AWB

Released in August 1974, 'AWB' (often called the White Album) is the second studio effort by Average White Band and the record that broke them globally. Produced by the legendary Arif Mardin at Atlantic Records, the album represents a pinnacle of mid-70s funk production, characterized by a clean, punchy sound that highlighted the band's incredible tightness. The album famously features 'Pick Up the Pieces,' an instrumental that reached #1 on the US Billboard Hot 100, a rare feat for a Scottish R&B group. Tragically, the album's success was overshadowed by the death of drummer Robbie McIntosh shortly after its release. Critically, the album is lauded for its 'authentic' soul sound, often confusing listeners of the era who assumed the band was from the American South rather than Scotland. It remains a foundational text for rare groove collectors and a primary source for hip-hop producers like J Dilla and Beastie Boys.