Customer Reviews

Inspiration Information

5 star:		(65)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Hmmm. For once I agree completely with the Billboard review above.

This one floors me. Each song sounds like Shuggie is reinventing soul and rock and blues and funk- all at once. And he is. I can't believe how young he was whe he put this out. In his early 20's younger than I!!!!! It would be depressing if it weren't so damn good!!!! It's rare for me to find albums that I can put on and play in their entirety. VERY RARE! This is one of the handful. Despite the complexity of the arrangements, there is continuity. Despite the shuffling of styles and modes and aural textures- it's still hella funky and soulful overall (the drum patterns on the tital track- they way they start echoing and skittering towards the third verse- it never fails to make me tap my foot). Even the string sections are funky.

This album is like having a breezy, clear, azure-beyond-belief summer day siphoned into your CD player. It is the antithesis of boring, repetitive garbage that treacles out of car windows when I do errands. This is the antidote, or, I suppose, one of the better forms the antidote has taken. Everyone I have given this to as a present has in return bought a copy for someone else who 'gets it.'

Some minutiae: Many great artists have sampled this milestone, most notably, Digable Planets on Blowout Comb (one of the best hip hop albums of all time). And like the above said, The Brother's Johnson had some fame and appeal with their cover of Strawberry Letter 23 (a version of which I heard recently used as background music in a Special K with Strawberries commercial. Yuk.) The original is far better. This is an album that has to be heard to be believed.

Finally, The one negative reviewer likened this work to Shuggie being, "the Syd barrett of the blues." I'm sorry, but how is that a bad thing? I disagree with the comparison for a couple of reasons, but even so- how would it be bad to be the Syd Barrett of any musical genre?

And, post-finally,- a caveat... Now then- don't come to this expecting something bluesy, or at least straightforwardly bluesy. You will be let down if you heard some of Shuggie's early bluies albums and are looking for something in that vein- just as I picked up his blues albums looking for more of this vein. This isn't a blues album- it's an album entirely of its own. It is one of those wonders that defies you to categorize it.

I was fortunate enough to own the vinyl disc back in the 70's when Shuggie Otis was a teenage phenom playing with the likes of Al Kooper and touring with his father Johnny Otis'' blues band. A whole generation could have missed out on the music that literally inspired groups like the Neville Brothers, and Bob Marley and the Wailers. Shuggie's music was lost to a generation until the re -release of Inspiration Information. even to this day, 27 years after hearing the original release I find myself humming the tunes like Strawberry letter 23, which became a top 40 hit for the Brothers Johnson , and Freedom Flight. the album was ahead of it's time with it's message and delivery. It is bluesy, psychedelic, spiritual, and musically well performed. I can't wait to play this CD for my two teenage children. I know my aspiring musician kids will love the many layers of music Shuggie Otis offers on this classic album. I will enjoy taking this musical journey again and again. So will you.

I went to a studio late one night. I walked in and my producer friend sat in front of his monitors; transfixed by the most inside out groove I'd ever heard in my life! I was infected instantly! I thought that it was one of his songs at first. I had to ask, is this you man? "No, Shuggie Otis". He slapped the CD into my hands and proceeded to give me a taste. One after another "Inspiration Information"..."Island Letter"..."Sparkle City"..."Aht Uh Mi Hed"..."Happy House"..."Rainy Day"..."XL- 30"... "Pling"...on and on and on...When he got to "Strawberry Letter", I freaked! I was listening to "the" cat who had actually created that abstract lyric to one of the most 'surrealacticoolisciousfunktified' old school love grooves that ever blessed the radios in the early 1970's. I took one look at the cover graphics and flipped because the graphics of this brother with this gigantic afro was so reminiscent of the very first Prince album titled, "For You". Talk about things that make you go,hmmmmm? So,I have Sly Stone-esque groove;Prince's album cover,The Brother's Johnson's sweet 70's love anthem revealed! I felt like Moses standing before that burning bush...I just got the word from the funk God and I'm coming down the mountain to tell everybody I can! Thank you Brother Shuggie and Luaka Bop Inc.

Shuggie may very well be the "missing link" between the Sly-Jimi-Stevie heyday of the late 60's and early 70's, and Prince and his progeny (D'Angelo, Maxwell, etc.). Without realizing it, I had already heard Shuggie through the Brothers Johnson ("Strawberry Letter 23") and Digable Planets' sampling of "Island Letter" on their 1994 hip-hop masterpiece, "Blowout Comb." Having now heard the real McCoy, I am truly impressed by this LP-compilation.

I was instantly hooked by the title track, "Inspiration Information," a breezy pop cut with some great harmonies and keyboards. I also enjoyed the mellow vibe of "Island Letter," the guitar-driven "Ice Cold Daydream" and funky "Sparkle City" and "Happy House." "SL 23" is good in its own right (although I prefer the Brothers Johnson version). The instrumentals remind me of some of the great tracks on "Shaft." The only drawbacks to this LP are that Shuggie's vocal range is limited, the sound quality is muffled (surprising for a re-release), and I'd prefer more tracks with vocals.

