The Temptations - Still Here - 2010 - 10/30 International

The Temptations, on the eve of their 50th anniversary, release the first set new songs in six years. A new label, but the same strong Temptations 'wall of sound' vocals set against a contemporary setting. How many of yesteryear's acts skulk around trying to keep alive the flame of a once roaring fire, these guys just keep going, overcoming all obstacles and upheavals and not once have they skipped a beat. The Temptations are true survivors and it's with real, genuine pleasure that they can present their new album, aptly titled "Still Here". The seminal work they have produced since their 'relaunch' with "Phoenix Rising" has been nothing short of phenomenal. Although I have, through personal taste, chosen to not bother with their previous two covers sets, I have more than embraced this album - albeit with one or two reservations. As far as new material goes since the late 1990s, I will be honest and say that I feel that this is - to me at least - definitely not one of the better ones. However, amongst the album are moments of true splendour, wonder and genius.

The highlights on here are genuine highlights and any one track I suggest alone are enough for me to part with my hard earned cash (and trust me, I do.) The powerful vocals of Rookie, Bruce Williamson infuse the Obama-inspired "Change Has Come"...no-one can say that this groups can't still produce an inspirational social commentary. I was much more impressed with the SUPERB "One Of A Kind Lady" with a fantastic 80s vibe, complete with slap bass and synths - the steppers could so easily slip into this groove. I'm not too sure about Terry Weeks delving too much into the auto tune though...let the R&B kids have their fun...you guys should be showing them how to do it properly and without electronic enhancement. The man behind this gem is none other than Impromp2's Johnny Britt, who has been involved with these guys since the 1990s. Johnny also contributes on trumpet and flugelhorn...so classy. Johnny and Otis Williams create, again, another massive tune with the lilting "Let Me Catch Your Diamonds". These songs that I have already mentioned, are real growers and are genuinely hook-ridden and catchy. A few plays will have these melodies ingrained on your mind. Now, ain't that what music is all about?! "Hold Me" is another joint piece that owes a great spoken monologue in a Barry White mode, followed by spine-tingling vocal harmonies in their very best setting. This is real quality and the trumpet, flugelhorn and flute make this a real more-ish tune. Oh, but all these songs aside I have to say that the real surprise on here by far is the song that I thought that i would hate the most...purely by it's title!

NEVER did I expect a group like the Temptations sing a song with the word "Shawty" in it...yet we have "Shawtyismygirlooyeah" and it is MAGNIFICENT. It is so...happy, uplifting, summery and something about it seriously touches me and I cannot stop playing it...today's HOT weather and blue skies have resulted in my awarding the track THE song for Summer 2010...and I cannot thank all concerned for this beautiful song. The haunting, atmospheric and slinky "Woman" is yet another real credit to the Temptations. I felt that many other songs lacked conviction or guts and that vocally the guys were too good for the weak backing and the efforts therefore sound as if they are 'going through the motions'. Please set these aside and concentrate on the superior tunes highlighted above...as fine as any of the greatest songs they have produced this new century. An essential purchase.

Barry Towler

The Vibe scribe

The Temptations - Truly For You - 1984 / 2009 - Gordy / PTG

This has to be my favourite Temptations albums of all-time - most certainly of the 1980s at any rate. This album spawned a surprise UK top 10 hit in the form of "Treat Her Like A Lady", and was written and fronted by then-rookie Ali-Ollie Woodson. Even at this early stage Ali demonstrates great raw vocal power and to my mind he has developed and matured with age. Such a classy album, and since release in October 1984 has been staple choonage in my player. The album benefited from the production of Earth, Wind & Fire's superb Al McKay, along with cohort Ralph Johnson, and he continues on in style from where he left of with Finis Henderson's 1983 set. Consisting of very credible dancers and string-laden ballads, "Truly For You" remains a true masterpiece within the Temptations back catalogue. This was released on CD in the US many years ago, and having been deleted become highly sought after. This had also been re-issued, along with "Magic" by Motown in Japan during 2008 but has, I understand, dried up and is now commanding STUPID money. Along comes vinyl masterpiece who breath a third spell of life into this magnificent album and release it at a much more affordable price.

I already note "Treat Her Like A Day" was a smash UK side - a pity it never took off in the US. It's a classy, uptempo 80s soul gem and was a perfect vehicle for a group that had already been around for a quarter of a century! They easily stepped up to the plate and turned in a great performance. The follow-up single was a scorching, string-laden, ballad called "My Love Is True (Truly For You)" and bar a corny monologue courtesy of Otis Williams stands up as well today in 2009 as back in the day. "Memories" is a brilliantly encouraging piece of music, chirpy, happy and totally in the Jay Graydon / Al Jarreau sort of mould. If you're down in the dumps then this sort of material can really raise your spirits. However, for me, the best track by far - possibly my all-time favourite Temptations cut - is the beautiful midtempo "Just To Keep You In My Life". I have very fond memories of this song and today I still spin it VERY regularly. Melvin Franklin's monologue adds weight to the exquisitely paced dancer, "Set Your Love Right" and the set closes on a high with a very capable cover of "I'll Keep My Light In My Window", a cut written by Leonard Caston for his criminally undervalued "Caston & Majors" set back in 1974. An essential album and thanks again to all at Vinyl Masterpiece for believing in this truly magnificent album. So if you're unfortunate enough not to own this...get it now!

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

The Temptations - Legacy - 2004 - Motown

“Legacy” was the Temps' 60^th album release and were joined by Motown veteran G.C. Cameron, and Joe Herndon. This CD has its seriously killer moments and is essential listening. The dancers are SUPERB and Steve Harvey takes the limelight with his specific inclusions. The real nostalgia is there in the opening - the autobiographical "Still Tempting" which deals with the original line up back in 1964 and their trials and tribulations dealing with their dance routines and the fact that after all this time they are still here, still doing the rounds. And, yes, still tempting us with their unique sound. I was absolutely ECSTATIC when I heard "'Round Here" - this is CLASSIC Temptations a la Norman Whitfield "Papa Was A Rollin' Stone" with strong, gravelly vocals, funky bass lines, wah wah guitar. Only Steve Harvey could have pulled this off for the Temptations. More up-to-date is "Stay Together" which is more R&B inclined; the happy, clappy beat could be straight from the songbook of Eric Benét or Rahsaan Patterson. Just great.

“Somethin' Special” is a KILLER. Joe Herndon's monologue at the start of this song almost made me fall off my chair. This guy has a voice that is so similar to the late, great Melvin Franklin, and this really could be Melvin speaking. I rushed straight to their "Bareback" album and played "Easy To Love" - these guys are virtually identical. Great choice, Otis! The first single release was "Fifty Fifty Love" which was not immediately a track that I liked, but after a few plays I grew to love it. Joe opens up the gorgeous "Love To The Music" and we are led into a swaying guitar filled gem that wings me way back to the late 70s / early 80s; great vocal arrangement too - innovative and different. Ron Tyson's sweet falsetto sound is just gorgeous. Here's another KILLER track … "Mr. Fix It". Joe Herndon's monologue sets the scene for this precautionary tale about keeping one's lady at the centre of your attention. Wise words indeed and as for the tune - just brilliant and with Mr. Harvey in the mix and Bobby "Rufus" Watson on guitar what could be better? I cannot recommend this CD enough for the mentioned songs. I was saddened by the 2 CDs that followed, and I only hope they return to making new, original music such as this soon.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

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