Thursday, April 03, 2008

Yahoo LAUNCHCAST Song Of The Day-Hall & Oates


Artist:Hall & Oates

Song:Maneater

Album:Greatest Hits:Rock 'n' Soul Part 1




Hall & Oates were one of the biggest acts of the 80s and main purveyors of Blue Eyed Soul AKA R & B by white guys. Maneater was one of several smash hits. Daryl Hall (born Oct. 11, 1946 in Philadelphia) & John Oates (born Apr. 7, 1949 in New York City) were attending Temple University in 1966. Hall was a member of Kenny Gamble & The Romeos along with future Philly Soul legends Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff & Thom Bell. The two started performing together but split up when Oates transferred schools. Hall formed a group called Gulliver that made one terrible album for Elektra and disappeared. Oates returned to Philadelphia in 1969 and they started working together again. They were spotted by Tommy Mottola and he became their manager and got them a contract with Atlantic. Though their three early albums were unsuccessful, I prefer their earlier music. It's not as gimmicky. Hall & Oates moved to RCA in 1975 and scored their first Top Ten hit with Sara Smile. Atlantic rereleased She's Gone in 1976 and that was a hit. Rich Girl was their first #1 hit in 1977. But they really hit their stride with Kiss On My List in 1980. It was the first of several smash hits including 1982's Maneater. It's fairly typical of their music and actually holds up well today. This comp was originally released in 1983 and went platinum. This 2006 reissue has three bonus tracks and a different cover. Hall & Oates left RCA for Arista in 1985 and faded in the late 80s. Hall usually sang lead but he hasn't been all that successful as a solo artist. Oates has also recorded solo albums and the two have reunited occasionally. But for a few years in the 80s, they were hot enough to surpass The Everly Brothers as the most successful duo in pop music history. Here's the video for Maneater by Hall & Oates.

No comments:

Post a Comment