The Chi-Lites
Band members Related acts
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line up 1 (1964--73) - Clarence Johnson
-- vocals - Marshall Thompson -- baritone
line up 2 (1973--1974) NEW - Stanley Anderson -- bass (un-credited) (replaced Credal Jones) - Robert
'Squirrel' Lester (RIP 2010) -- second tenor - Marshall Thompson -- baritone
line up 3 (1975) - Stanley Anderson -- bass (un-credited) NEW
- Willie Kensey -- bass (un-credited) - Marshall Thompson -- baritone
line up 4 (1975-76) - Clarence Johnson -- vocals
- Robert 'Squirrel' Lester (RIP 2010) -- second tenor NEW - David 'Doc' Doc Robertson -- bass (replaced Willie Kensey) - Marshall Thompson -- baritone
line up 5 (1976-77) NEW - Aaron Floyd -- bass (replaced David Robertson) NEW - Danny Johnson -- lead and tenor vocals (replaced Eugene Record) - Robert 'Squirrel' Lester (RIP 2010) -- second tenor NEW - David Scott (aka Tony Diamond) -- second tenor - Marshall Thompson -- baritone
line up 6 (1977) - Danny Johnson -- lead and tenor vocals - Robert 'Squirrel' Lester (RIP 2010) -- second tenor NEW - David 'Doc' Doc Robertson -- bass (replaced Aaron Floyd) - David Scott (aka Tony Diamond) -- second tenor - Marshall Thompson -- baritone
line up 7 (1977-78) NEW - Vandy Hampton (RIP 2005)-- vocals (replaced Danny Johnson) - Robert 'Squirrel' Lester (RIP 2010) -- second tenor - David 'Doc' Doc Robertson -- bass (replaced Aaron Floyd) - David Scott (aka Tony Diamond) -- second tenor - Marshall Thompson -- baritone
line up 8 (1979-80)
- Robert 'Squirrel' Lester (RIP 2010) -- second tenor NEW - Anthony Watson -- lead vocals (replaced Danny Johnson)
line up 9 (1980-83) NEW - Credal 'Red' Jones -- bass
- Robert 'Squirrel' Lester (RIP 2010) -- second tenor - Marshall Thompson -- baritone
line up 10 (1983-88)
- Robert 'Squirrel' Lester (RIP 2010) -- second tenor NEW - Charles Rogers -- bass (replaced Credal Jones) - Marshall Thompson -- baritone
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- The Chaucers (Clarence Johnson, Robert Lester and Eugene Record) - The Desideros (Credal Jones and Marshall Thomas) - The Five Du-Tones (Tony Diamond (aka David Scott)) - The Five Wagers (Doc Robertson) - The Hi-LItes (Clarence Johnson. Credal 'Red' Jones, Robert 'Squirrel' Lester, Eugene Record, and Marshall Thomas) - The Impression (Vandy Hampton) - Marshall and the Chi-Lites - Eugene Record (solo efforts)
- The Soul Majestics (Vandy Hampton) |
Genre: soul Rating: **** (4 stars) Title: (For God's Sake) Give More Power To the People Company: Brunswick Catalog: BL 754170 Year: 1971 Country/State: Chicago, Illinois Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+ Comments: minor ring, edge and corner wear Available: 2 Catalog number: 5892 Price: $12.00
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The Chi-Lites head the big time with the release of 1971's "(For God's Sake) Give More Power To the People". Whereas they'd previously enjoyed sporadic R&B charts successes, this release provided the group with their top-40 commercial breakthrough. Produced and largely written by Record, ballads such as "What Do I Wish For", "Yes I'm Ready (If I Don't Get To Go)", and "You Got Me Walkin'" emphasized the quartet's instantly recognizable harmony attack. Elsewhere, material such as the Curtis Mayfield-inspired title track, the thought-provoking "We Are Neighbors" (sounding like they'd been listening to a bunch of Sly and the Family Stone) and "Love Uprising" showcased the group's then-popular sense of social and political activism. Surprisingly, with Record having long handled most lead vocals, Lester and Thompson each proved to be talented vocalists. Propelled by four top-100 singles the parent album eventually hit #12.
- 1971's "(For God's Sake) Give More Power To the People" b/w "Troubles a'comin'" (Brunswick catalog number 55450) # 26 pop # 5 R&B - 1971's "What Do I Wish For" b/w "We Are Neighbors" (Brunswick catalog number 55455) # 70 pop; # 17 R&B - 1971's "I Want To Pay You Back" b/w "Love Uprising" (Brunswick catalog number 55458) # 95 pop; # 35 R&B - 1971's "Have You Seen Her" b/w "Yes I'm Ready (If I Don't Get To Go)" (Brunswick catalog number 55462) # 3 pop; # 1 R&B
Easily, the group's most
consistent release, the album also ranked as a true soul classic. Here's you chance to own a copy at a reasonable price ...
1.) Yes I'm Ready (If I Don't Get To Go)
(Eugene Record - Barbara Acklin) - 4:16
(side
2)
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Genre: soul Rating: **** (4 stars) Title: A Lonely Man Company: Brunswick Catalog: BL 754179 Year: 1972 Country/State: Chicago, Illinois Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+ Comments: still in shrink wrap (opened) Available: 1 Catalog number: 5895 Price: $10.00
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In spite of the throwaway cover art, 1972's "A Lonely Man" stood as the classic Chi-Lites album. Showcasing Eugene Record as chief songwriter, featured singer, and producer, early 1970s soul simply didn't get much better than this. Critics tend to point to "(For God's Sake) Give More Power To the People" as their creative zenith, but my money would go on this one. Musically the two albums weren't all that different, but to my ears this one was actually more consistent and song-for-song this one had a higher batting average. Record and company were in full stride here - three hits, including a number one pop and R&B, and at least as many selections that could have been hits had Brunswick taken the time and effort to push them. While Record's material was uniformly entertaining, the most interesting performances came in the form of the two covers - 'Living In the Footsteps of Another Man' and a killer cover of Marvin Gaye's 'Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)'.
