The Reggae Box [Box set]

Amazon.com
Across four discs and 87 songs, The Reggae Box tells the tale of Jamaica's modern social and political history through a well-rounded survey of the island nation's popular music. Disc 1 begins at the height of the independence movement in the 1960s, celebrated here with the exuberant, optimistic ska that blended the tropical sounds of mento and calypso with American R&B. Ska morphed into the smoother rock steady style, as artists began discovering the subtlety of the grooves while further exploring the sweetness of American soul. By disc 2, roots reggae and Rastafarianism moves to the fore. Delroy Wilson's 1971 hit "Better Must Come" displays the slowed-down, slinky rhythms and social messages that would define this period. By 1974, Augustus Pablo's dub enters the picture, an echo-laden psychedelic style. A new sound emerges on disc 3, lighter in both lyrical content and musical depth. Dancehall was geared to locals looking for fun, losing its political and social agenda, adding synthesized sounds, digital trickery, and a "singjay" vocal style that was half-spoken, half-sung. By disc 4, the deejays and sound systems of dancehall are firmly entrenched as reggae's most prominent forces, often reviving "old-school" tunes in a modern style. While some artists returned to social commentary and Rastafarianism, many others sang of the grim realities of sex and violence.

The democratic approach to this set--each disc focuses on a single decade from the '60s through the '90s--gives listeners a broad and inclusive look at the genre's development and the shifts of popular taste. On the other hand, this goal of breadth may come at the expense of quality in some cases, especially if you believe that the '60s and '70s were clearly reggae's heyday. Still, as a comprehensive overview of Jamaican popular music of the last 40 years, complete with detailed song notes, informative essays that put the music in historical context, and attractive artwork and packaging, The Reggae Box has few flaws. --Marc Greilsamer

The Reggae Box,Various Artists,Hip-O Records,Bluebeat,Box Sets (Audio Only),Contemporary Reggae,Dancehall,Dub,Lovers Rock,Political Reggae,Pop,Ragga,Reggae,Reggae Collections,Reggae Music,Reggae-Pop,Rocksteady,Roots Reggae,Ska,Smooth Reggae,Soul

Average customer rating: Long lasting music of the 60's from Stax Want a Piece of Music History? Ninety Eight Stars (Count 'Em...98) One For Every Great Hit Stax Soul Necessity A Must-Have

Stax Story Various Artists Manufacturer: Stax ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Blues | Styles | Music Electric Blues Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music Modern Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Disco | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Southern Soul | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Memphis Soul | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Compilations | R&B | Styles | Music Soul | Compilations | R&B | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Southern Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Box Sets | Stores | Music R&B & Soul | Box Sets | Stores | Music Similar Items: Stax 50th Anniversary Celebration Atlantic Rhythm & Blues 1947-1974 Chess Blues Back to Mono (1958-1969) The Complete Stax-Volt Singles 1959-1968 ASIN: B00004Z3ZW Release Date: 2000-11-07

Tracks:

1. Gee Whiz (Look At His Eyes) - Carla Thomas
2. Last Night - The Mar-Keys
3. Green Onions - Booker T. & The MGs
4. Walking The Dog - Rufus Thomas
5. Respect - Otis Redding
6. Hold On I'm Comin' - Sam And Dave
7. B-A-B-Y - Carla Thomas
8. Knock On Wood - Eddie Floyd
9. Soul Finger - The Bar-Kays
10. Tramp - Otis & Carla
11. Born Under A Bad Sign - Albert King
12. Soul Man - Sam & Dave
13. (Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay - Otis Redding
14. Private Number - William Bell/Judy Clay
15. Who's Making Love - Johnnie Taylor
16. Time Is Tight - Booker T. & The MGs
17. Do The Funky Chicken - Rufus Thomas
18. Mr. Big Stuff - Jean Knight
19. Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get - The Dramatics
20. Respect Yourself - The Staple Singers
21. Theme From Shaft - Isaac Hayes
22. I've Been Lonely (For So Long) - Frederick Knight
23. I'll Take You There - The Staple Singers
24. Starting All Over Again - Mel & Tim
25. I'll Be The Other Woman - The Soul Children
26. Woman To Woman - Shirley Brown

Tracks:

1. 'Cause I Love You - Carla & Rufus
2. You Don't Miss Your Water - William Bell
3. These Arms Of Mine - Otis Redding
4. Can Your Monkey Do The Dog - Rufus Thomas
5. Big Party - Barbara & The Browns
6. Jump Back - Rufus Thomas
7. Mr. Pitiful - Otis Redding
8. Can't See You When I Want To - David Porter
9. Boot-Leg - Booker T. & The MGs
10. I've Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now) - Otis Redding
11. Candy - The Astors
12. I Want Someone - The Mad Lads
13. Philly Dog - The Mar-Keys
14. (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction - Otis Redding
15. Things Get Better - Eddie Floyd
16. Let Me Be Good To You - Carla Thomas
17. I'll Run Your Hurt Away - Ruby Johnson
18. Your Good Thing (Is About To End) - Mable John
19. Patch My Heart - The Mad Lads
20. Crosscut Saw - Albert King
21. I Can't Stand Up For Falling Down - Sam And Dave
22. Groovin' - Booker T. & The MGs
23. Give Everybody Some - The Bar-Kays
24. Cold Feet - Albert King
25. I Thank You - Sam And Dave
26. I Got A Sure Thing - Ollie & The Nightingales
27. Big Ford - Eddie Floyd
28. A Tribute To A King - William Bell
29. I Ain't Particular - Johnnie Taylor

Tracks:

1. Soul Limbo - Booker T. & The MGs
2. I've Never Found A Girl (To Love Me Like You Do) - Eddie Floyd
3. What A Man - Linda Lyndell
4. I Like Everything About You - Jimmy Hughes
5. I Forgot To Be Your Lover - William Bell
6. I Like What You're Doing (To Me) - Carla Thomas
7. So I Can Love You - The Emotions
8. Walk On By - Isaac Hayes
9. Black Boy - Roebuck 'Pops' Staples
10. I Have Learned To Do Without You - Mavis Staples
11. Play The Music Toronados - The T.S.U. Toronados
12. Can Say Goodbye - Isaac Hayes
13. The Breakdown (Part 1) - Rufus Thomas
14. Son Of Shaft - The Bar-Kays
15. That's What Love Will Make You Do - Little Milton
16. In The Rain - The Dramatics
17. Hearsay - Soul Children
18. Ain't That Loving You (For More Reasons Than One) - Isaac Hayes/David Porter
19. Dedicated To The One I Love - The Tempress
20. Breaking Up Somebody's Home - Albert King
21. I Believe In You (You Believe In Me) - Johnnie Taylor
22. Short Stopping - Veda Brown
23. Cheaper To Keep Her - Johnnie Taylor
24. If You're Ready (Come Go With Me) - The Staple Sisters

Tracks:

