"No. 1 Record/Radio City" by BIG STAR (2004 Stax/Fantasy 'HYBRID SACD' with George Horn Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"…Finest In The World…"

I'm amazed this sonic nugget seems to have eluded so many - especially given the reputation these two stunning Seventies albums have. But if you're on the fence as to how good a CD (or SACD) can sound - then look no further.

USA released April 2004 - "No. 1 Record/Radio City" by BIG STAR on Stax/Fantasy/Universal SXSA-60025-6 (Barcode 025218732369) offers 2LPs onto 1CD - 

a 'HYBRID MULTICHANNEL SACD/CD' Reissue that will play on standard CD players as well as those encoded with Super Audio CD Playback (73:38 minutes).

1. Feel

2. The Ballad Of El Goodo

3. In The Street

4. Thirteen

5. Don't Lie To Me

6. The India Song

7. When My Baby's Beside Me

8. My Life Is Right

9. Give Me Another Chance

10. Try Again

11. Watch The Sunrise

12. St 100/6

13. O My Soul

14. Life Is White

15. Way Out West

16. What's Going Ahn

17. You Get What You Deserve

18. Mod Lang

19. Back of A Car

20. Daisy Glaze

21. She's A Mover

22. September Gurls

23. Morpha Too

24. I'm In Love With A Girl

"No. 1 Record" (tracks 1 to 12) was USA released June 1972 on Ardent Records ADS-2803 while "Radio City" (tracks 13 to 24) followed in January 1974 on Ardent ADS-1501. Neither LP received an original UK release at the time - but both were clumped together as a budget-priced double-album package on Stax SXSP 302 in 1978. There have been various CD reissues of the albums ever since - most notably by England's Ace Records on their subsidiary label Big Beat and Rhino's superb 2009 American 4CD Box Set "Keep An Eye On The Sky" which features outtakes and alternates from both of these recording sessions.

But back to 2004 and the big news here is the beautifully sensitive GEORGE HORN remastering that has brought a warmth and delicacy to already gorgeous music. The bass, acoustic guitars and sublime harmony vocals on "The Ballad Of El Goodo" are thrilling to hear as is the sweetness of "Thirteen" - surely one of the loveliest Alex Chilton songs. The jangling power-pop guitars of "When My Baby Needs Me" sound fantastic and "Try Again" reminds me of a band I loved called SMITH-PERKINS-SMITH who made only one album (a self-titled debut) in 1972 on Island Records (yet to make its way onto CD) - a sort of CSYN alternative. In fact the musicality on display here brings in mind that other tragic band BADFINGER.

"O My Soul" opens "Radio City" with rocking guitars while pretty melody returns with the oddly titled "What's Going Ahn". "September Gurls" and "Back Of A Car" set the template for THE JAYHAWKS and so many harmony rock bands that have followed in Big Star's illustrious footsteps. But for me the huge song here has always been the showstopping "I'm In Love With A Girl" - used to devastating effect in umpteen modern-day growing up movies with an Indie leaning. I'll bet it makes men of a certain age weep and tingle - and think about that one who stole your heart when you were 16 and bright-eyed (lyrics from it title this review).

BIG STAR were always a little bit special and hold a cult status to this day that grows with the passing of time - like NICK DRAKE, JUDEE SILL or JOHN MARTYN.

A beautifully realized transfer and a CD you need in your home...

"I'll Play The Blues For You" by ALBERT KING - October 1972 US Album on Stax Records - January 1973 in the UK (June 2012 UK Concord Music Group Inc/Universal Music Group 'Stax Remasters' Expanded Edition CD Reissue with Four Unreleased Bonus Tracks) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"…Come On Over To The Place Where I Work…"

I'm loving these "Stax Remasters" CD Reissues even if they do seem to be a bit slow coming out (see list below). And any Albert King album from the period is nectar to my weary palate - so let's get with the details of the Blues-Soul...

