The Temprees - Lovemen (Soul)

A1 Explain It To Her Mama

 A2 If I Could Say What's On My Mind

 A3 (Girl) I Love You

 A4 I Love You, You Love Me

 A5 We've Only Just Begun

 B1 Dedicated To The One i Love

 B2 My Baby Love

 B3 I'm For You, You For Me

 B4 Love....Can Be So Wonderful

Tamiya Lynn - Love Is Here and Now You're Gone (Soul)

1 Monologue: Introduction to a Love Affair

 2 Wings Upon Your Horns

 3 Monologue: Hoping

 4 Love Is Here and Now You're Gone 

 5 Monologue: Final Attempt

 6 Can't Last Much Longer

 7 Monologue: The Next Time!

 8 That's Understanding

 9 I'm Gonna Run Away From You

 10 Ain't No Soul (Left in These Old Shoes)

 11 World You Left Behind You

 12 Never No More

 13 Mojo Hanna

 14 One Night of Sin 

 Love Is Here and Now You're Gone album by Tamiya Lynn was released Aug 23, 2005 on the DBK Works label. Lynn attempts to do what Margie Joseph did with "Stop in the Name of Love": tack a sassy monologue on the front of a Supremes hit and see if it flies. Love Is Here and Now You're Gone music CDs It didn't. Love Is Here and Now You're Gone songs Though it's a nice effort, it didn't cause any rumblings like Joseph's Fred Briggs production did. Love Is Here and Now You're Gone album The album is consistently good, however, and one wonders why there isn't a CD compilation of Tamiya Lynn's recordings. Love Is Here and Now You're Gone CD music Bert Berns' "I'm Gonna Run Away" is a tearjerker that's a big favorite in England with the Northern soul crowd; she gets funky on a Major Lance remake, "Ain't No Soul (Left In These Old Shoes)," and does a splendid "Mojo Hanna," originally done by Henry Lumpkin on Motown; Marvin Gaye also recorded the song about the New Orleans' roots woman, but the Ideals' rendition on Cortland Records is the best version for your money.

Ralph Tresvant - Ralph Tresvant (RNB)

1. Rated R 

2. Sensitivity 

3. She's My Love Thang 

4. Stone Cold Gentleman 

5. Do What I Gotta Do 

6. Love Hurts 

7. Girl I Can't Control It 

8. Love Takes Time 

9. Public Figure (Ordinary Guy) 

10. Last Night 

11. I Love You (Just For You) 

12. Alright Now 

13. Sensitivity 

14. Sensitivity (Ralph's Rap) 

 Ralph Tresvant is undoubtedly one of the most attractive, smooth heartthrobs in the music industry. He has this subtle sexiness about himself that women just can't deny. Further, he also has a very nice singing voice. Hey, he wasn't New Edition's lead singer for nothing! His self-titled debut, although solid, is more of a hit and miss than anything. The best songs on this album are memorable, but his more lackluster tracks really brought the album down. His biggest missteps were his rapping and that a lot of the material on his debut sound dated, with so much of the New Jack sound infused. The New Jack sound is all over the tracks "Ordinary Guy (Public Figure)", "She's My Love Thang" and "Girl I Can't Control It." "Girl I Can't Control" is one of the weaker songs on Ralph's debut. The lyrics are corny and the production sounds like it was created within five minutes. Vocally, though, he sounds good. "Ordinary Guy (Public Figure)" is a decent song. Ralph needs to leave the rapping to the rappers, but the rap on this song? The lyrics are good. He's letting everyone who doubts him know that he is very intelligent and can do more than just hold a note. "Rated R" is the opening track, however, it's also the weakest track on the album. The production samples James Brown, he is once again rapping and there are these annoying women in the background. He definitely could have opened his album better than he did. Ralph really had a hit on his hands with "Sensitivity". This song was a hit when it was released and it's no wonder: The lyrics are fantastic, the vocal arrangement is great, and the production is good too. This is overall a superb song. "Alright Now" is another great song. This song was co-written by the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Ralph makes a great rendition of this song, and I found myself going back to listen to it several times because it's just that good. "Do What I Gotta Do" emotes a lot of pain and uncertainty. Here, Ralph is deciding whether or not he wants to end a relationship. He brings much personality to his voice in this song. "Do What I Gotta Do" is one of Ralph's all-time best songs. Overall, this is a solid album. Ralph Tresvant is a truly talented artist and should be recognized for his vocal skills. This album is worth investing in.

