"I'm In Love/The Midnight Mover" by WILSON PICKETT (November 2016 UK Edsel Compilation - 2LPs Remastered Onto 1CD - Vol. 3 of 5 Releases In A Series) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"...Midnight Mover..."

England's Edsel Records are no strangers to Soul-reissues. Across the decades they've touched on major retrospectives for Philadelphia International (O'Jays, Billy Paul, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes), Holland-Dozier-Holland's HDH Label and Invictus Records (Chairmen Of The Board, Freda Payne and The Glass House) as well as anthologies for Ann Peebles, The Chi-Lites and Al Green covering their Hi Records label output.

For 2016 - our Demon Group heroes are tackling the whole of Wilson Pickett's ten-album stay between 1964 and 1972 at the legendary Atlantic Records. This third of five '2on1' sets issued 26 November 2016 in the UK (see full list below) deals with his fifth and sixth LPs from the tail ends of 1968 (no bonus tracks).

Across these five digipak-releases (three come with extras – the 1st, 4th and 5th) - you also get exclusive single mixes and many unreleased tracks formerly only available on 2009's "Funky Midnight Mover..." – a 6CD mail-order set from Rhino Handmade – an item that is now long deleted and extremely pricey into the bargain. The booklets also feature new liner notes from noted Soul writer and uber-fan Tony Rounce.

Here are the details for Alabama's finest Midnight Mover...

UK released 26 November 2016 (2 December 2016 in the USA) – "I'm In Love/The Midnight Mover" by WILSON PICKETT on Edsel EDSA 3061 (Barcode 740155506131) offers 2LPs Remastered onto 1CD (no bonus tracks) and plays out as follows (53:10 minutes):

1. Jealous Love

2. Stagger Lee

3. That Kind Of Love

4. I'm In Love

5. Hello Sunshine

6. Don't Cry No More [Side 2]

7. We've Got To Have Love

8. Bring It On Home To Me

9. She's Lookin' Good

10. I've Come A Long Way

Tracks 1 to 10 are his 5th studio album "I'm In Love" - released February 1968 in the USA on Atlantic SD 8175 (Stereo Only) and April 1968 in the UK on Atlantic 587 107 (Mono) and 588 107 (Stereo). The Stereo mix is used.

11. I'm A Midnight Mover

12. It's A Groove

13. Remember, I Been Good To You

14. I'm Gonna Cry

15. Deborah

16. I Found A True Love [Side 2]

17. Down By The Sea

18. Trust Me

19. Let's Get An Understanding

20. For Better Or Worse

Tracks 11 to 20 are his sixth studio album "The Midnight Mover" - released July 1968 in the USA on Atlantic 8183 (Mono) and Atlantic SD 8183 (Stereo) and September 1968 in the UK on Atlantic 587 111 (Mono) and 588 111 (Stereo). The Stereo mix is used.

Each of these five card digipaks is a gatefold with Volume 3 sporting a comprehensive 16-page booklet in the left flap with new liner notes from legendary Soul writer TONY ROUNCE – a man whose name has graced literally hundreds of quality CD reissues. He goes into all the chart statistics for late 1966 into 1967 where Pickett was coming off a run of three US R&B No. 1 singles and couldn't put a foot wrong. They even reproduce Jon Landau and Wendall John's original liner notes for both LPs - but I'd have to say though that the inner flap and the space beneath the see-through CD tray being 'blank' and the nondescript colouring of the CD itself let the visual side down somewhat (could have been filled out with pictures and black/red label memorabilia) and the lack of bonus cuts may irk some buyers (don't let that put you off).

But like Volumes 1 and 2 covering his first four albums - the kicking music on offer here doesn't let anyone down - it really doesn't. If anything I feel that both LPs are sort of lost Soul nuggets - overshadowed by the more hit-laden earlier LPs. Mastered by PHIL KINRADE – the tracks are licensed from Warners and are therefore the 1995 Rhino versions of old – full and punchy Bill Inglot and Dan Hersch CD Remasters from original tapes.

Pickett has scored his fourth No. 1 R&B single in August 1967 with the brilliant "Funky Broadway" – so come December 1967 (two months before the album arrived in February 1968) – his American public was hungry for more. And man did they get a winner in the song "I'm In Love". As I’ve said on the first two issues in this Edsel CD series – one of Wilson Pickett's secret weapons was the songwriting talent of BOBBY WOMACK – a stunning writer with an almost identikit voice. Womack not only penned the funky opener "Jealous Love" and the equally Soulful 'looky-here' bopper "We've Got To Have Love" (a co-write with Pickett) - he also put up two utterly gorgeous ballads for the LP - the sensual closer "I've Come A Long Way" and the LP's title track - "I'm In Love".

