One look at these dudes and three words may come to mind: "Ambiguously Gay Duo." And that maybe true. But damned if these melanin lacking motherfuckers don't have soul. Dudes rattled out hits on the soul tip for years. And to my knowledge, one of the first to say the word "bitch" on a commercial track, and have it aired on the radio (see "Rich Girl").

Hall And Oates- Rich Girl

Truth be told, I didn't even know this pair were white till i saw some of their album covers. Yeah, some of their joints sound like they could be aired on old ass TV shows, but these dudes always come correct. It's hard enough finding a duet of singers with good chemistry, much less two male singers. I'd group Hall and Oates into semi-soul, semi-pop. Mild electronic overtones are blended into instrumentals, giving the group a distinct sound to their joints. Careers spanning nearly three decades gives Hall and Oates a more than decent track record as well.

Hall And Oates- I Can't Go For That

I'm highlighting Hall and Oates because I always appreciate artists going against the grain in what was the norm for music in their time periods. Or at least doing things different. Hair bands and pre-emo rock groups seemed to dominate music during an era of the late 70's and early 80's. But for the most part, Darryl Hall and John Oates kept it true to their blueprint of success, and belted out a stupid amount of hits.

Hall And Oates- Sara Smile

This has been Retro's Soul Centric Public Announcement. Shoutout to my dude Big Fame One as well for hitting me off with these gems.

Hall And Oates- Greatest Hits

Retro Out Stray Shots - Soul Centric Style Al Green - Livin For You Amel Larrieux - Morning The Funk Brothers - Best Of Roy Ayers - Everybody Loves The Sunshine Roy Ayers - Vibrations Brick - Good High Shabba Ranks - Greatest Hits

6-14-05 Soul Centric Text File

I'm coming for you.