1. Green Onions - Booker T. & The MGs
2. Raise Your Hand - Eddie Floyd
3. Something Good (Is Going To Happen To You) - Carla Thomas
4. Grab This Thing (Part 1) - The Mar-Keys
5. The Dog - Rufus Thomas
6. You Don't Miss Your Water - William Bell
7. Soothe Me - Sam And Dave
8. You Don't Know Like I Know - Sam And Dave
9. Shake - Otis Redding
10. Try A Little Tenderness - Otis Redding
11. Oh La De Da - The Staple Singers
12. (Do The) Push And Pull (Part 1) - Rufus Thomas
13. Jody's Got Your Girl And Gone - Johnnie Taylor
14. Killing Floor - Albert King
15. Blues Power - Albert King
16. Show Me How - The Emotions
17. Hang 'Em High - Booker T. & The MGs
18. Theme From Shaft - Isaac Hayes
19. Theme From The Men - Isaac Hayes

Amazon.com

When you hear a Stax record, you know it's a Stax record: the urgent, passionate gospel inflections of the singer; the behind-the-beat horn arrangements; the prominent, pulsating rhythm section. It is the sound of South Memphis in the 1960s. Few labels have such an identifiable sound--or, for that matter, one that's as infectious. This four-disc collection gets right to the heart of the Stax sound, tracing its development from 1960 to 1975 and thus unveiling the development of modern soul music itself. The 98-song selection is wide and deep, with room for both international smashes and obscure curiosities. Disc one covers the best-known hits, but the highlight may be disc four, which is dedicated to incendiary live recordings and is where you can hear Rufus Thomas's "Do the Push and Pull" for more than five glorious minutes and hear Albert King break down his relationship troubles. The middle two discs fill in the gaps with lesser-known gems from famous artists and famous songs by lesser-known artists. Sure, any longtime Stax fan will quibble with a few of the song choices (and omissions), but that just proves how consistently rewarding the Stax output was. With packaging and annotation worthy of such indispensable music, The Stax Story will delight any fan of funk and soul. --Marc Greilsamer

Album Description

'The Stax Story' brings together most of the company's biggest selling singles along with a well-chosen sampling of rarities and an entire disc of live recordings made around the world, including a couple of previously unissued gems. The 4 discs trace the evolution of a truly American style from the exquisite simplicity of the firm's early output through the often-lavish innovations of the later years. In addition to its 98 scorching selections, box set includes a richly illustrated booklet featuring the commentary of Rob Bowman, Stax historian & author of the award-winning Soulsville U.S.A.- The Story of Stax Records.

Customer Reviews:

Long lasting music of the 60's from Stax.......2007-07-28

Together with my wife always been big fan of the Stax performers. Wasn't aware one can find still this music and even on CD. Over here in Europe, market is rather weak. Since I am working in the states I was happy to see the opportunities with the Amazon offers.
Just one word: GREAT

Want a Piece of Music History?.......2006-04-24

Then buy this set of quality disks before the sun sets! (Sun Recording, Memphis has already set!) THIS IS THE true Memphis sound and one that many of us have tried to copy over the years. At the center of the Memphis sound are the several music pros in this set...if you get a chance, attend a Memphis Blues Festival held annually (at different dates and times) and puts all the rest to shame. This music was around a long time before Beal Street ever came on the scene and it's a real treat to sit in the clubs during Festival and watch who walks up from the audience and sits in...some well knowns, a lot of unknowns but don't let appearances fool you. It is a treat for me and likely for you to put one of these disks on, sit back in an easy chair and I defy you to not tap your foot and snap your fingers! This is music at it's finest........

Ninety Eight Stars (Count 'Em...98) One For Every Great Hit.......2001-07-11

WOW, This is the real thing...The motherlode...Incredible!!! Sure the Complete Stax Volt Singles 6-CD box set gives you every single released up until Atlantic pulled out as their national distributor. The Atlantic Rhythm & Blues collection covers the years 1947-1974 and includes numerous artists of the late forties and fifties like Ruth Brown, Al Hibler, Big Joe Thorton, Lavern Baker and Ray Charles. Then there's the Rhino box set, Thirty Years of Rhythm and Blues, a great retrospective in that it crosses over numerous labels and artists. This is a great place to explore the diversity of styles covering all the great regional styles from Motown to Philly to Memphis.

But if your bent is hard driving, gut wrenching, R&B with a pinch of gospel and soul, then look no further. This collection is the bomb. With 98 (count 'em...98) bonifide super soul hits, this is positively essential for any collector. Five Stars just scratches the surface. This one should get 98 Stars (count 'em...98) one for every great single in this marvelous set.

Stax Soul Necessity.......2001-02-18

This set provides a welcome alternative to the pricey Complete Singles Vols. 1-3 box sets. This set is four discs. The first disc contains 26 well known Stax hits. The second disc highlights the Atlantic distribution period 1960-68. It contains lesser known singles and album tracks. Disc 3 highlights the years Mid 1968-1973 with more obscure singles and album tracks. The last disc is a sort of a live "Best of the Stax/Volt Soul Revue". All four discs are filled to capacity which is a good value. The 64 page booklet is well annotated with chart positions and contains rare photos of lp covers and promo literature as well as photos of some of the artists included in the set. The set highlghts not only the tight playing of Booker T. & the MGs but also the excellent songwriting of the Stax writers including; the MGs, Isaac Hayes, David Porter, Eddie Floyd, Mack Rice et al. Highlights abound with Albert King, Sam & Dave, Otis Redding, Rufus Thomas, Carla Thomas, Johnnie Taylor, the Staple Singers and others. The lesser known cuts by the stars are just as good or better in some cases, than their hits. Some of the more obscure artists included such as the Mad Lads and Ollie & the Nightingales are highlighted with excellent cuts. Someone might have a quibble with the track selection but if so think about investing in cds by the individual artists or the much more expensive singles collections. This is an interesting and judiciously chosen sampler of one of the best soul/funk labels of the sixties and early seventies. If you like this set I highly recommend the "Otis: The Definitive Otis Redding" 4 cd box set on Rhino and "Time Is Tight" a 3 cd Booker T. & The MGs box set from Fantasy.

A Must-Have.......2000-12-29

This is great. Period. If you're into soul & funk, you need this in your collection. It's got everything you want, and then some. The graphic design of the packaging is terrific, too.

Average customer rating: Simply the best A Stunning And Brilliantly Assembled Bob Marley Collection. Excellent! Yeaaah... Bob's legacy

Songs of Freedom Bob Marley & The Wailers Manufacturer: Island ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music General | Reggae | Compilations | International | Styles | Music Reggae | Box Sets | Stores | Music Similar Items: Uprising Legend (New Packaging) Exodus Live at the Roxy, Hollywood, California, May 26, 1976 - The Complete Concert Kaya ASIN: B00002R0MC Release Date: 1999-11-16

Tracks:

1. Judge Not
2. One Cup Of Coffee
3. Simmer Down
4. I'm Still Waiting
5. One Love/People Get Ready (Original)
6. Put It On
7. Bus Dem Shut (Pyaka)
8. Mellow Mood (Original)
9. Bend Down Low
10. Hypocrites
11. Stir It Up (Original)
12. Nice Time
13. Thank You Lord (Original)
14. Hammer
15. Caution
16. Back Out
17. Soul Shake Down Party
18. Do It Twice
19. Soul Rebel
20. Sun Is Shining
21. Don't Rock The Boat
22. Small Axe
23. Duppy Conqueror
24. Mr. Brown

