For once in your lifetime to have the self-confidence of labels that reissue ancient and very rare records – and announce a band like Free Love as if everyone had heard of them. The only soul album on EmKay Records from Los Angeles! Which isn’t difficult given the label’s manageable discography. But among collectors, its records are coveted. This is because »Free Love«, for example, is not only a soul album, but a very pleasant soul album. Now on the Portuguese label Mad About, which specialises in reissues. Originally released in 1979, the nine songs have the typical sound of the genre of that time – but without any experimentation. Warm, heartfelt, elaborately arranged. In »Together We Stand« the violins carry the last part of the piece. »A Happy Song« flirts with funk. Singer Marcus Kelly sings his way through a little outline about love and the happiness it brings at the beginning, before the Georgettes as backing singers turn the thing into an earworm at the end. In »I’ve Been A Good Man«, trumpets and brass set the groove and make the whole song shake. That »Free Love« didn’t cause more of a stir is more surprising with every minute of this album. (And with »You Don’t Even Know My Name«, listeners have practically thrown their ignorance in their face). And then it becomes clear: the self-confidence is not self-confidence, but an appeal: everyone should know this album. At least everyone who is enthusiastic about good, genuine soul.
Free Love
