“Face To Face With The Truth” by THE UNDISPUTED TRUTH (June 2003 Universal Music group/Gordy/Miracle Records CD Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"…Harmony Is The Key…"

"Face To Face With The Truth" was the second US album for NORMAN WHITFIELD'S band THE UNDISPUTED TRUTH in February 1972 and this June 2003 European CD remaster on Universal Music Group/Gordy/Miracle Records 067 100-2 (Barcode 044006710020) is a straightforward copy of that soul-funk peach and hard-to-find vinyl rarity.

1. You Make Your Own Heaven And Hell Right Here On Earth [Side 1]

2. What It Is?

3. Ungena Za Ulimwengu (Unite The World) Friendship Train

4. Superstar (Remember How You Got Where You Are) - [Side 2]

5. Take Me In Your Arms And Love Me

6. Don't Let Him Take Your Love From Me

7. What's Going On

The 7-track LP was originally issued February 1972 on Gordy G959L in the USA (July 1972 on Tamla Motown STMA 8004 in the UK) and this "ORIGINAL FUNK LP SERIES" CD reissue (in a card digipak) fully reproduces the original gatefold sleeve artwork and offers an 8-page booklet. Inside is a very knowledgeable and concise essay on the album by DAVID COLE - Editor of the specialist soul magazine "In The Basement".

The band depicted on the front sleeve is JOE HARRIS (lead vocals), BRENDA JOYCE EVANS and BILLIE RAE CALVIN (duet and backing vocals). Whitfield produced the album and co-wrote 5 of its 7 songs with another Motown genius BARRETT STRONG. "Take Me In Your Arms And Love Me" was first outed by Gladys Knight & The Pips while the album's closer is a 9-minute cover of Marvin Gaye's 1971 Tamla masterpiece "What's Going On". Other notable musicians are DENNIS COFFEY on Lead Guitar, EARL VAN DYKE on Piano with EDDIE BROWN on Bongo and Congo Drums.

Musically the album is typical of so many Whitfield productions - the filler tracks are fairly obvious and ok - but the killer long funky workouts are stunning. Bass starter, slinky wah-wah guitar fills, strings backed up with conga rhythms - all of it peppered with social consciousness lyrics that to this day don't sound dated. The groove takes its time to get its hooks into you and even after nine or ten minutes, it never feels like it overstayed its welcome. Joe Harris was a wonderful vocalist too - a little like Pops Staples let loose. For me the big highlight is the near nine-minute "Ungena Za Ulimwengu..." - very Isaac Hayes in its hypnotic lingering pace and build - his fabulous groove always had customers coming to the record counter asking after it (lyrics above).

It doesn't say who remastered the tapes or where it was done, but the sound is wonderfully clear and defined. It's not all great for sure, but the ones that are worth it - especially in this great sound quality - make this forgotten goody well worth your checking out. Recommended.

PS: Here's a full list of the 2003 "Original Funk LP Series" CD reissues:

1. A Tear To A Smile - ROY AYERS UBIQUITY

(1975 US LP on Polydor, CD reissue is 065 620-2)

2. Propositions - BAR-KAYS

(1982 USA LP on Mercury, CD reissue is 822 885-2)

3. Summertime Groove - BOHANNON

(1978 USA LP on Mercury, CD reissue is 077 014-2)

4. Ugly Ego - CAMEO

(1978 USA LP On Chocolate City, CD reissue is 077 251-2)

5. Con Funk Shun 7 - CON FUNK SHUN

(1981 USA LP on Mercury, CD reissue is 063 699-2)

6. Nice And Soulful - CAROLINE CRAWFORD

(1979 USA LP on Mercury, CD reissue is 067 517-2)

7. The Gap Band - THE GAP BAND

(1979 USA LP on Mercury, CD reissue is 063 698-2)

8. Something Special - KOOL and THE GANG

(1981 LP on De-Lite, CD reissue is 063 695-2)

9. In Heat - LOVE UNLIMITED

(1974 LP on 20th Century, CD reissue is 063 625-2)

10. Just Outside Of Town - MANDRILL

(1973 LP on Polydor, CD reissue is 065 619-2)

