Inspiration Information

Amazon.com
Like Stevie Wonder and Allen Toussaint before him--and Prince and D'Angelo afterward--Shuggie Otis was a musical visionary whose early 1970s recordings showed he could do it all, writing, arranging, performing, and producing some of the decade's most satisfying, innovative, and, unfortunately, overlooked music. This reissue of his 1974 Inspiration Information album--a soulful song cycle that took three years to create and was worth every minute--ranges from early drum machine-driven experiments like "Xl-30" and "Aht Uh Mi Hed" (note the Sly Stone spelling influence) to Otis's most stunning pop confection ever, "Strawberry Letter 23." (The latter song, which ended up being a big hit for the Brothers Johnson, is one of four bonus tracks taken from Otis's 1971 Freedom Flight album). Otis, who once turned down an offer to replace Mick Taylor in the Rolling Stones, continues to perform around the Bay Area on his own and with his father, bandleader Johnny Otis. Hopefully, the long-awaited resurrection of this material will help bring him the attention he deserves. --Bill Forman

Inspiration Information,Shuggie Otis,Luaka Bop,Blues,Electric Blues,Funk,Pop,Psychedelic,Psychedelic Soul,Soul,Soul/R & B,West Coast Blues

Average customer rating:

Cool record
Always Fresh!
4 1/2 stars-- cooled off.
In Time Fresh Just Gets Fresher

Fresh
Sly & the Family Stone
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

There's a Riot Goin' On
Stand!
Dance to the Music
Life
A Whole New Thing

ASIN: B000MTFG1M
Release Date: 2007-04-24

Tracks:

In Time
If You Want Me To Stay
Let Me Have It All
Frisky
Thankful N' Thoughtful
Skin I'm In
I Don't Know (Satisfaction)
Keep On Dancin'
Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)
If It Were Left Up To Me
Babies Makin' Babies
Let Me Have It All
Frisky
Skin I'm In
Keep On Dancin'
Babies Makin' Babies

Customer Reviews:

Cool record.......2007-07-31

I'm a big fan of seventies music. Among the tremendous musical diversity born in that period was funk. This is one of its finest examples. Most importantly it's just great, original music made extra special through the remastering process.

Always Fresh!.......2007-07-22

One of the greatest funk recordings ever.The above review has it right: the 'alternate mixes' are in fact alternate takes. This is my third CD copy of it and it sounds the best of all by far. BTW My first CD copy is signed by the drummer Andy Newmark who I was lucky enough to do a recording session with a few years back.

4 1/2 stars-- cooled off........2007-05-17

After the dark, claustrophobic masterpiece of "There's a Riot Goin' On" and following the departure of bassist Larry Graham, Sly Stone turned his band's attention to a bit of a cooled off sound. This could have been in response to the demise of the powerful rhythm section of Graham and drummer Gregg Errico, who had left prior to 'Riot', but I think in some ways it was a response to the overwhelming nature of its predecessor-- "There's a Riot Goin' On" is an experience to listen to, making it must have been extraordinary.

This isn't to say that "Fresh" is light pop fare. On the contrary, it's a fantastic record, dark in its own way, but it's really quite a bit less intense then its predecessor. At its best, it finds a midtempo, loping sound over which Stone can wail out full of passion and the band can form a swirl around him, single and standout "If You Want Me To Stay" is a fine example of this-- the bassline provides a graceful drive, Stone is passionate in his lead vocal, and the horns cascade around him. By and large, the album sticks to this midtempo funk, driven by the basslines and at times angular guitars ("In Time") or swanky horns ("Skin I'm In"). Stone does develop a tendency to mumble and ramble here and there ("Frisky"), but by and large the great on this one manages to blindingly overshadow the bad and Stone proves stunningly inventive, even taking a schlock Doris Day pop song and making it into a fantastic soul/gospel number ("Que Sera Sera") and survives a remake of hit "Dance to the Music" as a chilled funk number ("Keep on Dancin'", which proves to be quite engaging).

This reissue has been remastered and adds a handful of alternate mixes as bonus tracks as well as including new liner notes. The bonus tracks here are interesting-- Sly Stone had tinkered substantially with the mix on "Fresh" before settling on its released version, although at some point in its early CD release history, alternate mixes for some of the record leaked out (and were quickly recalled by the label). Some of these are actually quite superior to the original mix, illustrating significantly more space and occasionally benefitting from a lack of overdubs-- "Let Me Have it All" is the best example of this, without the layers of vocal overdubs, Sly's vocal really shines. The remastering on this is equally top notch, the record sounds great throughout.

