Carl Douglas [1974] - Kung Fu Fighter [Pye #NSPL 18450] (Full Album)

This album appeared on Amazon new releases today (13 May 2022), so I don't know whether it's the first time digital or not. 

Once you've got over the initial shock of seeing the title and scoffing, get ready to eat some humble pie, because apart from a couple of the blatant cash-ins on the Bruce Lee movies and the popular David Carradine TV series of the day there are a few pretty decent tracks on this album that soul connoisseurs will already be aware of.

For starters there's his modern soul spin "I Want To Give You My Everything" originally recorded by Newby & Johnson in 1970, Tyrone & Carr (1972) and Candy & Sweets (1973). Donny & Marie Osmond also had a bash at it in 1977 produced by Holland, Dozier & Holland no less (before you scoff again) and it isn't half bad! Many others have also recorded the song, most recently Cherry Boop in 2013 released by Outta Sight on 7". Curiously, an artist called Rochelle also covered it in 1971 with a B side titled "Blue-Eyed Soul" but it's not the same song as Biddu's version on the album, but I wonder if that's where he got the title from or just a coincidence?

The next track to highlight is (my standout) "Never Had This Dream Before" an album only track written by Lee Vanderbilt and later recorded by Jimmy James & The Vagabonds on the flip side to "Now Is The Time" in 1976.

Then there's another album only track "I Don't Care What People Say" penned by Vanderbilt and Biddu

"Kung Fu Fighting" was a UK pop chart #1 for three weeks in Sep/Oct 1974 and had a 13 week run on the chart. It was followed by "Dance The Kung Fu" which didn't fare as well but did just make the top 40 at #35. The only other single from the album was "Blue-Eyed Soul" which is actually an instrumental and Carl Douglas obviously isn't blue-eyed so I guess this was just an album filler by Biddu.

The digital version contains two extra tracks "Gambling Man" (the B side to "Kung Fu Fighting") and part 1 of "Blue-Eyed Soul".

Details

Rating:	8.2
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Classic Soul
Format:	Album
Media:	Digital/LP
Label:	Pye
Cat No:	NSPL 18450
Date:	1974
Value:	£7.99/£5 (approx.)