Because in the late 70s/early 80s the black artists that started emerging and ruling the pop and r&b charts were people like Rick James, Prince, etc who all had some synth and disco-esque beats. that was the fresh sound of the time and EWF was just trying to stay contemporary. and imo 'lets groove' and 'fall in love with me' are two of the best EWF jams ever.

HardcoreJollies said:

I felt the same way back then when they release 'Boogie Wonderland'...

But they weren't the only ones who jump on the disco band wagon....

I learn to appreciate that song now...

[nerdmode] i am came out in '79. [/nerdmode]

but yeah, i see what you're saying...i prefer their early to mid-70s stuff myself.

i like artist that evolve and are capable of integrating new styles into their music..

umm...isnt that what prince is most regarded for?


now, if they fail...thats another story...but i think ewm did well up until the mid 80's.....

but then i also love the album that System of Survival came from.....

HardcoreJollies said:

You've beaten me to the punch on this one.

I have my "Join the Wake...The Death of EW&F" already composed (99% anyway) and was only waiting to hear the complete new album before I posted it.

Your thread title is on the right track (for a different reason than mine) so put your...



...black suit in the cleaners.


tA


Tribal Disorder

http://www.soundclick.com...dID=182431

HardcoreJollies said:

My theory centers around the loss of Al McKay (though he's really rhythm) and Maurice's insistence on overloading the album with "first call" studio talent. Obviously there was a falling out that sent Johnny Graham over to Al's camp, but what was up with Andrew Woolfolk getting phased out and Larry Dunn leaving?

Later, they tried to reinstill a guitarist with Sheldon Reynolds, but he had some faling out with Phil-Verdine-Ralph core that maurice put s as the current band lineup.

Allsaid, the new album is a delightful piece of pop. Not as Afro-jazzy as the good stuff, and it's extremely weak on lead guitar and "real" drums. All that went to crappy programming.

HardcoreJollies said:

This is a criticism that was leveled at many R&B/funk bands in the late 70s/early 80s.Kool and The Gang,The Commodores and even War were criticized for changing their sound during the Disco era.I like to look at it as artistic evolution,trying new things.EW&F's 'I Am' album is a masterpiece.Was it more "pop" than previous albums? Perhaps.But with strong songs like "In The Stone","Can't Let Go","After The Love Is Gone" and "You And I",who can complain?


The new album is excellent,and nearly every track captures the classic EW&F sound that we love so much.This album proves that an Old School R&B/funk band can successfully update their sound without sounding silly in the process (prime example: The Isley Brothers).

sosgemini said:

You bring up a good point.Prince started his career as an R&B/funk artist,then he later got into pop and rock.When he changes his sound,he gets props for trying new things.But if a band like EW&F makes a "pop" album,they get accused of "selling out".

Also blame the record labels..Once the "crossover" hits come in, the labels tell the artists they want more of those types of songs. Plus by 1980-81, hip hop started to take off and Prince and MJ started to blow up and it made P-Funk, The Commodores,and EWF look/sound ancient.

The same could be asked about Prince and why after an incredible Lovesexy album he started using rap, albeit full blown by 1991's D&P. THere were already snippets in 1990. I consider Batman a very good album, just not as great as Lovesexy.

I don't think it was a mistake, just a phase. Artists like him don't make mistakes...well,...maybe some.

SPYZFAN1 said:

So true.In the early 80s,"crossover" was such a big deal for these bands.There was alot of pressure to appeal to the widest audience possible.For many of these bands,they had no choice but to change their sound to adapt to the new sounds of the day.

But I think,for the most part,Earth Wind and Fire remained loyal to the funk.As badjunkie pointed out,many of their early-80s singles ("Let's Groove" and "Fall In Love With Me") were still funky.

HardcoreJollies said:

Are you suggesting that 'I Am' has no soul and funk on it? In fact,the album has only one tune that can truly be called disco ("Boogie Wonderland") and one tune that can truly be called pop ("After The Love Is Gone").I would argue that the other songs fit comfortably in the soul/funk category.The last track "You And I" is one of their most soulful slow jams ever.

