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PrintableDavidEye said: Earth Wind and Fire have a new studio album that will be released in April 2003.The first single drops on March 3.Here is the tentative tracklist for the new album (these are only the songs that I have heard about,there will be an additional four songs added to the album)---
El Debarge Co-Wrote One Song with Maurice they are real Cool.I've heard about the Other Tracks.well nobody went to go see "Pluto Nash" so those Tracks are still fresh.Peace"Whatever Happened"---This funky,catchy song is already available on the "Undercover Brother" movie soundtrack. "Wonderland"---Angie Stone adds vocals to this song. "She Waits"---features guitar by Carlos Rios. "Soul"---no details on this song. "Fun And Free"---this song was featured in the recent Eddie Murphy flop "Pluto Nash". "Never"---Gerald Albright appears on this song. "Why"---Maurice sings lead vocals on this song,which appeared in the film "Pluto Nash". "Heaven"---no details on this song. "Thank You For The Love"---Maurice describes this song as a tribute to the fans for their many years of loyalty and love for EW&F. "I Wanna Be Loved"---On this song,Philip Bailey sings a duet with Eric Benet,who wrote and co-produced the song.It's a sexy slow jam. OTHER EVENTS TO LOOK FORWARD TO--- ***November---The band heads to Japan for a tour.Maurice is gonna travel with them,and MAY make a few surprise appearances onstage!! ***January 3,2003---The "Live In Rio" DVD will be released.It's a 1980 concert in Rio De Janeiro,Brazil. [This message was edited Wed Oct 16 1:03:58 PDT 2002 by DavidEye] mistermaxxx | |
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For some reason,I think that the Eric Benet song "I Wanna Be Loved" may not appear on the album after all.Maurice has been saying that the band is moving in a "different direction" and that many of the songs they recorded last year have been scrapped.There were several new songs produced by Wyclef Jean that have been removed from the album,so it's likely that "I Wanna Be Loved" will suffer the same fate.But you can hear a small snippet of it in the "Shining Stars" documentary. | |
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DavidEye said By 1983,it was time for EW&F to make a few changes and they did exactly that with the 'Electric Universe' album.This album was considered the fiasco that broke up the band,but I actually like this one! Relying on heavy synthesizers and drum machines,this album is more "New Wave" than funk.I especially love the ballad "Could It Be Right",one of those "lost" classics that should have been a hit.Other strong songs include "Touch","Magnetic" and a lovely Philip Bailey ballad "We're Living In Our Own Time".Honestly,I can't figure out why so many people hated this project. There are no "classics" on this piece of crap! Must be the cheese in your heart.  You still can't pay me to play these songs!
Seriously. it's true they made a change and Maurice headed straight for Prince's jock. Except EWF is a band not a solo artist. The soul is in the group's musical visions. Losing Al & Johnny and downplaying Andrew Woolfolk's contributions on sax are the true fiasco that broke the band. By now, there was no soul at all. Electronic drums robbed EWF of its African-ness, if you will. Synth-horns lacked any jazzy interplay and the guitars were weak, sequenced and mechanical. My exact words to this day are: This is not EWF; this is a bad Prince record! Good that Maurice finally just chucked it all and did his solo album...another good one-half ablum! 1987's 'Touch The World' is a great album all the way through.The guys sound great on uptempo jams like "System Of Survival","Thinkin Of You","Money Tight" and "Victim Of The Modern Heart".Philip Bailey delivers a stunning,hypnotic Quiet Storm ballad "Here Today,Gone Tomorrow".Probably their most consistent album of the 80s. You're not saying much. This would have been a fairly decent Prince record, butit's really only half an album. The trax that are good aren't worth hearing live if you have them doing their earlier 70s material ("Evil Roy" is one of the good ones you left out, but "Here Today" kinda goes nowhere for me). 1990's 'Heritage' has it's flaws (Why does MC Hammer have to appear on TWO TRACKS??!!),but it also has it's share of delights."Daydreamin" is a wonderful song that should have been a hit,and "Anything For You" shines brightly.The Sly Stone collaboration "Good Time" is a funk lover's dream,and Maurice lays down the law on "King Of Groove". OK you obviously had more patience to listen to this mess than I did. Sheesh! I never even bought a copy! It sounded so bad in the used CD stores,I even passed on it in the $.99 bins! In 1993,EW&F released 'Millenium' and it's the last great record they made,imo.I LOVE THIS ALBUM!! It's filled with strong,memorable songs like "Sunday Morning","Love Across The Wire","Wouldn't Change A Thing About You",and even a Prince-written track "Super Hero".Simply brilliant!!! They faked me out on this one. I thought it sucked and just bought it 3 yrs ago (at your insistence on that EWF Board!). GODDAMN it stunk! Even the ACTUAL Prince track is weak! Too many outsiders. Unfortunately,in 1997,the fellas released a so-so album called 'In The Name Of Love'.This CD consists primarily of lazy "Quiet Storm" love ballads.Sadly,you don't even hear much of Maurice White's vocals on this record.It all sounds more like a solo Philip Bailey album (with a few guest vocals by Ralph and Sheldon).A total snooze-fest. We're almost in agreement here, though I like this album more than anything since "FACES". I feel t rises more to the level of what Phil and Ralph are most capable of doing (with Maurice totally out of the band). I find this actually a better "QS" album (a format I despise) than any of Phil's solo releases! My rule-of-thumb in evaluating any EWF album is it's only as good as the instrumental. The albums that suck the most are the ones with no or a shortened instrumental jam. As you can see in the 80s and 90s they left those out and I was greatly displeased in the period. Their tours were still good. They still tried to maintain the special effects and magic tricks and the musicainship was still top-drawer. However, up until recently they started cheating and doing abridged, rushed medleys of their hits inshows that were barely 2 hours. YAWN! 
