Tabulating

Brenda & the Tabulations had several R&B hits in the late 60s and early 70s but apart from the gorgeous "Dry Your Eyes" in 1967 (which I posted last year. You snooze, you lose) they never made much headway in the pop charts, despite being probably the best Philly Soul group who weren't produced by Gamble & Huff or Thom Bell. The man behind the controls for them between 1969-1971 was Van McCoy (years before he hit the charts himself with "The Hustle") and his sophisticated songs and productions plus Brenda Payton's lovely voice made for some of the sweetest soul music of the era.

Though they're better known for ballads they did a few uptempo numbers like this handsome pair. "Lies, Lies, Lies" is a b-side from 1970 with a driving groove built around a punchy harpsichord riff (at least I think that's a harpsichord, I have no clue about these things) and sweeping strings. The oddly-named "Scuse Uz Y'All" was another b-side and is nothing like anything else they recorded, a mostly instrumental funk workout with a squelchy rhythm and nonsense chanting that sounds not unlike Sly & The Family Stone. Apparently they just made this up in the studio one day.

These and the rest of their work with Van McCoy on the Top & Bottom label is collected on "Right On The Tip Of My Tongue" which you should go out and buy right now. That's an order.

[Download]
Lies, Lies, Lies - Brenda & The Tabulations
Scuse Uz Y'All - Brenda & The Tabulations