Soul Express CD Review

There is very little I can say about the O'Jays that has not been written before. Suffice it to say that the O'Jays and Philadelphia International Records are two of America's - no, the world's - greatest institutions. I love the group and do not apologise for my bias when I write, so as to let you know! However I don't think that these are the gents' very best albums but contain some timeless classics that no self respecting soul fan worth their salt will want to be without.
Edsel have resurrected the PIR release schedule from Westside who dealt with the catalogue during the 1999 - 2000 period. I have to say, though, I think Edsel have the definitive edge on the artwork. Being a fussy old so-and-so I would still prefer these as individual releases and not two-fers. These are available singularly in the US via the Right Stuff, so if you prefer the individual sets then there you go.
1976 was a great year for PIR and soul music in general, and so offered up the "Message In The Music" album containing the superb title track and the essential "Darlin' Darlin' Baby". Lesser-known tracks such as the gospel song "A Prayer" are essential for the lush orchestrations of MFSB. Vocally the gents are on top form. What I love is that the group STILL sound as good today. That really is longevity and staying power. There is also the tender ballad, "Desire Me" which drops the tempo gently and allows Walter Williams, Eddie Levert and William Powell a chance to really let rip nicely. This was the last album featuring William Powell. He passed with terminal Cancer all too early in 1977.
Another hidden gem is the brilliant and brassy midtempo jogger "Let Life Flow". Words of wisdom within the song adds weight to the claim that Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff always had, that there is indeed "a message in the music". Sammy Strain replaced William but was never one for upfront vocals, shying from the vocal limelight, and today has found a place back where he came - Little Anthony & The Imperials.
With this, "Travelin' At The Speed Of Thought" was released in 1977 and opened up in a very futuristic fashion; quirky noises and some great expansive synth. Love that bassline too! A more conventional Philly outing is the excellent "We're All In This Thing Together" and again contains some very nice social commentary. I often wonder who heeded these messages in the music. I am sure the legion of brain-dead rap / gangsta folk today are certainly not listening. How many artists bar The Last Poets, Marvin and Curtis dealt with topics such as water / air pollution in the 1970s? Not many, but the O'Jays certainly did.
Other than these, I really appreciate the string-laden "Let's Spend Some Time Together". This is not just a very worthwhile coupling, but an essential piece of black music history to boot. Those who do not own these sets on CD - or at all - now have another opportunity. Do not overlook this CD.
- Barry Towler