"The Complete Stax/Volt Soul Singles Volume 2: 1968-1971" (1993 and 2014 UMG/Stax 9CD Brick Block Box Set with Nine Card Sleeves and Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"…Mr. Big Stuff…"

This 9-disc STAX RECORDS Volume 2 Box Set spanning the years 1968 to 1971 first appeared in 1993 in 12" x 12" form to heaps of praise - and rightly so. Volume 3 followed in 1994 - a whopping 10-disc set that covered 1972-1975 - while Volume 1 (handled by Atlantic Records) had done the 9-disc 12" x 12" deed for the formative years (1959 to 1968) in 1991.

Since that time - 'Concord Music Group, Inc.' have acquired the Stax catalogue - and in 2011 began trickling out "Stax Remasters" single CDs of label favourites like The Staples Singers, Johnnie Taylor and Booker T. & The M.G.'s (I've reviewed all 9 titles to date - see PS below). 

Now in 2014 and 2015 - Concord are reissuing the two huge "Singles" boxes they have control over in stripped down 5" x 5" 'Brick Block' packaging (slip up lid, card sleeves and booklet - more manageable) - Volume 2 in December 2014 and Volume 3 in February 2015. There's even talk of the mighty Volume 1 (presently garnishing unhealthy prices on auction sites) being reissued in the same form in early 2016. Let’s get to the details...

The December 2014 reissue of "The Complete Stax/Volt Soul Singles Volume 2..." by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Universal Music Group/Stax 9SCD-4411-2 (Barcode 025218441124) begins in May 1968 and ends in December 1971 and also includes offshoot labels like Volt, Enterprise, We Produce and a lone entry for Respect Records. 

In order to do this 216-Track 9CD Soul Behemoth proper justice - I've done a track-by-track layout of each disc including release dates and catalogue numbers. "The Complete Stax/Volt Soul Singers Volume 2: 1968-1971" breaks down as follows:

Disc 1 (78:10 minutes):

1. I Was Born To Love You - SHIRLEY WALTON (January 1968, Enterprise EN-001, A)

2. Precious, Precious - ISAAC HAYES (February 1968, Enterprise EN-002, A)

3. Send Peace And Harmony Home - SHIRLEY WALTON (April 1968, Enterprise EN-004, A)

4. Soul Limbo - BOOKER T. & THE M.G.'S (May 1968, Stax STA-0001, A)

5. I've Never Found A Girl (To Love Me Like You Do) - EDDIE FLOYD (May 1968, Stax STA-0002, A)

6. It's Been A Long Time Coming - DELANEY & BONNIE (May 1968, Stax STA-0003, A)

7. What A Man - LINDA LYNDELL (June 1968, Volt VOA-4001, A)

8. I Like Everything About You - JIMMY HUGHES (July 1968, Volt VOA-4002, A)

9. Stay Baby Stay - JOHNNY DAYE (July 1968, Stax STA-0004, A)

10. Private Number - JUDY CLAY & WILLIAM BELL (July 1968, Stax STA-0005, A)

11. So Nice - THE MAD LADS (August 1968, Volt VOA-4003, A)

12. Long Walk To D.C. - THE STAPLE SINGERS (August 1968, Stax STA-0007, A)

13. Give 'Em Love - THE SOUL CHILDREN (August 1968, Stax STA-0008, A)

14. Funky Mississippi - RUFUS THOMAS (August 1968, Stax STA-0010, A)

15. Lovin' Feeling - THE CHARMELS (August 1968, Volt VOA-4004, A)

16. Where Do I Go - CARLA THOMAS (August 1968, Stax STA-0011, A-side - the B-side is "I've Fallen In Love" which charted in July 1969 - see Disc 3 Track 17)

17. Bed Of Roses - JUDY CLAY (September 1968, STAX STA-0006, A)

18. Bring It On Home To Me - EDDIE FLOYD (September 1968, Stax ATA-0012, A)

19. It's Unbelievable (How You Control My Soul) - JEANNE and THE DARLINGS (September 1968, Volt VOA-4005, A)

20. Who's Making Love - JOHNNIE TAYLOR (September 1968, Stax STA-0009, A)

21. Mighty Cold Winter - DINO and DOC (October 1968, Volt VOA-4006, A)

22. Hang 'Em High - BOOKER T. & THE M.G.'S (October 1968, Stax STA-0013, A - mistakenly credited as the B)

23. You're Leaving Me - OLLIE & THE NIGHTINGALES (October 1968, Stax STA-0014, A)

24. Copy Kat - THE BAR-KAYS (October 1968, Volt VOA-4007, A)

25. I Forgot To Be Your Lover - WILLIAM BELL (November 1968, Stax STA-0015, A)

26. Running Out - MABLE JOHN (November 1968, Stax STA-0016, A)

27. My Baby Specializes - WILLIAM BELL & JUDY CLAY (November 1968, Stax STA-0017, A)

28. I'll Understand - THE SOUL CHILDREN (November 1968, Stax STA-0018, A)

Disc 2 (75:15 minutes):

1. The Ghetto - THE STAPLE SINGERS (November 1968, Stax STA-0019, A)

2. Blues Power - ALBERT KING (November 1968, Stax STA-0020, A)

3. The Echo - THE EPSILONS (December 1968, Stax STA-0021, A)

4. Funky Way - RUFUS THOMAS (December 1968, Stax STA-0022, A)

5. Take Care Of Your Homework - JOHNNIE TAYLOR (December 1968, Stax STA-0023, A)

6. I Like What You're Doing To Me - CARLA THOMAS (January 1969, Stax STA-0024, A)

7. I've Got To Have Your Love - EDDIE FLOYD (January 1969, Stax STA-0025, A)

8. Let 'Em Down Baby - JIMMY HUGHES (January 1969, Volt VOA-4008, A)

9. Love Is Here Today And Gone Tomorrow - THE MAD LADS (January 1969, Volt VOA-4009, A)

10. It Ain't Long Enough - JUDY CLAY (February 1969, Stax STA-0026, A)

11. Mellow Way You Treat Your Man - OLLIE & THE NIGHTINGALES (February 1969, Stax STA-0027, A)

12. Private Number - SONNY STITT (February 1969, Enterprise ENA-9001, A)

13. Time is Tight - BOOKER T. & THE M.G.'S (February 1969, Stax STA-0028, A)

14. Double Or Nothing - THE MAR-KEYS (March 1969, Stax STA-0029, A)

15. (Sittin' On The) Dock Of The Bay - OTIS REDDING (March 1969, Stax STA-0031, A)

16. So I Can Love You - THE EMOTIONS (March 1969, Volt VOA-4010, A)

17. Don't Stop Dancing (To The Music) (Part 1) - THE BAR-KAYS (March 1969, Volt VOA-4011, A)

18. One More Chance - MARGIE JOSEPH (March 1969, Volt VOA-4012, A)

19. I Wanna Be Good (To You) - JIMMY DOTSON (March 1969, Volt VOA-4013, A)

20. Finger Lickin' Good - ART JERRY MILLER (March 1969, Enterprise ENA-9002, A)

21. Tighten Up My Thang - THE SOUL CHILDREN (April 1969, Stax STA-0030, A)

22. My Whole World Is Falling Down - WILLIAM BELL (April 1969, Stax STA-0032, A)

23. Testify (I Wanna) - JOHNNIE TAYLOR (April 1969, Stax STA-0033, A)

24. Drowning On Dry Land - ALBERT KING (May 1969, Stax STA-0034, A)

25. Do The Cissy - THE STINGERS (May 1969, Stax STA-0035, A)

26. Don't Tell Your Mama (Where You've Been) - EDDIE FLOYD (May 1969, Stax STA-0036, A)

Disc 3 (78:42 minutes):

