SOUL BROTHER RECORDS

A release of a 1977 rare album by the well known to rare soul fans in the UK Lou Ragland. This album dates from 1977 and released in 1978, is Lou second album and follow up to 'Hot Chocloate' (also available from Soul Brother). Excellent sleeve notes by our good friend Colin Dilnot.

Recorded in Cleveland and assisted by the likes of Dazz Band, S.O.U.L, Hot Chocolate, Chosen Few and others.

There is certainly a feel of a concept album, certainly on the opening two cuts 'Understand each other' and 'What happened to the feeling'. Two long tracks which groove along at a midtempo pace, strong lyrics, excellent full range vocals ably supported both on vocals and instrumentation.

The original cut of 'Since you said you'd be mine' is included, a 70's dancefloor anthem. 'Just for being you' is a great track in my view, a slower pace, but hard beat, almost Willie Mitchell-esque and showing of Lou's great voice and range.

'What should I do' also a track that has been recorded more than once, but this time this is a later cut, and is faster than earlier versions, again a bit Memphis but with gospel support. 'It's got to change' is a sweet soul ballad, perhaps a S.O.U.L influence on this one, I don't know.

'The next World' is more funky altogether being a version of a song he originally produced for Love for Dollars and Cents some years earlier.