BTW: Maurice should have edited out some of the trax onFACES. "Song in My Heart" and "You Went Away" are absolutely dreadful.  Have I said that instrumental, the title track, kicks total ass? 
Sorry to be so negative. As with George Clinton, I always look forward to anything new or archived these two choose to release or record, but when they suck I will say it sucks. [This message was edited Wed Oct 16 8:28:50 PDT 2002 by PFunkjazz] test | |
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mistermaxxx said: eldog98 said: JUST PICKED UP ALIVE IN 75 OVER THE WEEKEND AND IT IS KICKING!!! I was Blasting"Happy Feeling" from that Album like a Madd Man this Weekend.that is a Band that is So Tight they released Two Live Albums within a Year&Kicked Ass on Both Easily.YES I DO AGREE, HAPPY FEELIN'S WAS A PURE TREAT BECAUSE I HAVE NEVER HEARD IT LIVE. THE DRUMS AND BASS DRIVE THIS JAME INTO THE GROUND, I THOUGHT MY NECK WAS GOING TO FALL OFF. REALLY LOOKINMG FORWARD TO MAURICE WHITE RELEASING MORE LIVE SHOWS FROM THIER VAULTS!!! | |
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DavidEye said: For some reason,I think that the Eric Benet song "I Wanna Be Loved" may not appear on the album after all.Maurice has been saying that the band is moving in a "different direction" and that many of the songs they recorded last year have been scrapped.There were several new songs produced by Wyclef Jean that have been removed from the album,so it's likely that "I Wanna Be Loved" will suffer the same fate.But you can hear a small snippet of it in the "Shining Stars" documentary. Benet really needed that Exposure but hard too say what will go down.as for Wyclef:it seems so many People turn Him Down.MJ did as well Among others.I think Maurice doesn't want go down the Trendy Road of Music Making IMHO.the thing that has happened with there Records was that they got not only Locked into Sound&Technology but also the Hot Names of the Time David Foster comes too Mind.also they got caught up in that Quincy Jones Version of Making Albums for quite a while.hopefully they are getting back too the Fundementals that Made them the Great Band they are?mistermaxxx | |
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rdhull said: I do agree that tis I Am was the sell out release ..sort of. They had someoen else write After The Love etc...smoothed out their sound..but!, it still has clasic EWF elements and m,elds well. After this not only did they really sell out, they went and tried to follow the synth scene etc , failing quite miserably...they couldnt even get their own sound back after the debacle. So while I Am was the beginning of the end, the next release Faces WAS the end.
I love this album, and I find songs like "Can't Let Go" to be very unerrated hits in their catalogue. This album was very commercial, but there is not a bad track in the bunch. I just got the CD, after listening to tape, vinyl and mp3 of this album since it came out. Some good memories with that one. "Baby here we are..." ______________________________________________
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DMSR said: rdhull said: I do agree that tis I Am was the sell out release ..sort of. They had someoen else write After The Love etc...smoothed out their sound..but!, it still has clasic EWF elements and m,elds well. After this not only did they really sell out, they went and tried to follow the synth scene etc , failing quite miserably...they couldnt even get their own sound back after the debacle. So while I Am was the beginning of the end, the next release Faces WAS the end.
