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They Said It Couldn't Be Done, But We Did It!

                 



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Format: LP     Want this on CD also?

Condition: VG+ COVER / VG+ LP (cover/media)    More Info
Label: Mercury SRM-1-1145
Country: Us
Released: 1977
Genre: soul
Quantity: 1 in stock
Seller Ref:   234

includes lyric insert
By the time The Dells released their 16th studio set !!!, 1977's "They Said It Couldn't Be Done, But We Did It"   they'd jumped whole heartedly into the disco fray.    Largely abandoning their Chicago roots, the album was recorded in Philadelphia's Sigma Studios with production from The Harris Machine (which I'm guessing consisted of Norman Harris, Allan Felder, and Ronald Tyson).   Harris and company reportedly wrote the eight tracks specifically for The Dells and the majority of   the collection pushed these guys into an up tempo, dance-oriented direction.   With that backdrop it probably shouldn't have come as a surprise to hear the results frequently recalled a slew of Philadelphia International acts (a touch of O'Jays, a bit of Harold Melvin and the Blues Notes, etc.).   On the surface that probably didn't sound too promising, but the saving grace for The Derlls was the combination of their immense talents (particularly Marvin Junior's instantly recognizable bear of a voice), and the fact they held on to their old school roots, which repeatedly showed through Harris and company's glossy dance moves.
- A taunt dance number, 'Teaser' probably didn't win the group any fans among hardcore feminists ("I want to be the one to fill your loving cup ...", but Marvin Junior sounded positively demonic on this one.   The song also showcased The Dells fantastic call and response capabilities - for goodness sakes, these guys had been together for 25 years when they recorded the song.      Great way to open an album.   Mercury tapped it for the album's third single.   rating: *** stars
- Even though it sounded awfully similar to Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes (the Philadelphia International vibe was upfront and center on this one), the rollicking 'Our Love' was another stand out performances with some dazzling backing vocals - the chorus made a hook that was almost impossible to ignore.   Probably the album's most radio ready number, it was tapped as the second single.    rating: *** stars
- Showcasing Junior's amazing voice, 'Could It Be' was a big, old-school ballad.   Very pretty and a nice change in direction, the only problem with this one is that it went on and on and on ...   A bit of judicious editing would have benefited this six minute plus opus.    rating: *** stars
- In standard Philly-International fashion, the pounding 'Rich Man, Poor Man (Peace)' surrounded the group with an activist lyric, including a surprisingly blunt anti-abortion lyric.    If Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes and The O'Jays could get away with this kind of sermonizing, why not The Dells.   Again, the mix was a touch too long to hold your interest.   While I liked the Dennis Coffey-styled guitar, the extended instrumental section wasn't necessary.   Still kind of cool with Junior simply spitting out the lyrics.   rating: *** stars
- The bouncy title track was another effort that had the Philly International sound stamped into its soul.   With Junior and Johnny Carter sharing lead vocals, 'They Said It Couldn't Be Done, But We Did It' was also one of the album's most commercial outings.   As for the odd title, here's what the liner notes say: "Most of you are probably wondering why this album is entitled "'They Said It Couldn't Be Done, But We Did It!", So let me try my very best to explain The Dells ...    And the there were the lean yearsand other groups had passed them by.   People are still wondering what had happened to The Dells.    Has the 20th century lost a great, great group?    Are there any producers, writers and arrangers who could bring back the good sound of the mighty, mighty Dells?   Seeing that this was a big challenge, "The Harris Machine" decided to record The Dells' next album.   Everyone said The Dells could not make it again, but believe me Norman "The Harris Machine" and The Dells have done it ... "      rating: *** stars
- Geez, if this one didn't sound like Harold

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