Side Effect are undoubtedly best known for their evergreen version of Ronnie Laws "Always There. At first listen, these two albums sound like everything that started to go wrong with jazz funk by the mid-70s impeccable but sweat-less production, with tunes that sound like academic exercises in funk. This was certainly the main criticism that could be levelled against producer Wayne Hendersons well-known, vapid jazz ensemble, the Crusaders, and is confirmed with liner notes that use as much marketing as musical terminology to describe the band. Theres nothing wrong with Side Effects self-titled original album, and though the liner notes name-check P-Funk and the Ohio Players, their debut contains none of the distinctive and sometimes bumpy elements of their contemporaries greater artistic achievement. What You Need is a much better effort and the main reason to purchase this disc. "Always There and their version of "Keep That Same Old Feeling are the standouts from this album, and throughout, the bebop elements (check out "Honky Tonk Scat) come to the fore. Lead singer Helen Lowe is a dynamic vocalist who ensures these songs dont fade into the background.
(Fantasy)Side Effect
Side Effect
BY David DacksPublished Sep 1, 2003