I love this album, and I find songs like "Can't Let Go" to be very unerrated hits in their catalogue. This album was very commercial, but there is not a bad track in the bunch. I just got the CD, after listening to tape, vinyl and mp3 of this album since it came out. Some good memories with that one. "Baby here we are..." I agree,'I Am' is a wonderful Earth Wind and Fire album.It's consistent all the way through,with no filler.People always complain that it is "too commercial" but it's still a tight album.Let's look at the songs,track by track... ***"In The Stone"---this is a killer song,and the perfect song to open up an album.It has a positive message,and a vibrant arrangement.One of their best singles ever! This should always be the first song they play at their concerts. ***"Can't Let Go"---this is an underrated song,it totally rocks! ***"After The Love Has Gone"---a classic!! This David Foster ballad is one of their most beloved songs.It's a flawless ballad,perfectly arranged with outstanding vocals by Maurice and Philip. ***"Let Your Feelings Show"---the guys regularly perform this song in concert,it's so infectious and catchy.It's funky and fun. ***"Boogie Wonderland"---Ok,so this is a "Disco" song but it's still impressive.It WAS 1979 so naturally,the guys had to adapt to changing trends.And this song is GREAT!! Featuring The Emotions on background vocals,it stands as one of 1979's catchiest dancefloor ditties. ***"Star"---a showcase for Philip Bailey,this is another winning track.It's another funky "message song" that sizzles. ***"Wait"---I love this one!! A nice,midtempo jam that could have easily been a single. ***"Rock That!"---a kickass instrumental that showcases the bandmembers.Back in these days,every EW&F album contained at least one instrumental,and this track is one of their best. ***"You And I"---YES YES YES!!! This is one of those "lost" classics that should have been a single!!! Their record label really screwed up by not releasing this song as a single,it's simply wonderful!! It's a mesmerizing slow jam that just grabs you and won't let go. | |
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DavidEye said: DMSR said: rdhull said: I do agree that tis I Am was the sell out release ..sort of. They had someoen else write After The Love etc...smoothed out their sound..but!, it still has clasic EWF elements and m,elds well. After this not only did they really sell out, they went and tried to follow the synth scene etc , failing quite miserably...they couldnt even get their own sound back after the debacle. So while I Am was the beginning of the end, the next release Faces WAS the end.
I love this album, and I find songs like "Can't Let Go" to be very unerrated hits in their catalogue. This album was very commercial, but there is not a bad track in the bunch. I just got the CD, after listening to tape, vinyl and mp3 of this album since it came out. Some good memories with that one. "Baby here we are..." I agree,'I Am' is a wonderful Earth Wind and Fire album.It's consistent all the way through,with no filler.People always complain that it is "too commercial" but it's still a tight album.Let's look at the songs,track by track... ***"In The Stone"---this is a killer song,and the perfect song to open up an album.It has a positive message,and a vibrant arrangement.One of their best singles ever! This should always be the first song they play at their concerts. ***"Can't Let Go"---this is an underrated song,it totally rocks! ***"After The Love Has Gone"---a classic!! This David Foster ballad is one of their most beloved songs.It's a flawless ballad,perfectly arranged with outstanding vocals by Maurice and Philip. ***"Let Your Feelings Show"---the guys regularly perform this song in concert,it's so infectious and catchy.It's funky and fun. ***"Boogie Wonderland"---Ok,so this is a "Disco" song but it's still impressive.It WAS 1979 so naturally,the guys had to adapt to changing trends.And this song is GREAT!! Featuring The Emotions on background vocals,it stands as one of 1979's catchiest dancefloor ditties. ***"Star"---a showcase for Philip Bailey,this is another winning track.It's another funky "message song" that sizzles. ***"Wait"---I love this one!! A nice,midtempo jam that could have easily been a single. ***"Rock That!"---a kickass instrumental that showcases the bandmembers.Back in these days,every EW&F album contained at least one instrumental,and this track is one of their best. ***"You And I"---YES YES YES!!! This is one of those "lost" classics that should have been a single!!! Their record label really screwed up by not releasing this song as a single,it's simply wonderful!! It's a mesmerizing slow jam that just grabs you and won't let go. mistermaxxx | |
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Yeah,Verdine frequently refers to this album as "our Abbey Road" but since I don't have that Beatles album ("Abbey Road"),I never knew quite what he was talking about.
To those of you who have The Beatles 'Abbey Road' AND the EW&F album 'I Am',could you tell me,what are the similarities? | |
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DavidEye said: Yeah,Verdine frequently refers to this album as "our Abbey Road" but since I don't have that Beatles album ("Abbey Road"),I never knew quite what he was talking about.
