Good to see Shuggie back.
4
By djshortstack
I bought the original re-release of Inspiration Information back in 2001 (which also had 4 cuts from Freedom Flight, including the original "Strawberry Letter 23.") Upon first listen, I immediately said, "This is from 1974?!" I thought sure it was some PR joke cooked up by Luaka Bop and David Byrne. But, not so.
Granted, it's not as if there were no musical precedents for what was showcased on Inspiration Information. On the title track and "Sparkle City," you can hear Shuggie's admiration of Sly Stone's and Stevie Wonder's auteurism come through, loud and clear. But there's also Chicago blues and jazz, deep in his playing, too. Just listen to the guitar licks on "Rainy Day." There are even hints of Stravinsky in the string arrangements (the bridge on "Aht Uh Mi Hed.")
The songs are deep and funky, yet bathed in California sunshine and Pacific ocean breezes, all at once.
All in all, it's worth the $15 to get the core of the original Inspiration Information album (tracks 1-9).
The bonus tracks and the core of the Wings of Love album, on the other hand, are somewhat hit or miss. There are some interesting outtakes and leftovers that never really take off, first of all. Then, some tracks ("Fireball of Love," "Give me a Chance") are a downright cringe-worthy with their dated, 80s cheesiness.
But when the songs hit ("Special," "Miss Pretty," "Trying to Get Close to You," "Destination You!"), they hit hard. These tracks in particular feel like long lost Prince compositions that are just overflowing with exuberance and soul. TRY to sit still while listening to "Special." I double-dog dare you.
The man should have been a 70s superstar. Instead, he's a modern legend, and I think that's an even more fitting tribute to his genius.
