soul, he sounds to me like he's channeling Cooke. Hunter's guitar and vocals set the tone, and he is capably backed by a small group of two saxophonists, a drummer and a bassist. He moves with an unassuming ease through all fourteen of these original tunes, which touch on the blues and ska as well as R&B. And once in a while he'll get energetic, picking up the pace and punctuating the song with a soulful yell. There's a real retro feel to these mellow performances, and while it remains to be seen how long Hunter can remain popular with this variety of blue-eyed soul, it's an impressive U.S. debut that is definitely worth your attention. (P.S.: Hunter is also a fairly talented cartoonist - check out his clever and amusing illustrations in the CD booklet.)

Sam Cooke and Ray Charles he isn't...........2007-02-07

I heard so much about this guy - I had to give him a try. What a disappointment. He basically sings every song the same (retro maybe) but all basically the same. If you want to listen to Sam or Ray - listen to them - they are the "real deal" - give this guy the kick out the door - next stop - fakesville!

Average customer rating:

Sadly Disappointed
My love is gone but not forgotten
What a PHENOMENAL duo father & son made!
Eddie Levert Sr. and Gerald Levert (RIP) give us "Something To Talk About"
Something to Talk About

Something To Talk About
Eddie Levert Sr. & Gerald Levert
Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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I Got Your Back: A Father and Son Keep it Real About Love, Fatherhood, Family, and Friendship
In My Songs
Father and Son
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So Much Better

ASIN: B000PSJDDM
Release Date: 2007-06-12

Tracks:

Bad Habit
Slip Away
S.O.S
Get To Know Me
Make It With You
Something to Talk About
The Simple Life
Can't Get Right
That What I Do
Tapped

Album Description

Before the sudden passing of the great Gerald Levert, he teamed up with his father Eddie Levert Sr. one more time to record this smash album. The last time the two worked together they released a great collection of music with the album Father and Son.

Customer Reviews:

Sadly Disappointed.......2007-07-17

I was sadly disappointed with this CD. Unfortunately, it sounded like it was not completed prior to Gerald's untimely passing and Eddie's voice was digitally added to the tracks.

My love is gone but not forgotten.......2007-07-03

I have listen and cried just to hear the strong and handsome voice of a man I LOVE so Dear. Gerald's music is a blessing to me, I Thank God he allowed Gerald to pass this way! The CD is an AWSOME piece of work, if you do not have this project in your collection. I urge you to get it, you will be blessed.

What a PHENOMENAL duo father & son made!.......2007-07-02

Eddie Levert Sr. & Gerald Levert were perhaps one of the most soulful, powerful duos to ever live in my opinion. What may be most perplexing about the second collaboration between father and son, SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT, the follow-up to the exceptional FATHER & SON, is the pair sound even closer vocally than they did on FATHER & SON. Indeed, history may have never seen two voices who complemented each other any better than Eddie Levert, Sr. and his greatly missed son, the late (hard to say that), great Gerald Levert. While FATHER & SON will always be the definitive duet set between the two, SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT is a brilliant effort, finished just prior to Levert's sudden death in November 2006. There is no "Wind Beneath My Wings" or anything that is as soulful as the brilliant, better-than-original remake of the O'Jay's "You've Got Your Hooks In Me", but soul, sweat, and vocal perfection ooze throughout SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT. I have to say, Gerald would be so proud, and I know Eddie is definitely proud of this fine addition to the Levert catalogue. If only Gerald were still here...

The album starts with the rousing "S.O.S.", where any Levert fan instantly recognizes the power and soul of the Leverts. The production is contemporary enough not to sound dated, but soulful enough to recall the power and vigor of 1970s soul. "I Like It" doesn't downgrade or sacrifice any quality, keeping both the new and old alive via soulful production. Once again, the melding of two voices with only small variants makes for another hit. One of my personal favorites follows via the Grammy worthy "Close & Personal" in which both Leverts bear their souls and achieve such a raw grit within their voices. The production lies somewhere between R. Kelly's "steppin' music" and vintage 70s & 80s sou. Equally good is the follow-up track, "That's What I Do", where the Levert men slow the tempo down and sing a beautiful ode to women - one of the most tear-wrenching duets of the album, where Levert tells the woman she should be "given carte blanch". The refrain is certainly the most catchy and most beautiful of the entire album, making you wish that the 4:08 track lasted for days. While not necessarily as good as "Close & Personal" or "That's What I Do", the great "Bad Habit" provides the fifth consistent track of SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT. The refrain is absolutely marvelous in which the duo sings: "I can't let you go, baby you've become my bad habit..." I have to say the Levert men NEVER miss a step nor a beat.

