Now that the legendary PIR label is back within the Sony fold expect a plethora of re-releases and unearthed material to surface from the ’70s City of Brotherly Love and home of Philly soul. Stevie Wonder praised Gamble & Huff for mixing ‘the joy of love with the pain of oppression. They let it marinate and it was sweet.’ While Curtis Mayfield saw them as ‘young, proud and black men,’ who, ‘walked a tight line in many directions, but you always knew they were steering the ship.’ By the time Gamble, Huff and Thom Bell established PIR in 1971, they had perfected their approach and boasted a powerhouse roster that included The O’Jays, Teddy Pendergrass, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, Billy Paul and The Intruders and many of these are featured on ‘Gamble & Huff’s Greatest Hits’ all true classics and as familiar as apple pie and ice cream. What’s far more attractive to collectors and aficionados alike is the compilation ‘Conquer The World’ that pulls together 16 rare and amazingly funky, soulful, emotional and polished performances from the unknown side of the label Pat & The Blenders (‘Hard Workin”), Soul Devalents (‘Grasshopper’) and Carolyn Crawford (‘Good And Plenty’) to name just three. One downside to otherwise excellent collection is the omission of material from The Ebonys, Dick Jensen and Anthony White but I’m sure they’ll be featured at some stage.
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Lewis Dene
