"Atlantic Rhythm And Blues 1947-1974: Volume 7 - 1967-1969" by VARIOUS ARTISTS - featuring Aretha Franklin, Bar-Kays, Joe Tex, Wilson Pickett, King Curtis, Otis Redding, Archie Bell & The Drells, Clarence Carter, Tyrone Davis, Roberta Flack, R.B. Greaves, Brook Benton, Donny Hathaway, Les McCann & Eddie Harris (Inside the October 1991 USA Atlantic 8CD LP-Sized Box Set – March 2006 UK Singular CD Reissue with Same Tracks and Remasters but with Different Artwork) - A Review by Mark Barry...

 

Above - The April 1987 UK Seven x Double-Album VINYL BOX SET

(Originally Issued December 1985 in the USA)

Both Original Vinyl Box Sets (1985 and 1987) Had 186 Tracks

The Seven CDs in both countries however were Truncated Versions - Down to 163 Tracks 

The UK CDs Volumes 1 to 7 also originally issued April 1987 (reissued October 1990)

Below - The October 1991 USA-ONLY 8CD 203-Track Upgraded Box Set (CD only)

Volume 8 was NEW over the 1985 7 x 2LP Vinyl Box Set and 1987 Truncated 7 x CDs

 

Below: US October 1991 Volume 7 

Newly Configured from 1969-1974 to 1967-1969

Was Not Issued Individually in the USA in 1991 or in the UK

Reissued However in UK/Europe in March 2006 in Different Artwork - see Next Set of Photos

                                         

Below: UK/EU March 2006 Reissue on Rhino/Warner Platinum

Each Volume (1 to 8) Was Released Individually only in UK/EU

There Was Also a Card Wrap Version that gathered up all Eight Volumes

All were Budget-Priced (usually £3.99) and used the 1991 Remasters

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"...Turn Back The Hands Of Time..."

Here in the spring of 2024 - this unassuming and admittedly rather naff-looking Soul CD compilation from Rhino and Warner Platinum has been in the UK and EUROPEAN budget-priced marketplace for almost the guts of 20-years. Issued back in March 2006 as Volume 7 of 8 – it was/is a bit-part showcase for the mighty Atlantic Records and their staggering Black Music Legacy. But don't let the cover fool you - what lies within is solid ***** material despite the no-star presentation.

In fact - none of the eight cheap-and-cheerful "Atlantic Rhythm And Blues 1947-1974" reissue volumes look like much – garish big-lettered front cover art with a piddly gatefold-inlay inside that barely lists titles and artists and not much else. But (as I say) man oh man the music is fabulous. However, to understand what you have in hand and the journey as to how it got here requires some serious investigative history that is worth explaining (including the photos provided above). So, here goes… 

The Seven x Double-Albums VINYL BOX SET for "Atlantic Rhythm And Blues 1947-1974" was first issued in the USA in December 1985 on Atlantic 7-81620-1 and belatedly in the UK in April 1987 on Atlantic 781 620-1. Housed in distinctive black and red packaging (like their Fifties labels) - the individual 2LP sets inside each had unique artwork, extensive liner notes and were also issued as stand-alone 2LP sets. Sometimes sold outside of the box in the UK and Europe - the individual 2LP sets were Atlantic 781 293-1 (Volume 1), 781 294-1 (Volume 2), 781 295-1 (Volume 3), 781 296-1 (Volume 4), 781 297-1 (Volume 5), 781 298-1 (Volume 6) and 781 299-1 (Volume 7). 

There were also 7 individual CDs issued in the UK in April 1987 (reissued Oct 1990) each with the above catalogue numbers but the code -2 instead of 1 for CD (781 293-2 etc). And despite some catalogues stating that Atlantic 781 292-2 was issued in April 1987 as a CD BOX - there was NO Original 12" x 12" box set for the CDs at that time - and worse - 6 of the 7 individual CD volumes had their track lists truncated - reducing 186 on the vinyl doubles by 17 to 163 in total on CD.

It then transpired that unspecified tracks across the whole seven-volume kaboodle had the wrong takes used. Atlantic USA decided to rectify this and reissued the entire box set again but with more tracks and only on CD. So in October 1991 "Atlantic Rhythm And Blues 1947-1974" was relaunched on Atlantic 7 82305-2 in the USA (Barcode 075678230523) - but this time as an 8CD 12" x 12" box set with 203 tracks (17 extra). The individual booklets that came with the original 7CDs were taken out (replaced with a simple gatefold track list inlays that used the old artwork) and expanded into a full-sized 36-page booklet. The reissue also used the distinctive black and red packaging of the 1985 vinyl box on the front, and the artwork style remained the same for each CD on the inside (collage photos). It also admitted that mistaken masters had been used on the original set but were now all correct. It was ONLY issued as an 8CD Box Set and ONLY in America. 

In March 2006 in the UK and Europe however, these 8 Volumes were reissued as stand-alone CDs for the first time (no vinyl), but with different artwork (I have pictured both). They were also released without the booklets that accompanied the 1987 issues or the 1991 reissue box - just basic gatefold inlays.

Completists should also note - to add further salt to a reissue wound - there was a 255-Track JAPAN-ONLY issue of "Atlantic Rhythm And Blues 1947-1974" on Warners/Atlantic WPCR-14441 released 25 May 2012 - again with different artwork - which added on 52 new tracks on 2 NEW BONUS DISCS. Chosen by noted Japanese expert Keishi Suzuki - the two extra CDs contained very rare Fifties Blues, Vocals and Rhythm 'n' Blues on Disc 9 and lesser-seen Soul Sides on Disc 10 - much of it unavailable elsewhere. Those two extra volumes are NOT available anywhere else and are exclusive to that Japanese anthology.

