Dells : Freedom Means (LP, Vinyl record album) -- Dusty Groove is Chicago's Online Record Store
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Freedom Means

LP (Item 19298) Cadet, 1971 — Condition: Very Good+
A stunning set from the mighty mighty Dells – a cool collaboration with the legendary arranger Charles Stepney and songwriter Terry Callier – and a record that shows just how far the group had come since their streetcorner harmony days! The vocals are incredible – that rich blend of deep notes and soaring highs that made The Dells one of the most technically amazing soul groups in the 70s – and Stepney's arrangements follow in the same mode as his work for their Dionne Warwick album, and his music for Minnie Riperton and Ramsey Lewis – with lots of groovy currents on the bottom and soaring strings on the top – sophisticated, but completely soulful too – at a level that nobody else can touch! Terry Callier wrote the original tunes "The Love We Had Stays On My Mind", "Freedom Means", "Melody Man", "Free & Easy", "Rather Be With You", and "It's All Up To You" – and the set also includes great remakes of "One Less Bell To Answer", "Make It With You", and "If You Go Away/Love Story".  © 1996-2024, Dusty Groove, Inc.

Very Good + (plus)

  • Vinyl should be very clean, but can have less luster than near mint.
  • Should still shine under a light, but one or two marks may show up when tilted.
  • Can have a few small marks that may show up easily, but which do not affect play at all. Most marks of this quality will disappear when the record is tilted, and will not be felt with the back of a fingernail.
  • This is the kind of record that will play "near mint", but which will have some signs of use (although not major ones).
  • May have slight surface noise when played.

Additional Marks & Notes

If something is noteworthy, we try to note it in the comments — especially if it is an oddity that is the only wrong thing about the record. This might include, but isn't limited to, warped records, tracks that skip, cover damage or wear as noted above, or strictly cosmetic flaws.



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