Search - Impressions :: Check Out Your Mind / Times Have Changed

Definitely not their best - but definitely worth buying

M. Perry | 07/12/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If I had to pick my favorite three songwriters from the many brilliant pop/rock based artists that have graced this planet, Smokey Robinson, Paul Simon and Curtis Mayfield would probably top the list. Curtis had such innovative arrangement ideas, thought provoking lyrics, and an absolutely mesmerizing falsetto. (That's not to mention a truly unique guitar playing style that was solely perfected by himself, and Marv Tarplin of the Miracles).



In any event, Check Out Your Mind was the last Impressions album with Curtis captaining the ship. Along with the title track, this record has six or seven very strong songs that fit right in with how Curtis' writing had evolved at this time. There are two throw backs to the the Impressions early 60's material, and only one song from the ten, (Madam Mary) that doesn't work for me.



Conversely, the same can not be said for my opinion of the second album on here. Although Curtis had officially left the Impressions, he still fully produced and penned six of the eight tracks on Times Have Changed. With Curtis' solo career in full swing, this album almost comes across like he's distracted. There is absolutely no continiuity through the tracks and only one song, (Our Loves Goes On and On) I would place in the strong category. The remaining tracks range from decent to marginal at best.



At the end of the day, this is definitely not the first place you want to stop to familiarize yourself with Curtis Mayfield and the Impressions. Outside of One By One, any other album in their entire catalog would do the trick. But once you've been hooked in by one of the most talented and overlooked groups and need to hear it all, you won't be disappointed with this purchase. Check Out Your Mind is a very worthy addition to the Impressions superior catalog, and is an album that has been out of print far too long.



On that note, I think it is important to give a big salutation to Rhino and American Beat for their commitment to reissuing vital recordings such as this, when they know it's not going to be a best seller. Thank you for allowing us to hear this wonderful and important music again."