Some Like It Rare

The difference with this album and Rare Earth's previous release in 1978 is that the Grand Slam LP featured a Barry Gibb and Albhy Galuten tune with no input from those two individuals. The addition of Barry Gibb, Maurice Gibb, and Robin Gibb on "Warm Ride" off this quick follow-up features the Bee Gees singing, and it's that extra attention which made this the last of Rare Earth's half-a-dozen 1970s hits. What was really needed, though, was production from Barry, Robin, Maurice, and their partners in crime, Karl Richardson and Albhy Galuten, skills which might've brought the single "Warm Ride" further up the charts…

Various Artists - The Perfumed Garden: 82 Rare Flowerings From The British Underground 1965-73 (2009) {5CD Box Set PAPRBOX007}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 1.85 Gb | MP3 @320 -> 766 Mb
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© 1965-73, 2009 Past & Present Records | PAPRBOX007
Rock / Psychedelic Rock / Garage Rock / Freakbeat / Hard Rock / Mod / British Invasion

A cross section of the London underground, from heavy pounders to frilly harpsichords & all points inbetween. Named after one of John Peel's radio shows, & now including mastering & band bios for the first time in the series' long history. No, you didn't miss Vols. 4 & 5 (either in the 80s, when the original Vols 1 & 2 came out, or in the 90s when Vol. 3 came out), they were compiled just now for the box edition.

The first album of new material from the new look Rare Earth features a nice piece of artwork on the front. Beyond the sleeve is a set of new material plus some covers. Of the latter, the band strangely choose to re-visit "Tobacco Road" from their first Get Ready album. The inclusion of Lennon and McCartney's "Lady Madonna" and the Four Tops' "Reach Out I'll Be There" doesn't really do them any favours. Far more interesting are the newer songs…

In the annals of R&B’s great unsung heroines, you won’t find Etta James. Nobody’s idea of an underdog, she recorded prolifically for over 50 years and can hardly be said to have toiled in obscurity. Etta grabbed the spotlight as a teenager with her first recording, ‘Roll With Me Henry’, and went from strength to strength from there, cruising into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame early and winning her most recent Grammy in the 21st century. Inarguably her most successful work, both commercially and artistically, was unleashed during her 15-year tenure with Chicago’s fabled Chess Records, where she rolled out a decade-long string of hits and a dozen LPs.

John Patton - Accent On The Blues (1969) {Blue Note Rare Groove Series CDP 553924 rel 1997}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 425 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 156 Mb
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© 1969, 1997 Blue Note / Capitol | CDP 553924
Jazz / Jazz Blues / Soul Jazz / Organ Hammond B-3

Most John Patton albums are hard-driving, edgy soul-jazz and funk, and the title of Accent on the Blues makes the record seem like it would be no different than his other sessions. Of course, that isn't the case. Accent on the Blues is among the most atmospheric music Patton has ever made. While it stops short of being free, it's hardly funky soul-jazz, and that may disappoint some fans of his rip-roaring style. Nevertheless, the album is a rewarding listen, primarliy because it displays a more reflective side of his talent, demonstrating that he can hold his own among the likes of guitarist James Blood Ulmer and saxophonist Marvin Cabell.