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PrintablePFunkjazz said: EWF is only classic when you have Al McKay and Johnny Graham n guitars. Anything is a sham. You may like subsequent records and that's fine if you do, but the line of demarcation is when Al left.
Good point. There are certain "signature" elements in classic EW&F material. ~Great uplifting songs ~The balance between Maurice's macho and Phillip's more delicate vocals ~The hooks ~The harmonies ~The sharp horn section ~The rhythm section arrangements, *especially the "rhythm guitar" interplay between Al McKay & Johnny Graham. When you take away, or severely minimize, one or more of those elements you have changed the core nature of the group. *Not counting the JB bands, one of the only other R&B/Funk bands that really took a serious shot at developing this "dual-rhythm guitar" approach (in a much more raw form) was the first Kool & The Gang record. Examples of the tight & funky rhythm parts of Charles Smith & "Woody" Sparrow are Kool & The Gang & Let The Music Take Your Mind from their first album. Unfortunately, the untimely death of "Woody" Sparrow after the album's release (they decided not to replace him) put an end to this component of their sound. tA  Tribal Disorder
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TD3 said: For me, after the "I AM" album of 79... the creative wheels of EW&F began to come off. You and I '79, is among my favorite EW&F songs. The "Touch the World" -- better known as as Baily's and White's less kiss and make up album - I took a pass on it. If ever read the linear notes you'll noticed on "Touch....." , outside writers and arrangers were brought in and the only members of the band who played on that album were Maurice White and Philip Bailey. [Edited 1/21/09 23:36pm] I agree. This sadly reminds me of other great bands of the 70's that lost their sound, then appeal in the 80's with the synthed out sound. I think of reggae groups like Third World and Steel Pulse that fell into that trap. They lost their edge from using live instruments to that generic sounding shit. Thankfully Bob Marley died before he "crossed over" into that abyss, but he too was experimenting with the sound most notable on his Confrontation album's "I Know", which I hate to death. Not because of the lyrics, but the music's just not the same. It seems like Prince in this past decade has made a conscious effort to have a more 70's sound to his music and it's working for him (Chelsea Rogers, Get On The Boat, Musicology, Pretty Man etc.). | |
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Thanks to this thread,I've been listening to EW&F like crazy  I pulled out the 'Touch The World' and 'Heritage' CDs and I'm having a ball.I hadn't played these albums in awhile and I'm pleasantly surprised at how much I'm enjoying these songs.That's why I love this forum....you guys always remind me of music that I may have forgotten.[Edited 1/24/09 22:07pm] | |
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SoulAlive said: Thanks to this thread,I've been listening to EW&F like crazy
I pulled out the 'Touch The World' and 'Heritage' CDs and I'm having a ball.I hadn't played these albums in awhile and I'm pleasantly surprised at how much I'm enjoying these songs.That's why I love this forum....you guys always remind me of music that I may have forgotten.
[Edited 1/24/09 22:07pm] I've been on a ewf binge myself. I have been listening to raise and powerlight the past couple of days. I've also been playing the alive in 75 disc to death too. BTW i'll forgive you for fessing up that you like electric universe better than powerlight. Don't laugh at my funk
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I feel embarassed admitting that I like 'Electric Universe' Critics act like it's the worst album of all time."Could It Be Right" is one of my favorite EW&F ballads. | |
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When i listen to it the only songs that stick with me are
magnetic,moonwalk,and sweet sassy lady. Moonwalk was always my favorite off the album. Besides magnetic, moonwalk was the only song off that album i would play to death. Electic nation is not to bad. The album as a whole was just disappointing compared to raise and powerlight. Don't laugh at my funk
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I think "Touch" is a nice song  | |
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dseann said: TD3 said: For me, after the "I AM" album of 79... the creative wheels of EW&F began to come off. You and I '79, is among my favorite EW&F songs. The "Touch the World" -- better known as as Baily's and White's less kiss and make up album - I took a pass on it. If ever read the linear notes you'll noticed on "Touch....." , outside writers and arrangers were brought in and the only members of the band who played on that album were Maurice White and Philip Bailey. I agree. This sadly reminds me of other great bands of the 70's that lost their sound, then appeal in the 80's with the synthed out sound. I think of reggae groups like Third World and Steel Pulse that fell into that trap. They lost their edge from using live instruments to that generic sounding shit. Thankfully Bob Marley died before he "crossed over" into that abyss, but he too was experimenting with the sound most notable on his Confrontation album's "I Know", which I hate to death. Not because of the lyrics, but the music's just not the same. It seems like Prince in this past decade has made a conscious effort to have a more 70's sound to his music and it's working for him (Chelsea Rogers, Get On The Boat, Musicology, Pretty Man etc.). I think it had to do with the changing musical landscape of the late 70s/early 80s.Bands like Chicago,The Commodores,Kool and The Gang,Stevie Wonder and even Cameo were altering their sound,getting away from the funky,gritty music they became famous for.The 80s was a rough time for alot of artists who had their greatest success in the 70s.I guess they were doing what they felt they needed to do,in order to survive. | |