PFunkjazz said:

I think the new album kicks ass.I've been listening to it non-stop.This is modern-day funk/soul music at it's best.Longtime fans should have no problem with this album.The best thing is,it's not really hip-hop sounding at all.They're working with current producers and songwriters,but fortunately,the collaborators truly understand EW&F and what they're about.With the exception of "Elevated" (which is really just a Floetry track with EW&F on background vocals),the songs sound like classic EW&F."The One" is my favorite song.I also love "Work It Out","Lovely People","Liberation" and "This Is How I Feel".

btw,guys...Target stores has finally received the Limited Edition copies of this CD.Supplies are limited,so be sure to rush out and get your copy.It contains two exclusive bonus tracks: "Love Together" and "Let Me Love You" (featuring Floetry).

theAudience said:

So,what are your thoughts on the new CD? Don't start planning their funeral until you have heard it

DavidEye said:

It is too much other folks doing their best impression of Earth Wind and Fire on this new rcord. Brian McKnight is straight mimicing Maurice. The best production that gets out of the way and lets the real EWF come through are the 2 cuts from Flyte Tyme: Pure Gold is a gem that would fith right in on All n All. Overall, Good effort - EWF lives!

sonofblade said:

Amazingly,my favorite tracks are the ones produced by Organized Noise.I think they usually work with hip-hop acts?? But the two songs that they produced on this album---"This Is How I Feel" and "The One"---are absolutely superb.

PFunkjazz said:

Exactly!!

Why is modern R&B so scared of drums and guitars????? how hard is it to take your drummer into the studio and record him on the tracks??? Pop and Rock musicians do it all the time!!! How Ironic is it that Black People --for whom the Drum has meant so much historically -- are the only people that won't have live drums on their records anymore? I don't hate programming, but is that all we're allowed to do? and I don't know what else to say about the guitar, I've been beatin' that horse for a while now.....




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[Edited 9/29/05 6:36am]

paligap said:

I see what you're saying,but we can't really blame EW&F since they didn't actually produce the new album themselves

Do you like any of the songs?

DavidEye said:

Oh, I like the album OK-- but as good as the tunes are, with real drums and an actual band, it would sound even better! but Yeah, I like Show Me The Way, Pure Gold, Love Together(which should have been on the album proper, not a bonus Track--btw, Did we really need the Kenny G tune? Where's Pat Metheny when you need him, )...


I actually Liked Avatar/In the Name of Love better, because on that album there was an attempt to maintain both their sound , and at least some of the band aesthetic....'course nobody bought that album....guess that's why we have this highly produced thing....


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[Edited 9/29/05 6:52am]

note to self: ask dad if he's gotten a hold of this album and see what he thinks of it...

paligap said:

'Avatar' is an underrated classic! I love that album.

Handclapsfingasnapz said:

what do YOU think of it?

DavidEye said:

i'd rather hear my dad's opinion of it before i think of buying it. he'll know better than i do, he's been a ew & f fan for much longer than i have, so i trust 'im.

btw,I think one of the biggest mistakes that EW&F made in recent years was letting Sheldon Reynolds go.Not only is a great guitarist,but he's also a wonderful vocalist.In concert,he was singing many of Maurice's parts,and did a great job too.You can also hear him alot on 'Avatar'.He was an essential member.
[Edited 9/29/05 7:04am]

Handclapsfingasnapz said:

I see

DavidEye said:

I think so, too. When I first saw him with the band, of course, I was like,"aw, who the hell is that? He ain't EWF"( ), But his playing and singing really added something to the band, and it's sorely missing now...

The sad thing is, I hear stuff like Devoted Spirits and some of Larry Dunn's recent work with Ronnie Laws(both ex -EWFmembers) and it makes me mad that they can't at least all get together on a record!


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[Edited 9/29/05 18:03pm]

DavidEye said:

Which was a big reason I didn't care for Avatar. Some people have issues with this album because EWF didn't handle the production. Well what I love most about this album is the fact Maurice and Phillip hold down the vocals on most of the tracks. Avatar and Promise never felt like real EWF albums to me because of the lack of Maurice's voice. I can deal with someone mimicing Maurice's production style far more than I can his voice.

I remember the people that had issues with I Am back when it first came out. I didn't understand that then and I don't understand that now. I Am belongs along side Spirit and All N All as the best work EWF has ever done. That album has "In The Stone" and "Can't Let Go" for god's sake! What more could you want! I also thought Raise was a classic album. And I couldn't agree more with who ever said "Fall In Love" was one of their best songs ever.
[Edited 9/29/05 9:46am]

intha916 said:

Yes!!

intha916 said:

Raise is one of my favorites!!!


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