Atlantic must have known the second they heard "I'm In Love" that they should lead off the LP's assault on the charts with a slow love song instead of the usual dancer. "I'm In Love" proved them right - peaking at No. 4 in December 1967 on Atlantic 45-2448. In fact its Lloyd Price cover version flipside "Stag-O-Lee" even had a chart shelf life of its own - hitting No. 13 all by itself. When the LP did hit records stores in February - Atlantic unwisely tried "Jealous Love" as the next single in the same month - but its good-rather-than-great groove peaked at No. 18 (Atlantic 45-2484 with "I've Come A Long Way" as its B-side). Far better is the stunning and sexy Boogaloo of "She's Looking Good" which made No. 7 in April 1968 (Atlantic 45-2504) - a slice of Blue Brothers 60ts Funky Soul - the kind of hooky dancer that would raise the dead (and they'd be glad of it). Although it's very hissy (like so many of the recordings) - Bobby Womack's "I've Come A Long Way" is my kind of Southern Soul joy - a truly beautiful ballad and surely one of the highlights in two very strong LP sets.

LP number two opens with a barnstormer - "I'm A Midnight Mover" - another dancer from Womack and Pickett. Released June 1968 ahead of the LP - Atlantic 45-2528 peaked at a very healthy No. 6 (the album cut "Deborah" was its flipside). Womack also contributed the slow and 'way down low' "It's A Groove" - a co-write with his wife Linda. There's a Sam Cooke warmth to "Remember, I Been Good To You" where our Wilson worries that his lady has done found herself someone else. "I'm Gonna Cry" is a co-write with another Soul Hero - Don Covay. In October 1968 Atlantic tried the warbling guitar and brass Funk of "I Found A True Love" as the next single - a great little dancer - Atlantic 45-2558 made No. 11 on the US R&B charts (the album cut "For Better Or Worse" was the B-side). Pickett's own "Down By The Sea" is the kind of Soulful groove Gary U.S. Bonds would have chewed in the 80ts when he was collaborating with Bruce Springsteen on the "Dedication" and "On The Line" LPs. Even prettier is Bobby Womack's "Trust Me" - the kind of mid-tempo torch-ballad that allowed Wilson to show off those 'older the grape...sweeter the wine' set of pipes. The final track "For Better Or Worse" sounds like Mono as he growls through that too...

There are other ways to get this music I know (and cheaper). I reviewed the August 2010 "Original Album Series" 5CD Mini Box Set for instance which is available for a ten spot (it has only "I'm In Love") - but I prefer the better presentation and the ever so slightly uplifted audio in evidence here. And in truth - even though there are no bonus tracks - both of these albums are killer enough for any man.

"...Y'all feelin' good right now..." - Pickett roars on the chugging "Let's Get An Understanding" before his band wigs out on a Psychedelic Soul groove. Amen to that baby. Dig in and enjoy...

Titles in this 26 Nov 2016 Edsel CD Reissue Series for WILSON PICKETT

1. In The Midnight Hour/The Exciting Midnight Mover

(1966 and 1967 Stereo 1st and 2nd LPs plus Three Bonus Tracks

Edsel EDSA 3059 - Barcode 740155505936)

2. The Wicked Pickett/The Sound Of Wilson Pickett

(1966 and 1967 Stereo/Mono 3rd and 4th LPs – no bonus tracks

Edsel EDSA 3060 - Barcode 740155506032)

3. I'm In Love/The Midnight Mover

(1968 for both his 5th and 6th LPs – no bonus tracks

Edsel EDSA 3061 - Barcode 740155506131)

4. Hey Jude/Right On

(1969 and 1970 Stereo 7th & 8th LPs with Three Bonus Tracks

Edsel EDSA 3062 - Barcode 740155506230)

5. In Philadelphia/Don't Knock My Love

(1970 and 1972 9th & 10th Stereo LPs with Seventeen Bonus Tracks

Edsel EDSK 7112 - Barcode 740155711238)

Edsel have also touched on PERCY SLEDGE in this series and his stay at Atlantic Records (three digipak CD reissues):