"Slip Away" features production reminiscent of the sensual R&B sound of the 1980s and once again the Levert's provide for another top-rate number. The remake of "Something To Talk About" doesn't rival "Wind Beneath My Wings" for the best cover track, but it is a very worthy remake with very smooth background vocals that absolutely make the track. Honestly, the Leverts are very good at covers, moreso than a number of other artists. "Make It With You" isn't bad either while "Tapped" is another personal favorite of mine in which any doubt of datedness with the group is erased with its playful production job. "A Situation" isn't the best track on the album, but it is definitely solid and above par. "Get To Know Me", the penultimate track is very welcome here while
"The Simple Life" proves to be phenomenal ending to an overall exceptional final album by the duo that should've lasted forever.

Overall, there isn't a misstep on SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT. It is well produced and I think it is another exceptional addition to the R&B market in 2007, which I think has been very strong this year in particular. Gerald Levert, you will never be forgotten. Your music and musical contributions are timeless; death can't make us forget you. 4 stars.

Eddie Levert Sr. and Gerald Levert (RIP) give us "Something To Talk About".......2007-06-25

You can't say that you're a fan of r&b music if you don't know anything about Eddie Levert, who is a member of The O'Jays and Gerald Levert (RIP), who was a member of Levert, LSG and had a grand total of 9 solo CDs and 1 CD with Eddie previously entitled "Father & Son". I grew up listening to Levert and their classics such as "Pop Pop Pop Pop (Goes My Mind)", "Casanova", "Just Coolin'", "My Forever Love", "Baby I'm Ready", "I'm Still Waiting", "All Season", "Quiet Storm", "ABC 123", and "Rain". Gerald Levert then went solo with such classics as "Baby Hold On To Me w/Eddie Levert, "Can't Help Myself", "That's The Way I Feel About You" w/Mary J. Blige, "Strings Strings", "Baby U Are", "You're A Keeper", "(They Long To Be) Close To You" w/Tamia and "Funny". Out of all of Gerald's solo CDs my favorite ones have to be "G", "Private Line", and "The "G" Spot. I found out that Gerald would be releasing a solo CD in January of this year and that it would be entitled "In My Songs". Eddie Levert starts the CD with a short intro and Gerald takes care of the rest. My favorite tracks ended up being the title track, "I Don't Get Down Like That", "Sweeter", "Wanna Get Up With You", "Hang In There" and "Is This The Way To Heaven?". "In My Songs" then became my favorite solo CD from Gerald Levert. The last CD that I heard Eddie Levert on was a CD that was released by The O'Jays in 2004 entitled "Imagination". My favorite tracks ended up being the stellar slow jams "Make Up" and "Why You Wanna Settle For Less".

I didn't even know "Something To Talk About" was going to be released until I was doing some father's day shopping on amazon.com. "Father & Son" was the 1st CD from Eddie & Gerald and it featured the classic "Already Missing You" and a nice update to the O'Jays' "You Got Your Hooks In Me". "Something To Talk About" was released just in time for Father's Day on June 12, 2007.

