Customer Reviews

Get the Feeling

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This CD is a compilation of the first two albums by Two Tons (Martha & Izora) plus the perennial favorite "It's Raining Men" when they changed their name to the Weather Girls (why?!) In any event, this project is a gem because it captures some of their best performances on record. As a matter of fact, a fitting addtion would have been their work on Sylvester's live album "Living Proof" recorded at the San Francisco Opera House. (most notbly a searing cover of the Beatles tune "Blackbyrds" and the glorious "Sharing Something Perfect".

As a duo, Martha and Izora were unparalleled and the same fervor, musicianship, and excitement they displayed on record was equally impressive in person. If you have not had a chance to hear Martha, who in my humble opinion, ranks with the absolute best of the female singers like Aretha, Chaka, and Whitney to name a few, please do not miss the opportunity should it arise. I was lucky enough to have just moved to San Francisco when they started and this album was so popular. I also had the wonderful experience of hearing these two divas in person and they left absolutely NOTHING to be desired. Unfortunately, I haven't heard much from Izora these days, but Martha has amassed a solid following and built a solid foundation as a premiere vocalist who many artists would profit from having on their projects. I am excited to say the least and can assure you that you will thoroughly enjoy this CD and come back to it time and time again.

*(11-19-2004) - Would like to take this time to comemorate the recent passing of Izora Rhodes. She will definitely be missed.

This is what I would call a "sampler"; just a taste of what Izora Armstead and Martha Wash had to offer as the wonderful Two Tons O' Fun. They put out 2 LP's- the first one in early 1980, called "TWO TONS O' FUN" and it went thru the roof. Thank god the people at Fantasy records paid attention to the fans reaction to the duo at Sylvester's concerts and gave them a chance to shine as a duo on vinyl. Their second LP, released in late 1980, came with a name change of The Two Tons, and this second Lp was called "BACKATCHA". However, technically their first song as a duo was on Sylvester's third LP titled "SYLVESTER" in 1977- they sang "I BEEN DOWN". They would go on to re-record this song as a trio by adding Jeanie Tracy and it appeared on the "BACKATCHA" LP. For those interested, Ace Records/Southbound record label put out a cd with both full length albums on it and it is called: "THE TWO TONS: TWO TONS O'FUN / BACKATCHA" in 1993. Ace/Southbound record label also put out 2-0n-1 Sylvester LP's
onto cd's.


Here is a list of the complete recorded works and rememberances
of these 2 women:
1. 1977- They pair up to become The Two Tons O' Fun and sing
backup for Sylvester James on his 3rd LP "SYLVESTER".
They record their first song as a duo on this LP and it
is called "I BEEN DOWN".

2. 1978- They continue to tour and sing backup for Sylvester
and appear on his 4th LP "STEP II".
Also in 1978 they lend their big voices to the self-titled
debut album by PARADISE EXPRESS. Izora belts out a disco version
of REVEREND LEE, and Izora shines on STAR IN MY LIFE.
(This self-titled "PARADISE EXPRESS" LP is now finally available
on cd from e*bay seller: Shakhrec, as well as Paradise Express's
second LP on cd "LET'S FLY AWAY"- Martha & Izora do not sing on
the second LP).

3. 1979- They appear with Sylvester at the San Francisco War
Memorial Opera House on March 11th and give an incredible concert,
which was recorded and released as a 2-LP set called "LIVING PROOF".
Fantasy released this onto 1 cd in 1990 and left off 3 newly recorded
tracks due to time restraint.

4. 1980- Two Tons O' Fun LP- their debut album.

5. 1980- Backatcha LP- their second album.

6. 1982- They move to Columbia Records and upon Izora's suggestion,
they change their name to THE WEATHER GIRLS- which goes
nicely with their first Columbia release, a 12" single
called "IT'S RAINING MEN".

7. 1983- The PAUL JABARA & FRIENDS album featured 3 songs by the
new duo. "IT'S RAINING MEN", "HOPE", and "LADIES HOTLINE"
(written by Paul Jabara & Diana Ross). This version of
"HOPE" is the original version.

8. 1983- The Weather Girls release their first Columbia full-length
album called "SUCCESS" (their third album).

9. 1985- The girls kick off the year by singing backup for Bob Seger
on his hit song "LIKE A ROCK". Their old label, Fantasy
records cashes in on their renewed fame by releasing an LP
called "MEGATONAGE: THE BEST OF THE TWO TONS (AKA THE
WEATHER GIRLS)". It contained 7 selected tracks from their
2 LP's on Fantasy as well as their recent hit "IT'S RAINING
MEN". 1985 also saw the release of their 5th LP called
"BIG GIRLS DON'T CRY". For some unknown reason, this has
never been released onto cd.

10.1988- They release their sixth album called- "The Weather Girls"
With 3 songs written by Full Force.
Sylvester passes away Dec. 16th, in San Francisco, and the
girls go their seperate ways musically.