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the one from I Am is the only one I know
I'ma have to check out the other  because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." | |
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SoulAlive said: I feel embarassed admitting that I like 'Electric Universe'
Critics act like it's the worst album of all time."Could It Be Right" is one of my favorite EW&F ballads.you Sir, are not alone 
for an EWF album it has some rather weak spots, no denying that... and it hasn't really aged well (sound, production...) and still I like it  Vanglorious... this is protected by the red, the black, and the green. With a key... sissy! | |
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and as far as "You and I" goes... I vote for 1979 Vanglorious... this is protected by the red, the black, and the green. With a key... sissy! | |
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Dancelot said: SoulAlive said: I feel embarassed admitting that I like 'Electric Universe'
Critics act like it's the worst album of all time."Could It Be Right" is one of my favorite EW&F ballads.you Sir, are not alone
for an EWF album it has some rather weak spots, no denying that... and it hasn't really aged well (sound, production...) and still I like it I mean,I wouldn't consider it one of their best albums,but it contains at least four interesting songs that I really enjoy: *"Magnetic"---Okay,the lyrics don't make alot of sense (lol) but I like the urgency of this track.It's a high-powered synth-pop dance track. *"Touch"---This is a nice song. *"Could It Be Right"---I'm shocked that this wasn't released as a single.It's another David Foster collaboration and it has the same feel/vibe as "After The Love Has Gone".It might have been a huge crossover hit. *"We're Living In Our Time" | |
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SoulAlive said: dseann said: I agree. This sadly reminds me of other great bands of the 70's that lost their sound, then appeal in the 80's with the synthed out sound. I think of reggae groups like Third World and Steel Pulse that fell into that trap. They lost their edge from using live instruments to that generic sounding shit. Thankfully Bob Marley died before he "crossed over" into that abyss, but he too was experimenting with the sound most notable on his Confrontation album's "I Know", which I hate to death. Not because of the lyrics, but the music's just not the same. It seems like Prince in this past decade has made a conscious effort to have a more 70's sound to his music and it's working for him (Chelsea Rogers, Get On The Boat, Musicology, Pretty Man etc.). I think it had to do with the changing musical landscape of the late 70s/early 80s.Bands like Chicago,The Commodores,Kool and The Gang,Stevie Wonder and even Cameo were altering their sound,getting away from the funky,gritty music they became famous for.The 80s was a rough time for alot of artists who had their greatest success in the 70s.I guess they were doing what they felt they needed to do,in order to survive. I hear ya. | |
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SoulAlive said: Dancelot said: you Sir, are not alone
for an EWF album it has some rather weak spots, no denying that... and it hasn't really aged well (sound, production...) and still I like it I mean,I wouldn't consider it one of their best albums,but it contains at least four interesting songs that I really enjoy: *"Magnetic"---Okay,the lyrics don't make alot of sense (lol) but I like the urgency of this track.It's a high-powered synth-pop dance track. *"Touch"---This is a nice song. *"Could It Be Right"---I'm shocked that this wasn't released as a single.It's another David Foster collaboration and it has the same feel/vibe as "After The Love Has Gone".It might have been a huge crossover hit. *"We're Living In Our Time" What you think about moonwalk. It was always my favorite cut from the album outside of magnetic. They both kind of had that futuristic sound to it. I really didn't care for touch or the two ballads on the album especially could it be right. David Foster should have given that whitney houston like cut to ToTo. Don't laugh at my funk
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SoulAlive said: dseann said: I agree. This sadly reminds me of other great bands of the 70's that lost their sound, then appeal in the 80's with the synthed out sound. I think of reggae groups like Third World and Steel Pulse that fell into that trap. They lost their edge from using live instruments to that generic sounding shit. Thankfully Bob Marley died before he "crossed over" into that abyss, but he too was experimenting with the sound most notable on his Confrontation album's "I Know", which I hate to death. Not because of the lyrics, but the music's just not the same. It seems like Prince in this past decade has made a conscious effort to have a more 70's sound to his music and it's working for him (Chelsea Rogers, Get On The Boat, Musicology, Pretty Man etc.). I think it had to do with the changing musical landscape of the late 70s/early 80s.Bands like Chicago,The Commodores,Kool and The Gang,Stevie Wonder and even Cameo were altering their sound,getting away from the funky,gritty music they became famous for.The 80s was a rough time for alot of artists who had their greatest success in the 70s.I guess they were doing what they felt they needed to do,in order to survive. I can see that.  Timmy and I were speaking about that in another thread... new flavor of the month deal. I've always thought one of the real reason why the Beatles broke up was because for after a period of time they had nothing something to say, when they no londer didn't, ( without some bitterness) they moved on. More and more I think most singers/music group have a period of time where those creative thoughts just bubble up but sooner or later it burst, it ends. Well- that's a bad choice of words- maybe they aren't as consistent. So ya liked "Raise" ? I'm listening to it know, it been awhile [Edited 1/27/09 17:51pm] | |
