Eugene Record
Soul Shower and Diddy Wah have already mentioned this news but I would be very remiss if I ignored the death of Chi-Lites lead singer Eugene Record last week at age 64. Along with The Delfonics, The Manhattans, Blue Magic and The Stylistics, The Chi-Lites defined the 70s era of polyester-suited harmony groups with very high voices and big afros, and I think they were my favourites of them all. Is there a human being alive who doesn't go all wobbly when they hear "Have You Seen Her?" or "Oh Girl"? I hope not. Record not only brought his heavenly voice to their records, but was also the driving force behind the band, writing most of their hits. I have two personal favourite Chi-Lites tracks, "The Coldest Days Of My Life" which was one of the very first songs I posted on this blog, and "Stoned Out Of My Mind." This beauty from 1973, co-written by Record and his girlfriend Barbara Acklin (the pair were also responsible for "Have You Seen Her?"), floats along like a dream with a gently shuffling beat and Record's angelic falsetto. Music doesn't get much sweeter-sounding than this. Do yourself a huge favour and get The Chi-Lites 20 Greatest Hits, it'll be a friend for life.
[Download]
Stoned Out Of My Mind - The Chi-Lites
14 Comments:
Shockingly, even as good as the Chi-Lites version is, I think that Paul Weller and his crew actually outdid the original. Both are personal faves of mine, too, Lee, but I feel there's something extra-propulsive about the Jam's version.
-j
I was unaware of his death - thanks for the word, Lee.
I only knew The Jam version of this - and perhaps know it too well to stand back and comment on the original; but I suspect you may beg to differ with j?
'Have you seen Her?' remains a highlight of the 70s for wobbly old me, and is a suitable musical legacy for anyone.
Cheers mate, ta.
I love The Jam's version too (still have the 'Beat Surrender' double pack single it came on - along with 'Move On Up') but, great though they were, Bruce Foxton and Rick Buckler are no match for the slinky rhythm section on this.
For me, one of the best is
"Yes I'm Ready (If I Dont Get To Go)" b/side of "Have You Seen Her".
Bye Eugene...
Can you take this on your blog?
This post has been removed by the author.
Reasonable men may disagree.
Us, too :)
One more thing: he had quite the fitting name for a recording star! (I couldn't avoid stating the obvious, what can I say?)
-j
I am deeply saddened by eugene records death. i was one of the first disco dj's and not only played his great music but appreciated it. i am so happy he reunited with the chi-lites for the PBS show.
Al Magliano
Wake up and smell the quality.The Temps had David Ruffin The Chi-Lites had Eugene and he could write.Mr Soul from downtown Liverpool is Mourning the passing of a musical genius.For God's sake etc;see you in the re-mix.
Hi. I was recently in England, where one of the channels played 'Have you seen her' frequently as a commercial. Now I realise they were also paying tribute to Eugene. Didn't know the lead singers name, but as a then 18 year old in the UK (1973) this song made a big impression on me. Such a sad song, I still feel tears welling up ... a beautifully touching song. I've sung this at karaokes, and as an obsessive type, I can feel the sentiment like my whole body aches. Unbelievable that 'Long John Baldry' died almost the same time, same age, sang also a very touching song, a No.1 in UK, 'Let the heartaches begin'. You live long enough, every one goes.
Al.
Hi I am Mr. Eugene Records daughter and want to thank any and everyone for their kind words and prayers for our family. He was a man who will be missed greatly for he was a classic! There is no replacement...no one could write like him and no one could sing like him. God Bless You All!
And God bless your father for all the great music he made. Brought a lot of pleasure into my life.
Been a fan of Eugene's for a long time. I travelled to the United states to catch a live performance but he was singing gospel by then.......I know he's thrilling "Angels in heaven" with his silky voice........and if he does an encore of "The coldest days of my Life" it would be fitting. He wrote the most memorable love songs, I have ever heard and I hope he gets credit one day..........
i saw the chi-lites in tampa 02/25/06 without eugene,they are still the best in the soul business, but that unmistakable of eugene is sadly missed
There have never been any lead singer that could express a love ballard the way Eugenge Record could. He was undoubtedly my favorite balladeer. "Write A Letter to Myself" and Toby are bone chilling love songs that expressed the most deepest and inner feelings of love that any man could have for a woman. The news of his death was shocking and certainly the coldest day of my life.
Jeremiah
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