11. Them Changes - BUDDY MILES [Drummer with The Electric Flag]

(1970 LP on Mercury, CD reissue is 063 693-2)

12. One Way featuring Al Hudson - ONE WAY featuring AL HUDSON

(1979 LP on MCA, CD reissue is 113 201-2)

13. What Am I Gonna Do - GLORIA SCOTT [Barry White production]

(1974 USA LP on Casablanca, CD reissue is 063 694-2)

14. Moving South - SOUTHSIDE MOVEMENT

(1975 USA LP on 20th Century, CD reissue is 063 691-2)

15. Face To Face With The Truth - THE UNDISPUTED TRUTH

(1972 LP on Gordy & Tamla Motown, CD reissue is 067 100-2)

PPS: Along with many other Soul Titles - the "Face To Face With The Truth" album finally saw CD reissue once again in 2015/2016 on 'Universal Music Group/Elemental Music'. Titles to date in that CD Reissue Series are (I've reviewed 1, 3, 8, 13 and 15):

1. Hang On In There Baby (1974 LP on MGM Records) - JOHNNY BRISTOL (Universal/Elemental 88518 - 8435395501153)

2. The Original Disco Man (1979 LP on Polydor) - JAMES BROWN (Universal/Elemental 88523 – Barcode 8435395501450)

3. Music To Make Love By (1975 LP on Chess) - SOLOMON BURKE (Universal/Elemental 88528 – Barcode 8435395501627)

4. Hot On The Tracks (1976 LP on Motown) – THE COMMODORES (Universal/Elemental 88511 – Barcode 8435395500965)

5. Breakin' Bread (1974 LP on People) – FRED (WESLEY) & THE NEW JB’S (Universal/Elemental 88522 – Barcode 8435395501252)

6. Doing It To Death (1973 LP on People) - THE JB'S [with James Brown] (Universal/Elemental 88517 – Barcode 8435395501146)

7. People...Hold On (1972 LP on Tamla) – EDDIE KENDRICKS (Universal/Elemental 88501 – Barcode 8435395500569)

8. Mother Nature's Son (1968 Stereo LP on Cadet, Charles Stepney Production) – RAMSEY LEWIS (Universal/Elemental 88504 – Barcode 8435395500590)

9. Them Changes (1970 LP on Cadet) - RAMSEY LEWIS (Universal/Elemental 88516 – Barcode 8435395501139)

10. Fire (1974 LP on Mercury) - THE OHIO PLAYERS (Universal/Elemental 88506 – Barcode 8435395500973)

11. Skin Tight (1974 LP on Mercury with 1 Bonus Track) - THE OHIO PLAYERS (Universal/Elemental 88510 – Barcode 8435395500958)

12. Get Ready (1969 LP on Rare Earth) – RARE EARTH (Universal/Elemental 88505 – Barcode 8435395500866)

13. Soulin' (1966 Stereo LP on Capitol) - LOU RAWLS (Universal/Elemental 88515 - 8435395501122)

14. Smokey (1973 LP on Tamla) – SMOKEY ROBINSON (Universal/Elemental 88503 – Barcode 8435395500583)

15. My Whole World Ended (1969 Stereo LP on Motown) - DAVID RUFFIN (Universal/Elemental 88527 – Barcode 8435395501542)

16. The Groove Governor (1970 LP on Soul) – JIMMY RUFFIN (Universal/Elemental 88513 – Barcode 8435395501108)

17. Still Waters Run Deep (1970 LP on Tamla) – THE TEMPTATIONS (Universal 88502 – Barcode 8435395500576)

18. Face To Face With The Truth (1972 LP on Gordy) – THE UNDISPUTED TRUTH (Universal/Elemental 88509 – Barcode 8435395500941)

19. Together Brothers O.S.T. (1974 2LPs on 20th Century, Single CD) – BARRY WHITE and THE LOVE UNLIMITED ORCHESTRA (Universal/Elemental 88507 – Barcode 8435395500880)

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PPS: For those wishing to explore this Motown band's output more, below is an Undisputed Truth LP discography...