1.) Oh Girl (Eugene Record) - 3:48 If you had to pick one Chi-Lites tune for your iPod, this would be the one I'd recommend. This one set the standard for virtually everything that was to follow - beautiful melody, heartbreaking lyric, lonesome harmonica, angelic harmonies. One of those songs that got into your head and you simply couldn't shake loose. Easy to see why Brunswick released it as a single. or anyone interested, YouTube has a Soul Train performance of 'Oh Girl': http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=El2TM4KvZz8 rating: ***** stars 2.) Living In the Footsteps of Another Man (Samuel Garner - James Smith) - 2:57 'Living In the Footsteps of Another Man' was a Chi-Lites rarity in a number of respects. One of two covers on the album, it was also one of the few true up-tempo numbers they recorded. The latter was somewhat unfortunate since they were great on those upbeat numbers. Kudos for taking on a sensitive lyric such as this one. rating: **** stars 3.) Love Is (Eugene Record) - 4:41 To be honest, 'Love Is' was a mess. It started out promisingly enough with a tasty acapella introduction and then just kind of disappeared into an MOR ballad without much in the way of melody or direction. The only song on the album that was thoroughly forgettable. rating: * star 4.) Being In Love (Eugene Record - Barbara Acklin) - 3:56 Co-written by Record and wife Barbara Acklin, 'Being In Love' started out with a nifty guitar and harpsichord (?) riff and then morphed into a surprisingly soulful mid-tempo number. The breezy melody served as the perfect setting for one of their nicest performances. This is another one that would have made a good single (better than the title track). rating: **** stars 5.) A Lonely Man (Eugene Record - J. Edward Haycraft) - 6:23 Personally I've never been a big fan of the spoken word vamps Record seemed to favor. It was a ploy that certainly didn't help 'A Lonely Man' very much. The fact that the song was a transparent re-write of 'Have You Seen Her' wasn't a big selling point. 'Course that didn't stop Brunswick from releasing it as a single, or the public for turning it into a pop and R&B hit. rating: ** stars
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2)
Side two was interesting in that it was more soulful than your typical Chi-Lites song. The song actually could have been mistaken for a Motown groove. I think Thompson handled the lead vocal on this one. The song also sported a great fuzz guitar section. rating: **** stars 2.) Ain't Too Much of Nothin' (Eugene Record) - 3:31 'Ain't Too Much of Nothin'' ' was one of those beautiful melodies that Record seemed to effortlessly toss out. On any other album this one would have been a standout performance, but here it was just an also-ran. rating: *** stars 3.) Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) (Marvin Gaye - James Nyx Kr.) - 5:06 I've said it elsewhere, but along with Marvin Gaye and Curtis Mayfield, Eugene Record was one of the few people who could write social commentary that didn't come off as being strident and bombastic. That made the decision to cover Gaye's 'Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)' all the more interesting. While this version doesn't stray too far from Gaye's original., the group dynamic makes it worth hearing. Nice though it couldn't match Gaye's performance. rating: *** stars 4.) The Coldest Days of My Life (Eugene Record - Carl Davis) - 8:30 Breakup songs are a dime a dozen, but few are as stark, or stunning as 'The Coldest Days of My Life'. This one deserves to be on any top-10 break-up list. It's simple not a song you should listen to if you've recently undergone a breakup. Devastating and it went on for an unheard of eight minutes. rating: **** stars
Brunswick released three 45s off of the LP:
- 1972's 'Oh Girl' b/w 'Being In Love' (Brunswick catalog number 55471) # 1 pop; # 1 R&B - 1972's 'The
Coldest Days Of My Life'' (Parts 1 and 2) (Brunswick catalog number
55478) # 47 pop # 8 R&B
All hyperbole
aside, anyone fan of '70s soul needs to own this album.
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Genre: soul Rating: **** (4 stars) Title: A Letter To Myself Company: Brunswick Catalog: BL 754188 Year: 1973 Country/State: Chicago, Illinois Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+ Comments: gatefold sleeve Available: 1 Catalog number: 5893 Price: $10.00
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By the time 1973's "A Letter To Myself" was released popular tastes were beginning to change, leaving early-1970s soul groups like The Chi-Lites losing audience share to up and coming acts like the Philadelphia International roster of groups. Add to that, after five studio albums in four years, The Chi-Lites themselves (as in prime writer Eugene Record) were beginning to run out of creative steam. Who wouldn't have given such a grueling schedule? Musically there wasn't anything new or original on these nine selections with prime writer Eugene Record continuing to tap into the same vein of old school ballads. All of that aside, Record still had the goods, making this the last really good Chi-Lites album.
