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McFADDEN & WHITEHEAD
AIN'T NO STOPPIN' US NOW
O.K. This week's record to discuss is one of the great anthems of Disco music. Surprising that it caught on so astonishingly, because it wasn't a straight fast thump of a song like so many other big Disco hits of the same time.
I totally underrated it, but there again I would.
However, personal foibles aside, there's no denying the crushing effect it had on the dancefloors all over the world and its prolonged mega status. It hasn't appeared on too many compilations (compared to some trax) though, which has been surprising.
worship, enlighten, discuss what memories you have of this record.
Was it as huge in the U.S as in dear ol' blighty, for example? Over here, it's in the 'untouchable' status. Almost tinged with religious sanctity.
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A truly great song with a fabulous beat. But, it's not a Disco anthem...? Listen closely to the lyrics...It's a Civil Rights Anthem!
And sadly John Whitehead was murdered in Philadelphia this past May.
His last public performance is on the DVD "Superstars of '70s Soul Vol. 1".
Chart Hit [Level 6]
A classic record, five stars for this one!
I also love McFadden and Whitehead's I HEARD IT IN A LOVE SONG (from their second album).
Peace,
zeca azevedo
*** Forum Leader / Moderator ***
An absolute anthem. One that gets you in the right mood from the first second.
And yes, all the people that think that disco doesn't has a message now and then. The lyrics of this one speak for themselves.
The 10'44" is a little bit too long IMO.
I also like the Jocko-version, "Rhythm talk" with that laid-back rappin' over it.
Gold Record [Level 7]
This is one of those I passed by at the time. Even more, when I heard it on the first disco compilation I bought on CD (The Disco Years Vol. 2 - Rhino), I didn't like it. Seemed too soulful to me... I was looking for the more "tronic" sounds (Gino Soccio et al).
However, over time it just grew, like my reborn love for early soul records and the re-discovery of the "satin soul" style. Now it's a fave, but I see it more as a soul record really.
Double Platinum Record [Level 9]
Yes Quinny, to say it was huge would still be an understatement. It was both a disco anthem and a civil rights anthem. A little long well, perhaps, but I accepted it just the way it is. The edited versions I hear on occasion that cut out the break with those ping sounds ruins the song for me. I'll admit I hadn't played for a while up until recently but I still love it.
Talk about a song that would fill up the dance floor :D
Find them and destroy them!
No Longer Charting
thanx everyone for responding so quickly.
I'm very much with Nano with this record. Even in '79 it was almost like a throwback to earlier times. I should have loved it for that, but I never have....don't ask.
So it was humungous in the U.S. too and it meant so much more than just another dance record? I guess it had some of those feelings for folks over here too.
Gold Record [Level 7]
ZECCA dont forget the other side of that single thats on the album 'always room for one more'hard to tell which is bestOriginally Written by zeca azevedo
Chart Hit [Level 6]
Pure Philly Soul at it's best.
From Allmusic
" After writing and producing hits for other acts on the PIR roster, McFadden and Whitehead wanted to become a recording duo. Gamble & Huff were not so thrilled by the idea, but relented with the challenge, "we respect you as [song]writers, we'll let you record one track and see do you have what it takes to be recording artists." Given the OK, the two said "aint no stoppin' us now!" as they headed into Joe Tarsia's Sigma Sound Studios. Besides arranger Jack Faith, the session listed bassist James Williams, drummer Keith Benson, Jerry Cohen on keyboards, strings/horns leader Don Renaldo, background singers Evette Benson, Barbara Ingram, Yvette Benson (aka the Sweethearts of Sigma), and guitarists Bobby Eli and Dennis Harris. Co-written and co-produced by McFadden, Whitehead, and Cohen, "Aint No Stoppin' Us Now" went platinum, selling over two million copies while hitting number one R&B and number 13 pop in spring 1979. The song became a sporting event standard used in both countless amateur and pro games. "
Different eyes see different things. Different hearts beat on different strings. But there are times for you and me when all such things agree...Rush
Indie Release [Level 4]
Great song...I have chills in my spine everytime i hear it...
Gold Record [Level 7]
I truely agree with a lot of points here....
An anthem/Civil Rights anthem
in a good sound system..... the string instruments just soar like 12 white doves flocking together....woooohoooo!
after about 5 minutes tho.... you're like.. :roll: :lol:
those pings 2/3 rds into the song... :roll: :roll:
Indie Release [Level 4]
Ain't no stoppin us now..a true classic. I remember being in my favourite music store when this arrived fresh off the plane as a US import. Guess that makes me one of the first people in the UK to have heard it. The record store owner opened the courier package and slapped it on the turntable. I had my money out to buy a copy after hearing about 10 seconds of the intro! I recall he only had around 5-6 copies of it to sell and they were all gone long before the record ended!!
One of those records that 25 years later is still guaranteed to get them dancing...
Chart Hit [Level 6]
A classic for me as well.
The US 12-inch import version (The Full 10-minute Monty) that I have is one of my most treasured and most played records in my collection. I offered somebody at University £25 for a copy (of the US 12") but he wouldn't take my money. Happily I managed to find it in one of the many second hand record shops in Brighton a few years later ....
And I agree with Zeca about "I Heard It In A Love Song". When I got my first job in London, I used to frequent all the Soul record shops and went through a phase of buying US import 7-inch singles - on the more soulful side. That Mcfadden & Whitehead track was one of the first I bought. Brilliant track!
:)
Gold Record [Level 7]
This was a huge hit in Miami and was played into the mid to late 80's in some clubs. Champion Boxer Hector Camacho used it for his Ring 'entrance' and a few times he showed up at the club requesting the song and dancing up a storm with his entourage, he had some pretty sexy dancers there and the whole crowd used to clap and scream in delight. Ahhh , the good old days.....
Gold Record [Level 7]
Of course, that track is a classic but did anyone ever buy the McFaddin & Whitehead from hence it came? (1979 Philly Int. self titled one)
To be real honest with you all...I think it's horrible :o
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