CANDI STATON - "Stand By Your Man" - December 1970 US Second Studio Album on Fame Records (Stereo) featuring Southern Soul songs by Clarence Carter, George Jackson, Raymond Moore, Marcus Daniels and Candi Staton with The Fame Gang Musicians and Production by Rick Hall (October 2023 UK Ace/Kent Soul 'Mini LP' Repro Artwork CD Reissue with New Inner Sleeve Artwork, 12-Page Liner Notes Booklet and Duncan Cowell Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

 

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RATING: 

Audio: ***** Content **** Presentation *****

 

"...How Can I Put Out The Flame (When You Keep The Fire Burning)..."

 

On page 4 of 12 in the booklet of this lovely October 2023 British CD reissue and remaster, a 29 year-old female singer steeped in Alabama Gospel, Soul and R&B has signed her 1970 Fame Records black and white publicity shot over 'To Rick Hall – Love Candi Staton'. Not really surprising CS acknowledged her Mentor, Label Owner and Producer (Rick Hall) when you hear the quality leaping off this – her second studio album for Fame Records – and a huge Southern Soul Music draw for fans of that genre.

 

Some history first - Candi Staton's acknowledged-as-superlative debut album "I'm Just A Prisoner" had been preceded by three singles in 1969 and early 1970 before its April 1970 US release on Fame ST-4201. Those 45-sides and other quality song inclusions by the likes of Clarence Carter, George Jackson, Raymond Moore and other legends guaranteed its entry on the May 1970 Billboard R&B LP charts and a ten-week stay with a peak of No. 37. Time for round two..

 

Reaching around for material for his ex Jewell Gospel Trio singer (her 50s stint as a young woman) – Producer and Fan Rick Hall went back to the September 1968 US 45 of "Stand By Your Man" by Tammy Wynette. It was arranged and recorded quick, released August 1970 and promptly got huge airplay - spending 14 weeks on the Billboard R&B Singles Top 100 with a peak of No.24. Gigs followed in Vegas with Ray Charles (who rated her as a female version of him) and a marriage to Clarence Carter (baby number four cooking too). Other Country influences on the album are in the Harlan Howard cover of "She Called Me Baby" where she made it He instead of She. To the details of this new CD Reissue...

 

UK released Friday, 27 October 2023 (November 2023 in the USA) - "Stand By Your Man" by CANDI STATON on Ace Records/Kent Soul CDKENM 517 (Barcode 029667108928) is a straightforward CD Reissue and Remaster of her second studio album on Fame Records in 1970 (now in Mini LP Repro Rigid Artwork front and rear) that plays out as follows (30:54 minutes): 

 

1. Stand By Your Man [Side 1]

2. How Can I Put Out The Flame (When You Keep The Fire Burning)

3. I'm Just A Prisoner (Of Your Good Lovin')

4. Mr. And Mrs. Untrue

5. Too Hurt To Cry

6. He Called Me Baby [Side 2]

7. Sweet Feeling

8. To Hear You Say You're Mind

9. What Would Become Of Me

10. Freedom Is Just Beyond The Door

Tracks 1 to 10 are her second studio album "Stand By Your Man" - released December 1970 on Fame Records ST-4202 in STEREO (no UK issue) and January 1971 German Issue on Capitol Records 1C 062-80 753 in STEREO. Produced by RICK HALL at Fame Studios in Alabama - it peaked at No. 12 on the US R&B Billboard charts (12 weeks on chart).

 

Candi Staton and Ace Records fans have been before - June 2011 saw the fabulous 2CD compilation "Evidence: The Complete Fame Records Masters" on Ace/Kent Soul CDKEN2 353 (Barcode 029667235327) give them all three of her superb Southern Soul American LPs on Rick Hall's Fame Records plus non-LP single-sides and even threw in unreleased - all from her stay there 1969-1972. So those owning that will probably not need this reissue no matter how pretty or natty it looks and sounds.

