Menagerie
Following the twin peaks of Still Bill and Live at Carnegie Hall in the early '70s, Bill Withers had a little trouble sustaining his peak of creativity, along with his chart positions. He still made good music and had hits, but had trouble delivering a consistent album that brought him back to the heights of his Sussex work. Finally, in 1977, he delivered Menagerie an assured return to form by one of soul s greatest singer/songwriters of the '70s. If Menagerie doesn't have the earthiness or consistent brilliance of Still Bill it nevertheless has a solid set of songs and an easy, relaxed charm that is thoroughly winning. Where his Sussex material was slyly eclectic, touching on a number of different styles, this album is more cohesive, a smooth album that points the way toward quiet storm while retaining a warm soulfulness, largely due to Withers wonderful voice. Even when the tempo gets sprightly, as on "Lovely Night for Dancing," there's a relaxed vibe and a nice sheen to the production that keeps things even-handed and easy. As such, those listeners who preferred the darker undercurrents that ran through such songs as "Use Me" and "Who Is He (And What Is He to You)?" may find this a little too amiable, but that's just a matter of taste -- this is an easy record to like, after all, with a consistent tone and a soothing vibe, plus a good set of songs. If it's not as distinctive as his Sussex records, it's nevertheless an undeniable high point in his catalog. [The 2003 reissue contains three bonus tracks: a previously unreleased demo of "Rosie," a single version of "Lovely Night for Dancing," and an instrumental of "Let Me Be the One You Need." ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
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Credits »
Bill Withers - Producer
Steven Berkowitz - A&R
Charles Veal - Concert Master
Harry Goodwin - Photography
Maurice Joshua - Product Manager
Clarence McDonald - Arranger
Clarence McDonald - Producer
Clarence McDonald - String Arrangements
Bob Merritt - Engineer
Joseph M. Palmaccio - Mastering
Paul Riser - Horn Arrangements
Paul Riser - String Arrangements
David Ritz - Liner Notes
Leo Sacks - Producer
Howard Fritzson - Art Direction
Lou Beach - Illustrations
Tim Morse - Design
Andreas Meyer - Mixing
Darren Salmieri - Artist Coordination
Fong Y. Lee - Packaging Manager
Lisa Buckler - Product Manager
Elliot Gilbert - Photography
Clifford Coulter - Producer
Keni Burke - Producer
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