Ashford & Simpson - Gimme Something Real (Expanded Edition) (2016)

BBR is thrilled to present this repackaged and remastered edition of GIMME SOMETHING REAL in a deluxe super jewel case including a new interview with Valerie Simpson and two bonus tracks. Having contributed to reshaping soul music of the mid- 1960s to the early 1970s via other recording artists (notably Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Chaka Khan, The 5th Dimension), Nickolas Ashford & Valerie Simpson were a long established song-writing success before expanding on this as a recording duo in 1973. Valerie would release two wonderful records albeit to limited commercial success before the duo branched out together with their Warner Bros. debut GIMME SOMETHING REAL. Following on from the joyous pop formula they had perfected during their run of song-writing with Motown, GIMME SOMETHING REAL sees the duo progressing further with a quiet storm template that would partially set the standard for future releases. As the album's opening track, 'Bend Me' reaffirms Ashford & Simpson's position in soul music, even more so given the unexpected deviation from what is arguably one of the most spectacular eras of pop music during their time at Motown.

TRACKLIST

01. Bend Me 3:19
02. Time 4:41
03. Have You Ever Tried It 3:25
04. Gimme Something Real 6:34
05. Can You Make It Brother 4:33
06. I'm Determined 3:19
07. Ain't That Good Enough 3:13
08. I Need Your Light 3:43
09. Anywhere 6:00
10. Have You Ever Tried It (Long Version) (Bonus Track) 3:48
11. (I'd Know You) Anywhere (Single Version) (Bonus Track) 3:38