MOTOWN's Rare Earth-Label LP Titles Available On CD

[Philles/Motown Gary]

I just couldn't let it sit there, hanging over my head, in the hope that someone would get it for me. So, I ordered Plight Of The Red Man. Oh, well, happy holidays to me!

Hey, Thom -- congratulations! I was hoping you'd say that! You won't be sorry! I can hardly wait to hear how you like it! I was just telling one of the other posters that I played it over and over 5 times last night. After having played it for the very first time a few nights ago, I was able to relax this time around and enjoy it more thoroughly. I also noticed some things about the music that I hadn't noticed before or which hadn't sunk in yet. The lead singer's voice is extremely pop-friendly and instantly likeable. The string arrangements throughout are powerful and absolutely gorgeous -- always coming in at just the right places. The female back-up vocals are superb. Their blend doesn't sound like The Andantes, but, whoever they are, they're excellent and perfectly suited for this music. All in all, "Plight Of The Redman" is perfect from start to finish. The songs range from beautiful ballads to mid-tempo pop tunes to all-out rockers -- each one highly melodic and singable. If I had to pick a favorite, it would be the very last track titled "End?" which is a reworking of the very first track titled "Beginning". Whereas "Beginning" is an excellent ballad, "End?" is an outstanding and intense masterpiece. It's the most beautiful and the most gripping track on there. At one point, I played "End?" over and over at least 10 times in a row. It's that beautiful and that powerful. The combination of the spoken message and the heavenly music and vocals simultaneously gave me goosebumps AND put a lump in my throat. That's all I'm gonna say. [[Ralph knows what I'm talking about!) One last thing that finally registered is that the album/CD covers for "Plight Of The Red Man" and "Silent Warrior" are not accurately shown on Amazon. For whatever reason, Amazon is showing the back cover of each booklet. So, when your CD arrives, don't be shocked that it doesn't look like what you expected. All in all, Thom, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. I'll expect a complete review! HaHa! - Gary
.