Must Hear LP Day: The Undisputed Truths (All Aboard the Friendship Train)
The Undisputed Truths’ Face to Face with the Truth (1972) was their sophomore release and one of the best psychedelic soul albums ever records. A project of Norman Whitfield, famous Motown songwriter and producer of the Temptations. Whitfield combined psychedelic funk guitars, socially aware lyrics, a heavy beat (for Motown standards) and harmony during this time period. Sly, Jimi, and George were pushing the limits of limits. Norman just wanted to get in on the funk-rock fun as well. In fact, he was known to tape record early Funkadelic performances until Billy “Bass” Nelson had him tossed out of a club soon after Whitfield-produced “Cloud 9″ and “I Can’t Get Next to You” lifted Funkadelic grooves.
During this time most of his attention was focused on the Temptations, who recorded some of the same material, but the Undisputed Truths material is still killer. Whitfield loved to rearrange versions of his songs, no matter how popular, and record as many variations of them as Berry Gordy would allow. When listening to the more forgotten Motown groups, one hears experimentation and the origins of many of the hits.
Taking no time to work into cutting social commentary, the Undisputed Truths open with “You Make Your Own Heaven & Hill Right Here on Earth.” Excellent backing bass is present, as it will be throughout the course of the album. I love the horns, they balance out the strings, adding to the sonic richness. This version is slower than the Temptations. Joe Harris, Brenda Joyce and Billie Calvin, who made up the Truth, provide the vocals. Information about the musicians is scarce, but it seems that the band band consisted of Calvin Hardy (bass), Dan Homes (drums), Jack Weber (guitar) and Isy Martin.
“What It Is” finds Norman channeling Sly Stone.
The “Ungena Za Ulimwengu (Unite the World)/Friendship Train” medley builds slowly with some masked female vocals. “Ungena Za Ulimwengu (Unite the World)” is another slowed-down, and warped, Temptations original. Tension builds and builds as the bass is plucked until release is finally granted. “Friendship Train” was a hit for Gladys Knight & the Pips, but is presented here in a re-conceived form. The big drum sound syncs up with the bass to strong effect.
“Superstar” again finds Norman channeling Sly Stone with the fast-paced rhythm.
“Take Me in Your Arms & Love Me” is a more traditional ballad.
“Don´t Let Him Take Your Love From Me” has a relaxed country feel. As much as Whitfield experimented, he wasn’t far out enough to conceive of funky, psychedelic honky tonk.
Ending the album is a take on Marvin’s “What’s Going On.” Norman doesn’t stray too far from the famous version of the song. The guitar part is choice though.
Face to Face With the Truth peaked at #114 on the charts, 71 slots lower than their self-titled debut, yet overall it’s artistically more satisfying.