 

First up - two of the songs on the Fame Records debut album "I'm Just A Prisoner" from April 1970 that preceded "Stand By Your Man" in December 1970 are unfortunately repeated here – they are "I'm Just A Prisoner (Of Your Good Lovin')" and "Sweet Feeling". So there is only eight new songs. Presentation-wise, you get a Rigid Oversized Mini LP Card Sleeve CD Reissue and Remaster like those Japanese paper reissues collectors so love. Remastered from original STEREO tapes, each release comes with a new Colour Inner Sleeve (a photo on both sides), a 12-page liner-notes booklet complete with photos, memorabilia and new interviews with Candi by Soul aficionado IAN SHIRLEY (see photos above). "I'm Just A Prisoner" (the debut) is in the series too - but the third Fame LP "Candi Staton" from 1972 is not. 

 

Audio-wise, I can't stress enough how good this CD reissue sounds - remastered from original tapes with great sympathy. In fact Ace Records have put it out on VINYL too – 27 October 2023 on Ace Records/Kent Soul HIQLP 127 (Barcode 029667019811) with the Inner Sleeve and Notes. All very tasty...

 

The original American album artwork is faithfully reproduced on front and rear – an afro hairstyle Candi smiling from the back sleeve in her flowery dress amidst super-hyped liner notes about how she’s a girl and a woman and a beautiful singer and not even women’s lib (the kind of nonsense that tells you nothing). As you undo the shrinkwrap, there is a new colour inner sleeve (the original LP didn't have one) with a period photo of our hero on front and rear wearing the same clobber as the cover photo. The studio for FAME (Florence Alabama Music Enterprises) is pictured along with Producer and mentor Rick Hal and his trusted Fame Gang on in-house musicians on the inner booklet page. And in-between the track list info/writing credits and the new CS interviews by Shirley are publicity photos, a trade review of the LP, a foreign picture sleeve for "Sweet Feeling" b/w "Evidence" and US 45s as well as a wedding photo to Clarence Carter. They even have sheet music for "He Called Me Baby". It's all very tasteful and revealing. And the audio is glorious - STEREO and kicking.

 

I will admit that I don't particularly love "Stand By Your Man" by 'anyone' even if it is a Grammy nominated performance by Candi Staton. Far better is the George Jackson and Raymond Moore torch ballad "How Can I Put Out The Flame (When You Keep The Fire Burning)" where Candi sings it like she really means it - her love tortured by the mere presence of the man she's trying to forget (stunning Brass and Piano arrangements). It first turned up as a US 45 single on Fame and was on the debut album too - but frankly even if it is a repeat song here - I'll take the fantastic Funk-Chug of "I'm Just A Prisoner (Of Your Good Lovin')" any day of the week (dig that shimmering guitar and those ladies testifyin' in the background). Irwin Levine and Toni Wine provided the dangerously truthful "Mr. And Mrs. Untrue" where Candi goes slow Soulful - her shades on as she shuffles through the hotel lobby hoping not to be spotted as she waits for the elevator up (gorgeous audio on this too). "Too Hurt To Cry" lifts the spirit up with its cheery piano-led Motown coquettish feel - drum whacks hitting your speakers along with guitar flicks and brass fills - the George Jackson and Raymond Moore composition ending Side 1 on a beautifully arranged high - Candi nailing it with that husky hurt in her voice.  

 

Changing the lyrics in the Howard Harlan song from 'She' to 'He' - Candi gives a Soul jaunt to the Side 2 opener "He Called Me Baby" - a clever re-working of another Country Classic into a sexy Brass chugger. But that's kicked into touch rapido by the fabulous "Sweet Feeling". In fact, in the UK, Capitol Records clearly felt the slinkier "Sweet Feeling" stood a better chance than "Evidence" as the A-side in Blighty (it was the reverse in the USA). Shame they weren't right. The song is familiar to 60ts Soul lovers because it was a Clarence Carter gem on Atlantic Records in 1968 - the flipside of the Ho Ho Ho "Back Door Santa" where CC had called it "That Same Old Feeling". We then get church-organ pleader with "To Hear You Say You're Man" - a superb Candi Staton original where she just-gotta testifies like Aretha - complete with spoken lines as it hits the two-minute mark. Barbara Wyrick provided the equally slow and soulful "What Would Become Of Me" - a could-I-live from day-to-day without you question song where Candi sings it like she means it - again. The album ends on some geetar Soul-Funk - "Freedom Is Just Beyond The Door" - a leaving-you-for-good statement song - if only Candi can get past the finality of that last handle turn. 

