Smokey Robinson : Essar (LP, Vinyl record album) -- Dusty Groove is Chicago's Online Record Store
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Essar

LP (Item 374484) Tamla, 1984 — Condition: Very Good
Smokey's a little bit off course here – heading into a range of mellow pop soul styles that are clearly inspired by artists who were inspired by Smokey's own majestic solo turn in the 70s – but who never manage to match his quality. And since Smokey's taking inspiration from the uninspired, there's also a quality to this set that feels the weight of that choice. The vocals are fine enough, but perhaps a bit too overly emotive on the ballads – especially for smooth Smokey. The more upbeat numbers have a feel that's trying too hard for a crossover – and even the title (which is a play on Smokey's initials, "SR") is kind of a deal-breaker. Titles include "Train Of Thought", "I Can't Find", "Gone Forever", "Close Encounters of The First Kind", "Little Girl Little Girl", "Girl I'm Standing There", and "Driving Thru Life In The Fast Lane".  © 1996-2025, Dusty Groove, Inc.
(Includes the printed inner sleeve.)

Very Good

  • Vinyl can have some dirt, but nothing major.
  • May not shine under light, but should still be pretty clean, and not too dirty.
  • May have a number of marks (5 to 10 at most), and obvious signs of play, but never a big cluster of them, or any major mark that would be very deep. Most marks should still not click under a fingernail.
  • May not look near perfect, but should play fairly well, with slight surface noise, and the occasional click in part of a song, but never throughout a whole song or more.
  • This is clearly a copy that was played by someone a number of times, but which could also be a good "play copy" for someone new.

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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