Thin Line Between Love And Hate/The Persuaders (CD)

• Category:  Music  »  R&B  »  Soul
• Format: CD   Learn more about the CD format using Tower WIKI.
• Release Date: January 29, 2008
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Collectors' Choice
• UPC: 617742085822
• WAPI (Tower ID): 111702302
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• Tower.com Sales Rank: #22725 in Music (See Top 100 Music Bestsellers)
• #1211 in R&B (See Top 100 R&B Bestsellers)
• #114 in Soul (See Top 100 Soul Bestsellers)

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Collectors' Choice Music has gathered the Persuaders' Thin Line Between Love and Hate (1971) and self-titled follow-up The Persuaders (1972) onto this single CD. In deference to their Philly soul leanings, the quartet originated with Virginia natives Richard Poindexter and Robert Poindexter who eventually made their way to New York City. Once in the Big Apple the pair cut sides as the Poindexter Brothers prior to penning sizable hits for, among others, the O'Jays ("I'll Be Sweeter Tomorrow") and Linda Jones ("Hypnotized"). Before long they were joined by fellow Virginians Douglas "Smokey" Scott (vocals), Charles Stodgehill (vocals), and James "B.J." Barnes (vocals). After a bit of creative financing, the song "Thin Line Between Love and Hate" garnered attention from the Atlantic Records subsidiary Atco, who actually went a step further bestowing them with their own Win or Lose imprint. The single made it to the number one slot on the R&B charts and had a significant crossover into the pop survey, landing comfortably in the Top 20. On the LP, the singers are supported by Angel Luis Panaiagua, Jr. (guitar), Paul Young (vibraphone), Harry "Al" Giscombe (bass), and Leroy Quick (drums). In addition to the album's well-known title track, there are a few deeper cuts that not only reflect the Persuaders' remarkable harmonies, but are likewise time capsules of their era. "Let's Get Down Together" is a musical come-on wrapped up in a breezy waltz and is notable for such phrases as "Ooh Girl, I like what I see..." and "I'd like to paint your wagon, baby...." By contrast, "Blood Brothers" takes on the topic of inner city turmoil and social upheaval with a bit of Black Pride mixed into the larger "we are all one" mentality that was meant to unite. Other fun and funky selections from Thin Line are the Sly Stone influenced "Thigh Spy," "You Musta Put Something in Your Love," "Thanks for Loving Me," and "Love Gonna Pack Up (And Walk Out)," with the latter becoming the groups second Top Ten R&B single.

Even though The Persuaders (1973) wasn't privy to the success of their inaugural outing, in some respects it is the better of the two. One factor could be the replacement of Barnes and Stodgehill -- with John Tobias and Thomas Lee Hill -- from the Majestics. Interestingly, the Poindexters were mentioned only by way of producer and writer credits for Bobby and a sole co-author nod to Richard for the hard-to-describe "Bad Bold and Beautiful Girl." While the lush orchestration suggests a Barry White production, Tobias' prominent doo wop leads and spoken verses are unique. Lines such as "There's sump'tin about you I just dig/I've had some of the finest women in the world/But they can't compare to you" gives an indication of the down-to-earth vibe and hearkens back to the delivery of the aforementioned "Let's Get Down Together." Tobias' rich bass pipes resurface on the mid-tempo "My Love Goes Good When Things Go Bad" and a tune titled "I Want to Make It with You" which had been the first number one for the David Gates led soft pop group Bread. The other cover of note is the overhaul of the Drifters' "Please Stay" -- which gained regional renown as part of the "shagging" Southeast coast dance craze. It has likewise shown up on numerous Carolina Soul compilations. However the best example of the Persuaders' signature sound can be heard on the sublime Top 20 R&B entry "Peace in the Valley of Love." Their angelic voices blend, creating a gentle and placid sonic oasis that sets the tone for one of the era's most criminally underrated ballads. This 2007 CD reissue includes a fascinating essay from music critic and historian Bill Dahl and provides a worthy upgrade from the previous Collectibles' version of Thin Line as well as the premiere of The Persuaders in the digital domain. ~ Lindsay Planer

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