Customer Reviews

Anthology

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Long overdue...... still due.

There have been many Shalamar collections throughout the decades. Some have been good, some bad but there has been none that are really the definitive collection the band has always deserved. The Right Stuff is Capitol/EMI's offshoot reissue label that deals largely with classic soul/r&b collections and by rights, they should have delivered a first class package that finally brought all of their US R&B hits together with their UK pop hits. Instead, we have a collection way too heavy on the compiler's favourites that leaves a lot to be desired. This collection should have featured the full length Uptown Festival, Ooh Baby Baby, I Owe You One, There It Is, Friends, Deadline USA, Amnesia, My Girl Loves Me, Don't Get Stopped In Beverly Hills and Circumstancial Evidence. These should have joined the hits present with more carefully selected album tracks. The worst of many crimes is that Right In The Socket is not represented by the original 1979 lp version or the 1980 7" or 12" mixes. Instead we have the hideous 1989 remix which is mastered at half the volume of the rest of CD one making it completely unlistenable. The sound quality on CD one is rubbish throughout. You can tell when we've moved to a new album because the sound quality changes drastically. I love Shalamar. I always have but this collection will satisfy no one but the compiler. Look to the UK 2CD collections for a better package, flawed as they are. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news folks.

When you see a compilation with the 'Anthology' tag, you'd expect it to be a comprehensive set of songs that covers every aspect of Shalamar's career (1977 - 1990). Well, with this NEW 'Shalamar Anthology' the results aren't as good as fans had hoped. This should've been the ULTIMATE Shalamar experience, but due to questionable song selection(s), it fails for the most part, and I am so thankful that my copy didn't cost me a penny! I had hoped to hear a little more from the pre-Howard Hewett lineup, and there's absolutely nothing in this set from the group's final CD, 'Wake Up' (1990).

As another reviewer mentioned, the remix for 'Right In The Socket' is JUST TERRIBLE (yuck!!!!), and it cost the CD a star in my rating! When checking the total playing time for the 2 CD set, I found that there was enough space for 2-3 additional tracks, and if so-so songs like 'Disappearing Act' & 'I Can Make You Feel Good' were left off, they could've added essential tracks like 'Amnesia', 'My Girl Loves Me', pre-Hewett songs, and something from 1990's 'Wake Up'. This would've resulted in a better Shalamar Anthology, but I guess you'll have to wait. I plan to take matters into my own hands since Capitol/The Right Stuff just can't get it right! [My verdict - If you really need this CD set, get a free copy or have someone burn it for you! D+]

Take care, SD
(From 'Chaka's World')

Right Stuff/EMI/Capitol has a lot to learn about picking the best Shalamar cuts for the Anthology collection. First of all, the repetitive crappy long remix of "Right In The Socket" should have been replaced with the better, yet funkier album version. Second of all, the Collection could have survived without the later cuts from the post Howard Hewitt era (except for "Games", because that was the jam). Third of all, some of the radio friendly and charted memorable songs are missing such as "I Owe You One, There It Is, Friends, You Won't Miss Love Till Its Gone and My Girl Loves Me (video version)." Other than the last two songs on the anthology, "Go For It" and "Right In The Socket Remix," the selections were decent, but only if they added those songs I mentioned that were missing. I would rather spend a little more money and get all their cds (except for their last two cds and Go For It because they were awful).

This is a great compilation.The group went through a few membership and image changes and this compilation does a great job in including all the music with both original and new members.Their music reflected a time when R&B harbored a strong feel good vibe.A few things happen for me when I pop in the cd.I either want to go out and party or get in the car and drive as fast as lawfully possible (Dancin in the Sheets)A lot of parties were anchored by these songs.I hope that this compilation is enjoyed by many.and where are they now?The originals that is.Howard,Jody(Fine,Fine Fine and Jeffrey.

This CD came on time & in very good condition. I am very well pleased. I hope to do buisiness with you again someday. Thank you so much. It was a great gift to my brother.

I really do love this Shalamar anthology, it's got all of their hits and then some. The sound is very good, even "Right In The Socket", doesn't sound that bad, in my opinion. I'm pleased with this anthology, I've always liked Shalamar a lot. I highly recommend this to any classic soul/funk lover.