Released Monday 4 June 2012 in the UK (22 May 2012 in the USA) - "I'll Play The Blues For You" by ALBERT KING on Concord Music Group, Inc/Universal Music Group/Stax 0888072337169 (Barcode 888072337169) is an 'Expanded Edition' and release number seven in the 2011/2012 'STAX REMASTERS' CD Series. It breaks down as follows (60:59 minutes):

1. I'll Play The Blues For You (Part 1 & 2) [Side 1]

2. Little Brother Make A Way

3. Breaking up Somebody's Home

4. High Cost Of Living

5. I'll Be Doggone [Side 2]

6. Answer To The Laundromat Blues

7. Don't Burn Down The Bridge ('Cause You Might Wanna Come Back Across)

8. Angel Of Mercy

Tracks 1 to 8 are the album "I'll Play The Blues For You" - released October 1972 in the USA on Stax Records STS-3009 and January 1973 in the UK on Stax Records 2325 089 

BONUS TRACKS (All Previously Unreleased):

9. I'll Play The Blues For You (Alternate Version) (8:44 minutes) 

10. Don't Burn Down The Bridge ('Cause You Might Wanna Come Back Across) (Alternate Version) (5:13 minutes)

11. I Need A Love (4:29 minutes) [Album Outtake]

12. Albert's Stomp (2:18 minutes) [Album Outtake - Instrumental]

The new 12-page booklet has very knowledgeable and affectionate liner notes by BILL DAHL who did the exceptional liner notes on Bear Family's 1961-1970 "Sweet Soul Music" CDs (10 volumes) and their 1945-1960 "Blowing The Fuse" series on R'n'B music (16 volumes). I've reviewed nearly all of them. You also get the original artwork on the front and rear of the booklet, musician and session details and the LP's original liner notes etc. But once again the big news is the NEWLY REMASTERED SOUND...

I've reviewed all the other titles in the "Stax Remasters" series (see list below) and duly raved about the fabulous sound quality on them - especially after years of lacklustre reissues in jewel cases and repro digipaks. Well this is the same. 24-bit remastered from the first generation tapes at JOE TARANTINO Mastering in Berkeley, California - the audio quality is superbly warm - especially the drum and bass (so sweet). The groove of the keyboards and punchy brass fills are both lovely - full - yet not too forced. My only compliant here would be that the vocals are ever so slightly subdued on some tracks (the title song) - buried in the back of the mix - but the overall quality of the album and the shockingly good bonus material quickly nips that minor quibble in the bud. 

Style-wise this is not so much straight-up Blues - but Soul meets Funk with some Blues guitar licks over the top of the band (a genre I can't get enough of). We open for business with one of Albert's signature songs "I'll Play The Blues For You" (written originally by Shreveport guitarist Jerry Beach for Texas Soul singer Geater Davis). It's 7:19 minutes Part 1 and 2 was cut down to a 3:20 minute 'Part 1 Edit' and issued in advance of the album as a 7" single in June 1972 on Stax STS-0135 with The Bar Kays And The Movement credited as the backing band. The slinky sound quality hits you immediately as do the ever-so-slightly cheesy talking lyrics (title above). On that subject - one of the gems on here is Track 9 - a previously unreleased version of "I'll Play The Blues For You" that runs to an extended 8:44 minutes. It removes the talking and replaces it with a great Sax solo and then a lengthy guitar jam to the end. It's brilliantly recorded and a genuine blast for King fans. How has this remained in the vaults for 40 years! I played it in the shop the other day and it had customers asking at the counter after it...

"Breaking Up Somebody's Home" was a hit for Ann Peebles in February 1972 on Hi Records (written by Al Jackson (drummer with Booker T & The MG's) and Timothy Matthews). King's version is a fabulous 7:19 minute slink-fest sounding not unlike something off "Be Altitude" by The Staple Singers (again from 1972). It was issued as an edited 7" single in October 1972 along with the LP and it's a shame that cut isn't included on here as a bonus. "High Cost Of Loving" is excellent uptempo Blues/Soul too. The only real clinker for me is the opener of Side 2 - his cover of Marvin Gaye's old Motown hit "I'll Be Doggone" where live crowd voices are added to the mix. It probably sounded cool then - but it's terribly dated now. 

Things perk up considerably with the hilariously un-PC lyrics of "Answer To The Laundromat Blues" (great guitarwork and a sleazy backing rhythm) which are thankfully sung tongue-in-cheek. Perhaps you don't want to sing "We gonna buy you washer and dryers and put you in the basement..." to the ladies in your life any day soon! The album ends is real style though with a great double-whammy - the slow funky guitar-groove of "Don't Burn Down The Bridge..." and the money-worries of "Angel Of Mercy" where Albert pleads with real feeling "...Would you please look down on me...a little mercy is all I need." 

