This was a dollar. At the time, I was short on good soul records. For the most part, I still am. Most of the records at Half Price Books are devoid of soul. I have to either get lucky at Sig’s Lagoon (which is where this record came from) or clean up at record conventions.
The Delfonics were a soul trio from Philadelphia who were big in the late 60’s/ early seventies. Consisting of William Hart, Wilbert Hart, and Randy Cain, the hits from this period were written by producer Thom Bell. During this time with this lineup, they had a string of successful records and hit singles. They would breakup in 1975 and reform in the 1980’s in various incarnations. A lineup headed by Wilbert still tours today. Moreover, their music was used heavily in Jackie Brown.
This record was their third and highest charting, reaching # 4 on the R&B chart. Critics have called it their most cohesive and complete album and generally speaking, their best work. Coincidentally, it was the last album to be produced by Thom Bell. There are a lot of great moments on this album. the biggest hit was “Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time)” but songs like “Over and Over”, “The Delfonics Theme”, and “Funny Feeling” are very good as well. Released in 1970, I also like the General Zod pose on the back cover.
The record itself is pretty worn from use. I went with “Down is Up, Up is Down” as a sample as it is the least scratchy.
Top Rated Soul record, no doubt. Happy Saturday.