To those of you who have The Beatles 'Abbey Road' AND the EW&F album 'I Am',could you tell me,what are the similarities? ABBEY ROAD was the very last recording the Beatles made. I think Verdine meant it was the last of what I call PLATINUM-9 lineup. Musically, there are not many complete songs on AB. It's a collection of studio tricks and vignettes. As much as I despise I AM, I still acknowledge the fine song craftsmanship. test | |
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Well,I got this CD as a Christmas present and it's pretty good.It lets you hear what an EW&F concert sounded like in 1980.There's alot of jazzy solo-ing going on.In fact,this recording is primarily a showcase for the musicians.You don't even hear alot of Philip Bailey on this CD (except for "Fantasy",where he shines as usual).
The best moments are "Getaway","Runnin" and the rare instrumental "Rio After Dark". | |
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DavidEye said: Well,I got this CD as a Christmas present and it's pretty good.It lets you hear what an EW&F concert sounded like in 1980.There's alot of jazzy solo-ing going on.In fact,this recording is primarily a showcase for the musicians.You don't even hear alot of Philip Bailey on this CD (except for "Fantasy",where he shines as usual).
Rate it compared too "Gratitude"&that's the way of the WOrld"75.Peace&Glad too See you ManThe best moments are "Getaway","Runnin" and the rare instrumental "Rio After Dark". mistermaxxx | |
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Just an update to this topic...this "Live In Rio" album won't be out until NEXT Tuesday, Jan. 14! Just in case people were wondering where the heck it is!  | |
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alexnvrmnd said: Just an update to this topic...this "Live In Rio" album won't be out until NEXT Tuesday, Jan. 14! Just in case people were wondering where the heck it is!
LOL...the CD is already available at Tower Records and a few other stores.Apparently,there was some confusion about when it was released.On the EW&F message boards,half of us have the album already,while many fans STILL can't find it.But I got my copy already. | |
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DavidEye said: alexnvrmnd said: Just an update to this topic...this "Live In Rio" album won't be out until NEXT Tuesday, Jan. 14! Just in case people were wondering where the heck it is!
LOL...the CD is already available at Tower Records and a few other stores.Apparently,there was some confusion about when it was released.On the EW&F message boards,half of us have the album already,while many fans STILL can't find it.But I got my copy already. LOL! This sounds like someone else we know. I'll have to go to the store and pick it up now, then. But I KNOW I just read on CDNow/Amazon's (BOO!!) website that it wasn't out until the 14th! | |
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Great Job DavidEye and don´t forget the community on StarTalk http://www.startalk.org and listen to the tracks of 'Live In Rio' here: http://www.cduniverse.com...=136227783
Love & Peace Peter DavidEye said: Looks like Earth Wind and Fire are getting ready to release yet another "Live" album.This latest one will be released on November 19 on Kalimba Records (leader Maurice White's own label).Titled "Live In Rio",this CD was recorded at a major sports stadium in Rio De Janeiro,Brazil (1980) before a packed audience of over 100,000 people.Following a non-stop string of multi-platinum albums (such as "All N' All" and "I Am"),"Live In Rio" finds the original line-up of the legendary group in peak performance.
TRACKLIST--- "Dialog" "Rock That!" "In The Stone" "Serpentine Fire" "Fantasy" "Can't Let Go" "Getaway" "Brazilian Rhyme" "Magic Mind" "Runnin" "After The Love Is Gone" "Rio After Dark" "Got To Get You Into My Life" "Boogie Wonderland" "September" For more details and to check out the album cover,be sure to visit www.kalimbarecords.com | |
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StarTalk said: Great Job DavidEye and don´t forget the community on StarTalk http://www.startalk.org and listen to the tracks of 'Live In Rio' here: http://www.cduniverse.com...=136227783
Love & Peace Peter DavidEye said: Looks like Earth Wind and Fire are getting ready to release yet another "Live" album.This latest one will be released on November 19 on Kalimba Records (leader Maurice White's own label).Titled "Live In Rio",this CD was recorded at a major sports stadium in Rio De Janeiro,Brazil (1980) before a packed audience of over 100,000 people.Following a non-stop string of multi-platinum albums (such as "All N' All" and "I Am"),"Live In Rio" finds the original line-up of the legendary group in peak performance.
TRACKLIST---it's real Good.EWF trying to catch Frankie Beverly&Maze,Phish,Grateful Dead with Live Albums.EWF though are worth every penny live especially the older Concerts IMHO.Peace "Dialog" "Rock That!" "In The Stone" "Serpentine Fire" "Fantasy" "Can't Let Go" "Getaway" "Brazilian Rhyme" "Magic Mind" "Runnin" "After The Love Is Gone" "Rio After Dark" "Got To Get You Into My Life" "Boogie Wonderland" "September" For more details and to check out the album cover,be sure to visit www.kalimbarecords.com mistermaxxx | |
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I'll B diggin on that... | |
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