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The O'Jays - Rare Cuts

Philadelphia Soul legends the O'Jays, formed in the 60's by high school pals Eddie Levert, Walter Williams, William Powell, Bill Isles, Bobby Massey and future Buffalo Bills running back O.J Simpson, had a string of pop hits commencing with 1972's "Backstabbers" and culminating with the 1973 #1 hit "Love Train." NFL superstar Simpson's foray into music proved so surprisingly successful in fact, that the running back briefly considered hanging up his cleats to concentrate more fully on what he referred to as his true calling. Although Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff composed the band's most memorable hits, the running back sensation demo'ed nearly two albums worth of songs in the 70's and 80's which were either relegated to B-sides or disregarded altogether. These songs are properly released for the first time on this interesting but uneven rarities compilation. "2,003 Yards", a standout track containing some of Simpson's most engaging lead vocal work, is a personal chronicle of the 1973 season during which he broke the single-season rushing record.  The Hall of Fame back shares lead vocal duties with Eddie Levert on "Running For Glory", a reflection on his 1968 Heisman trophy campaign. In the late 70's, as Simpson's career wound down unremarkably with the 49'ers, his songwriting focused increasingly on family and his own mortality. 1979's "I'm Gonna Marry Me A White Bitch" and 1980's "Don't F**k With The Juice" are disturbingly prophetic in hindsight and hint at the discrepency between his public and private persona. Simpson eventually parted company with the O'Jays in the early 80's in order to focus his attention on an acting and broadcasting career but offered them one final composition, the touching "Forever Monday Nights."

Steve Miller: Miller Time

Taking a bold step outside his musical comfort zone, 70's rock and roll hitmaker and self-proclaimed space cowboy Steve Miller teams with versatile producer Phil Ramone on an album of "duets" with Big Band legend Glenn Miller. Through the magic of studio editing, Miller the rocker's boogie guitar licks accompany Miller the swinger's bouncy trombone noodling on updated orchestral arrangements of such timeless classics as "Tuxedo Junction", "Little Brown Jug", "I Got A Gal In Kalamazoo" and of course, "In The Mood". At times the juxtaposition is unsettling, especially on Pennsylvania 6-5000 where Miller's frenetic guitar riffing completely overwhelms the track and renders the elder Miller inaudible. While not nearly as egregious as the Kenny G re-working of Louis Armstrong's "What A Wonderful World", Miller's take on "Moonlight Serenade" is poorly executed nonetheless. Not only did the guitarist take the liberty of writing lyrics for the tune, his warbled stanzas about "doing it all night long" with a "hot mama" approach sacrilidge.

Toby Keith: You're Next, Iran!

Amazingly, it's already been six years since Toby Keith ignited Americans' patriotism with his post-9/11 anthem "Courtesy Of The Red, White & Blue (The Angry American)".  However, it doesn't appear that time has healed all wounds.  In Keith's latest release You're Next Iran!, the singer takes the opportunity to renew his disdain for terrorism, and most of the Middle East in general.  In the album's title track, Keith hurls verbal barbs at the aforementioned country (and most of its neighbors), threatening "some serious pain" if its leaders try "any funny stuff."  On other songs, the honky-tonk hero sends a warning to Saudi Arabia about oil prices ("Fuel The Fire") and cautions Syria about harboring terrorists ("Keep Your Nose Clean").  Unfortunately, much of the passion of "Courtesy of..." is missing from this album, and some of the aggression seems rather forced.  This is perhaps best evidenced on the track "Wrong Place, Wrong Time" where Keith takes some un-provoked pot shots at largely-peaceful Qatar, stating "You're just like the rest, so don't mess with the best."  Die-hard Toby Keith fans should feel right at home with this album, but most others will probably want to steer clear.