Barbara Jean English - So Many Ways..., Alithia 9102 Matrix Information (A Side: Stamped) : AR 9102 A | (B Side: Stamped) : AR 9102 B
ORIGINAL 1972 1st PRESS US VINYL LP * UK DISTRIBUTION AS CONTEMPO CLP 522 Contempo, soul record label,  was owned by John Abbey, founder of 'Blues and Soul' magazine. In the UK this album was imported and promoted as Contempo with catalog number CL 522. Barbara Jean English has a very engaging, rich voice somewhat similar to a rawer version of Dionne Warwick, and it is the perfect counterpart to the silky melodies and warm grooves on display here. A1 "I'm Sorry" Brenda Lee's country smash is given the Isaac Hayes/Hot Buttered Soul treatment, and is layered in soulful grooves and spiced with tasteful orchestration.  A2 "I'm Living a Lie" A Bacharach-styled uptempo soul romp with subtle strings and horns throughout.  A3 "Lil' Baby" A truly haunting, slow grinding, heavily orchestrated minor-keyed dirge incorporating the 'Hush little baby'-rhyme to a ghostly effect. Unnerving... Especially when you cipher out the lyrics... A4 "Danger Signs" A swingin', glossy soulful jam , riding a solid, fatback beat while shimmering strings, punchy horns and fabulous backing vocals give it that super smooth, yet still superbly funky, vibe.  A5 "Baby I'm a I Want You" A sensuous, jazzy take on Bread's hit. B1 "So Many Ways to Die" The real desperate sentiment underpinned by English's delivery of the lyrics; with a big, powerful vocal finale. B2 "Just Like a Lady" An mid-tempo anthem of self awareness and pride, featuring some mean, Billy Preston-esque piano. B3 "All This" Utterly sad and achingly beautiful, a heartbreaking tale of gettin' sidestepped by that special person and having to go on. The orchestration is sober and haunting, especially on the opening verses. B4 "Don't Make Me Over" A gorgeous rendition of that Dionne Warwick's first chart hit, the Bacharach/David classic , which is dipped in a classy, early '70s soul style here. B5 "Love Story" Ending on a note of quiet retrospection, the Broadway-like, dramatic and lamenting tune brings this very a-typical, very addictive and ultimately superbly satisfying disc to a close.

Grading scale: NM > EX > VG+ > VG > Good > Poor)

Vinyl: VG+. Signs of use but nothing that really compromises the record visually or audibly. The finish is shiny with light scuffs or very light scratches that do not affect the listening experience. Labels are superb, clean and bright without marks. Spindle shows no sign of wear. And no warps.

Cover: VG+. SPINE: Clear, readable text | SEAMS: Top & Bottom intact without splits | CREASES: None or minor only | RING WEAR : None | DEFACING: None | (Actual images so you can check the condition)

Will combine for shipping if you buy mixed singles and albums. If you buy multiple items wait for invoice with correct shipping cost.

Records are packed well with extra protection and LPs taken out of sleeves. Double-LP usually works as 1LP but no extra protection.

Tracks:

A1I'm Sorry2:54 A2I'm Living a Lie2:49 A3Lil' Baby3:41 A4Danger Signs2:47 A5Baby I'm a Want You2:28 B1So Many Ways to Die3:18 B2Just Like a Lady3:11 B3All This3:40 B4Don't Make Me Over2:24 B5Love Story3:13