1. When A Man Loves A Woman/Warm & Tender Soul

(1966 and 1967 Stereo 1st & 2nd LPs plus Four Bonus Tracks

Edsel EDSA 3063 - Barcode 740155506339)

2. The Percy Sledge Way/Take Time To Know Her

(1967 and 1968 Stereo 3rd & 4th LPs with Eight Bonus Tracks

Edsel EDSK 7116 - Barcode 740155711634)

3. My Special Prayer/Singles And Rarities

(1970 fifth and final Atlantic LP - along with a compilation of 27 Bonus Tracks

Edsel EDSK 7113 - Barcode 740155711337)

"The Wicked Pickett/The Sound Of Wilson Pickett" by WILSON PICKETT (2016 Edsel CD Remasters, Vol. 2 of 5) - A Review by Mark Barry...

This Review Along With 100s Of Others Is Available in my

SOUNDS GOOD E-Book on all Amazon sites

SOUL, FUNK and JAZZ FUSION On CD - Exception Remasters  

Just Click Below To Purchase for £3.95

Thousands of E-Pages - All Details and In-depth Reviews From Discs 

"...Mustang Sally..." 

England's Edsel Records are no strangers to Soul-reissues. Across the decades they've touched on major retrospectives for Philadelphia International (O'Jays, Billy Paul, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes), Holland-Dozier-Holland's HDH Label and Invictus Records (Chairmen Of The Board, Freda Payne and The Glass House) as well as anthologies for Ann Peebles, The Chi-Lites and Al Green covering their Hi Records label output.

For 2016 - our Demon Group heroes are tackling the whole of Wilson Pickett's ten-album stay between 1964 and 1972 at the legendary Atlantic Records. This second of five '2 on 1' sets issued 26 November 2016 in the UK (see full list below) deals with his third and fourth LPs from the tail-ends of 1967 (no bonus tracks).

Across these five digipak-releases (three come with extras - the 1st, 4th and 5th) - you also get exclusive single mixes and many unreleased tracks formerly only available on 2009's "Funky Midnight Mover..." – a 6CD mail-order set from Rhino Handmade – an item that is now long deleted and extremely pricey into the bargain. The booklets also feature new liner notes from noted Soul writer and uber-fan Tony Rounce. 

Here are the details for Alabama's finest Midnight Mover...

UK released 26 November 2016 (2 December 2016 in the USA) – "The Wicked Pickett/The Sound Of Wilson Pickett" by WILSON PICKETT on Edsel EDSA 3060 (Barcode 740155506032) offers 2LPs Remastered onto 1CD (no bonus tracks) and plays out as follows (61:11 minutes):

1. Mustang Sally

2. New Orleans

3. Sunny

4. Everybody Needs Somebody To Love

5. Ooh Poo Pah Doo

6. She Ain't Gonna Do Right

7. Knock On Wood [Side 2]

8. Time Is On My Side

9. Up Tight Good Woman

10. You Left The Water Running

11. Three Time Loser

12. Nothing You Can Do

Tracks 1 to 12 are his 3rd album "The Wicked Pickett" - released January 1967 in the USA on Atlantic 8138 (Mono) and Atlantic SD 8138 (Stereo). It was released February 1967 in the UK on Atlantic 587 057 (Mono) and 588 057 (Stereo). The MONO mix is used.

13. Soul Dance Number Three

14. Funky Broadway

15. I Need A Lot Of Loving Every Day

16. I Found A Love, Part I

17. I Found A Love, Part II

18. You Can't Stand Alone

19. Mojo Mamma [Side 2]

20. I Found The One

21. Something Within Me

22. I'm Sorry About That

23. Love Is A Beautiful Thing

Tracks 13 to 23 are his 4th album "The Sound Of Wilson Pickett" - released August 1967 in the USA on Atlantic 8145 (Mono) and Atlantic SD 8145 (Stereo) and in the UK on Atlantic 587 080 (Mono) and 588 080 (Stereo). The Stereo mix is used.

Each of these five card digipaks is a gatefold with Volume 2 sporting a comprehensive 16-page booklet in the left flap with new liner notes from legendary Soul writer TONY ROUNCE – a man whose name has graced literally hundreds of quality CD reissues. He goes into all the chart statistics for late 1966 into 1967 where Pickett was coming off a run of three US R&B No. 1 singles and couldn't put a foot wrong. I'd have to say though that the inner flap and the space beneath the see-through CD tray being 'blank' and the nondescript colouring of the CD itself let the visual side down somewhat (could have been filled out with pictures and black/red label memorabilia) and the lack of bonus cuts may irk some buyers.

