Classic Soul

THE classic soul album has to be Give Me The Reason.

I've never really got into too much Soul. I'm sure most have this one;

..and I picked this one from my fathers collection last week.

That Black Moses album is great Steve, the cover's even better. IW did not suffer from low self-esteem

I would add these two:

These five boundary-pushing albums are soul's equivalent of The Beatles - a run of brilliant records that, for innovation, quality of songwriting and execution, and sheer creativity, has no rival outside the Fabs.

If we're talking soul, let's not forget the "Queen of..."

Stevie at his peak aside,these three (consectutive) albums from S&TFS have no equal.

"Riot" in particular is soul at its most fractured and avant-garde and, along with "Unknown Pleasures" is the perfect expression of 1970s social and personal collapse. Soul's other great "message" album, "What's Goin' On", excellent though it is, seems prissy by comparison.

The other Queen of soul, the extraordinary Minnie Ri[perton.A tragic loss, her dying so young.

So many great records, but this is probably the best place to start:

Plus one to 'Songs In The Key of Life'. Still sounds fresh and vibrant today.

MDS

Along with Minnie, the other great tragic figure is the magisterial Donny Hathaway, whose suicide in 1979 was a great loss to music. All of these albums are the cornerstone of any soul collection IMNSHO:

The Spinners deserve a mention as well:

Let's not forget The Chi-Lites. That lushly orchestrated paen to self-pity and longing, "Have You seen Her?" is one of THE greatest soul records ever.

And let's not forget "Oh Girl", "For God's sake Give More Power to the People", "You Don't Have to Go", "Homely Girl' etc etc. One of the great groups.

Another soul legend that came to an untimely, tragic end. Can't think of a better film soundtrack than this.

What No Otis?

Indeed what about Otis!

Or Marvin.

G

Some lovely tracks on this.

See if you can find the soundtrack to Jackie Brown, the Quentin Tarantino movie.  It is a fun movie with some great music.

One of the best Soul compilations whether on CD or double vinyl. Featuring Maze, Labi Siffre, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, Minnie Riperton, Jon Lucien, Donald Byrd,  Patti Jo, The Emotions, Leroy Hutson, Roy Ayers Ubiquity, and Sylvia Striplin.  Not so easy to find these days though...

€30 on amazon

£29.95 to be exact, but only a tenner if you're happy to go for a used CD copy.  The vinyl is well worth tracking down - it just sounds right for this kind of music. 

Hmmm... I reckon this thread must have some mention of the two great talents of Hi Records, Al Green and Ann Peebles.  Of Ann Peebles output you're probably best served by the 2 disc set that covers most of her output.  However, if I'm going to pick one album, it has to be this one.  Tear Your Playhouse Down has to be up one of the finest soul songs ever.  Another one that only really seems right played on vinyl...

Some great Northern Soul compilations on Ace Records - too many to include by artist / name

Yes, Ace records has a wonderful selection of soul.  Hard to know where best to start but the compilations can be wonderful - this one is a favourite with a funky slant on Soul;