Album Club: 01.11.2011: Curtis Mayfield - Superfly 1972 (Vinyl, CD)

[SCIDB]

Curtis Mayfield - Superfly 1972 (Vinyl, cd)




Wikipedia link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Fly_(soundtrack)

Spotify link:http://open.spotify.com/album/7E9l34w4W4R280AOaBwdqf

I'll start with a classic album. My choice is the 1972 offering from the late Curis Mayfield. This album was the soundtrack for a popular "Blakplotation" film, Superfly. The album set to capture a focus on poverty and drug abuse. He sets a story of "telling it like it is" around the characters in the film, telling a vibrant story without moralising.


This was one of the early Soul concept album, like Marvin Gaye's What's going on". It blends fine soul & funk with lyrical finesse.The album was a big seller in the USA, sporting the million selling singles, Freddie's dead & Superfly.

Curtis was a member of the big selling Soul group, The Impressions. The combined sweet harmonies with social aware lyrics. In 1970, Curtis went solo producing a range of fine albums blending soul & funk with political awareness, social comment on the situtation of the day. Superfly is one of his best albums and is still relevant today.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_...superfly&ajr=1

[Alex_UK]

Great choice Dean, thank you. I've got it on CD, but might just have to seek out a vinyl copy.

[John]

I never listened to the album fully before but know a few of the tracks. I found the album easy to get into my only negatitive comment would be radio slots I could do without them.
I like Alex might purchase this on vinyl. I give it a few more plays before I decide
At the moment I give this a 4

[Thing Fish]

'Junkie chase' took me right back to the early cop shows of the 70s.

Great album and right in my teenage years bracket. Ultra mellow and relaxing especially with a bit of the old herb...

I just love 70s music...

A good 4/5 stars

[SCIDB]

I never listened to the album fully before but know a few of the tracks. I found the album easy to get into my only negatitive comment would be radio slots I could do without them.
I like Alex might purchase this on vinyl. I give it a few more plays before I decide
At the moment I give this a 4

Hi John,

The original version on vinyl has not got the the radio interviews on it. The album has been re-released a few times with extras added.

The 25th anniversary version has the most extras on it.

You should be able to get a vinyl version if you hunt around.

[Bazil]

Me no disco,funk,jive,soul - me hippy, prog, rock, indie.
But hang on Sloopy , the early 70's was my "time" and I may not have listened to disco, funk,jive, soul but my conscious must have because I have dropped right into this Superfly groove


4out of 5

[John]

Hi John,

The original version on vinyl has not got the the radio interviews on it. The album has been re-released a few times with extras added.

The 25th anniversary version has the most extras on it.

You should be able to get a vinyl version if you hunt around.

Cheers Dean

[Welder]

While this is a good album I can’t help feeling it sells Curtis Mayfield a bit short.
You’ve got to love the Tabla and Bongo work on the album and the percussion in general.
Cool 70’s grooves that wont leave you with a headache but I wish I didn’t think of the film when I hear the music coz it was awful imo.
So Curtis, yep great, the album, because it’s a movie soundtrack, well, I’m not so sure.
3 out of 5 from me but not because of the musical talent but because it’s a soundtrack to a film.

[The Grand Wazoo]

Yet another interesting choice for Album Club.
I saw the film longer ago than I care to remember, but never really took much notice of the soundtrack to be honest. I've spun this twice so far this week & intend to spend a bit more time with it yet.
Pretty good so far.
Two things that I note:
1.The lyrics are pretty serious stuff.
2. For some reason I keep expecting to hear a soaring guitar solo from Ernie Isley, but never get one! Why the hell would I? He never went near the recording of this album!

[Alex_UK]

The lyrics are pretty serious stuff.

That's the only "problem" I have with Curtis Mayfield - the lyrics - not that they aren't good, but he does cover some serious ground, and not just with this soundtrack. Have to say he's unique, though - as soon as he opens his mouth on any record you instantly know it is Curtis.