As if the album wasn't good enough - the excellence of the 4 extras are a shock. The first two are blistering 'Alternate Versions' of album tracks while the last two are LP outakes (all in fantastic sound quality). I've discussed "I'll Play The Blues For You" above - the 'Alternate' of "Don't Burn Down The House..." is a more attacking guitar version with a huge sound. Great stuff. You can hear why "I Need A Love" was left off the record - it's good - but it sounds too much like other better tracks. The only real letdown is that the fantastically funky "Albert's Stomp" is criminally cut short at 2:18 minutes - just when you were getting into it (sounds like Ike Turner meets Booker T meets Albert King). All in all - very impressive...

So there you have it - a cracking Blues/Funk album bolstered up with four tracks actually worthy of the description 'bonus' - and all of it topped off with great sound and a value-for-money price tag.Very tasty indeed...and highly recommended.

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 (1975)

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 (1972)

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

8. Taylored In Silk - JOHNNIE TAYLOR (1973)

9. Do The Funky Chicken - RUFUS THOMAS (1970)

PPS: Lovers of ATLANTIC, STAX and VOLT Records should note that as of October 2012 there is a massive reissue program of classic albums going on in Japan - 100+ titles to be exact (which includes Albert King). They feature Fifties Blues and R'n'B, Sixties and Seventies Soul, Funk & Fusion. All are budget price (£7.50 per disc) and feature 2012 DSD remastering. Many of these titles are familiar - but a huge number are new to CD. For a full detailed list of these Japanese reissues - see the 'comment' section attached to this review…

“Soul Men/I Thank You…Plus” by SAM and DAVE. A Review Of Their 3rd and 4th LPs on Stax and Atlantic Records - Now Reissued By Edsel Of The UK On CD In 2012.

This review is part of my "SOUNDS GOOD: Exceptional CD Remasters Soul, Funk & Jazz Fusion" Download Book available to buy on Amazon to either your PC or Mac (it will download the Kindle software to read the book for free to your toolbar). Click on the link below to go my Author's Page for this and other related publications:

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"…Good God Almighty!"

I’ve already reviewed the 1^st disc reissued for Sam Moore and Dave Prater in this Edsel series - “Hold On, I’m Coming/Double Dynamite” - which covers their first and second albums on Stax in 1966 (and some singles around those releases). This 2^nd reissue gives us their 3^rd and 4^th albums on Stax and Atlantic and is just as stunning in every way – sound, presentation and (despite it being a 2CD set) value-for-money price. Here are the finite details…

UK released 26 March 2012 (10 April 2012 USA) - Edsel EDSD 2131 breaks down as follows:

Disc 1 (35:14 minutes): 

Tracks 1 to 11 are the album "Soul Men" – released October 1967 in the USA on Stax Records ST-725 [Mono] and STS-725 [Stereo]. The STEREO mix is used.

Tracks 13 and 12 are “Soothe Me (Recorded Live In London, England)” and "I Can’t Stand Up For Falling Down” – see Singles List below

Disc 2 (53:48 minutes):

Tracks 1 to 12 are the album “I Thank You” – released November 1968 on Atlantic Records SD-8205 [Stereo]

Track 13 is “This Is Your World” – non-album - see Singles List below

Tracks 14 and 15 are “Can’t You Find Another Way (Of Doing It)” and “Still Is The Night” – non-album - see Singles List below

Tracks 16 and 17 are “Soul Sister, Brown Sugar” and “Come On In” – non-album - see Singles List below

Tracks 18 and 19 are “Born Again” and “Get It” – non-album - see Singles List below

This 22-track 2CD set will also allow fans to sequence the following US Stax and Atlantic 7” singles surrounding the two albums [13/1 = Track 13/Disc1 etc]:

1. Soothe Me (Recorded Live In London, England) [13/1] b/w I Can’t Stand Up For Falling Down [12/1] – Stax 45-218 (June 1967) [see NOTE]

2. Soul Man [1/1] b/w May I Baby [2/1] – Stax 45-231 (September 1967)

3. I Thank You [1/2] b/w Wrap It Up [4/2] – Stax 45-242 (February 1968)

4. You Don’t Know What You Mean To Me [6/2] b/w This Is Your World [13/2] – Atlantic 45-2517 (May 1968)

5. Can’t You Find Another Way (Of Doing It) [14/2] b/w Still Is The Night [15/2] – Atlantic 45-2540 (August 1968)

6. Everybody Got To Believe In Somebody [2/2] b/w If I Didn’t Have A Girl Like You [5/2] – Atlantic45-2568 (October 1968)

