Changing of the Gard: Expanded Edition

Stargard’s second album, appropriately titled “The Changing of the Gard” was released in the fall of 1979 just as the lights were dimming of the Disco craze. Those expecting another Disco proper release from the group were in for a surprise. “The Changing of the Gard” is a far funkier effort, with more R&B than Disco. No surprise as this album was solidly produced by Earth Wind and Fire’s Verdine White. It’s unfortunate that after the infamous Chicago Disco Demolition Rally in July of 1979, any album release by an R&B artist who previously found success on Disco charts was dismissed and would not get any airplay at Top 40 radio. “The Changing of the Gard” is a solid effort that mixes R&B, funk and some dance friendly songs, many of which should have been hits. First single of the album, the funky and sexy “Wear It Out” was a moderate R&B hit and a huge Top 5 Disco smash but failed to crossover to the Pop charts. “Take Me Back” continues in similar path and is another club smash that warranted a single release. “Footstompin’ Music” is raw funk and R&B, as is the second single from the album, “Running From The Law”. Another modest R&B hit, “Running From The Law” demonstrates the ladies singing prowess and their ability to deliver the funk. “Put On Your Rollerskates” tried to capitalize on the roller boogie craze that swept the nation in 1979 and found a home in the clubs but again failed to cross over to either pop or R&B charts. “Low Down Dancing” closes the album on a funky note and again delivers the funk.Verdine White smartly showcased the ladies as an R&B group that could sing and not just strut their funky stuff and look good. These girls could carry a tune. The two ballads on this album are killers. “(Once In A Lifetime) Dream Come True” is a perennial hit that wasn’t. It’s ponderous why Warner Brothers did not release this gorgeous gem as a single. It’s a quiet storm wonder. Group member Rochelle Runnells, who co-wrote the tune, delivers a beautiful vocal full of longing. Rochelle also wrote the lovely “I Just Imagined You”, further showing her versatility.Big Thanks to Big Break Records for re-mastering this long out of print album. Another much sought after item for crate diggers and dance music aficionados, this album is a must have for lovers of 1970’ R&B. Good sound here, the liner notes are particularly interesting and include a great interview with Verdine White. The sexy original album cover art front and back is preserved. There are 4 bonus tracks on this remaster: Running From The Law” is available here in its’ single version and “Wear It Out” is presented here in it’s single version, instrumental version and the rare 12” version. Great job BBR!

Stargard may have been more known for their vocals on, the theme from the 1077 film "Which Way Is Up?," but make no mistake, their masterpiece came in 1979, with the album "The Changing Of The Gard." The stellar production was by Robert Wright and Verdine White (bassist for EW&F), and only proved once again how today's music can't hold a candle to the production, writing and vocals of this great year for music in 1979. With the disco era still in full force, this album shines with gems like the big hit "Wear It Out," as well as "Take Me Back," "Runnin' From The Law," and the ballads "I Just Imagined You" and "(Once In A Lifetime) Dream Come True." The CD offers 4 bonus versions of "Wear It Out," including the 12" version. Folks, this was a time that you had to live through, especially in New York City where I was blessed to have been born, to really appreciate what it was to have WKTU (Disco 92) and WBLS (107.5) ;heating their turntables with these professionally-produced sounds of the day (with no sampling!). Oh, if we could only go back to the days of Phyllis Hyman, Angela Bofill, Shalamar, Deniece Williams, Lou Rawls, Chaka Khan, Rufus, Gino Soccio, Freda Payne, Earth Wind & Fire, The Salsoul Orchestra, Voyage, Teena Marie, Kool and The Gang, Gene Chandler, Metropolis, Loleatta Holloway, Dan Hartman, The SOS Band, Theo Vaness, France Joli, Fat Larry's Band, First Choice and Stargard, just to name a few! It was a time I cherish, and now relive through these GREAT albums being re-released on CD through bbr (big break records). Enjoy, and WEAR IT OUT! Dr. Paul A. Racioppi, Jr., Brooklyn, New York, Wednesday, June 1, 2016.

Great music

needed more remixes in various styles

I bought this CD without hearing anything but a bit of WEAR IT OUT on Youtube. After that, I just had to find out more about this forgotten trio from the pinnacle of the Disco era. I was not disappointed. WEAR IT OUT is likely one of the fiercest Disco songs you’ve never heard before. Great percussion, funky scratchy guitars and classy strings underneath a sassy vocal. It’s catchy as hell. ONCE IN A LIFETIME (DREAM COME TRUE) and I JUST IMAGINED are proof-positive that these gals could lay down a classy ballad too. Stargard could do both just as well as the Three Degrees and they kind of remind me of a 1970s version of Klymaxx. Other highlights are RUNNING FROM THE LAW and PUT ON YOUR ROLLERSKATES.

Superb disco funk . Stargard's best

Thank you BBR for releasing this great album. Finally, after years of waiting and superior remastering you can hear this CD in all its glory. I remember seeing Stargard in the late 1970's when they supported Rose Royce on their UK tour and have patiently waited to see their back catalogue issued on CD. Sadly this is the only release to see the light of day (apart from a rare and costly Japanese issue of the first album). 'Changing of the Gard' is produced by Verdine White and is a real gem, every track is a winner especially the lovely ballad 'Once in a Lifetime'. Don't let this pass you by. Just need BBR to reissue their other albums - fingers crossed!

I bought this CD without hearing anything but a bit of WEAR IT OUT on Youtube. After that, I just had to find out more about this forgotten trio from the pinnacle of the Disco era. I was not disappointed. WEAR IT OUT is likely one of the fiercest Disco songs you’ve never heard before. Great percussion, funky scratchy guitars and classy strings underneath a sassy vocal. It’s catchy as hell. ONCE IN A LIFETIME (DREAM COME TRUE) and I JUST IMAGINED are proof-positive that these gals could lay down a classy ballad too. Stargard could do both just as well as the Three Degrees and they kind of remind me of a 1970s version of Klymaxx. Other highlights are RUNNING FROM THE LAW and PUT ON YOUR ROLLERSKATES.

Great Seller love it !!!!!!

EVERY track is just delicious. highly recommended.

見つけて直ぐに注文しました。Wear it out の12"だけでも価値あります。