The CD starts off with my favorite track on the entire CD, the silky, smooth "S.O.S.". Gerald breaks down a situation where his woman has left him and he's trying to see if she is ever going to return. He apologizes for what he has done wrong. He just doesn't feel that what he did called for her to leave him for good. Eddie plays the point guard on the track and gives a nice assist on the track. "I Like It" sounds just like a track that would have been on "In My Songs". This uptempo jam is definitely another one of my favorites as Eddie & Gerald tells us how a particular woman is making them feel. "Close & Personal" is an adult steppers' jam and even if you don't know the actual dance you'll be out on the dance floor doing your favorite 2 step to the track. "That's What I Do" reminds me of "Sweeter" from "In My Songs" as Eddie & Gerald are asking a woman why would she be settling for 2nd best and not try to be with someone like them that would put her 1st and treat her 100% better. "Bad Habit" continues the tradition of Gerald Levert making sexy slow jams for the ladies like he did on "Deep As It Goes" on "In My Songs" and how he did on LSG's (Levert, Sweat, Gill) "My Body". Eddie & Gerald talk about how being with this particular woman has become a bad habit for the both of them. Just as someone would have a favorite cookie, candy or type of food as a bad habit. "Slip Away" describes a situation where Eddie & Gerald just want to get away with their lady and take a vacation. The whole point is just to take a break from their everyday lives to just be able to spend time with their lady. "Make It With You" has Gerald & Eddie telling women to not be afraid to take chances when trying to get to know who they feel is a special person because of things that may have happened in the past. That doesn't mean get to know every man that tries to get to know you. It means that if you meet someone special you never know what the future may hold if you just take things a day at a time, so don't be afraid of the situation. "Tapped" has Gerald & Eddie talking about a woman or women who haven't had any good lovin' in awhile. Since their history with men may not have been good, they decide that want to listen to their girlfriends and pick up some of their bad habits. Sometimes, as Gerald says in the song, you have to "give it up and turn it loose" and just have some fun sometimes. "A Situation" has Gerald & Eddie describing a course of events where they may have met a pretty lady and even may have wanted to "Do Thangs" but since they are already in a situation that they can't play a part in anything like that. Any man should be able to understand this song because events like these happen often for us. "Get To Know Me" has Eddie & Gerald talking about how women should try to get to know the real them instead of paying attention to them being celebrities or anything that tabloids or some kind of rumor may have said about them. "The Simple Life" is Something To Talk About's "Wind Beneath My Wings". The song is definitely a thoughtful slow jam and if you really listen to the track you may actually learn something and be able to apply something to your everyday life.

The title track, although Eddie & Gerald do give a nice effort, just doesn't work for me. However, that doesn't take anything away from the overall quality of this CD. If you liked Gerald's and Edwin "Tony" Nicholas' effort on "In My Songs", then you'll definitely enjoy Eddie Levert Sr.'s, Gerald Levert's and Edwin "Tony" Nicholas' effort on "Something To Talk About". If you have ever been a fan of Eddie and Gerald's music then you shouldn't pass up on this classic.

Correct track listing:

1) S.O.S.

2) I Like It

3) Close & Personal

4) That's What I Do

5) Bad Habit

6) Slip Away

7) Something To Talk About

8) Make It With You

9) Tapped

10) A Situation

11) Get To Know Me

12) The Simple Life

James' Top 5

1) S.O.S.

2) I Like It

3) Bad Habit

4) Tapped

5) A Situation

Honorable Mention

The Simple Life

Close & Personal

Make It With You

That's What I Do

Slip Away

Something to Talk About.......2007-06-17

The entire CD is excellent. My favorite is "Tapped." Eddie and Gerald has really outdone themselves!!! I wish I can say there will be more to come, but, I can't; but, God will give Eddie, Sean, Marc, Joe, and Men at Large to continue Gerald's legacy, as well as his passion of R&B. Father and Son, Part 2, and at the Leverts' best. Miss ya and love ya, Gerald!!

Thank you, Eddie and Gerald! God continue to bless the Levert family with continued success, and keeping Gerald's memory and legacy alive and strong!!!

Average customer rating:

Talk to Me
Original Soundtrack
Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Album Description

This movie is the powerful real-life story of Ralph Waldo "Petey" Greene, an outspoken ex-con who talked his way into becoming an iconic radio personality in the 1960s. The soundtrack serves as a musical sound board of this era with songs from Curits Mayfield, Otis Redding, The Dramatics, and James Brown.

Average customer rating:

A missed opportunity.............
kind of a disappointment
Nice Work, Carl - "let's talk about " this one...
Don't sleep on this one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Let's Talk About It...