But like Volume 1 covering 1965 and 1966 - the kicking music on offer here doesn't let anyone down. Mastered by PHIL KINRADE – the tracks are licensed from Warners and are therefore the 1995 Rhino versions of old – full and punchy Bill Inglot and Dan Hersch Remasters from original tapes.

How can you not think of the 1991 film "The Commitments" every time you hear the stunning "Mustang Sally" – a 1965 signifying-dancer that just wants to ride sally ride ("Three Time Loser" was the flipside). Even now it's hard to understand why it didn't give him his fourth US R&B No. 1 – instead peaking at No. 6 on Atlantic 45-2365 in December 1966. At least it received the Grammy Hall Of Fame Award in 2000. The album followed on from the winning single in January 1967 and the hey-hey-hey shimmy-shimmy beat of MS continues with the fantastic "New Orleans". Atlantic then tried the Solomon Burke smoocher "Everybody Needs Somebody To Love" b/w "Nothing You Can Do" as his next 7” single - Atlantic 45-2381 making a respectable No. 19 in February 1967. Secret weapons for the LP came in the shape of songwriter DAN PENN who along with Fame Studio's Rick Hall and others penned "She Ain't Gonna Do It Right", "Up Tight Good Woman" and "You Left The Water Running" – the kind of brass/organ driven Southern Soul that sends so many collectors into frenzies of arm-hugging – especially on the Northern Soul circuits.

Album No. 2 opens with a total winner – the shing-a-ling with your miniskirts of "Soul Dance Number Three". Gerry Wexler wrote this wicked irresistible groove providing Pickett with a No. 10 on the R&B charts in July 1967 (Atlantic 45-2412) while its equally cool flipside "You Can't Stand Alone" charted at No. 26 on its own merit. The label had tried the two-parts of "I Found A Love" on Atlantic 45-2394 - and despite saturation Wilson Pickett product it too peaked high - No. 6 in April 1967. Consolidating his by now superstar-status - "Funky Broadway" did the magic again in August 1967 when Atlantic 45-2430 went to No. 1 R&B (his fourth in two years).

Part of a reissue like this is the undiscovered LP cuts that never get the attention they deserve - in the case of the forgotten album "The Sound Of..." it's three from the fabulous pen of Bobby Womack. Womack was a writer and singer with a similar growl and gravel voice - but more than that he seemed tailor-made for Pickett's song needs. Womack contributed a trio of genuine Soul gems - the majestic torch-ballad "I Found The One"  followed quickly by another slow and Bluesy tune "Something Within Me" (check out that Chips Moman lead guitar) and finally the 'I done you wrong' song "I'm Sorry About That".

There are other ways to get this music I know (and cheaper). I reviewed the August 2010 "Original Album Series" 5CD Mini Box Set for instance which is available for a ten spot - but I prefer the better presentation and the ever so slightly uplifted audio in evidence here. And in truth - even though there are no bonus tracks - both of these albums are killer enough for any man.

"...This love's got a hold on me...Lord have mercy..." - Pickett sings on the wonderful "Something Within Me". Amen to that baby. Dig in and enjoy...

Titles in the 26 Nov 2016 Edsel CD Reissue Series for WILSON PICKETT are:

1. In The Midnight Hour/The Exciting Midnight Mover

(1966 and 1967 Stereo 1st and 2nd LPs plus Three Bonus Tracks

Edsel EDSA 3059 - Barcode 740155505936)

2. The Wicked Pickett/The Sound Of Wilson Pickett

(1966 and 1967 Stereo/Mono 3rd and 4th LPs – no bonus tracks

Edsel EDSA 3060 - Barcode 740155506032)

3. I’m In Love/The Midnight Mover

(1968 for both his 5th and 6th LPs – no bonus tracks

Edsel EDSA 3061 - Barcode 740155506131)

4. Hey Jude/Right On

(1969 and 1970 Stereo 7th & 8th LPs with Three Bonus Tracks

Edsel EDSA 3062 - Barcode 740155506230)

5. In Philadelphia/Don’t Knock My Love

(1970 and 1972 9th & 10th Stereo LPs with Seventeen Bonus Tracks

Edsel EDSK 7112 - Barcode 740155711238)