1. Mrs. Robinson - BOOKER T. & THE MG'S (May 1969, Stax STA-0037, A)

2. Love's Sweet Sensation - WILLIAM BELL & MAVIS STAPLES (May 1969, Stax STA-0043, A)

3. Just Because Your Love Is Gone - DARRELL BANKS (May 1969, Volt VOA-4014, A)

4. Chains Of Love - JIMMY HUGHES (June 1969, Volt VOA-4017, A)

5. Happy - WILLIAM BELL (June 1969, Stax STA-0038, A)

6. The Challenge - THE STAPLE SINGERS (June 1969, Stax STA-0039, A)

7. Soul-A-Lujah - JOHNNIE TAYLOR, EDDIE FLOYD, WILLIAM BELL, PERVIS STAPLES, CARLA THOMAS, MAVIS STAPLES, CLEOTHA STAPLES (June 1969, Stax STA-0040, A)

8. Never, Never Let You Go - EDDIE FLOYD & MAVIS STAPLES (June 1969, Stax STA-0041, A)

9. Just Keep On Loving Me - JOHNNIE TAYLOR & CARLA THOMAS (June 1969, Stax STA-0042, A)

10. I Need You Woman - WILLIAM BELL & CARLA THOMAS (June 1969, Stax STA-0044, A)

11. I've Got A Feeling - OLLIE & THE NIGHTINGALES (June 1969, Stax STA-0045, A)

12. It's Time To Pay For The Fun (We've Had) - JEANNE and THE DARLINGS (June 1969, Volt VOA-4015, A)

13. I Could Never Be President - JOHNNIE TAYLOR (June 1969, Stax STA-0046, A)

14. By The Time I Get To Phoenix - THE MAD LADS (June 1969, Volt VOA-4016, A)

15. Long And Lonely World - COLETTE KELLY (July 1969, Volt VOA-4018, A)

16. Midnight Cowboy - THE BAR-KAYS (July 1969, Volt VOA-4019, A)

17. I've Fallen In Love - CARLA THOMAS (July 1969, Stax STA-0011, A-side. The B-side "Where Do I Go" is on Disc 1, Track 16)

18. Slum Baby - BOOKER T. & THE M.G.'S (July 1969, Stax STA-0049, A)

19. The Best Part Of A Love Affair - THE EMOTIONS (July 1969, Volt VOA-4021, A)

20. By The Time I Get To Phoenix - ISAAC HAYES (July 1969, Enterprise ENA-9003, A)

21. Walk On By - ISAAC HAYES (July 1969, Enterprise ENA-9003, B)

22. Tupelo (Part 1) - POP STAPLES, ALBERT KING, STEVE CROPPER (August 1969, Stax STA-0047, A)

23. Water - POP STAPLES, ALBERT KING, STEVE CROPPER (August 1969, Stax STA-0048, A)

24. The Sweeter He Is (Part 1) - THE SOUL CHILDREN (August 1969, Stax STA-0050, A)

25. You're Driving Me (To The Arms Of A Stranger) - MAVIS STAPLES (August 1969, Volt VOA-4020, A)

Disc 4 (75:22 minutes):

1. Open Up Your Heart (Let Me In) - THE NEWCOMERS (August 1969, Volt VOA-4022, A)

2. Why Is The Wine Sweeter (On The Other Side) - EDDIE FLOYD (September 1969, Stax STA-0051, A)

3. When Will We Be Paid - THE STAPLE SINGERS (October 1969, Stax STA-0052, A)

4. Grinder Man - JOHN LEE HOOKER (October 1969, Stax STA-0053, A)

5. Born Under A Bad Sign - WILLIAM BELL (October 1969, Stax STA-0054, A)

6. What You Gonna Do - MARGIE JOSPEH (October 1969, Volt VOA-4023, A)

7. I'm So Glad - JIMMY HUGHES (October 1969, Volt VOA-4024, A)

8. Beautiful Feelings - DARRELL BANKS (October 1969, Volt VOA-4026, A)

9. Your Love Was Strange - THE DRAMATICS (October 1969, Volt VOA-4029, A)

10. Love Bones - JOHNNIE TAYLOR (November 1969, Stax STA-0055, A)

11. Hard To Say Goodbye - DELANEY & BONNIE (November 1969, Stax STA-0057, A)

12. Got To Get Rid Of You - J.J. BARNES (November 1969, Volt VOA-4027, A)

13. Habit Forming Love - REGGIE MILNER - (November 1969, Volt VOA-4028, A)

14. My Thing is A Moving Thing - THE T.S.U. TORNADOES (November 1969, Volt VOA-4030, A)

15. Stealing Love - THE EMOTIONS (November 1969, Volt VOA-4031, A)

16. When Tomorrow Comes - THE EMOTIONS (November 1969, Volt VOA-4031, B)

17. Wrapped Up In Love Again - ALBERT KING (December 1968, Stax STA-0058, A)

18. Do The Funky Chicken - RUFUS THOMAS (December 1969, Stax STA-0059, A)

19. California Girl - EDDIE FLOYD (January 1970, Stax STA-0060, A)

20. Tribute To A Black Woman (Part 1) - BERNIE HAYES (January 1970, Volt VOA-4032, A)

21. Sang And Dance - THE BAR-KAYS (February 1970, Volt VOA-4033, A)

22. Hold On, I'm Comin' - THE SOUL CHILDREN (February 1970, Stax STA-0062, A)

23. Love's Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down (Part 1) - CHUCK BROOKS (February 1970, Volt VOA-4034, A)

24. Help Me Put Out The Flame In My Heart - ERNIE HINES (March 1970, Stax STA-0063, A)

25. Black Key - ROEBUCK "POP" STAPLES (March 1970, Stax STA-0064, A)

Disc 5 (76:22 minutes):

1. Bracing Myself For The Fall - OLLIE & THE NIGHTINGALES (March 1970, Stax STA-0065, A)

2. All I Have To Do Is Dream - WILLIAM BELL & CARLA THOMAS (March 1970, Stax STA-0067, A)

3. Singing About Love - JEANNE and THE DARLINGS (March 1970, Volt VOA-4035, A)

4. Goodies - CHRIS and SHACK (March 1970, Volt VOA-4036, A)

5. Just The Way You Are Today - BARBARA LEWIS (March 1970, Enterprise ENA-9012, A)

6. The Creeper Returns - LITTLE SONNY (March 1970, Enterprise ENA-9013, A)

7. Guide Me Well - CARLA THOMAS (April 1970, Stax STA-0056, B)

8. Give A Damn - THE STAPLE SINGERS (April 1970, Stax STA-0066, A)

9. Steal Away - JOHNNIE TAYLOR (April 1970, Stax STA-0068, A)

10. Your Sweet Lovin' - MARGIE JOSEPH (April 1970, Volt VOA-4037, A)

11. I Forget To Remember - JONES and BLUMENBERG (April 1970, Volt VOA-4039, A)

12. Can't See You When I Want To - DAVID PORTER (April 1970, Enterprise ENA-9014, A)

13. Never Be True - CARLA THOMAS (May 1970, Stax STA-0061, A)

14. Can't You See What You're Doing To Me - ALBERT KING (May 1970, Stax STA-0069, A)

15. Sixty Minute Man (Part 2) - RUFUS THOMAS (May 1970, Stax STA-0071, A)

16. The Preacher And The Bear - RUFUS THOMAS (May 1970, Stax STA-0071, B)

17. Something - BOOKER T. & THE M.G.'S (May 1970, Stax STA-0073, A)

18. Seeing Is Believing - THE MAD LADS (May 1970, Volt VOA-4041, A)

19. You're My Only Temptation - ROZ RYAN (June 1970, Volt VOA-4040, A)

20. What I Don't Know Won't Hurt Me - PAUL THOMPSON (June 1970, Volt VOA-4042, A)

21. Right, Tight And Out Of Sight - BRANDING IRON (June 1970, Volt VOA-4043, A)

22. (What's Under) The Natural Do - JOHN KaSANDRA (June 1970, Respect TAA-2501, A)

