Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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( A I, Rufus, Entwh BY ERIC ANDERSON Of The Gamecock staff "Rufusized" byRufus Rufus has within the last year released two superb singles, "Tell Me Somethin' Good" and the recent "You Got the Love." On "Rufusized," current ABC Dunhill album, the band hits a few very high points and several dismal lows. Rufus is a black and white soul-oriented band trying to sophisticate the funky get-up-and-dance style. Rufus pulls off the production with help from Bob Monaco. Musically, however, the funkiness is often strained or lost altogether. It is not really difficult to remain seated during most of the album. I even found it hard to get my foot tapping on some of the songs. One example of theunevennessof some songs are "Somebody's Watching You," which, despite rather inane lyrics and a dreadful melody, has a great chorus sounding pleasantly like Stevie Wonder. "Packed My Bag" shows uneveness with a fairly nice chorus and slick orchestration by Gerald Vinci but a rather lifeless tune. "Half Moon," a re-cycled Janis Joplin number, is transformed beyond recognition into a rendition that stands very pale against the exquisitely funky original. The album is not without several redeeming cuts, though. The first two songs on the second side are among the liveliest and tightest soul numbers this reviewer has ever heard. "I'm a Woman" is a superbly sparse and crunchy rocking soul song getting almost all its cues from Wonder's style. Pounding drums, economically bouncy guitar riffs and a delicately subdued synthesizer make this tune a potential "killer" single. The same is true of the second song, "Right is Right," which is more swing than rocking soul. The title cut "Rufusized" is jam up instrumental incorporating the now charac Iod-riv" Proud Ir enteri istle reviewed teristically Rufus use of the "bag guitar" found in "Tell Me Something Good." I can't say enough about the highlight of the album, "Please Pardon Me (You Remind Me Of a Friend)." It is a perfect single, possessing beautifully sensitive lyrics and a lushly orchestrated bed topped by a gorgeous tune and an equally gorgeous vocal by Chaka Khan. Chaka is the only consistent delight on the album. I find no fault at all with her voice. She shines on every song, with an understanding not unlike Gladys Knight in her good moments. Miss Khan tries everything from a rough, gutsy yet feminine snarl to an in tuitively sensitive delivery, tailoring her touch to fit the song and always succeeding. "Rufusized," then, is a somewhat uneven offering with a few sure show stoppers and several downright dreary ditties. Chaka Khan is marvelous, but she cannot make up for the band's frequently watered down performances. It is a pity Rufus are only oc casionally excellent, for when they hit the mark they do so with a vengeance, and when they miss the result is sadly mediocre. On most of "Rufusized" they missed. John Entwistle's "Ox" John Entwistle is widely acknowledged as one of rock music's better bassists. He has always been a vital part of the English band The Who, now a rock institution. Entwistle, who also plays an excellent French horn and competent piano, has previously released three very fine albums, all showing his bizarre view of the world. His solo attempts have all been very unique and pleasantly different, with innovative bass guitar, menacing song structures and an impressive list of sidemen. Entwistle's new band, Ox, recently Continued on Page 9 rI I *IP Present atinment MA)DOG.'