Let's Talk About It
Carl Thomas
Manufacturer: Bad Boy
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00018D594
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Tracks:

Let's Talk About It (Interlude)
Anything
My First Love
She Is
Know It's Alright (Interlude)
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Dramer
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All You've Given
All My Love (Interlude)
Let Me Know
Rebound
That's What You Are (Interlude)
Work It Out

Customer Reviews:

A missed opportunity....................2007-02-14

The vibe is all but gone from Carl's brilliant debut. The production is off and a lot of the songs are dull.

Top Joints:
My First Love
She Is
Know It's Alright(Malik Yusef's spoken word is not as good as his one on Emotional)
Make It Alright
The Baby Maker (TOp Song)
Dreamer (Good)

kind of a disappointment .......2006-04-05

I don't own Carl's debut album, so I really don't know what it was like. After hearing such hits as "Summer Rain", "Emotional" and "Wish I Never Met Her" I expected much more from this album. I have heard Carl Thomas sing live and he can really sing. This CD didn't seem to showcase his vocals well and his voice sounded kind of weak on some songs. After listening through the CD it was only six songs I thought were good:
My First Love - very pretty song
The Baby Maker - very soulful, reminds me of the 70s, CT did a good job singing
Dreamer - this song was off the hook, loved the overall sound to it, very unique
A Promise - this one was nice, it kind of has that gospel feel to it
But Me - I really liked the tempo on this song
Work It Out - now this song I believe was the best, the beat is off the hook
The other songs were either annoying or boring. In the beginning of the CD he has this poetic reading interlude going on. It was not good. Especially when Carl joined in, that is when it got annoying. I couldn't wait for it to be over. The CD really doesn't get any better until the third track. I had to skip over some songs after that to get to some worth listening. Towards the end of the CD it gets very boring. I can tell at least three of the last songs were fillers because of the lack of effort put into them. "All You're Given", "Let Me Know", and "Rebound" sounded so bland and dull. I tried to force myself to listen to them but I just couldn't because they are so boring.

Overall if you're a fan of Carl Thomas I guess it's worth a listen. I really don't recommend that you buy this because it wasn't great. Some of the songs I believe they could have done without. Like "Anything and "Make it Alright", very boring songs. "She Is" featuring LL Cool J has a nice beat but after a while I began to get sick of it. I only play this CD when I want to hear those six songs I like. This CD was a let down and I felt Carl Thomas didn't show or put enough effort into it.

Nice Work, Carl - "let's talk about " this one..........2006-01-16

It's always tough for an artist to follow a high quality, top selling classic release like "Emotional," Carl Thomas's debut album. "Let's Talk About It" does a pretty damn good job of accomplishing such a feat. There are quite a few exceptional tracks on this album, including "My First Love," "Make It Alright" and "Let Me Know" which all demonstrate Carl's ability to add emotion to every song he sings on. "She Is" feat. LL Cool J didn't need to be put on the album or released as a single. The sample on the track has been used so many times by rappers and R&B artists and it was not a unique song. "P. Diddy" and others' production didn't make the album as a whole sound as "old" as Emotional which will draw some of Carl's fans from the first album away. However, there are quite a few tracks that are definately "classic" like "The Baby Maker" and "All You've Given." Carl could have held out more notes and "broke out" more to show his true vocal range on more songs. He did do it on enough songs to make this release "good quality." I am in the middle on the "poetry/rapping" he used on his first album as well as this one. It is probably not needed but it is "artistic." Carl, keep up the good work, just don't let the A&Rs, Producers and Executives around you change your musical direction. Keep recording quality music that can last for years to come.

Don't sleep on this one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2005-10-28

This album dropped in March 2004 and it's still being played in my car. Bad Boy did a terrible job in promoting this album however I recruited 8 of my friends to buy it and they did not care for CT, but they love the cd now. There are 15 strong cuts on this album and it should be in your collection.

Let's Talk About It..........2005-08-31

I know music, been writing music for years now. Music is my life; I also write music professionally.

This CD is just as good or even better than EMOTIONAL. Although Emotional had some seriously GREAT songs, this does too and is very consistant on quality. Good job Carl! Must buy!

JUST BUY THE DAMN CD ITS AWESOME!