 

"Stand By Your Man" wasn't issued on Capitol UK as an LP but Capitol in Germany did issue a copy in January 1971, although I can't say I've ever seen one. It may only have ten songs on it - but like its predecessor - it's another Southern Soul winner and you can so hear why copies part for money on popular sites. I liked this reissue so much, I nabbed the debut "I'm Just A Prisoner" CD reissue too.

 

A cook Kent Soul re-release then (those HIQLPs are gorgeous too) and timely reminders in both cases as to why we love Soul Music from these halcyon decades so much. Candi Staton would leave Fame Soul behind when she demands that "Young Hearts..." should run free in her mid Seventies Warner Brothers Disco years - thereafter becoming a household name.

 

But "I'm Just A Prisoner" and "Stand By Your Man" from 1970 is where the Southern Soul smarts started. Buy them both and enjoy these criminally forgotten peaches...

 

See also my review for her debut "I'm Just A Prisoner" 

CANDI STATON - "I'm Just A Prisoner" - April 1970 US Debut Album on Fame Records (Stereo) featuring Southern Soul songs by Clarence Carter, George Jackson, Ronnie Shannon, Raymond Moore, Edward Harris and more - Production by Rick Hall with The Fame Gang of Musicians (27 October 2023 UK Ace/Kent Soul 'Mini LP' Oversized Repro Card Artwork CD Reissue with New Inner Sleeve, 12-Page Liner Notes Booklet and Duncan Cowell Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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RATING: 

Audio: ***** Content ***** Presentation *****
 

"...Guilty Is Written All Over Your Face..."

 

Imagine you are a 13-year-old Canzetta Staton playing with your similarly aged pal Mavis Staples on the steps of the Apollo Theatre (the Jewell Gospel Trio singing within). As you run up and down the rungs shouting at each other, Mavis is struggling with the Christian name – too much of a mouthful. Hands on her hips, Mavis Staples (soon to be a stunning Lead Vocalist herself with The Staple Singers on Epic and then into the stratosphere with Stax Records) has made an Executive decision - I'm just going to call you Candi from now on because you're like a sweet. And that's it – the name stuck. Great stories like this abound when it comes to this most underrated of Soul Icons – but to the issue at hand...

 

Candi Staton and Ace Records fans have been here before - June 2011 saw the fabulous 2CD compilation "Evidence: The Complete Fame Records Masters" on Ace/Kent Soul CDKEN2 353 (Barcode 029667235327) give them all three of her superb Southern Soul American LPs on Rick Hall's Fame Records plus non-LP single-sides and even threw in unreleased - all from her stay there 1969-1972.

 

So if you own that digital twofer from 2011 then you might want to give these two new 2023 single CD reissues of the first two albums a jaundiced wallet eye and a hard pass. But then you'd clock an eye on the cool CD artwork, the new inner sleeve and booklet (pictured above - and there are VINYL variants too) and probably capitulate - because they're just so damn cute.

 

I don't know if Ace Records of the UK has given the first two releases in this series a 'name' - Mini LP Series or something like that. But by way of description, what you have is two Mini LP Card Sleeve CD Reissues (oversized card sleeves) with the Remasters from original STEREO tapes and each release with a new Colour Inner Sleeve, a 12-page liner-notes booklet complete with photos, memorabilia and new interviews with Candi by Soul aficionado IAN SHIRLEY.

 

Released Friday, 27 October 2023 in the UK - they are Candi's first two albums for Rick Hall's Fame Records - "I'm Just A Prisoner" from April 1970 and "Stand By Your Man" from December 1970. Both charted on the US Billboard R&B album charts - the debut "I'm Just A Prisoner" entered the chart 23 May 1970 and peaked at No.37 with a chart run of 10 weeks. The more popular "Stand By Your Man" album (named after its cover-version of the famous Dolly Parton Country hit) hit the US charts 9 January 1971, rose to an impressive No.12 and stayed on the charts for 12 weeks. This review is for the debut first (the "Stand By Your Man" second album review is separate)...