The album is a showcase for Shuggie's considerable ability to blending funk, rock, pop and r & b and create his own sound, before Prince arrived on the scene. Based on what I've heard. I think it's likely that newer artists like Maxwell and Jamiroquai have been influenced by Otis' work as well. This is one of the very best records I've bought all year, and you'll enjoy it as well.

It was 1990. I was an almost 20 year old driving back to college after a break. The radio was on, and I was flipping channels when I happened apon an r&b station that was playing this great song called "Strawberry Letter 23." I recognized the voices as those of the Brothers Johnson, one of my favorite funk bands. I loved the grooves and the harmonies on that song and it stuck in my mind well after it had ended that day. The dj at this station credited someone named Shuggie Otis as the writer of the song. hmmm..Shuggie Otis. Where had I heard that name? Later that week, my friend at school was playing the lp "Hot Rats" by Frank Zappa. I was thumbing through the liner notes and there was that name again: Shuggie Otis- bass on "Peaches en Regalia." I was hooked. I KNEW I had to find Shuggie's stuff..and so my odyssey began.

It is now 2001. I have owned several of Shuggie's lps (on vinyl)for years now: "Al Kooper Presents Shuggie Otis," "Freedom Flight," "Inspiration Information," and many of his father's (the great Johnnie Otis) recordings that Shuggie has performed on. Shuggie's evolution as an artist was shown on these early, formative recordings, and now, the public at large can hear it, as well!!

David Byrne's Luaka Bop label scored a wonderful coup by re-releasing "Inspiration Information" (complete with a few tracks from "Freedom Flight," including the major hit "Strawberry Letter 23"). Shuggie (a mere 21 years old when this lp was originally released in 1974) was in many ways akin to the giants of the day- he played most of the instruments on this lp, much like Stevie Wonder was doing; His songwriting skills are marvelous and remind me of Sly Stone, Wonder, and even some Marvin Gaye thrown in for good measure. The music was very much aligned with the California soul sound of the day- horns, strings,flutes, organs, and much percussion (tambourines, sleigh bells, chimes..and a nod to the future disco and electronic scenes by using drum machines) accentuate Shuggie's mix of ballads, boogies, soul, and out n out funk.

The lp also shows what respect Shuggie had, even at this young age. The session players, ranging from jazz giant and organist George Duke, drummer Anysley Dunbar (both of whom, as did Shuggie, spent time in Frank Zappa's bands) funk bassist Wilton Felder, and even his father, show that the kid had major credentials.

Overall, it's the songs that make this lp so special. Ranging from wonderful soul ballads like "Strawberry Letter 23" and "Pling!," jazzy riffs on "Not Available," experimentations on "Aut Uh Mi Had" and "XL-30" (which was a drum machine model of the day), to the out n out funk of "Ice Cold Daydream" and "Inspiration Information," Shuggie knew the styles and played them all more than competently... and he was in his early 20's!!!

This re-release is already, in my view, the most important one of 2001 to date, and likely so for the year. The music will hearken some to days gone by, and for others will show the link between Stevie Wonder and Prince. If its the first time or the 1000th time you have heard it, the music of Shuggie Otis WILL leave an indelible print in your mind. It's a special album filled with unfathomable potential and talent. It's a masterful re-release. Get it. Get it NOW.

I got this album because I read all about it being a forgotten classic. A lot of times it's good hype that gets you out to purchase something new and daring. I'm glad I did. This thing is really good. The thing is, after hearing it you want to go out and buy ten more CD's by this guy. Unfortunately, there aren't a whole lot of other titles available. I found that listening to this CD in headphones brought out the true genius of this music. There are so many layers of sound going on and the stereo separation is great. The arpregios at the end of "Strawberry Letter 22" are phat. The instrumentation on the whole CD is groovy. The drumming sounds a bit like Stevie Wonder's stuff from the early 70's. The guitars are tight and jazzy. Lots of smooth organ playing on a number of the songs. I also hear xylophone a bit on this CD. The xylophone gives it a light and breezy feel, making this CD a good listen during the lazy days of summer. The bass guitar is funky. If you like tight funky plucking on the bass guitar. There's also a bit of electric piano and acoustic guitars. Some songs have a bit of drum machine- early style drum machine. I found that most of the songs were pretty good. Some are too short. Some are just a little weak, but for the most part it's as good as any other great soul album from the same period. It's certainly BETTER than any soul album from the current times. There's hardly anything out there today that could match the slick sound of this baby. Few artists today put any time into their music. That's why sometimes their songs are o.k., but after playing them a few times you just lose interest. With Shuggie, you can play his songs MANY times and still hear something new every time. Definitely try listening to it in headphones. You can really hear where instruments drop out and new parts begin. There is a texture of sound going on and it's always evolving throughout each song. Very interesting.

This is a great compilation of songs. It is one of the few CDs that I permanently keep in my five disc CD changer. It is one of the few CDs that I can listen to 'ad nauseum' and not get tired of it.

I first heard about the reissue on NPR and I scribbled his name on a napkin that I found in the car. Coincidentally, my wife heard the same report while she was driving and also took the name down. We decided that it was fate and we bought the CD.