Tracks:

1. Screw Face
2. Lick Samba
3. Trenchtown Rock (Alternate Mix)
4. Craven Choke Puppy
5. Guava Jelly
6. Acoustic Medley
7. I'm Hurting Inside (Alternate Mix)
8. High Tide Or Low Tide
9. Slave Driver
10. No More Trouble
11. Concrete Jungle
12. Get Up Stand Up
13. Rastaman Chant
14. Burnin' And Lootin'
15. Iron Lion Zion
16. Lively Up Yourself
17. Natty Dread
18. I Shot The Sheriff (Live)

Tracks:

1. No Woman No Cry (Live At The Roxy)
2. Who The Cap Fit
3. Jah Live
4. Crazy Baldheads
5. War
6. Johnny Was
7. Rat Race
8. Jammin' (12in Mix)
9. Waiting In Vain (Advert Mix)
10. Exodus (12in Mix)
11. Natural Mystic
12. Three Little Birds (Alternate Mix)
13. Running Away
14. Keep On Moving (London Version)
15. Easy Skanking
16. Is This Love (Horns Mix)
17. Smile Jamaica
18. Time Will Tell

Tracks:

1. Africa Unite
2. Survival
3. One Drop
4. One Dub
5. Zimbabwe
6. So Much Trouble In The World
7. Ride Natty Ride (12in Mix)
8. Babylon System
9. Coming In From The Cold (12in Mix)
10. Real Situation
11. Bad Card
12. Could You Be Loved (12in Mix)
13. Forever Loving Jah
14. Rastaman Live Up
15. Give Thanks And Praise
16. One Love/People Get Ready (12in Mix)
17. Why Should I
18. Redemption Song (Live In Pittsburgh)

Amazon.com

When Songs of Freedom was released originally in 1992, it was a perfect complement to either a greatest hits collection like Legend or the entire collection of the reggae master's albums. Songs boasts enough of the recognizable from Marley's canon to address the hit seeker, but the set also reaches way, way back to include Marley's first single, the youthful "Judge Not" from 1962, and then closes more than four hours later with a 1980 live take of "Redemption Song" from his last concert. In between are live takes, studio remixes, and, of course, standard looks at Marley standards, playing together as a perfect balance between the familiar and the new. The flow of famous takes increases into CDs 3 and 4, where "No Woman, No Cry" appears from a 1976 set at the Roxy and where "Jammin'" and "Exodus" come in mixes that were new to fans in 1992. Of course these four CDs show in wide-angle view exactly how fantastic and commercially improbable Marley was. He was able to popularize tunes about both the repression of African nations and their liberation while also bringing to rock audiences an undeniably Jamaican music, breaking the U.S. and British geographic strongholds on the 1970s pop and rock marketplace. Never mind that he made Island Records' first fortune, he also created a body of work so lasting that a four-CD set heavy on alternate versions can stand out in any contemporary music collection. For the 1999 reissue of the original 1992 box set, no new music has been added. The format has changed, though, from a long-box presentation to a cube containing individual slipcased CDs. It's still a remarkable gem. --Andrew Bartlett

Customer Reviews:

Simply the best.......2007-03-12

Everyone who likes Reggae Music must have this CD.
Simply the best of Bob Marley...

A Stunning And Brilliantly Assembled Bob Marley Collection........2006-12-26

Out of all the Christmas gifts I have received today, one stands clear as my favorite: "Songs Of Freedom", a four cd boxed set compiling 88 classic Marley tunes, a vast number of which are rarities. Alternate takes, never or rarely heard performances (starting with his first recordings with Peter Tosh and Bunny Livingston dating back to 1964) and much more. The sound quality is quite good, as are the sequencing and the liner notes.

Bob Marley was an incredibly kind, loving, talented, nurturing and intelligent individual, and "Songs Of Freedom" is a testament to just how great this man truly was and how his message still rings true today: a message of peace, unity, love, tolerance, freedom and faith. This is a must have for all music fans, as no record collection is complete without anything by Bob Marley.

Excellent!.......2006-08-31

It's not much I can say because this box set will NOT disappoint! From beginning to end, it captures your ears! With a 95-page booklet which includes insight into Bob's life, song origins and wonderful photos, whether you are a huge fan or a beginning fan, you will not get enough of each of the tracks! The 12" mixes of JAMMIN', EXODUS, RIDE NATTY RIDE, COMING IN FROM THE COLD, COULD YOU BE LOVED, and ONE LOVE/PEOPLE GET READY are the highlights for me as well as the first disc, which includes early mixes of ONE LOVE/PEOPLE GET READY, MELLOW MOOD, STIR IT UP, & THANK YOU LORD!

Yeaaah..........2006-04-30

I have always liked Bob's first hit single, "simmer down" it is here as is all of his most important work. This compilation will take you above and beyond casual Marley fan status. The booklet that comes with this boxed set has antecdotes and details found nowhere else. Put it on the stereo and ride along with the evolution of a Master.

Bob's legacy.......2006-02-04

Simply put this is the best collection of Bob Marley songs you can find on the planet. It is worth every dollar. The acoustic medley (which includes guava jelly, this train and stir it up to name a few) is something that every fan of Bob should hear. My other favorites are "Johnny Was" and "Zimbabwe" neither of which I have on any other albums. There are versions of songs which you probably haven't heard before. Quit reading this and click on the purchase button.

Average customer rating: Must-have. So much great material, but not quite as complete as it could be. 4.5 stars: Could even be the box set of the year... Sorry, its not the full collection Great overview

The Collection Sly & the Family Stone Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Box Sets | Stores | Music R&B & Soul | Box Sets | Stores | Music Similar Items: Daydream Nation (Deluxe Edition) Songs of Leonard Cohen Betty Davis They Say I'm Different What It Is! Funky Soul And Rare Grooves (1967-1977) ASIN: B000N69PD4 Release Date: 2007-04-10

Tracks:

1. Small Talk
2. Say You Will
3. Mother Beautiful
4. Time for Livin'
5. Can't Strain My Brain
6. Loose Booty
7. Holdin' On
8. Wishful Thinkin'
9. Better Thee Than Me
10. Livin' While I'm Livin'
11. This Is Love
12. Crossword Puzzle [Early Version][*]
13. Time for Livin' [Alternate Version][*]
14. Loose Booty [Alternate Version][*]
15. Positive [*][Instrumental]

Tracks:

1. Luv N' Haight
2. Just Like a Baby
3. Poet
4. Family Affair
5. Africa Talks to You "The Asphalt Jungle"
6. There's a Riot Goin' On
7. Brave & Strong
8. (You Caught Me) Smilin'
9. Time
10. Spaced Cowboy
11. Runnin' Away
12. Thank You for Talkin' to Me Africa
13. Runnin' Away [Single Version][*]
14. My Gorilla Is My Butler [#][*][Instrumental]
15. Do You Know What? [*][Instrumental]
16. That's Pretty Clean [#][*][Instrumental]

Tracks:

1. Stand!
2. Don't Call Me Nigger, Whitey
3. I Want to Take You Higher
4. Somebody's Watching You
5. Sing a Simple Song
6. Everday People
7. Sex Machine
8. You Can Make It If You Try
9. Stand! [Simple Version]
10. I Want to Take You Higher [Single Version]
11. You Can Make It If You Try [Unissued Single Version][#]
12. Soul Clappin' II [#]
13. My Brain (Zig-Zag) [#][Instrumental]

Tracks:

1. Underdog
2. If This Room Could Talk
3. Run, Run, Run
4. Turn Me Loose
5. Let Me Hear It from You
6. Advice
7. I Cannot Make It
8. Trip to Your Heart
9. I Hate to Love Her
10. Bad Risk
11. That Kind of Person
12. Dog
13. Underdog [Single Version][*]
14. Let Me Hear It from You [Single Version][*]
15. Only One Way out of This Mess [*]
16. What Would I Do [*]
17. You Better Help Yourself [#][*][Instrumental]

Tracks:

1. Dynamite!
2. Chicken
3. Plastic Tim
4. Fun
5. Into My Own Thing
6. Harmony
7. Life
8. Love City
9. I'm an Animal
10. M'Lady
11. Jane Is a Groupee
12. Dynamite! [Single Version][*]
13. Seven More Days [#][*]
14. Pressure [#][*]
15. Sorrow [#][*][Instrumental]

Tracks:

1. In Time
2. If You Want Me to Stay
3. Let Me Have It All
4. Frisky
5. Thankful N' Thoughtful
6. Skin I'm In
7. I Don't Know (Satisfcation)
8. Keep on Dancin'
9. Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)
10. If It Were Left Up to Me
11. Babies Makin' Babies
12. Let Me Have It All [Alternate Mix][#][*]
13. Frisky [Alternate Mix][#][*]
14. Skin I'm In [Alternate Mix][#][*]
15. Keep on Dancin' [Alternate Mix][#][*]
16. Babies Makin' Babies [Alternate Mix][#][*]

Tracks:

1. Dance to the Music
2. Higher
3. I Ain't Got Nobody (For Real)
4. Dance to the Medley: Music Is Alive/Dance In/Music Lover
5. Ride the Rhythm
6. Color Me True
7. Are You Ready
8. Don't Burn Baby
9. I'll Never Fall in Love Again
10. Dance to the Music [Single Version][*]
11. Higher [Unissued Single Version][#][*]
12. Soul Clappin' [*]
13. We Love All [#][*]
14. I Can't Turn You Loose [#][*]
15. Never Do Your Woman Wrong [#][*][Instrumental]

Amazon.com

First, a sigh of exasperated relief--exasperation because it's taken a needlessly long time to get Sly and the Family Stone's catalog remastered and properly reissued. From the band's 1967 debut, A Whole New Thing through their 1974 swan song, Small Talk, the shifting band indulged everything from the long horn lines, fast rhythms, and quickly unmistakable urgent delivery of "Turn Me Loose," with its rapid, jerking funk rhythms and quick, sharp horn blasts, to the chilled groove, string backing, and slinky guitar on "Say You Will."

In between there's an embarrassment of riches: The 1968 one-two punch of Dance to the Music's title track and "Higher" introduces a gleaming exuberance; everyone wants to get higher and dance, but slowly the tune titles and funky whimsy of tunes like "Chicken," "Love City," "Fun," and the sheer musical cheer of "Harmony," show that Sly's bridge from hard-hitting funk riffage to more rock, more pop got mixed up with significantly new commercial heights (and larger narcotic appetites) and, simultaneously, more instability and simmering fury. By 1969, Sly's newness was transformed, with Stand!'s "Don't Call Me Nigger, Whitey" snarl and droning organ and wah-wah guitar aplenty. The full-on blast of harmonica, fuzz guitars, and horns that opens "I Want to Take You Higher" just cemented the claim: Music would unite and fight and kick and get you high. The mega-hit "Everyday People" almost seems an anomaly in this company, a breezy harmony vocal backing, simple piano framing, reaching horn lines, and a churchy chorus. It's the biggest hit here, a true pop gem. Then there's "Sing a Simple Song" and its scouring, wordless shouts, a heavy beat backed by multiple voices half-atop each other, horn riffs jetting across guitar riffs, and an abrupt, scrambling end. It's a tight and tough embrace, an open door. It's 1969.

Then a dystopian haze turns full-force for There's a Riot Goin' On. By 1971, Sly had his Hollywood mansion and legions of droppers-by laying down parts of Riot. The result is entrancing, backed often by an austere, early drum machine and featuring dope-glazed vocals, paranoid shadows and, of course, a stewing funk groove. Horns are here, thinned out so they jab harder, and the keyboards gleam and shimmer and icily coat the beats, which sound in today's parlance simply lo-fi. And the beats, they've slowed menacingly, with voices dropping in, dropping out. Drugs were flowing freely by this point, complicating Sly's sound, inadvertently making an album that matches its maker's psyche-in-time indelibly. Once 1973's Fresh emerges, the austere, haunted glaze happens beneath slow-stewing grooves, as on the seemingly frivolous "Frisky," where the drums and keys and horns are enmeshed tightly, showing barely any sonic separation. The great bassist Larry Graham had left the Family by now, replaced by Rusty Allen, whose bass pops up as framing, while the vocals go lean and languid, turning to moans and melismatic blurs as the groove stirs. "If You Want Me to Stay" is a highlight, and the album is deeply funky even while reaching across the divide toward pop (rather than the '60s albums bridges to psychedelic rock, which proved itself pragmatically limited for the more intensely rebellious public as the Vietnam War and Watergate sent long social shadows).

As for Small Talk, it's the least ambitious, most settled session. The sounds are gorgeous in the new remastered form, making a new case for Small as a worthy bookend on your Sly shelf. Yes, he burned brighter and hotter and more furiously. It's still the same nervy mix, dramatic and intense. --Andrew Bartlett

Customer Reviews:

Must-have........2007-05-25

If you want to have a respectable music collection, certainly you already own this. If not, get it now before you embarrass yourself.

So much great material, but not quite as complete as it could be........2007-05-18

This boxed set makes progress towards rectifying the sad state of the Sly & the Family Stone catalog-- a band that's pretty much fallen off the radar, the enormous influence that Sly Stone and his musicians had on music can't be underestimated. From their peers coming out of San Francisco to the fusion movement that kicked off a few years after their first records (Miles Davis was a huge fan) to pretty much all funk, soul, r&b and hip-hop music since these records, Sly Stone laid out the blueprint for much of modern music.

"Collection" draws together the band's first seven albums, all remastered with bonus tracks, reprinting of the original liner notes and a new liner notes essay, with each CD packaged in a digipack and housed in a sturdy slipcase style box. There's nothing in here that's not on the individually reissued CDs that followed this release by a couple weeks, so if you're wanting all of these, price should be your gating factor as to whether or not to go with the box or the individual CDs (unless you really want the slipcase...). The remastering done here is top notch-- everything sounds crisp and clear and the depth of the music really gets a chance to shine. The bonus tracks by and large alternate versions, different mixes, a couple early recordings, and a seemingly endless array of instrumental pieces. Some of them are fantastic ("Fresh" seems to have the best), for the most part they're more interesting than essential.

