Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Old School my butt, we had the best sounds around., July 1, 2003
This CD is the bomb, I takes me back to a time when partying didn't mean having to be strip searched to enter the party. If you've never heard of The New Birth before, this is a very good place to start. Songs like "Got To Get A Knutt", "K-jee" bring back such fun, happenin' times in my life. And lets not forget the orgasmic "It's Been Such A Long Time" among other songs on this CD. I didn't forget to mention "Dream Merchant","Wildflower or the other excellent tunes on this CD, if you want to know more about this CD, BUY YOUR OWN.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Soul succulence!, September 1, 2001
I can't front - I absoloutely adore New Birth. In my eyes (and heart, and pelvis, and feet...) I just feel New Birth were an outstanding band of versatility, musicianship and showmanship, and on this project, 'The Very Best of the New Birth Inc. - Where Soul Meets Funk' those skills are displayed to perfection. The song choices mainly focus on the groups more soul-inflected tunes, with a few turn-offs into their forays of funks ( for those choice cuts, I recommend this volume's companion 'The New Birth Inc. - Greatest Funk Classics'). Things get started with 'Comin' From All Ends', a solid track with a crisp beat and the vocals of Leslie Wilson at the fore. But it is not until the second track ('K-Jee') that we start getting into the stuff that made this crew of musicians such a force in the 1970's live soul circuit. One of my favourite instrumentals of all time, the genius of Charles Hearndon's playing is in full-effect, accompanied with solid drum and bass work, keeping the skeleton of the track intact so the the call-and-response vibe of the horns playing off the guitar reaches a climax with the scorching sax solo at the end courtesy of founding member Tony Churchill. There are so many moods in the journey of this album. Up next is the pop standard 'It's Impossible', with the girlish vocals of Londee Wiggins paired next to the artistry of Bobby Downs (a very competant and highly slept on vocalist). Peop the ambience created due to well-felt addlibbing of the background voices. 'How Good It Feels' finds Londee becoming more assured in her delivery. The pacing is spectacular, and the shouts care of Tanita Gaines mid-way creates a great round-up, with sound effects and all (check it - you won't be disappointed!). Ann Bogan takes over the reigns for the gospel fare of the Gladys Knight hit, 'I don't want to do wrong'. All I can say is - WOW. The same feel follows into 'You are what I'm all about', with a good backbeat and some luscious female voices creating an intimate choir feel extolling the virtues of true love (secular or non, you pick). We get back into the love-making groove with 'Keep On Doin' It', with the chorus giving us a quick respite into the groove zone. But than that becomes the dominant vibe for the blues of 'Afro-Strut' and the highly humurous mess of 'Got To Get A Knutt'. New Birth definately had aspirations to extend themselves into psychedelica, with the latter track displaying that to awesome effect. For evidence (ironically), you will have to listen closely to the end arrangements of some of their biggest pop moments :) The album returns to the soul dimension for the closers of 'It's Been A Long Time', 'Wild Flower', and the beautiful urban- themed ballad 'Do It Again', which I wish was not edited but alas, what can one do but write a review at Amazon musing on it? Last words? An excellent addition to any soul archive or to a beginner's collection respectively. (Props to A. Scott Galloway for well-written and informed linear notes. More pics!).
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10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The CD is awesome!, January 13, 1999
By A Customer
The New Birth, Inc. was one of those bands that just came out at the wrong time. During the 70's there were just too many great groups out there, and New Birth just didn't get their recognition. But any fan of old school R&B, and great harmony, should fall in love with this album. Songs like "Its Impossible"; "How long has it been?"; "Wildflower"; and "I can understand it" really demonstrate the vocal talent and musical ability of this great band.
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