Dayo Posted July 13, 2005 Posted July 13, 2005 (edited) I've never been quite sure about this record. Some days I think it's gorgeous beyond words, other days it strikes me as sugary pop. I guess it's something to do with the two guys singing every line in unison. Any thoughts anyone? I've put a link below, I'm sure most people know it well, but just in case..... Bob & Fred Edited July 13, 2005 by Dayo
Guest ShaneH Posted July 13, 2005 Posted July 13, 2005 Love it everyday of the week. Always have. Shane
Guest rachel Posted July 13, 2005 Posted July 13, 2005 Love the harmonies and the strings and just my perfect dancing speed
Gene-r Posted July 13, 2005 Posted July 13, 2005 Love it to bits - it's definitely a "goose-bump" record for me! So lucky just to have it on a CD comp to play at home, but I always look forward to hearing Martin Thomson's spot for this - always spins it without fail....
Martint Posted July 13, 2005 Posted July 13, 2005 Love it to bits - it's definitely a "goose-bump" record for me! So lucky just to have it on a CD comp to play at home, but I always look forward to hearing Martin Thomson's spot for this - always spins it without fail.... link Gene I hope you're not accusing me of being lazy and predictable.... I can't help it if my imaginary friend requests it everytime I'm out behind decks Martin
Guest Awake 502 Posted July 13, 2005 Posted July 13, 2005 (edited) I've never been quite sure about this record. Some days I think it's gorgeous beyond words, other days it strikes me as sugary pop. I guess it's something to do with the two guys singing every line in unison. Any thoughts anyone? Picked up 2 copies of this around 1991 from a well known Florida dealer, was going to leave them on the shelf but as it was on a friends want list I picked them up, I didn't know it at the time. Thoughts ? Along with "Lucky Charms" this dirge is one of the worst records ever played, just because it is rare and from Detroit doesn't make it any good.... Edited July 13, 2005 by Awake 502
Martint Posted July 13, 2005 Posted July 13, 2005 Picked up 2 copies of this around 1991 from a well known Florida dealer, was going to leave them on the shelf but as it was on a friends want list I picked them up, I didn't know it at the time. Thoughts ? Along with "Lucky Charms" this dirge is one of the worst records ever played, just because it is rare and from Detroit doesn't make it any good.... link ha ha I knew the minute that Gene dragged me onto the thread that the imminent and invevitable 'this is the worst record ever' posts would surface.... you're in trouble Gene.... good job we don't all like the same thing, though personally, even if it was a 5 quid tune, I'd still think it was absolutely brilliant
Dayo Posted July 13, 2005 Author Posted July 13, 2005 I'm only judging it on musical merit - actually have no idea of the value. Here's another funny thing - every time I hear it I begin wondering what it would sound like re-made with a reggae beat. Who are Bob and fred anyway? Any info anyone?
Guest Awake 502 Posted July 13, 2005 Posted July 13, 2005 Who are Bob and fred anyway? Any info anyone? link
Gene-r Posted July 13, 2005 Posted July 13, 2005 ha ha I knew the minute that Gene dragged me onto the thread that the imminent and invevitable 'this is the worst record ever' posts would surface.... you're in trouble Gene.... link Oops - sorry Martin................that's one extra pint I owe you later tonite!!
Gene-r Posted July 13, 2005 Posted July 13, 2005 Gene I hope you're not accusing me of being lazy and predictable.... I can't help it if my imaginary friend requests it everytime I'm out behind decks Martin link Hey! Since when have I been an "imaginary" friend, ya cheeky get!! I'll take back that promise of the extra pint now...........
Gene-r Posted July 13, 2005 Posted July 13, 2005 TWEE GIRLY CRAP link OK, maybe my gender has been questioned over the years, but I still love it!!!!!