1. “The Undisputed Truth”, July 1971 LP on Gordy G-955L in the USA and February 1972 on Tamla Motown STML 11197 in the UK

Side 1:
You Got The Love I Need; Save My Love For A Rainy Day; California Soul; Aquarius; Ball Of Confusion (That’s What The World Is Today)
Side2:
Smiling Faces Sometimes; We’ve Got A Way Out My Love; Since I’ve Lost You; Ain’t No Sunshine Since You’ve Been Gone; I Heard It Through The Grapevine; Like A Rolling Stone

2. “Face To Face With The Truth”, February 1972 LP on Gordy G-959L in the USA and July 1972 on Tamla Motown STMA 8004 in the UK

Side 1:
You Make Your Own Heaven And Hell Right Here On Earth; What It Is ?; Ungena Za Ulimengu (Unite The World) Friendship Train
Side 2:
Superstar (Remember How You Got Where You Are); Take Me In Your Arms And Love Me; Don’t Let Him Take Your Love From Me; What’s Going On

3. “Law Of The Land”, July 1973 LP on Gordy G-963L in the USA and September 1973 on Tamla Motown STML 11240 in the UK

Side 1:
Law Of The Land; Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone; Girl You’re Alright; Killing Me Softly With This Song; Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me); This Child Needs Its Father
Side 2:
Mama I Gotta Brand New Thing (Don’t Say No); Feelin’ Alright; Love And Happiness; With A Little Help From My Friends; If I Die; Walk On By

4. “Down To Earth”, September 1974 LP on Gordy G6-968S1 in the USA and January 1975 on Tamla Motown STML 11277 in the UK

Side 1:
Help Yourself; Big John Is My Name; Brother Louie; I’m A Fool For You; Our Day Will Come
Side 2:
Just You ‘N’ Me; Love And Happiness; Law Of The Land; The Girl’s Alright With Me; Save My Love For A Rainy Day

[Note: The UK LP has two extra tracks over the USA issue.
“Gonna Keep On Tryin’ Till I Win Your Love” is added as Track 6 (the last track) on Side 1, while “Let’s Go Back To Day One” is added on to Side 2 as Track 6 (again the last track).
“Gonna Keep On…” was the non-album B-side of “Mama I Got A Brand New Thing (Don’t Say No)”, a US 7” single on Gordy 7124, while “Let’s Go Back…” is unique to this issue.

5. “Cosmic Truth”, March 1975 LP on Gordy G6-970S1 in the USA and June 1975 on Tamla Motown STMA 8023 in the UK

Side 1:
Earthquake Shake; Down By The River; UFO’s; Lil’ Red Ridin’ Hood; Squeeze Me, Tease Me
Side 2:
Spaced Out; Got To Get My Hands On Some Lovin’; 1990; (I Know) I’m Losing You

6. “Higher Than High”, October 1975 on Gordy G6-972S1 in the USA and on Tamla Motown STML 12009 in The UK

Side 1:
Higher Than High; Poontang; Life Ain’t So Easy; Boogie Bump Boogie
Side 2:
Help Yourself; I’m In The Red Zone; Overload; I Saw You When You Met Her; Ma

7. “Method To The Madness”, December 1976 LP on Whitfield WH 2967 in the USA and Whitfield K 56289 in the UK

Side 1:
Cosmic Contact; Method To The Madness; Sunshine; You + Me = Love
Side 2:
Hole In The Wall; Loose; Life Ain’t So Easy; Take A Vacation From Life; Let’s Go To The Disco

8. “Smokin’”, 1979 USA LP on Whitfield WHK 3202 and Whitfield K 56497 in the UK

Side 1:
Show Time; Talkin’ To The Wind; Atomic Funk; I Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love
Side 2:
Space Machine; Tazmainian Monster; Sandman; Misunderstood

"1990" by THE TEMPTATIONS - December 1973 US and January 1974 UK LP on Gordy and Tamla Motown (November 2004 US Hip-O Select CD Remaster in 5" Card Mini LP Repro Artwork) - A Review by Mark Barry...

