Eruption

by Amy Hanson When one thinks about Eruption, outstanding soul vocalist Precious Wilson comes to mind. And, of course, when one thinks about Precious Wilson, the only logical leap in the process is straight to "I Can't Stand the Rain," which remains one of the most distinctive disco songs of all time. It gave this Jamaican-born, London-based disco group a Top 30 hit in 1978 and is included on a multitude of disco compilations the world over. It is the highlight here as well. The band languishes across their own disco-inflected songs -- "Computer Love," "Wayward Love," and "Party, Party" all serve up standard fare with light beats and waka-waka guitar, and one has to turn to the other covers in their repertoire to recapture even a suggestion of the biggest hits' flash brilliance. Eruption put a remarkable disco spin on the Staple Singers' classic "I'll Take You There," although Wilson's vocals are truer to the original's intent than the arrangement would imply. Also of note is their version of Brass Construction's number one hit "Movin'," which retains a hefty helping of funk. The winner for oddest inclusion, though, is the side two opener "The Way We Were." A Marvin Hamlisch classic best known for Gladys Knight & the Pips' 1975 rendering, this MOR staple is probably best left as is. Wilson's take is admirable, but, ultimately, doesn't measure up. At the end of the day, when the lights have come up and the revelers have all gone home, both band and album will fade from view. Remember them for their aversion to the rain, and crack open those comps instead.