Philadelphia Uncovered

[NickNack]

I just happened upon (for under $10.00!) one of the sweetest, smoothest CDs I've listened to in quite some time. It's titled PHILADELPHIA UNCOVERED, made in the U.K. under license to Passion Music Ltd on the 'PIR' label. There's no date on the CD but Amazon has release dates of both 1999 and 2002.

I don't recognize the bulk of the tracks but I attribute that to forgetting or just not listening to a lot of my albums. I think others here will fare better, especially our 'overseas' crew, being so into their 'funk'. I don't think you want to call this CD 'funky', though. It's that classic "Philly Soul" sound --- slick, string-laden and just down-right pretty. Some great ballads and sleaze/morning music pieces. Here's the opening liner notes and the track listing:

Welcome to "Philadelphia Uncovered", a revealing compilation of timeless quality soul music deep from the vaults of Philadelphia International Records. Some of these songs have never previously been on CD, or even particulary acknowldeged in wider soul circles. So, given an opportunity here to shine in this special celebration of Philly soul: [It goes on to list/describe the group and the song each sings.]

1. SILK - IN CAN'T STOP (TURNING YOU ON) 4:00
2. DEXTER WANSEL - THE SWEETEST PAIN 5:44
3. INSTANT FUNK - SO GLAD I'M THE ONE 3:18
4. JEAN CARN - I BET SHE DON'T LOVE YOU LIKE I DO 3:19
5. BUNNY SIGLER - COME ON AND DANCE, DANCE, DANCE 5:31
6. MFSB (feat. CARLA BENSON) - TELL ME WHY 3:58
7. THE O'JAYS - LOVIN' YOU 5:20
8. PATTI LABELLE - I CAN'T FORGET YOU 4:32
9. TEDDY PENDERGRASS - ONLY TO YOU 3:52
10. DEE DEE SHARP GAMBLE - I LOVE YOU ANYWAY 4:33
11. THE STYLISTICS - YOU'RE LEAVIN' 4:20
12. PHYLLIS HYMAN - WHEN I GIVE MY LOVE THIS TIME 7:06
13. THE DELLS - BABY DON'T GO AWAY MAD 4:41
14. MFSB - SUMMERTIME AND I'M FEELIN' MELLOW 4:07

Bonus Track: Full Length Mix by Popular Demand:
15. JEAN CARN - WAS THAT ALL IT WAS 6:28

The bonus track is not even listed on the inside liner notes so it must be a 'late addition'. This is the only CD I've ever seen the 12" mix of "WTAIW". That alone made it worth the 10 bucks. Since I only know 5 of these 15 cuts I'm really digging this. A perfect 'chill out' CD.

[NickNack]

Well, nothing like being up on the material posted on the site: :oops:

Philadelphia Uncovered

[keefelc]

Nicky, I found this disc over a year ago at Amoeba Records and I was SHOCKED at it's inexpensive price, especially since the long version of Jean Carn's "Was That All It Was" was included! I too love this compilation.

There was a multi volume compilation of Philiadelphia International a looooooong time ago that had the long version of WTAIW. However, when you compare the sound quality between that disc and Philadelphia Uncovered, the latter is vastly superior!

I'm glad you found this treasure!

[NickNack]

However, when you compare the sound quality between that disc and Philadelphia Uncovered, the latter is vastly superior!

Glad you brought this up. The remastering is excellent. It seems my 'cheapie' CDs are given better treatment by the studios then their so-called 'named' artists reissues. I'll probably be buying Isaac Hayes "Hot Buttered Soul" for the third time on CD because it finally has been remastered.

I'm glad you found this treasure!

You and me both. This one is going to get a lot of play time. :D

[keefelc]

I'll probably be buying Isaac Hayes "Hot Buttered Soul" for the third time on CD because it finally has been remastered.

Oh Nicky, don't even mention that topic! I was filing my latest CDs away over the weekend and trying to clear up some room. I can't believe how many I've now purchased more than once to get the remastered release! It doesn't help that the record companies will now frequently put a bonus cut or two on the remastered version. They know that we poor addicted (to music) souls just have to have that latest version! :roll:

Hey, did you purchase the new Stephanie Mills CD that came out yesterday? It's about time! :D I haven't had a chance to listen to it yet.

[NickNack]

Hey, did you purchase the new Stephanie Mills CD that came out yesterday? It's about time! :D I haven't had a chance to listen to it yet.

No. Not yet. I'm behind in my buying, especially 'new' stuff. I'll get there.

Do me a favor: Now that I openly stated the 'mastering is excellent' on "Phila. Unc.", could you give a listen and tell me if you hear 'needle drop' recording on track 10, Dee Dee Sharp and track 12, Phyllis Hyman. It's either that or my system spitting out strange static. Sure sounds like bad vinyl to me. :x

[keefelc]

Okay Nicky - I'll check this weekend! Actually, I think we only said WTAIW was remastered well. So, we're covered!