Back to the CD in hand. So, what you have here is an American-Based CD from 1991 subsequently issued 2006 in Europe. For this review – we will concentrate on Volume 7 of 8. Here are the track-by-track details…

UK released 20 March 2006 - "Atlantic Rhythm And Blues 1947-1974: Volume 7 1967-1969" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Rhino/Warner Platinum 8122-77582-2 (Barcode 081227758226) breaks down as follows (73:19 minutes):

1. Respect – ARETHA FRANKLIN (April 1967, USA Atlantic 45-2403, A-side)

2. (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman – ARETHA FRANKLIN (September 1967, USA Atlantic 45-2441, A-side)

3. Soul Finger – BAR-KAYS (April 1967, USA Volt 45-148, A-side)

4. Baby I Love You – ARETHA FRANKLIN (July 1967, USA Atlantic 45-2427, A)

5. Skinny Legs And All – JOE TEX (October 1967, USA Dial 45-4063, A-side)

6. Chain Of Fools – ARETHA FRANKLIN (November 1967, USA Atlantic 45-2464, A-side)

7. I'm In Love – WILSON PICKETT (October 1967, Atlantic 45-2448, B-side to "Stag-O-Lee")

8. Memphis Soul Stew – KING CURTIS (August 1967, USA Atlantic 45-6511, A-side)

9. (Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You've Been Gone – ARETHA FRANKLIN (February 1968, USA Atlantic 45-2486, A-side) * 

10. (Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay – OTIS REDDING (January 1968, USA Volt 45-157, A-side)

11. Tighten Up – ARCHIE BELL & THE DRELLS (February 1968, USA Atlantic 45-2478, A-side)

12. Slip Away – CLARENCE CARTER (April 1968, USA Atlantic 45-2508, B-side to "Funky Fever")

13. Think – ARETHA FRANKLIN (May 1968, USA Atlantic 45-2518, A-side)

14. Too Weak To Fight – CLARENCE CARTER  (October 1968, USA Atlantic 45-2569, A) *

15. Can I Change My Mind – TYRONE DAVIS (November 1968 USA, Dakar 45-602, B-side to "A Woman Needs To Be Loved". Issued March 1969 in the UK on Atlantic 584253 with the sides reversed - "Can I Change My Mind" as the A with "A Woman Needs To Be Loved" on the British flipside) *

16. The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face – ROBERTA FLACK (January 1972, USA Atlantic 45-2864, A-side. It was recorded for her debut album "First Take" in 1969, but released after being used and featured in the Clint Eastwood movie "Play Misty For Me" where the public was so taken with the song, it went to No.1)

17. Take A Letter Maria – R. B. GREAVES (September 1969, USA Atco 45-6714, A-side)

18. Rainy Night In Georgia – BROOK BENTON (December 1969, USA Cotillion 45-44057, A-side – a Tony Joe White cover version)

19. The Ghetto – DONNY HATHAWAY (6:50 minutes - the October 1969 US 45-Single (Atco 45-6719) was split into two parts across both sides and had unique playing times. This version is the Full Album Version from "Everything Is Everything" released October 1970 in the USA on Atco SD 33-332 and 1971 in the UK on Atco 2465 019)

20. Turn Back The Hands Of Time – TYRONE DAVIS (March 1970, USA Dakar 45-616, A-side)

21. Compared To What – LES McCANN & EDDIE HARRIS (December 1969, USA Atlantic 45-2694, A-side)

22. Call Me – ARETHA FRANKLIN (January 1970, USA Atlantic 45-2706, A-side) *

BONUS TRACKS:

* Tracks 9, 14, 15 and 22 are four 1991 Bonus Tracks not on the 1985 US or 1987 UK original CD versions

Some had complained about the sound quality on the original 1987 CDs - as well as wrong versions of songs being used (personally I found the audio quality of the VINYL doubles to be superlative). So Atlantic made efforts with the 1991 CD reissue which of course has been used for these 2006 British reissues. The liner notes tell us that all tracks were "digitally remastered from mono and true stereo originals" and that "in this edition, the proper tracks have been used in all cases". 

BOBBY WARNER and JIMMY DOUGLAS carried out the Digital Transfers while ZAL SCHREIBER and STEVE INNOCENZI did the mastering. The quality on these CDs is shockingly good - full of life and clarity. It's a joy to listen to. Sure in the decades since there have been reissues (by Bear Family especially) that knock spots off the 1991 sound offered here (try their "Joe Turner Rocks" or their "Sweet Soul Music" volumes 1961 to 1975). But what you do get is fantastic all the way to the finish. To the tunes for Volume 7…

The Queen of Soul began dominating American Soul when she signed to Atlantic Records and popped the absolute balls-to-the-wall album "I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You" in March 1967. It is still the most astonishing arrival of a Soul talent ever. So, not surprisingly Aretha Franklin gets 7 out of 22 tracks – every one dynamite. You could argue for sure that stuff like the sock-it-to-me "Respect", the chug of "Chain Of Fools" and the hands-on-her-hips rabble-rouser "Think" have been overplayed and done to death on Radio and in Movies – but check out the fantastic grooves in "Baby I Love You" or the gorgeous mellow of "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" or "Call Me". 