The music itself... if you're not familiar, this is the blueprint. As I've started listening to Sly & the Family Stone only recently, I'm amazed how oddly familiar and yet how unique this material can be. Sly Stone was definitely the mastermind here, writing, producing and singing most the leads as well as contributing primarily on organ (among other instruments), with the first integrated band, featuring women in instrumental roles rather than simply as backing vocalists and both white and black musicians. Brother Freddie Stone (guitar and vocals), sister Rose Stone (keyboards and vocals), Cynthia Robinson (trumpet) and Jerry Martini (saxophones) and vocal group Little Sister (including Vet Stone) contribute throughout. Initially, the band had one of the best rhythm sections ever essembled in bassist/vocalist Larry Graham (inventer of the slap bass technique) and drummer Gregg Errico, both left over the years, the former replaced by Rustee Allen the latter by a series of drummers (Andy Newmark being the most significant).

The early records leveraged this great musicianship and these endless array of vocalists in an aggressive funk sound. Although a brief detour into a pop/dance funk driven by the record company would get in the way of the band's progress (sophomore effort "Dance to the Music"), Sly's songwriting and arranging quickly evovled into something with a real sense of timelessness-- his two masterworks, the positive funk of "Stand!" and the dark, claustrophobic "There's a Riot Goin' On" (and to a slightly lesser extent, its followup "Fresh", nearly as great). Along the way, there's an endless series of fantastic cuts-- "Underdog", the aformentioned "Dance to the Music", "I Want to Take You Higher", "Everyday People", "Just Like a Baby", "Family Affair", "(You Caught Me) Smilin'", "If You Want Me to Stay" (the song that turned me onto Sly...), the list goes on and on. There's so much great material here.

But curiously among all these riches, some of the best material was left out. Between "Stand!" and "There's a Riot Goin' On", Sly and the Family Stone released two superb singles-- "Hot Fun in the Summertime" and double A side "Thank You (Falettinme be Mice Elf Agin)"/"Everybody is a Star" intended for an album that was eventually shelved and stuck on a "Greatest Hits" album. There's certainly room on the CDs to have fit these, they could have been tacked into the bonus material on either of the albums they were released between. Also left out of the set were the last two records Sly Stone did for Epic-- admittedly "High On You" was credited to Sly Stone and "Heard You Missed Me, Well I'm Back" was a Family Stone record in name only, I'd've liked to have had these anyway. While the contributions of a great band and great musicians can't ever be underestimated (I've often suspected Larry Graham's departure had something to do with the serious sound change between "Stand!" and "There's a Riot Goin' On", either that or Graham left because of the sound change), this was Sly Stone's show. Admittedly, it's the singles that I'm irritated about being missing and are the reason I'm dinging the rating a star (for anyone interested, they can be found on the remastered 2CD "The Essential Sly and the Family Stone").

Even with these weakness, this is a great set-- there's so much great music here that really needs to be heard. Highly recommended.

4.5 stars: Could even be the box set of the year..........2007-05-06

IF ONLY the head folks at Sony didn't take their sweet time in reissuing this legendary groundbreaking group's catalog! What you have here is a nicely-packaged collection of all their key INDIVIDUAL albums (save for their original greatest hits release which had those three excellent singles added to it; otherwise this would've been a runaway 5-star collection IMHO). All of them come digi-paked in their original album covers with newly written liner notes, outstanding sound restoration, and a slew of bonus tracks further documenting the tremendous musical growth of the band as well as their ever-lingering influence on today's music scene. Whether you're new to the group's music or not, this box set is about as indispensable as they come (especially since it's only available for a limited time; what's up with THAT!?!?!?). Besides, you'll end up saving far less than actually going out and buying the albums separately.

P.S. To those who may be wondering why Sly's 'High On You' album wasn't included in the mix, keep in mind that that was the first one credited solely to HIM rather than the group. Still, I wouldn't mind seeing it get the same treatment as well...

Sorry, its not the full collection.......2007-05-05

Unbelievable. Sony came close but they blundered again. Being a hardcore fan of this group for 40 years (yes, 40!), I can't call this a "collection". 3 KEY SONGS ARE MISSING!!

1. Hot Fun In The Summertime - MISSING!
2. Everybody Is A Star - MISSING
3. Thank You Fallentine Me Be Mice Elf Again - MISSING!

The missing songs are landmark songs in the history of R&B. Also the original 45 single mix of Everyday People is missing. How could Sony do this??! So all the fluff of unreleased tracks and alternate mixes can't excuse the key tracks missing. The Japan 8 CD version of this box set contains the missing tracks but do you wanna pay $200 for it??

Great overview.......2007-04-30

among Musicians that have truly made a Lasting impact Sly Stone is right there,but because he pretty much cooled off and other factors he isn't given the Proper due that his Musical Pioneering Hybrid of R&B,Pop,Gospel,Blues,Jazz and everything else in between that he helped create. sly and the Family Stone are on that same Bridge of Musical Trend-setters that broke Racial barriers and created Songs that are timeless. this collection captures the most important Music created by Sly Stone in it's full zenith. His Influence is felt decade upon decade. now i personally feel that this whole collection best captures his Importance. I wouldn't recommend anything else beyond this aside from the Live at the fillmore which is due soon. Sly Stone hit his Peak and Prime all at the same time. His Songwriting,Arranging and Production are still some of the most important standards in Music History. Funk Artists,rock,Pop,Rappers,Blues,Jazz,etc.... have all incorperated Sly Stone's Work and his work should be fully embraced. he is long overdue. the Band was Ground-Breaking and Sly Stone truly had his own Musical Bag.

Average customer rating: ONE ***H-U-G-E*** FLAW!!! Outstanding! Timeless The best from the Best Instrumental fans enjoy

Time Is Tight Booker T. & the MG's Manufacturer: Stax ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Southern Soul | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Southern Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Box Sets | Stores | Music R&B & Soul | Box Sets | Stores | Music Similar Items: Stax Instrumentals McLemore Avenue Green Onions Melting Pot Just Roll Tape: April 26th, 1968 ASIN: B00000C2PD Release Date: 1998-10-20

Tracks:

1. Green Onions
2. Behave Yourself
3. Jellybread
4. Home Grown
5. Burnt Biscuits
6. Chinese
7. Mo' Onions
8. Tic-Tac-Toe
9. Fannie Mae
10. Soul Dressing
11. Can't Be Still
12. Boot-Leg
13. Outrage
14. Be My Lady
15. My Sweet Potato
16. Hip Hug-Her
17. Summertime
18. Slim Jenkins' Place
19. Groovin'
20. Soul Sanctions
21. Pigmy
22. Booker's Notion
23. I Can Dig It
24. Expressway
25. You Don't Love Me
26. Never My Love
27. Blue On Green
28. Ode To Billie Joe

Tracks:

1. Soul Limbo
2. Heads Or Tails
3. Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy
4. Hang 'Em High
5. Willow Weep For Me
6. Over Easy
7. Time Is tight
8. Jonny, I Love
9. Lady Madonna
10. Mrs. Robinson
11. Soul Clap '69
12. I've Never Found A Girl (To Love Me Like You Do)
13. You're All I Need To Get By
14. It's Your Thing
15. Something
16. Sunday Sermon
17. McLemore Avenue
18. Medley: Sun King/Mean Mr. Mustard/Polythene/Pam/Sha Came In Through The Bathroom Window/......
19. Chicken Pox
20. Melting Pot