Disc 6 (75:41 minutes):

1. My Girl - EDDIE FLOYD (June 1970, Stax STA-0072, A)

2. I Have Learned To Do Without You - MAVIS STAPLES (June 1970, Volt VOA-4044, A)

3. Play The Music Tornadoes - THE T.S.U. TORNADOES (July 1970, Volt VOA-4038, A)

4. Lonely Soldier - WILLIAM BELL (June 1970, Stax STA-0070, A)

5. Heart Association - THE EMOTIONS (July 1970, Volt VOA-4045, A)

6. I Stand Accused - ISAAC HAYES (July 1970, Enterprise ENA-9017, A)

7. Brand New Day (Theme From "The Landlord" OST) - THE STAPLE SINGERS (August 1970, Stax STA-0074, A)

8. Sweeter Tomorrow - MARGIE JOSEPH (August 1970, Volt VOA-4046, A)

9. Cool Strut - BERNIE HAYES (August 1970, Volt VOA-4047, A)

10. You Put The Sunshine Back In My World - THE NEWCOMERS (August 1970, Volt VOA-4049, A)

11. Montego Bay - THE BAR-KAYS (August 1970, Volt VOA-4050, A)

12. Get It Together (Parts 1 & 2) - RUBY ROBINSON & THE HUNGRY FIVE (August 1970, Enterprise ENA-9019, A)

13. Wade In The Water - LITTLE SONNY (August 1970, Enterprise ENA-9021, A)

14. You're Movin' Much Too Fast - THE NIGHTINGALES (September 1970, Stax STA-0076, A)

15. The Best Years Of My Life - EDDIE FLOYD (September 1970, Stax STA-0077, A)

16. I Am Somebody (Part 2) - JOHNNIE TAYLOR (September 1970, Stax STA-0078, A)

17. I Loved You Like I Love My Very Life - CARLA THOMAS (September 1970, Stax STA-0080, A)

18. Soul Machine - REGGIE MILNER (September 1970, Volt VOA-4048, A)

19. (Follow Her) Rules And Regulations - THE TEMPREES (September 1970, We Produce 45-1801, A)

20. (Do The) Push And Pull (Part 1) - RUFUS THOMAS (October 1970, Stax STA-0079, A)

21. Love Changes - CHARLENE and THE SOUL SERENADERS (October 1970, Volt VOA-4052, A)

22. Put Your World In My World (Best Of Two Worlds) - THE SOUL CHILDREN (November 1970, Stax STA-0075, A)

23. Love Is Plentiful - THE STAPLE SINGERS (November 1970, Stax STA-0083, A)

Disc 7 (75:23 minutes):

1. Heavy Makes You Happy (Sha-Na-Boom Boom) - THE STAPLE SINGERS (November 1970, Stax STA-0083, B)

2. Who Took The Merry Out Of Christmas - THE STAPLE SINGERS (November 1970, Stax STA-0084, A)

3. Too Many Lovers - SHACK (November 1970, Volt VOA-4051, A)

4. Black Christmas - THE EMOTIONS (November 1970, Volt VOA-4053, A)

5. The Mistletoe And Me - ISAAC HAYES (November 1970, Enterprise ENA-9006, A)

6. Ask The Lonely - BARBARA LEWIS (November 1970, Enterprise ENA-9027, A)

7. Jody's Got Your Girl And Gone - JOHNNIE TAYLOR (December 1970, Stax STA-0085, A)

8. Finish Me Off - THE SOUL CHILDREN (January 1971, Stax STA-0086, A)

9. Oh, How It Rained - EDDIE FLOYD (January 1971, Stax STA-0087, A)

10. The Look Of Love - ISAAC HAYES (January 1971, Enterprise ENA-9028, A)

11. Electrified Love - ERNIE HINES (January 1971, We Produce 45-1802, A)

12. Melting Pot - BOOKER T. & THE M.G.'S (February 1971, Stax STA-0082, A)

13. That's The Way I Like It (I Like It That Way) - BARBARA LEWIS (March 1971, Enterprise ENA-9029, A)

14. Mr. Big Stuff - JEAN KNIGHT (March 1971, Stax STA-0088, A)

15. You Make Me Want To Love You - THE EMOTIONS (March 1971, Volt VOA-4054, A)

16. Stop! In The Name Of Love - MARGIE JOSEPH (March 1971, Volt VOA-4056, A)

17. I Don't Wanna Lose You - JOHNNIE TAYLOR (April 1971, Stax STA-0089, A)

18. (Girl) I Love You - THE TEMPREES (April 1971, We Produce XPA-1803, A)

19. The World Is Round - RUFUS THOMAS (April 1971, Stax STA-0090, A)

20. A Penny For Your Thoughts - WILLIAM BELL (April 1971, Stax STA-0092, A)

21. Never Can Say Goodbye - ISAAC HAYES (April 1971, Enterprise ENA-9031, A)

22. I Don't Want To Be Like My Daddy - THE NIGHTINGALES (May 1971, Stax STA-0091, A)

Disc 8 (72:32 minutes):

1. You've Got To Earn It - THE STAPLE SINGERS (May 1971, Stax STA-0093, A)

2. Hold On To It - THE LIMITATIONS (May 1971, Volt VOA-4057, A)

3. Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get - THE DRAMATICS (May 1971, Volt VOA-4058, A)

4. Born Too Late - BRANDING IRON (May 1971, Volt VOA-4059, A)

5. Just Ain't Strong As I Used To Be (You Done Fed Me Sumpin') - JIMMY HUGHES (May 1971, Volt VOA-4060, A)

6. That Other Woman Get My Man And Gone - MARGIE JOSEPH (June 1971, Volt VOA-4061, A)

7. If You Think It (You May As Well Do It) - THE EMOTIONS (June 1971, Volt VOA-4062, A)

8. Shame On The Family Name - CALVIN SCOTT (July 1971, Stax STA-0094, A)

9. Blood Is Thicker Than Water - EDDIE FLOYD (July 1971, Stax STA-0095, A)

10. Hijackin' Love - JOHNNIE TAYLOR (The Soul Philosopher) (July 1971, Stax STA-0096, A)

11. Sweetback's Theme - MELVIN VAN PEEBLES (July 1971, Stax STA-0097, A)

12. The Breakdown (Part 1) - RUFUS THOMAS (July 1971, Stax STA-0098, A)

13. Pin The Tail On The Donkey - THE NEWCOMERS (July 1971, Stax STA-0099, A)

14. Them Hot Pants (Part 1) - LEE SAIN (July 1971, We Produce XPA-1804, A)

15. If That Ain't A Reason (For Your Woman To Leave You) - LITTLE MILTON (August 1971, Stax STA-0100, A)

16. It's Good To Be Careful (But It's Better To Be Loved) - SHACK (August 1971, Volt VOA-4063, A)

17. Where Would You Be Today - ILANA (August 1971, Volt VOA-4064, A)

18. Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven - ALBERT KING (August 1971, Stax STA-0101, A)

