It's nice to know that McCoys sound caught the ear of James Brown , even to the point of his dabbling in it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Philles/Motown Gary
Hey Gary , since we've cross pollinated our subject matter on these threads, how about a little bit of Van doing DOCTOR'S ORDERS:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9MdypYOVGE
John, I must say "dabbling" is an awfully nice way to describe stealing and taking credit for it! But, if Van didn't care, then neither shall I. No matter how you cut it, James' rendition was indeed a tribute to Van -- and a high quality one, at that.Quote:
Originally Posted by Boogiedown
"Cross-pollinated our subject matter"!!! HaHa! I guess we did, didn't we! We've come back full-circle now to Meco and Carol Douglas' "Doctor's Orders" -- this time given a top-notch Van McCoy treatment! You have no idea how much I love this version, and a lot of that is because of the back-up vocals. I haven't deciphered for sure yet whether it's Faith, Hope & Charity and/or Van himself. You know, John, Van was so talented, he could disguise his voice as a female. When he multi-tracked it, he became his own back-up girl-group. It's never been written, but I've discovered it on my own throughout his various productions over the years. And he's damned good at it, too!
Van did ? Didn't know that . Can you provide an example of his vocal transgendering??Quote:
Originally Posted by Philles/Motown Gary
Come to think of it , I've always gotten a kick out of what might've been his campiest tune ever:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0r9fwSYPwSw
Don't know who the singer is here , do you Gary? Surely not Van himself??
Boy he was in rare form that day ,wasn't he ??
There is an informative website about Van with complete discography:
http://vanmccoymusic.com/van/home.htm
http://vanmccoymusic.com/van/discography.htm
Hey Jack! Thanks! Yeah, I've got this website saved on my desktop PC in my list of "Favorites", although it's been a while since I've studied it. This exhaustive list helped me to build my extensive Van McCoy collection filled with rarities which I would have never been aware of without it. I would write down the artists and song titles, search for them on YouTube, and, if I liked them, I'd either search for the 45 or LP on eBay or download them from Amazon and burn them to CD. It's surprising how successful I was. Unfortunately, I'm far from rich, and was forced to draw the line, but I could have kept going indefinitely. There's a wealth of music out there if you know what you're looking for AND if you know where to find it. This list was like a gift from Heaven! It's amazing that this gigantic body of works came from the heart and soul of just one man -- one very talented Van McCoy.Quote:
Originally Posted by jack020
It's incredible how much music Van was responsible for considering he passed so young. I
been digging into his early work with girls, both groups and out front singers. So many great voices and records that never recieved the acclaim they deserved. Became a Kenni
Woods fan today...Phillies, you have a staggering knowledge of a lot of this material but
you mistook Ray Goodman and Brown's origins; they were The Moments....
Hi Splanky, since I was a kid, music has been my life. I'm single and I don't have kids, so I've pretty much had the financial freedom to dive into my music head-first -- a freedom that many fans don't have. I discovered Van McCoy in 1975 with "The Hustle", and soon learned of his production work with other artists of the day [[FH&C, Melba Moore, Choice Four, Anacostia, Peaches & Herb, Brenda The Tabulations, etc., and even Motown artists David Ruffin and Thelma Houston. Van's production style was immediately recognizable, and I was in love with it. So, just as I did back during Motown's heyday, I started researching Van's earlier work, just as you're doing, and "I nearly fell off my chair" to discover the staggering number of his works! As you said, it's incredible. And so much of it is exceptionally-high quality, too. For the amount of work Van composed, you'd swear he must have been writing tunes in his sleep!Quote:
Originally Posted by splanky
You're researching Kenni Woods [[aka Kendra Spotswood)? Cool! In your travels, you've surely discovered my favorite Kenny Woods track: "Back With My Baby"
https://youtu.be/Whi6FdvRJQo
Thanks for the Ray, Goodman & Brown correction. Got my wires crossed. The Presidents became Anacostia [[period). I apologize for that error.
