Genre: pop
Rating: 2 stars **
Title: Reflections of the Way It Really Is
Company: Enterprise
Catalog: ENS-1014
Year: 1973
Country/State: US
Grade (cover/record): VG / VG
Comments: small cut out hole top left corner; gatefold sleeve
Available: 1
GEMM catalog ID: 5079
Price: $40.00
Singer/multi-instrumentalist Louis Paul is probably best known as the front man for Memphis' The Guiloteens. He actually recorded his solo debut while still a a member of the band. While in touring with the band Paul recorded a couple of demo tracks. Though never intended for public release, producer Charles Underwood went ahead and released them on his small Intro label:
- 1965's 'I'll Never Have You' b/w 'The Change will Do You Good' (Intro catalog number 101)
While still a member of the band he actuallyFollowing that band's collapse late-1960s collapse Paul packed his bags for Los Angeles where he paid his bills working as a sessions player supporting the likes of Blues Image, Bobby Hebb and The Three Dog Night. He also found time to record an of instantly obscure solo 45:
- 1969's 'Railroad Man' b/w 'Annie Mae' (Cotillion catalog number 45-44064)
After two years Paul decided to head back to Memphis. Though credited to 'Elmo' (his middle name), a third single for John Phillips' small Memphis-based Son label (John was the son of the legendary Sam Phillips), proved equally unsuccessful:
- 1972's I Like Rock and Roll' b/w 'He Whistles Good' (Son catalog number 191)
That said, the 45 caught the attention of Stax producer/writer Al Bell who wasted no time signing him to a contract with the Stax-affiliated Enterprise label. Under contract, Paul quickly recorded a pair of singles:
- 1972's 'With a Little Bit of Love' b/w 'Gotta Get Away' (Enterprise catalog number ENA-9056)
- 1972's 'Christmas Time' b/w 'Santa Is On His Way' (Enterprise catalog number ENA-9060)
While neither single did much commercially (the first was apparently withdrawn from circulation prior to being nationally released), Enterprise management was supportive enough to finance an LP. Recorded at Sam Phillips studios with John Phillips again producing, 1973's "Reflections of the Way It Really Is" was an interesting, if uneven debut. With Paul credited with penning all 12 songs, musically the set was quite eclectic. The leadoff instrumental showcased a surprisingly funky sound and may have been the album's standout effort. 'Hey Mr. Moon' and 'I'll Be Leaving When the Morning Comes' sported a pleasant country-rock feel, while 'Knight In Armour' and 'My Dream' were rather MOR-ish ballads. Paul certainly had a nice soulful voice (his falsetto was less impressive with 'Misty Crystal' recalling Lou Christie), but the lack of focus and some hackneyed arrangements (blame Phillips) didn't exactly help the proceedings. Highlights included the rocker 'Lost In Action' (which would have made a dandy single) and ''. Elsewhere the album was tapped for a pair of singles:
- 'Misty Crystal' b/w 'Merry Go Round' (Enterprise catalog number ENA-9077)
- 'I Like Rock and Roll' b/w 'My Dream' (Enterprise catalog number ENA-9094)
Unfortunately in their efforts to apparently hide Paul's racial background, Enterprise marketing executives overlooked the fact that clowns don't sell ... The combination of the label's lack of interest in promoting the set, combined with Stax/Enterprise's growing business problems saw the collection quickly disappear into cutout bins.
"Reflections
of the Way It Really Is" track listing:
(side 1)
1.) Leave the Door Where You Found It (instrumental) (Louis Paul) - 4:06
2.) Hey Mr. Moon (Louis Paul) - 2:00
3.) Knight In Armour (Louis Paul) - 2:29
4.) The Stars Belong To You (Louis Paul) - 5:05
5.) I Cross My Heart (I Love You) (Louis Paul) - 3:08
6.) My Dream (Louis Paul) - 3:08
(side
2)
1.) I Like Rock and Roll (Louis Paul) - 1:47
2.) Killed In Action (Louis Paul) - 3:30
3.) Misty Crystal (Louis Paul) - 3:28
4.) Merry-Go-Round (Louis Paul) - 2:25
5.) I'll Be Leaving When the Morning Comes (Louis Paul) - 3:52
6.) There's a Light, There's a Moon, The Sun Above (Louis Paul) - 3:38
With Stax and Enterprise subsequently collapsing into bankruptcy Paul struggled to pick up the pieces, continuing to record and release 45s on a series of large and small labels. First out the door was a seat-of-the-pants release in partnership with John Phillips.
- 1975's 'Love Someone (And Make 'em Happy)' b/w 'There Ain't Been No Rockin' (Since Rock and Roll Left Town)' (Cookin' Memphis 711 A/B)
While the single went nowhere, Leon Russell and
- 1976's 'Love Someone and Make 'em Happy' b/w 'Crystal Blue' (Shelter catalog number SR-40430)
In case anyone's interested, Paul has an entertaining if abbreviated website at:
http://mywebpage.netscape.com/lynnwaldrip/index.html