19. Got To Get Away From It All - THE SOUL CHILDREN (August 1971, Stax STA-0102, A)

20. Love's Creeping Up On Me - UNITED IMAGE (August 1971, Volt VOA-4065, A)

21. Show Me How - THE EMOTIONS (August 1971, Volt VOA-4066, A)

22. If I Give Up, I Want It Back - DAVID PORTER (August 1971, Enterprise ENA-9037, A)

23. A Woman Named Trouble - LITTLE SONNY (September 1971, Enterprise ENA-9034, A)

Disc 9 (69:58 minutes):

1. Losing Boy - EDDIE GILES (September 1971, Stax STA-0103, A)

2. Respect Yourself - THE STAPLE SINGERS (September 1971, Stax STA-0104, A)

3. I'll Kill A Brick (About My Man) - HOT SAUCE (September 1971, Volt VOA-4067, A)

4. You Think You're Hot Stuff - JEAN KNIGHT (September 1971, Stax STA-0105, A)

5. All For The Love Of A Woman - WILLIAM BELL (September 1971, Stax STA-106, A)

6. Theme From Shaft - ISAAC HAYES (September 1971, Enterprise ENA-9038, A)

7. Jamaica, This Morning - THE MG'S (October 1971, Stax STA-0108, A)

8. Gone! The Promise Of Yesterday - THE MAD LADS (October 1971, Volt VOA-4068, A)

9. Girl, Come On Home - MAJOR LANCE (October 1971, Volt VOA-4069, A)

10. (Let Hurt Put You In The) Loser's Seat - JONI WILSON (October 1971, Volt VOA-4070, A)

11. My Baby Love - THE TEMPREES (October 1971, We Produce XPA-1805, A)

12. Now Do You Move A Mountain - THE LEADERS (November 1971, Volt VOA-4072, A)

13. Black Nasty Boogie (Part 1) - BLACK NASTY (November 1971, Enterprise ENA-9039, A)

14. Do The Funky Penguin (Part 1) - RUFUS THOMAS (November 1971, Stax STA-0112, A)

15. You've Got A Cushion To Fall On - CARLA THOMAS (November 1971, Stax STA-0113, A)

16. Get Up And Get Down - THE DRAMATICS (November 1971, Volt VOA-4071, A)

17. Son Of Shaft - THE BAR-KAYS (November 1971, Volt VOA-4073, A)

18. Don't Cha Mess With My Money, My Honey, Or My Woman - L.V. JOHNSON (November 1971, Volt VOA-4074, A)

19. I Can Smell That Funky Music - ERIC MERCURY (November 1971, Enterprise ENA-9041, A)

20. A Sadness For Things - CALVIN SCOTT (December 1971, Stax STA-0110, A)

21. That's What Love Will Make You Do - LITTLE MILTON (December 1971, Stax STA-0111, A)

22. Standing In For Jody - JOHNNIE TAYLOR (The Soul Philosopher) (December 1971, Stax STA-0114, A)

CONTENT: A word about the content first because there are a few anomalies:

STAX Label: There's 114 Stax A-sides (2 with B-sides included) plus 1 stand-alone B-side - but the following numbers are MISSING:

STAX STA-0056 is "Some Other Man (Is Beating Time)" by CARLA THOMAS released November 1969 as the A-side to "Guide Me Well"

STAX STA-0081 is "So Easy To See" by PROUD AS PUNCH released September 1970 - possibly absent because it's a Rock track and outside the 'Soul' parameters of this box

STAX STA-0107 is "Don't Do It/I'm With You" by THE NIGHTINGALES with "Can Get Away" as the B-side is also missing because it was released in 1972 so outside the remit of this box (its on Volume 3)

STAX STA-0109 is "Yum Yum Yum (I Want Some)" by EDDIE FLOYD and was released January 1972 so is on Volume 3

VOLT Label: There's 74 Volt singles for the period but the following are missing:

VOLT VOA-4025 is "Amazing Grace" by REV. MACEO WOODS and THE CHRISTIAN TABERNACLE BAPTIST CHURCH CHOIR (released October 1969)

VOLT VOA-4055 is "Frisco Here I Come" by LOU JOHNSON (released March 1971)

ENTERPRISE, RESPECT and WE PRODUCE:

22 singles represent the Enterprise label (with the occasional extra B-side for Isaac Hayes) but the catalogue numbers goes as high as 41 (the numbers not represented were presumably never released). There is one Respect Records single and five on the rare We Produce label (none missing).

The visual impact is tasty too. The 62-page colour booklet has full discographies, an essay on the period called "Finger Snappin' Time: Stax Moves On" by ROB BOWMAN (co-produced the box with BILL BELMONT), black and white publicity photos for the artists in between the text, full colour plates of William Bell, Carla Thomas, Isaac Hayes and many more, a two-page collage of singles, many trade adverts for Billboard and finally Song Indexes and Dedications. PHIL DE LANCIE at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley carried out the remasters from original tapes (with tape assistance from ANDREW NIEDZWIECKI) and the sound is uniformly great throughout. The Seventies tracks in particular have superb audio. To my ears there is absolutely 'no' difference to the audio presented on this 2015 reissue to that of the 1994 original (no upgrades then). But as the original Box Set had such great sound anyway - that's no real loss - and frankly this new 'cubed' edition is more manageable (will sit alongside other CDs on your shelves) and is so much easier to access and use (cheap too).

The hits like "I've Never Found A Girl (To Love Me Like You Do)", "Respect Yourself", "Theme From "Shaft", "Mr. Big Stuff" and so many more could probably cram two whole CDs - but it's the stuff in between the cracks that makes for such a great surprise. Artists like Reggie Milner, The T.S.U. Tornadoes, Ilana, Calvin Scott, Shack, Ernie Shines, United Image and Paul Thompson aren't exactly names that roll off the tongue (or Soul register for that matter) - but therein lays the brill nature of such a massive overhaul like this - the dip in and discover something factor. Tracks like the wicked "Tighten Up My Thang" by The Soul Children or the Blues-Funk of "Can't You See What You're Doing To Me" by Albert King is fantastic stuff. Mid tempo gems like "So I Can Love You" by The Emotions sends me every time while "Singing About Love" by Jeanne & The Darlings is a great lesser-heard dancer. The Rock-Soul sides of Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett are unjustly forgotten too. And frankly I can't get enough of The Staple Singers or Mr. Blaxsploitation himself Isaac Hayes - every one of their righteous and funky grooves still amazingly fresh to this day.

With the original issue commanding big bucks - this new 2014 Universal/Concord reissue is retailing beneath thirty quid for nine-discs - now that really is uptight and outtasite...

PS: titles in the "STAX REMASTERS" series are (all reviewed):

1. Green Onions - BOOKER T. & THE M.G.'s (1962)

2. McLemore Avenue - BOOKER T. & THE M.G.'s (1970)

3. Woman To Woman - SHIRLEY BROWN (1974)

4. Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get - THE DRAMATICS (1972)

5. Born Under A Bad Sign - ALBERT KING (1967)

6. I'll Play The Blues For You - ALBERT KING (1971)

7. Be Altitude: Respect Yourself - THE STAPLE SINGERS (1972)

8. Taylored In Silk - JOHNNIE TAYLOR (1973)

9. Do The Funky Chicken - RUFUS THOMAS (1969)

I've also reviewed in-depth Volumes 1, 3 and 2017's Volume 4 in the 'Singles Series' - see separate entries...