--------------------
My Rating System is based on Amazon's:
* = Hate It
** = I Don't Like It
*** = It's Ok
**** = I Like It
***** = I LOVE IT!
--------------------

Average customer rating:

VERY NICE FIND. FUNK or JAZZ you decide.
High School 1969
Funk and Jazz Collide..and They Both Win
Funky&a Classic
THE MIGHTY BURNER IS A FUNKY SOUL JAZZ CLASSIC !

Black Talk!
Charles Earland
Manufacturer: Ojc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Customer Reviews:

VERY NICE FIND. FUNK or JAZZ you decide........2003-03-20

This is one of the funkiest albums I ever heard. I own a battery of jazz albums and funk albums, Black Talk is one of the greatest unsung cross overs. Easily one of my favorites.

High School 1969.......2000-05-24

I remember when I was in high school ...twelth grade. My mother and I agreed on nothing but this album as they were called back then. It was the only album I could blast full volume and she would groove to the music with me. She's gone now but I tell you what... everytime I play this cd I think of her. God bless Charles Earland for bringing her and I together on common ground...a funky jazz organ player.

Funk and Jazz Collide..and They Both Win.......2000-04-01

OK, so I backed into this CD (thanks, Fritz the Cat), but hey, better late than never. Some excellent playing all around - great ensemble work by all concerned. The only down bit is "Aquarius", which on occasion sounds a bit too Holiday Inn for me. Any ill will is erased by "More Today Than Yesterday", which is one of the few songs over 11 minutes that you'll wish was longer. If you're jazz and want to try funk, or if you're funk and want to try jazz, you could do a lot worse than this CD.

Funky&a Classic.......2000-02-21

WOW! this disc is Blazing hot to this day.his ORGAN style of playing ain't no joke.this is a classic disc.it sounds fresher now than it did back when it came out.it's Funky,Bluesy&alot of Bangin'Groove.between him Jimmy Smith,Jimmy McGriff,&Lonnie Listen SMith you get Genius.Charles Earland went one step ahead with this Gem.

THE MIGHTY BURNER IS A FUNKY SOUL JAZZ CLASSIC !.......1999-12-04

This is an incredible album, not because of Earland's genius as a soloist, but because of his distinct ability to BURN... While many of his contemporaries were still stuck in the '50s with that grindy Jimmy Smith sound.... Earland forged ahead with an equally earthy, but more "dance floor" appropriate sound... built from the funky Jimmy McGriff school, but going far beyond mere blues. - - His sweat inducing energetic version of MORE TODAY THAN YESTERDAY is now a Jazz organ staple (as well as staple of his live performances) - - Songs from this album also appear on the soundtrack to Fritz the Cat - - Everything on the album is funky.. the type that club DJs love to get their hands on and sample - - This is one album that I'd have to reccomend not only to Jazzers, but folks into Greyboy All Stars, Albert Collins, MMW, Funk Inc. even the Meters (only this is the REAL thing - - you'll see what I mean when you get it.) - - If you like this, I suggest checking out LEON SPENCER (Greatest Hits), a bit of REUBEN WILSON, and JOHN PATTON's MINOR SWING.

Average customer rating:

Lighter funk and pop ballads.
SHADRACH/MESHACK/ABEDNEGO!!!!!

Small Talk
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Positive

Customer Reviews:

Lighter funk and pop ballads........2007-05-18

Coming on the heels of several superb albums, Sly & the Family Stone's "Small Talk" is a bit of a letdown. After a pair of albums buried in dense funk (to great effect), Stone decided to loosen things up a bit-- "Small Talk" thins out the rhythmic impulses and claustophobic density of "There's a Riot Goin' On" and "Fresh". Further, he clears out the dirty sound of those records for a cleaner feel-- less distortion, less groaning and deep funk vocals, and an odd insertion of strings here and there. The resulting record isn't horrible, but it isn't fantastic either.

"Small Talk" pretty much moves from one funk piece to another, pretty much all of them fairly nondistinguished-- whether it's the uptempo sort of stuff ("Better Thee Than Me") or one of the several ballads that seem to overwhelm the album (plodding "Wishful Thinkin'"), all of which are full of schmaltzy sort of strings. Admittedly, this sometimes works out ok, as on the brief "Mother Beautiful", saved by a powerful chorus vocal by Sly Stone, but by and large, while there's not a lot to hate around here (the endless overdubs of a crying baby on the title track make that one a notable exception for me), there's not a lot to love-- it's all pretty much ok.

