Alongside Little Beaver's "Party Down," Milton Wright's 1975 debut and all-time Miami soul gem "Friends and Buddies" stands as a true masterpiece — and it turns out an unreleased, previously vaulted original version (the first version) existed before the album ever saw the light of day. Now, 40 years after the original release, it finally gets its worldwide debut. Cause for celebration!!! The CD comes as a complete edition featuring all 18 tracks from both versions.
"Friends and Buddies" is an evergreen, eternal Miami soul classic, but everything issued to date, reissues included, has been the "second version" — this "first version" has had almost no chance to reach the public. Now, happily, it arrives as the original first version. The folky, unadorned feel seems to convey the strength and charm of the songs even more directly. Once again, this is the pinnacle of urban mellow Miami soul, disco and boogie, and a killer masterpiece of clattering rhythm-machine soul. Nothing but great tunes. The CD is the complete edition of "Friends and Buddies," containing all 18 tracks from both the "first version" and the "second version" (with the exception of "Keep It Up (First Version)").
(Original Japanese text by COMPUMA)
"Friends and Buddies" is an evergreen, eternal Miami soul classic, but everything issued to date, reissues included, has been the "second version" — this "first version" has had almost no chance to reach the public. Now, happily, it arrives as the original first version. The folky, unadorned feel seems to convey the strength and charm of the songs even more directly. Once again, this is the pinnacle of urban mellow Miami soul, disco and boogie, and a killer masterpiece of clattering rhythm-machine soul. Nothing but great tunes. The CD is the complete edition of "Friends and Buddies," containing all 18 tracks from both the "first version" and the "second version" (with the exception of "Keep It Up (First Version)"). (Original Japanese text by COMPUMA)