Hi-Tek - Hi-Teknology (Rap)

1. Scratch Rappin 

2. The Sun God 

3. Get Back Pt.II 

4. Breakin' Bread 

5. All I Need Is You 

6. Where I'm From 

7. Tony Guitar Watson 

8. Round &a Round 

9. Get Ta Steppin' 

10. There From Hi-Tek 

11. L.T.A.H. 

12. Suddenly 

13. The Illest It Gets 

14. Hi-Teknology 

 On his debut solo album, Hi-Teknology, Cincinnati producer Hi-Tek brings together some of hip-hop's most innovative lyricists to complete his multilayered musical collages. Hi-Tek made his name producing for Black Star and Reflection Eternal, creating impressive tracks that were always as complex as the rhymes that Mos Def and Talib Kweli rhymed over them. On Hi-Teknology, however, he's not limited to the range of just two MCs, and each track is fashioned to custom fit the artists featured. "The Sun God," featuring Common and Vinia Mojica, is a musical composition that is nothing short of perfect. Common is at his poetic best, telling a moving story over Hi-Tek's soulful production, which blends unidentifiable sounds to create an atmosphere that has a mysterious story of its own. "Breakin' Bread" is an archetypal hip-hop track with a hazy flute sample that gives the song a jazzy feel. And the funky production on the risqué "L.T.A.H.," featuring Slum Village, will transport listeners to the '70s. With Hi-Teknology, Hi-Tek secures his place among the great producers by bringing serious musicianship to hip-hop production and creating a truly satisfying album.

Johnny Robinson - Memphis High (Funk/Soul)

1. Funky Feet 

2. We Are Gonna Make It 

3. For Your Love 

4. Kansas City 

5. God Is Love 

6. Slip Away 

7. Nothing Can Touch This Love 

8. Lady Doctor 

9. Person To Person 

10. Reconsider Me 

11. Don't Take It So Hard

Johnny Robinson's sole studio LP remains a lost classic of Memphis soul. Produced by Willie Mitchell during one of his rare sabbaticals from the Hi Records stable, Memphis High captures a rougher, earthier sound than Mitchell's landmark work for Al Green or Ann Peebles but proves well suited to Robinson's gritty, impassioned approach. Robinson is a quintessential deep soul balladeer, rooted in gospel and haunted by demons. Mitchell's slow-burning arrangements mirror the intensity of his subject, evoking the purity and turmoil of his psyche.

Billy Butler - Sugar Candy Lady (Soul/Funk)

1. Sugar Candy Lady 

2. I Know The Feeling Well 

3. Play My Music 

4. The Saga Of Sadie Lee 

5. Feel The Magic 

6. I'm Gonna Make Her Mine 

7. Alone At Last (Part 1 & 2) 

8. My Love For You Grows 

9. She's Got Me Singing

Great Goove Over Here !!!

The Choice Four - The Finger Pointers (Funk/Soul)

A1 The Finger Pointers (part 1) 

 A2 Can't Get Used To Sleeping Alone 

 A3 The Woman I'm Being True To 

 A4 I Need Your Love To Keep Me Warm 

 A5 I Can't Make you Love Me 

 B1 Ready, Willing and Able 

 B2 You're So Right For Me 

 B3 If I Don't Love You 

 B4 The Finger Pointers (part 2)

The Jimmy Castor Bunch - It's Just Begun (Funk)

A1 Creation (Prologue) 

 A2 It's Just Begun 

 A3 Troglodyte (Cave Man) 

 A4 You Better Be Good (Or the Devil Gon' Getcha) 

 A5 Psyche 

 B1 L. T. D. (Life, Truth & Death) 

 B2 My Brightest Day 

 B3 Bad 

 B4 I Promise to Remember 

 B5 Creation (Epilogue)