7. Soul Sister, Brown Sugar [16/2] b/w Come On In [17/2] – Atlantic 45-2590 (December 1968)

8. Born Again [18/2] b/w Get It [19/2] – Atlantic 45-2608 (March 1969)

[Note: the ‘studio’ version of “Soothe Me” rather than the ‘live’ cut was used as a UK 7” single on Stax 601004 in March 1967 with “Sweet Pains” as its B-side – both tracks are on the “Double Dynamite” album – available on the 1^st CD by Edsel mentioned above]

PHIL KINRADE at Alchemy Studios in London has done the mastering and it's a fantastic job – muscular and pounding out of your speakers like those old 45's used to do. Being 60's Soul and recorded with indecent haste in less than audiophile conditions - there's hiss on occasion and some muddiness to the bass every now and then – but mostly this remaster sounds 'so' clear to me – the brass, drum whacks and guitar - much better than the early Nineties Rhino discs I've had for years now. And as a sucker for those 45's and their double-shots of brilliance – I also love the fact that this release allows me to line up those songs for play – and in top sound quality too.

The 20-page full-colour booklet featuring a 4000-word essay by noted Soul expect and aficionado TONY ROUNCE is superlative. Rounce has had a long-time association with both Edsel and Ace Records of the UK and their Philadelphia and Chess CD reissues - and his work here is typically indepth, knowledgeable and enthusiastic in a way that only British Soul nuts can be. Pages 12 and 16 have gorgeous full colour plates of each album sleeve and the rest of the text is peppered with insert photos of the Florida (Sam) and Georgia (Dave) boys in various live shows. There's a track-by-track Discography at the rear and it even reproduces the original liner notes that graced the back of each American LP sleeve. Rounce’s liner notes also extend to their later years (aged 76, Sam Moore is still with us and singing). In other words Edsel could have taken the easy way out and put in foldout 3-page filler that would have sufficed – but they haven’t – and they're to be praised for this.

To the music – the album “Soul Men” is considered by most to be their best album and it’s easy to hear why. Fast or slow – the song quality is tops. Lesser-heard album tracks like ”Hold It Baby” and “I’m With You” are brilliant (lyrics above) – equal to any of the single releases. The torch ballads “May I Baby” and “I’ve Seen What Loneliness Can Do” are belters too. I have to say that I find the ‘live’ version of Sam Cooke’s “Soothe Me” ok – I much prefer the album cut on the “Double Dynamite” LP. But I can so see why Elvis Costello covered the superb non-album B-side “I Can’t Stand Up For Falling Down” – another slowy with Soul power. The title track is of course their most famous song - it hit the number 1 spot in many countries around the world and was quite rightly inducted into the US ‘Grammy Hall Of Fame’ in 1999.  

“I Thank You” opens with the band sounding ‘so’ tight on the title track. But it’s the inexplicable non-charting of “Everybody Got To Believe In Somebody” that impresses even more. Penned by the inimitable duo of ISAAC HAYES and DAVID PORTER – it should have been a smash, but alas the 45 waned at the same time their career did. Other highlights include the piano/guitar ballad of “If I Didn’t Have A Girl Like You” and the building intensity of the holy-roller cover “That Lucky Old Sun” finishes the album is style. The singles are fab too – I especially like the quality B-sides “This Is Your World” and “Come On In”. Scottish Soul Rockers DEACON BLUE did a lively B-side cover of the superb “Born Again” on their “Real Gone Kid” CD single in 1988. Like I say – it’s an embarrassment of riches.   

To sum up - presented well, sounding spiffing and cheaper than a soiled paper napkin in Buckingham Palace – this is a huge amount of top Sixties Stax Soul for peanuts money.

So good – and thoroughly recommended.

"Hold On, I’m Coming/Double Dynamite" by SAM and DAVE. A Review Of Their 1st and 2nd LPs on Stax Records - Now Reissued On CD By Edsel Of The UK In 2012.