"STAX SOUL SINGLES - The Complete Stax/Volt Soul Singles Volume 3: 1972-1975" by VARIOUS ARTISTS (1994 and 2015 (Reissue) 10CD Box Set Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

This Review Along With Hundreds of Others Are Available In My

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SOUL, FUNK and JAZZ FUSION On CD - Exception Remasters  

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"...I'll Take You There..."

"STAX Soul Singles Complete Volume 3" (3 of 3) spanning the final years of the famous Soul Label's output between 1972 and 1975 first appeared in 1994 in a garish orange-coloured 12" x 12" Box set to very mixed reviews. With 10-discs and a whopping 213-tracks – it was extensive for sure - but incredibly pricey. And worse - felt musically stodgy in terms of quality once you got past Discs 1 to 6.

The infinitely superior blue-coloured Volume 2 Box covering 1968 to 1971 had preceded it in 1993 - while the black-coloured Volume 1 Box (handled by Atlantic Records) had done the 9-disc 12" x 12" deed for the formative years of 1959 to 1968 in 1991. Subsequently 'Concord Music Group, Inc.' acquired the Stax catalogue in 2011 and began trickling out "Stax Remasters" single CDs of label favourites like The Staples Singers, Johnnie Taylor and Booker T. & The M.G.'s. Now in 2014 and 2015 - Concord are reissuing the two huge "Complete Stax Singles" boxes they do have control over in stripped down 'Mini Book Box' packaging at greatly reduced prices - Volume 2 in December 2014 and this - Volume 3 in February 2015 (I’ve reviewed both and the 9 "Stax Remasters" single discs).

Originally produced by BILL BELMONT and ROB BOWMAN - Volume 3 gives you 213 singles – 116 on Stax, 38 on Volt, 24 on Enterprise, 25 on Truth and 10 on We Produce. The lid of the 2015 Mini Box reissue slides upwards and off to reveal 10 numbered single card sleeves inside and a chunky 154-page booklet at the rear. Complete with full track annotation - the essay by ROB BOWMAN (author of "Soulsville U.S.A. – The Story Of Stax Records") is a blast to read - funny and honest. There are black and white publicity photos - colour reproductions of trade adverts for "Wattstax", The Staples Singers album "Be What You Are" and other LPs by Isaac Hayes and Albert King etc. An oddity though is that my card sleeve for Disc '6' is a duplicate with Disc 9 (the CD inside is correct) – I don't know if anyone else got this anomaly? The Audio Remaster done in 1994 by PHIL DE LANCE (with Archive Research and Tape Transfers by Lisa Gifford and Richard Duarte) has not been altered for the 2015 reissue probably because there's no need – this stuff sounds amazing anyway – full of life and presence. And second time around this 2015 10CD reissue is weighing in at a crowd-pleasing thirty-five quid - a bit of a deal in any man's language. Here are the indepth details...

UK released 2 March 2015 – "The Complete Stax/Volt Soul Singles Volume 3: 1972-1975" by VARIOUS ARTISTS is a 213-track 10CD Mini Box Set Reissue on Concord Music Group, Inc/Universal/Stax STX-35991-02 (Barcode 888072359918) and breaks down as follows:

Disc 1, 24 Tracks (79:03 minutes):
1. Yum Yum (I Want Some) – EDDIE FLOYD (January 1972, Stax STA-0109, A)
2. Carry On – JEAN KNIGHT (January 1972, Stax STA-0116, A)
3. Do Your Thing – ISAAC HAYES (January 1972, Enterprise ENA-9042, A)
4. I've Been Lonely For So Long (February 1972, Stax STA-0117, A)
5. Nothing Is Everlasting – ANNETTE THOMAS (February 1972, Stax STA-0118, A)
6. Hearsay – THE SOUL CHILDREN (February 1972, Stax STA-0119, A)
7. Angel Of Mercy – ALBERT KING (February 1972, Stax STA-0121, A)
8. In The Rain – THE DRAMATICS (February 1972, Volt VOA-4075, A)
9. She's My Old Lady Too – LEE SAIN (February 1972, We Produce XPA-1806, A)
10. Explain It To Her Mama – THE TEMPRESS (February 1972, We Produce XPA-1807, A)
11. Right On – SONS OF SLUM (February 1972, Stax STA-0120, A)
12. Doing My Own Thing (Part 1) – JOHNNY TAYLOR (The Soul Philosopher) (February 1972, Stax STA-0122, A)
13. My Honey And Me – THE EMOTIONS (February 1972, Volt VOA-4077, A)
14.  Let's Stay Together [Instrumental] – ISAAC HAYES (March 1972, Enterprise ENA-9045, A)
15. Bring It Home (And Give It To Me) – HOT SAUCE (March 1972, Volt VOA-4076, B-side to “Echoes To The Past”
16. Look Around You – BLACK SOCIETY (March 1972, Stax STA-0115, A)
17. Don’t Do It/I’m With You – THE NIGHTINGALES (March 1972, Stax STA-0107, A)
18. I'll Take You There – THE STAPLE SINGERS (March 1972, Stax STA-0125, A)
19. Which Way – THE LEADERS (March 1972, Volt VOA-4078, A)
20. Living A Life Without Love – VERA BROWN (March 1972, Stax STA-0123, A)
21. What's Good For You (Don't Have To Be Good To You) – HARVEY SCALES (March 1972, Stax STA-0126, A)
22. Let Me Repair Your Heart – THE MAD LADS (March 1972, Volt VOA-4080, A)
23. What's Usual Seems Natur'l – ERIC MERCURY (April 1972, Enterprise ENA-9047, A)
24. I Want To Make Up (Before We Break Up) – MAJOR LANCE (April 1972, Volt VOA-4079, A)

Disc 2, 20 Tracks (71:18 minutes):
1. Ain't That Loving You (For More Reasons Than One) – ISAAC HAYES & DAVID PORTER (April 1972, Enterprise ENA-9049, A)
2. Walking The Back Streets And Crying – LITTLE MILTON (April 1972, Stax STA-0124, B-side of “Before The Honeymoon”))
3. Save Us – WILLIAM BELL (April 1972, Stax STA-0128, A)
4. 6-3-8 – RUFUS THOMAS (April 1972, Stax STA-0129, A)
5. Starting All Over Again – MEL & TIM (May 1972, Stax STA-0127, A)
6. Keep On Loving Me – STEFAN (May 1972, Stax STA-0130, A)
7. I'm Afraid The Masquerade Is Over – DAVID PORTER (May 1972, Enterprise ENA-9050, A)
8. Going Down Slow – LITTLE SONNY (May 1972, Enterprise ENA-9053, A)
9. I Could Never Be happy – THE EMOTIONS (May 1972, Volt VOA-4083, A)
10. Don't Take My Kindness For Weakness – THE SOUL CHILDREN (June 1972, Stax STA-0132, A)
11. I'll Play The Blues For You, Part 1 – ALBERT KING (June 1972, Stax STA-0135, A)
12. I Dedicate My Life To You – ROGER HATCHER (June 1972, Volt VOA-4084, A)
13. Do The Sweetback – MARCH WIND (June 1972, Stax STA-0131, A)
14. Gettin' Funky 'Round Here – BLACK NASTY (June 1972, Enterprise ENA-9054, A)
15. When The Chips Are Down – DAVID PORTER (June 1972, Enterprise ENA-9055, A)
16. Sugar – CARLA THOMAS (July 1972, Stax STA-0133, A)
17. You’re Good Enough (To Be My Baby) – EDDIE FLOYD (July 1972, Stax STA-0134, A)
18. This World – THE STAPLE SINGERS (July 1972, Stax STA-0137, A)
19. Helping Man – JEAN KNIGHT (July 1972, Stax STA-0136, A)
20. Ain't I Good – JOHN KaSANDRA (July 1972, Truth TAA-2502, A)

