O'Jays Ship Ahoy CD

Principally recorded at Sigma Sound Studios, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

in 1973. Originally released on Philadelphia International (32408). Includes liner notes by Joe McEwen, Bobby Martin.

This is a multi-channel Super Audio CD playable only on Super Audio CD players.

in 1973. Originally released on Philadelphia International (32408). Includes liner notes by Joe McEwen and Bobby Martin.

The once monolithic Motown Sound had begun to fragment in the early '70s, and into the breach came Philadelphia International, the label run by genius producers/songwriters Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. Their stable of artists basically ruled the radio and the nation's dance floors in the middle of the decade, and the O'Jays were probably their classiest act.

This 1973 album is one of the group's absolute best. It's a genuine landmark of the genre, a brilliantly arranged and sung effort offering a fascinating look at a sadly vanished era. Here, socially conscious music such as "For the Love of Money" and "Don't Call Me Brother" co-exists with party anthems like "Put Your Hands Together," and conceptual masterstrokes like the nautical sound effects on the title track.

The "other" O'Jays album masterpiece, Ship Ahoy combined shattering message tracks and stunning love songs in a fashion matched only by Curtis Mayfield's finest material. From the album cover showing a slave ship to the memorable title song and incredible "For the Love of Money," Gamble & Huff addressed every social ill from envy to racism and greed. Eddie Levert's leads were consistently magnificent, as were the harmonies, production, and arrangements. "Put Your Hands Together" and "You Got Your Hooks in Me" would be good album cuts, but on Ship Ahoy they were merely icing on the cake. [The 2003 reissue of Ship Ahoy boasts new liner notes including remembrances by arranger Bobby Martin, remastered sound, and one bonus track: a soul-wrenching live version of "Put Your Hands Together" recorded in London in 1973 and released on the O'Jays' 1974 record The O'Jays Live in London.] ~ Ron Wynn

This is part of Legacy's "Rhythm & Soul" series.

W/ 1 Live Bonus Track. Was Cbs 32408

Producers: Kenneth Gamble, Leon Huff, Bobby Martin.

Audio Mixer: Joe Tarsia.

Liner Note Authors: Bobby Martin ; Joe McEwen.

Recording information: London, England; Sigma Sound Studios, Philadelphia, PA.

Illustrator: James Barkley.

Photographer: Don Hunstein.

Unknown Contributor Roles: Eddie LeVert; William Powell; Walter Williams.

Arrangers: Bobby Martin ; Dennis Williams; Lenny Pakula; Norman Harris.

The O'Jays: Eddie Levert, Walter Williams, William Powell (vocals).

Additional personnel: Anthony Jackson (bass); MFSB.

Rolling Stone (6/12/03, p.98) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...Tight, brassy arrangements and the kind of gospel-tinged vocalizing that epitomized the sound of Philly soul..."