 

UK released Friday, 27 October 2023 (November 2023 in the USA) - "I'm Just A Prisoner" by CANDI STATON on Ace Records/Kent Soul CDKENM 516 (Barcode 029667108829) is a straightforward CD Reissue and Remaster of her 1970 debut album on Fame Records (now in Mini LP Repro Artwork front and rear) that plays out as follows (26:21 minutes): 

 

1. Someone You Use [Side 1]

2. I'd Rather Be An Old Man's Sweetheart (Than A Young Man's Fool)

3. You Don't Love Me No More

4. Evidence

5. Sweet Feeling

6. Do Your Duty [Side 2]

7. That's How Strong My Love Is

8. I'm Just A Prisoner (Of Your Good Lovin')

9. Another Man's Woman, Another Woman's Man

10. Get it When I Want It

Tracks 1 to 10 are her debut album "I'm Just A Prisoner" - released April 1970 on Fame Records ST-4201 in STEREO, October 1970 in the UK on Capitol Records ST-21631 in STEREO. Produced by RICK HALL at Fame Studios in Alabama - it peaked at No. 37 on the US R&B Billboard charts (didn't chart UK).

 

Any fan will notice that the album is 'as is' and with a playing time of 26:21 minutes, is hardly busting a nut in terms of value for money. Worse - there were three American 45s that preceded the debut's launch with Non-LP sides on all that could (and should) have been included as Bonuses.

 

"I'd Rather Be An Old Man's Sweetheart (Than A Young Man's Fool)" was b/w "For You" in May 1969 on Fame 1456 - the flipside "For You" being Non-LP. Following that "Never In Public" turned up as an A-side in August 1969 on Fame 1459 and again that's not here either (the LP cut "You Don't Love Me No More" was its B). Third was "Heart On A String" which turned up as a Non-LP B-side to "I'm Just A Prisoner (Of Your Good Lovin')" in November 1969 on Fame 1460. A fourth American 45-single came the same month as the album - "Evidence" b/w "Sweet Feeling" in April 1970 on Fame 1466 - but at least both were on the LP. Those three sought-after Non-LP cuts are all on the "Evidence: The Complete Fame Records Masters" 2CD compilation mentioned above - but it would have so cool to have had them here (they are not on the "Stand By Your Man" album plus "Sweet Feeling" and "I'm Just A Prisoner (Of Your Good Lovin')" on that second LP are duplicates of songs on the debut). 

 

But (and this is the big but) - what you do get is wonderful - and I can't stress enough how good this reissue sounds too - remastered from original tapes. In fact Ace Records put it out on VINYL earlier in 2023 in both BLACK and PINK CANDI-FLOSS variants - 26 May 2023 on Ace Records/Kent Soul HIQLP 123 (Barcode 029667018319). Both have the same VINYL catalogue numbers and barcodes, but the PINK CANDI-FLOSS coloured LP is limited to 250 copies only. Let's get to the details...

 

The original American album artwork is faithfully reproduced on front and rear - a 29-year Candi smiling from the back sleeve (the liner notes beside that photo are unfortunately not reproduced in the new 12-page booklet). As you undo the shrinkwrap, there is a new colour inner sleeve (the original LP didn't have one) with a period photo of our hero on front and rear stood beside some Alabama log cabin in her cool 1969 dress. The studio for FAME (Florence Alabama Music Enterprises) is pictured along with Producer and mentor Rick Hal and his trusted Fame Gang on in-house musicians on the inner booklet page and at the rear. In-between the track list info/writing credits and new CS interviews are publicity photos, trade reviews of the LP, foreign picture sleeves and US 45s as well as several snaps of the mother of four - it's all very tasteful and revealing. And the audio is glorious - STEREO and kicking. 

 

The first side (tracks 1 to 5) is virtually a perfect Southern Soul run - the songwriting presence and funky-cleverness of Clarence Carter (her husband between 1970 and 1973) everywhere you turn. The Fame band play a blinder too - "Sweet Feeling" being a woman's-take remake of "That Old Time Feeling" - a B-side Clarence Carter had done with Rick Hall for "Back Door Santa" on Atlantic 2576. It's without question my fave groove on here. Not to be outdone, Candi doesn't slouch on the Etta James/Aretha Franklin torch ballads either - "You Don't Love Me No More" actually filled with an ache that feels all too dangerously real.

 

In fact in the UK, Capitol Records clearly felt the slinkier "Sweet Feeling" stood a better chance than "Evidence" as the A-side in Blighty (it was the reverse in the USA). They were late putting the album out in England - probably sold bupkis anyway and that saw that the second LP "Stand By Your Man" wasn't issued on Capitol UK at all, but Capitol in Germany. Side 2 of the LP falters a tad for me - "Do Your Duty" a passable dancer. But stuff like "I'm Just A Prisoner..." and "That's How Strong My Love Is" are so strong and show why original copies of this cookin' LP shift hands so regularly for good money. It may only have ten songs on it - but it's a Southern Soul winner.

