The 3 Funky Divas are back in action
597148
En Vogue, the girl group that started the trend of girl groups early 90's is back. Groups like Jade, SWV and Brownstone are gone and a few groups is still here(TLC, DC). En Vogue's latest album is a journy in music styles.  The funkiness is all over the album. Best is "Latin Soul",  "Riddle", "I Love You More", the ballad "Whatever  Will Be Will Be" and funky and cool "Dogs". The producers  are really using the harmanies of the trio. This is a classy soul rnb  album. The Funky Divas shows again, they are one of the best out there.  But, where is the "Free Your Mind", "My Lovin'" and  "Whatta Man"? Hopefully on next album!
929433
Slave has done it again! They've created yet another funk classic. The Jam Patrol doesn't disappoint on this funky 1996 release. Slave has never failed to amaze me and this CD is no exception. It is a re-recording of some of Slave's most Stellar Jams. It includes Killer Remakes of their classic hits like "Slide","Thrill Me", "Just a Touch of Love","Watching You","How Is This Love 2 U",and "Juicy-O". On "U Take My Breath Away",Mark "Drac" Hicks injects a Razor-Sharp Guitar Solo and Mark Adams offers a Slap-Style Bass Riff. The Remake of "Slide" proves that Slave hasn't lost their  magic touch- they still sound as good as they did 20 years ago; They still know how to JAM! With Bass so Deep and Guitar so Dangerous, there ought to be a warning label on this CD that says: High Levels of Funkativity! "Barbara Jean Blvd." showcases a bass line by Mark Adams that Slides & Glides the whole way through. Whereas, the new versions of "Watching You" & "Just a Touch of Love" will take U Back 2 Funk Heaven and leave you feeling hypnotized by the Groove 1 more time. The re-working of "I Like Your Style" is also well-done, Keith Nash has perfect vocal delivery. And Danny Webster doesn't get Enuff Respect & Recognition as a vocal stylist. He had a Real Smooth & Sultry Texture to his voice. In my opinion, he's just as talented as Steve Arrington was and more importantly,he stuck with Slave 2 the End. Danny's especially good on "Slide", "Just a Touch of Love" and on the seductive single "Thrill Me"-Danny's voice is Extremely Sexy on that Track! Masters Of The Fungk also contains the Slamming Single-"Funky Like a Lunatic" and once again Slave brings the Funk in Full Force. Basically, everything on this disc is SMOKIN' From Beginning To End. Slave successfully attempts to Update their classic tracks with a fresh,new twist while at the same time sticking 2 the sound of the original recordings. In other words, Slave breathes new life into these Funk Favorites without tarnishing the original Grooves. U Gotta hear this album & it'll speak 4 itself! This CD is better than anything on the market today. Too Bad Slave doesn't make music & record albums anymore,cuz what they had and STILL have is Something Special. MESSAGE TO MARK ADAMS: U and the Guyz from SLAVE should REALLY consider reuniting-even temporarily to create more great music together and release a CD of new material- 'Cuz your music surpasses everything out there now. And 1 more thing-Mark,you are a musical genius on Bass and So Talented. NOBODY can play the BASS the way you can cuz no one can do it better! How did you ever learn to play so good? You're the Best Bassist In Funk and Beyond! Besides,we NEED to Bring the Funk Back and SLAVE  is just the band to do it! Slave could really teach those young kids what REAL MUSIC is all about. Talented musicians playing their instruments is a concept,that unfortunately,is lacking in the current music scene. What ever happened to that Era? Where has THE FUNK GONE?? There aren't any bands out like Slave these days. Then again,there probably never will be cuz there's only 1 SLAVE! Slave were and still remain the original Masters Of The Fungk! Everything they touched turned to gold;Every Song,Every Album they ever made was a Musical Masterpiece and a Funk Classic. By the way, Mark Adams still reigns supreme on bass cuz he hasn't lost that raw energy & talent. This CD is very hard to find,very rare,but if you're a true Slave Fan & devoted to the Jam Band-you should really try to buy this CD. It's worth the time & effort. So get your copy today!
16689
Excellent Album by this 3 girl disco group. The ladies in the group Stargard are fabulous. I love their styles. I love this Album. I recommend buying it if you love Disco music & if you love to dance. This music has great dance music. The song "Which Way Is Up" is a fun dance song. Perfect song to dance to. Stargard is a great 3 lady disco group to listen to. They'll get your party going.
2855379
After a somewhat dissapointing turn of events and low promotion of her last album, toni is back to set things straight. Her last album was really good but its a shame that it didn't get the recognition it deserved. I don't think that will be the case this time. This time around toni delivers 10 tracks of back to back heat. Thats right i said 10,..unless i have a different version i think amazon.com needs to change the track listing becasue there are no hidden tracks on mine. Lyriclly and musically toni brings it all giving us the ballads with the deep base, the fast paced and the low key sultry guitar balads as well. Producers liek scott storch, babyface, kerri lewis, soul shock and karlin and barry and jomo hankerson are who help to bring things all together. Now to the songs...whats good? Everything actually but besides the obvious favorites, I also like "supposed to be" and "stupid". This is a cd where every song can be a single but we will see which ones acutally make that category. Overall any toni fan should pick this up. Non-fans who liek R+B im sure will like this also. I think there is enough of a good mix to keep the young and older listeners listening. Get it!!
2818869
Really fun to hear these 2 icons back together again!! Always enjoyed Travolta's voice! Proceeds go to charity also!!! Win / Win
1913094
It's been half a century(!) since The Kingston Trio set the pop world afire with "Tom Dooley" and "(Charlie on the) MTA," and, in the process, turned "folk" music mainstream.  College kids with energy, talent, and lively humor to burn, the Trio avoided the protest songs and controversy which led to the blacklisting of The Weavers during the McCarthy era.  Featured at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1958, they became star attractions the following year when the Newport Folk Festival was inaugurated.