This reissue remasters the record, appends a handful of bonus tracks and adds a new liner notes essay. The sonic upgrade is fantastic, one thing that's for sure is that the record sounds crisp and bright.

"Small Talk" isn't a horrible record, but there's so much great stuff by Sly & the Family Stone that it's really hard to consider this one in a positive light. It's just lacking.

SHADRACH/MESHACK/ABEDNEGO!!!!!.......2007-04-14

'Small Talk' represents as 180 degree turn from the sound Sly & The Family Stone presented onFresh.The overall rhythm section is far sparer and relies on live drumming rather then a rhythm machine.Also Sly adds a light string section to many of the songs which even though they are in the backround make their presense known.On the title track Sly utilizes the sound of his baby Sly Jr as a pure rhythm element,something Stevie Wonder and Prince would utilize in a similar way in the future,but Sly's vocals on it are a almost nil.On "Say You Will" and "Mother Beautiful" Sly actually concentrates on warm (almost wholesome) musings on love and family,the former even utilizing a Moog synthesizer for the first time on a Sly record.Then we are on to "Time For Livin'"-now that is what this album is usually remembered for Sly throwing Rusty Allen's bass a little more to the front and again musing on his new family other then the Family Stone.On "Can't Strain My Brain","Holdin' On","Wishful Thinkin'" and "Better Thee Then Me" the Family Stone offer up a series of sparse,crawling grooves that are sponaneous to the point that studio chatter and cues are left running.On the other hand...there's "Loose Booty".One of THE very best Sly songs ever-it's main lyrical chant coming from the biblical story of three Jewish men involved with King Neberkenezzer-the story of basically marching to your own drum and that is what the song is all about anyway;the meanest,loopable groove and horn blasts possible;funk royalty in the highest!Hip hopper after hip hopper has used it as a BASE,never mind a sample and it almost wipes the floor off of everything else here.But luckilly doesn't completely do that because "Livin' While I'm Livin'" throws a hard rocking funk at you that almost goes back to Sly's first days of success."This Is Love" is the most obvious ballad on the album and is very beautiful.As for the the bonuses each has something distinct to offer.The first is a more vocally arranged take on "Crossword Puzzle" from the forthcoming High on You.On the other hand you also get versions of "Time For Livin'" and "Loose Booty" that are far rawer and less arranged,the former of which actually features a nice extended violin solo by Sid Page.There's also the unreleased instrumental "Positive",incredibly funky and jamming.Overall 'Small Talk' is nothing like Sly's previous two albums;it's incredibly funky but at the same time the lyrics are more about turning inward and the overall sound seems much softer.It does seem like the closing of a chaper for Sly Stone (and commercially this was) but in the musical age to come there were some who were curious just as to what Sly and his Family Stone were up to.

Average customer rating:

The best 70's porn film soundtrack ever

Pillow Talk
Sylvia
Manufacturer: Collectables
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000AFAX
Release Date: 1998-08-11

Tracks:

Pillow Talk
Give It Up In Vain
Sunday
Don't Leave Me Starving
My Thing
Didn't I
Had Any Lately
Not On The Outside
Cowards Way Out
Next Time I See You
Gimme A Little Action
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Customer Reviews:

The best 70's porn film soundtrack ever.......1999-11-10

In the late Seventie she became the godmother of rap, founding Sugar Hill Records, the first rap label. But before that, Sylvia recorded this nasty gem, taking double entendres to new highs. "Pillow Talk" was the hit, with lyrics about having to "borrow your pants some cold and lonely night". But there were other winners: in "Didn't I", she coos "at last you know I'm not margarine - but I am a high-priced spread!"...and in "Had Any Lately?", well, she mixes a come-on with a Vietnam protest song. The best track, though, is "Not on the Outside". You can almost get a contact high from this song: all the musicians play like they've smoked some serious herb while Sylvia dedicates the song to her dead songwriting partner - on whom she admits changing the song to her version now that he's gone. She even plays acoustic (or, as she says, "a-cue-stick) guitar on the track, and finishes the song in a self-orgy of moans. Classic.

