VARIOUS – Christians Catch Hell (Gospel Roots 1976-79) – 2LP – Vinyl

2LP – Black Vinyl In Gatefold Sleeve

Utterly magnificent, sublimely soulful survey of the Gospel Roots label, subsidiary of the mighty TK Records at the height of the Miami Sound. ‘Christians Catch Hell transcends record collector arcana by providing a snapshot of the underexplored intersection between disco, funk, and gospel. Despite its fiery title, the prevailing themes here are joy, empathy, and compassion.’ – Pitchfork

A&R was co-ordinated by Gospel legends Ira Tucker from the Dixie Hummingbirds and Ralph Bass, veteran producer with Savoy, King and Chess. The label was run by Timmy Thomas, who had recently smashed with Why Cant We Live Together for another TK spin-off, Glades. Operations were overseen by Henry Stone himself, unlikely King of Disco, who had recorded a young Ray Charles and pushed forward James Brown. They drew in artists from all over the US from St. Louis, Columbus, Memphis, Brooklyn, Cabrini Green in Chicago unknowns like Camille Doughtyand huge-sellers like the revered Brooklyn All Stars.

Choral belters, deep ballads, harmony quartets, epic city-blues, gritty funk, powerhouse female soul Killer-diller Philly like a scorching version of Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes Wake Up Everybody; and Jean Austins raw Spirit Free, co-written by Ronnie Dyson, produced by Jesse James at Future Gold.Chicago Sound like The Fantastic Family Aires named after the familys furniture store on North Cicero, but reminiscent of the Staple Singers at their best through to the full-blown glory of The Fountain Of Life Joy Choir, led by Marvin Yancy from the Independents, and featuring Natalie Cole Singers like Versie Mae Gibson, from the Jordans, by rights up there with Irma, Etta and Ree

Bangers 100%-guaranteed to find their way into Theo Parrish sets; and mortal delirium for the prissiest of soul and gospel purists. Beautifully presented the LPs with a 12-square, full-colour, sixteen-page album of photos and original artwork, mastered at Abbey Road.

Tracklist:

A1 Pastor T. L. Barrett After The Rain
A2 Camille Doughty Elijah Rock
A3 The Howard Lemon Singers* For The Children
A4 The Fantastic Family Aires* Tell Me
A5 Jean Austin & Company* Spirit Free

B1 The Jordan Singers* Will You Save Me
B2 The Phillipians Never Say What You Want
B3 The Fabulous Luckett Brothers Help Me To Carry On
B4 Bright Clouds I’ve Got To Make A Change

C1 The Fantastic Family Aires* Troubled Mind
C2 The O’Neal Twins Wake Up Everybody
C3 Rev. T. L. Barrett* Said It Long Time Ago
C4 The Fantastic Family Aires* The Color Of God
C5 The Brooklyn All Stars* Blessed Be The Name Of God

D1 The Original Sunset Travelers* On Jesus’ Program
D2 Reverend Edna Isaac* And The Greene Sisters Christians Catch Hell
D3 The Fountain Of Life Joy Choir* Thank You
D4 The Fantastic Family Aires* Glory