Ohio Players - A Little Soul Party (1999)

A Little Soul Party, released in 1999 by the U.K.-based Almafame, is a two-disc set that combines the Ohio Players' first album, Observations in Time, with a set of early recordings originally issued as First Impressions. Prior to becoming a rock-solid funk band, the Ohio Players were more like a Stax act that made tough but sensitive Southern soul. The difference between "Bad Bargain" -- a highlight here -- and "Skin Tight," for instance, is enormous. Southern soul freaks should enjoy this, while fans of the Ohio Players' peak '70s hits might not. Regardless, this material deserves to be in circulation.


Tracks:

Disc 1
1 A Little Soul Party Beck, Bonner, Jones, Middlebrooks… 2:54
2 Over the Rainbow Arlen, Harburg 4:08
3 A Thing Called Love Beck, Bonner, Jones, Middlebrooks… 3:18
4 My Neighbours Bonner, Harris, Jones, Middlebrooks… 3:05
5 Tell Me Why Bonner, Jones, Middlebrooks, Satchell… 2:09
6 Find Someone to Love Bonner, Harris, Jones, Middlebrooks… 2:15
7 You Don't Mean It Bonner, Jones, Middlebrooks, Noland… 2:35
8 Trespassin' Bonner, Harris, Jones, Middlebrooks… 1:54
9 I Got a Hold on You Bonner, Harris, Jones, Middlebrooks… 2:39
10 It's a Cryin' Shame Bonner, Jones, Middlebrooks, Satchell… 2:22
11 Alabama Soupbone, Pts. 1 & 2 Beck, Bonner, Jones, Middlebrooks… 1:52

Disc 2
1 Summertime Gershwin, Gershwin, Heyward 7:23
2 Stop Lying to Yourself Bonner, Harris, Jones, Middlebrooks… 2:14
3 Bad Bargain Bonner, Harris, Jones, Middlebrooks… 2:34
4 The Man That I Am Bonner, Harris, Jones, Middlebrooks… 2:29
5 Find Someone to Love Bonner, Harris, Jones, Middlebrooks… 2:15
6 Lonely Street Bonner, Jones, Middlebrooks, Robinson… 2:23
7 Mother-In-Law Toussaint 2:54
8 Here Today & Gone Tomorrow Bonner, Harris, Jones, Middlebrooks… 3:30
9 Cold, Cold World Bonner, Harris, Jones, Middlebrooks… 3:45
10 Street Party Bonner, Harris, Jones, Middlebrooks… 2:17
11 Over the Rainbow Arlen, Harburg 4:08