This review is part of my "SOUNDS GOOD: Exceptional CD Remasters Soul, Funk & Jazz Fusion" Download Book available to buy on Amazon to either your PC or Mac (it will download the Kindle software to read the book for free to your toolbar). Click on the link below to go my Author's Page for this and other related publications:

                       http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B00LQKMC6I

"…I'm A Bad Go-Getter…And I Want You…"

Sam Moore and Dave Prater fans see the duo's rare 1st and 2nd LPs for the mighty Stax Records reissued again – and for those Superstars of 60t's Soul - it's been done in real style. Here are the finite details…

UK released 26 March 2012, Edsel EDSS 1035 breaks down as follows (73:33 minutes): Tracks 1 to 12 are the album "Hold On, I'm Coming" – released April 1966 in the USA on Stax Records ST-708 [Mono] and STS-708 [Stereo]. The STEREO mix is used except on “You Don’t Know Like I Know” which is the MONO single mix (Track 11).

Tracks 14 and 13 are "Goodnight Baby" and "A Place Nobody Can Find" – the A&B-side of a non-album US 45 on Stax S-168 – released March 1965

Track 15 is "Sweet Home" – the non-album 7" single B-side to "I Take What I Want" (Track 3) which was released in the USA on Stax S-175 in June 1965

Tracks 16 to 27 are the album "Double Dynamite" – released January 1967 in the USA on Stax ST-712 [Mono] and STS-712 [Stereo] – the STEREO mix is used.

This 27-track CD will also allow fans to sequence the following Stax 7” singles surrounding the two albums:
1. Goodnight Baby [14] b/w A Place Nobody Can Find [13] – Stax S-168 (March 1965)
2. I Take What I Want [2] b/w Sweet Home [15] – Stax S-175 (June 1965)
3. You Don’t Know Like I Know [11] b/w Blame Me (Don't Blame My Heart) [12] – Stax S-180 (November 1965)
4. Hold On: I'm A Comin' [1] b/w I Got Everything I Need [5] – Stax S-189 (March 1966)
5. Said I Wasn't Going To Tell [17] b/w If You Got The Lovin' (I Got The Time) [2] – Stax S-198 (September 1966)
6. You Got Me Hummin' [16] b/w Sleep Good Tonight [24] – Stax S-204 (November 1966)
7. When Something Is Wrong With My Baby [19] b/w Small Portion Of Your Love [see Note] – Stax S-210 (February 1967)
8. Soothe Me [see Note] b/w I Can’t Stand Up For Falling Down [See Note] – Stax S-218 (June 1967)
[Note: the B-side to Stax S-210 is on the 2nd CD in this series "Soul Men + I Thank You" on Edsel EDSD 2131 – also issued 26 March 2012. The UK single for "Soothe Me" on Stax 601 004 used the album cut (Track 20) – but the US single on Stax S-218 used a live cut recorded in Paris – both it and its B-side are also on the 2nd CD mentioned above]

PHIL KINRADE at Alchemy Studios in London has done the mastering and it's a fantastic job – muscular and pounding out of your speakers like those old 45's used to do. Being 60's Soul and recorded with indecent haste in less than audiophile conditions - there's hiss on occasion and some muddiness to the bass every now and then – but mostly this remaster sounds 'so' clear to me – the brass, drum whacks and guitar - much better than the early Nineties Rhino discs I've had for years now. The decision by Edsel to leave out the weaker Stereo mix of "You Don’t Know What I Like" on the 1st LP and replace it with the extra overdubs and punchier MONO mix is a good one. As a sucker for those 45's and their double-shots of brilliance – I also love the fact that this release allows me to line up those songs for play – and in top sound quality too.

The 16-page full-colour booklet featuring a 4000-word essay by noted Soul expect and aficionado TONY ROUNCE is superlative. Rounce has had a long-time association with both Edsel and Ace Records of the UK and their Philadelphia and Chess CD reissues - and his work here is typically indepth, knowledgeable and enthusiastic in a way that only British Soul nuts can be. Pages 10 and 14 have gorgeous full colour plates of each album sleeve and the rest of the text is peppered with insert photos of those rare blue labels that Stax used in the UK. There's a track-by-track Discography at the rear and it even reproduces the original liner notes that graced the back of each American LP sleeve. Edsel could have taken the easy way out with this and put in foldout 3-page filler that would have sufficed – but they haven’t – and they’re to be praised for this.