Edsel have also touched on PERCY SLEDGE in this series and his stay at Atlantic Records (three digipak CD reissues):

1. When A Man Loves A Woman/Warm & Tender Soul

(1966 and 1967 Stereo 1st & 2nd LPs plus Four Bonus Tracks

Edsel EDSA 3063 - Barcode 740155506339)

2. The Percy Sledge Way/Take Time To Know Her

(1967 and 1968 Stereo 3rd & 4th LPs with Eight Bonus Tracks

Edsel EDSK 7116 - Barcode 740155711634)

3. My Special Prayer/Singles And Rarities

(1970 fifth and final Atlantic LP - along with a compilation of 27 Bonus Tracks
Edsel EDSK 7113 - Barcode 740155711337)

"Original Album Series" by WILSON PICKETT (2010 Atlantic/Rhino 5CD Mini Box Set Of Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

This Review Along With 100s Of Others Is Available 

In My SOUNDS GOOD E-Book on Amazon

SOUL, FUNK and JAZZ FUSION On CD - Exception Remasters  

Just Click Below To Purchase for £3.95

Thousands of E-Pages - All Details From Discs 

"…Lord Have Mercy!" 

A brilliant set in the ongoing "Original Album Series" - but this WILSON PICKETT set is not without its problems. Here are the uptight and outta sight details...

UK released August 2010 - "Original Album Series" by WILSON PICKETT on Atlantic/Rhino 8122 79837 7 (Barcode 081227983772) is a 5CD Mini Box Set of 1995 Rhino Remasters in Stereo and Mono and play out as follows:

Disc 1 (30:31 minutes):

1. In The Midnight Hour

2. Teardrops Will Fall

3. Take A Little Love

4. For Better Or Worse

5. I Found A Love

6. That's A Man's Way

7. I'm Gonna Cry [Side 2]

8. Don't Fight It

9. Take This Love I've Got

10. Come Home Baby

11. I'm Not Tired

12. Let's Kiss And Make Up

Tracks 1 to 12 are his debut album "In The Midnight Hour" - released October 1965 in the USA on Atlantic 8144 (Mono) and Atlantic SD 8144 (Stereo). It was issued December 1965 in the UK on Atlantic ATL 5037 in Mono only. The Stereo mix is used on the CD.

Disc 2 (30:41 minutes):

1. Land Of 1000 Dances

2. Something You Got

3. 634-5789

4. Barefootin'

5. Mercy, Mercy

6. You're So Fine

7. In The Midnight Hour [Side 2]

8. Ninety-Nine And A Half (Won't Do)

9. Danger Zone

10. I'm Drifting

11. It's All Over

12. She's So Good To Me

Tracks 1 to 12 are his 2nd album "The Exciting Wilson Pickett" - released August 1966 in the USA on Atlantic 8129 (Mono) and Atlantic SD 9129 (Stereo). It was released September 1966 in the UK on Atlantic 587 029 (Mono) and 588 029 (Stereo). The Stereo mix is used.

Disc 3 (30:43 minutes):

1. Mustang Sally

2. New Orleans

3. Sunny

4. Everybody Needs Somebody To Love

5. Ooh Poo Pah Doo

6. She Ain't Gonna Do Right

7. Knock On Wood [Side 2]

8. Time Is On My Side

9. Up Tight Good Woman

10. You Left The Water Running

11. Three Time Loser

12. Nothing You Can Do

Tracks 1 to 12 are his 3rd album "The Wicked Pickett" - released January 1967 in the USA on Atlantic 8138 (Mono) and Atlantic SD 8138 (Stereo). It was released February 1967 in the UK on Atlantic 587 057 (Mono) and 588 057 (Stereo). The MONO mix is used.

Disc 4 (29:48 minutes):

1. Soul Dance Number Three

2. Funky Broadway

3. I Need A Lot Of Loving Every Day

4. I Found A Love, Part I

5. I Found A Love, Part II

6. You Can't Stand Alone

7. Mojo Mamma [Side 2]

8. I Found The One

9. Something Within Me

10. I'm Sorry About That

11. Love Is A Beautiful Thing

Tracks 1 to 11 are his 4th album "The Sound Of Wilson Pickett" - released August 1967 in the USA on Atlantic 8145 (Mono) and Atlantic SD 8145 (Stereo) and in the UK on Atlantic 587 080 (Mono) and 588 080 (Stereo). The Stereo mix is used.

