Shades of Brown
Shades of Brown, a Chicago soul group, was formed in 1970 and gained prominence in the 1970s. The group was led by vocalist Bill Brown and included notable members such as Christopher Allen (also known as Chris Bernard), Charles Scott IV, and Earle Roberts. They began their musical journey while performing at local clubs and participating in various "battle of the groups" events, which helped them gain initial recognition.
Growing up in Altgeld Gardens, Bill Brown started his musical career at an early age. His beginnings included rhythmic experimentation using coat hangers before he transitioned into more structured musical endeavors, including forming a duo with his friend Chris Allen. Brown’s early experiences were further enriched when he formed his first gospel group while in a juvenile detention center, eventually leading him to join other musical collectives.
Shades of Brown is often associated with the Chicago soul genre, distinguished by its rich vocal harmonies and powerful sound. They recorded music under On Top Records and made significant contributions to the R&B scene during their active years. The group's music resonated with audiences and reflected the soul and spirit of Chicago's vibrant musical landscape.
Shades of Brown continues to be celebrated for their impact on the genre, with their contributions still recognized in contemporary music discussions. Information is missing on their specific discography and notable songs.
S.O.B.
A2 Lie Number Two 4:02
A3 He Didn't Leave Me A Name 2:53
A4 Little Girl 1:58
A5 Ho-Hum World 3:17
B1 Man's Worst Enemy 2:57
B2 Girl I'm Coming Home 3:10
B3 Falling In Love Too Hard 3:15
B4 The Soil I Tilled For You 3:20
B5 Garbage Man 3:57
Written by Bobby Miller
Label: Cadet – LPS-843
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1970
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk
The album S.O.B. by Shades Of Brown is a highly regarded, cult-favorite Chicago soul album from 1970, praised for its tight harmonies, excellent arrangements, and range of soul styles. It is considered a "lost nugget" of '70s soul and has been famously sampled by artists like A Tribe Called Quest.
Reviewers widely praise S.O.B. as a "stone classic" of its genre. It is noted for blending traditional crooning Chicago soul with harder-driving psychedelic soul and funk, drawing comparisons to the tightness and emotional depth of groups like The Dells and The Temptations.
The album's strength is attributed to the arrangements by the legendary Richard Evans and Charles Stepney, and production by Bobby Miller, which "tie the whole thing together beautifully".
The harmony vocals are described as "simply mindblowing" and rivaling the best vocal groups of the era.
All tracks are originals and considered "completely fresh," avoiding the typical filler found on some albums.
According to Thom Jurek of AllMusic, the album masterfully incorporates strings, a prominent horn section, and low-end strings, creating a high-class, uptown soul sound.
The album features ten tracks, all written by Bobby Miller. The single "The Soil I Tilled For You" is particularly famous for its breakbeat, which has been repeatedly sampled over the years.
Key Tracks and Highlights:-
"The Soil I Tilled For You": Features a prominent breakbeat that has made it a favorite in the sampling circuit.
"Little Girl": Noted for elegant vocal harmonies, dramatic tom-toms, and a rich string arrangement.
"He Didn't Leave Me a Name": Highlights the group's ability to handle a furious tempo and socially conscious lyrics.
"Man's Worst Enemy": Praised as "high-class uptown soul at its best," featuring a big horn section and a clear, rolling bassline.
in summary, S.O.B. is an essential album for fans of 1970s Chicago and psychedelic soul. Its blend of tight musicianship, brilliant arrangements, and powerful vocals makes it a highly-rated and sought-after record in the rare groove community. The album holds an average user rating of around 4.02 out of 5 on platforms like Discogs.