While The Bar-Kays get their instrumental vs. shouts moment with "Soul Finger" – the naff and fey lyrics in the Joe Tex tune "Skinny Legs And All" have not worn at all well over the decades – embarrassing really. Thankfully that momentary glitch is firmly kicked into touch with the gorgeous Wilson Pickett take on the Bobby Womack song "I'm In Love" – a genuine masterpiece and Soul discovery for those buying first time. Poignant and touching as the Otis Redding song might have been especially after his untimely and horrible passing - "(Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay" has always felt weedy to me and not representative of his power (the Remaster is so clean and lovely though). Archie Bell gets his Drells guitar player to fall in during the infectious "Tighten Up" – a funky talker and words that became synonymous with late Sixties Soul. Better for me is the sweet Soul slink of "Slip Away" followed by the mid-tempo shuffler "Too Weak To Fight" – Clarence Carter being a huge fave of mine – two counts of top tunes – rasp and rolling vocals – the brass and groove so sexy. 

The tail end of the compilation rolls on home with huge hits that still sound so fresh – the very Brunswick-sounding hip-shaker "Can I Change My Mind" – Tyrone Davis feeling like he made a mistake walking out that door. The almost skin-raw hurt and loss of "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" stills makes people feel uncomfortable – Roberta Flack delicate throughout her cover version of the Ewan MacColl classic. One-hit wonder R.B. Greaves gets his moment when he comes home late one night only to find the woman, he thought he knew, in the arms of another man. Soon copies of a diatribe in letter form are on their way to lawyers - "Take A Letter Maria". Beautiful is the only word for "Rainy Night in Georgia" – Brook Benton doing the Tony Joe White song a neon signs a-flashing world of justice (gorgeous audio too). 

I will never get over "The Ghetto" by the mighty Donny Hathaway – a seriously stunning funky keyboard number with random shouts of the title – here in all its 6:50 minute glory (sure nuff). I go to mush every time – Atlantic Records and Visionary Artist given room to shine equals genius. The compilation then closes out three more gems from Tyrone Davis, a near nine-minute Funk-Jazz opus from Les McCann & Eddie Harris only to chill with Aretha at her soulful best. 

In 2024 and despite being technically deleted, you can get Volume 7 of 8 of Atlantic Rhythm & Blues 1947-1974 (or any of the others) individually on popular auction sites often for less than four quid. But I would argue that such is the riches on offer across all eight volumes that you consider the big daddy - splashing out on that 1991 US LP-Sized 8CD Box Set with its full booklet and genuine sense of visual and audio purpose. Set you back maybe £60 – but what a wow it is! If that isn't in your budget purview – then go for this Thunderbuck Ram of a CD compilation. 

But I warn you – the need for the other seven and booklet explanations will quickly manifest itself thereafter…

"Machine Head: 5-Disc Deluxe 50th Anniversary Edition" by DEEP PURPLE – March 1972 UK Sixth Studio Album on Purple Records and April 1972 USA on Warner Brothers Records featuring Ian Gillan, Ritchie Blackmore, Jon Lord, Roger Glover and Ian Paice (March 2024 UK Universal/Purple/Warner Brothers 5-Disc LP-Sized Box Set with 3CDs, 1 BLU RAY, 1 x Purple-Smoke Coloured VINYL LP and Dweezil Zappa Remixes with Andy Pearce/Matt Wortham Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Machine-Head-Deluxe-Deep-Purple/dp/B0CT96JCGN?crid=KE69DW3QYB6L&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-ycGPWC86FCkGB9fDpaJGQ.DuNkxcothAvPpZqEzn7fBnYQJNwTDcT2GyJ-DpPyujY&dib_tag=se&keywords=600753993149&qid=1712509895&sprefix=600753993149%2Caps%2C81&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=mabasreofcdbl-21&linkId=8cf27a9760a866f7ad20dfe3f64241fb&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

*** Presentation ***** Original Album *** Bonus Material ***** Remasters

OVERALL RATING: ***

"...Big Fat Tyres And Everything..."

Oh dear! And oh yes! I suspect like so many men of a certain age (and given that it's almost two years overdue as a '50th Anniversary' Reissue and comes complete with an extortionate £100 price tag) - this March 2024 latest version of Deep Purple's Classic 70ts Rock album "Machine Head" is going to conflict and thrill in equal measure. 

Off the bat - I really don't get the Dweezil Zappa Remix at all - feels like an ugly reworking of an album I love. And why oh why is ONLY his remix on Vinyl and NOT the brilliant Andy Pearce/Matt Wortham Remaster of the Original? BOTH versions should have been pressed on VINYL and put in a gatefold sleeve with the lyric insert - instead of now being asked to accept a REMIX and an overblown foldout page of lyrics as a 'poster' of sorts? 

To put this into context - should you be lucky enough to get your purchase-hands on the Creedence Clearwater Revival 2CD/1DVD set "The Singles Collection" from November 2009 (see separate review) - you are greeted with one of the most beautiful foldout posters of single-sleeves from around the world that I have ever seen. Why couldn't something like that have been done for this 50th Anniversary Super Deluxe set? Deep Purple fans are a fanatical bunch and in conjunction with fan clubs and devotees - there must surely have been more to see? 

You don't even get proper release dates, catalogue numbers for the album, singles - the "In Concert '72" set on which CD2 is based was a hugely collectable industry-only 8-track LP release called 'Stereo Pop Special-12' on BBC Transcription Discs CNN 1513 recorded for the BBC's famous 'Sounds Of The Seventies' series - but it's not pictured! The 'Selected Albums Gallery' on Page 14 doesn't show either a British or US issue on the newly formed Purple Records Label or Warner Brothers out of the States. The 'Selected Singles Gallery' is fabulous to look at - old issues from around the world (Turkey and Portugal included for "Never Before") and reissues of "Smoke On The Water (Live)" from 1980 - but again - would have made a worthy POSTER of itself.  

The Andy Pearce and Matt Wortham Remaster of the 1972 Classic album as is however shines lights in corners previously deadened (so damn clean and yet powerful) and the live stuff (even if Disc 2 has been available before) shows the band in its staggering pomp (see notes below on CD3). But truth be painfully told - there is a gnawing feeling of let-down here when it should be reeking celebration. Still - let's go space truckin' - here be the fretboard details...

