Though it didn’t quite make the expected ripples on its initial release in 1970, the collaborative album from JIMMY and DAVID RUFFIN – ‘I Am My Brother’s Keeper’ has long been an in-demand collector’s item. The good news is that September sees the album gets its first ever CD release from Universal/Motown. JIMMY and DAVID RUFFIN need no introduction to SJF readers, who, we’re sure, will be delighted at the opportunity to have what has become something of a soul Holy Grail. The original album contained 12 cuts and – as was the way with Motown at the time – they comprised covers of soul/pop hits (including an obvious ‘He Ain’t Heavy He’s My Brother’) along with a selection of Motown originals. The new, remastered issue comes with a pair of bonus cuts – a hard driving ‘You’re What I Need’ and an undubbed version of ‘Stand By Me’. (The original, issued version features over-dubbed “live” effects). As with all Motown archive reissues, the album comes with extended liner notes, atmospheric photos and full track annotations.