Disc 5 (25:44 minutes):

1. Jealous Love

2. Stagger Lee

3. That Kind Of Love

4. I'm In Love

5. Hello Sunshine

6. Don't Cry No More [Side 2]

7. We've Got To Have Love

8. Bring It On Home To Me

9. She's Lookin' Good

10. I've Come A Long Way

Tracks 1 to 10 are his 5th album "I'm In Love" - released February 1968 in the USA on Atlantic SD 8175 (Stereo Only) and April 1968 in the UK on Atlantic 587 107 (Mono) and 588 107 (Stereo). The Stereo mix is used.

There's no booklet with these card slipcases - but the front and rear artwork for each card sleeve uses the gorgeous American LPs - and what a treat they are to look at too. These are straightforward transfers of the original albums minus any bonus tracks (the "In The Midnight Hour" song gets repeated across two of the discs). Sonically each CD is the 1995 Rhino remasters - but for some reason they've used the Mono Mix (and cover art) for "The Wicked Pickett" album - and man do you notice the downgrade in sound when you play it. Pickett albums were always recorded rough (all feel and no finesse) - but when you go to "The Sound Of" album (Disc 4) and the Stereo returns - it's like audio chalk and cheese. But don't let this put you off - these albums are so crammed with storming Sixties Soul and Funk - it's just not true and you want them in your life. To the music...

Apart from his own great originals (9 of the 12 on his debut had his hand in them) - Pickett smartly uses the similar voice and genius songwriting talent of Bobby Womack, Don Covay and Booker T's guitar wizard Steve Cropper. Throw in an Eddie Floyd song here and a King Curtis tune there - and you get album after album of winners. But of course the best part of listening to these discs is getting away from the overplayed (but still classic) "Mustang Sally", "Land Of 1000 Dances" and "In The Midnight Hour" and digging those album treasures.

Songs like Bobby Womack's truly gorgeous torch song "I'm In Love", the storming funk of "Mojo Mama" by Jerry Wexler and Bert Barns and the blaster "She's Lookin' Good" which feels like Ike & Tina Turner in your living room with The Ikettes shimmying over by the curtains in a salacious way.

Something seemed to happen to our hero after "The Wicked" album because his next two LPs (and the final two in this set) are absolute barnstormers in every sense. When you come off the rough MONO of "Wicked Pickett" and play "Soul Dance Number Three" from the STEREO LP "The Sound Of Wilson Pickett" - the audio is shockingly better - full of power and clarity. "Soul Dance Number Three (a stunning funky Pickett original) is followed by the equally kicking "Funky Broadway". The two parts of "I Found A Love" (the A&B-side of a single) are mid-tempo but just so damn good - a great groove they let run. The Bobby Womack ballad "I've Come A Long Way" is another tearjerker masterpiece.

At just over a ten-spot (two quid per album) - "Original Album Series" by Wilson Pickett is a whole lotta Soul that will make your church-going granny's knees knobble and generally mess with her other bodily extremities. Indeed Wilson Pickett was (and still is) wicked...

PS: Also check out Edsel's superb 5 Volume Series - all of his albums from 1965 to 1972 in five separate digipaks with bonus tracks on three and new Tony Rounce liner notes on all...

-->

"In The Midnight Hour/The Exciting Wilson Pickett" by WILSON PICKETT (2016 Edsel CD Remasters - Volume 1 of 5) - A Review by Mark Barry...

This Review Along With 100s Of Others Is Available in my

SOUNDS GOOD E-Book on all Amazon sites

SOUL, FUNK and JAZZ FUSION On CD - Exception Remasters  

Just Click Below To Purchase for £3.95

Thousands of E-Pages - All Details and In-depth Reviews From Discs 

"...Land Of 1000 Dances..." 

England's Edsel Records are no strangers to Soul-reissues. Across the decades they've touched on major retrospectives for Philadelphia International (O'Jays, Billy Paul, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes), Holland-Dozier-Holland's HDH Label and Invictus Records (Chairmen Of The Board, Freda Payne and The Glass House) as well as anthologies for Ann Peebles, The Chi-Lites and Al Green covering their Hi Records label output.