This CD, recorded at that 1959 Festival but not released until 1994, highlights the youth, high spirits, and just plain good fun of a Kingston Trio concert, long before rock concerts became the norm.  Only thirty-seven minutes long, this CD contains mostly songs that were already big hits (and had already been recorded), but for those newbies wanting a short sample of their music and performing style, or long-time fans wanting a historic live recording, this does the job nicely.

"Saro Jane," "Hard Ain't It Hard," "When the Saints Go Marching In," and "Three Jolly Coachmen" have the insistent rhythms of guitar and banjo, the unrelenting energy, and the easy harmonies that typify Kingston Trio albums.  "All My Sorrows," "South Coast," and "Scotch and Soda" add some quieter, minor-keyed variety to the selection.  Their wild, irreverent humor, as close as the Trio gets to a protest, is seen in "Merry Minuet," in which the "rioting in Africa" and "starving in Spain," become a comment on politics and the environment, which may someday be solved by the "mushroom-shaped cloud."

Filled with the high-pitched screams and cheers of their young audience, to which the group plays with asides and seemingly off-the-cuff remarks, this CD is classic Kingston Trio--loads of fun and loads of now-familiar songs.  For those wanting a bigger selection of songs and a much longer album, the "Hungry I" CD may be one to look at.  n  Mary Whipple

<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/The-Kingston-Trio-From-the-Hungry-I/dp/B00000DRCW/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">The Kingston Trio/ From the Hungry I</a>
<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/The-Last-Month-of-the-Year/dp/B00002JV2C/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">The Last Month of the Year</a>
1392460
As of this album, at least one of the singers in this band has finally become a proper diva.  In the good sense!  The lead vocals are consistently very strong (whereas on past albums one can hear the singers still building confidence and finding their way, albeit beautifully), and the wonderful tapdancing etc. energy and background eclecticism are still around as always.  But now the group as a whole, too, has made a transition:  Their songwriting has caught up to, and even surpassed, their emotional presence.  The songs "Cacophony", "Chandelier Lake", and "Falling Without Knowing" are just masterpieces.  Such rich harmonies!

That emotional presence, the star of their prior album Bottoms of Barrels, has suffered a bit--some of the songs on this album trade in the old, romantic earnestness for a sort of disinterested bitchiness that is rather less special.  But this new feeling is delivered playfully enough that it doesn't offend (not this listener, anyway).  In fact in the closing song it's whipped into a crackle of electricity, glorious and brief.

Also, my copy came with a "Shrinky Dink"-type insert as its one-of-a-kind handmade artwork or whatever.  This object is useless and has little to do with the music, but I found it adorable.  :)
2464020
The cd art has changed, the mixes are fuller, two additional tracks, what more do you need to know? Seldom re-releases which are remixed work out this well, but "Resurrection" doesn't fall into that trap. This time around we also have a nice jewel case rather than those cardboard digi packs.