Okay, Boogie, now this is mere speculation on my part, and I may be wrong, but I've been loving Van McCoy's style and his voice for a good 44 years to the point it's become a permanent part of me, like the back of my hand. When I hear a singer and my instincts tell me, "That's a young Van McCoy", I trust those instincts and I listen. I'm believing that on Van's "Doctor's Orders", that's Van himself on both lead vocals and back-up vocals. Here are some more examples:Quote:
Originally Posted by Boogiedown
1) THE FANTASTIC VANTASTICS
"Gee What A Boy"
https://youtu.be/efQtYlpXi3M
2) VAN McCOY
"I'm In Love With You Baby" [[NOTE: Even in the lead vocal, Van is singing in a falsetto voice which, to my ears, sounds like the same voice used in the back-up vocals on his other early solo efforts before Faith, Hope & Charity started backing him up.)
https://youtu.be/Gw0_gu_KGZM
3) VAN McCOY
"Don't Rock The Boat"
https://youtu.be/2VhLCPPfasg
4) VAN McCOY
"Let Me Down Easy"
https://youtu.be/HiLDcaZmryY
5) VAN McCOY
"I Would Love To Love You"
https://youtu.be/a0uLnxq38fE
Examples 2-5 above are from Van's "Soul Improvisations" album as well as from his "From Disco To Love" album [[which was a truncated reissue of "Soul Improvisations" minus a couple of tracks).. Decide as you will, John. They sound like Van's back-up vocals to me. What's more, unchacteristically for a Van McCoy album, there are NO back-up vocal credits on either of the 2 albums. [[Normally, they would credit Brenda Hilliard, Albert Bailey, Diane Destry, and Zulema). I think it's Van.
You're a hoot, John! Van's "Soul Cha-Cha" is indeed camp at its finest! I'm not sure, but I'm thinking that might be Zulema campin' it up. When Van's "Rhythm Of The Worlds" LP was released back in 1976, Van McCoy and an unrecognized female were on the Mike Douglas Show, demonstrating to Mike and the audience how to do The Hustle and other various dances from around the world. As luck would have it, I tuned-in in the middle of Van's performance, but I did a double-take the very second I recognized his music and his face. Unfortunately, I couldn't identify the female who was teaching the steps. It didn't look like Brenda Hilliard nor Diane Destry from Faith, Hope & Charity, which made me immediately wonder if it was Zulema. Again, it's all just a guess.
Yeah, Van sure was in rare form in the studio that day! But I can almost guarantee you the campy voice in "Soul Cha-Cha" isn't Van's. Ha!
Ha Ha The Fantastic VANtastics! Good song !Were you wondering if I'd notice a certain Spector sound to it?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efQtYlpXi3M&feature=youtu.be
I'm noticing it was produced by Abner Spector? Anything to it?
I've always liked LET ME DOWN EASY. I'll admit I'm not as in tune to who is singing back up on these as you are Gary, but i wouldn't be surprised if Van is using his own voice.
OK Gary, perhaps even more mysterious than Charles Kipps , is another reoccurring name found in McCoy's credits , Joe Cobbs.
Got anything on him ??
She recorded some great stuff at Atco in the late 60's/early 70's, and some of her 90's output is really good where she she recorded a decent version of "back for more" with Bobby Womack. There are a few good compilations knocking about which for the most part avoid the dross with which she is best known for. I shall dig a little deeper for you when i get more time.Quote:
Originally Posted by Philles/Motown Gary
Hey Boogie! Actually, I meant to mention the Spector-esque quality of The Fantastic Vantastics, but forgot. Later, when I realized my omission, I decided, "No problem. Boogie'll catch it." And I was right! You didn't disappoint! [[But The "Fantastic Vantastics"! Is that campy or what! Ha!)Quote:
Originally Posted by Boogiedown
Ya know, John, I hadn't even noticed the "Abner Spector" producer credits. The print is so damned tiny, I just assumed it was produced by Van since he wrote it and sang on it. But you're right. Whoever Abner Spector is, is beyond me, but I'm pretty sure it's Van doing a clever play-on-words to accompany his obvious tribute to Phil's Wall Of Sound which, I've gotta say, Van reproduced beautifully!
I, too, have always loved "Let Me Down Easy". Once again, our musical tastes match to a tee!