Average customer rating:

Definitely not his best!
SOUL
Nothing Real to talk about
Not sure why this is hated...
Will the REAL Dave Hollister please stand up?

Real Talk
Dave Hollister
Manufacturer: Dreamworks
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Things in the Game Done Changed
Ghetto Hymns
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ASIN: B0000TAZ42
Release Date: 2003-11-11

Tracks:

The Big Payback
Bad When U Broke
Never Gonna Change
Good Ole Ghetto
Real Talk
Reason With Your Body
Winning With You
Karma
Case Is Closed
Almost
I Lied
Pleased Tonight

Amazon.com

"Just trying to keep it real," Dave Hollister vows in the middle of Real Talk's title track. Though the former Blackstreet member's fourth solo album deals in a fair amount of clichés--the first few cuts seemingly break all records for use of the word "ghetto" as both noun and adjective--he does seem to be telling his own story. Much of the rest of the material is quiet-storm stuff of varying quality, though "Winning With You" has a, yes, winning chorus hook and "Karma" depicts our man as a two-timer convinced he'll get away with it. Hollister seems most impassioned, however, on the opening "Big Payback," where he goes off on at least one record-industry foe who apparently kept him from getting his own. Perhaps a little inside-baseball, but also an intriguing direction that's more real than those of many recent R&B discs. --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

Definitely not his best!.......2007-02-19

I was disappointed with this album...However, im still a Dave fan..

SOUL.......2006-01-21

This is a good album, I don't understand were people get off saying anything negative about this man and his music. Dave Hollister has been in the game a long time and has put out good music. Not one of his albums are poor. This particular album is filled with pain, joy, and soul! If you want to hear real music from the soul and not that played out "POPCORN" music this is the album for you. Track number two is a TONE setter! Pick this album up and listen to what real R&B music should be!

PEACE
ONE LOVE

Nothing Real to talk about.......2005-10-11

While some of the previous bad reviews were on point, I think ones who gave it 4-5 stars were just trying to be nice to Dave. The songs never went anywhere nor did the CD have a smooth overall flow. The single "Real Talk" could have made some moves if it could have ever heard by anyone. Like most artists like Dave Hollister it will seldom if every make it off Internet Radio or a Midnight Radio show. Which by the way was the only place I ever seem to here the Dave Hollisters of the world. Buy this CD only if you want to complete D. Hollister collection.

Not sure why this is hated..........2005-05-28

I keep reading reviews putting down this CD, claiming it has no heart or no great tracks or lyrics. Did you guys miss "Good Ole Ghetto?" This is one of those tracks I keep on repeat in my car, crank the volume up really high so you can't tell how much my voice sucks, and just sing out loud. Didn't you hear the part about how everyone wore "Hammer Pants," but he couldn't afford them? Man I marked out at that point!

What about "Reason With Your Body" or "Doo Rag?" Did you miss "Bad When U Broke?" Any one of these songs should have been on the radio at least as much as some of the stuff that's out there now.

Personally I thought this CD easily rivaled any of Dave's others. I don't think any of them beat my favorite "Baby Do Those Things," but they're pretty damn close. Solid work from Dave Hollister again; I only wish others would believe me and give his music a try!

Will the REAL Dave Hollister please stand up?.......2004-10-29

I've been a fan of Dave Hollister ever since his BLACKstreet days. Still, when it came to his solo albums, I never seemed to give him as much attention as I should have. I didn't hear Ghetto Hymns but I LOVE Chicago '85...The Movie. I never got around to picking up Things In the Game Done Changed but I got my hands on Real Talk. But unfortunately, for this album, there really isn't much to talk about.

People may look at my rating and think I'm crazy for giving Dave three stars. Well, if we were talking about his voice only, then that would be five stars easily, but this ALBUM is very disappointing. Not only are there really no standout singles, but the songwriting isn't all that good. The first four songs on the album are poorly told ghetto stories, and he has a habit to keep saying things like, "Let me know if you feel me." We heard you the first time, Dave.