Tracks:

1. Gotta Serve Somebody
2. Lay Lady Lay
3. MG Party
4. Terrible Thing
5. Hole In The Wall
6. (Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay
7. Booker's Theme
8. Alberts Rap
9. Born Under A Bad Sign
10. Medley: I'm With You/I Don't Mind/Oh, Baby Don't You Weep
11. Mediation
12. Green Onions
13. Sarasota Sunset
14. I've Been Loving you Too Long (To Stop Now)
15. Hang 'Em High
16. Time Is Tight
17. (Sittin' On) The Dock Of Bay

Amazon.com

Almost an accidental ensemble, Booker T. & the MGs came together for a functional reason--to play as the house band for Memphis's Stax Records. But organist Booker T. Jones and guitarist Steve Cropper found alchemy, transforming rhythm-section riffing into an art, slicing through air where listeners expected vocals and doing so with tremendous success on their first single, "Green Onions," which was later featured on the American Graffiti soundtrack. This three-CD set captures the quartet's core in plentiful doses, leading off with their 1961 first salvo and cruising through numerous attempts at remaking the soulful classic. But in tinkering with the "Green Onions" formula, the band found dozens of instrumental variations, much like later, all-instrumental genre straddlers like Medeski Martin & Wood. They also found countless hours of work, backing some of Memphis soul's most revered artists (think Otis Redding and Wilson Pickett) and defining a backbone sound of organ and guitar layered over the increasingly vital rhythms of bassist Donald "Duck" Dunn and original drummer Al Jackson. They played expansive minor-key soul, as "Ode to Billie Joe" and many other tunes here attest, and later in the 1960s went on to churn out charting hits and great albums alike. The second CD in this set captures some great moments, especially the segments from McLemore Avenue, the quartet's all-instrumental tune-for-tune riposte to Abbey Road. Later in the set you get Albert King on vocals for a gritty "Born Under a Bad Sign" and then Boz Scaggs and Neil Young fronting the quartet (with Steve Potts or Jim Keltner drumming in place of the long-ago murdered Jackson). This collection will leave you wanting more. --Andrew Bartlett

Customer Reviews:

ONE ***H-U-G-E*** FLAW!!!.......2004-08-16

If you're a serious Booker T & the MGs fan you'll probably want to get this set BUT, because of ONE HUGE FLAW, it stands FAR from being definitive; THE TITLE TRACK IS THE WRONG TAKE!!! I cannot imagine how this could have happened. (And I can scarcely believe that I don't see this glaring flaw mentioned in any of the other reviews!) The bass line ---arguably the most definitive element of the song--- is ENTIRELY DIFFERENT, which makes it interesting from an oddities/rarities perspective, but... "Time Is Tight" is one of my favorite cuts from this band and one of the main reasons I bought this set. I'm a professional bassist and it's one of the first songs I learned to play, one of the songs that played a significant role in my most formative years; I know it intimately. What a HUGE let-down it was when I discovered that the famous version of the song was not included and, after dropping fifty bucks, I still had to go out and buy "The Very Best Of..." to scratch the itch! And, while I'm a it... I have a compilation from the late '60s that has many cuts missing from this set. I'd much prefer to have some of those, rather than the 'live stuff. So, in summary; Hard-core fans only... Those willing to buy additional CDs to fill out the collection.

Outstanding!.......2002-08-05

I had the Greatest Hits and Melting Pot albums way back when vinyl was king, and I decided to revisit the past and putchase this set as well as Melting Pot (the downloaded mp3's were just enough to get me hooked again). I wasn't disappointed. It's great from beginning to end, and the live version of Hang em High is fantastic. My only complaint is that the studio version of Time is Tight isn't the same one as on my old LP. No matter, it's all good. The book that comes with it is great for Booker T fanatics, packed with lots of history. A little pricey, but worth it

Timeless.......2002-04-01

The greatest drummer who ever lived, Al Jackson, Jr., the coolest, most persuasive bass player in the world, Donald "Duck" Dunn, the absolute superior guitar playing of the one and only Steve Cropper, and the special genius of organ/piano man and all round musical prodigy, Booker T. Jones made up a virtual "dream team" of music. Besides laying down perfectly tight, unbelievably soulful backdrops for some of the greatest artists of the 20th century, they recorded some of the best music ever made and in instrumental form to boot. This is a great box set. You get the hits from "Green Onions" to "Hip Hug-Her" to "Hang 'Em High" to the amazing "Melting Pot". You get great rarities like "Hole In the Wall" (originally released in '65 under the moniker The Packers), and the beautiful, superb "Meditation" (a Booker T. Jones masterpiece, as brilliant as anything ever done from Mozart to McCartney). And you hear the band's versatility on their remarkable range of covers. I wouldn't do much editing; however, I would replace a good bit of the pre-Dunn era material, except a few, like the great "Soul Dressing", with later outings. And one could argue that the entire Melting Pot album, along with the entire McLemore Avenue album merit greatest hits status. Also, soul fans will no doubt cringe at the sound of Neil Young whining his way through the Cropper penned "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay". Why this was picked to finish the collection, still baffles me. All and all, though, a fine showcase for the greatest band of all time.

The best from the Best.......2001-07-31

I have grown up listening to Booker T and the MG's. My brother brought back a huge stereo from Thailand in the 60's (Vietnam War) with a collection of awesome soul records including Booker T. The sound from that stereo and the soul music pumping out of those speakers were about as close to heaven as a 6 year old could get. In 1967 I became a gigantic Booker T and the MG's fan and have been ever since. I own all the originals on LP's and have since collected them all on CD's. I thought I had heard it all available from them but this box collection proved I hadn't. It spans many years and has B-Sides from 45's which I don't have and live cuts as well. The box set is the best start or compliment to your existing great Booker T and or Stax/Memphis Soul collection.

Instrumental fans enjoy.......2001-02-18

I would actually give this set 4.5 stars. I have been waiting for a comprehensive collection from this band for a long time. The only reason I am not giving it five stars is the live cuts at the end of disc 3 with the exception of the Albert King numbers, are unnecessary. Especially since studio versions of some of these songs are already on the set. These songs are from the period after the band reformed WITHOUT Al Jackson, Jr. on drums. If live versions were selected they could have been chosen from the classic period. Rob Bowman and Bill Belmont would have been better served to add more studio rarites, either non-lp sides or unissued tracks. Ace currently has an excellent import cd entitled "Play The Hip Hits" which includes unissued and rare cover versions from their classic period only one of which "Fannie Mae" appears on this set. The liner notes inside that cd state that there are also unissued cuts written by the band still in the vaults. This being said "Time Is Tight" is an great box set. I have many box sets and I play this one more than most. I like the fact that the first disc concentrates on the period when the band was distributed by Atlantic. The second disc starts after this distribution deal had ended. The discs themselves contain most of their "hits" along with familiar covers and cool album tracks. However "Booker-Loo" & "Red Beans & Rice" were omitted from the "Greatest Hits" cd. These discs illustrate what a tight band that the MGs were. Steve Cropper is an excellent but underrated guitarist. Al Jackson Jr. is a steady and funky drummer. Donald "Duck" Dunn is an inventive bass player while Booker T. Jones is equally adept at organ or piano. It is easy to see why these musicians were/are in such demand to back their more famous contemporaries. In summary if you are a fan of instrumental music or funk/soul this is an essential purchase. It is also great music to play in the car while cruising.