The two new tracks are; "Hallowed By Thy Name" previously only available on an Alice Copper tribute and Kult Konnection produced compilations, and a remix of "Temptation Seranade" which is a bit more old school minimalism with some demonic acid twangs. This is a nice update on a better label for a band that deserves more than being associated with "indie" labels run by unprofessionals.
2757944
So nice to hear Pink Martini again, even with guests. They are somimGinative. Of course I'm biased because I have all their albums.
1771319
First by B3 is an updated version of the BeeGees Saturday Night Fever disco hits from the 70's. This album updates and gives new life to all of the songs while still remaining true to the original versions.

I particularly like the song I.O.I.O., which is a light, uptempo, and happy song that was recently a hit in Germany. I somehow do not remember this song from the past, but I now find it to be a very catchy song as done by the B3.

Overall, this is a very enjoyable and listenable album.
2106203
After 8 years since their last album, they're finally back.  This is the first new all 2nd II None meterial I've heard since the "Above the Rim" soundtrack in 1994 (not counting songs they were featured on), and I must say I like it.  Out of the 12 songs, DJ Quik produces 10 of them so you know the beats are nothing less then great.  Guests are the normal ones for the crew.  The album does slide off after track 10 and picks up a little on the last track but it's too long hovering around 8 minutes (it is good to see all of them together again on one song but it could've been a 5 minute song).  It has 1 classic and 2 songs I skip, with the other 7 being good or great.  A must have west coast album.

#1 - 9

#2 - 10 (Classic -- f/ AMG & DJ Quik -- great relaxing beat)

#3 - 9 (another relaxing beat)

#4 - 8.5 (f/ AMG & James Debarge)

#5 - 9 (f/ Mausberg {R.I.P.})

#6 - 9 (f/ Playa Hamm -- upbeat song about party's)

#7 - 9

#8 - 8

#10 - 8

#11 - 5.5 (slower song)

#12 - 6.5

#13 - 7.5 (f/ DJ Quik, Hi_C, AMG, Playa Hamm -- too long of a song)

KK --- K. MacDonald -- b. around 1972 -- Compton, CA

D --- Deon Barnett -- b. around 1972 -- Compton, CA

CPT!!!!!!!

check all my reviews
4162135
After decades of waiting, the last 3 Supremes albums are finally here on CD at last! When Scherrie Payne joined the group as lead singer, she totally re-energized the group with new energy and vitality that still resonates today as everlasting. Mary Wilson also emerged as a stronger singer, with more leads than ever before. The last 2 line-up's of The Supremes with either Cindy Birdsong or Susaye Greene as the 3rd members boasted the strongest singing of any edition of the group. They had the power vocally that was not heard as fully before on record, except for the early years when Florence Ballard was in the group. Tighter harmonies and a more fevered vocal blend are heard throughout this most amazing 3 CD set, with a ton of unreleased songs, alternate mixes, and different takes. Not enough can be said about the fire that Scherrie Payne brought into the group. Her vocal delivery is strong, rockin' , gospelish, jazzy - she really came into the group when The Supremes needed it. I've loved the original 3 albums since I was a teenager. For me, these are The Supremes that I grew up with loving the most.

 The songs and production are strong, with more soul, funk and rock influences than ever. By the time of the final 2 albums, the sound of the group showed even more power, with sumptuous production and writing with the return of Brian and Eddie Holland with Harold Beatty. The combination of the talents of The Supremes with these writers and musicians really lifted the group onto another plateau musically. The group sounded more youthful, sexy, and were even singing more provocative lyrics . The Supremes were women , not girls, and themes of independence like on I DON'T WANT TO TIED DOWN, and sexy lyrics are more abundant , especially with Scherrie and Susaye .There is more of a progression by the time of the last album, MARY SCHERRIE AND SUSAYE with the voices in a surround sound production. These albums are classics, and there should have been hit after hit with all the strong material and singing they did over all 3 of these albums. And the bonus tracks are amazing, with many unreleased songs and alternate takes. My favorites include YOU'RE WHAT'S MISSING IN MY LIFE with a solo lead by Scherrie that clearly illustrates that this girl had a voice like no other! Also I love ONLY YOU [ CAN LOVE ME LIKE YOU LOVE ME ] here in 2 more fiery, rockin' alternate takes, the equally powerful YOU KEEP ME MOVING ON and SWEET DREAM MACHINE with even more vocal hotness than the original take.