"A Letter To Myself" track listing: 1.) A Letter To Myself (Eugene Records - Sandra Drayton) - 5:30 The title track was incredibly sappy even for The Chi-Lites. Clearly written with an ear to radio airplay, Record pulled out all the stops, including lonesome harmonica, pleading lead vocal, an insidiously catchy chorus, and some of the most pathetic sad sack lyrics you'd ever heard. Hardly their creative zenith, it was goofy enough to be picked as the leadoff single. rating: *** stars 2.) Too Late To Turn Back Now (Eddie Cornelius) - 4:25 The only non-Record composition, 'Too Late To Turn Back Now' had been a hit for The Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose. This version slowed the melody down a little bit and sprinkled it with a breezy, vaguely Caribbean flavor. The end result was almost as good as the original. rating: **** stars 3.) Just Two Teenaged Kids (Still In Love) (Eugene Record - Barbara Acklin - Carl Davis) - 5:56 The first couple of times I heard 'My Heart Just Keeps On Breakin'' I simply hated it. I remember thinking it was sappy and almost embarrassing. Well, those to adjectives were apt descriptors, but the song actually had an wonderful, naive charm and a killer chorus that grew on you the more you listened to it. Besides, how couldn't you like the pounding kettle drums at the end of the song? rating: **** stars 4.) Sally (Eugene Records - Sandra Drayton) - 3:36 'Sally' was the most commercial track on the album, making you wonder why it was relegated to a 'B' side on the 'A Letter To Myself' single. Sporting one of their best melodies, this one had everything going for it and should have been a major hit. rating: ***** stars 5.) Someone Else's Arms (Eugene Record - Barbara Acklin) - 4:11 Originally recorded by Barbara Acklin (she co-wrote the track with husband Eugene Record), their cover of 'Someone Else's Arms' couldn't match the original, but came in a close second. rating: *** stars
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People tend to forget that like Curtis Mayfield, Eugene Record wrote some of the decade's best and most subtle activist material. 'We Need Order' was one of his crowning achievements. It may not have made him uniformly loved, but how can you argue with the sentiments? rating: ***** stars 2.) Love Comes In All Sizes (Eugene Record) - 5:58 The first major disappointment, 'Love Comes In All Sizes' was a pretty, but forgettable ballad. Sure, the lyric was a patented uplifting number, but 30 seconds after you heard this one it was forgotten. rating: ** stars 3.) My Heart Just Keeps On Breakin' (Eugene Record - Stan McKenney) - 4:05 'My Heart Just Keeps On Breakin'' was one of the goofiest, but most likeable songs The Chi-Lites ever wrote. Who would have ever expected them to record a country-flavored track? Co-written by Stan McKinney (who happened to be a Kentucky-based country music deejay), the song was a blast. Always loved Credal Jones' bass lines. rating: **** stars 4.) You Smiled the Same Old Way (Eugene Record) - 6:40 The album ended with a patented Eugene Record ballad - 'You Smiled the Same Old Way'. Beautiful melody, heartbreaking lyrics, lonesome harmonica, etc. it was all here. Anywhere else this would have been a standout performance, but on this album it simply got overwhelmed by even better material. rating: *** stars
Brunswick tapped the album for three singles:
- 1972's 'We Need Order' b/w 'Living In the Footsteps of Another Man' (Brunswick catalog number 55489) #61 pop; # 13 R&B - 1973's 'A Letter To Myself' b/w 'Sally' (Brunswick catalog number BL 55491) # 33 pop; # 3 R&B - '1973's My Heart Just Keeps On Breakin'' b/w 'Just Two Teenaged Kids (Still In Love)' (Brunswick catalog number BL 55496) # 92 pop; # 46 R&B
As I said before,
this was the last fully satisfying Chi-Lites album.
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Genre: soul Rating: **** (4 stars) Title: Chi-Lites Company: Brunswick Catalog: BL 754197 Year: 1973 Country/State: Chicago, Illinois Grade (cover/record): VG/VG+ Comments: 2" seam split along top right edge Available: 1 Catalog number: 106 Price: $18.00
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In spite of the loss of Credal Jones to ongoing drug problems, 1973''s "Chi-Lites" saw Robert Lester, Eugene Record and Marshall Thompson continue their concerted efforts to dominate mid-1970s pop and soul charts. I'll readily admit the album (their second release within twelve months), wasn't particularly original or different from anything they had released over the previous four years. Nevertheless, it may be my favorite Chi-Lites LP ... Produced and largely written by Record, this wasn't a major departure from the group's signature sound, but it stood as a prime example of Record and his cohorts cruising on all their creative cylinders. While the material remained heavily ballad oriented (there were four up-tempo numbers including the irresistible 'I Forgot To Say I Love You Till I'm Gone'), there simply wasn't one bad song on this album !!! How often can you say that about a collection? And what can you say about Record's voice - the man was simply gifted with one of the best falsettos in soul. So how do you pick a favorite off of this set ? Tough, but if you push me in a corner I'll give the nod to the lead-off ballad 'Homely Girl'.
