ALBUMREVIEWS

ALL THIS AND WORLD WAR II — Various Artists — 20th Cen- PIPE DREAMS — Gladys Knight And The Pips— Buddah BDS tury 2T-522 — Producer: Lou Reizner — List: 12.98 * 5676 ST — Producers: Bubba Knight, Dominic Frontiere, They’re all here, singing some of our favorite Beatle songs, Michael Masser — List: 6.98 backed by the London Symphony Orchestra and the Royal $ > The soundtrack from the movie of the same name, Philharmonic Orchestra: Elton John, Keith Moon, The Four jr “Pipelines” presents an interesting side of Gladys Knight. Seasons, the Brothers Johnson, Rod Stewart and more. (Prob- There’s the current single in here, “So Sad The Song,” an ably these artists, with their own recordings, account for an as- aching ballad which is certainly not representative of Knight’s tounding share of total chart action.) With symphonic back- career to date, yet works well to create a mood. Other cuts are grounds these tunes are striking, appealing all over again. With more upbeat here. With the movie tie-in, this should be a the tie-in to the movie of the same name, this just might outsell fit* JL serious seller — plus her many fans are eager for new product. the “Tommy” LP of a few years back. This is quality that should satisfy.

SOMETHING SPECIAL — The Sylvers — Capitol ST 11580 — BIG BEAT — Sparks — Columbia PC 34359 — Producer: Producer: Freddie Perren — List: 6.98 Rupert Holmes — List: 6.98 This new Sylvers LP reflects considerable maturation in Sparks is back with a solid and accessible LP. The pace is terms of recording: the arrangements (particularly the vocal much less frantic; still, the sound is ultimately distinctive. The parts) are crisper, and the sound, overall, has a certain con- duo’s vocals are more controlled. Tunes like “Everybody's fidence. The single “Hot Line” is part of this elaborate, folding Stupid” and “Screwed Up” should get serious progressive play, package. Lead singer, young Foster Sylvers, has incredible and there are more than a couple AM singles shots. Retail out- control, and he never misses. “Shake 'Dm Up” has a good lets should maximize this group’s cult following and let con- chance to be the next single, and “Disco Showdown” will, no sumers know that there’s a new album available. And, while doubt, be just that. Always strong sellers, a retailer’s only there’s a calmer tone here, the spirit of rock ’n’ roll cannot be problem will be keeping this one in the stores. Pop and R&B denied. play is assured.

CERTIFIED LIVE — Dave Mason S Columbia PG 3417 — GRAND FUNK HITS — Grand Funk Railroad — Capitol ST- Producer: Dave Mason — List: 7.98 11579 — Producers: Various — List: 6.98 A two-pocket set of recent live performances, this Dave Part of Capitol’s fail program, “The Greatest Music Ever Mason LP is sure to meet with strong reaction from retail and Sold,” this is a valuable collection of Grand Funk’s most popular radio alike. While the tunes are certainly familiar (ones that have songs. Many of these are gold singles by now, and there are been a part of Mason’s repertoire for some time), the fact of the what might be called rock classics, like “We’re An American crackling live versions, coupled with the “standard” qualities of Band” and “Take Me.” The appealing package includes a full- virtually any one of these makes this package a crucial sized souvenir book. For Christmas, this is just the thing; Grand reference work. With the Christmas season coming up gift- Funk fans won’t know which particular album to buy, so they’ll givers will be sure to jump on this one, as it contains more than get this one. Retailers, though, should be aware that this will just the nucleus of Mason’s considerable contributions to pop stimulate Railroad catalog. music. SLIPSTREAM — Sutherland Bros. & Quiver — Columbia PC

BRASS CONSTRUCTION II — Brass Construction — UA 34376 — Producers: Ron Albert and Howard Albert — List: LA677-G — Producer: Jeff Lane -- List: 6.98 6.98 Brass Construction’s first LP was perhaps one of the most The Sutherland Brothers & Quiver have turned out a well- realized LP that should appeal to many markets. title striking success stories this year, what with the disk going — The cut platinum so quickly. This next is a further step in that funky horn (and some others) are infused with energy • the arrangement

tradition — the second LP, if possible, has even snappier Randy with the pressurized horn fills, is reminiscent of some of the best Muller arrangements. With an established reputation, this “city music” around, like Springsteen, et al. Other tracks show record should hit airwaves and stores with equally strong commendable versatility, and ail are suited for tremendous FM power. “Get To The Point” seems like a great R&B programm- progressive play. The playing is top-notch throughout. The ing choice: “Ha ChaCha” could get some AM pop action, as well writing is exceptional — cuts like “Saturday Night” will be as disco. covered, no doubt, by other artists. In-store play could break this one right open.

