Originally signed to Philly Groove Records via a production contract with Norman Harris, the group came with Harris when he signed onboard the newly formed Salsoul. Most of Harris' work would be issued on the Gold Mind subsidiary of Salsoul - First Choice were no exception. The bulk of the group's offerings came from the stable of Baker/Harris/Young, but other producers and mixers would feature prominently, such as Tee Scott and Tom Moulton (whose mix of "Dr. Love" is the all-time favorite of Salsoul Label head Ken Cayre). "Let No Man Put Asunder" would not reach it's penultimate destination in every urban DJ's front crate until Shep Pettibone re-worked it inthe early 1980's. The group had recorded a Southern Soul styled version of Al Green's "Love and Happiness" for their sole Philly Groove album, where it sat alongside the major hit "Armed and Extremely Dangerous" and the minor hit "Smarty Pants". Salsould would eventually re-mix and re-issue all three tracks in various incarnations, leading to the misconception that they were vintage Salsoul cuts. In fact, they were vintage Baker/Harris/Young productions that preceded Salsoul and were acquire by the label after the fact.
Lead vocalist Rochelle Fleming enjoys a reputation as one of the legendary disco divas, and still lends vocals to the occassional one-off house track, such as Tom De Novy's "Summer Love".
First Choice was an American girl group vocal music trio from Philadelphia. The group produced the disco hits "Armed and Extremely Dangerous", "The Player", "Love Thang", "Let No Man Put Asunder" and "Dr. Love".
Career
Fleming was the main vocalist. The group was originally known as the Debronettes.
Philadelphia DJ Georgie Woods introduced the trio to Norman Harris, guitarist with MFSB, to produce their debut single, "This Is The House Where Love Died". Although it sold poorly, the record led to a recording contract with the Philly Groove record label, and the release of Armed and Extremely Dangerous. Also produced by Harris, the song was a hit first in the UK, where it reached the Top 20 in the UK Singles Chart on Bell Records.
U.S. success followed and the later singles, "Smarty Pants" and "The Player," sold equally well.[citation needed] While producer Harris was associated with numerous hits during the disco boom of the late 1970s, the only later chart entry for First Choice was "Dr. Love," and, in 1984, the group split up.
In 1983, however, the group's 1977 album cut "Let No Man Put Asunder" was remixed by Shep Pettibone and Frankie Knuckles for club play, and became a staple for urban DJs and a classic for listeners. The centerpiece vocals and bass riff of the song were among the most sampled expressions of the emerging Chicago house music scene in the 1980s. Steve "Silk" Hurley used this bass line in his 1987 song "Jack Your Body," which went on to become the first house record to top the UK charts.
In 1987, Fleming re-formed the group with her cousin Laconya Fleming, and Lawrence Cottel, to record Love Itch (Prelude Records). In the same year, a reissue of "Let No Man Put Asunder" was a dancefloor hit in the UK.[citation needed]
Over the years, the group has seen some new success, as many of their songs have been remixed and re-released. Larry Levan remixed its "Double Cross" (Gold Mind, 1979) track, plus Tee Scott's first studio mix was "Love Thang" (1979)). It was also remixed by Tony Humphries in 1993 for the Salsoul remix project, two albums released on Double J Records. First Choice benefitted somewhat when Rhino Records put its Armed and Extremely Dangerous into the Soul Hits of the 70s: Didn't It Blow Your Mind series, and also when the Salsoul catalog was digitally remastered and released in the 1990s.
Fleming has also provided guest vocals for the occasional house music release over the years.
Armed & Extremely Dangerous
First Choice Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Be on the lookout for Dangerous Dan
This man is wanted by the F.B.I. - 10-4
Said he's dangerous, armed and extremely dangerous
The day he walked into my life he caught me with my guard down
Don't let him talk his sweet talk on ya 'Cause I've hit on the bait that he threw and I got hooked
Don't let it happen to you
Said he's dangerous, armed and extremely dangerous
Said he's dangerous, armed and extremely dangerous
The day I came into his charms who would think that he would succeed
Then go on his way leaving me here with another mouth to feed
So girls if you see him, you might think that you need him
He might look like the average guy, but he's wanted by the F.B.I.
