Sometimes, essential albums in the history of music go absolutely unnoticed because they are either too far ahead of their time, not well known, or simply, the old adage being true, right time, wrong place. There is no doubt that Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett were in the right place, as future albums and single hits would show. They eventually tagged up with the stars of the time because of the purity of their act. Stars like Eric Clapton, who eventually toured with them, George Harrison (introduced by Gram Parsons), John Lennon, and others were immensely appreciative of their soul-styled music. Anyone who remembers the popular husband-wife duo and their Top hits that included the live “Never Ending Song of Love,” and the studio cut of “Only You Know And I Know” knows the soul/rock that they were capable of.
Home was the debut release of the duo, signed to the popular soul label of the time, Stax. Although the album employed the label stars, Booker T. & The Mgs as well as future stars in Isaac Hayes (“Shaft”), and Leon Russell (“Tightrope,” “Lady Blue”, co-owner of Shelter label, and important friend of many stars,) the magic is all Delaney & Bonnie, who eventually acknowledged all of their assistants as & Friends in subsequent releases.
This remastered reissue of the 1969 album, Home, begins with a bonus track not sequenced into the original release. The song (“A Long Road Ahead”) is a great soul piece that was penned by the duo and their band mate, Carl Radle. It reveals an obvious talent that extended to songwriting brilliance, as much as their deep bluesy, soulful, and gospel-like blends heard in their various compositions and other songs. With Delaney’s skills and Bonnie’s wonderful voice, the pair had rarified perfection that, unfortunately, did not carry over into their marriage, and eventually splitting up the legacy of Delaney & Bonnie as a recording outfit.
Home was a mix of many styles that included soul/gospel (“My Baby Specializes,” “Things Get Better,”) blues (“Everybody Loves a Winner,” “I’ve Just Been Feeling Bad,” the single-like “Hard To Say Goodbye,”) and the blend of soul and rock that filled the rest of the album with gems like “Just Plain Beautiful,” and the wonderful cover of “Piece of My Heart,” also heard by Janis Joplin. This remastered re-release offers 6 bonus tracks re-sequenced into the album at various places to offer what sounds like a new experience.
The new tracks are very good and feel right at home on this album. This newly released Home begins with the first bonus track, “A Long Road Ahead,” which covers a lot of ground musically and sets the stage for this duo’s career. None of the remaining bonus tracks sound out of place; they all belong here. The reworked booklet includes an informative essay by Michael Point, who chronicles this band as they begin their famous but short trek into the landscape of the late ‘60s/early ‘70s music.
This remastered Home is an essential pickup by the music fan with feet planted into that period of music, from whence it came. No questions asked, it is not to be ignored; it is that good and belongs in every serious collector’s library. Hell, the face of the CD even has that familiar and warm yellow of the Stax label along with the original “finger-snap” logo. If you don’t have it now, make up this glaring deficit in your collection by picking it up.
