Now Playing – Daryl Hall and John Oates (Rhino)

Rhino Records is ushering in the Sounds of the Summer, 24 classic titles back on vinyl in limited edition sea-blue color.  They’re also continuing the Now Playing series, mining the vast Warner Music catalog for new compilations.  These titles are available exclusively at brick and mortar stores, in limited quantities.  We’re spotlighting a different LP every day.

This interesting collection covers the multi-platinum duo’s early years, when they were signed to Atlantic records, and before they had any hits.  But, don’t let that dissuade you – this is really good music.

Side one opens with a pair of songs from the duo’s debut, Whole Oats. “I’m Sorry” is a decent, piano-led,  mid-tempo rocker, while Hall definitely sounds more tentative on the verses of “Fall in Philadelphia,” which borrows heavily from Elton John’s “Country Comfort,” but contains a fantastic chorus. Next comes the only hit of the bunch,“She’s Gone,” (appearing in its long, album version), which became big smash only after they left for success on RCA. 

Of the ten tracks, half come from quite possibly their finest album ever, Abandoned Luncheonette.  Produced by ace Arif Mardin, who also guided Aretha Franklin’s career, he really emphasizes the duo’s soul roots.  You could argue that Mardin helped Hall and Oates truly find their voice.

Gorgeous tracks like “When the Morning Comes,” and the jazzy “Las Vegas Turnaround (The Stewardess Song)” show off their versatility.

Listening back to these tracks, the surprising thing is that Hall and Oates were really more of an actual team here – they both sing together, on lead vocals, as on “Had I Known You Better Then,” and the aforementioned “She’s Gone” – these tracks sound truly like collaborations.

After two unsuccessful attempts with Mardin, the pair chose to work with eclectic studio craftsman, Todd Rundgren.  The resulting album, War Babies, was an attempt to add more rock elements.  Two of the best tracks, “You’re Much Too Soon” and “Is It a Star” are featured here.  

While there have been other attempts to compile this early era (No Goodbyes from 1977, being one), Now Playing is an excellent summation of the formative years of Hall and Oates.  —Tony Peters