Still Here: 1967-1973

I had only heard 2 songs by the Notations, but they were great ones, so when I saw that they now had a full-length CD available, I didn't hesitate to order it. This one certainly met my expectations. This is sweet Chicago soul, very reminiscent of the music made by Curtis Mayfield and the Impressions. In fact, the Notations cover a Mayfield song on this collection ("I've Been Trying") and after meeting the famous man himself, they wrote another song ("Superpeople") specifically for him. Disappointingly, "Superpeople" is not on this collection, but it apparently was "rediscovered" on the Northern Soul circuit in recent years and has helped to create a renewed awareness of this fine group.The Notations got their start after soul legend Syl Johnson signed them to the Twinight label that he was also recording for at the time (early 1970s), I first heard their song "I Can't Stop" on Numero Group's excellent 2-CD collection of Twinight songs "Eccentric Soul: Twinight's Lunar Rotation." The other tune I heard, "I'm Still Here" was on the Kent collection "More Perfect Harmony: Sweet Soul Groups". Both of those captivating songs are also on this collection, which also has been reissued by the Numero Group, another indication that you are getting some high quality music.One of the more distinctive aspects of the Notations was the vocals by singer Cliff Curry. When he hit certain notes there would be this cute little yelp, almost like someone had stepped on his foot! A bit unusual, but endearingly so. It turns out that his "yelp" had come from an attempt to challenge Syl Johnson's suggestion that he try something "original" when recording the song. Curry is quoted in the liner notes as saying he "hated that for a long time" but eventually came around to the realization that "Sly knew what he was talking about" and ended up liking it. And for good reason; this is a terrific tune.In addition to that song and the Mayfield cover, there are plenty of other tunes on this collection that offer ample evidence that the Notations were a supremely talented vocal group, one that could have gained wider national notice if only they had gotten the exposure and the breaks, Another song of interest is "Young Girl," the last track on this CD. This was a Curry-penned song that had touches of Drifters-like doo-wop. If the recording sounds rough, there is a reason for that: it was recovered from a nearly-lost cassette tape. But even the lack of fidelity doesn't diminish the power of this great song.After some other label moves and a brief move to the big time with a single for Mercury, the Notations kept on keeping on, despite the lack of any major commercial breakthrough. A shame, because they certainly had the talent. Nevertheless, the band has persevered and from what the liner notes say, they are still performing today, even though original member LaSalle Matthews died in 2002.The CD comes with a 12-page booklet with a history of the group written by Ryan Boyle. Another very interesting, and soul satisfying reissue from the Numero Group. If you are a fan of 1970s soul vocal groups, don't miss this one!

Good music

This is some of that good early 70's soul music

Very nice cd! A lot of songs I never heard from them if you like the Notations you will love this cd!

I love the Notatins. This CD is good.

Grate music

Lovely division 2 Chicago soul, in the same vein as the mighty mighty Impressions by a group who later featured on Curtis and Eddie Thomas' Curtom label...