Boy, mysterious is right, Buddy! Joe Cobb co-wrote tracks with Van on several early 1970's Brenda & The Tabulations tracks on the Top And Bottom label, co-produced by Van and Gilda Woods whom I know nothing about. I Googled Joe on Wiki just now and found nothing more than what I just reported here. I'm thinking he worked with Van in Van's other early-'70s productions like the group Censation and maybe even Brenda & The Tabulations' 1973 Epic label productions [[of which I posted sample listening threads for you in a few posts back). I'll look it up later. I'm so tired now, my eyes are burning and I'm running on fumes! If I should forget to do it tomorrow, John just remind me.
Thanks, Bluebrock. I appreciate it, and I'll be looking forward to hearing what you come up with!Quote:
Originally Posted by Bluebrock
I may have suggested this before, but someone should entreat the Soul Music Records crew to put together a compilation of Lulu's Dome Records output. There have been several compilations already but there are some rarities that would make a new compilation worthwhile [[e.g. the Platinum mix of "This Time Baby"). There are also a number of [[as yet) vinyl only dub mixes, which would entice DJs if they were included on a new CD set. I believe there are also some demos done with Tony Swain that might be worthy of release.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bluebrock
Someone uploaded the mix below in terrible quality [[it must be a 32kbps mp3) but I nevertheless prefer it to the main mix, especially for Eugene Wilde's vocals at around 1:40, which are different to what was used for the single/album version. I'd love to see this mix finally released in CD quality.
Administrator's Groove Mix [Perhaps the remixers, Dwayne Burke and William flowers, still have a master copy]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZdipsXKwXI
Nick Martinelli Main Mix
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJhBBa17CmM
I think Drizabone improved on the album version with this solid remix.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lF9QHaKnhok
Album version
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ybRbEZuQGw
Back on topic: Here's a favourite that was left to languish on an album when it was better than some of Maxine Brown's single releases.
"Wonder What My Baby's Doing Tonight"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6esFHqAyNI0
Wow, smallworld! What a great cover version! It will never replace the Champaign original, nor was it meant to. Nice job by Lulu! I love it!!! Is this Nick Martinelli mix available on CD? I checked out Amazon and eBay and found absolutely nothing.Quote:
Originally Posted by smallworld
Well, Splanky, since you're researching Van's girl groups and female leads, let me help steer you in the right direction with some of my favorites.Quote:
Originally Posted by splanky
The following tracks are by THE SWEET THINGS [[Date Records) with lead vocals by Francine Barker who, in 1967, became the first Peaches of Peaches & Herb [[also Date Records), and then went solo in 1968 [[Columbia) -- all produced by Van McCoy.
THE SWEET THINGS:
1) "You're My Lovin' Baby" [[1966)
https://youtu.be/jyhRdzkyQlg
45 Picture Sleeve [[Francine in the Center)
http://www.45cat.com/record/21504
2) "I'm In A World Of Trouble" [[1966)
https://youtu.be/5dPX40T_pWc
3) "Baby's Blue" [[1966)
https://youtu.be/dTcCiwfQ5U0
4) "Don't Come Looking For Me" [[1966)
https://youtu.be/xX_s28l-Txw
5) "Love You Eternally" [[Lead Vocal???)
https://youtu.be/vlAiKGDtN3E
PEACHES & HERB [[1967)
"Let's Fall In Love"
https://youtu.be/lIW7e5H6kIo
"Embraceable You" [[1967) [[Peaches Solo)
https://youtu.be/3j15CpnHrYE
FRANCINE BARKER:
"Don't You Know Love When You See It" [[1968)
https://youtu.be/FnQe1oFpXN8
"MR. DJ" [[1968)
https://youtu.be/vibNPQkUTJs
VAN McCOY:
"Mr. DJ" [[Demo)
https://youtu.be/rBIkzTbTkUA
There you are, Splanky. That should help to get you started!