11.1989- Martha Wash sings lead on the song "(You're My One And Only)
True Love"- put out by the girl group SEDUCTION, and written
by Clivilles & Cole (C&C Music Factory). However, she is
denied credit for this.

12.1990- C&C Music Factory put out an album called "GONNA MAKE YOU SWEAT"
and uses Martha's vocals. She is denied credit for the second
time by Civilles & Cole.

13.1990- Black Box puts out an album called "DREAMLAND" and Martha
sings lead on 6 of the 9 tracks, which longtime fans
consider this as her first solo album. Unfortunately,
she is denied credit for her work for the third time.

14.1991- Izora releases her first solo work and it is a 12" single
called "DON'T LET LOVE SLIP AWAY"- with 3 versions of the
song (on the I'nd Label). I had always hoped that Izora
would record an album of jazz and blues, because that big
deep voice could have really sounded great doing covers
of standards, as well as covers of Big Maybelle's "CANDY",
songs by Koko Taylor, Shemika Copeland, Big mama Thornton,
etc. But unfortunately, record companies out there didn't
seem to see her potential as a solo artist. Also, in 1991
Martha continued on and made an appearance on the wonderful
Luther Vandross album "POWER OF LOVE", singing a duet
called "I (WHO HAVE NOTHING)". This was a 1970 hit for
Tom Jones, and Sylvester recorded a disco version of it
in 1979 on his "STARS" album, which ironically, Martha
sang background on.

15.1992- With Martha's legal troubles finally settled over her
past work not receiving credit, she is given a recording
contract and releases her wonderful long-awaited debut
album "MARTHA WASH". It features two versions of the 1980
TWO TONS O' FUN hit "JUST US"- perhaps a nod to her legion
of longtime supporters and fans. There was a remix of this
"JUST US" remake- the remix was by Regee Wilson and it is
found on the cd- DiscoTech remix service dj cd vol. 17.
Many well-known cd singles came off this cd and for those
wanting more, there is a remix of "THE THINGS WE DO FOR LOVE"
by John W. Moffett- 6:43,found on the cd- DiscoTech remix
service dj cd vol.18.

16.1993- Izora teams up with her daughter Dynelle, and they move
to Germany. With the rights to The Weather Girls name,
they 2 women record their first album called "DOUBLE
TONS O' FUN". They record a new version of "IT'S RAINING
MEN". The group CHOCOLATE also release their version of
"IT'S RAINING MEN" and feature the new Weather Girls vocals.

17.1994- C&C Music Factory release their second album "ANYTHING
GOES!". Martha sings on a couple songs and is credited
this time. Martha has a song on the soundtrack "D2: THE
MIGHTY DUCKS", singing the 1971 Jean Knight hit "MR.
BIG STUFF".

18.1995- The new Weather Girls release their second German album
called "THINK BIG". It contains the Sylvester classic
"STARS", featuring Jimmy Somerville on co-lead vocals.

19.1996- Martha has a song on the soundtrack "FIRST WIVES CLUB",
singing the Elton John song "I'M STILL STANDING".
Which is obviously an anthem song for Martha.

20.1997- Todd Terry releases his album "TODD TERRY PRESENTS-
READY FOR A NEW DAY". Martha sings on a few tracks and
is fully credited for her work.
Also in 1997, the group Lambda releases a 12" single
called "HOLD ON TIGHT" featuring Martha on vocals.
Unfortunately, she is not credited. (However, in 1998,
Jason Nevins re-released this song on a cd-single with
remixes, and Martha is given full credit).
Martha also has a song on the soundtrack "KISS ME GUIDO",
singing a song called "MAGIC CHARMS".

21.1998- Martha releases her greatest hits called "THE COLLECTION".
It features yet another version of "IT'S RAINING MEN",
this time as a duet with RU Paul.
Meanwhile, over in Germany, the new Weather Girls release
their third album called "PUTTIN' ON THE HITS". Released
off the album is a remake of the 1984 hit "DON"T LOOK ANY
FURTHER" featuring the orignal singer Dennis Edwards on
co-lead vocals.

22.1999- The new Weather Girls release a cd single called
"BIG BROWN GIRL" (not from any album).

23.2000- Small Voices Calling release a cd single called "LISTEN
TO THE PEOPLE" featuring Martha on lead vocals.

24.2002- The Disco Brothers release a cd single called "GET UP"
which features the new Weather Girls on vocals.
Also released is a 12" single by the new Weather Girls
called "YOUR LOVE" with Wackside. It is a song from
their new album in progress.

25.2003- The Weather Girls appear on the german tv show COMEBACK UNITED
and Dynelle sings a duet with Limahl called "DON'T GO BREAKING
MY HEART" (the old Elton John and KiKi Dee song). This track
is available on the rare import 2-cd set called THE BEST OF
COMEBACK UNITED.