Disc 3, 23 Tracks (76:41 minutes):
1. Dance, Dance, Dance (Part 1) – THE BAR-KAYS (July 1972, Volt VOA-4081, A)
2. Dedicated To The One I Love – THE TEMPREES (July 1972, We Produce XPA-1808, A)
3. Toast To The Fool – THE DRAMATICS (July 1972, Volt VOA-4082, A)
4. Stop Doggin' Me – JOHNNIE TAYLOR (August 1972, Stax STA-0142, A)
5. Trouble – FREDERICK KNIGHT (August 1972, Stax STA-0139, A)
6. I'm Gonna Cry A River – LITTLE MILTON (August 1972, Stax STA-0141, A)
7. Itch And Scratch (Part 1) – RUFUS THOMAS (August 1972, Stax STA-0140, A)
8. What Would I Do – ERNIE HINES (August 1972, We Produce XPA-1809, A)
9. I Know It's Not Right (To Be In Love With A Married Man) – VEDA BROWN (September 1972, Stax STA-0143, A)
10. Holy Cow – STEFAN (September 1972, Stax STA-0145, A)
11. What Goes Around (Must Come Around) – SONS OF SLUM (September 1972, Stax STA-0138, A)
12. Theme From The Men (Instrumental) – ISAAC HAYES (Enterprise ENA-9058, A)
13. Endlessly – MAVIS STAPLES (September 1972, Volt VOA-4086, A)
14. You Hurt Me For The Last Time – INEZ FOXX (September 1972, Volt VOA-4087, A)
15. My Sweet Lord – JOHN GARY WILLIAMS (September 1972, Stax STA-0146, A)
16. Breaking Up Somebody's Home – ALBERT KING (November 1972, Stax STA-0147, A)
17. How Can You Mistreat The One You Love – KATIE LOVE (November 1972, Stax STA-0151, A)
18. From Toys To Boys – THE EMOTIONS (Volt VOA-4088, A)
19. The Dryer (Vocal – Part 1) – ROY LEE JOHNSON & THE VILLAGERS (December 1972, Stax STA-0144, A)
20. I May Not Be All You Want (But I'm All You Got) – CARLA THOMAS (December 1972, Stax STA-0149, A)
21. Ain't No Sweat – MAJOR LANCE (December 1972, Volt VOA-4085, A)
22. Do Me – JEAN KNIGHT (December 1972, Stax STA-0150, A)
23. Rainy Day – LITTLE MILTON (December 1972, Stax STA-0148, A)

Disc 4, 21 Tracks (72:35 minutes):
1. It Ain't Always What You Do (It's Who You Let See Do It) – THE SOUL CHILDREN (January 1973, Stax STA-0152, A)
2. I May Not Be What You Want – MEL & TIM (January 1973, Stax STA-0154, A)
3. Funky Robot (Part 1) – RUFUS THOMAS (February 1973, Stax STA-0153, A)
4. Don't You Fool With My Soul (Part 1) – JOHNNIE TAYLOR (February 1973, Stax STA-0155, A)
5. Oh La De Da – THE STAPLE SINGERS (February 1973, Stax STA-0156, A)
6. What Do You See in Her? HOT SAUCE) February 1973, Volt VOA-4089, A)
7. A Thousand Miles Away – THE TEMPRESS (February 1973, We Produce XPA-1810, A)
8. Hey You! Get Off My Mountain – THE DRAMATICS (February 1973, Volt VOA-4090, B-side to “The Devil is Dope”)
9. Rolling Down A Mountainside – ISAAC HAYES (Enterprise ENA-9065, A)
10. You're Still My Brother – THE BAR-KAYS (March 1973, Volt VOA-4092, A)
11. Stop Half Loving These Women – JIMMY LEWIS (March 1973, Volt VOA-4091, A)
12. Lovin' On Borrowed Time – WILLIAM BELL (March 1973, Stax STA-0157, A)
13. Lay Your Loving On Me – EDDIE FLOYD (March 1973, Stax STA-0158, A)
14. The Time – INEZ FOXX (March 1973, Volt VOA-4093, A)
15. Heaven Knows – MEL & TIM (May 1973, Stax STA-0160, A)
16. I Believe In You (You Believe In Me) – JOHNNIE TAYLOR (May 1973, Stax STA-0161, A)
17. Short Stopping – VEDA BROWN (May 1973, Stax STA-0163, A)
18. Be What You Are – THE STAPLE SINGERS (May 1973, Stax STA-0164, A)
19. I’ve Got To Love Somebody’s Baby – STEFAN (May 1973, Stax STA-0165, A)
20. Playing On Me – ALBERT KING (May 1973, Stax STA-0166, A)
21. Long As You’re The One Somebody In The World – DAVID PORTER (May 1973, Enterprise ENA-9071, A)

Disc 5, 22 Tracks (72:31 minutes):
1. This Is My Song Of Love To You – FREDERICK KNIGHT (June 1973, Stax STA-0167, A)
2. Sugarcane – THE MGs (June 1973, Stax STA-0169, A)
3. Love Is A Hurtin' Thing – THE SOUL CHILDREN (June 1973, Stax STA-0170, A)
4. Baby, Lay Your Head Down (Gently On My Bed) – EDDIE FLOYD (July 1973, Stax STA-0171, A)
5. Check Me Out – EDDIE FLOYD (July 1973, Stax STA-171, B-side of “Check Me Out”)
6. Runnin' Back – THE EMOTIONS (July 1973, Volt VOA-VOA-4095, B-side of “I Wanna Come Back”)
7. Crossing Over The Bridge – INEX FOXX (July 1973, Volt VOA-4096, A)
8. Love's Maze – THE TEMPREES (July 1973, We Produce XPA-1811, A)
9. It Ain't Easy – THE BAR-KAYS (July 1973, Volt VOA-4097, A)
10. Love Among People – CARLA THOMAS (August 1973, Stax STA-0173, A)
11. What It Is – LITTLE MILTON (August 1973, Stax STA-0174, A)
12. I’ve Got To Go On Without You – WILLIAM BELL (August 1973, Stax STA-0175, A)
13. Love Is Taking Over – ERIC MERCURY (August 1973, Enterprise ENA-9080, A)
14. Ruby Dean – HOE HICKS (August 1973, Enterprise ENA-9081, A)
15. I'm So Glad I Fell In Love With You – THE MAD LADS (August 1973, Volt VOA-4098, A)
16. Fell For You – THE DRAMATICS (August 1973, Volt VOA-4099, A)
17. Cheaper To Keep Her – JOHNNIE TAYLOR (September 1973, Stax STA-0176, A)
18. I Know You Don't Want Me No More – RUFUS THOMAS (September 1973, Stax STA-0177, A)
19. If You're Ready (Come Go With Me) – THE STAPLE SINGERS (September 1973, Stax STA-0179, A)
20. Slipped And Tripped – THE SWEET SENSATIONS (October 1973, Stax STA-0178, A)
21. Peace Be Still – THE EMOTIONS (October 1973, Volt VOA-4100, A)
22. I'll Be The Other Woman – THE SOUL CHILDREN (November 1973, Stax STA-0182, A)