"Chi-Lites" track listing: 1.) Homely Girl (Eugene Record - Stan McKenny) - 4:10 Who would have imagined The Chi-Lites carving out a country-tinged soul groove ? Well, thanks to country music DJ Stan McKenny who co-wrote the track with Record, on 'Homely Girl' they managed to do it with simply dazzling results. Showcasing some typical Record heartbreak lyrics and one of his breeziest melodies, this was simply sweet without a hint of cheesy ... The song was tapped as the third single from the LP. rating: **** stars 2.) Go Away Dream (Eugene Record - Stan McKenny) - 3:40 I've always wished I could play the pounding bass figure that keeps 'Go Away Dream' on track. With a mesmerizing title track chorus, you were left to wonder how Record managed to make it all sound so effortless ? rating: **** stars 3.) Too Good To Be Forgottin' (Eugene Record - Barbara Acklin) - 3:20 One of two tracks co-written by Record and Barbara Acklin, 'Too Good To Be Forgottin'' found the group pushing towards a more pop direction. Tight horns and some funky Moog synthesizer made this one a lot of fun. rating: **** stars 4.) I Found Sunshine (Eugene Record) - 2:50 They didn't do it very often, but as demonstrated by 'I Found Sunshine', when The Chi-Lites went up-tempo and funky they were amazing. Another track kicked along by bouncy Moogs, this one was tapped as the second single off the album. rating: ***** stars 5.) I Never Had It So Good (and Felt So Bad) (Eugene Record - Stan McKenny) - 5:00 It simply doesn't get much more old-school than this ... With it's heavily orchestrated opening, spoken word introduction and heartbreak lyric, 'I Never Had It So Good (and Felt So Bad)' was simply classic Chi-Lites ballad territory. Was there another mid-1970s soul group that could nail harmony vocals like these guys ? rating: **** stars
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2)
Yeah, it was another patented Chi-Lites ballad, but you had to admit Record's lyrics were quite clever and entertaining. How many of us have wished something similar to these sentiment ? rating: **** stars 2.) I Forgot To Say I Love You Till I'm Gone (Eugene Record - Stan McKenny) - 3:20 In a perfect world Brunswick would have tapped 'I Forgot To Say I Love You Till I'm Gone' as a single. Simply one of the catchiest things and most pop-oriented things Record ever wrote - every time I hear this track it sticks in my head for a week. rating: ***** stars 3.) One Man Band (Thom Bell - Linda Creed) - 5:00 Yeah, I'd give the nod to The Spinners version simply because it had a slightly more up-tempo arrangement. That said, the harmony vocals on this version are mesmerizing. rating: **** stars 4.) Bet You'll Never Be Sorry (Gerald Sims) - 3:20 One of two non-originals, 'Bet You'll Never Be Sorry' was actually a nice performance with an easy going melody and a catchy chorus, but it couldn't quite match up with the rest of the collection. rating: ** stars 5.) Stoned Out of My Mind (Eugene Record - Barbara Acklin) -3:00 Picked as the leadoff single, given the title I always found it interesting that radio would have touched this one ... Course, propelled by some tough Memphis-styled horns and the combination of Record's falsetto and the silky smooth backing vocals, 'Stoned Out of My Mind' was one of the album highlights. Shame it wasn't longer. rating: **** stars
As mentioned above, Brunswick management tapped the album for three singles, including a special DJ version of the third 45 ('Homely Girl')
- 1973's 'Stoned Out of My Mind' b/w 'Someone Else's Arms' (Brunswick catalog number 55500) - 1973's 'I Found Sunshine' b/w 'Marriage License' (Brunswick catalog number 55503) - 1973's 'Homely Girl' b/w 'I Never Had It So Good' (Brunswick catalog number 55505) - 1973's 'Homely Girl' b/w 'Homely Girl' (Brunswick catalog number 55505DJ)
Great place to start exploring The Chi-Lites catalog. Propelled by the singles the album proved a massive R&B hit (# 3) and a decent pop seller (# 89).
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Genre: soul Rating: *** (3 stars) Title: Toby Company: Brunswick Catalog: BL 754200 Year: 1974 Country/State: Chicago, Illinois Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+ Comments: gatefold sleeve Available: 1 Catalog number: 5894 Price: $10.00
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1974's 'Toby" found The Chi-Lites undergoing a major personnel change with longtime bass singer Credal Jones dropping out in an effort to deal with a drug problem. The liner notes showed the group down to a trio consisting of Robert Lester, Eugene Record, and Marshal Thompson (nice 'fros there guys), but Stanley Anderson was brought in on a trial basis as an un-credited replacement for Jones. Produced by Record who once again wrote, or co-wrote the majority of the ten tracks, the album marked a return to prime Chi-Lites form. That meant plenty of Record's instantly recognizable falsetto on a beautiful collection that was heavily geared to ballads. 'Course if you were buying a Chi-Lites album you already knew what to expect. Other highlights included the Curtis Mayfield-styled slice of social criticism 'There Will Never Be Any Peace (Until God Is Seated At the Conference Table) ' and the up-tempo number 'I Like To Live the Love (That I Sing About)'.
