Search - Bob & Gene :: If This World Were Mine

SOUL FROM DAPTONE--RECORDED IN THE SIXTIES

Stuart Jefferson | San Diego,Ca | 08/22/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"One disc 34 minutes approximately. The sound is fine,with just a hint of that low budget feel-which gives it a real authenticity. In keeping with that feel,these tracks were recorded in mono. The booklet gives a nice overview of this "basement" label and the era. There are atmospheric photographs of BOB & GENE and some of the band. This music was recorded from 1967 to 1972 in a basement studio for release on the independent label MO DO. This was a self-financed label with the help of neighbors who also invested in the label. Inside the jewel case is a reproduction of a stock certificate given to investors.



This is home-grown,home-style soul music. None of these tracks were released outside of their neighborhood,and then only as 45's. This is the first time that these sides have been collected and released. Basically "love" songs aimed at the people in their neighborhood (or anyone),with a lot of heart-felt singing. BOB & GENE'S voices at times blend and soar,at other times one voice is featured. The backing consists of the basic bass,drums,guitar,and horns. There is a nice mixture of slow and more up-tempo tracks which gives this very short release some identity and flow. But it's the slower tracks where these two begin to shine.



Admittedly,this is basic,generic soul-nothing fancy. But for some curious reason,maybe because it is so home-grown,there's something fascinating about this release. It's like finding a time-capsule and inside was this music. As I said-this is nothing great or profound-it's just honest,simple soul music. The backing musicians are at the very least adequate,if sometimes pretty good. And those times when BOB & GENE'S voices come together just right with the band,this music does have something going for it.



This is for those listeners who like soul music off the beaten path. No major label would ever sign these two,but that's okay. Because the folks at Daptone Records have done all of us a favor by collecting these tracks and releasing it for all of us to enjoy. And that's the bottom line-enjoyment. The star rating is for the overall sound,but also for the curious fascination of this release."