Atlantic
1972
Whole Oats
About This Album
Prior to releasing their debut album Whole Oats, Daryl Hall and John Oates had sketched out some demos, originally released as the Past Times Behind collection (since reissued under a variety of titles). Those recordings found them earnest and tentative, in the throes of their folk-rock phase, and they led to Atlantic signing the duo, putting them under the tutelage of producer Arif Mardin, who had previously helmed records by the Rascals and Dusty Springfield's landmark Dusty in Memphis. Mardin helped open up the duo's sound, retaining the preciousness that marked their ballads but subtly layering sounds on the livelier numbers and encouraging these two veterans of Philly soul groups to play up their R&B influence. At its core, Whole Oats is still quite precious, often a little too delicate for its own good, but about half of the album works and works rather brilliantly. Two carryovers from Past Times Behind, "Fall in Philadelphia" and "Goodnight and Goodmorning," illustrate the skill of Mardin's production and how it highlights the duo's strengths. "Fall in Philadelphia" is given a soul makeover, with some funky guitar and horns plus a stylish vibraphone line, yet it retains the folky, melancholic undertow of the original, while "Goodnight and Goodmorning" is given an epic production, sailing along on its strings and achieving an understated beauty.
Track List

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