"Fresh" is always going to be thought of as the album that followed "There's a Riot Goin' On"-- it's not quite as good as its predecessor (or as "Stand!" before that), but truthfully this came at the end of a window where Sly Stone could do no wrong. "Fresh" is a fine record in its own right. Highly recommended.

In Time Fresh Just Gets Fresher.......2007-04-14

'Fresh' is a Sly album that is always in an awkward possition because it comes as the follow up to Stand! and
There's a Riot Goin' On ,both of which are considered classics.But trying to judge any Sly & The Family Stone did in the late 60's and early 70's is like trying to debate which chocolate you like best.If you love chocolate,you love it all.One thing 'Fresh' really helps you understand about Sly Stone is that he's a slick producer.Not in the sense of over doing it but how he takes,for example the first song "In Time" with it's gritty organ/guitar sound and get it all to sound smooth as melted caramel all at the same time.The best part about that song is the use of the rhythm box beat;unlike like drumming it gives the music a very exotic,modern feel and a lot of emotion rather then sound cold and artificial.Even more interesting to note is that "Let Me Have It All","Skin I'm In' and "Keep On Dancin",something of a reprise of "Dance To The Music" from six years earlier all share the same style-deep,brooding but funky and never at a slow crawl as the music on the previous album was.On the hit "If You Want Me To Stay" the absense of Larry Graham comes to the surface as newcomer Rusty Allen takes a more timid bassline but the song itself showcases an important theme;'Fresh' is an album about Sly letting go of the past and creating a new future;Sly tells us that if we "want to him stay" he'll be around but we should let him be himself in the meantime.The same theme extends into Sly's version of "Que Sera Sera",which takes the frothy meloncaughly of the Doris Day original into pure gospel/blues passion (plus primetime drama lovers will note it was featured in an episode of 'Judging Amy').The "old" Sly & The Family Stone is best represented on "If It Were Left Up To Me" with that perky horn style of "Everyday People" and,lyrically is matches up very well with the mildly claustraphobic funk of "Babies Makin' Babies",a flat out terrific funk tune that really does the impossible;it's funky and cool at the same time,two things that seldom go together.All five of the bonus cuts being alternate takes you get to see 'Fresh' in the trial and error stages with echo plexed vocals on "Frisky" and the music on "Babies Makin' Babies" kept even further in the backround.As for this CD the remaster of 'Fresh' is excellent,especially the stereo seperation which makes the album sound more genuine then even the first CD reissue.Plus the fact you get very good liner notes that actually enhance the listening experience rather then detract from it.So as an album (if you never heard it before this) 'Fresh' lives up to it's title by being an ear catching musical experience that will draw you right into it's grooves and melodies.And even if you've already heard it a million times this will make you love it all over again.

Average customer rating:

An overlooked masterpiece
Let's take it back...
Inspiration Information
Wow...
A place between time and space...

Inspiration Information
Shuggie Otis
Manufacturer: Luaka Bop
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Blues | Styles | Music

Electric Blues Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music

West Coast Blues | Regional Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

General | R&B | Styles | Music

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General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music

Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

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Shuggie's Boogie: Shuggie Otis Plays the Blues
Cold Heat: Heavy Funk Rarities 1968-1974, Vol. 1
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There's a Riot Goin' On

ASIN: B0000CC833
Release Date: 2005-02-08

Tracks:

Inspiration Information
Island Letter
Sparkle City
Aht Uh Mi Hed
Happy House
Rainy Day
XL-30
Pling!
Not Available
Strawberry Letters 23
Sweet Thang
Ice Cold Daydream
Freedom Flight

Amazon.com

Like Stevie Wonder and Allen Toussaint before him--and Prince and D'Angelo afterward--Shuggie Otis was a musical visionary whose early 1970s recordings showed he could do it all, writing, arranging, performing, and producing some of the decade's most satisfying, innovative, and, unfortunately, overlooked music. This reissue of his 1974 Inspiration Information album--a soulful song cycle that took three years to create and was worth every minute--ranges from early drum machine-driven experiments like "Xl-30" and "Aht Uh Mi Hed" (note the Sly Stone spelling influence) to Otis's most stunning pop confection ever, "Strawberry Letter 23." (The latter song, which ended up being a big hit for the Brothers Johnson, is one of four bonus tracks taken from Otis's 1971 Freedom Flight album). Otis, who once turned down an offer to replace Mick Taylor in the Rolling Stones, continues to perform around the Bay Area on his own and with his father, bandleader Johnny Otis. Hopefully, the long-awaited resurrection of this material will help bring him the attention he deserves. --Bill Forman

