I Am My Brother's Keeper [Bonus Tracks]

Liner Note Authors: Junius Griffin; Stu Hackel.

Recording information: Studio B (02/23/1969); Studio B (03/06/1970); Studio B (03/16/1970); Studio B (03/18/1969); Studio B (03/18/1970); Studio B (03/30/1970); Studio B (04/01/1970); Studio B (04/08/1970); Studio B (04/13/1970); Studio B (04/14/1970); Studio B (04/15/1970); Studio B (04/16/1790); Studio B (04/16/1970); Studio B (04/17/1970); Studio B (04/18/1970); Studio B (04/20/1970); Studio B (04/21/1970); Studio B (04/22/1970); Studio B (04/23/1970); Studio B (04/24/1969); Studio B (04/25/1970); Studio B (04/27/1969); Studio B (04/27/1970); Studio B (04/28/1970); Studio B (04/29/1970); Studio B (04/30/1970); Studio B (06/07/1970).

Motown had a history of recording different artists together, so why not the Ruffin Brothers? Jimmy and David had both enjoyed success; Jimmy charted with "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted," and David had sung with the Temptations and enjoyed a solo hit with "My Whole World Ended." These songs have a harder sound then the brothers usually exhibit as solo artists. Four remakes nest with eight originals. While the former are done well, they won't make you forget the originals. "Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time)," the Delfonics hit, is the most interesting of the re-recordings; the Ruffins give the sweet Philly song a rougher edge. Motown released the exciting, uptempo "When My Love Hand Comes Down" as a single, but it failed to establish the brothers as hitmakers. The confessional "Your Love Was Worth Waiting For" and "Got to See If I Can't Get Mommy (To Come Back Home)" are two sweeties; the latter begins with an endearing father to son monologue, and "He Ain't Heavy He's My Brother" is given an epic treatment. David's rough tenor and Jimmy's sweet tenor/baritone mesh well throughout an LP that should have been more successful. ~ Andrew Hamilton

Genre:

• R&B / Soul

Music Categories:

• R&B: Motown