Classic Soul

Posted by: Quad 33 on 31 March 2013

We have had the Jazz & Blues thread; It is now time for your Classic Soul Albums 

 

I will start with:

 

 Label: TAMLA MOTOWN


Regards Graham.

Posted on: 12 April 2013 by Quad 33

 

Anita Baker's 1983 début album. It contains the spine tingling " No More Tears". This album rightly deserves its place as a soul classic. My vinyl copy is on the Beverly Glen Music label. 


G  

Posted on: 12 April 2013 by maze

 

Steamin'...............

Posted on: 12 April 2013 by Mike Hughes
Fab thread. Kevin, I'd top and tail the Stevie down to three. The first is interesting but not actually something that improves with repeated plays. The last is good; has a stellar reputation but is overcooked and symptomatic of what was to come, which was not very good. I'd have thrown in Hotter Than July for it's clipped precision. Hard to argue with Glevethan. Could have written that myself but that's because I too have read Sweet Soul Music by Peter Guralnick Apologies if I've missed it but the first Stax boxed set is essential and, for me, nothing bests Solomon Burke and James Carr.
Posted on: 12 April 2013 by Mike Hughes
Sorry, should have also mentioned that this thread could not be complete without the magnificent achievement of a film that is Standing In The Shadows Of Motown. The only time I've ever been in a cinema and the whole audience stood up at the end and clapped.
Posted on: 12 April 2013 by glevethan

Kudos to Tony2011 for listing Lee Dorsey's "Yes We Can" this album.  It is a stone cold classic and contains the greatest assembled collection of Alan Toussaint written and produced songs.  It is perhaps the most important New Orleans soul album.

 
New Orleans soul would not be complete without mentioning the other, under the radar, but most illustrious of New Orleans writers, producers and arrangers, the one and only Wardell Quezergue.  As towering a figure as Allen Toussaint was Wardell was in every way his equal.  In fact it was Allen who dubbed Wardell "The Creole Beethoven".  Perhaps the most famous New Orleans story has to do with the opening of Malaco Studios, another legendary studio equal in stature with FAME, STAX, and AMERICAN.  Based in Jackson Mississippi the "Last Soul Company" needed some hits to get off the ground.  They made contact with Quezergue and convinced him to organize a marathon one day recording session.  Wardell rented a school bus and trekked up to Jackson with singers and band members in tow.  On that fateful day two songs were recorded that forever changed the history of the studio.  King Floyd's "Groove Me" and Jean Knight's "Mr. Big Stuff" each went on to sell millions upon millions of copies.  Written, composed and arranged by Wardell - IN ONE DAY!  Search out each song and or the respective album.  There is a great box set on Malaco entitled "The Last Soul Company". Also search out some Wardell Quezergue compilations.
 
My previous post mentioned, in addition to Lee Dorsey, The Meters albums (also a Allen Toussaint production led by band member Art Neville (Neville Brothers).   All are wonderful however their debut holds a special place in soul fans hearts. The last piece of the New Orleans puzzle belongs to vocalist extraordinaire, The Tan Canary Mr. Johnny Adams.  Search out any compilation or better yet his album "Heart and Soul" on SSS International records.  Together with his female counterpart, The Soul Queen of New Orleans, Miss Irma Thomas, these two are the best vocalists the Crescent City has ever known.  Irma's albums on Imperial Records are essential - where do you think The Rolling Stones nicked "Time is On My Side" from?  Go find any compilation of her Imperial sides.
PS  lets also not forget Mr. Mac Rebennack aka Dr. John.  All albums essential - his 1992 album "Goin Back To New Orleans" offers up a 5 star tribute to the history of New Orleans music.
 
SSS International was the brainchild of Shelby Singleton and it was a powerhouse label in the South.  Many have rightfully mentioned the definitive CD reissue label, Ace/Kent, however there are two cd compilations on the Sundazed reissue label (New York) which deal with SSS and its sub label Silver Fox.  Search these two compilations out.
 