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phunkdaddy said: SoulAlive said: I mean,I wouldn't consider it one of their best albums,but it contains at least four interesting songs that I really enjoy: *"Magnetic"---Okay,the lyrics don't make alot of sense (lol) but I like the urgency of this track.It's a high-powered synth-pop dance track. *"Touch"---This is a nice song. *"Could It Be Right"---I'm shocked that this wasn't released as a single.It's another David Foster collaboration and it has the same feel/vibe as "After The Love Has Gone".It might have been a huge crossover hit. *"We're Living In Our Time" What you think about moonwalk. It was always my favorite cut from the album outside of magnetic. They both kind of had that futuristic sound to it. I really didn't care for touch or the two ballads on the album especially could it be right. David Foster should have given that whitney houston like cut to ToTo. I think "Moonwalk" is okay,but not great.I love the four songs I listed above,but I think the remaining songs are mediocre."could It Be Right" would have been a huge pop single,I just know it.Remember,in 1983/84,the world was going crazy for those syrupy Lionel Richie ballads."Could It Be Right" is something that Lionel might have done. | |
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TD3 said: SoulAlive said: I think it had to do with the changing musical landscape of the late 70s/early 80s.Bands like Chicago,The Commodores,Kool and The Gang,Stevie Wonder and even Cameo were altering their sound,getting away from the funky,gritty music they became famous for.The 80s was a rough time for alot of artists who had their greatest success in the 70s.I guess they were doing what they felt they needed to do,in order to survive. I can see that. Timmy and I were speaking about that in another thread... new flavor of the month deal. I've always thought one of the real reason why the Beatles broke up was because for after a period of time they had nothing something to say, when they no londer didn't, ( without some bitterness) they moved on. More and more I think most singers/music group have a period of time where those creative thoughts just bubble up but sooner or later it burst, it ends. Well- that's a bad choice of words- maybe they aren't as consistent. So ya liked "Raise" ? I'm listening to it know, it been awhile
Yeah,it's true....every artist and band runs out of inspiration at some point.It's impossible to hit a home run with every album,but I can honestly say that I like something on every EW&F album.I even think 'Heritage' has at least four or five good tracks. I like 'Raise' alot It's probably their strongest 80s album,and a big improvement over 'Faces'. | |
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SoulAlive said: TD3 said: I can see that. Timmy and I were speaking about that in another thread... new flavor of the month deal. I've always thought one of the real reason why the Beatles broke up was because for after a period of time they had nothing something to say, when they no londer didn't, ( without some bitterness) they moved on. More and more I think most singers/music group have a period of time where those creative thoughts just bubble up but sooner or later it burst, it ends. Well- that's a bad choice of words- maybe they aren't as consistent. So ya liked "Raise" ? I'm listening to it know, it been awhile
Yeah,it's true....every artist and band runs out of inspiration at some point.It's impossible to hit a home run with every album,but I can honestly say that I like something on every EW&F album.I even think 'Heritage' has at least four or five good tracks. I like 'Raise' alot It's probably their strongest 80s album,and a big improvement over 'Faces'.Awwww.....I love me some FACES!!! hahahaha I know that the album comes off as more polished than usual...and other than PRIDE there is not as much Funk as most will indicate they like...but the melodies, the lyrics are still all there.....maybe Maurice needed to let the songs breathe a little more....less strings, harps, flourishes etc....and FACES could have been a great album.... Love "TOUCH".....with those SOS Band type drums!!!! Probably my favorite off that album.... Would have to say that of all the albums EWF has made to date, the ones I listen to the least are Millenium and Electric Universe.....I make time for all of the others.....Other than Blood Brothers, I am not really feeling that much off Millenium...and Touch and Magnetic do it for me off Electric Universe.... [Edited 1/28/09 10:11am] | |
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Now see,I love 'Millenium'.Songs like "Even If You Wonder","Honor The Magic","Sunday Morning","Love Across The Wire",the Prince-written "Super Hero" and my personal favorite "Wouln't Change A Thing About You" are EXCELLENT! | |
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I like the songs from Millenium...but for some reason, moreso than their other albums, I dislike the production sound....the drum machine sounds more routine and perfunctory than on let's say "The Promise".....