 

I liked this reissue so much, I nabbed the "Stand By Your Man" CD reissue too even though I actually don't like her version of the title track she got nominated for a Grammy for (there's far better stuff on the LP). 

 

A cook Kent Soul re-release then (those HIQLPs are gorgeous too) and timely reminders in both cases as to why we love Soul Music from these halcyon decades so much. Candi Staton would leave Fame Soul behind when she demanded that "Young Hearts..." should run free in her mid Seventies Warner Brothers Disco years - thereafter becoming a household name.

 

But "I'm Just A Prisoner" and "Stand By Your Man" from 1970 is where the Southern Soul smarts started. Buy them both and enjoy these criminally forgotten peaches...

 

See also my review for "Stand By Your Man"

Second release (27 Oct 2023) in this Kent Soul CD Series

"The Fame Studios Story 1961-1973" by VARIOUS ARTISTS (November 2011 UK Ace Records/Kent Soul 3CD Book Set in a Card Slipcase with Remasters and Previously Unreleased Tracks) - A Review by Mark Barry...

 

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This Review Along With Nearly 195 Others Is Available in my

SOUNDS GOOD E-Book on all Amazon sites

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Your Guide To The Best CD Reissues and Remasters 

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RATING: Presentation **** Content **** to ***** Audio: *****

 

"…You Got My Full Respect…"

When the highly respected MOJO and RECORD COLLECTOR magazines gave the Ace Records/Kent Soul 3CD Book Set "Take Me To The River: A Southern Soul Story 1961-1977" their Reissue of the Year tag in 2008 (even going as far as saying that it was the 'greatest' soul compilation ever assembled) – many lovers of the genre sat up and took notice. And like me – having loved "Take Me To The River" to death ever since – we've been awaiting VOLUME 2 like a child with a sweet tooth.

Well here it is and I'm thrilled to say that "The Fame Studios Story 1961-1973" (despite some irritations) doesn't disappoint and will easily be up there as one of 'the' Soul reissues of 2011. Here are the details: 

 

UK released Monday 14 November 2011 - "The Fame Studios Story 1961-1973" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Ace Records/Kent Soul KENT BOX 12 (Barcode 029667010009) is a 75-track 3CD Hardback Book Set in a Card Wrap Outer that breaks down as follows (full list below):

Disc 1, "Steal Away", 25 Tracks from 1961 to 1966 (61:08 minutes):
The following are PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED
Track 5 "I Hope They Get Their Eyes Full" – ARTHUR ALEXANDER
Track 9 "A Man Is A Mean, Mean Thing (Alternate)" – BARBARA PERRY
Track 19 "Feed The Flame" – BILLY YOUNG
Track 24 "Why Not Tonight" – JAMES GILREATH

Disc 2, "Slippin' Around", 25 Tracks from 1966 to 1969 (67:25 minutes):
The following are PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED
Track 1 "You Left The Water Running (Unedited Demo Version)" – OTIS REDDING
Track 6 "Thread The Needle" - CLARENCE & CALVIN [Clarence Carter & Calvin Scott]
Track 13 "Don't Make Me Hate Loving You" – JEANIE GREENE
Track 18 "Slip Away" – CLARENCE CARTER
Track 20 "Once In A While (Is Better Than Never At All)" – SPENCER WIGGINS
Track 21 "Thief In The Night" – BEN & SPENCE [Ben Moore & Spencer James]
Track 34 "Search Your Heart" – GEORGE JACKSON

Disc 3, "Get Involved", 25 Tracks from 1969 to 1973 (77:42 minutes):
Track 3 "Another Man's Woman, Another Woman's Man" – UNKNOWN FEMALE
Track 16 "Double Lovin'" – GEORGE JACKSON

