Garage Sale Vinyl: Rufus
Rufusized / ABC / December 1974
by Christopher Long
In today’s hyper-critical, super-sterile, tech-savvy music world, it amazes me how so many of those “old” records from decades ago, particularly vintage R&B / soul records, still sound so fresh and vital.
For starters, the very term “soul” implies a genuine, heart-beating human element. Living, breathing artists, vivid storytellers, and compelling poets; singers, musicians (playing actual instruments), and songwriters collaborated with O.G. producers, working in proper recording studios, using massive multi-track mixing consoles, traditional microphones, and reels (and reels) of analog tape.
The result was authentic recordings — honest and pure music with a groove that made us feel something wonderful, and showed us something real. How else were us advantaged white suburban kids gonna find out about the real world beyond our sheltered communities, if not for the likes of Marvin and Stevie, Gladys and Tina, the Ohio Players and Parliament? Certainly not from any Helen Reddy records, that’s for sure!
It can be argued that some of the best and brightest R&B / soul albums from that magical early and mid-‘70s era belonged to Rufus — the Chicago-based combo led by keyboardist Kevin Murphy and propelled by a soon-to-be bona fide superstar singer, a little gal with a big voice named Chaka Khan.
Following a less-than-impressive chart performance by the band’s self-titled 1973 debut LP, Rufus struck gold in them thar hills with their 1974 sophomore set, Rags to Rufus. The album not only reached the Billboard Top 10, but it also birthed two massively successful and indecently funky singles; “Tell Me Something Good” and “You Got the Love.” Allowing no time for the “mo” to slow, Rufus dropped album #3, Rufusized in December ‘74. Within a month or so, it too had found the Top 10.
The heart-stopping, brass-driven lead off single, “Once You Get Started,” was an absolute banger that smacked my 12-year-old ass straight out the gate. Fueled by the defibrillator rhythm section of bassist Bobby Watson and drummer André Fischer, “Once You Get Started” crushed Casey’s Countdown in short order and remains my ultimate audio placeholder for the spring of ‘75.
Overseen by veteran producer Bob Monaco (Tina Turner, Candi Staton, Jamiroquai) the intoxicating 10-track collection was slathered with WOW-factor, as “Somebody’s Watching You” was a funky, flowing treasure accented by guitarist Tony Maiden’s vibrant wah-wah. God is watching you, indeed! Kicked off by Murphy’s gorgeous piano intro, “Pack’d My Bags” was a beautiful, gospel-injected standout with soaring orchestration that provided a perfect platform to showcase Khan’s powerhouse vocals.
Enjoying an equal measure of alluring orchestration, “Your Smile” was sweet and breezy — an audio image of what an “encounter” with Khan would (possibly) have been like. Hey, a fella can dream, can’t he? Another of my personal favorites, “Half Moon” was an energized, jazz-tinged treat. Penned by future democrat New York senator John Hall, this busy soul seduction was punched up nicely by Murphy’s swirling organ work and Maiden’s urgent guitar work.
Rufusized was not only potent in the moment, but its DNA could be found smeared across the work of various artists for years to come. Producer Leon Sylvers’ spectacular-sounding Shalamar records feel quite reflective of certain Rufusized tracks, especially the super-stinger, “Right is Right,” while Lisa Stansfield had to have been inspired by “Stop on By.” Right? And if the fabulous Ms. Mary J. Blige wasn’t doing bedroom karaoke to “Please Pardon Me (You Remind Me of a Friend)” as a kid, I’d be very surprised (and disappointed).
I’ve owned so many Rufus records in different configurations over the years. I scooped up my latest vinyl copy of Rufusized just last year from a pre-loved record outlet down in Vero Beach, Florida. Although the $6 sticker price was more than I’m usually willing to cough up, it looked fairly pristine. And honestly, I just don’t come across a lot of Rufus vinyl. More than 50 years later, it still sounds fresh and vital.
5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rufusized Track List (As appears on original LP credits)
SIDE A
1. Once You Get Started (G. Christopher) 4:29
2. Somebody’s Watching You (T. Maiden, C. Khan, B. Watson) 3:14
3. Pack’d My Bags (T. Maiden, C. Khan) 5:05
4. Your Smile (L. Washburn) 3:23
5. Rufusized (C. Khan, T. Maiden, B. Watson, K. Murphy, A. Fischer) 3:16
SIDE B
1. I’m a Woman (I’m a Backbone) (L. Washburn) 3:18
2. Right Is Right (T. Maiden, K. Murphy, C. Khan) 3:16
3. Half Moon (J. Hall) 3:14
4. Please Pardon Me (You Remind Me of a Friend) (B. Gordan, B. Russell) 3:02
5. Stop on By (B. Womack, T. Thomas) 4:52
