CASTLE MUSIC

Whispers - The Whispers (1979)/ Happy Holidays to you (1987) - The Sound of Los Angeles Records

Another double set released on 15 July 2002 continuing this historic perspective of Whispers material. The Whispers was in fact the first album that made it big time.

The opening track is 'A song for Donny' written by Carrie Lucas as a tribute to the great Donny Hathaway who had died tragically earlier in that year. We then have a version of the classic 'My girl' which is extended, disco-fied but actually very good. 'Lady' is a fine fine ballad showcasing once again the excellent vocals of the Wallace Scott.

'Can you do the boogie' (12" & 7" versions) has some lovely harmonies but over a pretty monotonous and contrived disco beat. 'And the beat goes on' is the classic, biggest hit, instantly recognisable and one of the best tunes of the era/genre/time. It is here as a single edit and album/12" version. 'I love you' is another ballad but nothing exceptional.

'Out the Box', produced by Leon Sylvers, lifts the pace again once more and this cut almost hits the peak of 'And the beat goes on', slightly harder but just as good. Alternating back to the ballads the album closes with 'Welcome into my dreams'.

'Happy Holidays' is a bonus album of Christmas songs from 1987. You would be wise not to dismiss this as the usual Christmas dross. It does contain some nice versions of your typical Christmas fayre like 'White Christmas' and 'Chestnuts roasting on an open fire' and' Santa Claus is coming to town' and so on but it does contain a couple of original, excellent and something different for Christmas, in 'Funky Christmas' and 'This time of year'. Also included is a version of Donny Hathaway's 'This Christmas'