General Crook - A Selection of his Best

This post highlights the best of General Crook featuring the soul sides, omitting the funky material.  He released one self-titled  album on Wand in 1974 and between 13-15 singles, the latter ones appeared on his own labels from 1978 to mid 80s. He was signed to Capitol, Down To Earth and Wand. After his period at Wand he focussed more on songwriting with Syl Johnson and Willie Clayton.

General Crook [1970] - (Turn On Your Lovelight) For Soul Satisfaction [Capitol 2492]

Northern Soul with a funky edge currently in vogue.

His first release.

General Crook [1970] - In The Warmth Of My Arms [Capitol 2492]

Deep soul / crossover

General Crook [1970] - When Love Leaves You Cryin' [Capitol 2720]

A Deep soul cut with his version of Hold On! I'm Comin on the A side.

General Crook [1970] - Till Then [Down To Earth 74]

Deep Soul / Crossover

Flip side to Do It For Me early 70s funky soul.  

Written by Jimmy (James Leanard) Jones, a prolific writer, who worked with Mar-V-Lus/One-Derful! and Syl Johnson. He released several 45s himself, one being on Twnight and 3 of the 4 45s released on the short-lived Deke label owned by Deke Atkins.  The best must be Ain't Nothin Wrong With Making Love The First Night on Conchillo in 1976

Down To Earth was a Chicago label owned by Walter & Burgess Gardner.  They also owned Lamarr (released 3 45s, 2 by The Star-Tells and one by The Esquires) and More Soul (mainly an outlet for the house band for all 3 labels The Soul Crusaders).

Down To Earth's first release was the NS classic by The Dushons - You Better Think It Over which was actually a reissue of their 1965 release on Golden Gate.  It was written by Burgess Gardner and Chuck Bernard as was their only release that was a big favourite mid 70s at most NS venues. The label only released 10 45s 1 by Dushons, 2 by The Chymes/Chimes, 4 by General Crook and 1 each by The Impalas, Danny Bell, Kings Of Soul.  Unfortunately most of Crooks other output on Down To Earth was funky stuff not appropriate for this blog.

General Crook [1974] - The Best Years Of My Life [Wand WNDS 112607]

Superb mellow deep soul taken from eponymous (and only) album on Wand from 1974.  It was released as a 45 in 1973 but with a shorter version (3:15). This is the full length 6:13 album version.  The promo version had a 2:40 and 3:15 version. Thankfully they issued the longer version rather than the 2:40.

General Crook [1974] - If This World Were Mine [Wand WDS 697]

Deep Soul

A different take on the Marvin Gaye penned classic (album only)

General Crook [1974] - Tell Me What'cha Gonna Do (When You Want To Be Loved) [Wand WND 11270]

Flip Reality a funky number.

Modern Soul/Crossover that also featured on the album.

General Crook [1974] - Thanks But No Thanks [Wand WND 11281]

Crossover

Also on General Crook album.

General Crook [1974] - I'm Satisfied [Wand WND 11281]

Deep Soul

Also on General Crook album.

General Crook [1978] - Making You An Offer (That You Can't Refuse) [Turf And Surf ST 1939]

This tracks sounds very similar to The Best Years Of My Life.  Did he remake it with a different title and lyrics?  The only release on Turf And Surf (a Chicago label) and no writing credits but published by Germaine Music (which I believe was General Crook's publishing company as most releases are from him) and arranged and produced by Crook and executive producer Al Crook (his brother?).  I suspect this was General Crook's own label.

General Crook [1974] - The Best Years Of My Life [Wand WDS 697]

I've been neglecting the 80s with recent posts.  For many the 80s was a baron period for real soul music, but there were some quality releases, you just have to dig deeper.