Subtitled "Fame – Home Of The Muscle Shoals Sound" – the compilation, notes and archive research on this Southern Soul retrospective has been carried out by an experienced team of three - ALEC PALAO, TONY ROUNCE and DEAN RUDLAND. Soul buyers will have seen their names across a myriad of top-quality reissues – especially throughout the 00’s. And like its predecessor – the hardback book is housed in a flimsy card-wrap that has to be opened carefully to get the book out without tearing it – but when you do – WOW! The 84 colour pages are jaw-droppingly GORGEOUS. Each song is given paragraphs of detailed information (liner notes shared by the 3 compilers), colour photos of the artists are featured, US and UK 7" singles pictured (stock and demo), trade adverts, in-studio shots never seen before... The 3 CDs are housed in different card slots at the rear and the hardback leaves (front & rear) picture those rare DEMO labels in full colour. Droolsome – and that's before we even get to the content and the great SOUND…

SOUND - even the more familiar songs like "I'm Your Puppet", "Steal Away" and "Sweet Soul Music" – tracks I know many fans will have heard too many times – have their audio improved here to an exceptional clarity. The Aretha Franklin gem "I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You)" for instance has been drenched in emotion for decades we all know, but its CD version has also been drenched in overbearing hiss in some transfers. Well on this Ace set its clearer than on any other CD I have – which is saying something. The aural whack coming off Otis Clay's stunning rendition of "Do Right Woman, Do Right Man" is just incredible. Song after song - it's all warm and clear throughout...

CONTENT - genius choices go to the fabulous Mod instrumental "Night Rumble, Part 1" by The Mark 5 while the Soul Doo-Wop vibe of "Too Much" by The Entertainers sounds like Jackie Wilson as his joyful Sixties best – lovely stuff. "Keep On Talking" by James Barnett and "I Can't Stop (No, No, No)" by Arthur Conley (lyrics above) are the kind of floor-dancers that Northern Soul aficionados go nuts for – while the intro to Spooner Oldham's "Two In The Morning" is very cleverly done – a man walks up to a door where there's a Booker T & The MG's "Green Onions" type tune going on inside. The door opens – and the cool Soul instrumental suddenly hits you with a wallop – brilliant. Even Tommy Roe's "Everybody" and Bobbie Gentry's "Fancy" are far more soulful than you would credit. The high falsetto of Ted Taylor on "Miss You So" is brilliantly transferred – and the talking slink of "Keep Your Cool" by TERRY & THE CHAIN REACTION is surely going to turn up in a "Mad Men" episode soon (has crystal clear sound too). "I Stayed Away Too Long" by The Wallace Brothers is stunning Sixties Soul – full of pleading and passion. There's so much more too…

The unreleased stuff is a mixed bag of the fantastic and the merely great – first up in the champion's corner is an astonishing acoustic driven 'Unedited Demo Version' of "You Left The Water Running" by OTIS REDDING. The 'edited' version has been on compilations before – but this is the full 4:09 minute take with him counting in the song – available for the first time. What a voice, what a presence – its spine-tingling stuff. Another sweetie is the ballad "Why Not Tonight" by James Gilreath – great melodrama and feeling - as is the torch song "Don't Make Me Hate Loving You" by Jeanie Green. A personal joy for me is to find an unreleased 1967 recording by CLARENCE CARTER with his songwriting partner CALVIN SCOTT on here; it’s the beautiful sounding "Thread The Needle" – which descends into laughter half way through it - really great stuff. It's off the 4-track EP "The Stars Of Fame" issued in May 2011 for Record Store Day (1000 copies only). And it's a shame Ace couldn't find out who 'Unknown Female' is on "Another Man's Woman, Another Woman's Man" because it's a fantastically Soulful vocal.

Niggles – the card-wrap is irritating no matter how good it looks (to avoid tearing, you have to open the spine end to get the book out it's so tightly squeezed) and the book will and has detached from its glued backing. And there's some unnecessary crap on Disc 3 – the two terrible covers of The Beatles' "Hey Jude" and Sonny & Cher's "I Got You Babe" by Wilson Pickett and Etta James are best forgotten, while Clarence Carter's "Patches" is surely his weakest outing. The awful saccharine pap of The Osmonds "One Bad Apple" may make many Soul fans look twice at the sleeve to see if they've bought the right compilation. But these are thankfully minor glitches in what is an overall feast of greatness…

To sum up - is it as good as "Take Me To The River" – absolutely. The combination of the better sounding familiar tracks, the cool lesser-heard gems and a smattering of excellent outtakes and the truly gorgeous packaging - all combine to make it a sonic and visual thrill. In fact I'd swear that if Disc 2 "Slippin' Around" was released as a stand-alone CD compilation – it would cause a sensation all by itself. Docked a star though for that stupid choice of packaging that does for your listening pleasure ever time you try to access it. 