UK/EU released Friday, 29 March 2024 - "Machine Head: 5-Disc Deluxe Anniversary Edition" by DEEP PURPLE on Universal/Purple/Warner Brothers/Rhino R2 725876 - 603497828852 00600753993149 (Barcode 600753993149) is an LP-Sized 5-Disc Reissue Box Set containing 3 x CDs, 1 x BLU RAY AUDIO DISC and 1 x VINYL LP (Purple-Smoke Coloured Vinyl) with a Bonus B-side added to Side 2. The VINYL LP has the Dweezil Zappa Remix Only of the album but does include the "When A Blind man Cries" B-side on Side 2 as a Bonus Track – a first. 

The Overall package offers two versions of the "Machine Head" album on CD1 - a Dweezil Zappa Remix with a Bonus Track and an Andy Pearce/Matt Wortham straightforward Remaster of the album only, Previously Unreleased Live Material from 1971 (CD3) and Previously Released Live Material from 1972 (CD2). The BLU RAY DISC has 1974 Quad Mixes of the Entire album, a Rare 45-Single Non-LP B-side, a 2024 Dolby Atmos and 5.1 Surround Sound Mixes. There is a Reproduced Lyrics Poster and a New LP-Sized 18-Page Booklet. Discs play out as follows:

CD1 "Machine Head" (79:26 minutes):

2024 REMIX (Dweezil Zappa)

1. Highway Star [Side 1]

2. Maybe I'm A Leo

3. Pictures Of Home

4. Never Before

5. Smoke On The Water [Side 2]

6. Lazy 

7. Space Truckin'

Tracks 1 to 7 are DWEEZIL ZAPPA Remixes of the "Machine Head" album originally issued March 1972 in the UK on Purple Records TPSA 7504 and April 1972 in the USA on Warner Brothers BS 2607. Produced by DEEP PURPLE (Engineered by Martin Birch) - it peaked at No. 1 in the UK and No. 7 in the USA.

BONUS TRACK:

8. When A Blind Man Cries 

Track 8 is a Non-Album B-side to the 45-single "Never Before". Written by the whole band, it was released March 1972 in the UK as a 7" Single on Purple Records PUR 102 and the same month in the USA on Warner Brothers WB 7572 (charted at No. 35 in the UK but didn't chart USA).

2024 REMASTER (Andy Pearce)

9. Highway Star [Side 1]

10. Maybe I'm A Leo

11. Pictures Of Home

12. Never Before

13. Smoke On The Water [Side 2]

14. Lazy 

15. Space Truckin'

Tracks 1 to 7 are an ANDY PEARCE and MATT WORTHAM Remaster of the "Machine Head" album (from original tapes) first issued April 1972 in the UK on Purple Records TPSA 7504 and in the USA on Warner Brothers BS 2607. Produced by DEEP PURPLE (Engineered by Martin Birch) - it peaked at No. 1 in the UK and No. 7 in the USA.

CD2 "In Concert '72" (79:36 minutes):

Original Recording, Paris Theatre in London, 9 March 1972

Produced by Pete Dauncey and Engineered by Adrian Revill

Previously Released UK 18 October 2012 as "In Concert '72" on Purple TPSA 7518 (Vinyl)

Reissued UK 2014 on Purple TPSAX 7518/Warner Brothers 825646294794

1. Introduction 

2. Highway Star 

3. Strange Kind Of Woman

4. Maybe I'm A Leo 

5. Smoke On The Water

6. Never Before

7. Lazy

8. Space Truckin'

9. Lucille

BONUS TRACK:

10. Maybe I'm A Leo (Soundcheck)

CD3 "Montreux '71" (79:09 minutes):

Previously Unreleased Live Show Recorded at The Casino, Montreux, Switzerland, 16 Apr 71

Recorded by Rene Ernest Finger

1. Swiss Yodel

2. Speed King

3. Strange Kind Of Woman

4. Into The Fire

5. Child In Time

6. Paint It Black

7. Wring That Neck (Hard Road)

8. Black Night

9. Lucille

DISC 4 BLU-RAY AUDIO

2024 ATMOS REMIX 

1. Highway Star [Side 1]

2. Maybe I'm A Leo

3. Pictures Of Home

4. Never Before

5. Smoke On The Water [Side 2]

6. Lazy 

7. Space Truckin'

8. When A Blind Man Cries 

1974 U.S. QUAD MIX

9. Highway Star [Side 1]

10. Maybe I'm A Leo

11. Pictures Of Home

12. Never Before

13. Smoke On The Water [Side 2]

14. Lazy 

15. Space Truckin'

5.1 MIXES 

16. When A Blind Man Cries

17. Maybe I'm A Leo

18. Lazy

DEEP PURPLE was:

IAN GILLAN - Lead Vocals 

RITCHIE BLACKMORE – Guitars

JON LORD – Keyboards

ROGER GLOVER – Bass

IAN PAICE – Drums

History first: The Purp's classic "Machine Head" hit the streets in April 1972 and we've been in love with its non-nonsense Classic Rock ever since - a No. 1 in the UK and a No. 7 in the States. Followed later in the year with the stunning double-live set "Made In Japan" - and along with "Fireball" from 1971 and "Deep Purple In Rock" from 1970 already under their hard-rocking belt - the first three years of the Seventies was a slam-dunk for the 'Mark II' line-up of DEEP PURPLE. 

