Orange Vocoder

For the Commodores, losing Lionel Richie in 1982 was a lot like L.T.D. losing Jeffrey Osborne and Rose Royce losing Gwen Dickey – it was a severe blow, although not a fatal one. In fact, the Commodores had a few major hits after Richie's departure, including 'Nightshift' (a number one R&B/number three pop smash) in 1984 and 'Goin' to the Bank' in 1986. Released in 1983, Commodores 13 was the band's first post-Richie album as well as its first album without producer James Carmichael (who had been working with the Commodores since 1974). This LP came out around the same time as Richie's second solo album, Can't Slow Down, which sold over eight million copies in the U.S. alone. Commodores 13 didn't do nearly that well, although it's a generally decent, if uneven, record that had a number 20 R&B hit in 'Only You.'

Eleven albums into their storied career, 1981's Raise! shows that Earth, Wind & Fire's signature blend of soulful grooves and sweet pop hooks remains unmatched. In fact, kinetic leadoff "Let's Groove" is one of the band's most timeless singles, with a rubbery Verdine White bassline that fills any dance floor within seconds. The jazzy, romantic swing of "Wanna Be With You" showcases Philip Bailey's keening falsetto, while the jittery "I've Had Enough" adds a note of New Wave snap to these smooth, slick tunes.

Manifold Records present Spring Lounge 2014 - Sounds Like Sunshine. 30 excellent Chillout tracks from Frank Borell, Pascal Dubois, Chillwalker, Cafe Americaine, Vladi Strecker and others.