Well, would you look at this. Shadowy Philly soul group Crystal Clear’s second and final single from 1980 gets a nice analog remaster on original seven-inch format. “Stay With Me” on the a-side with its funky scratch guitar and sweet soulful vocals makes it somewhat of a musical cousin to Sister Sledge’s “Thinking Of You” or Curtis Mayfield’s “Tripping Out.” Flip it over for original b-side “You’re So Unreal”; slightly more laidback and melodic and a little more my speed, personally. High quality Japanese import pressed up for Japan Record Day (not to be confused with Record Store Day, this one’s in November), with crazy deluxe packaging, printed insert, clear outer sleeve and most importantly, the sound is… crystal clear. Recommended.

• black vinyl 7"
  
• high-quality Japan import
• analog remastered sound
• deluxe 7" packaging w/ promo insert
• also available: Bobby Hutton 'Lend A Hand' Import 7", B.J. Ward 'Vocal Ease' Import LP
• music label: Universal Music Japan 2019

reviewed by manfred mandem 03/2020