Above - The April 1987 UK Seven x Double-Album VINYL BOX SET
(Originally Issued December 1985 in the USA)
Both Original Vinyl Box Sets (1985 and 1987) Had 186 Tracks
The Seven CDs in both countries however were Truncated Versions
- Down to 163 Tracks
The UK CDs Volumes 1 to 7 also originally issued April 1987
(reissued October 1990)
Below - The October 1991 USA-ONLY 8CD 203-Track Upgraded Box Set (CD only)
Volume 8 was NEW over the 1985 Vinyl Box Set and 1987 Truncated 7 x CDs
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Below: US October 1991 Volume 4
Newly Configured from the 1987 dates of 1958-1962 to 1957-1960
Was Not Issued Individually in the USA in 1991 or in the UK
Reissued However in UK/Europe in March 2006 in Different Artwork
- see Next Set of Photos
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https://www.amazon.co.uk/Atlantic-Rhythm-1947-74-International-Release/dp/B000EIEJIC?crid=D35H2ZPHJE9H&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.iGQNKP2L1p1S3gol8q_TEQ.peiW6oFsaSs9fVghiYsQHFAyga6KKjWrz6m8D2H9-a0&dib_tag=se&keywords=081227757922&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1732844875&sprefix=081227757922%2Caps%2C105&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=mabasreofcdbl-21&linkId=eee5eec8115daa3f9fbe8a5a8552b629&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
"…The Right Time…"
Here in the winter of 2024 - this unassuming and admittedly rather naff-looking R&B and Soul CD compilation from Rhino and Warner Platinum has been in the UK and EUROPEAN budget-priced marketplace for the guts of almost 20-years.
Issued back in March 2006 as Volume 4 of 8 – it was-and-is - a showcase for the mighty Atlantic Records and their staggering Black Music Legacy. But don't let the cover fool you - what lies within is solid ***** material despite the no-star slip-of-paper presentation.
In fact - none of these eight cheap-and-cheerful "Atlantic Rhythm And Blues 1947-1974" reissue volumes look like much – garish big-lettered front cover art with a piddly gatefold-inlay inside that barely lists titles and artists and not much else. But (as I say) man oh man the music is fabulous. However, to understand what you have in hand and the journey as to how it got here requires some serious investigative history that is worth explaining (including the photos provided above). So, here goes…
The Seven x Double-Albums VINYL BOX SET for "Atlantic Rhythm And Blues 1947-1974" was first issued in the USA in December 1985 on Atlantic 7-81620-1 and belatedly in the UK in April 1987 on Atlantic 781 620-1. Housed in distinctive black and red packaging (like their Fifties labels) - the individual 2LP sets inside each had unique artwork, extensive liner notes and were also issued as stand-alone 2LP sets. Sometimes sold outside of the box in the UK and Europe - the individual 2LP sets were Atlantic 781 293-1 (Volume 1), 781 294-1 (Volume 2), 781 295-1 (Volume 3), 781 296-1 (Volume 4), 781 297-1 (Volume 5), 781 298-1 (Volume 6) and 781 299-1 (Volume 7).
There were also 7 individual CDs issued in the UK in April 1987 (reissued Oct 1990) each with the above catalogue numbers but the code -2 instead of 1 for CD (781 293-2 etc). And despite some catalogue books stating that Atlantic 781 292-2 was issued in April 1987 as a CD BOX - there was NO Original 12" x 12" box set for the CDs at that time - and worse - 6 of the 7 individual CD volumes had their track lists truncated - reducing 186 on the vinyl doubles by 17 to 163 in total on CD.
It then transpired that unspecified tracks across the whole seven-volume kaboodle had the wrong takes used. Atlantic USA decided to rectify both the shortfall of tracks on the seven CDs and the wrong masters issue and reissued the entire box set again - but with more tracks and only on CD. So, in October 1991 "Atlantic Rhythm And Blues 1947-1974" was relaunched on Atlantic 7 82305-2 in the USA (Barcode 075678230523) - this time as an 8CD 12" x 12" box set with 203 tracks (17 extra). The individual booklets that came with the original 7CDs were taken out (replaced with a simple gatefold track list inlays that used the old artwork) and expanded into a full-sized 36-page booklet inside the box (pictured above). The reissue also used the distinctive black and red packaging of the 1985 vinyl box on the front, and the artwork style remained the same for each CD on the inside (collage photos). It also admitted that mistaken masters had been used on the original set but were now all correct. It was ONLY issued as an 8CD Box Set and ONLY in America.
In March 2006 in the UK and Europe however, these 8 Volumes were finally reissued as stand-alone CDs for the first time (no vinyl), but with different artwork (also pictured above). They were also released without the booklets that accompanied the 1987 issues or the bigger booklet from the 1991 reissue box - just basic gatefold inlays.
