The Escorts were inmates at Rah Way State Prison in New Jersey when George Kerr produced this album (originally released in 1973). The title refers to how prisoners count time -- three down (years served), four to go. A sugary falsetto, similar to Billy Garnett of the Whatnauts (but not as striking), handles the leads along with a rough tenor. "Let's Make Love (At Home Sometime)" is a slow pleader with smooth choral harmony. Remakes of
Smokey Robinson & the Miracles' "We've Come Too Far to End It Now,"
the Delfonics' "La La Means I Love You," and
the Flamingos' "I Only Have Eyes for You" will not make you discard the originals. Two tracks, "Brother" and "Corruption (Man's Self Destruction)," deal with social problems, Temptations style. Kerr cut the vocals at Rah Way State Prison, so the quality isn't all that great, but harmony lovers will overlook the flaws. ~ Andrew Hamilton