Big Crown US 黑胶唱片和CD

Review: Special Night, the second album from '70s soul survivor Lee Fields and the Truth & Soul Records house band, The Expressions, got rave reviews when it was released on CD earlier in the year. Now on vinyl for the first time, it sees Fields adding his sensational vocals to a string of classic sounding soul gems (think crackly, '60s style production and authentically raw instrumentation). Highlights come thick and fast, from the sensual, heartfelt "Special Night" and riotous funk workout "Work To Do", to the stripped-back, break-driven "How I Like It" and heart-breaking "Where Did Our Love Go". In other words, it's a revivalist soul treat.

Review: North Carolina man Lee Fields is a storied singer who has had a long career, albeit with a number of big gaps. He's been in fine form in recent years though, turning out some vital albums that join the dots between sixties soul and the modern day sound. He's a regular on Big Crown Records now links with his band The Expressions once more to strike a timeless Motown vibe that is classy and classic. Big Crown Vaults Vol 1 features plenty more of his achingly gorgeous vocals over nice lo-fi rhythms and also includes instrumental versions of each cut.

Review: 17 albums deep and Lee Fields still has something to say. Arm in arm with longstanding band The Expressions, the troupe dig deep an impeccable roll of soul: The soft harmonies and yearning horns of "I'm Coming Home", the light electronic elements on the rhythm of the hazy, laidback torch song "Never Be Another You", the swooning blues of "Let Him In", the almost highlife sparkle to the guitars on "Where Is The Love"... Each of the ten tracks hits with a freshness, energy and realness that few - if any - 70s troubled troubadours could muster. Essential.

Review: Taken from Lee's brand new album Special Night "Make The World" is Fields at his finest, fieriest and funkiest - a message of clear unity delivered with his signature gutsy vocals over a beautifully tight groove from The Expressions. Rolling with a real sense of momentum and cool drama, Fields and his troupe still have heaps of love to give. The feeling's mutual too.