26.2004- After suffering health problems for a period of time,
Izora Armstead passed away Sept. 16th, 2004 in a
California hospital. Izora's daughter Dynelle joins up
with her step sister Ingrid and they become the 3rd
version of the Weather Girls. They finish work on their
4th album, and release a cd single called "WILD THING".
The full length album is released at the end of 2004 and
called "TOTALLY WILD!".
Martha decides to create her own record label and it is
called PURPLE ROSE RECORDS.

27.2005- Martha releases her first cd single on her new record label
called "YOU LIFT ME UP"- it is a gospel flavored club song.
She mentions in interviews that she is working on releasing
a full-length album of inspirational/uplifting songs.
As of today's date 4-20-08, it has still not been released.

28.2006- Martha appears on the Rev. Yvette Flunder cd "WE WON'T
BE SILENT ANYMORE", singing a solo on the song "HE'LL
UNDERSTAND AND SAY WELL DONE".

29.2006- Martha appears on the Charlene Moore cd "AS YOU ARE I MUST BE"
and sings the song "STEAL YOUR JOY". There is a bonus track on
this cd and it is the Urban Remix of "STEAL YOUR JOY".

30.2007- Martha appears on the Tony Moran 2-cd set called
"THE EVENT", singing on the track "KEEP YOUR BODY WORKIN'"
(which is a remake of the 1979 hit by Kleeer).

31.2008- In May, Ralph Falcon released his huge club hit "BREAK YOU"
which spent one week at #1 on the American dance chart- the
song features the Weather Girls (Dynelle and Ingrid), but it
is Dynelle who really delivers, especially on the original
version (9:30). Dynelle is called Little Izora by her European
fans for good reason! The song is from Ralph's upcoming
Oct. 2008 2-cd set called HOLLYWOOD TO HIALEAH.


Here's hoping Martha releases that long-awaited full-length album.
So many fans are hungry for some new material from this Diva!
Take a moment and visit her website: w3.martha-wash dot com

Special Note******
Every now and then I come across Two Tons O' Fun remixes/re-edits.
Here is a list of what I have purchased/found:

1. 1982?- 12" Single "JUST US"- Danny Krivit's Mr. K Re-Edit 6:48
This is a re-edit of the 1980 version. I found this 12" single on
discogs. As for year of release, I am guessing 1982?

2. 1993- "GOT THE FEELING '93" remix by Tim Benjamin & MC BONES.
This is found on the ZYX - Two Tons O' Fun compilation cd called
"GET THE FEELING".

3. 1998- "DO YOU WANNA BOOGIE?" Masters At Work re-edit/remix found on
the 1998 cd MAD STYLES & CRAZY VISIONS- Mixed Live By Little Louie
Vega (for those who don't know, Little Louie Vega & Kenny Dope
Gonzalez is Masters At Work).

4. 1998- "EARTH CAN BE JUST LIKE HEAVEN" Masters At Work Re-Edit, found
on the 12" single. Haven't found what cd this is on yet.

5. 2001-2004?- "JUST A FEELING" (aka Got The Feeling)- Re-Edit. Found the
BD Records 12" single on discogs. Not sure when exactly this was
released- around 2001-2004.

6. 2006- "FEEL IT"- Phunkk Mob Remix. Found on the cd Attractive
Club Sweets Vol. 2.

7. 2007- "FEEL IT"- Thomas Gold Remix. Found on the Marco V:
Combinations 3 cd.

8. 2008?- "MAKE SOMEONE FEEL HAPPY TODAY"- DJ Raahan Re-Edit. Found
this 12" single on e*bay from an australian seller- I believe this
is only available as an import.

Sure would be nice if all 8 of these were available on 1 cd.

I forgot one entry in the list of Izora & Martha's recorded works:

1991- Luther Vandross puts out an album called - "POWER OF LOVE".
It featured a duet with Martha Wash, the old classic song
"I (Who Have Nothing)". I believe Tom Jones was the original singer of this song. Sylvester put out a disco version of it on his 1979 album
called- "STARS".

With the sad passing of Izora Armstead, this CD reminds us all what a wonderful talent she was. With the fabulous Martha Wash they sang together as backing for Sylvester and then went on to greater things as Two Tons O Fun. Eventually they became the Weather Girls and probably the best ever ladies duo in the world. Martha's high range and Izora's gritty deep voices mix and match superbly. All the songs on this CD are top class including the very famous It's Raining Men. They are all so good I can't decide my favourite track. I just wish that all their albums were available for purchase on CD. Come on Fantasy and CBS get your acts together and lets have more of the Weather Girls.

Most of these songs are ones I hadn't been able to hear for years. They sound great!

I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR THIS PARTICULAR SONG ON THIS CD.........I FORGOT HOW TALENTED TWO TON OF FUN WERE....I'VE BEEN THE MARKET FOR THIS CD & WAS DISAPPOINTED BECAUSE NO ONE HAD IT, BUT, I'M HERE TO TELL YOU, IT'S BEEN IN MY CD PLAYER SINCE I PURCHASED IT.......AGAIN, THANK YOU