Madleen Kane – Rough Diamond

Most people probably know this record because of the amazing cover version of the song "Fever". But the real hidden gem in this record is on the first side "C'est Si Bon". Incredibly sensual slow disco ballad.

I don't what exact year it was when I ordered and paid for 4 or 5 CD's from Gold Legion, maybe 2011-2013, but I too never received them. Not sure the story behind the label but they had some incredible selections of obscure and never released on CD Disco from the 70's/80's. I've been able to pick up about a dozen of them on eBay and here on Discogs over the years and have to say very impressive. Some have incredible liner notes, like both Joli releases, which make them even more appealing. Sad the label seems to just have faded into the sunset, sure would've been great to see many more added to the catalogue. Wonder if we'll ever know the real story.

I have bought two copies, just in case one couldn't make it

Fever 7 inch version is missing on this CD https://discogs.versitio.com/Madleen-Kane-Rough-Diamond-Fever/release/5084544

My knowledge of Madleen was largely by word of mouth; I had read about her in books and on the net, but it wasn't until I heard a compilation with "Forbidden Love" that I was smitten. Then a friend sent a mixed cd with "Rough Diamond" on it and those strings...delicious. Finally it has been released on cd. So how does it shape up? Well, there are three versions of "Rough Diamond" but really only the 12" Jim Burgess mix is neccessary which is stunning, clocking in at eight minutes, handclaps, piano opening, extra oohs and aahs, I danced to it last night in a dreamy romantic state, delightful and exotic. "Lets Make Love" is a boppy little number, which I really like, with some funky breaks and over the top lyrics...which I love...she covers "Fever" but really it doesn't have much impression when you consider Isaac Haye's excellent disco version a year later (Roy Ayers also did a disco version.) But it is the second part of that medley, "Make Me Like It" that is just wonderful and incorporates back into "Fever" as so many disco medleys/suites did back in the day. She also covers "C'est Si Bon" which is a slow song, nice for relaxing but doesn't do much for me, and Rhoda Scott did a much more exciting disco version. It is also available in short version, though I ignore short versions on all reissues as I find them pointless. The extra track, as I already mentioned that is essential is the Jim Burgess mix of "R.D". "Touch My Heart" is another exciting disco dazzler that won't fail to impress fans of this style of music. Unfortunately there are no liner notes and the cd clocks in at 49 minutes. But honestly, if you are a disco fan who is into the over the top romantic style that flourished briefly for a few years, you will love this.

I had the same problem when I ordered 5 discs directly from this Label on 2011. I never received these discs!!! At first they answered my e-mails (Gregg is the attendant name) but after few months they stopped. During this time I sent more than 50 emails to [email protected] but no answer. I never obtained a refund. Beware to buy from them!!!

Collectors looking to buy directly from this label be very very cautious. I ordered 2 discs and for 4 months saw absolutely nothing. I am not the only customer experiencing this. At the end I made a complaint to my credit card and obtained a refund. At first they answered my email and kept saying they will check on the dispatch but after several times they stopped answering altogether. It wasn't as if they sent the cds and I did not get them. I think the truth is they do not have the cds there they claim they have in stock. There is a facebook page suggesting the label is a scam, and I absolutely do not think otherwise. This is not a malicious review and anyone has questions can look up.