Search - Pointer Sisters :: That's A-Plenty

PLENTY OF FUN!!

Alex Honda | Los Angeles, CA USA | 03/18/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I agree with reviewer Roderick Keech that Hip-oselect has done a superb job remastering this vintage Pointer Sisters' album. It sounds clear and has plenty of bass, as though the album was recorded yesterday.



For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Pointer Sisters earlier work, when there was four of them, the work that pre-dates their big hits like HE'S SO SHY, FIRE, JUMP, and I'M SO EXCITED (among others)...you're in for a treat.



The Pointer Sisters blue thumb recordings almost defied categorization. Some of it was funky (LOVE IN THEM THERE HILLS), while others were jazzy-big band orchestrations (LITTLE PONY)... And yet still others, were soft-bluesy ballads (BLACK COFFEE)--including country (FAIRYTALE). You would think that an album with this much variation would fall apart. However, listening to the cd/album of THAT'S A PLENTY all these varied musical styles fuse perfectly together, and that's due to the Pointers' laser like harmonies and singing.



The songs on this album are very different from their big hits from the late 70s and earlier 80s (including the songs from their monster album BREAKOUT on Planet). Although the music is very different, it is somehow the same. Perhaps it's because every song has that Pointer Sister stamp on it...that signature sound that people can hear and go that must be so-and-so.



Anyway, whatever it is, this album is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. I love all the songs on this album but the one that really stands out for me is SALT PEANUTS. The song is sung very fast and is a classic jazz song written by Dizzy Gillespie. The Pointers sing, scat, and swing their way through that song with blistering speed! I don't know what they're singing about in SALT PEANUTS, but every time I hear it, I laugh and smile."

Hip-O-Select lead the way in remastering

Roderick Keech | Australia | 01/24/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Here is a perfect example of what engineers are capable of these days. The craftsmen at Hip-O-Select have bestowed their incredible talents on remastering all the Pointer Sisters Blue Thumb/ABC catalog - this title, Steppin', Having a party, and Live at the Opera House. It is a revelation to hear these 30 year old recordings in such pristine sound. Most, if not all these 2006 remasters are un-numbered limited releases of 5000 copies only, so don't leave your run too late if you want to pick one of these up at a reasonable price. As for this album, there isn't a dud track on it - superb pre-Planet Pointers. Talking about Planet, maybe the gurus at SONY/BMG will finally get around to giving the Pointer's Planet catalog the same deluxe treatment, and remaster and release Energy 1978, Priority 1979, Special Things 1980 and Black and White 1981 - while a different type of Pointer to the Blue Thumb works, punters are sick of endless best-ofs and compilations coming out. Just a pity that Hip-O-Select don't have access to the Planet recordings !!"

A MASTERPIECE

barry | Boston, MA United States | 08/15/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The original foursome of the Pointer Sisters were a very unique r@b act. They were hard to totally describe for their music was so eclectic. All four women were vocally gifted and this cd allows them all to be showcased.



Believe it or not they received a grammy for the country tune FAIRYTALE. The others are all hits, no misses. STEAM HEAT is a vocal touyr de force for all four as well as LOVE IN THEM THERE HILLS.



I could go through each song but will rather say if you want some quality r@b then this cd is a must have. Also, the digital remastering is amazing. It is just as clear as the album I had as a teen. Amazing and highly recommended. The early Pointer Sisters surely deserve their place in music history."