I am my Brother's Keeper - Ruffin Brothers

[snakepit]

Just received my copy of this CD.
I had the vinyl LP but must admit I never played it much, mainly because of the number of cover versions.Could never stand "He ain't heavy he's my Brother" by the Hollies, so this album's intro track had a negative effect possibly.
I'm not a great lover of Motown doing covers, and they seemed to concentrate on them around this period. [[More fuel on the fire regarding CFOM comments- see other thread).
However, I loved the in-house tunes on here, and quite like the unissued bonus track.What a shame that the LP wasn't all Jobete stuff .
Just my opinion ......any thoughts?

[gordy_hunk]

I never saw this album for sale when it was originally issued. It's one that I've rarely seen for sale even in more recent times.

I bought this album, expecting it to be mediocre at best.

Like Snakepit, I'm not keen on cover versions - and the opening track isn't the finest, but the Ruffin brothers do make a decent job of it. I must admit I really like 'Stand by me' and my favourite 'when my love hand comes down'. So, by the time it was moving towards the end of the CD, I was very pleased with this purchase.

It's also good to see that at a time when Motown generally were issuing relatively short albums, this one did have 12 tracks on it [[this CD of course has the two unissued, making a total of 14).

I was also delighted when I opened the package up, and saw that Hip O had used the 'Soul' label for the disc. I know you can't see the disc when it's playing, but these simple things just make me happy!

[[I still yearn for the days when it was STML ... and not the current system of numbering for albums).

[theboyfromxtown]

And the alternative cover?

You meanies?

LOL

[snakepit]

Played it several times tonight. I do love the Jobete tracks especially "Your love was worth waiting for" [[Which I see is being released on the Blinky CD). Many years ago I did a Motown 45 review column for a NS mag, and highlighted this tune.I was buying Motown imports at 10 for £1 believe it or not.
Also, "When my love hand", "Steppin on a dream"....all the Motown tracks work. Those covers....I'd rather skip them to be honest.
Good mastering, and the usual quality liner notes, annotations .
I recommend anybody thinking about buying this to do so.

[snakepit]

Crosstown...

I saw the posts in another place.....you were lucky to get that.....thanks for including in CD.
I never saw the 2 men holding each other angle....could be a good game that, interpreting other LP covers for hidden meanings.

[pj1]

[QUOTE=theboyfromxtown;4194]And the alternative cover?

John,
I remember seeing that cover displayed on the easel in 1989 at the Embassy Productions event . I could only stay for the first day, but I was able to get several autographs of Motown stars. Please refresh my memory, if you are able. What other original artwork or memorabilia were available for auction at that event?

[captainjames]

Haven't recieved my copy yet but, I do remember loving this LP. I purchased it for the alternate tracks.

[theboyfromxtown]

Mike...I think it was September 1990....and if you were there on the first day, I am sure we met that day. Did you join us when we were hobnobing with Mrs Edwards?

I have some photos of what was up for auction......loads of music sheets...a few album cover mock ups...and a few alternative covers...Saundra Mallet and if you remember, that first copy gor stolen!

The Museum was selling orginal promotional shots and Tammi's Oh What A Good Man He Is..

[pj1]

John,
Sorry, my timeframe was off by a year. I have the original flyer promoting it, but didn't take the time to pull it out.
No, I didn't join you when you were hobnobbing with Mrs. Edwards and I'm not even sure we officially met.
I do remembering asking about the large posters on the wall [[I believe they were near the entry from the elevator) and being told that we could put our name on one and claim it at the end of the weekend. [[However duty would not allow me to stay both days even though I had hoped to- as a result someone somewhere has a poster with my name on it). Yes, I remember looking through the display on the museum's table [[they also had a copy of the blue label 45 with the Supremes' interview by George Alexander[?] and a wlp copy of Barbara McNair's 'The Touch of Time' if I remember correctly). Perhaps we sat nearby watching the tv playing TCB and the Showtime Four Tops, Marvin Gaye & Michael Jackson VHS's. But at least we've met on the boards since then.

[theboyfromxtown]

PJ

So you missed out on Martha and Mary Wilson on the second day.

The next day we had the Apollo concert and at one point the video was left for anyone to "borrow". How I managed to hold back, I dont know....

There was a lovely story form Mrs Edwards about the Apollo concert though. Apparently the guy was paid somethign like 300 dollars to record it and when it was done, Berry said you keep it and if I ever want it, I'll let you know. About 30 yeasrs later, he contacted Mrs Edwards an told that he still had the film and did she want a copy. The film was never sold even though it was priceless.

[pj1]

John,
Mary Wilson was definitely there the first day; she may have been there both days. I remember a couple [[perhaps Tom & Barb Ingrassia) escorting her in and standing alongside her as she greeted fans & signed autographs. I still have the Motown Museum letterhead with her well-wishes.
Sorry that I missed Martha.

[Kamasu_Jr]

[QUOTE=pj1;4200]

And the alternative cover?

John,
I remember seeing that cover displayed on the easel in 1989 at the Embassy Productions event . I could only stay for the first day, but I was able to get several autographs of Motown stars. Please refresh my memory, if you are able. What other original artwork or memorabilia were available for auction at that event?

I still don't see why anyone would have misinterpreted the origignal album cover. immy & David were brothers.
I thought the album was a mixed bag too - not as exciting as it could have been if the brothers had been able to work with Motown's best producers and writers. It sounds dated - thinking back on soul music being produced at other companies. Motown Fan said it sounded dated in 1970..like it had been recorded in 1967 rather than 1870.

[topdiva1]

Where can one find the Ruffin Brothers album - thanks

[captainjames]

AMAZON is selling the Ruffin Brothers CD.

[thommg]

If you are in NYC it is being sold at J&R Music across from City Hall. They sell a lot of the Hip-o-Select titles there. They are in the first floor Oldies section in the back to the right.

[topdiva1]

If you are in NYC it is being sold at J&R Music across from City Hall. They sell a lot of the Hip-o-Select titles there. They are in the first floor Oldies section in the back to the right.

Thank you so very much for that info - this is a must have.

[nabob]

And the alternative cover?

You meanies?

LOL

The alternate cover bears a resemblance in style to the Vandellas Natural Resources and Return of the Marvelettes. I think the cover was just a bit ahead of it's time. It's amazing how the graphic styles were transferred from the alternate cover to the released cover. How'd they do that way back in the days before digital media? [That's like engineering students today who never sat at a drafting table and do it all from the desktop]. I would love to learn about the graphic practices used in developing album covers back then.

Did any one notice that the alternate cover identified the album as Motown 713? This was actually assigned to the Jackson5 Christmas album. In many instances, a canceled release kept its assigned number. Anyone have any insight into how this album skated around that trend?

Don't slay me for being more than a day late and many dollars short in reviving this thread. Since Hip-O is no longer on the vendor list, I sit and I wait while trying not to forget to buy when the product becomes available in the general market. The wait made the experience that much more enjoyable.