For 2016 - our Demon Group heroes are tackling the whole of Wilson Pickett's ten-album stay between 1964 and 1972 at the legendary Atlantic Records. This first of five '2on1' sets issued 26 November 2016 in the UK (see full list below) deals with his debut and follow up LPs from 1965 and 1966 – supplementing those two incendiary platters with three relevant bonus tracks to the time period.

Across these five digipak-releases (three come with extras) - you also get exclusive single mixes and many unreleased tracks formerly only available on 2009's "Funky Midnight Mover..." – a 6CD mail-order set from Rhino Handmade – an item that is now long deleted and extremely pricey into the bargain. The booklets also feature new liner notes from noted Soul writer and uber-fan Tony Rounce. Here are the details for Alabama's finest Midnight Mover...

UK released 26 November 2016 (2 December 2016 in the USA) – "In The Midnight Hour/The Exciting Wilson Pickett" by WILSON PICKETT on Edsel EDSA 3059 (Barcode 740155505936) offers 2LPs Remastered onto 1CD with 3 Bonus Tracks and plays out as follows (68:03 minutes):

1. In The Midnight Hour

2. Teardrops Will Fall

3. Take A Little Love

4. For Better Or Worse

5. I Found A Love

6. That's A Man's Way

7. I'm Gonna Cry [Side 2]

8. Don't Fight It

9. Take This Love I've Got

10. Come Home Baby

11. I'm Not Tired

12. Let's Kiss And Make Up

Tracks 1 to 12 are his debut album "In The Midnight Hour" - released October 1965 in the USA on Atlantic 8144 (Mono) and Atlantic SD 8144 (Stereo). It was issued December 1965 in the UK on Atlantic ATL 5037 in Mono only. The Mono mix is used on this CD – a Rhino Remaster.

13. Land Of 1000 Dances

14. Something You Got

15. 634-5789

16. Barefootin'

17. Mercy, Mercy

18. You're So Fine

In The Midnight Hour [Side 2] * See NOTES

19. Ninety-Nine And A Half (Won't Do)

20. Danger Zone

21. I'm Drifting

22. It's All Over

23. She's So Good To Me

Tracks 13 to 13 (and Track 1) are his 2nd album "The Exciting Wilson Pickett" - released August 1966 in the USA on Atlantic 8129 (Mono) and Atlantic SD 9129 (Stereo). It was released September 1966 in the UK on Atlantic 587 029 (Mono) and 588 029 (Stereo). The Mono mix is used and is the 1995 Rhino Remaster.

NOTES: the song "In The Midnight Hour" was repeated on the second LP opening Side 2 of "The Exciting Wilson Pickett". If you want to sequence the US and UK LP proper – use Tracks 13 to 18 for Side 1 with Tracks 1 and 19 to 23 to make up Side 2.

BONUS TRACKS:

24. Don't Fight It (Single Edit) – October 1965 US 7" single on Atlantic 45-2306, A-side

25. If You Need Me (Live)

26. I'm Gonna Cry (Live) – Tracks 25 and 26 from the 1965 US Various Artists LP "Saturday Night At The Uptown" on Atlantic 8101
Track 24 is Mono, Tracks 25 and 26 are Stereo

Each of these five card digipaks is a gatefold with Volume 1 sporting a comprehensive 16-page booklet in the left flap with new liner notes from legendary Soul writer TONY ROUNCE – a man whose name has graced literally hundreds of quality CD reissues. He goes into all the chart statistics for 1965 and 1966 where he notes 'Pickett couldn't put a foot wrong' and the string of No. 1 US R&B hits prove it. I'd have to say though that the inner flap and the space beneath the see-through CD tray being 'blank' and the nondescript colouring of the CD itself let the visual side down somewhat (could have been filled out with pictures and black/red label memorabilia).

But the kicking music doesn't let anyone down. Mastered by PHIL KINRADE – the tracks are licensed from Warners and are therefore the 1995 Rhino Remasters of old – full and punchy Bill Inglot and Dan Hersch Remasters from original tapes.

His debut LP "In The Midnight Hour" is chock-full of singles and their equally cool flipsides. Winners include June 1965's classic floor-filler "In The Midnight Hour" b/w "I'm Not Tired" on Atlantic 45-2289 (his first R&B No. 1) – November 1965's "Don't Fight It" b/w "It's All Over" on Atlantic 45-2306 (R&B No. 4) and February 1966's "634-5789 (Soulsville, U.S.A.)" b/w "That's A Man's Way" on Atlantic 45-2320 (his second R&B No. 1). Before that trio struck gold - Atlantic Records had tried "I'm Gonna Cry" b/w "For Better Or Worse" in June 1964 on Atlantic 45-2233 – following that in January 1965 with "Come Home Baby" b/w "Take A Little Love" on Atlantic 45-2271 – but neither took.