Nick Martinelli produced the original track for Lulu. It can be found on the Independence album and most compilations that feature Lulu's version of the song. It runs 4:52. [[It was edited to a little over 4 minutes for single release, but the mix is the same.)Quote:
Originally Posted by Philles/Motown Gary
https://www.amazon.com/How-Bout-Us/dp/B00ND5VZBC/
If you like that softer side of Lulu, you might enjoy "Hurt Me So Bad". I think the Damien Mendis Radio Edit is the keeper. Unfortunately, I don't think it's available on digital platforms.
Damien Mendis Radio Edit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqqJLkE6tnE
The more popular mix was done by the Almighty remix crew:
Almighty Radio Edit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i486X6Ilg74
I believe the following mix was also well received in the clubs:
Club 69 Tribal Mix
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hr8W_oH-OzU
Lulu's most successful song from the late 1990s is "Where the Poor Boys Dance". It was also given the remix treatment by Almighty but in a more pop-rock/Adult Contemporary vein.
Almighty Mix
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jq59mQ6YrMw
Hey, thank you so much, small world! I ordered Lulu's "Independence" CD with the Nick Martinelli mix of "How About Us". Got it from Amazon for $15. I wish I had seen your link for only $5. No sweat, though. My copy will be here Tuesday! Can't wait!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by smallworld
Some good tunes on that album. Enjoy.Quote:
Originally Posted by Philles/Motown Gary
Great idea! I do already have a couple of compilations, but none are definitive by any means.Quote:
Originally Posted by smallworld
Thanks, Bluebrock! I'm sure I will!Quote:
Originally Posted by Bluebrock
Thanks for that...I never knew anything about the original "Peaches", Francine...
You're welcome, splank. I've always loved Francine's voice. Unfortunately, other than her first two albums with Peaches & Herb, she never won the acclaim that they were grooming her for. The Sweet Things never made it big, and Francine's solo career never got off the ground. While preparing those Sweet Things links for you yesterday, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Francine had one more Columbia single which I never knew about. It wasn't a Van McCoy record, but it was a really nice effort. And it MAY have been the original version of what later became a hit for Dennis Yost & The Classics 4:Quote:
Originally Posted by splanky
FRANCINE BARKER:
"Traces"
https://youtu.be/yNPPcaAoeEg
b/w
"Angel's In The Sky"
https://youtu.be/FDMLyOKYTF8
Pity. A really pretty record, both sides tanked, as did her others. If I had heard "Angels In The Sky" on the radio, I would have run right out and bought it!
Thinking back on some of the exciting Van McCoy conversations we've shared recently, I was reminded of a newly-acquired Van McCoy production which showed up unexpectedly, of all places, on the 6-disc CD box set, "Stax Singles [[Vol. 4): Rarities & The Best Of The Rest." The track, "Let Love Fill Your Heart" by the female artist Ilana, was produced by Van McCoy and Joe Cobb, released on Volt 4064B in August 1971.
As always, Van's production is top-notch, and the song is just as pretty as can be, leaving the listener to wonder why this record was relegated to B-side status.
ILANA - "Let Love Fill Your Heart"
https://youtu.be/xGFj5NHmZ7U
wow Gary . Never in a hundred years would I have pegged this a Stax release!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGFj5NHmZ7U&feature=youtu.be
I know, John! Crazy, ain't it! But what a beautiful recording! As always, no matter where or on what label, Van was at his best!Quote:
Originally Posted by Boogiedown
OK. How about Van doing some Motown:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5XFV5TMOTA
sultry clarinet [[?) with harmonica .
Ya know, Boogie, the neat thing about Van McCoy's music is that, not only are his own compositions sweet and soulful, his cover versions are just as impressive as the original versions. This is a classic example:
VAN McCOY - "Fire"
https://youtu.be/XHAs17CztY8
My favorite of Van's remakes is "Doctor's Orders" which you already diligently posted a few pages back. 😎 Mighty good stuff!
Gary ... let's not forget this Van McCoy Motown cover:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAv8vPS89ho:cool:
boogie down, baby!!
You're so right, John! Van did right by that one! [[Hey, "Boogie Down" should be your theme song, "BOOGIE"!) Ha!!! And, speaking of Motown, we can't forget Van's version of "Touch Me In The Morning".Quote:
Originally Posted by Boogiedown
https://youtu.be/mJEstaLoGyM