Gentlemen and Ladies, allow me today to present to you an album I consider an underrated and lost masterpiece.
Greg Phillinganes is mostly known for his exceptional session and concert work with Eric Clapton, David Gilmour, George Harrison, Steve Vai, and many others (he's played with almost everyone). What people don't really know is that Greg has released two splendid solo albums in the early 80's. The one I wish to bring your attention to is 1984's
Pulse. The album features many talented artists like James Ingram, The Pointer Sisters, Robbie Nevil, Richard Page (of Mr. Mister) and many others.
The two names I've kept for last are Michael Jackson and Donald Fagen. Michael's involvement comes with the song Behind The Mask. Wikipedia states: "
Behind the Mask" is a song written and originally recorded by Japanese electronic band Yellow Magic Orchestra in 1978 and 1979 in Japan. In 1982, a cover version was recorded by American singer Michael Jackson for his album Thriller, but managerial disputes prevented its release. On February 21, 2011, the song was released by Epic Records as the third single from the posthumous album Michael."
So Greg got to record the song for his album and one can quickly hear that if the song had enjoyed some serious airplay, it would have been a hit. Everything about the songs is amazing. We can see why Michael thought it would have made a great song for him (more suitable than The Girl Is Mine in my humble opinion
).
Fagen's involvement is more direct as the song Lazy Nina was "
written by Donald Fagen exclusively for Phillinganes, and has never been recorded by Fagen himself". As far as I'm concerned, the song would have fitted perfectly on The Nightfly. It has the same vibe, which I love.
If you enjoy early 80's Pop and R&B, then
grab this album. I think you'll dig it.