Disc 6, 20 Tracks (73:40 minutes):
1. The Martian Hop – THE NEWCOMERS (November 1973, Stax STA-0186, A)
2. I Had A Talk With My Man (November 1973, Volt VOA-4101, A)
3. At Last – THE TEMPREES (November 1973, Enterprise ENA-9085, A)
4. Joy (Part 1) – ISAAC HAYES (November 193, Enterprise ENA-9085, A)
5. Good Woman Turning Bad – HOT SAUCE (November 1973, Volt VOA-4103, A)
6. Mose (Part 3) – JOHN KASANDRA (November 1973, We Truth TAA-2504, A)
7. I’ll Be Your Santa Baby – RUFUS THOMAS (December 1973, Stax STA-0187, A)
8. I Wanna Do Things For You – EDDIE FLOYD (December 1973, Stax STA-0188, A)
9. That's What The Blues Is All About – ALBERT KING (December 1973, Stax STA-0189, A)
10. One Way Love Affair – CAROLYN HURLEY (December 1973, Stax STA-0191, A)
11. Tin Pan Alley – LITTLE MILTON (December 1973, Stax STA-0191, A)
12. The Funky Bird – RUFUS THOMAS (December 1973, Stax STA-0192, A)
13. We're Getting Careless With Our Love – JOHNNIE TAYLOR (December 1973, Stax STA-0193, A)
14. What Do The Lonely Do At Christmas – THE EMOTIONS (December 1973, Volt VOA-4104, A)
15. Season's Greetings – CIX BITS (December 1973, Enterprise ENA-9087, A)
16. Don't Lose Faith In Me Lord –ERIC MERCURY (December 1973, Enterprise ENA-9089, A)
17. Don't Start Loving Me (If You're Gonna Stop) – VEDA BROWN (January 1974, Stax STA-0194, B-side to “Fever”)
18. Touch A Hand, Make A Friend – THE STAPLE SINGERS (January 1974, Stax STA-0196, A)
19. And I Panicked – THE DRAMATICS (January 1974, Volt VOA-4105, A)
20. Change It All – JOY FLEMING (January 1974, Enterprise ENA-9088, A)

Disc 7, 21 Tracks (68:58 minutes):
1. Gettin' What You Want (Losin' What You Got) – WILLIAM BELL (February 1974, Stax STA-0198, A)
2. He's Mine – JACQUI VERDELL (February 1974, Truth TAA-2505, A)
3. My Woman Is Good To Me – LITTLE SONNY (February 1974, Enterprise ENA-9092, A)
4. I Got You And I'm Glad – DAVID PORTER (February 1974, Enterprise ENA-9090, A)
5. Put A Little Love Away – THE EMOTIONS (February 1974, Volt VOA-4106, A)
6. Suzy – FREDERICK KNIGHT (February 1974, Stax STA-0201, A)
7. The Same Folks – MEL & TIM (March 1974, Stax STA-0202, A)
8. You Make The Sunshine – THE TEMPREES (March 1974, We Produce XPA-1813, A)
9. The Whole Damn World Is Going Crazy – JOHN GARY WILLIAMS (March 1974, Stax STA-0205, A)
10. Circuit's Overloaded – INEZ FOXX (March 1974, Volt VOA-4107, A)
11. Wonderful – ISAAC HAYES (March 1974, Enterprise ENA-9095, A)
12. Behind Closed Doors – LITTLE MILTON (April 1974, Stax STA-0210, A)
13. Guess Who – EDDIE FLOYD (April 1974, Stax STA-0209, A)
14. Dirty Tricks – THE SWEET INSPIRATIONS (April 1974, Stax STA-0203, A)
15. Whicha Way Did It Go – ROEBUK “POPS” STAPLES (April 1974, Stax STA-0213, A)
16. Talking To The People – BLACK NASTY (April 1974, Enterprise ENA-9098, A)
17. I've Been Born Again – JOHNNIE TAYLOR (April 1974, Stax STA-0208, A)
18. Neckbone – THE MGs (May 1974, Stax STA-0200, A)
19. Wounded Woman – SANDRA WRIGHT (May 1974, Stax STA-0212, A)
20. Stop Doggin' Me – HOT SAUCE (may 1974, Volt VOA-4109, A)
21. Goodness Gracious – KIM WESTON

Disc 8, 21 Tracks (73:13 minutes):
1. City In The Sky – THE STAPLE SINGERS (June 1974, Stax STA-0215, A)
2. Title Theme – ISAAC HAYES (June 1974, Enterprise ENA-9104, A)
3. Soul Street – EDDIE FLOYD (June 1974, Stax STA-216, A)
4. Flat Tire – ALBERT KING (June 1974, Stax STA-0217, A)
5. Love Makes It Right – THE SOUL CHILDREN (June 1974, Stax STA-0218, A)
6. Mr. Cool That Ain't Cool – THE TEMPREES (July 1974, We Produce XPN-1814, A)
7. Ain't Nuttin' (But Gettin' Down (Part 1) – RUFUS THOMAS (July 1974, Stax STN-0219, A)
8. Highway To Heaven – ROB BANKS & THE DRAMATICS (July 1974, Volt VOA-4108, A)
9. Get It While It's Hot – WILLIAM BELL (July 1974, Stax STN-0221, A)
10. Passing Thru – FREDERICK KNIGHT (July 1974, Truth TRA-3202, A)
11. Keep An Eye On Your Close Friends – THE NEWCOMBERS (July 1974, Truth TRN-3204, A)
12. My Main Man/There Is A God – THE STAPLE SINGERS (August 1974, Stax STN Special, A.)
See also Disc 9, Track 7 for the B-side to “My Main Man" only which was issued September 1974 on Stax STN-0227)
13. That's The Way I Want To Live My Life – MEL & TIM (August 1974, Stax STN-0224, A)
14. Forever And A Day – MEL & TIM (August 1974, Stax STN-0224, B-side to “That’s The way I Want To Live My Life”)
15. Baby, I'm Through – THE EMOTIONS (August 1974, Volt VON-4110, A)
16. It's September – JOHNNIE TAYLOR (August 1974, Stax STN-0226, A)
17. Woman To Woman – SHIRLEY BROWN (August 1974, Truth TRA-3206, A)
18. Did You Hear Yourself (Part 1) – RANDY BROWN & COMPANY (August 1974, Truth TRA-3207, A)
19. You Need A Friend Like Mine – ANNETTE THOMAS (September 1974, Truth TRA-3208, A)
20. I Love, I Love – THE TEMPREES (September 1974, We Produce XPN-1815, A)
21. Let Me Back In – LITTLE MILTON (September 1974, Stax STN-0229, A)