left to right: Record - Thompson - Lester
"Toby" track listing: 1.) Toby (Eugene Record - Marshall Arrington) - 3:44 Ah, Eugene Record's 'Toby'. I remember hearing this one of top-40 radio and trying to figure out if it was a song about a dead girlfriend, or a dead dog - I've always leaned towards the latter. A patented Record performance - beautiful melody with those gorgeous Chi-Lites harmonies chirping over a heartbreaking lyric. Easy to see why Brunswick tapped it as one of three singles. rating: **** stars 2.) You Got To Be The One (Eugene Record - Marshall Arrington) - 3:54 The mid-tempo 'You Got To Be The One' was one of Record's breeziest and most lighthearted ballads. Always loved the background tambourine and it's one of the songs where you can actually hear newcomer Anderson on the bass backing parts. Another song tapped as a single which should have been an even bigger hit. rating: **** stars 3.) The Sound of Lonely (Eugene Record - Stan McKenney) - 5:01 A big, plodding, and over-orchestrated ballad, 'The Sound of Lonely' was simply too MOR to make much of an impression. rating: ** stars 4.) The First Time (I Ever Saw Your Face) (Chesley McCaul) - 5:26 The opening vamp made it impossible to recognize this as the song Roberta Flack enjoyed a massive hit with. It wasn't until about 30 seconds into the performance that Record took over and the instantly recognizable melody kicked in. Musically their version wasn't all that different from Flack's hit; a little fancier and the group harmonies were to-die-for gorgeous. The nod still goes to Flack's version, but only by a heartbeat. rating: **** stars 5.) There Will Never Be Any Peace (Until God Is Seated At the Conference Table) (Eugene Record) - 5:12 On the surface a song with a title like 'There Will Never Be Any Peace (Until God Is Seated At the Conference Table) ' wouldn't seem to have much going for it ... way too campy. The funny thing is that Record had a way to make it work without being cloying. Curtis Mayfield would have been proud. rating: **** stars
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2)
Side two's 'That's How Long' was one of those songs that I wanted to like, but just couldn't get into - part of it may have been the cheesy intro vamp, or the fact the song just never developed into anything really memorable. I will admit the shared lead vocal arrangement was nice. rating: ** stars 2.) Happiness Is Your Middle Name (Eugene Record) - 3:33 'Happiness Is Your Middle Name' was one of those breezy numbers than Record seem to effortlessly churn out. Imminently hummable, though perhaps a bit too cute for radio airplay. One of my favorite songs on the album - love the simply synthesizer pattern in the background. rating: **** stars 3.) I Lied (Eugene Record) - 5:40 A pretty, but unmemorable ballad, if you'd heard 'I Lied' in isolation it probably would have made more of an impression, but on this album it was really little more than filler. rating: ** stars 4.) I Like To Live the Love (That I Sing About) (Dave Crawford - Charles Mann) - 4:00 One of three covers and one of the few tracks that didn't showcased Record on lead vocals (I think Thompson has the duty), 'I Like To Live the Love (That I Sing About)' was one of the best up-tempo numbers they ever recorded. Actually a little more R&B oriented than their normal catalog with a funny nod to B.B. King in the intro. rating: *** stars 5.) Gettin' On Outta' Town (Eugene Record - Susan Drayton) - 2:50 'Gettin' On Outta' Town' was probably the most pop-oriented track on the album. Very commercial and well suited for radio it would have made a nice single. rating: **** stars
As mentioned, Brunswick released three singles off the album:
- 1974's 'There Will Never Be Any Peace (Until God Is Seated At the Conference Table)' (Parts 1 and 2) (Brunswick catalog number 55512) # 63 pop; # 8 R&B - 1974's 'You Got To Be the One' b/w 'Happiness Is Your Middle Name' (Brunswick catalog number 55514) # 83 pop; # 15 pop - 1974's 'Toby' b/w 'That's How Long' (Brunswick catalog number 55515) 'A' side # 78 pop; # 7 R&B, 'B; side # 94 pop
Not nearly as inventive as their earlier albums, this was still prime Chi-Lites material and well worth looking for. In spite of the successful singles, the collection only managed to hit # 181 on the album charts.
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Genre: soul Rating: *** (3 stars) Title: Half a Love Company: Brunswick Catalog: BL 754204 Year: 1975 Country/State: Chicago, Illinois Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+ Comments: minor ring wear; small cut out notch Available: 1 Catalog number: 5899 Price: $10.00
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Perhaps understandable given the pressure Eugene Record and company were under to churn out new material, 1975's aptly titled "Half a Love" featured a mix of previously released singles and album tracks ('Living In the Footsteps of Another Man' and 'Ain't Too Much of Nothin'') and new studio numbers. The funny thing is that in spite of its stitched-together background, the results sounded surprisingly cohesive and enjoyable. That wasn't to imply these ten tracks were a major change in musical direction, rather if you were a fan of The Chi-Lites patented sound, then you wouldn't have any objections to silky ballads like the title track, 'I Never Had It So Good (And Felt So Bad)' and 'I'm a Gambler'. The album also contained one of my favorite Chi-LItes songs - Record's 'When Temptation Comes'. Easily one of their crowning glories, though it's been lost over the years.
