Frantic Side from Early Days of The Stylistics

In 1968 The Stylistics were born from the ashes of rival Philadelphia high school singing groups The Monarchs and The Percussions with departing members from each group moving on to careers, college and the armed services. The remaining members, Russell Thompkins Jr, James Smith, Herbert Murrell, Airrion Love and James Dunn formed what would be a Philadelphia powerhouse in soul creating timeless music.

This record was released on the Sebring label owned by Bill Perry’s and though not being a smash was a big enough regional hit that they were signed to Avco / Embassy who would release the same record the following year later and watch it climb the charts and begin the Stylistics meteoric rise on the wings of Philadelphia wunderkind Thom Bell accompanied by the writing of Linda Creed.

Though the A side was the charting hit the B side is a real stand out for me, being a bit of an unusual track for their usual style. An upbeat stomper with some sinister horns and absolutely frantic drumming and while it fits in with the requisite “drugs are bad” songs in most artists of the time catalog, this one really feels urgent.  There’s and absolutely KILLER break/breakdown with everyone’s voice getting into a desperate plead that makes the song that much heavier.  Also of note, this song marks Thompkins’ falsetto as a secondary voice which is interesting to hear knowing how dominant a force he’d become in the group.

Enjoy a side of politically aware, late 60’s soul with a soon to be legendary group in their raw, formative stages

Till the next go-round!

-George / Snack Attack