To the music - both the 45 of "Hold On, I'm Coming" and the LP of the same name broke SAM and DAVE not just nationally – but globally. The 7" and LP reached the coveted Number 1 spot on the American R'n'B charts in June and August 1966 respectively – and made inroads all over the globe late into 1966. The follow-up album "Double Dynamite" (a nickname for the singers who hailed from Florida and Georgia) simply provided more of the same. In fact relistening to both albums – you’re reminded of how extraordinarily productive those halcyon years were – and a lot of it down to ISAAC HAYES and DAVID PORTER - Stax's brilliant inhouse songwriting team. Highlights include the wonderful mid-tempo "If You've Got The Loving (I've Got The Time)" with Steve Cropper putting in great guitar licks and feel - while I will always associate the belting "I Take What I Want" (lyrics above) with Rory Gallagher who did a blistering rock-funk version of it on his 1975 album "Against The Grain" (it was a stable at the famed "Grove" venue in Dublin throughout the Seventies). The anthemic "When Something Is Wrong With My Baby" still has the power to move a body and soul alike - and is Southern Soul at its very best. Sam Cooke's "Soothe Me", the Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham classic "I'm Your Puppet" and the Hayes/Porter finisher "Use Me" – it's an embarrassment of riches.

To sum up - presented well, sounding spiffing and cheaper than a wet trout slapped across your kisser – this is a huge amount of top Sixties Stax Soul for peanuts money.

So, so good – and thoroughly recommended.

"BeAltitude: Respect Yourself" by THE STAPLE SINGERS. A Review Of The 1972 Stax LP Now Reissued On A 2011 CD Remaster With Bonus Tracks.

"...It's A Brand New Day..."

In 2004 the Fantasy Group acquired the entire Stax catalogue and its precious original mastertapes and through their 'Concord Music Group, Inc' Division they've begun to drip-feed CD reissues for the famous American Soul label out into a hungry marketplace. Every title features brand-new 24-bit remasters, bonus tracks, updated booklets and each mid-priced CD carries the generic logo "Stax Remasters" on their spine to differentiate them from previous issues.

Released May 2011 - Concord Music Group, Inc 0888072328761 (Barcode 888072328761) breaks down as follows (49:38 minutes):

1. This World
2. Respect Yourself
3. Name The Missing Word
4. I'll Take You There
5. This Old Town (People In This Town)
6. We The People
7. Are You Sure
8. Who Do You Think You Are (Jesus Christ The Superstar)
9. I'm Just Another Soldier
10. Who
Tracks 1 to 10 are the album "BeAltitude: Respect Yourself" released March 1972 in the USA on Stax STS-3002 and April 1972 in the UK on Stax Super 2325 069

Tracks 11 and 12 are "Walking In Water Over Our Head" and "Heavy Makes You Happy (Alternate)" - both are PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED

The new 12-page booklet has very knowledgeable and affectionate liner notes by ROB BOWMAN (author of "Soulsville U.S.A. - The Story Of Stax Records"). You get the original artwork and production credits also and there's a collage of 3 photos on the inlay beneath the see-through tray and the disc itself pictures the group too. But it's a shame the booklet goes no further - there's no new photos, none of those magical Stax sevens pictured nor any memorabilia. It makes the inlay feel workmanlike at best - even a little dull - when it should have spread its wings a little. But the big news is the SOUND...

24-bit remastered from the first generation tapes by JOE TARANTINO at Joe Tarantino Mastering in Berkeley, California - the audio quality is truly GORGEOUS. Having had previous versions of this great Soul album on CD from the mid 1990's - the sound was good rather than great - hissy in places too. That's all gone - and it's not loud for loudness sake either - but clear and warm and full of presence. The bass is beautiful as is the rhythm section - and the powerhouse vocals of Mavis Staples now take centre stage in a way they've never done before. "Respect Yourself" and "I'll Take You There" are so common to our ears that it comes as a genuine shock to hear them sound this good. The other single off the album "This World" is so clear and muscular too (lyrics above). A fantastic job done.

The bonus tracks are way better than I had expected - the 'Alternate' version of Jeff Barry and Bobby Bloom's "Heavy Makes You Happy" was recorded August 1970 at their first session in the Muscle Shoals Studios and sounds like a live rehearsal - it's excellent. You can clearly hear EDDIE HINTON on Guitar and BARRY BECKETT on Keyboards and the end of the song hears them ad-lib for a full minute longer than the finished single did. But then we get the real deal - an outtake that could easily have been an album track. Recorded in Muscle Shoals in October 1972 and written by PHILLIP MITCHELL, TERRY WOODFORD and OSCAR FRANCK - it features the other in-house band members for the album DAVID HOOD on Bass and ROGER HAWKINS on Drums and it's a winner. "Walking In Water Over Our Head" is a fully finished upbeat song that could easily have been recorded yesterday. Genuinely - after all these years - to hear any new material by The Staples Singers from that stunningly creative period is an out-and-out blast.

