Is anyone here a big Curtis Mayfield fan? I don’t know much beyond the obvious candidates, but I want to dig deeper and need to know where to start.
I know:
– Move On Up. Classic. Best breakdown bar none.
– Super Fly soundtrack. I bought it for the twin standout tracks Super Fly and Pusherman, but I also have a fondness for the little instrumental track buried on side two, Think. (I love the oboe on it).
– Keep On Keeping On. Great pleading joyous-with-a-hint-of-melancholy falsetto. Goosebumps.
– Give It Up. Ditto. More goosebumps.
I haven’t knowingly heard much of The Impressions, but I know and love the Chambers Brothers’ People Get Ready. And I also know and love Patti Jo’s version of Make Me Believe In You.
Where do I go next? A Greatest Hits? One of his other albums? Is his later work worth exploring or did he peak in the early seventies like Stevie and Marvin? I mean, I could just google it or find a Spotify playlist, but it’s more fun to ask you guys….
fentonsteve says
Start with debut album Curtis (contains Move On Up).
I like his last studio album, New World Order, from 1996.
Of the 25 years between the two, I only have the Superfly soundtrack.
Tiggerlion says
I reviewed his recent box set of his first four albums. It’s cheap but, as I say at the end, there is cheaper.
All his Impressions work is at least interesting and often brilliant, especially the debut, This Is My Country, We’re A Winner and The Young Mods’ Forgotten Story.
I love Got To Find A Way, There’s No Place Like America Today and New World Order, which is intensely moving as it was recorded after he was paralysed – he sang short phrases at a time to get the album done.
There are also three live albums: Curtis Live, Curtis In Chicago and a posthumous Live At Ronnie Scott’s. The first two of those are classic live Soul albums. He was always brilliant live, at least when I saw him, such a warm, loving, kind human being.
Arthur Cowslip says
Ooh, lovely. That seems like a great place to start. I must have missed that review at the time, or my head just wasn’t in a Curtis place. I just had a look in Fopp and the CD box is £16 so a little payday purchase I think.
Tiggerlion says
My work is done!
🙂
fentonsteve says
There’s also Original Album Series box for £12 which includes Curtis/Live! as well but with less up-to-date mastering.
Vulpes Vulpes says
Seconded – also has the Sweet Exorcist album on board. £25 or close gets you this and the box above, a Curtistastic result.
Neela says
His first solo album Curtis is great, likewise his Super Fly soundtrack. Next stop for me would be the more low-key There’s No Place Like America Today. And then maybe a best of from The Impressions?
I do think he peaked in the early seventies, but there is good stuff later on too. Tread carefully though.
Good luck hunting!
Junior Wells says
Another vote for TNPLAT. My favourite Curtis album.
Then I’d nominate Sweet Exorcist.
bang em in bingham says
bang em in bingham says
Sweet Exorcist is a beautiful understated soundtrack album……
myoldman says
The Impressions Complete A & B Sides 1961-1968 is a very nice compilation
fentonsteve says
Similarly, there’s a 2CD of Curtom singles called Move On Up: The Singles Anthology 1970-90 which I have and is excellent.
Currently s/h via the dodgers for £1.44 plus postage.
Vulpes Vulpes says
A steal.
moseleymoles says
I posted a few months ago on saving an Impressions A and B’s compilation from the bin – still say this is just outstanding. And a B-side!
Baron Harkonnen says
I have the `Peace, Love & Understanding` box set which is pricey new but easy to get cheaply used. it`s superb.
el hombre malo says
Curtis Live is wonderful (and Tiggerlion is wise, too)
craig42blue says
Another endorsement for ‘There’s No Place Like America Today’ and the 1996 ‘New World Order’.