Fans however have been here before - specifically with the November 1997 '2CD Anniversary Edition' of "Machine Head" featuring Remixes and Remasters done by an impressive line-up of names - Peter Mew, Peter Denenberg, Roger Glover, Joe DiGiorgi and mastering by the legendary Greg Calbi. That twofer is still available on many auction sites for under a tenner (complete with its 28-page booklet). So, what's new here...

Fans are going to go straight for the PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED 1971 live set (recorded in Montreux) on CD3 first that includes faves like "Black Night", "Speed King" and "Child In Time" alongside two tasty covers – The Purps doing the Stones on "Paint It Black" and Little Richard on a frenzied "Lucille". The bad news is that the audio is obviously bootleg standard – starting out with a bit of fun as they doddle through "Swiss Yodel". Unfortunately, what should be a DP Mark II moment is destroyed with drop-outs and muddled sound – Blackmore displaying astonishing axework for "Speed King" even if Gillan seems ever so slightly disinterested and verbose with the crowd. A new single comes next "Strange Kind Of Woman" – but again like the rest of the set – the audio is passable at best. It’s criminal to hear corking material like "Into The Fire" and the mixed-up cover of "Paint it Black" too far back in the mix to be of any use. In all honesty, I don't know how many Purple fans are going to consider this reduced audio experience as a BONUS no matter how thrilling their playing was. 

Better - Mike Harding introduces the Purps to a rumbling crescendo-building "Highway Star" on CD2 – not as good as the "Made In Japan" version but getting close. Having originally been a BBC Transcription LP back in 1972 (they have used the CD reissue from 2012 with its extra tracks and not just the original eight) – the audio is lightyears ahead of the Bootleg on CD3 and the material being largely from "Machine Head" – that bit more exciting. You can feel the band and their electricity – hard rocking and unapologetic for it – Blackmore, Lord, Glover and Paice all so tight as they go into the final guitar solo stretch where RB lets rip. Gillan explains the darkness inherent in "Strange Kind Of Woman" – a trail of happiness and misery left by a gal who did not impress our hairy men. The groove in "Maybe I'm A Leo" is fantastic even if Gillan seems to be having difficulty controlling a presumably pissed-up crowd. And on it goes. It absolutely is not "Made In Japan" - but is at least period material worth rehearing and celebrating.

CD1 kind of baffles me – I really do not like the Zappa Remix where the vocals are supposedly given an amp-up but just feel abused and further away from clarity rather than running towards it. But I am absolutely loving the clarity and sheer punch-in-the-face power of the straightforward album Remaster done by Andy Pearce and Matt Wortham – two Audio Engineers who have had a long and fruitful relationship with Universal Classic Rock-Sound acts – Budgie, Rory Gallagher, ELP, Wishbone Ash, Free, Spooky Tooth and loads more. It may be hackneyed through over use, but when that riff and that rhythm section combine for "Smoke On The Water" – the Montreux in flames story song - you will feel it. Same goes for that huge Organ sound on "Lazy" – a Jon Lord boogie I still get a kick out of hearing. 

The KORY GROW 'We All Came Down To Montreux' Liner Notes in the LP-Sized booklet are dated 2023 and tell of the band's rise to Rock Superstardom – tours in Osaka and Tokyo after the LP's release that would produce the opus directly off the back of "Machine Head" - "Made In Japan". There is a UK trade advert, pictures of The Stones Mobile unit on which the album was taped, very cool period photos in both black and white and colour of the band/individuals, lyrics to the iconic "Smoke On The Water" - Jon Lord's organ awaiting its master - enthusiastic notes from Dweezil Zappa on the 2024 Remix of "Machine Head", Didi Zill who was the photographer on the scene the day after the fire in Montreux (he witnessed Gillan writing lyrics to "Smoke On The Water"), an appreciation of Ian Gillan's fantastic vocals from Sir Tim Rice who of course used his rasp as the voice of Jesus in the 1970 double-album musical smash "Jesus Christ Superstar". But at 18-pages, again you feel short-changed. 

I would surmise that what you have here is a three-star reissue of a five-star album and I would say get to hear it first before spending such serious dosh. I would also acknowledge as one of those 'old farts' this Reissue would be aimed at that Deep Purple's 1972 album "Machine Head" may be a seriously outdated listen to kids in 2024 - but you can't help feel that it has earned its place in Rock History and deserved something better than this rather obvious ***-cash-grab. 

Shame, because that Remaster is a blast even if the rest seems just a tad too superfluous to requirements...

"Atlantic Rhythm And Blues 1947-1974: Volume 8 - 1970-1974" by VARIOUS ARTISTS featuring Aretha Franklin, Jackie Moore, The Beginning Of The End, Wilson Pickett, Clarence Carter, King Floyd, The Spinners, Betty Wright, Blue Magic, Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway, The Persuaders and Major Harris (Inside the October 1991 USA Atlantic 8CD LP-Sized Box Set – Then March 2006 UK Singular CD Reissue with Same Tracks and Remasters but with Different Artwork) - A Review by Mark Barry...

Above - The April 1987 UK Seven x Double-Album VINYL BOX SET

(Originally Issued December 1985 in the USA)

Both Original Vinyl Box Sets (1985 and 1987) Had 186 Tracks

The Seven CDs in both countries however were Truncated Versions - Down to 163 Tracks 

The UK CDs Volumes 1 to 7 also originally issued April 1987 (reissued October 1990)

Below - The October 1991 8CD US-Only 203-Track Upgraded Box Set (CD only)

Volume 8 was NEW over the 1985 7 x 2LP Vinyl Box Set and 1987 Truncated 7 x CDs

 

Below: US October 1991 Volume 8 Addition by Itself - Newly Formed Artwork Too

Was Not Issued Individually in the USA

Except in UK/Europe in March 2006 in Different Artwork - see Next Set of Photos

                                                    

Below: UK/EU March 2006 Reissue on Rhino/Warner Platinum

Each Volume (1 to 8) Was Released Individually only in UK/EU

There Was Also a Card Wrap Version that gathered up all Eight Volumes

All were Budget-Priced (usually £3.99) and used the 1991 Remasters

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"…Groove Me…"

Here in the spring of 2024 - this unassuming and admittedly rather naff-looking Soul CD compilation from Rhino and Warner Platinum has been in the UK and EUROPEAN budget-priced marketplace for almost the guts of 20-years. Issued back in March 2006 as Volume 8 of 8 – it was/is a bit-part showcase for the mighty Atlantic Records and their staggering Black Music Legacy.