Completists should also note - to add further salt to a reissue wound - there was a 255-Track JAPAN-ONLY issue of "Atlantic Rhythm And Blues 1947-1974" on Warners/Atlantic WPCR-14441 released 25 May 2012 - again with different artwork - which added on 52 new tracks on 2 NEW BONUS DISCS. Chosen by noted Japanese expert Keishi Suzuki - the two extra CDs contained very rare Fifties Blues and R'n'B on Disc 9 and lesser-seen Soul Sides on Disc 10 - much of it unavailable elsewhere. Those two extra volumes are NOT available anywhere else and are exclusive to that Japanese anthology.
Back to the CD in hand. So, what you have here is an American-Based Box Set CD from 1991 subsequently reissued 2006 in Europe as a stand-alone. For this review we concentrate on Volume 4 of 8 which deals with 1957 to 1960. Here are the track-by-track details…
UK re-released 20 March 2006 - "Atlantic Rhythm And Blues 1947-1974: Volume 4 - 1957-1960" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Rhino/Warner Platinum 8122-77579-2 (Barcode 081227757922) is a 27-Track CD Compilation that breaks down as follows (73:11 minutes, One Bonus Track – see NOTES):
1. Young Blood – THE COASTERS (March 1957, US 7" 45-Single on Atco 45-6068, A-side)
2. Mr. Lee – THE BOBBETTES (June 1957, US 7" 45-Single on Atlantic 45-1144, A-side)
3. Long Lonely Nights – CLYDE McPHATTER (August 1957, US 7" 45-Single on Atlantic 45-1149, A-side) *
4. Betty And Dupree – CHUCK WILLIS (November 1957, US 7" 45-Single on Atlantic 45-1168, A-side)
5. What Am I Living For – CHUCK WILLIS (March 1958, US 7" 45-Single on Atlantic 45-1179, A-side)
6. Hang Up My Rock And Roll Shoes – CHUCK WILLIS (March 1958, US 7" 45-Single on Atlantic 45-1179, B-side of "What Am I Living For")
7. Yakety Yak – THE COASTERS (April 1958, US 7" 45-single on Atco 45-6116, A-side)
8. A Lover's Question – CLYDE McPHATTER (September 1958, US 7" 45-single on Atlantic 45-1199, A-side)
9. I Cried A Tear – LaVERN BAKER (November 1958, US 7" 45-single on Atlantic 45-2007, A-side)
10. (Night Time Is) The Right Time – RAY CHARLES with The Raylettes (December 1958, US 7" 45-single on Atlantic 45-2010, A-side)
11. Charlie Brown – THE COASTERS (January 1959, US 7" 45-single on Atco 45-3162, A-side)
12. What'd I Say (Parts 1 & 2) – RAY CHARLES And His Orchestra (June 1959, US 7" 45-single on Atlantic 45-2031, A&B-sides)
13. There Goes My Baby – THE DRIFTERS (April 1959, US 7" 45-single on Atlantic 45-2025, A-side)
14. Along Came Jones – THE COASTERS (April 1959 US 7" 45-Single on Atlantic 45-6141, A-side)
15. Let The Good Times Roll – RAY CHARLES (December 1959 US 7" 45-Single on Atlantic 45-2047, A-side)
16. Poison Ivy – THE COASTERS (August 1959, US 7" 45-single on Atco 45-6146, A-side)
17. Dance With Me – THE DRIFTERS (September 1959, US 7" 45-single on Atlantic 45-2040, A-side)
18. Just For A Thrill – RAY CHARLES And His Orchestra (March 1960, US 7" 45-Single on Atlantic 45-2055, A-side)
19. This Magic Moment – THE DRIFTERS (January 1960, US 7" 45-single on Atlantic 45-2050, A-side)
20. Save The Last Dance For Me – THE DRIFTERS (August 1960, US 7" 45-single on Atlantic 45-2071, A-side)
21. Shoppin' For Clothes – THE COASTERS (September 1960, US 7" 45-single on Atco 45-6178, A-side)
22. Spanish Harlem – BEN E. KING (November 1960, US 7" 45-single on Atco 45-6185, B-side of "First Taste Of Love")
23. Young Boy Blues – BEN E. KING (September 1961, US 7" 45-single on Atco 45-6207, B-side of "Here Comes The Night")
24. Stand By Me – BEN E. KING (April 1961, US 7" 45-single on Atco 45-6194, A-side)
25. Gee Whizz – CARLA THOMAS (October 1960, US 7" 45-single on Satellite S-104, A-side – Reissued November 1960 "Gee Whizz (Look At His Eyes)" on Atlantic 45-2086, A-side)
26. Saved – LaVERN BAKER (April 1961, US 7" 45-single on Atlantic 45-2009, A-side)
27. Just Out Of Reach (Of My Two Open Arms) – SOLOMON BURKE (August 1961, US 7" 45-single on Atlantic 45-2114, A-side)
NOTES for Volume 4:
* Track 3 (Clyde McPhatter) is a 1991 and 2006 Bonus Track not on the 1987 original version of this CD compilation
Some had complained about the sound quality on the original 1987 CDs - as well as wrong versions of songs being used (personally I found the audio quality of the VINYL doubles to be superlative). So Atlantic made efforts with the 1991 CD reissue which of course has been used for these 2006 British reissues. The liner notes tell us that all tracks were "digitally remastered from mono and true stereo originals" and that "in this edition, the proper tracks have been used in all cases".