Don't ask me to explain what the difference is....drum machines are drum machines, I will admit...but there U have it..... | |
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Has anyone had a chance to listen to Alive in 75? The band was
delivering some serious chops on this album. They rock happy feeling, Evil,Kalimba story, and sun goddess. Maurice really grooves on the Kalimba here. Great live album. [Edited 1/28/09 18:25pm] Don't laugh at my funk
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phunkdaddy said: Has anyone had a chance to listen to Alive in 75? The band was
delivering some serious chops on this album. They rock happy feeling, Evil,Kalimba story, and sun goddess. Maurice really grooves on the Kalimba here. Great live album. From that album i've spinned "Sun Goddess" and "Devotion" most often. That "Sun Godess" version was played many times at a club in my towm back then, so i have a strong connection with that jam. Heard the studio-take from Ramsey's album a few years later, with Maurice drumming the parts there. EW&F as a support-act of Santana around the mid-70s, used to seriously impress the Santana-audience, lol. [Edited 2/17/09 1:19am] | |
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Allnall said: I like the songs from Millenium...but for some reason, moreso than their other albums, I dislike the production sound....the drum machine sounds more routine and perfunctory than on let's say "The Promise".....
Don't ask me to explain what the difference is....drum machines are drum machines, I will admit...but there U have it..... I think that's why their next album 'Avatar' (released as 'In The Name Of Love' in the States) was so well-received by longtime fans.It featured real instruments throughout....a back-to-basics approach. | |
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U can't go wrong with real instruments.....
I wish they would all resist the temptation to go the "easy" route of machines making music.....whew..... | |
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They're working on a new CD which will be released later this year through a major retailer (probably Wal-Mart). | |
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SoulAlive said: They're working on a new CD which will be released later this year through a major retailer (probably Wal-Mart).
Hopefully maurice will handle most of the production on this album. Don't laugh at my funk
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phunkdaddy said: SoulAlive said: They're working on a new CD which will be released later this year through a major retailer (probably Wal-Mart).
Hopefully maurice will handle most of the production on this album. I hope so,too. | |
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I just listened to 3 EWF albums today raise, touch the world, and millenium.
The latter two i hadn't listen to in quite a few years. Touch the world is much better than people give it credit for. Thanks soul for not letting me sleep on gone today here tomorrow. All of side one is tight. I used to sour on side two with the exception of touch the world and victim of the modern heart. Millenium which i always kind of listened to a few tracks and then store it away. I actually dig a few more songs off of it and i just love honor the magic. It has a bit of a caribbean thing going. Also dig blood brothers, even if you wonder, sunday morning, and a couple other ballads on the album. Don't laugh at my funk
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Yeah,'Touch The World' is really a great album.I pulled it out a few weeks ago when you did this thread and I was pleasantly surprised at how well the songs have aged.
Same with 'Millenium'.It's a solid album with many highlights."Love Across The Wire" (written by Thom Bell) is one of my favorites and you're right,"Honor The Magic" is an exotic masterpiece.I love the latin groove. | |
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phunkdaddy said: Has anyone had a chance to listen to Alive in 75? The band was
delivering some serious chops on this album. They rock happy feeling, Evil,Kalimba story, and sun goddess. Maurice really grooves on the Kalimba here. Great live album. 'Alive in 75' is an excellent live album....a nice companion to 'Gratitude'.I wish they would release a live DVD of this tour,or any of their 70s tours. | |
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