lördag 23 april 2022

DAVID RUFFIN/FEELIN' GOOD MS 696 (-69) US


 His second solo album after leaving The Temptaions 1968. Issued about the same time his former band mates had started to explore soul from a psychedelic angle with their "Cloud Nine" LP, which was praised and rewarded, managing #4 on Billboard 200 and #32 in UK. This, on the other hand, is far from psych and instead closer to classic Temptations. A mix of ballads and up-tempo, most of it heavily orchestrated and more languishing than challenging. It didn't do that well - only reaching #148 on Billboard and not charting in UK. Listening now that seems a little unfair.  This is a very enjoyable soul album. Good choice of songs, including a cover of Traffic's "Feeling Alright", elegantly arranged and produced and his vocals as personal and emotional as ever. It has stood the test of time well and still feels embracing enough both as background and for close listening.  Also the audio on this US press is beautiful - strong and clear.  My favorites here would be the more up-tempo cuts - "Loving You (Is Hurting Me)", "I Could Never Be President", "I Don't Know Why I Love You" and "The Letter".  First UK on Tamla Motown (STML 11139). Japan limited ed. 2013 CD on Motown (PROT 1100). Premiere US had label as shown here in a glossy cover with Motown inner.  (TÖMÖ*)  (ÄIÖ*)  (YZÄ*)

                                                                             
                                                                                
                                                                                  
                                                                            

                                                                              

                                                                                

                                                                                 




                   
 

Inga kommentarer:

Skicka en kommentar