BOBBY WARNER and JIMMY DOUGLAS carried out the Digital Transfers while ZAL SCHREIBER and STEVE INNOCENZI did the mastering. The quality on these CDs is shockingly good - full of life and clarity. It's a joy to listen to. Sure, in the decades since there have been reissues (by Bear Family especially) that knock spots off the 1991 sound offered here (try their "Joe Turner Rocks" or their "Sweet Soul Music" volumes 1961 to 1975). But what you do get is fantastic all the way to the finish. To the tunes for Volume 4…
The first of four volumes from the 8CD Box Set dealing with the transition from Fifties Rhythm and Blues to Sixties Soul and Funk – Volume 4 (1957 to 1960) sees trailblazers like Chuck Willis, The Coasters, Solomon Burke, Ben E. King, The Drifters and of course Ray Charles sit alongside a strong contingent of ladies busting down the genre doors – LaVern Baker, The Bobbettes and Carla Thomas to name but a few. With 27-cuts, Volume 4 is also heavy on content even if it doesn't contain a single Bonus Track (all the other volumes do).
It opens with the Looka Here-Looka There Jerry Lieber-Mike Stoller-Doc Pomus penned wit of the Coasters chronicling teenage lust in "Young Blood" – a temptress with a yellow ribbon in her hair standing on a corner luring our hero to his conjugal doom (he tried to walk away but was struck lame – been there pal). Delight and the sheer exuberance of being young describes the sheer sweetness viv-and-vim of "Mr. Lee" – all the Ladies in The Bobbettes having a boppin R&B good time – what a winner. Following his stint as the Lead Vocalist with The Drifters – Clyde McPhatter and his distinctive solo vocal shimmer fills the shuffling ballad "Long Lonely Nights" with a pathos few singers could match. The first of three Fifties shufflers for Chuck Willis shows up in the guise of "Betty And Dupree" – a tale of lovers destined to be man and wife to the end. Even sweeter is the sway of "What Am I Livin For" – Willis longing and lonely for her lips and passion squeeze. Time for Chuck to boogie – but his mama warns him to avoid the music with a beat – but Willis is loath to "Hang Up My Rock And Roll Shoes".
Tracks 7, 8 and 9 show the marketing and musical genius of Atlantic Records during these formative years. The next pairing of songs is R&B genius but in different rhythms – the socially on-the-ball and wickedly funny "Yakety Yak" by The Coasters (what a hit) followed by Clyde McPhatter slinking across your speakers as smooth as Sam Cooke with his gorgeous "A Lover's Question". Now for the powerhouse singer – LaVern Baker filling "I Cried A Tear" with her fabulous cavernous tone. Then it happens – Ray Charles blows everything away because the night time is "The Right Time" to be with the one you love – even if the lady answering his lead vocal has the sting of cheat in her guttural roar. The Coasters pour on the R&B/Novelty fun with three classic corkers - "Charlie Brown", "Along Came Jones" and the brilliant "Shopping For Clothes" (check out The Steve Gibbons cover on the Live album Caught in The Act on Polydor Records in 1978). The new Soft-Soul-sounding Drifters starting their huge chart presence with "There Goes My Baby", "This Magic Moment" and "Save The Last Dance For Me". The stone classics run continues with Ben E. King and his sublime "Stand By Me" with the mighty frame and pipes of Solomon Burke bringing in the grittier Soul Sound of the early Sixties.
To sum up – even though it was very much a transition period from Rhythm and Blues and Doo Wop into early Soul (with a novelty tune thrown into the mix every now and then) – Volume 4 is a joyous listen from start-to-finish. And in 2024 and despite being technically deleted, you can get Volume 4 of 8 of Atlantic Rhythm & Blues 1947-1974 (or any of the others) individually on popular auction sites often for less than four quid. Yakety Yak baby!
But (if you got the readies) I would argue that such is the riches on offer across all eight volumes that you consider the big daddy - splashing out on that 1991 US LP-Sized 8CD Box Set with its full booklet and genuine sense of visual purpose. Set you back maybe £60 – but what a wow it is!
If the Big Bad 8-Disc Red and Black Box isn't in your budget purview and you want primo Sixties Soul, Rhythm and Blues, Funk and Rare Groove – then go for Volume 5 and 6 and 7 that follow.
But I warn you – the need for the other seven and booklet explanations will quickly manifest itself thereafter…
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