In fact - none of the eight cheap-and-cheerful "Atlantic Rhythm And Blues 1947-1974" reissue volumes look like much – garish big-lettered front cover art with a piddly gatefold-inlay inside that barely lists titles and artists and not much else. But man oh man the music is fabulous. However, to understand what you have in hand and the journey as to how it got here requires some serious investigative history that is worth explaining (including the photos provided above. So, here goes… 

The Seven x Double-Albums VINYL BOX SET for "Atlantic Rhythm And Blues 1947-1974" was first issued in the USA in December 1985 on Atlantic 7-81620-1 and belatedly in the UK in April 1987 on Atlantic 781 620-1. Housed in distinctive black and red packaging (like their Fifties labels) - the individual 2LP sets inside each had unique artwork, extensive liner notes and were also issued as stand-alone 2LP sets. 

There was NO CD BOX SET VERSION for either the US or UK 1985 or 1987 issues – each Volume inside having been released individually. Worse - 6 of the 7 original CD volumes had their track lists truncated - reducing 186 on the vinyl doubles by 17 to 163 on CD. Those CDs were reissued again in October 1990 in the UK, and at that time, there was still no Volume 8. 

It then transpired that unspecified tracks across the whole seven-volume kaboodle had the wrong takes used. Atlantic USA decided to rectify this and reissue the entire box set again but with more tracks and only on CD. So in October 1991 "Atlantic Rhythm And Blues 1947-1974" was relaunched on Atlantic 7 82305-2 in the USA (Barcode 075678230523) - but this time as an 8CD 12" x 12" box set with 203 tracks (17 extra). The individual booklets that came with the original 7CDs were taken out (replaced with a simple gatefold track list inlays that used the old arywork) and expanded into a full-sized 36-page booklet. The reissue also used the distinctive black and red packaging of the 1985 vinyl box on the front, and the artwork style remained the same for each CD on the inside (collage photos). It also admitted that mistaken masters had been used on the original set but were now all correct. It was ONLY issued as an 8CD Box Set and ONLY in America. 

In March 2006 in the UK and Europe however, these 8 Volumes were reissued as stand-alone CDs for the first time (no vinyl), but with different artwork (I have pictured both). They were also released without the booklets that accompanied the 1987 issues or the 1991 reissue box - just basic inlays.

PS: To add further salt to a reissue wound - there was a 255-Track Japanese-Only issue of "Atlantic Rhythm And Blues 1947-1974" on Warners/Atlantic WPCR-14441 released 25 May 2012 - again with different artwork - which added on 52 new tracks on 2 NEW BONUS DISCS. Chosen by noted Japanese expert Keishi Suzuki - the two extra CDs contained very rare Fifties Blues and R'n'B on Disc 9 and lesser-seen Soul Sides on Disc 10 - much of it unavailable elsewhere. Those two extra volumes are NOT available anywhere else and are exclusive to that Japanese anthology. Time for a 10 or 12-CD celebration of Atlantic Records – anybody?

Back to the CD in hand. So, what you have here is an American-Based CD from 1991 subsequently issued 2006 in Europe. For this review – we will concentrate on Volume 8 of 8. Here are the track-by-track details…

Atlantic Rhythm & Blues 1947-1974 Volume 8: 1970-1974
UK/Europe released 20 March 2006 on Rhino/Atlantic/Warner Platinum 8122-77583-2 (Barcode 081227758325) – 20 Tracks, 73:26 minutes, 5 Bonuses:

1. Don't Play That Song (You Lied) – ARETHA FRANKLIN (2:57 minutes)
US 45: July 1970, Atlantic 45-2751, A-side
UK 45: August 1970, UK Atlantic 2091 027, A-side
US LP: "Spirit In The Dark", August 1970 on Atlantic SD 8265
UK LP: "Don't Play That Song", September 1970 on Atlantic 2400 021

2. Precious Precious – JACKIE MOORE (3:25 minutes) *
US 45: August 1970, Atlantic 45-2681, B-side of "Willpower" 
UK 45: February 1971, Atlantic 2091 054, A-side with "Willpower" as the B
US LP: "Sweet Charlie Babe", 1973 on Atlantic SD 7285
UK LP: "Sweet Charlie Babe", 1973 on Atlantic K 40544 
LP also contains "Willpower"

3. Groove Me – KING FLOYD (3:01 minutes)
US 45: September 1970, Chimneyville CH-435, B-side of "What Our Love Needs" – US DJs played the flipside "Groove Me" and it then became the dominant hit
UK 45: Jan 1971, Atlantic 2091 051, A-side
US LP: "King Floyd", May 1971 on Cotillion SD 9047
UK LP: "King Floyd", 1971 on Atlantic 2466014

4. Patches – CLARENCE CARTER (3:09 minutes)
US 45: July 1970, Atlantic 45-2748, A-side
UK 45: September 1970, Atlantic 2091 030, A-side
US LP: "Patches", October 1970 on Atlantic SD-8267 
UK LP: "Patches", November 1970 on Atlantic 2400 027