"Half a Love" track listing: 1.) Half a Love (T. Randazzo - V. Pike - I. Koster) - 2:48 Even though it wasn't penned by Eugene Record, 'Half a Love' sure sounded like something out of his catalog. Kicked along by what sounded like a Coral electric sitar, the result was a prototype Chi-LItes ballads - beautiful melody showcasing Record's heartbroken vocal and, yes, there was a spoken word segment at the end. rating: *** stars 2.) Here I Am (Eugene Record - Chris Allen) - 3:45 The percussion heavy, mid-tempo 'Here I Am' was easily one of the standout performances. Great harmony vocals and a too-kill-for chorus hook ... when they kick into 'no more, no more searching' segment the song simply took off. rating: **** stars 3.) I Never Had It So Good (And Felt So Bad) (Eugene Record - Stan McKenny) - 5:06 The Chi-Lites were always the kings of the broken hearted ballad and 'I Never Had It So Good (And Felt So Bad)' was one of their classics. Ah, the pain of divorce was seldom captured as well as on this one. Always loved the backing 'do-do-do-do' chorus. rating: **** stars 4.) Living In the Footsteps of Another Man (Samuel Garner - James Smith) - 3:02 Originally recorded for "A Lonely Man", 'Living In the Footsteps of Another Man' was a Chi-Lites rarity in a number of respects. One of two covers on the album, it was also one of the few true up-tempo numbers they recorded. The latter was somewhat unfortunate since they were great on those upbeat numbers. Kudos for taking on a sensitive lyric such as this one. rating: **** stars 5.) When Temptation Comes (Eugene Record) - 4:20 It's been lost in their extensive recording catalog, but for my money 'When Temptation Comes' stood as one of their lost classics. A rare up tempo number this one had everything going for it - fantastic melody, one of Record's best lead vocals, and dynamite backing vocals. You had to wonder how this one was overlooked as a potential single. rating: ***** stars
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2)
The first couple of times this one's charm totally missed me. Then I suddenly realized, wow a Chi-Lites song opening with a synthesizer ... Add the cool unexpected spoken word segments (not sure if it was bass singer Stanley Anderson, Willie Kinsey, or Dave Robertson), and hearing Record and Thompson split the lead vocal. End result was a fantastic ballad. rating: *** stars 2.) Take a Trip To the Islands (Eugene Record) - 3:20 With a killer refrain, the breezy, vaguely Caribbean-flavored 'Take a Trip To the Islands' was another forgotten classic with one of those magical refrains you simply couldn't shake once you heard it. Pass the suntan lotion ... rating: **** stars 3.) Go Away Dream (Eugene Record - Stan McKenny) - 3:23 Co-written by Record and DJ Stan McKenny, 'Go Away Dream' was one of those songs that took awhile to climb into your hear. A slinky mid-tempo number the song's secret weapon was the great bass pattern. I'd love to learn it. rating: **** stars 4.) I'm a Gambler (Eugene Record) - 3:55 Cut from the same fabric as his classic ballads, Record's 'I'm a Gambler' showcased all his aural tricks of the trade. That said, this one was a tad to MOR for my taste. rating: ** stars 5.) Ain't Too Much of Nothin' (Eugene Record) - 3:05 Also previously released on "A Lonely Man", 'Ain't Too Much of Nothin'' was one of those beautiful melodies that Record seemed to effortlessly toss out. On any other album this one would have been a standout performance, but here it was just an also-ran. rating: *** stars
- 1973's 'It's Time for Love' b/w 'Here I Am' (Brunswick catalog number 55515) A side: # 94 pop; # 27 R&B; B side: # 87 R&B
It may not be entirely fair, but this one gets docked a star given it included previously released material. Those tracks were uniformly good, but didn't change the fact they were 'repeats'. Still, it remains one of my favorite Chi-Lites releases.
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Genre: soul Rating: *** (3 stars) Title: Happy Being Lonely Company: Mercury Catalog: SRM-1-1118 Year: 1976 Country/State: Chicago, Illinois Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+ Comments: -- Available: 1 Catalog number: 5896 Price: $10.00
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Their first release for Mercury Records, 1976's "Happy Being Lonely" hit the stores in the wake of massive business and personnel turmoil. Earlier in the year their long-standing relationship with Brunswick Records ended in a nightmare that saw company officials go to jail on tax evasion charges, while Brunswick went bankrupt. Those tax evasion charges saw the group members sentenced to a year of probation and forced to pay hefty back taxes and fines. Adding to their problems, In the midst of the business and legal issues, creative mainstay Eugene Record decided to strike out in pursuit of a solo career. That left Robert Lester and Marshall Thompson to continue onwards with new additions Aaron Floyd (bass), Danny Johnson (replacing Eugene Record) and David Scott (tenor).
While Thompson took over production duties (Tom Tom Washington co-producing), neither he, nor any of the other members wrote material, forcing the group to rely on outside material. Needless to say, while the group's overall sound didn't change drastically, the individual results were somewhat hit-or-miss. The other problem came in the form of new lead singer Danny Johnson. At least to my ears Johnson simply couldn't Eugene Record. The man certainly had chops, but on tracks like 'If I Ever Needed You' and 'Let Your Love Fall Like Rain' his performances came off as somewhat stilted and shrill.
"Happy Being Lonely" track listing: 1.) Happy Being Lonely (K. Hirsch - K. Wakefield) - 3:42 Ah, a song opening up with Coral electric sitar ... yeah I'm a sucker for the sound. It certainly gave the ballad 'Happy Being Lonely' an early-1970s feel. rating: ** stars 2.) Love Can Be Hazardous (J. Boyce) - 3:27 'Love Can Be Hazardous' was a rarity in the Chi-Lites; namely a full tilt, up-tempo number. Great dance track with a killer hook. They should have recorded more stuff in this vein. rating: *** stars 3.) If I Ever Needed You (J. Boyce) - 4:06 While 'If I Ever Needed You' was another up tempo performance, this one was a total wreck. Bouncing around between what sounded like three separate melodies that had been haphazardly stapled together, this one simply never had a chance. The only nice thing I can say about it was that it had a decent fuzz guitar solo buried in the mix. rating: ** stars 4.) Vanishing Love (Sam Dees) - 3:38 Tapped as the second single from the album, 'Vanishing Love' was another track with a nice danceable melody and arrangement marred by Johnson's shrill lead vocal. rating: ** stars
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Featuring Robert Lester on lead vocals, 'I Turn Away' was a pretty, but somewhat MOR and forgettable ballad. Very adult contemporary flavor that was just too smooth for its own good. rating: ** stars 2.) Let Your Love Fall Like Rain (J. Boyce) - 4:54 'Let Your Love Fall Like Rain' was a decent up-tempo song with a nice chorus that unfortunately was marred by Johnson's hideously shrill lead vocal. Shame, since the song itself was quite good. rating: ** stars 3.) Don't Blame the World (Billy McGregor) - 3:41 Showcasing Thompson on lead vocals 'Don't Blame the World' was probably the most commercial song on the album. Nice little moral lyric and a breezy, easy going melody made it cheesy, but quite likeable. rating: *** stars 4.) Message To the World (General Crook) - 3:47 Their cover of General Crook's 'Message To the World' was one of those efforts that could have been a monster. Great song; great arrangement; great backing vocals - unfortunately Johnson's shrill lead left you to wonder what could have been with Eugene Record back in the fold. rating: *** stars 5.) Games People Play (J,B. Jefferson - B. Howes - C. Simmons) - 3:40 While The Chi-Lites displayed considerable taste in deciding to cover The Spinner's 'Games People Play' you had to wonder why they bothered. Their version was almost a note-for-note cover (speeded up a tad), that brought little of substance to the party. Why listen to this one when the original was so much better? rating: ** stars
Two singles were released off of the album:
- 1977's 'Happy Being Lonely' b/e 'You Can Be Hazardous' (Mercury catalog number 73844) - 1977's 'Vanishing Love' b/w 'I Turn Away' (Mercury catalog number 73886)
A decent mid-career addition to the catalog, but hardly an essential album.
