1974 The 5th Dimension Soul & Inspiration [Bonus Tracks]

1974 Soul & Inspiration [Bonus Tracks]

The 5th Dimension

Louie Shelton - Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar, Guitar (Electric)

Not only was Soul & Inspiration (1974) the 5th Dimension's last outing on Bell Records, it served as the penultimate long-player to feature the original quintet of Lamonte McLemore, Ron Townson, Billy Davis Jr., Marilyn McCoo, and Florence Larue. Behind the scenes, band politics as well as the power structure at the record label ultimately led to a parting of ways between the 5D and their longtime producer Bones Howe. Even though the project is replete with good to above-average performances, it undeniably lacks the sonic cohesion that had become their collaborative calling card.

1972 David Cassidy Rock Me Baby

1972 Rock Me Baby

David Cassidy

Louie Shelton - Guitar

Former teen idol David Cassidy's second solo album for Bell Records is an attempt at blue-eyed soul that, for the most part, works well. Rock Me Baby was more expressive than anything he was allowed to record on the Partridge Family sessions. These 11 tracks show off Cassidy's vocal range (and his personal taste in music), but there's nothing as catchy here as on the Partridge Family's albums; but, then again, that was the point.