If Stevie Wonder had a cool little brother who hung out in California to soak up the sun drenched psychedelic vibes he'd probably sound something like Shuggie Otis. Hailed by many critics as bona fide buried treasure, an undiscovered musical gem, Otis' smooth, trippy soul-funk opus reveals a major talent, with Shuggie writing, performing producing everything on the album.

Released in 1974, it was too futuristic for the times and died a commercial death but nearly three decades on it's finally getting the acclaim it deserves. Laid back and groovy, a soul star with hippy sensibilities, check out Strawberry Letter 23' or the instrumental Rainy Day.' A true classic that gets better with every listen.

ALBUM reviews courtesy of Andys Records, St Nicholas Arcades, Lancaster.

January 13, 2003 10:30