After "In The Midnight Hour" (the third single around the LP) slaughtered all in its path – Pickett's high octane strident Soul mirrored his nickname 'wicked' – and almost everything he released was met with excitement second only to Otis Redding and Solomon Burke – the two other great shouters on Atlantic's classy books. The huge bass and drum opening to "Ninety Nine And A Half (Won't Do)" led the assault for the second LP in early May 1966 - Atlantic 45-2334 stalling at No. 13 with the album cut "Danger Zone" as its B-side. Perhaps it was the slower slinky groove in "Ninety Nine..." that saw it not puncture the Top 10 - no such worries for the album's other monster "Land Of 1000 Dances". Released only weeks later in July 1966 and backed with his cover of the 1959 Falcons ballad "You're So Fine" - Atlantic 45-2348 quickly made mincemeat of the charts and raced to No. 1 - his third chart topper.

Part of a reissue like this is the undiscovered LP cuts that never get the attention they deserve - "It's All Over" was penned by Picket with his pal Steve Cropper - the guitarist in Booker T & The MG's. Everything about it rocks - the slow Soulful groove - the piano playing and Pickett's distinctive growl given full reign as he pleads with the listener to feel his pain. And not for the first time will he reach to Bobby Womack for a stone-cold killer like "She's So Good To Me" (he penned "Midnight Mover" on the next twofer). It's interesting also to note the subtle differences between the LP and edit of "Don't Fight It" - another great hooky brass-driving sanctifier. The "Come Home Baby" duet with Tami Lynn is a bit rough around the edges recording-wise - but its full of emotion and 60ts passion. Better is another Pickett/Cropper composition - the stroller "I'm Not Tired" - in the fact the man had his songwriting hand in 9 of the LPs 12 cuts.

There are other ways to get this music I know (and cheaper). I reviewed the August 2010 "Original Album Series" 5CD Mini Box Set for instance which is available for a ten spot - but I prefer the better presentation and the ever so slightly uplifted audio in evidence here.

And as I groove to Wilson Pickett's version of Chris Kenner's "Something You Got" - I'm glad to say that Edsel have done his huge set of vocal pipes justice. I'm off now to do the Watusi (Lord help me) and lay into the other four digipaks...get me wicked with Wilson Pickett. Dig in and enjoy...

Titles in the 26 Nov 2016 Edsel CD Reissue series for WILSON PICKETT

1. In The Midnight Hour/The Exciting Midnight Mover

(1966 and 1967 Stereo 1st and 2nd LPs plus Three Bonus Tracks

Edsel EDSA 3059 - Barcode 740155505936)

2. The Wicked Pickett/The Sound Of Wilson Pickett

(1966 and 1967 Stereo/Mono 3rd and 4th LPs – no bonus tracks

Edsel EDSA 3060 - Barcode 740155506032)

3. I’m In Love/The Midnight Mover

(1968 for both his 5th and 6th LPs – no bonus tracks

Edsel EDSA 3061 - Barcode 740155506131)

4. Hey Jude/Right On

(1969 and 1970 Stereo 7th & 8th LPs with Three Bonus Tracks

Edsel EDSA 3062 - Barcode 740155506230)

5. In Philadelphia/Don’t Knock My Love

(1970 and 1972 9th & 10th Stereo LPs with Seventeen Bonus Tracks

Edsel EDSK 7112 - Barcode 740155711238)

Edsel have also touched on PERCY SLEDGE in this series and his stay at Atlantic Records (three digipak CD reissues):

1. When A Man Loves A Woman/Warm & Tender Soul

(1966 and 1967 Stereo 1st & 2nd LPs plus Four Bonus Tracks

Edsel EDSA 3063 - Barcode 740155506339)

2. The Percy Sledge Way/Take Time To Know Her

(1967 and 1968 Stereo 3rd & 4th LPs with Eight Bonus Tracks

Edsel EDSK 7116 - Barcode 740155711634)

3. My Special Prayer/Singles And Rarities

(1970 fifth and final Atlantic LP with 27 Bonus Tracks

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Edsel EDSK 7113 - Barcode 740155711337)