Manhattans – Black Tie / Love Talk CD (Expansion)

In 1973 The Manhattans landed at Columbia Records and carved their signature “Kiss And Say Goodbye” three years later. They recorded a dozen albums for the label through to 1986, many of which have been on CD before either individually or as 2 on 1s such as this.

Much of their 70s output was rooted in Philly soul. “Love Talk” was their last 70s album (1979) recorded jointly in New York and Philadelphia and has not previously been on CD. It includes “Devil In The Dark” and the US single “Here Comes The Hurt Again”, both definitive Philly ballads produced by Jack Faith at Sigma Sound, though it’s hard to single out tracks with regard Gerald’s vocals as he gives his all to everything. Out of the Bert deCoteaux produced New York sessions “After You” has everything to me and is a another highlight of this collection.

In 1980 The Manhattans adopted Chicago producer Leo Graham and they started the decade with a hit “Shining Star” from the “After Midnight” LP which bridges these two albums. Leo remained on board for “Black Tie” and brought the signature polished sound defined by Tyrone Davis in 1979 with “In The Mood” to the project, and in particular the opening song “Just One Moment Away”. The production throughout is full bodied and luxurious with fantastic layered harmonies from the rest of the guys as you’d expect. – Expansion