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Genre: soul Rating: *** (3 stars) Title: The Fantastic Chi-Lites Company: Mercury Catalog: SRM-1-1147 Year: 1977 Country/State: Chicago, Illinois Grade (cover/record): VG+/ VG+ Comments: -- Available: 1 Catalog number: 1580 Price: $10.00
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Recorded at Philadelphia International's Sigma Sound Studios, 1977's "The Fantastic Chi-Lites" found The Chi-Lites working with producer Richard Rome. The album also introduced new lead singer Vandy Hampton (replacing Danny Johnson), while continuing to underscore the group's impeccable soul harmonies. Given their Mercury debut "Happy Being Lonely" was less than overwhelming, I'll readily admit that my expectations for this one were pretty low. Side one featured four tracks by Phil Hurtt, which again did little to raise my expectations. Against that backdrop the collection proved a modest surprise. No, it wasn't a return to their Eugene Record triumphs. Exemplified by tracks like 'Love At It's Best', 'Suddenly', and 'I've Got Love On My Mind; there were way too many bland ballads. The good news was that while tracks like 'My First Mistake' and 'Who's In Love with Me' were dance ready, to their credit The Chi-Lites largely avoided falling headlong into the disco-trap that claimed so many of their competitors. 'Stop Still' came close, but retained enough soul feel and a cool Philly International arrangement so as to avoid the dreaded disco label. By my count the album had two killer tunes in ''If I Had a Girl'' and 'Stop Still'. Three tunes were okay. That left four songs in the poor category. You'll have to decide if a 55% batting average is worth the investment.
1.) My First Mistake (Phil Hurtt) - 5:43 Was it a disco tune ? Not really. You could certainly dance to it, but it wasn't totally mindless disco since there was still a strong element of '70s soul in this one. This was also one of two tunes with a distinctive Philly International feel. Mercury released the song as the album's second single:
- 1977's 'My First Mistake' b/w 'Stop Still' (Mercury catalog number 73934) rating: *** stars 2.) If I Had a Girl (Phil Hurtt) - 5:41 'If I Had a Girl' was a pretty, breezy ballad, but probably a bit MOR-ish for many folks. Personally that didn't put me off in the least. Always liked the lead vocals on this one and Stevie Wonder provided the harmonica that appeared on the track. Mercury tapped it as the leadoff single:
- 1977's 'If I Had a Girl' b/w 'I've Got Love on My Mind' (Mercury catalog number 73954) rating: **** stars 3.) Who's In Love with Me (Phil Hurtt) - 4:34 Another tune that was initially a little off-putting, the up-beat 'Who's In Love with Me' eventually grew on you. Bolstered by some sterling harmony vocals and a killer hook in the form of the title refrain, it was probably one of the album's most commercial, radio-friendly tunes. rating: *** stars 4.) Let's Touch (Phil Hurtt) - 4:24 The album's first misstep, 'Touch Me' was an anonymous, heavily orchestrated dance tune. Even Hampton sounded uncomfortable on this one. rating: ** stars
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Ballads that start with spoken word raps (even if they feature Marshall Thompson), simply don't do much for me. While the rest of 'Love At It's Best' was a decent bluesy ballad, showcasing some sweet backing vocals, in my ears it never got over the clunky opening monologue. rating: *** stars 2.) Bubbling Babbling Fool (Jay Kessler - Rob Clothworthy - Tony Coleman) - 3:49 The title probably told you 'Bubbling Babbling Fool ' was going to be problematic. Simply way too cutesy for the group's own good. Might appeal to folks who love The Free Design. Otherwise ... skip. rating: ** stars 2.) Suddenly (Richard Rome - Phil Hurtt - Donell Jones) - 4:49 Geez, another Thompson spoken word introduction. And guess what ? This one was even more cloying than 'Love At It's Best'. rating: ** stars 3.) Stop Still (Donell Jones) -3:39 'Stop Still' was the other tune that reflected the patented Philly International sound. Could have been a nice single for the group. rating: **** stars 4.) I've Got Love On My Mind (Chuck Jackson - Marvin Yancy) - 4:13 Noooooooooooo !!! Another Thompson spoken word intro. Downhill all the way after that. Seriously, 'I've Got Love On My Mind' found The Chi-Lites trying to wiggle into a jazzy feel. Pass. rating: ** stars
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Genre: soul Rating: ** (2 stars) Title: Heavenly Body Company: 20th Century Fox/Chi Sound Catalog: T-619 Year: 1980 Country/State: Chicago, Illinois Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+ Comments: -- Available: 1 Catalog number: 5897 Price: $10.00
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1980's "Heavenly Bodies" saw The Chi-Lites best known and most successful line-up reunite (Credal Jones, Robert Lester, Eugene Record, and Marshall Thompson). Produced by Record (Carl Davis serving as executive producer), the album also served as their debut for Davis' 20th Century Fox affiliated Chi Sounds label. The rest of the group were apparently quite happy to have Record back in the creative fold - witness the album was actually credited to The Chi-Lites Featuring Gene Record. To their credit Record and company were clearly aware that popular tastes had changed considerably over the last five years. While their classic sound remained largely intact, that didn't preclude attempts to cash in on then-popular sounds including discofied tracks like 'Strung Out' and 'AlI I Wanna Do Is Make Love To You'.