Guest Posted July 13, 2005 Posted July 13, 2005 ha ha I knew the minute that Gene dragged me onto the thread that the imminent and invevitable 'this is the worst record ever' posts would surface.... you're in trouble Gene.... good job we don't all like the same thing, though personally, even if it was a 5 quid tune, I'd still think it was absolutely brilliant link
jocko Posted July 13, 2005 Posted July 13, 2005 I am afraid it does nothing for me, absolutely dreadful vocals with a bland backing more suitable to some childrens program, appreciate in the minority here but have roundly hated this record for nearly 20 years, and I dont normally do hate Yours with grinding teeth just thinking of that awful intro. Jock
Guest Baz Posted July 13, 2005 Posted July 13, 2005 Them first few bars cant help but drag you onto the floor with this record... guess i should pack up and leave this old town.... Just brilliant IMHO of course, great atmospheric mid tempo
Guest Dan Posted July 13, 2005 Posted July 13, 2005 love the music but the vocals are poor IMO always sounds college boy white to me! probably straight out of compton
Guest Baz Posted July 13, 2005 Posted July 13, 2005 love the music but the vocals are poor IMO always sounds college boy white to me! probably straight out of compton link Think we did come to the conclusion, on here a while ago that they were white Dan in a blue eyed soul thread i think
Guest Dan Posted July 13, 2005 Posted July 13, 2005 Think we did come to the conclusion, on here a while ago that they were white Dan in a blue eyed soul thread i think link certainly sound white to me (not that that's necessarily a problem of course) btw baz haven't sent that record yet, will try to do it tonight (haven't banked the cheque either in my defence!)
Guest ShaneH Posted July 13, 2005 Posted July 13, 2005 I love it and that's all that matters to me link exactly Mandy. Shane
Guest Dan Posted July 13, 2005 Posted July 13, 2005 exactly Mandy. Shane link can't argue with that (makes a change for me)
Guest ShaneH Posted July 13, 2005 Posted July 13, 2005 can't argue with that (makes a change for me) link it wouldnt be right if we all agreed on something anyway. Shane
Guest Baz Posted July 13, 2005 Posted July 13, 2005 (edited) certainly sound white to me (not that that's necessarily a problem of course) btw baz haven't sent that record yet, will try to do it tonight (haven't banked the cheque either in my defence!) link No probs dan our posties are on strike round here any way, so proberly a good thing :angry: Edited July 13, 2005 by Baz
Gene-r Posted July 13, 2005 Posted July 13, 2005 (edited) Martin it is only a 5 quid toon, everybody hates it except Gene & it seems he's a big girlie. Tell you what I'll give you a tenner for it ? link Bet if it was a £5 choon, you'd get everyone saying "cor, bloody brilliant, and only a £5"....."best record on the scene" etc etc........ BUT TO ME, IT'S STILL VINYL VIAGRA! (if only I had one!) Edited July 13, 2005 by Gene-R
Guest Posted July 13, 2005 Posted July 13, 2005 (edited) It is pleasant enough I guess but not really my kinda sound. They are white as far as I know. I don't recall their last names at the moment (will look it up when I can) but they are two white guys who also wrote some stuff and was involved in the non-singing end of things on some Detroit stuff. At least that has been the consensus view the many times this has been discussed before, so don't take me too seriously. Edited July 13, 2005 by Guest
Dayo Posted July 13, 2005 Author Posted July 13, 2005 Didn't realise this was a chestnut - sorry everyone! Colin
Guest mattmale Posted July 13, 2005 Posted July 13, 2005 (edited) it wouldnt be right if we all agreed on something anyway. link I disagree... I always play this in the car, like it, but i've never danced to it yet. It doesn't seem dancable to me... M. Edited July 13, 2005 by mattmale
Chalky Posted July 13, 2005 Posted July 13, 2005 Here's another funny thing - every time I hear it I begin wondering what it would sound like re-made with a reggae beat. link SHIT!!!
Guest Posted July 13, 2005 Posted July 13, 2005 I disagree... I always play this in the car, like it, but i've never danced to it yet. It doesn't seem dancable to me... M. link I could get totally lost dancing to that record. Maybe not 15/20 years ago when I could only dance to out and out stompers but now, its a lovely floater. Just right when the legs are siezing up and you need 'that record' to get you back on the floor!
Geoff Posted July 13, 2005 Posted July 13, 2005 It's an okay record and I have danced to it in the past, but it always makes me think of the Everly Brothers. But it would be a boring world if we all liked the same thing.
Dayo Posted July 13, 2005 Author Posted July 13, 2005 It's an okay record and I have danced to it in the past, but it always makes me think of the Everly Brothers. But it would be a boring world if we all liked the same thing. link I know what you mean, but I can't help but think The Everlys were far superior vocalists!
Billy Freemantle Posted July 13, 2005 Posted July 13, 2005 One of those records that gets soul music a bad name. Can't think of one redeeming feature.
Guest Posted July 13, 2005 Posted July 13, 2005 One of those records that gets soul music a bad name. Can't think of one redeeming feature. link Well, wouldn't say it's the absolute BEST soul record in the world. But in my opinion its a 'nice' one. But, if we all like the same records, it would be a very boring scene indeed......
