I’ve just been updating my iPod with all the stuff I downloaded at Chris’ suggestion, as well as with the amazing GoldieLocks cover of Provider and stumbled across this amazing slice of early 70s disco by Eddie Kendricks. I have no idea where I got Girl You Need A Change Of Mind from as my iTunes library has no mention of any album and I have no recollection of dowloading it back in November 2005 (when it was added to my collection).
According to Wikipedia Eddie Kendricks was one of the co-founders of The Temptations but left in 1971. I’m sure that he wasn’t too happy about this but considering that he then recorded Girl You Need A Change Of Mind the following year I can only say how glad I am that he did. Also according to last.fm the track was a favourite at iconic New York proto-club The Loft: I can see why as I certainly intend to see if I can track this down on vinyl with the aim of playing it out next time someone is foolish enough to let me play any records.
Kendricks has an unmistakeable falsetto voice and in this track it’s accompanied by an utterly infectious piano line, some insufferably funky bongo, driving horns and the sort of beat it’s impossible to hear without dropping into a disco strut. It’s the sort of music that proves that disco was always about so much more than Travolta and The Bee Gees: I realise that a lot of people disagree with me, but I literally don’t understand how anyone could not like a track like this unless they lack a pulse. But that’s just me.
So then, Eddie Kendricks’ Girl You Need A Change Of Mind – like my very own Anthony Gormley in my musical Antiques Roadshow.