whatcha see is whatcha get

the dramatics - what you see is what you get (1972)

phillycheese steak sound is one that cant be touched. the groups that came from philly & put east coast r&b on the map, were not be reckoned with. they remind me very much of my cousins from gary, indiana. real tough guys with some serious hardships. but you know, real man's men! all of them second cousins from me ma's side, which means that they all served our country and returned vietnam vets. not so much recepted as heroes as expected, but as unknown soldiers. so fucked up what they had to endure, but best believe that it was this sound that helped them get through those times. they have talked about how there is nothing like the soulful sounds of american rhythm and blues. the sounds brought along with it all the other senses; the taste of sweet potato pie, the touch of afroed hair, the smell of the blacktop streets, the mental images of being home sitting on the stoops shuckin and jivin. plain and simple. the music was an escape from the realities of hell and is the reason why 60s & 70s r&b music is so essential cause it wasnt only tunes to groove to, it was soundtrack to our everyday lives and the sentiment of our souls. this my opportunity to say thank you to my family for all their sacrifices, spirit, love, dedication & soul! love-joy