 

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70ts Soul, R'n'B, Funk, Jazz Fusion
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"…You've Got My Soul On Fire…"

Hip-O Select releases (especially for Soul and Blues) tend to sell out fast - and this now rare November 2004 US-only CD Remaster for an obscure Temptations album from late 1973 is no exception. But typically - and even if "1990" has acquired something of a fist-fight price tag - it's because the natty little bugger is exclusive and for much of the much - worth it. Here are the tempting details…

US released November 2004 (reissued December 2006) - "1990" by THE TEMPTATIONS on Hip-O Select B-000308602 (No Barcode) comes in an oversized 5" card repro sleeve which duplicates the original American die-cut vinyl album (with Inner Sleeve) and plays out as follows (37:36 minutes): 

1. Let Your Hair Down [Side 1]
2. I Need You
3. Heavenly 
4. You've Got My Soul On Fire
5. Ain’t No Justice 
6. 1990 [Side 2]
7. Zoom
Tracks 1 to 7 are the album "1990" - originally released December 1973 in the USA on Gordy G 966V1 and January 1974 on Tamla Motown STMA 016 in the UK.

All 7 tracks were written and produced by NORMAN WHITFIELD and are in the same vein as the "Masterpiece" and "All Directions" albums that preceded it. "1990" features songs similar to "Papa Was A Rolling Stone" and "Law Of The Land" - great funky soul meets emerging social conscience. Personally it's a period of The Temptations catalogue that I dig so much more than the Sixties stuff. At under 38 minutes and without bonus single sides - admittedly this CD is a tad short on content - but as the cliche goes - what you do get is oh so sweet. 

The attention to detail in the repro of the US album cover artwork too is superb. The hard card sleeve itself is slightly oversized giving it a much chunky and substantial feel. The back of the album cover originally had a lip where you could see the titled "Temptations" inner sleeve - this has been done too. Inside the reproduced inner sleeve is a sepia tinted rice paper sleeve with the HIP-O SELECT details - but it also acts as a protective slip for the CD - something the Japanese MINI LP sleeves do so well. The CD label reflects the original purple Gordy label of the album, and even the barcode is on the outer shrink-wrap rather than being on the card sleeve itself thereby not marking it unnecessarily - all very nice touches - but the really great news is the SOUND...

Hip-O Select use several superlative tape engineers, ERICK LABSON, GAVIN LURSSEN and SUHA GUR among them. You see their names turn up across reviews. The fourth is ELLEN FITTON whose truly fantastic remastering here rivals the extraordinary work she put in on "The Supremes: This Is The Story...The Jean Terrell Years" 3CD Book Set (see separate review) and all 14 of "The Complete Motown Singles..." Book Sets. If you wanted to hear how good "1990" sounds - you can get an idea from iTunes where this is one of only a handful of Hip-O Select albums available for download at a reasonable cost. Try the ballad "Heavenly" or the funky single taken off the album "You've Got My Soul On Fire" - you'll get the idea - wonderfully soulful tunes - and now with the production muscle the songs have always deserved. 

Side 2 of the original album had only 2 tracks - "1990" and the near 14-minute "Zoom". "1990" begins with some slightly dated dialogue stuff, but it's still a powerful song - especially lyrically.  "How can you spend another dollar on the space race, with families at home starving right in your face..." painfully true some 40 years after the event.  After about 2 minutes of band dialogue, "Zoom" gets in its groove like "Papa..." and is fantastic. This is where the remaster really shines - great stuff.

An obvious downside is that this repro sticks too slavishly to the exact album. As you can see from the pitiful playing time above - there was ample room to put the single edits on - "Zoom" (Gordy 7135) - mono mixes from promo singles - outtakes - stuff like that, but no show... 

But this is still a recommended purchase - and one that has revelatory sound. Hopefully HIP-O SELECT will extend this kind of re-issue to the very hard to find TEMPTATIONS album "Solid Rock" from 1972 too…

This review is part of my SOUNDS GOOD Music Book Series. One of those titles is SOUL, FUNK and JAZZ FUSION - Exceptional CD Remasters - an E-Book with over 250 entries and 2100 e-Pages - purchase on Amazon and search any artist or song (click the link below). Huge amounts of info taken directly from the discs (no cut and paste crap). 

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