"Heavenly Body" track listing: 1.) Heavenly Body (Carl Davis - Eugene Record) - 4:29 Opening with one of their patented introductory spoken word intros, 'Heavenly Body' was a nice return to prime Chi-Lites territory. Co-written by Record and Davis, the song pulled together all of the old tricks - sweet melody, awe-inspiring group harmonies (nobody could blend vocals like these guys), topped off by Record's heartbroken lead vocals. Yeah, the lyrics were sexist beyond all description, but in a naive, almost comical way. Easy to see why it was selected as the lead off single. rating: **** stars 2.) Strung Out (Carl Davis - Eugene Record) - 3:32 'Strung Out' found the group diving into discofied banality. Yeah, the backing chorus was okay, but the rest of the song was an instantly forgettable dance track. Boring as hell. rating: ** stars 3.) Round and Round (Barbara Acklin - Marshall Thompson) - 4:12 While 'Round and Round' was a patented Chi-Lites ballad, the track was interesting for showing the effects time had wrought on Record's voice. His falsetto remained instantly recognizable, but there was a sharp edge to the performance. Nice song though the performance wasn't entirely pleasurable. rating: *** stars 4.) Love Shock (Eugene Record) - 5:17 Written by Record, 'Love Shock' started out with a very MOR arrangement, before suddenly morphing into a Latin-flavored dance number. Totally unexpected and unlike the rest of the album, this one was quite entertaining. Great punchy horn charts - Earth, Wind and Fire would approve. rating: *** stars
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Side two started with a questionable remake of 'Have You Seen Her'. Any time you mess with a classic (even if it was yours), you're going to raise some eyebrows. Moreover, the updated version didn't really stray all that far from the original, making you wonder why they'd bothered. I will admit the nod to the original was kind of cute. rating: *** stars 2.) AlI I Wanna Do Is Make Love To You (Eugene Record) - 4:12 Another upbeat, throwaway discofied number, 'AlI I Wanna Do Is Make Love To You' was clearly intended for club play. Nice chorus and bass line, but the rest of the song was forgettable. rating: ** stars 3.) Give Me a Dream (Eugene Record) - 4:05 While I liked to chorus on the ballad 'Give Me a Dream', the rest of the song was just too MOR for my tastes. rating: ** stars 4.) Super Mad (About My Baby) (Eugene Record) - 4:26 'Super Mad (About My Baby)' was a decent mid-tempo number. Yeah, that sounded like lukewarm praise ... it was. rating: ** stars
20th Century Fox released three singles off of the album:
- 1980's 'Heavenly Body' b/w 'Strung Out' (20th Century catalog number TC-2472) # 36 R&B - 1981's 'Have You Seen Her' b/w 'Super Mad (About You Baby) (20th Century catalog number TC-2481) # 48 R&B - 1981's 'All I Wanna Do Is Make Love To You' b/w 'Round and Round' (20th Century catalog number TC-2495)
Nice to see them return to the limelight, but the 'comeback' simply didn't come close to their early-1970s highlights.
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Genre: soul Rating: ** (2 stars) Title: The Chi-Lites Greatest Hits Company: Epic Catalog: PE 38627 Year: 1983 Country/State: Chicago, Illinois Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+ Comments: still in shrink wrap Available: 1 Catalog number: 5898 Price: $8.00
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So here's a greatest hits package that actually lives up to it's billing - nine of the ten tracks actually hit the pop and/or R&B charts (the lone exception 'I'm Ready If I Don't Get To Go' was actually a 'B' side). All of the early Chi-Lites albums are worth looking for, but if you just wanted the cream of the crop, then Epic's 1983 "The Chi-Lites Greatest Hits" was a good place to start. You can read more about these soul superstars above. Call me anal, but Joe McEwen's abbreviated group biography is just wrong. As an example, while he says the group formed in 1961, that's incorrect. These guys didn't start recording as The Chi-Lites until 1964.
1.) Have You Seen Her (Eugene Record - Barbara Acklin) - 2.) (For God's Sake) Give More Power To the People (Eugene Record) - 3.) Stoned Out of My Mind (Eugene Record - Barbara Acklin) - 4.) Oh Girl (Eugene Record) 5.) A Lonely Man (Eugene Record - J. Edward Haycraft) -
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2.) I'm Ready If I Don't Get To Go (Eugene Record - R. Gipson) - 3.) Homely Girl (Eugene Record - Stan Kenney) - 4.) A Letter To Myself (Eugene Record - Susan Drayton) - 5.) We Are Neighbors (Eugene Record - Q. Joseph) -
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