Herbie Hancock's 1982 Columbia lp

[Guest]

briefly looked at a copy of this-- its called "lite" something or another-- im sure the synth programmings good but i wasnt in the mood to get it today, however i noticed herb didnt write ANY of the songs on it!!!! did herbie go through a lazy period-- i dont understand why herbie would wanna release an album chock full of other peoples composistions-- HERBIE of all people!!

[Claude]

Lite Me Up! (1982)

This is more of a Rod Temperton record than a Hancock record: Temperton wrote six of the eight tunes (two co-written with Hancock), and the production is pure unadulterated pop with no jazz influence at all. This is of no value if you aren't a fan of Quincy Jones-style pop R&B; if you are, it's passable, with abysmal lyrics and zero innovation but a few enjoyable tunes like "Get To The Good Part." Most of the vocals are by smooth crooner Wayne Anthony - Hancock uses vocoder on a few tracks, but his contribution is generally confined to brief, unilluminating solos ("The Bomb"). Produced by Hancock, except for the schlocky "Paradise" co-written and produced by Jay Graydon, and one track produced by Narada Michael Walden. There are a zillion session players, including Temperton/Jacksons/Jones associates like bassist Louis Johnson and guitarist David Williams; plus Toto, Abe Laboriel, etc. Patti Austin contributes some backing vocals, and Patrice Rushen adds vocoder. (DBW)

http://www.warr.org/hancock.html#LiteMeUp

[Guest]

abe laborel, n TOTO? i totally have to go back and get that. no no i am not going to sit down with a glass of port and listen to it on the hi-fi, i'm going to save it for our next party and use it as the secret weapon.....

[Aggie87]

briefly looked at a copy of this-- its called "lite" something or another-- im sure the synth programmings good but i wasnt in the mood to get it today, however i noticed herb didnt write ANY of the songs on it!!!! did herbie go through a lazy period-- i dont understand why herbie would wanna release an album chock full of other peoples composistions-- HERBIE of all people!!

He released an album called "The New Standard" in 1995 that was chock full of other people's pop compositions. I don't know if he was being lazy at the time or not, but I enjoy this album for the most part. It's not groundbreaking, but a pleasant enough listen.

And he's gone through pop phases - like his current "Possibilities" and 1983's "Future Shock", which came out just after the one you mentioned.

[Kari S]

briefly looked at a copy of this-- its called "lite" something or another-- im sure the synth programmings good but i wasnt in the mood to get it today, however i noticed herb didnt write ANY of the songs on it!!!! did herbie go through a lazy period-- i dont understand why herbie would wanna release an album chock full of other peoples composistions-- HERBIE of all people!!

He released an album called "The New Standard" in 1995 that was chock full of other people's pop compositions. I don't know if he was being lazy at the time or not, but I enjoy this album for the most part. It's not groundbreaking, but a pleasant enough listen.

And he's gone through pop phases - like his current "Possibilities" and 1983's "Future Shock", which came out just after the one you mentioned.

Yeah, but "New Standard" is a kind of a different thing. I think before the 80's "dark period" (), he almost always wrote the material on his LPs. Of course there are a few exceptions, like a Ron Carter or a Buster Williams tune here and there, and who's to say if the 70's Headhunters stuff were written as a group (I think they're all credited solely to Hancock).

But as far as this LP is concerned musically - the word "weak" just isn't enough to describe it.

[(BB)]

On the actual Head Hunters lp

1. Chameleon - P.Jackson-H.Mason-B.Maupin-H.Hancock

2. Watemelon Man - H.Hancock

3. Sly - H.Hancock

4 Vein Melter - H.Hancock

[johnagrandy]

On the actual Head Hunters lp

1. Chameleon - P.Jackson-H.Mason-B.Maupin-H.Hancock

2. Watemelon Man - H.Hancock

3. Sly - H.Hancock

4 Vein Melter - H.Hancock

Anybody have Head Hunters "Evolution Revolution" from 2003 ? No Herbie, but many of the original Head Hunters members ... which is kindof interesting because "Survival of the Fittest" 30 years before was also Herbie-less (although he produced it).

I'm trying to figure if these are worth buying.

Edited February 20, 2006 by johnagrandy

[JSngry]

Survival of the Fittest is definitely worth getting. Straight from the Gate significantly less so.

Edited February 20, 2006 by JSngry

[Guest akanalog]

calling an album "the new standard" basically is saying it is an album of other peoples songs....

so i don't think you can factor that into the songwriting equation.

[Guest akanalog]

Survival of the Fittest is definitely worth getting. Straight from the Gate significantly less so.

bringing in paul potyen was not a good move, in your opinion?

[JSngry]

Putting him on the cover wasn't, that's for sure.

No, seriously, that first album had no little creative spark and energy of the moment. The second one just sounded like a record.

Just my opinion, of course.

[marcoliv]

i have this Hancock in particular from Japan. i must say that i love this very much and the song You Can't Hide Your Love is a bomb

Marcus