Soul On The Rocks Posted by Junior

The Whatnauts: Hurry Up And Wait andWhy Can't People Be Colors Too? From: On The Rocks [Stang, 1972] Sometimes the high quality of an album actually makes it harder rather than easier to post about. I've spent waaaaaay too long with this album on rotation trying to decide which two tracks would best represent the quality of the Whatnauts 1972 release On The Rocks, and, after changing my mind over and over, I've come to some kind of decision on the matter and am finally in the position to put up their music. Comprising three truly outstanding vocalists this Blatimore band never really hit the major big time that they deserved. Perhaps it's because their sound, while undoubtedly funky, was less immediately catchy than many of their contemporaries of the time, who knows. However, from a personal perspective, each time I listen to their music I notice new subtleties to the blend and it cannot be stated enough how talented these guys are. Hurry Up And Wait displays the band's soulful class with aplomb. There's something about the change up in the chorus which near on breaks my heart everytime, the lead, tenor and bass vocals taking their turns to plead their message. Full of real soul and raw emotions this is wonderful, wonderful stuff. Although the band's music did tend towards the soulful ballad the guys could funk when necessary and the classic Why Can't People Be Colours Too? is a damn fine example of this. Over a minimalist funk break the band give their usual top quality performances before halfway through the vocals drop from the mix and the meatiest of beats kicks in to carry the track home. Perfect.