Today’s vinyl find is The Dramatics’ 1979 LP “Anytime, Anyplace.” As far as I know, this record has not been released since it’s original vinyl release, save for perhaps a few repressings into the ’80s.
It was common practice in the late ’70s to retool some of the soul greats for the disco era, and this record is a prime example. Sure, it’s nowhere near the same league as The Dramatics’ work for Stax, but there are a few decent tracks here nonetheless. Definitely a few nice samples to be harvested, and that’s really part of what this little vinyl excavation project is all about: finding ultimately forgettable records from decades ago, and digging out a few gems. Even though it’s kind of sad that what these guys put at least a few months of work into only produces a few seconds of truly enjoyable music 30 years later, it shows that there was still something there in what was probably a contractual obligation. As long as it provided a paycheck for them, I’m happy. I sure love tracks like What’cha See Is What’cha Get, and I would feel good if putting out what amount to ultimately sub-par records put food on the table, ya know? You’ll notice that Love Birds starts out an awful lot like In The Rain.
Anyway, here are a few of the better tracks to check out.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
I Think About You
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Stranger (In My Life)
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Love Birds
Tracklisting:
- I Just Wanna Dance With You
- Bottom Line Woman
- That’s My Favorite Song
- I Think About You
- Get With the Band and Dance
- Life Is Just a Playground
- I’m Hooked on You
- Stranger (In My Life)
- Love Birds
- Marriage on Paper Only