One strange thing about this album is that most of the songs on here are written by Tank. Unfortunately, we all know the problem with Tank's albums, too: great voice, god-awful lyrics. Maybe Tank thought, Hey, the songs didn't work for ME, so maybe they'll work for someone else, right? WRONG. His contributions are sexually charged metaphors gone wrong, like "Case Is Closed". And "Reason With Your Body" has Dave saying things like: "Girl, I'll make you scream like a scary movie's on."

Dave should know that he doesn't have to be so ghetto, because that really didn't work for him in the past (ever hear "I Don't Want to Be a Hustler" off Chicago '85?). Maybe he was following the example that BLACKstreet used for the horrendous Level II. At any rate, while he still has a wonderful voice, Real Talk should only be purchased to complete your Dave Hollister collection.

Anthony Rupert

Average customer rating:

One of my Favorites
A Great Breakout Album
Great CD!
Austin Rocks

Sweet Talk
Reneé Austin
Manufacturer: Blind Pig
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000CABJF
Release Date: 2003-09-23

Tracks:

Not Alone
Pretend We Never Met
When Something Is Wrong
Pour The Sugar Slowly
Bottom Of A Heart
Fool Moon
Bury The Hatchet
Unraveling
Bitter Water
Ain't Nobody
Black Pearl

Amazon.com

There's a new female singer on the roots music scene as Renee Austin breaks out of blues semi-obscurity with an impressively evocative and eclectic collection of songs sung straight from the heart. The California-born, Texas-bred, and Minnesota-based singer/songwriter---seven of the 11 tunes are Austin originals---has a big, dramatic voice capable of handling almost any type of tune. And that's exactly what she does on Sweet Talk, a wide-ranging sampler of her singing that is not so much blues as blues-based. Austin kicks off things with "Not Alone," creating a harder-edged Staple Singers-style groove, complete with background vocals. "Pretend We Never Met" successfully pairs Austin with Delbert McClinton on a soulful, radio-ready duet, and the funk grinder "Pour the Sugar Slowly" takes the music in yet another direction. Austin romps through the boogie blues of "Bury the Hatchet" with convincing energy but more effectively showcases her vocal abilities in more relaxed numbers, such as the gospel roller "Bottom of a Heart," the piano-driven ballad "Fool Moon," and the jazz-tinged "Unraveling" with its tasteful trumpet work by Dave Jensen. And when the accompaniment is stripped down to a single piano on "Ain't Nobody" Austin is at her expressive best. Too much production and too much of an effort to touch all stylistic bases prevents Sweet Talk from reaching its full potential but as an introduction to the depth and diversity of Austin's virtuoso vocalizing it more than serves its purpose. --Michael Point

Customer Reviews:

One of my Favorites.......2007-04-03

I do recommend this CD. If you like the Blues, this is a must have.

A Great Breakout Album.......2003-12-28

Renee Austin is well-known in the Twin Cities club scene, having refined her gospel-tinged vocal blues through countless performances for appreciative local audiences... With this album, she is poised to widen her fan base nationally and internationally. The album, her first for Blind Pig, showcases her various influences, including blues, gospel, and R&B. Austin is ably backed by several other staples of the thriving Twin Cities music scene, including Bruce McCabe... An outstanding new album, highly recommended.

Great CD!.......2003-09-30

Last August on a trip to Minneapolis, I had the pleasure of hearing Reneé Austin sing. She's a dynamic performer gifted with a "wow" voice that permits her to sing anything she chooses to. She also writes most of her songs. Now I have her new CD and am enjoying her performance all over again.

So far, she's proved herself as a regional phenomenon, but I believe she is a rising star in the music business and soon will be gaining national recognition. For example, in the past year she won three Minnesota Music Awards, including Best Female Vocalist and Best CD (Dancin' with Mr. Blue), was signed by Blind Pig Records, released a brand new CD (Sweet Talk) on Sept 23, and joined Piedmont Talent for representation. If you buy her CD, I'm confident you won't be disappointed. BTW, I have no financial interest whatever in Reneé's work -- I just love her singing.

Austin Rocks.......2003-09-25

If you like soul, gospel, jazz, rock and blues, you will love this CD. Reneé pours her heart into every song and will have you jamming with her after just one listen. I'll be keeping this one in the CD player until I know every word!