JOYFUL JUKEBOX MUSIC — The Jackson 5 — Motown M6- HOMETOWN BOY MAKES GOOD g3Elvin Bishop — 865S1 — Producers: Various — List: 6.98 Capricorn CP 0176 — Producer: Allan Blazek — List: 6.98 A new album by the Jackson Five is usually considered to be With the success of his last LP and the single, “Fooled Around an industry event, and this one will prove to be no exception. And Fell In Love,” Bishop has obviously gained new confidence Featuring Michael Jackson, this is a collection of ten tunes that — it shows. There are some killer tracks on this disk: “Spend seem certain R&B and pop shots. The tracks were produced by Some Time” sounds just as good as “Fooled Around,” and different people, so there’s good variety here — the record’s full “Sugar Dumplin’” is one of the best southern rock tunes we’ve of surprises. Already picking up some fast adds, this album heard in a long time. Progressive programmers could safely should get tremendous play in weeks to come. play any of these cuts, and there are some that could easily cross R&B.

MARY, SCHERRIE & SUSAYE — The Supremes - Motown THE ALPHA BAND — The Alpha Band — Arista 4102 - 1 M6-873S1 — Producer: Brian Holland — List: 6.98 Producer: Larry Hirsch — List: 6.98 with Even personnel changes, The Supremes, remarkably, the alpha band The Alpha Band is comprised of three musicians who were have managed to maintain their unique sound. This new album prominent with The Rolling Thunder Revue, plus two friends on

was produced by Brian Holland, and he shares a sangwriting bass and drums. Perhaps it’s because of the camaraderie that credit on every tune. “You’re My Driving Wheel” is a dynamite must have existed with RTR; anyway, this is an amazingly tight cut that’s just right for al! AM outlets (pop and R&B alike). With and satisfying record. The tunes are more rock ’n’ roll than such stellar sessionmen as James Gadson and Ben Benay, the some of us expected; the record, because of the writing and record can’t help but be immediately included in The Supremes production, will establish itself immediately. Cuts like “Wouldn’t history of heavy-selling. Ballads are not neglected: “We Should You Know” have strong AM and FM appeal, while “Interviews” Be Closer Together” will be a fop request. Some good disco, will certainly become an underground classic in the early Lou too. Reed tradition. WOODY GUTHRIE’S “WE AIN’T DOWN YET” — Jess Pearson SILVER, PLATINUM AND GOLD — Silver, Platinum, and Gold — Cream CR-1002 — Producers: Don Galiese, Rodney Dillard — Farr FL-1001 — Producer: Hubert Heard — List: 6.98 — List: 6.98 Silver, Platinum and Gold is a charming female trio that really This is a fascinating LP — narration by Jess Pearson is laid digs info some R&B styled material on this LP. Ballads are han- over top-notch versions of some of Woody’s best tunes: “Dear dled just as well as the upbeat disco-oriented numbers. The Mrs. Roosevelt” and “Deportee” are among them. The players three women generally assign one lead vocal, and the other two include Jack Elliot, Arlo Guthrie, Doug Dillard, Seals and Crofts, provide experienced harmony work. “Never Seen A Guy Like Will Geer — in short, either people who knew Guthrie or those You Before” could break big if it’s released as a single; it has the whose own work reflects love and respect for one of America’s same kind of potential as “Misty Blue.” Well produced by greatest songwriters. With the movie “Bound For Glory” being Hubert Heard, who also handled the keyboard work as well as readied for release, this album has a natural tie-in. Retailers: the string and horn arrangements. display prominently, play it in the store. THE KIDS FROM C.A.P.E.R. — The Kids From C.A.P.E.R. — TOO HOT TO STOP — Bar-Kays — Mercury SRM-1-1099 — Kirshner/CBS PZ 34347 — Producers: Jay Siegel, Wally Gold Producer: Alien Jones — List: 6.98 — List: 6.98 This eight-piece funk group has a hot single “Shake Your C.A.P.E.R. stands for Civilian Authority For The Protection of Rump To The Funk,” and it’s wisely included on this solid R&B Everybody Regardless, and this first album from the TV show of package. The three piece horn section drives many of the tunes, the same name stands for quick sales. The TV tie-in can’t help especially the title track, and “Whitehouseorgy.” The vocals are but give a tremendous sales push, and this music here is really often pleasingly in counterpoint to strong rhythm tracks; more good. In the bubblegum style, these four actors run through than a few of these will get heavy disco spins as album cuts. The eleven pop tunes, some of which are bound to wind up on AM production values are high — there’s some terrific synthesizer lists. Retailers should display this one, expecially in teen and work that never gets in the way. pre-teen markets.