Album Description

Inspiration Information, the brainchild of guitar prodigy Shuggie Otis, more than justifies the cult following garnered in the years since its (largely ignored) 1974 release. Son of R&B legend Johnny Otis, Shuggie was a late-'60s celebrity due to his Super Session duets with Al Kooper. Opting out of arena rock -- he reputedly refused an offer to join the Rolling Stones -- the 19-year-old Otis spent three years in the studio generating this one-man opus. His multitracked rhythms recall the laid-back funk of the Meters embroidered with psychedelic filigree, and his voice resembles Allan Toussaint's. But in every other regard, this is singular, sexy music, dislocated in time. Drum machines propel "Island Letter" and the beat-box-plus-organ stabs of "XL-30" predate England's Young Marble Giants by several years. Also featured are four bonus cuts from the artist's 1971 set Freedom Flight, including "Strawberry Letter 23," which was later a hit for the Brothers Johnson. Heard here in its original form (with a surprise prog-guitar coda), the song conveys the impression of "Good Vibrations" being played by a lone musician. Unbelievably wonderful. - Billboard

Customer Reviews:

An overlooked masterpiece.......2007-05-26

This album is a work of subtlety, nuance and is best summed up by the word 'sublime'. From the soaring riffs and joyful intensity of 'inspiration information' to the introverted yet ex-corporeal spaciness of 'freedom flight', this is a thing of pure genius--not a single note is misplaced.

Let's take it back..........2007-02-22

...to real music like this here. I loved this Shuggie Otis album and I'll be buying more of his stuff. Why in the world don't you hear about people like Shuggie, a very young [at the time] musical protegé who played all of his own instruments, mixed himself and sounded like El Debarge. I'm sure had he conformed to a more commercial sound he would've been world famous. Instead he chose to march to the beat of his own drum and the benefit is the listener's. Shuggie most recently, that I know of, played guitar on Mos Def's "The New Danger" album--another one I must get ASAP! BUY THIS ALBUM!!!

Inspiration Information.......2006-04-10

WOW! BRILLIANT! GENIUS!

Those are the few words I could utter as I listened to this disc. I decided to buy this disc after a few contemporary artists that I enjoy mentioned Shuggie Otis as an inspiration to them. I had never heard of him so when I talked to a few people about whether to get this disc or his previous release - those who HAD heard of Shuggie told me to definitely get this one first. I was assured that I'd fall head over heels in love with his music and that has turned out to be true!

I was mezmerized by this entire disc - Shuggie mixes funk, pop & r&b so successfully that it was almost impossible to pick out just one or two tracks as standing out above others - THEY'RE ALL MAGNIFICENT. The info contained in the liner notes made me sad to think that the public didn't "get" this music when it was originally released but maybe a new generation of fans can help get this genius the musical recognition he deserves.

To the undecided - in agreement with the reviewer's notes, if you love Prince, Maxwell & D'Angelo, you will ADORE this disc if you give it a chance - it is MAGNIFICENT!!

Wow..........2006-03-12

This is a great compilation of songs. It is one of the few CDs that I permanently keep in my five disc CD changer. It is one of the few CDs that I can listen to 'ad nauseum' and not get tired of it.

I first heard about the reissue on NPR and I scribbled his name on a napkin that I found in the car. Coincidentally, my wife heard the same report while she was driving and also took the name down. We decided that it was fate and we bought the CD.

I don't have a favorite song on this recording. They are all brilliant. They are all magnificent. These songs may have been written and recorded in the 70s, but they have a "feel" to them that transcends the era. You can't do that with all music. You put on a KC and the Sunshine Band CD and you're in 1975-76. Put on a Police CD and you're in 1982. Put on Shuggie Otis and you're right where you need to be; fully and completely present in the new now moment.

I love this CD and I hope that you give it a chance.

Peace and Blessings.

A place between time and space..........2006-02-01

Inspiration Information is a watershed album! Not only does this album defy classification, it is arguably one of the most deviceful musical efforts in modern auditory history. It is, without doubt, one of the most creative pieces of art that I own. Otis created an alcove all his own; definitely a byproduct of free reign in the studio, as the music is all over the place, yet right where it needs to be at exactly the right moment. Inspiration Information is a hallmark example of the types of auditory beauty that emerge from creative carte blanche.

