Tell Me When You Need Me Again (Parts 1 and 2) (Rudolph Isley - O'Kelly Isley - Ernie Isley - Marvin Isley - Christopher Jasper) - 5:03 rating: ***** stars
Flashbook time - Brussels American High School class of '77 ...
This was one of those albums that represent that special time in my life. Yeah, most of my class was listening to Fleetwood Mac, or Journey (okay Mark Funk was listening to Robin Trower and all sorts of oddball sounds), but The Isley were the band that caught my ear. And 'Tell Me When You Need Me Again' was amongst the cream of the Isleys' crop.
The entire "Go For Your Guns" album was magical (I can't even begin to count the number of times I played it), but 'Tell Me When You Need It Again' managed to blend the very best of soul and hard rock into a five minute package. Reflecting one of Ron Isley's most impressive vocals, Marvin Isley's fattttttt slap bass, Christopher Jasper's burping moog, Ernie Isley's Hendrix-inspired guitar, and a refrain as addictive as any Class 1 drug ... what wasn't their to love about this one?
And if you haven't heard this track, here's a link to a YouTube clip:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSPwhpDqF3k&list=OLAK5uy_mvrBXNfhM_raXOkO2tbzeTDgOlNLln67k&index=3
Give Me Time (Allan Clarke - Terry Sylvester) - 3:06 rating: ***** stars
In December 2019 I decided I would update all my BadCatRecords sales listings to include LP cover photos. When I originally put my record collection online, I did it quickly, only putting up photos for the really expensive items. Anyhow, at the time I started to upload the images, I thought it might take me six months to finish the project. Here I am a year later and I've done "A" through most of "H" and "N" through "S".
While adding "H" entries I discovered I owned a ton of albums by The Hollies. While adding the LPphotos I started listening to some Hollies tunes and rediscovered what a great band these guys were.
Of of their 1975 Another Night" album, 'Give Me Time' simply captured that special Hollies sound. Allan Clarke's instantly recognizable voice, those to-die-for-harmonies, coupled a wonderful "Irish bar" melody made it a track that could have been a massive radio hit had anyone at the label, or on radio been paying attention. And that damn hook sets it's hooks in your head and won't let go ... "give me time, give me, give me time ..."
And for anyone who wants to check it out themselves: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxIhQWbF49Y
