Choker Campbell & The Super Sounds [Single, Import]

Carla Whitney | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 26, 2003)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Single, Import
• Label: Attic
• ASIN: B00009V7N6
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #968,323 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Questions

2. What Made You Change Your Mind

3. Tear Stained Pillow

4. Lovin At Midnight

5. Gimme Shelter

6. I've Been Hurt (So Many Times)

7. Hello Darling

8. War

9. It's You For Me

10. I'm Still In Love With You

11. Wisdom Song

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Canadian (Northern) Soul, November 13, 2004

By 

Shahadda (Atlanta, GA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Choker Campbell & The Super Sounds (Audio CD)

I discovered the music of one Ms. Carla Whitney back in early 2000. While rummaging through stacks of 45"s I found one issued on the Attic label entitled "I've Been Hurt (So Many Times)"/"It's You For Me" which I enjoyed, purchased and than didn`t give too much thought to at the time. That changed quickly when not long after my roommate found the full-length LP. I have an insatiable appetite for lady soul singers and I knew I had to have it for my collection. I began badgering him relentlessly to give me the LP until one day he finally caved and handed it over. Lucky me :) It truly is a nice surprise to discover that this album has recently has been given a CD release and that more people may possibly discover this lovely rare slice of (literally) Northern Soul.

This album was issued in 1975; a time when funk was no longer dominating and on the way out and disco was wheedling its way onto the dance floors. What is heard on this album doesn't hint at that transition, as what is to be found here is a no-nonsense, straight-ahead soul and funk record. Carla in my humble opinion is not exactly the most remarkable vocalist, but despite her voice being a bit on the thin side what she lacks in beautiful tone and range she makes up in sincere delivery. The music and production on the other hand is stellar from start to finish. Produced by Choker Campbell, a little known producer and artist who worked for Motown at one time it is strung together beautifully throughout. The first song, "Questions" starts off with an explosion of strings and than is kept chugging along with rich bass work. Flutes and violins are added in parts to bring fineness and emotion and also to highlight a sensitivity and slight dramatic swell in the arrangement before the song finishes its statement and than begins to fade out. It starts really getting good with the next song "What Made You Change Your Mind" a wonderfully charming and melodic 3-minute slice of soul. The rhythm section is in fine form as is the piano, which is subtle in its flourishes and brings poignancy to the lyrics especially during the breakdown towards the end. When the lyric "as sure as there are raindrops" come in, listen to the musical backdrop; it truly is delightful. Another gem is the aforementioned single "I've Been Hurt (So Many Times). Starting with a simple guitar melody it slowly blooms into a full expression of itself with horns and strings adding to the mix, creating a wonderful backdrop for the lyrics which speak of a woman musing to herself and a potential new lover on how she should give love one more chance despite many heartbreaks in the past. Neither pleading nor demanding, she clearly states and lets us all know that she has "never learned to play with love, I only want to stay in love".

Complimenting the soul are the great funkin' tracks marching along side them. I personally find the cover of the Rolling Stones "Gimme Shelter" sublime. Exploding horns and one heck of a drummer urgently funkin' relentlessly. Also is the underground classic "War". The guitar picks and licks that start off adds great feel and wry sass to the overall statement of the song admonishing war, I suspect the one that raged in Vietnam some 30 years ago. At one point she demands to know "where is the love you've been talking about?". With the invasion in Iraq currently in effect, this song takes on a whole new meaning.

The album is really genuinely enjoyable. The songs are mainly original compositions with the lyrics penned by Carla and Mr. Campbell. Not enough kudos can be given to the producer and the unlisted session musicians. No linear notes come with either the original album or this CD issue which is disappointing, but one step at a time. It is not ground breaking, or an album meant to be a coherent statement like a "What`s Going On" or "Expressions Of A Man". The LP is not even given an official title. But the songs do sound great side-by-side, and that does count for something. Enjoyable and easy to listen to. Please reissue with a booklet next time, okay?