I don't care where you're musical allegiances rest, if you have a penchant for musical creativity devoid of a provincial ear...get this album. I guarantee you will not be disappointed. This is American, world, and human artistry at its best. A definite must have for the discerning listerner.

Average customer rating:

Wow
Inspiration Information - Shuggie Otis
...soul by the pound, gram, pint, litre, mile, etc., etc...
quite nice, actually
Not the funkiest but sweet

Inspiration Information
Shuggie Otis
Manufacturer: Luaka Bop
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Blues | Styles | Music

Electric Blues Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music

West Coast Blues | Regional Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

General | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music

Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | R&B | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Shuggie's Boogie: Shuggie Otis Plays the Blues
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ASIN: B000059TLS
Release Date: 2001-04-03

Tracks:

Inspiration Information
Island Letter
Sparkle City
Aht Uh Mi Hed
Happy House
Rainy Day
XL-30
Pling!
Not Available
Strawberry Letter 23
Sweet Thang
Ice Cold Daydream
Freedom Flig

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Wow.......2003-05-13

I was in a music rut, looking for something fresh to listen to, and a friend was like well, this isn't new, bu you might like this, and when the first song, "Inspiration Information" finished. I was like, wait wait wait, I need to hear that again.

The Cd isn't very balanced as a whole, not that there aren't some high points to some of the less shining songs, but Inspiration Information and Aht Uh Mi Head are so good that they make the rest of the cd look a tad drab.

Excellent Cd.

Inspiration Information - Shuggie Otis.......2003-04-19

Any young musician aspiring to reach his or her full potential should sit down and listen to this masterful piece of work. Shuggie shows that there are no bounderies to his musical expressions !!! He is truly a master at his craft, with the guitar in his hands he rates with the great ones..... This work should be in all serious music lovers collections.

...soul by the pound, gram, pint, litre, mile, etc., etc..........2003-02-01

somewhere between curtis mayfield and maxwell, shuggie otis rules supreme!
i first heard of him as he played back up for etta james on one of her live cassette tape performances (with eddie "cleanhead" vinson) that my sista let me copy... (i was about 22/23/24 years old so now yall know i been a geek for a long time now... but i love bein a geek... :P ...so there!!!)

anyway, to make a stupid story short, this is some excellent "before-you-go-out-and-get-it-crunk-music" (hole in the wall 'crunk'... not teen club 'crunk'!) or "lets-me-and-you-go-back-to-my-place-and-chill-over-drinks-music" (brown liquor 'drinks'... not add sugar 'drinks'!)

whatever... this is some good responsibly grown style stuff and i love the heck outta it....
later yall!

quite nice, actually.......2002-12-10

I got this album because I read all about it being a forgotten classic. A lot of times it's good hype that gets you out to purchase something new and daring. I'm glad I did. This thing is really good. The thing is, after hearing it you want to go out and buy ten more CD's by this guy. Unfortunately, there aren't a whole lot of other titles available. I found that listening to this CD in headphones brought out the true genius of this music. There are so many layers of sound going on and the stereo separation is great. The arpregios at the end of "Strawberry Letter 22" are phat. The instrumentation on the whole CD is groovy. The drumming sounds a bit like Stevie Wonder's stuff from the early 70's. The guitars are tight and jazzy. Lots of smooth organ playing on a number of the songs. I also hear xylophone a bit on this CD. The xylophone gives it a light and breezy feel, making this CD a good listen during the lazy days of summer. The bass guitar is funky. If you like tight funky plucking on the bass guitar. There's also a bit of electric piano and acoustic guitars. Some songs have a bit of drum machine- early style drum machine. I found that most of the songs were pretty good. Some are too short. Some are just a little weak, but for the most part it's as good as any other great soul album from the same period. It's certainly BETTER than any soul album from the current times. There's hardly anything out there today that could match the slick sound of this baby. Few artists today put any time into their music. That's why sometimes their songs are o.k., but after playing them a few times you just lose interest. With Shuggie, you can play his songs MANY times and still hear something new every time. Definitely try listening to it in headphones. You can really hear where instruments drop out and new parts begin. There is a texture of sound going on and it's always evolving throughout each song. Very interesting.

Not the funkiest but sweet.......2002-10-24

I like....I like....I like....