Said he's dangerous, armed and extremely dangerous
Said he's dangerous, armed and extremely dangerous
Said he's dangerous
Oh, hell do it - bleed the life from me
Said he's dangerous
He don't care for nobody but his self
Said he's dangerous, armed and extremely dangerous
Said he's dangerous, armed and extremely dangerous
Look out girls, he might be
Walkin' the streets right now
Said he's dangerous, extremely dangerous
The lyrics to First Choice's "Armed And Extremely Dangerous" tell a cautionary tale about a man named Dangerous Dan who is wanted by the FBI. The song warns listeners to be on the lookout for him because he is dangerous and armed. The singer of the song reveals that she fell for Dan's sweet talk and was hooked by him, but he ultimately left her with another mouth to feed. The song urges women not to fall for his charms and to be wary of his seemingly average appearance because he is wanted by the FBI.
The song's lyrics are a warning about the dangers of falling for someone who is not what they seem. It touches on themes of love and deception, and the consequences of trusting the wrong person. The upbeat, disco-infused rhythm of the song contrasts with the dark subject matter of the lyrics, creating a sense of urgency and tension that underscores the song's message.
Line by Line Meaning
Calling all cars calling all cars
Attention everyone, please pay close attention
Be on the lookout for Dangerous Dan
Dangerous Dan should be avoided at all costs
This man is wanted by the F.B.I. - 10-4
The FBI is in search of Dangerous Dan and needs your help, over and out
Said he's dangerous, armed and extremely dangerous
Dan is not only dangerous, but also heavily armed and even more dangerous
The day he walked into my life he caught me with my guard down
When I met Dan, I was not prepared for what he would do
Don't let him talk his sweet talk on ya
Don't let Dan use his charming language to manipulate you
'Cause I've hit on the bait that he threw and I got hooked
I fell for Dan's tricks and became his victim
Don't let it happen to you
I urge you to be cautious and avoid falling for Dan's tactics
The day I came into his charms who would think that he would succeed
When Dan charmed me, I never thought he would take advantage of me
Then go on his way leaving me here with another mouth to feed
Dan left me to take care of a child he fathered and now I'm struggling to provide for them
So girls if you see him, you might think that you need him
If you encounter Dan, you may be fooled into thinking he's what you want
He might look like the average guy, but he's wanted by the F.B.I.
Dan's appearance is deceiving, he may appear normal but he's a criminal on the run
Said he's dangerous
Oh, hell do it - bleed the life from me
Said he's dangerous
He don't care for nobody but his self
Dan is ruthless and will stop at nothing to satisfy his own needs, even if it means hurting others
Look out girls, he might be
Walkin' the streets right now
Be cautious, as Dan may currently be on the loose and could be near you
Said he's dangerous, extremely dangerous
Dan is not just dangerous, he's incredibly dangerous and should be avoided
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Songtrust Ave, Reservoir Media Management, Inc., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Allan Wayne Felder, Norman Harris, Norman Ray Harris
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@sickoancestry4973
Great song! Growing up in the 70's,the Philly sound was in the air,love it! Real music!!
@stevechabalik6985
Was there ever a more fly girl group than First Choice? Their name was no lie, and Rochelle Fleming had the Voice of Life. This song is damn near half a century old, and it could still make the dearly departed rise from their graves to shake their asses. Soul Train in the Seventies is still something beautiful to behold.
@melvyndolby8625
Rochelle Fleming is my all time favourite vocalist, no one comes close to her. She hits all the notes with very little effort. Her voice is unique. It would be a dream come true to meet her and chat about her career. THE BEST EVER
@1derfullBeast
Great comment, pal !!!
@1derfullBeast
@@melvyndolby8625 you nsme it : so true...and i like to meet her too, for the same reason! ;-)
@cesarlemosdonascimento2712
Can’t believe I’ve found this song!!! I’ve been looking for it for 48 years!! Can’t explain how happy and fulfilled I’m feeling right now!!!
@FernandoGon814
I’m actually super happy for you in this crazy world we need happiness as much as possible.
@stephaniedejesus2109
Great song, along with their other hits!! So girls if you see him, you might think that you need him, he might look like the average guy but he’s wanted by the FBI😊 A classic!!!
@Fuentes1Rudy
This is one of my favorite groups of the 70's, they were underrated, but they were talented, their voices were great, and their songs were also first class songs. This was one of the many favorites of them.
@janicewilliams4988
Love this group.....Still listening in 2024 !!