5. Don't Knock My Love (Part 1) – WILSON PICKETT (2:23 minutes) *
US 45: April 1971, Atlantic 45-2797, A-side
UK 45: July 1971, Atlantic 2091 124, A-side
US LP: "Don't Knock My Love", December 1971 on Atlantic SD 8300
UK LP: "Don't Knock My Love", December 1971 on Atlantic K 40319

6. Funky Nassau (Parts 1 & 2) – BEGINNING OF THE END (5:10 minutes)
US 45: March 1971, Alston 4595, A&B-sides
UK 45: July 1971, Atlantic 2091 097, A&B-sides
US LP: "Funky Nassau", 1971 on Alston SD 33-379
UK LP: "Funky Nassau", 1974 on Atlantic K 40304

7. Thin Line Between Love And Hate – THE PERSUADERS (3:23 minutes)
US 45: July 1971, Atco 45-6822, A-side
UK 45: November 1971, Debut on Atlantic 2091 164, A-side
US LP: "Thin Line Between Love And Hate", 1972 on Win Or Lose SD 33-387
UK LP: "Thin Line Between Love And Hate", 1972 on Atlantic K 40370

8. Rock Steady – ARETHA FRANKLIN (3:12 minutes) 
US 45: October 1971, Atlantic 45-2838, A-side
UK 45: November 1971, Atlantic 2091 168, A-side

9. Day Dreamin' – ARETHA FRANKLIN (3:58 minutes) *
US 45: February 1972, Atlantic 45-2866, A-side
UK 45: March 1972, UK Atlantic K 10154, A-side
Tracks 8 and 9
US LP: "Young, Gifted & Black", January 1972 on Atlantic SD 7213
UK LP: "Young, Gifted & Black", January 1972 on Atlantic K 40323

10. You've Got A Friend – ROBERTA FLACK and DONNY HATHAWAY (3:24 minutes)
US 45: May 1971, Atlantic 45-2808, A-side
UK 45: June 1971, Atlantic 2091 116, A-side
A Carole King cover version (from her February 1971 LP "Tapestry"; also a hit for James Taylor from his April 1971 LP "Mud Slide Slim And The Blue Horizon")
US LP: "Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway", May 1972 on Atlantic SD 7216
UK LP: "Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway", June 1972 on Atlantic K 40380

11. Clean Up Woman – BETTY WRIGHT (2:47 minutes)
US 45: November 1971, Alston A-4601, A-side
UK 45: March 1972, Atlantic K 10143, A-side
US LP: "I Love The Way You Love", February 1972 on Alston SD 33-388
UK LP: "I Love The Way You Love", March 1972 on Atlantic K 40364

12. Could It Be I'm Falling In Love – SPINNERS (4:13 minutes)
US 45: December 1972, Atlantic 45-2927, A-side
UK 45: April 1973, Atlantic K 10283, A-side as The Detroit Spinners
US LP: "Spinners", March 1973 on Atlantic SD 7256
UK LP: "The Detroit Spinners", May 1973 on Atlantic K 40477

13. Killing Me Softly With His Song – ROBERTA FLACK (5:52 minutes)
US 45: January 1973, Atlantic 45-2940, A-side
UK 45: February 1973, Atlantic K 10282, A-side

US LP: "Killing Me Softly With His Song, January 1973 on Atlantic SD 7271

UK LP: "Killing Me Softly With His Song, February 1973 on Atlantic K 50021

14. Where Is The Love - ROBERTA FLACK and DONNY HATHAWAY (2:42 minutes)
US 45: April 1972, Atlantic 45-2879, A-side
UK 45: July 1972, UK Atlantic K 10202, A-side
US LP: "Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway", May 1972 on Atlantic SD 7216
UK LP: "Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway", June 1972 on Atlantic K 40380

15. I'll Be Around – THE SPINNERS (3:13 minutes)
US 45: July 1972, Atlantic 45-2904, B-side of "How Could I Let You Get Away"
UK 45: September 1972, Atlantic K 10243, B-side of "How Could I Let You Get Away" – credited as The Spinners in both the USA and UK - although they were known as THE DETROIT SPINNERS in the UK. Sometime in September or October 1972, the British 45 was then flipped and reissued with "I'll Be Around" listed as the A-side and the band finally credited as The Detroit Spinners. The backing band was essentially MFSB – Norman Harris on Guitar, Ronnie Baker on Bass and Earl Young on Drums
US LP: "Spinners", March 1973 on Atlantic SD 7256 
UK LP: "The Detroit Spinners", March 1973 on Atlantic K 40477

16. Feel Like Makin' Love – ROBERTA FLACK (2:55 minutes)
US 45: July 1974, Atlantic 45-3203, A-side
UK 45: June 1974, Atlantic K 10467, A-side

US LP: "Feel Like Makin' Love", March 1975 on Atlantic SD 18131

UK LP: "Feel Like Makin' Love", April 1975 on Atlantic K 50049

17. One Of A Kind (Love Affair) – SPINNERS (3:32 minutes) *
US 45: April 1973, Atlantic 45-2962, A-side 
UK 45: July 1973, Atlantic K 10311, A-side, credited as The Detroit Spinners
US LP: "Spinners", March 1973 on Atlantic SD 7256 
UK LP: "The Detroit Spinners", March 1973 on Atlantic K 40477

18. Sideshow – BLUE MAGIC (4:08 minutes) *
US 45: March 1974, Atco 45-6961, A-side
UK 45: August 1974, Atlantic K 10494. A-side