To sum up - as a voracious lover of the Stax label these reissues are incredibly exciting to me. And as for The Staple Singers - "BeAltitude: Respect Yourself" only grows as the years pass - and now with this great new sound quality - needs to be in your home and stereo right quick...

PS: "STAX REMASTERS" Series to 2014 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 (1975)
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. BeAltitude: Respect Yourself - THE STAPLE SINGERS (1972)
8. Taylored In Silk - JOHNNIE TAYLOR (1973)
9. Do The Funky Chicken - RUFUS THOMAS (1970)

“Black & Blue” by LITTLE SONNY. A Review Of His Rare 1972 Album On The Stax Affiliate Label “Enterprise” Now Reissued And Remastered Onto CD In 1992.

"…I’m Goin’ Home…Where Women Got Some Meat On Their Bones…"

Little Sonny (real name Aaron Willis) is an Alabama born blues harmonica player not surprisingly often confused with Sonny Boy Williamson (the Chess Records harmonica player) because of his chosen instrument and his nickname. Little Sonny is less well known than his more famous mentor from Tennessee, but nonetheless produced some great records that deserve your attention – especially if you like your Blues with a Funky feel.

Just approaching his Forties, Willis started a trio of albums for Stax and its subsidiary label Enterprise in the early Seventies. “New King Of Blues Harmonica” came first in 1970 with “Hard Goin’ Up” being number three in 1973 (it charted Stateside). “Black & Blue” is the one in the middle – released in 1972 on Enterprise ENS 1018 in the USA – and then remastered and reissued onto this now rare US-only CD in 1992.

His backup band for the album was TOMMY WILLIAMS on Tenor And Baritone Saxophones, RON GORDEN on Organ, BOBBY MANUEL and EDDIE WALLIS on Guitars with WILLIAM HALL on Drums. The Horns were arranged and played by THE BAR-KAYS and production handled by ZORN PRODUCTIONS and AL BELL (Tracks 3, 4, 7 and 9). The tapes were remastered by PHIL DE LANCIE at the Fantasy Studios in the USA and the sound quality is great – full, clear and with muscle where it’s needed. There’s no compression and virtually no hiss.

Stax SCD-8575-2 breaks down as follows (37:35 minutes):

Side 1:
1. Hung Up [Little Sonny writer]
2. Sonny's Fever (Instrumental) [Little Sonny writer]
3. You Got A Good Thing [Bettye Crutcher/Bobby Manuel writers]
4. A Woman Named Trouble [Bettye Crutcher/Bobby Manuel writers]
5. Honest I Do [Jimmy Reed cover]
6. Wade In The Water (Instrumental) [Traditional Song cover]
Side 2:
1. Paying Through The Nose [Bettye Crutcher/Bobby Manuel writers]
2. Memphis B-K (Instrumental) [Little Sonny writer]
3. Where Women Got Meat On Their Bones [Bettye Crutcher/Bobby Manuel writers]
4. I Found Love [Arzel Hill writer]
5. They Want Money [Little Sonny writer]

Musically “Black & Blue” in the vein of Albert King blues except that a harmonica and brass are to the fore rather than a guitar – and more Funk-Soul than Blues. Gems include the funky and irresistible opener “Hung Up” and the ABC-Dunhill Bobby Bland 1970-‘s feel of “You Got A Good Thing” which was issued as a 45 on Enterprise ENA-9034 in 1971 in the States with “A Woman Named Trouble” as its B-side.

As you can see from the track list above, there are 3 instrumentals – each of them has been huge on the dancefloor circuit of the UK. “Wade In The Water” is faster and funkier than the Ramsey Lewis Trio and Marlena Shaw versions of 1966 and not surprisingly has become a Mod favourite – turning up on those cool Ace/Kent CD compilations and BGP LP releases (Beats Goes Public). The hand-clapping harmonica funk of “Memphis B-K” has graced Luv N’ Haight compilations – a sure sign of quality – and on top of all this is one of the great unsung lady-heroes of Soul and Funk – BETTYE CRUTCHER – whose song-writing has made many a Stax platter shine with wit and talent (the lyrics to “Where Women Got Meat On Their Bones” title this review).

So there you have it, a cool little album that’s short but oh so sweet. And although it’s rare and may cost – it’s absolutely worth you seeking out – especially given the quality of the tunes and the fab remastered sound…