Eugene Record - The Eugene Record/Trying To Get To You.

From Chicago, Eugene Booker Record is best known for his integral role as lead singer in The Chi-Lites. At Brunswick Records he demonstrated skills as a songwriter, arranger and producer most notably his contribution “Soulful Strut” for Young-Holt Unlimited, an instrumental later a Barbara Acklin vocal hit “Am I The Same Girl”.
     
In 1977 he brought all this talent to a solo career for Warner Brothers which gave us three albums, the first two of which are presented here. The collection of songs includes what is considered by many as his best solo work, “Overdose Of Joy”. The song combines a genius lyrical concept with the most perfect melody, musicianship, arrangement and vocal performance to a standard of classic soul of the period. It is the defining moment from his time as a solo artist, but the craftsmanship and beauty of the record is further evident on songs across these two albums on other standout moments including “Here Comes The Sun” and “We Belong Together” in his melancholic style. He also had char success in the USA with “Laying Beside You”, and there’s much more here to discover in the event you are not already familiar with everything on these albums.
      
The title song “Trying To Get To You” is also significant in that beyond this version, Valerie Carter recorded a version the same year and became a song that came to our attention on London’s rare groove scene. Expansion released Valerie’s version for the first time on CD in 1993 on a compilation “Soul Chasers”.
      
Eugene’s third album was “Welcome To My Fantasy” for Warner Brothers in 1979 before returning  to The Chi-Lites. Expansion is pleased to keep the music alive with this CD reissue, while further acknowledging the inspiration  it has brought to younger generations who continue to sample his original recordings. Let’s start with “Overdose Of Joy” sampled by Curse & Pete Rock (“Nimms Leicht”), Funky DL feat. Ty (“Worldwide”), Ray West & O.C. feat A.G. & Milano “Go Back”); “Here Comes The Sun” sampled by De La Soul feat. Ghostface Killah (“He Comes”); “Trying To Watch The Wind” sampled by The Alchemist feat. Devin The Dude (“Where Can We Go”), Fiend (“Clockin Doe”); “Mother Of Love” sampled by Step Brothers feat. Blu & Rakaa (“Tomorrow”); “We Belong Together” sampled by Skyzoo (“We Belong Together”); and “Trying To Get To You” sampled by Rapsody feat. Skyzoo (“Chosen One”) to name a few..

Track listing :

The Eugene Record (1977)

Laying Beside You
Danger! Love Under Pressure
Here Comes The Sun
Overdose Of Joy
Trying To Watch The Wind
Mothers Of Love
Love Don't Live By Sex Alone
Putting It Down
When We Pull The Shades

Trying To Get To You (1978)

Trying To Get To You
Come To My Party
Time
We Belong Together
I Want To Be With You
Love And Fun
You Are The Star Of My Show
I'm So Glad
Share My Life    

Label : Expansion
           Exp2CD42
Ean  : 5019421604228