By DF (208.27.111.121) on Wednesday, July 02, 2003 - 05:24 pm:

Why wasn't this group bigger than they were? They had some killer songs, like "We're On Our Way Home", "This Must Be Heavan", "Hot For You", "Get Up And Be Somebody", "Journey To The Light", etc. Definitely could compete with Earth, Wind and Fire, Ohio Players, etc.

Allen mentioned Deon Estes in a thread. Killer bassist. The intro to "...On Our Way Home" is one of the alltime licks.

Did the fact that they came out out of Detroit during the post-Hitsville era hurt them? Peace.

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Wednesday, July 02, 2003 - 05:34 pm:

DF:
Let's not forget "Loving You Is Really My Game" as well.

Tabu Records was just starting out at the time and was distributed by RCA Records for two years (1978-80). It wasn't until Clarence Avant (Tabu's president) switched to CBS Records in 1980 (probably the industry's strongest record corporation at that time) that Tabu was able to muscle their way with the SOS Band and later Cherelle & Alexander O'Neal.

You're right about "We're On Our Way Home" - my friends & I used to jam to that tune when we were in high school.

Kevin Goins - KevGo

By Marv (64.12.97.7) on Thursday, July 03, 2003 - 12:42 am:

I also believe Brainstorm was one of the best bands from the last 20-25 years. I believe that coming out of Detroit at the time they did hurt them to a certain extent as they never really received the type of national exposure so rightfully deserved and needed. I still hear their music on radio here in New York. I wonder if there is a greatest hits package of the group on CD?

By Allen (24.24.196.115) on Thursday, July 03, 2003 - 01:44 am:

DF,

Being a young aspiring musician in Detroit at that time, was like being in the twilight zone. Talented people were like hair on a dogs back in Detroit.

Imagine preparing to do something over the course of many years. Just as you're ready to take your place in the predetermined firm or industry, the whole kit and kabootle... ups and moves.

Brainstorm to was heartbreaking. They were undoubtedly one of the best bands around. Had they been nurtured and given the opportunity to grow into them selves, they could have made substantial magic.

By 1Wicked (24.126.64.120) on Thursday, July 03, 2003 - 03:27 am:

Didn't Belita Woods bail out (to go solo) while they were still hot...causing some of the problems that led to the break-up ??

By DF (24.90.9.138) on Thursday, July 03, 2003 - 06:14 am:

Had it not been for radio cats in New York like Frankie Crocker (RIP) and Rick Ricardo, New Yorkers may have NEVER heard of Brainstorm. Remember, radio cats then were never about Top 40 playlists (at least Crocker and Ricardo).

Oh, Baby,
Oh, Baby,
Oh, Babaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!!!!!!!!
(From "This Must Be Heaven").

By Marv (64.12.97.7) on Thursday, July 03, 2003 - 07:24 am:

I just heard "This Must Be Heaven " on WBLS here in New York last week! That song was so great, that it was used as the Homecoming Song for my High School (Scott High School) in 1977!!!

By Soul Sister (65.43.167.42) on Thursday, July 03, 2003 - 08:11 am:

1Wicked;
I e-mailed you the photo to both your addresses but got back failure delivery. Didn't have a problem sending one to Mel. Got lots to do this last week home, later.
S.S.

By Handsome (170.118.157.134) on Thursday, July 03, 2003 - 11:03 am:

Ann Nesby does a killer cover of "Lovin' is Really My Game"!

By RD (63.188.33.215) on Thursday, July 03, 2003 - 11:48 am:

Betty Wright does a version of "Lovin' Is Really My Game" too on her live album but nobody sings that song like Belita Woods & Brainstorm. My favorites by them are "You Put A Charged In My Life," Waiting For Someone" and "Popcorn."

By Handsome (170.118.157.134) on Thursday, July 03, 2003 - 11:55 am:

I concur with you RD.

By LeVan45789 (166.107.159.75) on Thursday, July 03, 2003 - 01:15 pm:

Brainstorm was my favorite band back when I was in high school. I still have all of there albums from back then. Journey To The Light has been released and remastered and it sounds great. A really great band!

By medusa9e2003 (66.73.0.232) on Saturday, July 05, 2003 - 10:21 pm:

ok, which one of the Guys N the group did the lead on 'This Must B Heaven'?...was it the guy that wore the hat? I really like his style.

By Greg C. (207.103.134.48) on Sunday, July 06, 2003 - 12:46 am:

The guy singing lead on "This Must Be Heaven" was Chuck Overton. He's also the one who blows that excellent sax solo on the track.

My favorite Brainstorm song was "Wake Up And Be Somebody." I used to hear that on Detroit radio back in the late 70's all of the time. Very positive song!