The Brothers Johnson* – Blast!

Album Revolution #6:

After having 4 Platinum albums starting in the Mid '70's, "The Brothers Johnson" succumbed to having their first dip, with the Gold, but STILL Platinum in their Fans eyes, in "Winners".....

In theory, and in reality, that may (or MOST LIKELY) came from the Brothers not being able to work with their Mentor and Friend, "Quincy Jones"...In my opinion, it was because "A&M Records" was ANGRY that "Q" went on to form his own Label, "Qwest Records", which led to the BLOCKADE of both "The Brothers Johnson" and "Quincy" not contractually being able to work together, as long as the group was signed to the Label....

Well, in any event, "The Brothers Johnson" STILL had PURE TALENT!!!! But, I am sure that after 7 years of Recording, there was a need of reminded the Folks out there who they were...That's where, "The Brothers Johnson's", "Blast!", came into play....

This set was sort of a "Best Of" package, without it being labeled that....It kind of mirrors "Quincy Jones's", "I Heard That" album, in having 4 new ts, then the last of the material focusing HEAVILY on the groups CLASSIC material....

So, yes hearing the CLASSIC ts like: "I'll Be Good To You", "Stomp!" (even though cut) and the FANTASTIC "Strawberry Letter #23" in one place is GRATIFYING!!!!! Also having "The Real Thing" on here is COOL as well!!!!!!

Now, let's talk about the NEWEST stuff....

Starting with the FUNKY, "Funk It (Funkadelala)", this Ultimate Crown Jewel t right here is THE BOMB!!!! It was really "The Brother Johnson Story" wrapped up in 4 minutes...It had a HOST of Friends like "Greg Phillinganes" (Keyboards), "John Robinson" (from "Rufus" on Drums), and it had "Valerie Johnson" (Louis' Wife at the time) and the ONE and ONLY, "James Ingram" helping out on Vocals...

The Brothers even got to mention "Quincy Jones" on the track, but calling him, "The Dude"!!!! I have a theory that!!! The Brothers did that, not just GIVING IT UP to that Man who DID IT for them, but also to STICK IT to the Label, and how they felt about that situation...But HONESTLY, it just a theory Guys....

The next Crown Jewel, "Welcome To The Club" was a straight '80's Dance tune....Yes, since "The Disco Sucks Movement" took down just about ALL the "Disco Techs", now People were hanging out at "Night Clubs"....This "Louis Bass" HEAVY t brought about what goes on inside those Clubs and was put on Record....

"The Great Awaking" continued to settle "The Brothers Johnson" into the '80's sound...This thought provoking t has a Smooth allure, while STILL HAVESTING that "Louis Bass"/"George Guitar" Groove...

"I'm Giving You All Of My Love" though....

This Ultimate, Ultimate, Ultimate, Ultimate Crown Jewel has the Brothers still able to give a VERY NICE Slow Jam!!!! This one may kind of put you in the head space of "Treasure" from the "Light Up The Night" album ....I honesty believe that this was one of "George's" FINEST HOUR Vocally...His Voice fit this Smooth Melody PERFECTLY!!!! I when I was living in "Cleveland, OH" that the Radio station there (WJMO), used to PLAY this t EVERY HOUR on the HOUR!!!! PRICELESS!!!

Well, that's pretty much it in a nutshell....

I'm not sure if this went Platinum for "The Brothers Johnson" or not....I will say this though, even though the group was not able to work with "Quincy Jones" at this time, these "Brothers" could STILL deliver!!!! I'm not sure if "A&M Records" was sure about it or not, and honestly if I was the Brothers (even though they had to still work for the Label), I wouldn't have CARED!!!! But that's just me and how I feel about The Music Business....This SADLY also ended the Brothers Album Revolution....

Anyway, with "Blast!", "The Brothers Johnson" Legacy was SEALED!!!!!

My B side has the same label as side 1. Anyone else ever see this misprint?

Very well mixed and pressed. Bass heavy but not muddy. My media is around NM/M and there is no noise or imperfections audible. Bargain!

pretty good comp and it sounds good as well .

Original pressing from 1982 sounds great with low surface noise. Good audio dynamics. Paper inner replaced with a poly lined sleeve. Cover has minor wear on two corners.