Mark W Posted July 13, 2005 Posted July 13, 2005 Terrible record, hope I never hear it again, no Soul in the vocals and no thump in the backing track.
Guest dundeedavie Posted July 13, 2005 Posted July 13, 2005 quite like the backing track but the vocals are giving me a headache .... Davie
Geordiejohnson Posted July 13, 2005 Posted July 13, 2005 could never get into this, backing track starts fine then the screeching starts and fouls the whole thing up IMHO Geeooooordie
Supercorsa Posted July 13, 2005 Posted July 13, 2005 I think it's great! As for dancing to it, I don't dance to anything, so it doesn't matter to me!
Billy Freemantle Posted July 13, 2005 Posted July 13, 2005 Well, wouldn't say it's the absolute BEST soul record in the world. But in my opinion its a 'nice' one. But, if we all like the same records, it would be a very boring scene indeed...... link This is not a soul record at all. Claiming it as one tarnishes the others that are. But if it isn't a soul record what is it? It's a pop record of little distinction with sub- Everly vocals and smaltzy strings. Okay, it ould be useful fodder for someone learning to whistle, I suppose.
Guest lotusland Posted July 16, 2005 Posted July 16, 2005 This is not a soul record at all. Claiming it as one tarnishes the others that are. But if it isn't a soul record what is it? It's a pop record of little distinction with sub- Everly vocals and smaltzy strings. Okay, it ould be useful fodder for someone learning to whistle, I suppose. link First off, let me say I'm not a very big fan of this 45. Neither was the label boss of Big Mack! Apparently, he recorded a earlier single which everyone (McCoy, Bob and Fred) were so confident in that they put out this one to get Bob and Fred's name 'out there'. Why the 'real' song never came out I forget. McCoy still has this unreleased one on 2" masters, though I've never heard it. He described it to me as a 'uptempo' dancer, so I'm sure you guys would be interested! Sadly, everyone, English or American, who has ever contacted him has done so to acquire original copies of the mega valuable Northern and Funk 45s on his label... (with the exception of Soul Fire Records, NYC, which did do a semi legitimate reissue of "Soul President").. Bob and Fred, Ed Henry, Soul President, etc... and no one has delved into these tapes. I have started a re-issue label, but I'm not doing Northern stuff. If anyone who is reading this is interested, I could give you some contact info.. be forewarned, he does know how much his 45s are worth in 'England'! any takers??
Ted Massey Posted July 16, 2005 Posted July 16, 2005 This is not a soul record at all. Claiming it as one tarnishes the others that are. But if it isn't a soul record what is it? It's a pop record of little distinction with sub- Everly vocals and smaltzy strings. Okay, it ould be useful fodder for someone learning to whistle, I suppose. link Unfortuneatly Pop records have been play on the scene for years
Mattbolton Posted July 17, 2005 Posted July 17, 2005 Unfortuneatly Pop records have been play on the scene for years link This thread has suprised me. I love this record. And it's one (of the many) that can reduce me tears. It laments the fact that he's given away the greatest thing he ever owned. And the consequences he now has to deal with. If I was on a desert island and had broken every other one of my alloted discs, if this was all I had left I'd be happier in knowing that ship was never coming..... How people think these two guys have terrible voices is beyond me. From a musicians point of view they hit every note bang on. In perfect harmony. You might not like the song, but to assert these guys can't sing is like saying Gene Toones needs to stop barking...... Billy. If records like this tarnish the ones that are soulful, can you please do me a tape? I'd love to hear records that make this sound like pop.....
Guest Dan Posted July 17, 2005 Posted July 17, 2005 i think the backing track is very nice, matt, and the singing isn't awful...it's just not soulful and very 'white'. i've personally nothing against white soul singers (as christian h will testify!) as long as they are soulful. these two aren't, though. if we're going to talk about nice-sounding records with moving lyrics and good singers, where do we start (and more importantly where do we stop)? scott walker, the beach boys, neil young, even stuff like spiritualized (listen to ladies and gentlemen we are floating in space, if you haven't heard it and you fancy a break from soul, this is AWESOME, as is all of their stuff, in fact all of jason spaceman's stuff)...all excellent IMO and moving but just not soul. can't speak for anyone else but that's why i vote against this.
Guest Posted July 18, 2005 Posted July 18, 2005 it's a very atmospheric track, no denying........... What about other blue eyed soul tracks e.g.......... Nicky C - Those good times Tommy Frontera - You're my leading Lady Paul Anka - When we get there Spiral Staircase - More Today Than Yesterday these, for me, are far superior songs. Can anyone think of any others? Carl
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