Music for Grownups Reviews: The Manhattans, Inara George
By: Richard Gehr | Source: AARP.org | 2008-08-19
Richard Gehr is a veteran music critic based in New York City. His reviews for AARP.org appear every Tuesday; his columns on Thursdays.
The Manhattans
"Sweet Talking Soul 1965-1990"
Shout! Factory
"This has got to be the saddest day of my life," laments baritone Winfred "Blue" Lovett at the beginning of "Kiss and Say Goodbye,” a 1976 hit by this doo-wop-influenced R&B hit machine. And the Manhattans remain a going concern. Founded in 1964 by another bunch of Jersey Boys, the group specializes in emotionally fraught ballads characterized by luscious, three-part harmonies.
For most of their later career, the gospel-tinged soul of lead singer Gerald Alston, who replaced the late George Smith in 1970, defined the group. As its music grew progressively slicker, however, the Manhattans generated hits such as 1980's "Shining Star." Early Smith tracks, such as "Searchin' for My Baby" and "Follow Your Heart," still pack the brash energy of the group's urban namesake.
Inara George
"An Invitation"
Everloving
The female half of contemporary pop duo The Bird and the Bee, Inara George also happens to be the daughter of Little Feat founder Lowell George, who died of a heart attack in 1979. Inara's second solo album marks the debut of an even more fulfilling duet. "An Invitation" is a girl-meets-symphony collaboration with her father's best friend, Van Dyke Parks. The legendary composer-arranger sends violins, woodwinds, and accordions swirling around Inara's coolly delivered yet romantically evocative lyrics. "I want to be your century," she sings in "Family Tree." "I want to settle down." From its instrumental overture to lullaby-like conclusion, Inara and Parks extend an invitation clearly worth accepting.
"Sweet Talking Soul 1965-1990"
Shout! Factory
"This has got to be the saddest day of my life," laments baritone Winfred "Blue" Lovett at the beginning of "Kiss and Say Goodbye,” a 1976 hit by this doo-wop-influenced R&B hit machine. And the Manhattans remain a going concern. Founded in 1964 by another bunch of Jersey Boys, the group specializes in emotionally fraught ballads characterized by luscious, three-part harmonies.
For most of their later career, the gospel-tinged soul of lead singer Gerald Alston, who replaced the late George Smith in 1970, defined the group. As its music grew progressively slicker, however, the Manhattans generated hits such as 1980's "Shining Star." Early Smith tracks, such as "Searchin' for My Baby" and "Follow Your Heart," still pack the brash energy of the group's urban namesake.
Inara George
"An Invitation"
Everloving
The female half of contemporary pop duo The Bird and the Bee, Inara George also happens to be the daughter of Little Feat founder Lowell George, who died of a heart attack in 1979. Inara's second solo album marks the debut of an even more fulfilling duet. "An Invitation" is a girl-meets-symphony collaboration with her father's best friend, Van Dyke Parks. The legendary composer-arranger sends violins, woodwinds, and accordions swirling around Inara's coolly delivered yet romantically evocative lyrics. "I want to be your century," she sings in "Family Tree." "I want to settle down." From its instrumental overture to lullaby-like conclusion, Inara and Parks extend an invitation clearly worth accepting.
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