Great stuff from Revelation, one of those “second generation” east coast harmony groups of the 70s, who emerged after the big early 70s wave of hit harmonists, with a style that was equally polished, and perhaps more sophisticated, if less chart-wise than their earlier brethren.
The record’s a lost gem of Philly soul, cut at Sigma Sound, with production by Norman Harris, and work by the usual Sigma team of studio players. Revelation really have their harmonies down pat — swinging along with a smooth sound that reminds us Blue Magic, but with the tightness of The Spinners.
A silky New York group that never got their due despite a fair amount of support, Revelation was Philip Ballou, Benny Diggs, Arthur Freeman, and Arnold McCuller — all longtime church friends. Hopes were high after they signed what seemed like a sweetheart deal with RSO Records in 1974 that resulted in five singles and an album, before ending around 1977 due to RSO’s inability to get any of the releases rolling on the charts.
“Sweet Talk and Melodies“, “Get Ready for This“, “What Good Am I Without You” and their remake of Real Things’ “You to Me Are Everything” were solid recordings that failed to reach the masses. In 1978, they inked with RCA Records for an acclaimed album entitled Make Every Day Count accompanied by the New York Community Choir.
They backed Vickie Sue Robinson (uncredited) in 1979 on her hit RCA single “Turn the Beat Around.” RSO also experienced a few personnel changes; Freeman and McCuller were out, and Morris Gray and Kevin Owens in.
A single from the album, “Move on Up” b/w “Get in Touch With My Feelings,” released October 1979, fell by the wayside. Apparently fed up with majors, Revelation inked with a smaller entity called Handshake Records for three more singles from 1980 to 1981 but none of them, “When I Fall in Love” b/w “Feel It”, “Stand Up” b/w “Touch the Magic of Love” and “I’m Not Giving Up” b/w “Holding On”, made a national impression and they disbanded.
A1. Get Ready for This - 5:19
A2. Where It’s Warm - 3:27
A3. We’ve Gotta Survive - 3:52
A4. Just Too Many People - 4:48
B1. Haven’t Got a Lover to My Name - 3:17
B2. What Good Am I (Without You) - 5:01
B3. I Can’t Move No Mountains - 3:32
B4. You’re Sure to Find Me (Waiting for You) - 4:22
B5. Sweet Talk and Melodies - 3:09
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