 You owe it to yourself to own this most beautiful set of music by the last of The Supremes. They certainly left us musically on a higher plane, with boundless energy, solid songs, and tremendous talent. These Supremes rocked and grooved harder and hotter than before. These albums are a a real gift, and it's been worth the long, long wait to finally have all this great music at last all together . Mary, Scherrie, Cindy and Susaye - they made some of the strongest singing, and hottest records that The Supremes ever recorded.
614348
Vocalist Lynn Mabry departed from the Brides Of Funkenstein following their debut album. After this George Clinton assembled another female group with the trio Parlet. In lieu of this the Brides were themselves expanded to a trio as original member Dawn Silva was joined by Sheila Horne and Jeanette McGruder. This time over 30 members of the ever expanding P-Funk crew came aboard,a somewhat larger amount of musicians than on their debut,this album was set up from the get go to expand as far as possible on the impact that the Brides grooves would be able to make within the world of funk. And if I may say so it was a resounding success.

  The epic title song,a sleeker and more dance oriented equivalent of Funkadelic's "Knee Deep" of the same vintage is creamily orchestrated largely by Bernie Worrell's round,popping synthesizer and the trade off of the lead and harmony vocals of Dawn,Sheila and Jeanette.
"I'm Holding You Responsible" is a classic P-Funk march with horns and strings providing the musical battle call. "Smoke Signals" provides a slow grinding hump much the same rhythmically as "Disco To Go" from the previous album whereas "Mother May I?" extends on the sleek cinematic funky soul side of the Brides. "Party Up In Here" is full on,throbbing uptempo P-Funk where every instrument seems to be part of the bass line somehow and the album ends on the lone ballad-the sleekly melodic "Didn't Mean To Fall In Love".

  Whatever the Brides succeeded in doing as a duo in 1978 they really blew the lid off of as a trio in 1979. This album even bested the success of their previous release when a year and half after this Cashbox had the Brides beating out Sister Sledge,Cheryl Lynn and the Pointer Sisters as best female artist of that period. Listening to this album? It's musical significance is easy to spot. Not only is it often the impediment of P-Funk functioning for the disco era as it were,but is very successful at finding out just where George Clinton and his band's musical innovations effected that era instrumentally-by adding orchestrations to 4/4 beats accented by throbbing counter rhythms. P-Funk were still one nation under a groove as it were when this album came out. And it stands as an example of classic late 70's P-Funk!
1910120
They're back! Have all their CD's. Buy this if you like they're older stuff.
1671294
Mercy is back, along with her usual motley Cre (and some new faces.) I really like this series, so I enjoyed the book.
3665590
I like this CD much better than the last 2. I loved the CDs with Tarja, but this ranks up there with those.
1153645
Take three women who have been on the folk music scene for more years than they probably want to admit (hey, its more experience) and put them together to write songs for a trio and throw in some cover songs (the Carole King/Howard Greenfield Everly Brothers hit Crying in the Rain; Willie Dixons The Same Thing  from the female point of view) and what do you get? The Cupcakes.

Recent news report have said the cupcake craze has died down; the chain of Crumbs bakeries has closed up shop) but not here. With this  their first release  they are making some pretty fine music.

The trio consists of Lyn (short for Lyndon, by the way) Hardy who recorded many albums with her former husband Jay Ungar (as Jay & Lyn), Ely Wininger (whose solo albums Ive always enjoyed) and Janice Hardgrove (who is the only one of the three I wasn't familiar with, who is apparently an award winning cupcake baker. Now I know she writes songs too. Four of the 13 songs are her compositions)

The CD comes in a very simple cardboard sleeve with monochrome photos of the trio on both front and back and a track list (with writing credits and times) plus the production credits. Lyrics are always nice to have but the voices are clear enough that I didn't need them.

If you like folk music from the 1960s and 70s when lyrics were simple and just fun to sing, I think this trio from upstate New York will fill your bill. Take a bite and see for yourself.

I hope you found this review both informative and helpful.

Steve Ramm
Anything Phonographic