I don't have a favorite song on this recording. They are all brilliant. They are all magnificent. These songs may have been written and recorded in the 70s, but they have a "feel" to them that transcends the era. You can't do that with all music. You put on a KC and the Sunshine Band CD and you're in 1975-76. Put on a Police CD and you're in 1982. Put on Shuggie Otis and you're right where you need to be; fully and completely present in the new now moment.

I love this CD and I hope that you give it a chance.

Peace and Blessings.

Shuggie Otis(son of legendary balladeer Johnny) is quite simply a musical genius.Of the first order.A brillant,imagantive one-mand band who ranks up there with Stevie Wonder,Prince,and the late,great Curtis Mayfield.But sadly didn't.Unfourtnaly,Shuggie never achieved the great feats that those greats attained.
And even sadder,his visionary second album,"Insprition Infomation",was his swan song.

And that's sad because "Information Infomation" is a lost treasure.This album is just amazing-to put simply.
The joyous pyschedelic opener title track drags you in but it's the beautiful "Island Letter" that's truly sucks you in.With it's gorgeous string arrangment and it's overall subtley.(Digatble Planets sampled this song on their 1994 album "Blowout Comb")
"Sparke City"-one of my favorites-is even better.Beginning with a jazzy funk interlude then sliding into Shuggie's mellow,soulful vocals.This song could pass for something off Miles Davis' "Bitches Brew" if you ask me.
The reflective,hippy-cool drum-machine meditation "Aht Uh Mi Hed"
highlights Shuggie's warm,breezy vocals even more and the song has much emotion with it's simplictity.
The truncated hippy funk of "Happy House" ends off "Insprition Infomation" vocals side right.

After we emerge into four visionary instruments.
The beautifully arranged,moody "Rainy Day" and the pre-techno
expeirment "XL-30" wouldn't sound out of place on Radiohead's
"Kid A" album.The slow,ambient-like pace of "Pling!" is so lush and at ease.The strings-blessed funk of "Not Availble" is the closing evidence to the fact that not only is Shuggie brillant but that even when his music has no words,it's saying a lot.

Since this issue is a re-issue(by David Bryne on his Luaka Bop label),the last four tracks are selections from Shuggie's equally brillant and forgotten gem,"Freedom Flight"(1971).
The original "Strawberry Letter 23" is the first track.
Of course,made had a huge hit in 1980 by the Brothers Johnson
but Shuggie's version is very trippy.Very pyschedelic.Ending with a trance-like melding of vocals,guitars,and bells.The slomdering
"Sweet Thang" features a great solo by guitar solo by Shuggie(Johnny Otis gets a co-writing credit for this song).The pyshchedelic excercise "Ice Cold Daydream" and the beautiful,awe-inducing 13-minute intrumental "Freedom Flight" closes this re-issue on a very high note.

The final word is Mr. Shuggie Otis is a visionary.A brillant soundsmith.This man is a legend in my book.This album easily became one of my favorite albums of all-time after just one listen! This album was released in 1974 and sounds more innovative and contempary then most of the music released today! Sly,Prince,Stevie,Marvin,Curtis,Donny...there's another name that's not on that list and it's Shuggie.Want proof?
All you have to do is listen to this album.

Life is so hilarious. "Inspiration Information" is an album I've been turning folks on to with near-evangelical fervor for the better part of the last decade. It's a record that evokes feelings, memories, emotions that are hard to describe with mere words...just so beautiful and so daring. I always was baffled that so few of us seemed to know about it. I remember once meeting some anonymous bean-counter from Epic/Sony and having him assure me that there was just no way in hell this album could ever come out on CD, since it sold so poorly originally and nobody knows who this guy is anyway. At the time, they were selling so much Mariah Carey and Celine Dion middle-of-the-road pap that a 20-year-old Shuggie Otis album didn't strike their highly-trained, professional and very small minds as any kind of a sensible proposition. Mind you, marketing plays a big role here, because if this masterpiece HAD been reissued by its original label, it would have come out, a tiny handful of enlightened souls would have purchased it to give the precious original vinyl a break (and for gift-giving), and that would have been it. Plenty of similar albums to Shuggie's have been reissued only to meet that very fate. So kudos to Luaka Bop (again!), not just for having the vision to release this, but also for the promotional muscle that is the very reason you're reading these reviews right now, most of which are written by people who've only had their lives changed by this peerless piece of work in the last month or two since the CD came out.

LONG LIVE SHUGGIE!

And also check out the recent reissue of the equally influential "Headless Heroes Of The Apocalypse" by Eugene McDaniels. It also deserves a new audience.

Inspiration Information is a watershed album! Not only does this album defy classification, it is arguably one of the most deviceful musical efforts in modern auditory history. It is, without doubt, one of the most creative pieces of art that I own. Otis created an alcove all his own; definitely a byproduct of free reign in the studio, as the music is all over the place, yet right where it needs to be at exactly the right moment. Inspiration Information is a hallmark example of the types of auditory beauty that emerge from creative carte blanche.

I don't care where you're musical allegiances rest, if you have a penchant for musical creativity devoid of a provincial ear...get this album. I guarantee you will not be disappointed. This is American, world, and human artistry at its best. A definite must have for the discerning listerner.