The final piece of the powerhouse label stories deals with Sound Stage 7.  This studio was founded by Fred Foster as a subsidiary of Monument Records (Roy Orbison) and the Sound Stage 7 subsidiary went on to become famous under the auspices of legendary Nashville disc jockey John R (Richbourg).  Search out the 3 cd CHARLY compilation "The Sound Stage 7 Story" and revel in the sounds of Joe Simon, Betty Everett, Sam Baker, Ann Sexton, Ella Washington, Sir Lattimore Brown and the great Geater Davis.  Geater Davis deserves special mention and there are several compilations of his work.  Although he never achieved national fame he is revered by Southern Soul fans.  Search him out - you will not be disappointed.
 
Have fun
Gregg
Posted on: 12 April 2013 by glevethan
Originally Posted by Marky Mark:

Two albums from one of the great female soul singers IMO...

 

 

 

AMEN !!!

 

Search out Millie's album "Caught Up" - you will not be disappointed!  Her best which introduced the world to her style of "racy and raunchy rap".  When you listen to her take on "If Loving You Is Wrong I Don't Want To Be Right" do not forget to purchase the original album - Luther Ingram's "If Loving You Is Wrong I Don't Want To Be Right"

 

Gregg

Posted on: 12 April 2013 by glevethan
Originally Posted by Northern Soul:
Originally Posted by Quad 33:

This thread is getting really interesting. Thank's to everyone who has posted. If you are interested in "Deep Soul" this series is a must. They are all available on CD.

 

 

 

 

 

G

Nice CDs, I've been collecting Kent records/CDs since the labels inception in 1982 - sound quality is always good too.

 

How very right you are.  This is THE BEST starting point for Deep Southern Soul.  If you do not get hooked on Jean Wells "Have A Little Mercy" from volume 1 of this collection than nothing will help you.

As others have mentioned - try to collect ALL of the Kent/Ace reissues.  This is the best reissue label in existence and they do their best to keep the flame of Southern Soul lit and shining bright.

 

As an American I find it amazing that this genre born on our soil has been so neglected.  The greatest fans are in the UK and Japan.  Kent/Ace continue to put out spectacular reissues.  Their counterpart, the Japanese label P-Vine does the same.  There are more soul collectors in Japan then in the USA.  Go figure!

 

Gregg

Posted on: 13 April 2013 by Huwge

Mustn't forget Clarence Carter, for all the gems here he still doesn't appear to have got a mention and what about Bobby Bland or is that more blues than soul?

Posted on: 13 April 2013 by glevethan

Mentioned Clarence in my first post.  I also mentioned his (former) wife Candi Staton.

 

Best

Gregg

 

Bobby Blue Bland - one of my all time favorites (seen him many times over the years).  No mention as he is not really true soul. With that said "Two Steps From The Blues" is one of the classic Bobby Blue albums

Posted on: 13 April 2013 by Richard Dane

Thanks Gregg.  Lots of stuff ordered.  For those in the UK (or actually anywhere now, thanks to the WWW) there's an interesting program on Radio 4 right now about US Prisoner Soul.

Posted on: 13 April 2013 by Jasonf
Originally Posted by Richard Dane:

Thanks Gregg.  Lots of stuff ordered.  For those in the UK (or actually anywhere now, thanks to the WWW) there's an interesting program on Radio 4 right now about US Prisoner Soul.

Listening to that now...very interesting.

 

Jason

Posted on: 13 April 2013 by Jasonf
Originally Posted by Jasonf:
Originally Posted by Richard Dane:

Thanks Gregg.  Lots of stuff ordered.  For those in the UK (or actually anywhere now, thanks to the WWW) there's an interesting program on Radio 4 right now about US Prisoner Soul.

Listening to that now...very interesting.

 

Jason

Balls....finished!

 

GREAT THREAD CHAPS!

Posted on: 13 April 2013 by Happy Listener
Originally Posted by Quad 33:

 

Anita Baker's 1983 début album. It contains the spine tingling " No More Tears". This album rightly deserves its place as a soul classic. My vinyl copy is on the Beverly Glen Music label. 


G  


G- ditto and a real system tester (inc the bass), as her voice goes so high, it seeks out any sibilant tendencies. I've also got a much later CD version, which on some systems I've heard (at dealers in some cases) has been painful to listen to.