Disc 9, 22 Tracks (73:05 minutes):
1. Crosscut Saw – ALBERT KING (October 1974, Stax STN-0228, A)
2. Coldblooded – THE BAR-KEYS (October 1974, Volt VOA-4111, A)
3. Bump Meat – SIR MACK RICE (October 1974, Truth TRA-3212, A)
4. (Too Little In Common To Be Lovers) Too Much Going To Say Goodbye – THE NEWCOMERS (October 1974, Truth TRA-3213, A)
5. Bump And Boogie (Part 1) – THE WRECKING CREW (October 1974, Truth TRA-3214, A)
6. What's Happening Baby? – THE SOUL CHILDREN (November 1974, Stax STN-0230, A)
7. Who Made The Man – THE STAPLE SINGERS (November 1974, Stax STN-0227, B-side to “My Main Man” (only))
8. I Keep Thinking To Myself – BROOK BENTON (November 1974, Stax STN-0231, A)
9. I Got A Reason To Smile (Cause I Got You) – EDDIE FLOYD (November 1974, Stax STN-0232, A)
10. Try To Leave Me If You Can (I Bet You Can’t Do It) – BESSIE BANKS (November 1974, Volt VON-4112, A)
11. Burning On Both Ends – WILLIE SINGLETON (November 1974, Truth TRA-3215, A)
12. There Are More Questions Than Answers – THE EMOTIONS (December 1974, Volt VON-4113, A)
13. Santa Clause Wants Some Lovin' – ALBERT KING (October 1974, Stax STN-0234, A)
14. I Can't Let You Go – HOT SAUCE (January 1975, Volt VON-4114, A)
15. I Betcha Didn't Know That – FREDERICK KNIGHT (January 1975, Truth TRA-3216, A)
16. Lovin' You, Lovin Me – SANDRA WRIGHT (February 1975, Truth TRA-3220, A)
17. Do The Double Bump – RUFUS THOMAS (February 1975, Stax STN-0236, A)
18. Come And Get Your Love – THE TEMPREES (March 1975, We Produce XPN-1816, A)
19. Dark Skin Woman (Part 1) – SIR MACK RICE (April 1975, Truth TRA-3221, A)
20. It Ain't No Fun – SHIRLEY BROWN (April 1975, Truth TRA-3223, A)
21. If You Talk In Your Sleep – LITTLE MILTON (April 1975, Stax STN-0238, A)
22. Talk To The Man – EDDIE FLOYD (April 1975, Stax STN-0239, A)

Disc 10, 19 Tracks (63:42 minutes):
1. You're Astounding – BARBARA & JOE (April 1975, Truth TAA-2507, A)
2. Dy-No-Mite (Did You Say My Love) – THE GREEN BROTHERS (April 1975, Truth TRA-3219, A)
3. Boom-A-Rang – THE DYNAMIC SOUL MACHINE (May 1975, Truth TAA-2508, A)
4. Come What May – JOHN GARY WILLIAMS (May 1975, Truth TRA-3227, A)
5. Try Me Tonight – JOHNNIE TAYLOR (June 1975, Stax STN-0241, A)
6. Groovin' On My Baby’s Love – FREDDIE WATERS (June 1975, Stax STN-0246, A)
7. I Can't Shake Your Love (Can't Shake You Loose) – THE FIESTAS (June 1975, Truth TAA-2509, A)
8. I Wanna Play With You – FREDERICK KNIGHT (June 1975, Truth TRA-3228, A)
9. I'm Doing Fine – ALBERT KING (June 1975, Stax STA-0245, A)
10. No Way (I Can Live Without You) – TERESA DAVIS [of The Emotions] (June 1975, Stax STN-0247, B-side of “If I Were You”)
11. Back Road Into Town – THE STAPLE SINGERS (July 1975, Stax STN-0248, A)
12. I'm So Glad I Met You – EDDIE FLOYD (August 1975, Stax STN-0251, A)
13. Packed Up And Took My Mind – LITTLE MILTON (August 1975, Stax STN-0252, A)
14. Just Keep On Loving Me – JOHNNIE TAYLOR (September 1975, Stax STN-0253, A)
15. How Can I Be A Witness – R. B. HUDMON (September 1975, Truth TRA-3230, B-side of “If You Don’t Cheat On Me (I Won’t Cheat On You)”)
16. Jump Back ’75 (Part 1) – RUFUS THOMAS (October 1975, Stax STN-0254, A)
17. I Got To Be Myself – THE STAPLE SINGERS (October 1975, Stax STN-0255, A)
18. It's Worth A Whippin' – SHIRLEY BROWN (November 1975, Truth TRA-3231, A)
19. Holy Ghost (Part 1) – THE BAR-KAYS (November 1975, Volt VOA-4115, A)

Although the brief is 'Soul' – after a quick reconnoitre of the track lists - Blues fans will be pleased to see good names like Little Milton, Albert King, Little Sonny and others also get a look in (mainly on the Enterprise label). All the big hitters for Stax and its subsiduaries are here – Isaac Hayes, Eddie Floyd, The Staple Singers, Shirley Brown, The Emotions, The Dramatics and so on – but so are loads of names that don’t exactly roll off the (chart) tongue - Veda Brown, John KaSandra, Eric Mercury, Roger Hatcher, John Gary Williams and Stefan. Or how about Cix Bits, Hot Sauce or The Wrecking Crew. But that's the fun of a massive time like this – dip in and enjoy...

While the big hits like "I'll Take You There" and "If You're Ready (Come Go With Me)" by The Staple Singers, "Starting All Over Again" by Mel & Tim, "I've Been Lonely For So Long" by Frederick Knight and "Cheaper To Keep Her" by Johnnie Taylor are great pit stops for Stax Soul – it's those nuggets inbetween the cracks that make this overlooked set such a reward. I love the impossibly romantic "Let Me Repair Your Heart" by The Mad Lads, the heavy guitar Blues of "Walking The Back Streets And Crying" by Albert King, the butt-shaking-boogie of "Gettin' Funky 'Round Here" by the suitably named Black Nasty. Northern Soul dancers will shuffle their talcom-powered shimmies to "How Can You Mistreat The One You Love" by Katie Love (fabulous audio too) and Jean Knight's stunning "Do Me” is a full-on Funky workout that will surely turn up in a Hollywood movie soon (and again sounding just amazing).

Fantastic vocals on the Funky fidelity tale "It Ain't Always What You Do (It's Who You Let See You Do It)" by The Soul Children while The Temprees do a Smokey Robinson Soulful version of a Vocal Group smoocher "A Thousand Miles Away" originally done by The Heartbeats in 1956. People like Inez Foxx are so associated with the 60ts that it's a shock to find they did torch-vocal Soul in 1973 (the passionate "This Time") and DJs with dancefloors to fill will appreciate the superb funk of "It Ain't Easy" by The Bar-Kays. There's loads of moods too - it goes from the instrumental Sunday morning easy of "Sugarcane" by The MG’s to the Sunday afternoon congregational Gospel of "Peace Be Still" where the girls of The Emotions let rip with just that – spirit-moved emotion. Isaac Hayes proved he still had sexy in him with the salacious "Joy (Part 1)" while Eddie Floyd got down with an Al Green rhythm on "I Wanna Do Things For You" where our hero promises his lady that he's gonna do things with her that he's never done with anyone else (yikes).

The beautiful all-colours positivity of The Staple Singers peppers so many discs – but most have forgotten fantastic groovers like "Touch A Hand, Make A Friend" and the stunning funk of "City In The Sky". One of Stax’s great songwriters David Porter gives us the sly groove of "I Got You And I'm Glad" (sports stunning audio too) while The Sweet Inspirations remain unimpressed by men's "Dirty Tricks". Bluesman Little Milton gets in a Soulful mood with his rearranged "Behind Closed Doors" (Charlie Rich) while that treated Guitar of Pops Staples is unmistakeable on "Whicha Way Did It Go" talking about the "mighty hand" of something bigger than himself...

The more I play these CDs the more I'm finding gems - and that Audio is just great throughout (truly impressive_. I'm also digging the space-saving snugness of this neatly shaped orange block as opposed to the clumsy 12" x 12" monster I used to have.

Stax Records may have been fading out as a label in 1975 but what a legacy they left behind. And this wicked 2015 Mini Box Set only reacquaints us with that deluge of great Soul in proper style...