Tower Of Power - In The Slot (Funk)

1. Just Enough And Too Much 

2. Treat Me Like Your Man 

3. If I Play My Cards Right 

4. As Surely As I Stand Here 

5. Fanfare: Matanuska 

6. On The Serious Side 

7. Ebony Jam 

8. You're So Wonderful, So Marvelous 

9. Vuela Por Noche 

10. Essence Of Innocence 

11. The Soul Of A Child 

12. Drop It In The Slot 

 Anyone who really knows TOP, knows, that Lenny Williams was the most incredible lead vocalist TOP has had, or will ever have. With that being said, new vocalist Hubert Tubbs had a tough act to follow, and filled the space admirably. His vocals on this album really are soulful, gruff, funky and moving. The songs here, 3 or 4 being instrumentals, are all first-rate TOP. The horn and rhythm section on this album is the BEST that TOP has ever had, period! Along with the albums "Bump City", "Tower Of Power", "Back To Oakland", "Urban Renewal" and "Live And In Living Color", this album is truly a gem among those other TOP classics!! And most important, it is funky like a mo-fo!

Greensleeves - Various Artists 12" Rulers: Henry Junjo Lawes (Reggae)

1. Gunman - Michael Prophet 

2. Wa-Do-Dem - Eek-A-Mouse 

3. Look Youthman - Barrington Levy 

4. Saturday Night Jamboree - Wayne Jarrett 

5. Fire House Rock - Wailing Souls 

6. Slavemaster - Flick Wilson

7. Give Another Isreal a Try - Barry Brown 

8. Mr. False Preacher - Triston Palma 

9. Another One Bites the Dust - Clint Eastwood 

10. Who Can Make the Dance Ram - Yellowman 

11. Diseases - Smiley 

 I'll keep this short because I'm too busy enjoying the music. No filler here -- just great 12" versions that will rock your party. High points include "Wah Do Dem" by Eek-A-Mouse, "Look Youthman" by Barrington Levy and my personal favorite, a stunning 7:56 long version of "Firehouse Rock" from the Wailing Souls, which closes out with about three righteous minutes of crackling, rocking dub. If you've only heard the LP versions of these songs, you haven't really heard them. The 12" versions are so much better, combining the original hits with necessary B-side dub remix versions in all their trance-inducing fury. What I especially love about the musical period represented here is that the electronics never got in the way of the melodies or the performances, in contrast to the often over-processed sound of today's music. This is a fine additon to your conscious party. Enjoy and peace.

Esther Phillips - What A Difference A Day Makes (Soul)

1. One Night Affair

 2. What A Difference A Day Makes

 3. Mister Magic

 4. You're Coming Home

 5. I Can Stand A Little Rain

 6. Hurtin' House

 7. Oh Papa

 8. Turn Around, Look At Me

 9. What A Difference A Day Makes

24 Carat Black - Ghetto Misfortune's Wealth (Funk/Soul)

1. Synopsis One: In The Ghetto / God Save The World 

 2. Poverty's Paradise

 3. Brown-Baggin'

 4. Synopsis Two: Mother's Day

 5. Mother's Day

 6. Foodstamps

 7. Ghetto: Misfortune's Wealth

 8. 24-Carat Black (Theme) 

 Dale Warren, the leader of this musical project, was one of those talented musicians and producers who eventually was overwhelmed by personal problems. But in the short time he was recording music he delivered this amazing album in 1973. "Ghetto: Misfortune's Wealth" is a mesmerizing musical concoction; a blend of soul and funk and pop and rap. This music was light years ahead of its time. Warren and crew did not play sweet, short singles, but long and funky numbers, stained by tears and pain, with socially concious lyrical content. Nope, not your basic Top 40 formula. But this is music that lasts, and despite some of the 70s lamentations on here, it has aged very, very well. Still powerful stuff. In addition to the funky jams, there are some raps and vocals on a few track by Warren's wife. And the album's closer, the instrumental "24-Carat Black" (Theme) is a monster track, a true rhythm delight! Fans of 70s funk and soul; Don't miss this one!