 

This thread is costing me alot of money - excellent stuff members

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on: 13 April 2013 by Quad 33

 

I have been a fan of Brook Benton for years,  but have come a cropper trying to find authentic original recorded material, because there are many inferior re-recordings out there. Therefore if you are interested in this underrated soul singer's smooth relax inducing sound  I can recommend this CD from his "Mercury label years (with value for money in mind) and if you pair it  with "For My Baby" you will have a good representation of his best work.


Graham

Posted on: 13 April 2013 by Northern Soul

 

As an American I find it amazing that this genre born on our soil has been so neglected.  The greatest fans are in the UK and Japan.  Kent/Ace continue to put out spectacular reissues.  Their counterpart, the Japanese label P-Vine does the same.  There are more soul collectors in Japan then in the USA.  Go figure!

 

Gregg

Yes, in the UK, we 'Northern' Soul collectors have been plundering your shores for rare vinyl since the 1960's - mostly on 45 RPM singles, although this LP is high on most collectors 'wants' lists (for one particular track) I'm fortunate enough to own both the Monaural and Stereo versions.

A very obscure band from the Carolinas - Not really what you would expect a 'soul' band to look like I know, but the lead singers voice is great.

 

In keeping with the Classic Soul topic in question though, a few names worthy of mention have to be Barbara Lewis (particularly the Baby I'm Yours LP on Atlantic), Chuck Jackson, Walter Jackson and Lou Johnson.

 

 

Posted on: 13 April 2013 by Marky Mark
Originally Posted by Mike Hughes:
Kevin, I'd top and tail the Stevie down to three. The first is interesting but not actually something that improves with repeated plays. The last is good; has a stellar reputation but is overcooked and symptomatic of what was to come, which was not very good. I'd have thrown in Hotter Than July for it's clipped precision. Hard to argue with Glevethan. Could have written that myself but that's because I too have read Sweet Soul Music by Peter Guralnick Apologies if I've missed it but the first Stax boxed set is essential and, for me, nothing bests Solomon Burke and James Carr.

Its all about different opinions so just for the sake of discussion.....just have to say something in defence of Songs in the Key of Life against the heresy above 

 

Would say it is one of the best albums on this thread. Can never decide whether Another Star, As, Joy Inside My Tears, Love's In Need of Love Today or Have a Talk with God is my favourite track so have to keep playing the album! At the moment it is As. The way SW, the backing singers and the funky drummer wind up the pressure toward the end. This is SW in his pomp. A consummate musician. Once in a generation if you're lucky. In black music, you're talking about Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder as modern performers who are just off the charts.

 

In contrast, I like James Carr and several of his songs remain a good sing-along but for me one-dimensional compared with Stevie Wonder's best.

Posted on: 13 April 2013 by Marky Mark

Have to mention Michael Jackson - some favourite tracks...

 

Human Nature

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgmbYALa0no

Liberian Girl

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tm2BsOnAYcM

Man in the Mirror

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLXYiF_BdAs

 

A tribute on the harmonica from Stevie Wonder:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UkyYmoKSuE

Posted on: 13 April 2013 by Marky Mark

Ray Charles deserves a mention. Personal favourites are What I'd Say, Georgia on my Mind and Hit the Road Jack. 

 

Posted on: 13 April 2013 by Marky Mark

Lots of Martha and the Vandellas compilations out there. Nowhere to Run my fave song of theirs. Always sounds good...

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhcflDSUMvc

Posted on: 13 April 2013 by Marky Mark

Wonderful remix of Bebe Winans 'Thank You' by Masters at Work. A Notting Hill Carnival favourite. Simply joyous on a sunny day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOoe12YY7bI

 

Also by Masters at Work (with Jocelyn Brown), 'Black Gold of the Sun'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGBmKpscaV4

Same tune but nicely worked over by 4Hero:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8d7b1Qn1_jA

Another MAW, from the same album:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXUAJDIz_Yw

 

Posted on: 14 April 2013 by Mike Hughes
Marky - I'm not arguing against Songs being great but I do think it teeters on the edge of self-destruction and being a bit overcooked. It is an absolute peak but it's a long way from perfect.
Posted on: 14 April 2013 by Mike Hughes
Just had a lovely moment. Worked my way through the whole thread and realised I already had everything. Phew