Inspiration Information ORIGINAL RECORDING REISSUED
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Hmmm. For once I agree completely with the Billboard review above. This one floors me. Each song sounds like Shuggie is reinventing soul and rock and blues and funk- all at once. And he is. I can't believe how young he was whe he put this out. In his early 20's younger than I!!!!! It would be depressing if it weren't so damn good!!!! It's rare for me to find albums that I can put on and play in their entirety. VERY RARE! This is one of the handful. Despite the complexity of the arrangements, there is continuity. Despite the shuffling of styles and modes and aural textures- it's still hella funky and soulful overall (the drum patterns on the tital track- they way they start echoing and skittering towards the third verse- it never fails to make me tap my foot). Even the string sections are funky. This album is like having a breezy, clear, azure-beyond-belief summer day siphoned into your CD player. It is the antithesis of boring, repetitive garbage that treacles out of car windows when I do errands. This is the antidote, or, I suppose, one of the better forms the antidote has taken. Everyone I have given this to as a present has in return bought a copy for someone else who 'gets it.' Some minutiae: Many great artists have sampled this milestone, most notably, Digable Planets on Blowout Comb (one of the best hip hop albums of all time). And like the above said, The Brother's Johnson had some fame and appeal with their cover of Strawberry Letter 23 (a version of which I heard recently used as background music in a Special K with Strawberries commercial. Yuk.) The original is far better. This is an album that has to be heard to be believed. Finally, The one negative reviewer likened this work to Shuggie being, "the Syd barrett of the blues." I'm sorry, but how is that a bad thing? I disagree with the comparison for a couple of reasons, but even so- how would it be bad to be the Syd Barrett of any musical genre? And, post-finally,- a caveat... Now then- don't come to this expecting something bluesy, or at least straightforwardly bluesy. You will be let down if you heard some of Shuggie's early bluies albums and are looking for something in that vein- just as I picked up his blues albums looking for more of this vein. This isn't a blues album- it's an album entirely of its own. It is one of those wonders that defies you to categorize it.
The first time you hear this album, you will be forced to ask yourself, "Why haven't I heard this before?" Or maybe you've heard the cover of "Stawberry Letter 23" by the Brothers Johnson and thought, "I wish there was more music like this!"
Well, you're in luck because the entire album is brilliant and flawless. If you like classic 70s era R&B or jazzy funk instrumentals or psychedelic soul music then you have just found your holy grail.
This album is intoxicating and addictive. I've had it in regular rotation in my stereo since this Cd reissue came out and I never get tired of it.
A word of warning. If you like your soul in nice little pop friendly radio ready snippets then you might not like this. This music goes deeper. If you like a more flowing, melodic, swirling kind of jazzy sound that envelopes you and lifts you off the ground then you should stop reading and buy this right away.
I hope I gave you INSPIRATION with this INFORMATION. Enjoy!!!
Inspiration Information is a watershed album! Not only does this album defy classification, it is arguably one of the most deviceful musical efforts in modern auditory history. It is, without doubt, one of the most creative pieces of art that I own. Otis created an alcove all his own; definitely a byproduct of free reign in the studio, as the music is all over the place, yet right where it needs to be at exactly the right moment. Inspiration Information is a hallmark example of the types of auditory beauty that emerge from creative carte blanche.
I don't care where you're musical allegiances rest, if you have a penchant for musical creativity devoid of a provincial ear...get this album. I guarantee you will not be disappointed. This is American, world, and human artistry at its best. A definite must have for the discerning listerner.
i can honestly remember not that long ago when i would mention the name to people and get blank stares. you see i really was one of the few who lucked onto this lp in 70s when i was at WVU in morgantown- really shook me up good-especially the side that started with happy house..i would play the album for other musicians, etc-they thought it was ok but i dont think they ever heard it at length cause it never left my possession. mine was a test pressing..the music is so singular a vision, much like the the artistry with intensity of say, todd rundgren..just like his one man show-this was experimental and sounded unfinished at parts but thats part of the charm. i do miss the "memphis 70s outfit" of the original cover (somewhat pimp-like) and i wish they would have left 23 and freedom flight for a reissue of that album as well, but to tell you the truth, after the 90s, id given up hope that id ever see this one. good to see someone else out there has similiar ears to recognize a looked over gem....next stop- go to companion records and get the new creation cd if you want another...
The first time you hear this album, you will be forced to ask yourself, "Why haven't I heard this before?" Or maybe you've heard the cover of "Stawberry Letter 23" by the Brothers Johnson and thought, "I wish there was more music like this!"
Well, you're in luck because the entire album is brilliant and flawless. If you like classic 70s era R&B or jazzy funk instrumentals or psychedelic soul music then you have just found your holy grail.
This album is intoxicating and addictive. I've had it in regular rotation in my stereo since this Cd reissue came out and I never get tired of it.
A word of warning. If you like your soul in nice little pop friendly radio ready snippets then you might not like this. This music goes deeper. If you like a more flowing, melodic, swirling kind of jazzy sound that envelopes you and lifts you off the ground then you should stop reading and buy this right away.
I hope I gave you INSPIRATION with this INFORMATION. Enjoy!!!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
a lost classic..., June 20, 2004
Reviewer: A music fan WOW!!! l grew up listening to the Motown greats and somehow l missed this artist. A friend turned me on to it and it is one of my all time favorites. The music is bright and jazzy but soulful and rock too. This guy is a freakin' genius. Thanks to David Byrne for rediscovering and rereleasing this gem. Seriously don't miss it. His version of his song strawberry letter 23 is solid.
An unbelievable cross-pollination of styles!, January 23, 2004