I can't imagine the hundreds of hours, days, weeks and months that went into making this beautiful affirmation of American Soul music – but it's been worth it.

Way to go boys - way to go.

_________________________________________________________________________________

DETAILED BREAKDOWN of "The Fame Studios Story 1961-1973"

Disc 1 – "Steal Away" (61:08 minutes):
1. You Better Move On – ARTHUR ALEXANDER (1961, Dot 16309)
2. Laugh It Off – THE TAMS (1963, ABC-Paramount 10502)
3. Night Rumble, Part 1 – THE MARK 5 (1963, ABC Paramount 10433)
4. Everybody – TOMMY ROE (1963, ABC Paramount 10478)
5. I Hope They Get Their Eyes Full – ARTHUR ALEXANDER
(Unissued 1962 Fame Recording – Previously Unreleased)
6. Steal Away – JIMMY HUGHES (1964, Fame 6401)
7. Let Them Talk – DAN PENN (1964, Fame 6402)
8. Hold What You've Got – JOE TEX (1964, Dial 4001)
9. A Man Is A Mean, Mean Thing (Alternate) – BARBARA PERRY
(Unissued 1965 Goldwax Recording – Previously Unreleased)
10. Fortune Teller – THE DEL-RAYS (1965, R and H 1005)
11. Funny Style – BOBBY MARCHAN (1965, Dial 4007)
12. Almost Persuaded – JUNE CONQUEST (1964, Fame 6406)
13. Too Much – THE ENTERTAINERS (1966, Chess 1951)
14. Keep On Talking – JAMES BARNETT (1966, Fame 1001)
15. Searching For My Love – BOOBY MOORE and THE RYHTHM ACES (1966, Checker 1129)
16. I Wish I Didn't Have To Go – SPOONER & THE SPOONS
[featuring Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham] (1964, Fame 6405)
17. Let's Do It Over – JOE SIMON (1965, Vee-Jay 694)
18. Neighbor, Neighbor – JIMMY HUGHES (1966, Fame 1003)
19. Feed The Flame – BILLY YOUNG
(Unissued 1966 Fame Recording – Previously Unreleased)
20. I'm Your Puppet – JAMES and BOBBY PURIFY (1966, Bell 608)
21. I Can't Stop (No, No, No) – ARTHUR CONLEY (1966, Fame 1007)
22. Gonna Make You Say Yeah – TERRY WOODFORD (1966, Fame 1002)
23. Two In The Morning – SPOONER'S CROWD (1966, Cadet 5533)
24. Why Not Tonight – JAMES GILREATH
(Unissued 1966 Fame Recording – Previously Unreleased)
25. Land Of 1000 Dances – WILSON PICKETT (1966, Atlantic 2348)