Average customer rating: It's Too Funky In Here James Brown==Soul Should be in everyone's collection... The Comprehensive Box-Set Of The Godfather Of Soul!! YOU WANNA KNOW TRULY WHERE THE FOUNDATION OF FUNK CAME FROM, THEN HEYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!

Star Time James Brown Manufacturer: Polydor / Umgd ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Classic R&B | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music R&B & Soul | Box Sets | Stores | Music Similar Items: Live at the Apollo Foundations Of Funk: A Brand New Bag: 1964-1969 Live at the Apollo, Vol. II Dreams To Remember: The Otis Redding Anthology Make It Funky - The Big Payback: 1971-1975 ASIN: B000001G1E Release Date: 1991-05-07

Tracks:

1. Please Please Please
2. Why Do You Do Me
3. Try Me
4. Tell Me What I Did Wrong
5. Bewildered
6. Good Good Lovin'
7. I'll Go Crazy
8. I Know It's True
9. (Do The) Mashed Potatoes, Pt. 1
10. Think
11. Baby, You're Right
12. Lost Someone
13. Night Train
14. I've Got Money
15. I Don't Mind (Live)
16. Prisoner Of Love
17. Devil's Den
18. Out Of The Blue
19. Out Of Sight
20. Grits
21. Maybe The Last Time
22. It's A Man's World
23. I Got You
24. Papa's Got A Brand New Bag, Pts. 1, 2 & 3

Tracks:

1. Papa's Got A Brand New Bag, Pt. 1
2. I Got You (I Feel Good)
3. Ain't That A Groove
4. It's A Man's Man's Man's World
5. Money Won't Change You
6. Don't Be A Dropout
7. Bring It Up (Hipster's Avenue)
8. Let Yourself Go
9. Cold Sweat
10. Get It Together
11. I Can't Stand Myself (When You Touch Me), Pt. 1
12. I Got The Feelin'
13. Licking Stick-Licking Stick
14. Say It Loud-I'm Black And I'm Proud, Pt. 1
15. There Was A Time (Live)
16. Give It Up Or Turnit A Loose
17. I Don't Want Nobody To Give Me Nothing (Open Up The Door I'll Get It Myself)

Tracks:

1. Mother Popcorn
2. Funky Drummer
3. Get Up (I Feel Like Being A) Sex Machine
4. Super Bad, Pts. 1 & 2
5. Talkin' Loud & Sayin' Nothing
6. Get Up, Get Into It And Get Involved
7. Soul Power, Pts. 1 & 2
8. Brother Rapp/Ain't It Funky Now (Live)
9. Hot Pants, Pt. 1
10. I'm A Greedy Man, Pt. 1
11. Make It Funky, Pt. 1
12. It's A New Day (Live)
13. I Got Ants In My Pants, Pt. 1
14. King Heroin

Tracks:

1. There It Is, Pt. 1
2. Public Enemy #1, Pt. 1
3. Get On The Good Foot
4. I Got A Bag Of My Own
5. Doing It To Death
6. The Payback
7. Papa Don't Take No Mess, Pt. 1
8. Stoned To The Bone, Pt. 1
9. My Thang
10. Funky President (People It's Bad)
11. Hot (I Need To Be Loved, Loved, Loved)
12. Get Up Offa That Thing (Release The Pressure)
13. Body Heat, Pt. 1
14. It's Too Funky In Here
15. Rapp Payback (Where Iz Moses)
16. Unity, Pt. 1

Amazon.com essential recording

It would seem impossible to summarize James Brown's contribution to R&B--to American music--in a mere four compact discs, but somehow Star Time does it. This boxed set charts Brown's early rise as a hard-hitting R&B-styled vocalist ("Please Please Please," "Try Me") and shows how his bandleading skills (one can't forget inventive players like saxophonist Maceo Parker, bassist Bootsy Collins, drummer Jabo Starks, and many others) changed the face of soul and invented funk in the '60s and early '70s with impeccably timed ("Papa's Got a Brand New Bag"), highly rhythmic ("I Can't Stand It"), primal ("Licking Stick Licking Stick") hits. The box also does a definitive programming job on Brown's more spotty later years--another plus. This is where beginners should start, but several extended versions and rarities (like "Papa," raised an octave on original release, at normal speed) make it a must for completists too. --Don Harrison

Customer Reviews:

It's Too Funky In Here.......2007-02-16

This is as close to a complete retrospective of James Brown's legendary recording career from 1956-1984 that will ever be available. The 71 tracks are from original session tapes or the original single and album masters. The sound quality - in particular on the oldest material - is outstanding.

The collection starts with Please, Please, Please (1956) and ends with Unity (Part I), which features Afrika Bambaata on co-vocals.

Some of my favorites are Try Me, Night Train, Papa's Got A Brand New Bag (Parts I, II & III), Bring It Up (Hipster's Avenue), Say It Loud - I'm Black And I'm Proud (Part I), Funky Drummer, Make It Funky (Part I), King Heroin and My Thang.

Along with bassist Bootsy Collins, Brown has worked with many dynamite musicians, led by long-time organist, Bobby Byrd. The saxophonists include Maceo Parker, Pee Wee Ellis, Michael Brecker & Joe Farrell, with such trombonists as Randy Brecker, Fred Wesley & Jon Faddis bolstering Brown's signature Funk and R&B sounds.

You can count on one hand the true pathfinders in American popular music. There are three individuals who must be on every list; Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis and The Godfather of Soul.

James Brown==Soul.......2007-02-09

James Brown has always been my favorite, but I was never able to find much of his music in the CD era before the internet exploded. Unfortunately, it took his death to remind me of how much I liked his sound. I've been on a buying spree since. Usually, after you get through the best 5-10 hits an artist has on one greatest hit collection, the rest is hum drum filler. I have to say that in the case of James Brown, the more I find the more I love the man!!! He is truly the progenitor of Funk and hip hop.

