Do It All Night

Curtis Mayfield's astrological sign is Gemini, and Do It All Night -- originally released on Curtom Records in 1978 -- reflects the sign's duality trait. On half of the six songs (all of side one on the original vinyl album) Mayfield's collaborates with Gil Askey, the guy behind the emergence of disco diva Linda Clifford. The title track, "No Goodbyes," and "Party Party" are all disco length and dominated by percussions, rhythms, and swirling strings -- not really Mayfield, but the times called for disco and he delivered as best he could. "Keeps Me Loving You" and "In Love, in Love, in Love" are typical Mayfield ballads done to perfection in his delicate falsetto. The only tune that made noise is the engaging "You Are, You Are," a minor R&B hit that Linda Clifford recorded earlier. If you're looking for songs with a message or positive social themes look elsewhere; this set's about dancin' and love. ~ Andrew Hamilton|