The Soul Children – Best Of Two Worlds (Soul)

A1 Bring It Here 

 A2 Thanks For A Precious Nothing 

 A3 Put Your World In My World 

 A4 Give Me One Good Reason Why 

 A5 Got To Get Away From It All 

 B1 The Hang Ups Of Holding On, Parts 1 & 2 

 B2 Wrap It Up Tonight 

 B3 Let's Make A Sweet Thing Sweeter 

 B4 Finish Me Off 

 B5 Don't Break Away

Nice & Smooth - Ain't A Damn Thing Changed (Rap)

1. Harmonize

 2. Cake & Eat It Too

 3. Down The Line

 4. Sometimes I Rhyme Slow [Explicit]

 5. Paranoia

 6. Sex, Sex, Sex

 7. "Billy-Gene"

 8. How To Flow

 9. Hip Hop Junkies

 10. One, Two And One More Makes Three

 11. Pump It Up

 12. Medley: Step By Step

Released back in 1991, this was an underrated debut album from the duo known as Nice & Smooth. The two offer some of the most creative hip-hop of all-time, especially with songs like "Hip-Hop Junkies". Of course, most people have never heard anything like the voice of Greg Nice, but that's the beauty of this album.

Jacob Miller - Who Says Jah No Dread (Reggae)

1. Keep In Knocking

2. Knocking Version

3. False Rasta

4. Hungry Town Scanc

5. Baby I Love You So

6. King Tubby Meets Rockers Uptown

7. Who Sa Jah No Dread

8. Jah Dread

9. Each One Teach One

10. Each One Teach One Version

11. Girl Name Pat

12. Girl Name Pat Version

This showcase collection features all six of Jacob Miller's Augustus Pablo produced single A-sides back to back with their respective dub versions. It's a great collaboration: Miller's impassioned vocals, Pablo's uniquely strong rhythms, melodies and arrangements played by some of Jamaica's finest musicians; plus the legendary King Tubby at the mixing desk. All the tracks were recorded over an 18 month period (1974-75) at Randy's and Dynamic studios and provided much of the source material for the landmark "King Tubby meets rockers uptown" album, after being mixed at King Tubby's studio by the master himself. Miller was still a teenager when he started working with Pablo, but handles each vocal performance with an assurance that belies his youthful inexperience, whether it's the dread lyrics of tracks like "False rasta" or love songs like "Baby I love you so", and Tubby's dub mixes beautifully complement the A-sides. Dub was still a relatively new phenomenon when these recordings were made and hardly known outside of Jamaica. The idea of stripping a track down to its bare bones, adding effects such as echo and reverb, and dropping its constituent musical elements in and out of the mix was pioneered by Tubby, opening the door to a whole new world of sonic exploration. It's difficult to pick favourite tracks on a compilation as good as this one. The most famous of these singles is undoubtedly "Baby I love you so" or rather its dub version "King Tubby meets rockers uptown", which was one of the first examples of dub to make any sort of impact internationally. But from the opening "Keep on knocking", which begins with a statement of intent by Miller ("This is rockers! Original rockers!") it's non-stop quintessential mid-70's reggae from start to finish. Miller wanted to make more records with Pablo (who can blame him?) but given Pablo's dire financial status (he was often dependent on many of the musicians playing on his records for free on the basis that he would do the same for them), the promises of fame and fortune from other producers soon became too tempting. Before long Miller would become hugely successful with his band Inner Circle, but artistically at least, he never surpassed the recordings on this album. Sadly he was killed in a car crash in 1980, while Tubby was tragically gunned down outside his studio in 1989 and Pablo died a decade later in 1999. Although the rhythms collected together on "Who say Jah no dread" are all available elsewhere, these are the definitive versions and if you only ever buy one Augustus Pablo record make sure this is it. In view of the album's title it's also pertinent to mention that Pablo was a deeply religious man who often credited Jah as co-producer of his works and this one is no exception. On the sleeve, after the words "produced by Augustus Pablo" you can read the following in parenthesis: "produced by King Selassie I through his divine powers working through I and I to manifest these inspirations". What more can I say?