Disc 2 – "Slippin' Around" (67:25 minutes):
1. You Left The Water Running [Unedited Demo Version] – OTIS REDDING
(An Unedited 4:09 Minute Demo Recorded 1967 of the US 45 on Stone 209
– Previously Unreleased In This Form)
2. A Shot Of Rhythm & Blues – CLYDE McPHATTER (1966, Amy 968)
3. Slippin' Around With You – ART FREEMAN (1966, Fame 1008)
4. Without A Woman – KIP ANDERSON (1966, Checker 1145)
5. Sweet Soul Music – ARTHUR CONLEY (1967, Atco 6463)
6. Thread The Needle - CLARENCE & CALVIN [Clarence Carter & Calvin Scott] (A 1968 Fame Recording – First Released On "The Stars Of Fame" 4-Track UK 7" Single EP on Kent Records LTDEP 009 in April 2011 – Previously Unreleased on CD)
7. I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You) – ARETHA FRANKLIN (1967, Atlantic 2386)
8. Miss You So – TED TAYLOR (1967, Ronn 15)
9. You Put Something On Me – DON COVAY THE GOOD TIMERS (1966, Atlantic 2340)
10. Tell Mama – ETTA JAMES (1967, Cadet 5578)
11. Keep Your Cool – TERRY & THE CHAIN REACTION (1967, United Artists 50199)
12. Cheater Man – IRMA THOMAS (1967, Chess 2010)
13. Don't Make Me Hate Loving You – JEANIE GREENE (Unissued 1966 Fame Recording – Previously Unreleased)
14. Everytime – LINDA CARR (1967, Bell 658)
15. I Stayed Away Too Long – THE WALLACE BROTHERS (1969, Jewel 800)
16. As Long As I Got You – LAURA LEE (1968, Chess 2041)
17. Don't Lose Your Good Thing – THE BLUES BROTHERS (1968, Shout 235)
18. Slip Away – CLARENCE CARTER (Unissued 1967 Fame Recording – Previously Unreleased]
19. Do Right Woman, Do Right Man – OTIS CLAY (1968, Cotillion 44009)
20. Once In A While (Is Better Than Never At All) – SPENCER WIGGINS (Unedited Version Of A 1968 USA 45 on Goldwax 337 – Previously Unreleased)
21. Thief In The Night – BEN & SPENCE [Ben Moore & Spencer James] (A 1967 Fame Recording – First Released On "The Stars Of Fame" UK 4-Track 7" single EP on Kent Records LTDEP 009 in April 2011 – Previously Unreleased on CD)
22. Take Me Just As I Am – MITTY COLLIER (Unissued 1968 Chess Recording – Previously Unreleased)
23. Why Don't You Try Me – MAURICE & MAC [Maurice McAlister and Green McLauren] (1968, Checker 1206)
24. Search Your Heart – GEORGE JACKSON (A 1968 Fame Recording – First Released On "The Stars Of Fame" UK 4-Track 7" single EP on Kent Records LTDEP 009 in April 2011 – Previously Unreleased on CD)
25. Ten Miles High – DAVID & THE GIANTS (1968, Crazy Horse 1300)

Disc 3 – "Get Involved" (77:42 minutes):
1. Lady In The Rain – LOWELL FULSON (1969, Jewel 801)
2. Hey Jude – WILSON PICKETT
[Beatles cover featuring Duane Allman on Guitar] (1968, Atlantic 2591)
3. Another Man’s Woman, Another Woman's Man – UNKNOWN FEMALE
(A 1972 Fame Recording – Previously Unreleased)
4. Snatching It back – CLARENCE CARTER (1969, Atlantic 2605)
5. I Got You Babe – ETTA JAMES [Sonny & Cher cover] (1968, Cadet 5606)
6. Wanted Lover (No Experience Necessary) – JAMES GOVAN (1969, Fame 1461)
7. Find 'Em, Fool 'Em And Forget 'Em – GEORGE JACKSON (1969, Fame 1457)
8. I'm Just A Prisoner (Of Your Good Lovin') – CANDI STANTON (1969, Fame 1460)
9. Grits And Gravy – THE FAME GANG (1969, Fame 1458)
10. One Bad Apple – THE OSMONDS (1970, MGM 14193)
11. I'd Rather Go Blind – SPENCER WIGGINS (1970, Fame 1470)
12. Take Me Back – BROTHERS UNLIMITED
(1970 USA LP called "Who's For The Young" on Capitol ST-600)
13. Walk A Mile In My Shoes – WILLIE HIGHTOWER (1970, Fame 1465)
14. Patches – CLARENCE CARTER (170, Atlantic 2748)
15. Fancy – BOBBIE GENTRY (1969, Capitol 2675)
16. Double Lovin' – GEORGE JACKSON
(Unissued 1971 Fame Recordings 'Demo' – Previously Unreleased)
17. Greenwood, Mississippi – LITTLE RICHARD (1970, Reprise 0942)
18. What Color Is Love – ROSCOE ROBINSON (1970, Fame 1469)
19. Bring It On Home To Me – LOU RAWLS [Sam Cooke cover] (1970, Capitol 2856)
20. I Can't Let You Break My Heart – BETTYE SWANN (1971, Fame 1479)
21. Back Road Into Town – WILLIE HIGHTOWER (1971, Fame 1477)
22. The Thanks I Get For Loving You – CANDI STANTON (1972, Fame 91009)
23. Get Involved – GEORGE SOULE (1973, Fame XW 302)
24. Put On Your Shoes And Walk – CLARENCE CARTER (1973, Fame XW 179)
25. You Better Move On – TRAVIS WAMMACK
(1972 USA LP called "Travis Wammack" on Fame FAS 1801)