Hidden Treasure
Carltouis Stevenson | Angeles Mesa, Los Angeles | 09/22/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Over a span of 1972 - 1976 comprised over these years from Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes a Collectors' Item of a group with a soulful sound of deeply rooted R&B. Though I am a bit confused of the group's name, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, it should have been Teddy Pendergrass & the Blue Notes or simply Blue Notes. "The Love I Lost" is simply an upbeat tune of a love going in opposite directions. Titles such as "Bad Luck", "Be For Real" and "Where Are All My Friends" are songs with a message as the foundation, yet played a minimum role as the vocals were more relevant. They show their faults as some relationships may suffer instead of healing some surprising issues on "If You Don't Know Me By Now". Sharon Paige featured on "Hope That We Can Be Together Soon" aids with a more subtle tone to give this song the needed climax. The conclusion of this eight title LP, "I Miss You" was well worth the wait as Teddy vamps under the talk session of another member."
Watch out for Teddy's vocal vamps...
yygsgsdrassil | Crossroads America | 01/24/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"...when the TSOP/MFSB orchestrators break down the tunes and goes into extended grooving. Particularly on Bad Luck and Where are All My Friends. Some fans of HM&BNs will be slightly dismayed that Don't Leave Me This Way is not found on this collection. I however overlooked that because the compilation producers found it fit to put the dynamic Be For Real (I want folks to dig my style with a smile) here. Additionally the soulful I Hope that We Can Be Together Soon can be heard here. Teddy boy seemed to be a hard guy to replace because HM&BNs never did recapture thier success after this great Philadelphia International (with Teddy lead vocals) run. Thanks to the Recording Technology Gods we can hear how good soul music used to be..."