If This World Were Mine

Bob & Gene | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 20, 2007)
• Original Release Date: 2007
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Daptone Records
• ASIN: B000KRN65O
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #236,109 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

The owner of a studio and nightclub in late-'60s Buffalo, William Nunn christened his Mo Do label with the single You Gave Me Love by his son Bobby and friend Eugene. But Bob & Gene's LP never came out 'til now; their first single joins Your Name; You Don't Need Me ; the title song, and more raw, sweet-and ultra-rare-soul! --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars SOUL FROM DAPTONE--RECORDED IN THE SIXTIES, August 22, 2009

By 

Stuart Jefferson (San Diego,Ca) - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: If This World Were Mine (Audio CD)

One disc 34 minutes approximately. The sound is fine,with just a hint of that low budget feel-which gives it a real authenticity. In keeping with that feel,these tracks were recorded in mono. The booklet gives a nice overview of this "basement" label and the era. There are atmospheric photographs of BOB & GENE and some of the band. This music was recorded from 1967 to 1972 in a basement studio for release on the independent label MO DO. This was a self-financed label with the help of neighbors who also invested in the label. Inside the jewel case is a reproduction of a stock certificate given to investors.

This is home-grown,home-style soul music. None of these tracks were released outside of their neighborhood,and then only as 45's. This is the first time that these sides have been collected and released. Basically "love" songs aimed at the people in their neighborhood (or anyone),with a lot of heart-felt singing. BOB & GENE'S voices at times blend and soar,at other times one voice is featured. The backing consists of the basic bass,drums,guitar,and horns. There is a nice mixture of slow and more up-tempo tracks which gives this very short release some identity and flow. But it's the slower tracks where these two begin to shine.

Admittedly,this is basic,generic soul-nothing fancy. But for some curious reason,maybe because it is so home-grown,there's something fascinating about this release. It's like finding a time-capsule and inside was this music. As I said-this is nothing great or profound-it's just honest,simple soul music. The backing musicians are at the very least adequate,if sometimes pretty good. And those times when BOB & GENE'S voices come together just right with the band,this music does have something going for it.

This is for those listeners who like soul music off the beaten path. No major label would ever sign these two,but that's okay. Because the folks at Daptone Records have done all of us a favor by collecting these tracks and releasing it for all of us to enjoy. And that's the bottom line-enjoyment. The star rating is for the overall sound,but also for the curious fascination of this release.

5.0 out of 5 stars Something Truly Special, November 8, 2010

By 

ACME reveiws (Australia) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: If This World Were Mine (Audio CD)

This is one great uncomplicated, beautiful album that I am so glad I bought. First listen concerned me however, as I thought, is that bass player actually in time on all these tracks? ( I still can't tell, but it DON"T matter if he is). In fact then I thought, are many of these musicians or the producer even near professional? Again, and trust me, IT DON'T MATTER! Beacause once you accept the suburban but excellent sound quality and feel, you realise that this is an incredible, emotional ride into the world of Bob and Gene, (who can really sing,wow!) and the rest of the people involved on these recordings in this neighbourhood at the time 1967-1973 that any seeming "professional" deficiency is just technical baloney. New Order couldn't play either, but they had emotion and ideas like these guys. I am not saying anything else. Thank you Daptone Records and Thankyou Bob,Gene, Producer and all band members for a timeless soul record.

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun, September 22, 2007

By 

Alexandrea - See all my reviews

This review is from: If This World Were Mine (Audio CD)

Saw this album in a local magazine review. I love it, mellow and fun soul. I especially love 'I gotta find a way'.