19. Mighty Love, Pt. 1 – SPINNERS (4:55 minutes)
US 45: January 1974, Atlantic 45-3006, A-side
UK 45: March 1974, Atlantic K 10416, A-side, credited as The Detroit Spinners
NOTE: The playing time is mistakenly noted on the rear and in the inlay as 3:19 minutes but it plays the Full LP version at 4:55 minutes; the 4:55 minutes playing time was noted correctly as such on the 1991 US Box Set issue

20. Love Won't Let Me Wait – MAJOR HARRIS (3:46 minutes)
US 45: February 1975, Atlantic 45-3248, A-side
UK 45: July 1975, UK Atlantic K 10585, A-side

BONUS TRACKS: 
* Tracks 2, 5, 9, 17 and 18 are five 1991 Bonus Tracks not on the 1985 US 7 x 2LP Vinyl Box Set or the individual 1987 UK 7 x CD versions

Some had complained about the sound quality on the original 1987 CDs - as well as wrong versions of songs being used (personally I found the audio quality of the VINYL doubles to be superlative). So Atlantic made efforts with the 1991 CD reissue which is what these 2006 Euro issues are based on. That 1991 Box Set told us that all tracks were "digitally remastered from mono and true stereo originals" and that "in this edition, the proper tracks have been used in all cases" (these 2006 quote the same). BOBBY WARNER and JIMMY DOUGLAS carried out the Digital Transfers while ZAL SCHREIBER and STEVE INNOCENZI did the mastering. The quality on these CDs is shockingly good - full of life and clarity. Each is a joy to listen to. Sure in the decades since there have been reissues (by Bear Family especially) that knock spots off the 1991 sound (try their "Joe Turner Rocks" or their "Sweet Soul Music" volumes 1961 to 1975 – I have reviewed all of them). But what you do get is fantastic all the way to the finish. To the tunes…

The Aretha opener "Don't Play That Song (You Lied)" has never been one of my faves, but even on an average day - The Queen of Soul rocked and her vocal in the tune is fabulous. Dealing in dirt and looking at love as a two-way street - Jackie Moore stumps up Volume 8's first genuine classic and a largely forgotten sexy groove - her "Precious Precious" - a fantastic groover presented here in gloriously clear audio. Speaking of hey-there-sugar-dumpling - King Floyd struck B-side gold with his own "Groove Me" - all sock-it-to-me-mama Seventies Funk that still sounds so contemporary. Legend has it that blind Soul Singer and Songwriter Clarence Carter hated doing "Patches" and I can understand why - singing its truths must have felt both hick and hurtful at one and the same time. I can understand why it was a chart stormer back in the day, but in 2024 its 'washed all the crops away' story telling is something I don't want to ever hear.

Back to proper groovin' with the wicked Wilson Pickett givin' it some "Don't Knock My Love..." - Part 1 with a relentless toe-tapping backbeat while he fills in after the fuzz guitars with that distinctive vocal rasp of his. Volume 8 now gives you both Parts of "Funky Nassau" - the big moment for The Beginning Of The End. Mini and Maxi Skirts and Afro Hair Do's have the band taking care of business - playing it Funky now. Chrissie Hynde and her Pretenders did a stunning cover version of The Persuaders and their forgotten actions-speak-louder-than-words "Thin Line Between Love And Hate" - it's domestic misery vs. love of a wanderer vs. violence clearly striking a chord that unfortunately carries over to this day. But while "Thin Line..." is a stone winner - it's left in the dust by the staggering groove of Aretha's "Rock Steady". Exactly what it is - move your hips from side to side - what it is - what it is - is a Funky and lowdown feeling. With the gorgeous and moving ballad "Day Dreamin'" (a Bonus Track) following - her crown as The Queen of Soul genuinely starts to make sense as presented here by this lethal double-whammy (fantastic clarity - the band funking the nuts out of your speakers). 

Further nuggets include a young Betty Wright sounding far-too-experienced in her fabulous "Clean Up Woman" - an infidelity warning to other girls (hugely popular still on radio and dancefloors). The Spinners (known as The Detroit Spinners in the UK) start to make their classy presence known with two total winners from their March 1973 self-titled debut LP - perennial radio faves "Could It Be I'm Falling In Love?" and "I'll Be Around" - while "Mighty Love" from their second album is none too shabby either. That underrated debut (see separate review I did for the BBR UK CD Reissue) also had the superb socially-aware soft-Soul of "Ghetto Child" which unfortunately isn't included as a Bonus when there was room (mistake that). 

There's admitted fairly audible hiss on the Roberta Flack song "Killing Me Softly With His Song" but then the album its near six-minute heartbreak comes from has been notorious for that (even after Remaster) for years (apparently written about a Don McLean concert - the title refers to a moment when one of his acoustic love songs moved the listener to tears). The slinky bedroom lurve of "Feel Like Makin' Love" is an overlooked Roberta Flack gem while Blue Magic's "Sideshow" and Major Harris' "Love Won't Let Me Wait" are so-Seventies in their step-right-up chatty cheese vs. oh baby-baby moaning vocal styles that both will elicit far too many warped yet fond memories of clinches and longings at parties for listeners of a certain vintage (like moi). 

In 2024 and despite being technically deleted, you can get Volume 8 of 8 of Atlantic Rhythm & Blues 1947-1974 (or any of the others) individually on popular auction sites often for less than four quid. There was even a flimsy card wrap version in March 2006 that put all eight together as an all-in budget-priced package – usually available for about £30 to £35. 

But I would argue that such is the riches on offer across all eight volumes that you consider the big daddy - splashing out on that 1991 US LP-Sized 8CD Box Set with its full booklet and genuine sense of visual purpose. Set you back maybe £60 – but what a wow it is! If that isn't in your budget purview – then go for this Thunderbuck Ram of a CD compilation. 

But I warn you – the need for the other seven and booklet explanations will quickly manifest itself thereafter…