Soul Express Album Review  Buy this album from our CD Shop
ANITA EASTERLING I’m glad that the independent scene has not become as ageist or blinkered as the big-brother corporations. The result is plain to hear. The theme of this CD switches between midtempo funky grooves and sultry ballads, and a healthy balance is metered out. The opening song gripped me immediately. The grinding keyboard, synth and insistent beat works to give an aural felling that “Pressure, Pressure” requires to work well, and work well it does. Imagine, if you will, a mix of Ronnie McNeir and Kevin McCord and there you have the raw, impassioned “I Can’t See Myself Leaving You”. This is a sound that worked well with the recent Ricardo album too, and all the stronger these sets are for tracks like this. If you listen to “Fight Fire With Fire” you hear such summery synth and punchy beats, it's just begging for warmer weather! My favourite track is the unbeatable “The Lovin’ Feelin”, resplendent with lazy 70s guitar and tapping beat; J is extremely able on his background vocal chores in the chorus. A mature groove indeed. Personally, I would be happy to buy the CD for this track, and this track alone. A gentle 80s One Way style sound is also the flavour of “A Slave To Your Love”, and is one, which I think you will enjoy. Enjoyable too is “These Tears I’m Crying” with its ricochet beats and warm 80s keys and the equally One Way-ish “Fallen Out Of Love With You”. “That’s What I’m Talking’ Bout” comes a close second to my personal favourite. I feel, though, that on this one occasion the beats could have been a tiny bit beefier, but this does allow the guitar and keys to take more of a spotlight. Who am I to criticise? I can’t even play the spoons! My final star-pick is the final cut “I’m Into Something Good” – this has a flavour of early 80s Solar Records so this definitely appeals to an ‘80s aficionado like me! All in all, a very worthwhile set. - Barry Towler The Latest CD Reviews Albums of the Month in 2008 Albums of the Month in 2007 Albums of the Month in 2006 Albums of the Month in 2005 Albums of the Month in 2004 Albums of the Month in 2003 Albums of the Month in 2002 Albums of the Month in 2001 Albums of the Month in 2000 Albums of the Month in 1999 Albums of the Month in 1998 Albums of the Month in 1997 Other CD
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