Should be in everyone's collection..........2006-12-31

Very rarely has the passing of a public figure made me feel such deep emotions as I felt this Christmas day when we lost James Brown. Although I was fortunate enough to see him live and in concert before, I was looking forward to seeing him again on December 28th at a NJ venue and had been lucky enough to get second row seats, but it was not to be. I can literally separate my music listening life into two distinct periods: BEFORE and AFTER I heard JB. Once I heard him everything changed, and I couldn't look at music the same again after hearing him. What I thought was funky or groundbreaking before seemed tepid and uninspired after I heard him. I distinctly remember hearing "Sex Machine" at a party one night and the proverbial light went off. Since that time I have purchased all the JB I can get my hands on, including this collection. The music and message of JB has become ingrained in who I am over the years and has shaped so much of my appreciation for music. JB fused elements of soul, R&B and jazz to lay the foundations of what would later be known as funk music, and then managed to create what would become (in my opinion) the most memorable and definitive funk music ever recorded. But the man didn't just make good time party music; he always had something to say, whether it be unabashed pronouncements of black pride or urging kids to stay in school or away from drugs. JB's influence was so far reaching it almost seems incomprehensible; VERY few recording artists have managed to sustain careers that spanned several decades and remained relevant. His influence was felt on other continents as evidenced in Fela Kuti's music in Nigeria and the creation of Afrobeat, which Fela himself confessed was directly influenced by the rhythms present on James Brown's recordings. JB even had a hand in the early rap scene when artists like Public Enemy began sampling his music on their tracks in the mid 1980's. (And lets not forget that JB was one of the first to rap back in the early 1970's, check out "King Heroin" on this collection if you need a refresher.) The music contained on these four discs is a well chosen overview of his incredible career. As a general warning though, this probably won't be the end of your James Brown collection. I have found that his music is so infectious that I have kept buying more and more of it over the years. However, any newcomer to his music will find this collection to be an excellent place to start, and really any and every music fan should own this. I've said it before and I'll say it again: you ain't human if this doesn't move you. This past summer I was in the heart of the inner city waiting outside of a fast food restaurant in the take out line with my windows down, and blasting a live version of the JB's tearing through "Pass The Peas". I slowly turned as I saw some movement out of the corner of my eye, as three men who had been asking for change got up and began to dance. They yelled "GODFATHAAA!", and ended up coming to my window to ask what CD the song was from or if it was the radio. I'm sure everyone who has been touched by his music has a story like this, because the music of James Brown was something that brought us all together as people. Thank you for all the memories and God Bless you Godfather.

The Comprehensive Box-Set Of The Godfather Of Soul!!.......2006-12-30

I had to write this review in lieu of the recent passing
of one of the latter 20th Century's greatest musical innovators!
James Brown was a revolutionary of music, of performance,
and with his bold "I Don't Want Nobody To Give Me Nothing /
Say It Loud, I'm Black & I'm Proud" socio-political statements
that came to black america at a time when they were really needed!

This box set is the most comprehensive collection of his
groundbreaking work that I know of!
I've owned this set now for about 14 yrs. and have
played it a billion times probably by now!
Yet it's still fresh, funky, energetic and positive!!--
And yes, it speaks of truth!!
This man was so far ahead of his time, yet OF HIS TIME!
In these last few days since his passing,
his music means even more to me!
He was given a funeral befitting royalty because he WAS ROYALTY!!
God Bless Your Soul Mr. Brown!! (May 3, 1933 - December 25, 2006)
Your gut-bucket funky grooves, your straight-from-the-heart messages
and your electric stage presence will be studied, emulated
and enjoyed by generations to come!
There'll never be another one!---R.I.P. GODFATHER!!

YOU WANNA KNOW TRULY WHERE THE FOUNDATION OF FUNK CAME FROM, THEN HEYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!.......2006-12-29

the classics on this box set saved hip hop. the classics on this box set inspired genrations and will inspire genrations to come. the classics on this box set generate numerous emotions. shoot, it's a history lesson in its own right. a doggone MUST HAVE!!!! they will NOT come in james brown's brand EVER again!!!!

Average customer rating: "Simply,THE TRUTH!" Queen of Soul: The Atlantic Recordings ~ Aretha Franklin Essential Cornerstone of any Soul collection Near Perfect Forever The Queen!!!

Queen of Soul: The Atlantic Recordings Aretha Franklin Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Southern Soul | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music R&B & Soul | Box Sets | Stores | Music Box Sets at 30% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music R&B | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Otis! The Definitive Otis Redding The Master 1961-1984 Star Time Genius & Soul: The 50th Anniversary Collection Amazing Grace: The Complete Recordings ASIN: B0000032VS Release Date: 1992-09-29

Tracks:

1. I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You)
2. Do Right Woman-Do Right Man
3. Save Me
4. Respect
5. Baby, Baby, Baby
6. Dr. Feelgood (Love Is A Serious Business)
7. (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman
8. Soul Serenade
9. Drown In My Own Tears
10. Chain Of Fools
11. Baby, I Love You
12. Ain't Nobody (Gonna Turn Me Around)
13. Since You've Been Gone (Sweet Sweet Baby)
14. You Are My Sunshine
15. Going Down Slow
16. Never Let Me Go
17. I Wonder
18. Prove It
19. Good Times
20. Come Back Baby
21. A Change
22. You're A Sweet Sweet Man
23. Good To Me As I Am To You
24. People Get Ready
25. Ain't No Way

Tracks:

1. Think
2. See Saw
3. The House That Jack Built
4. Night Time Is The Right Time
5. I Say A Little Prayer
6. You Send Me
7. My Song
8. I Take What I Want
9. I Can't See Myself Leaving You
10. Night Life (Live Version)
11. Today I Sing The Blues
12. Pitiful
13. Tracks Of My Tears
14. River's Invitation
15. Share Your Love With Me
16. It Ain't Fair
17. Sit Down And Cry
18. Honest I Do
19. The Weight
20. When The Battle Is Over
21. Eleanor Rigby
22. One Way Ticket
23. Call Me
24. Pullin'

Tracks:

1. Son Of A Preacher Man
2. Try Matty's
3. The Thrill Is Gone (From Yesterday's Kiss)
4. Dark End Of The Street
5. You And Me
6. Let It Be
7. Spirit In The Dark
8. Why I Sing The Blues
9. Don't Play That Song
10. Young, Gifted And Black
11. Border Song (Holy Moses)
12. A Brand New Me
13. You're All I Need To Get By
14. Spanish Harlem
15. Rock Steady
16. Oh Me Oh My (I'm A Fool For You Baby)
17. Day Dreaming
18. All The King's Horses
19. Bridge Over Troubled Water
20. Angel

Tracks:

1. Spirit In The Dark (Reprise)
2. How I Got Over
3. So Swell When You're Well
4. Master Of Eyes (The Deepness Of Your Eyes)
5. Somewhere
6. I'm In Love
7. Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing
8. Until You Come Back To Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do)
9. Every Natural Thing
10. Without Love
11. With Everything I Feel In Me
12. Mr. D.J. (5 For The D.J.)
13. Look Into Your Heart
14. Sparkle
15. Rock With Me
16. Break It To Me Gently
17. Something He Can Feel

Amazon.com essential recording

Queen of Soul trumps all other collections of Aretha's recordings for Atlantic by adding dozens of album tracks to a selection of epochal singles ranging from "I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)" and "Respect" to "Spanish Harlem" and "Rock Steady." Over three CDs and change--the fourth runs out of steam, as did her creative energy during the mid-to-late-'70s period it chronicles--we hear many emotional shifts: impassioned, triumphant, wistful, and always truthful about her condition and our own. --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

"Simply,THE TRUTH!".......2005-06-11

I've had this box set for a while. At times I've listened to each disc on it's own and enjoyed it. Recently, I had to drive a lot over the Memorial Day weekend (to my daughters travel basketball games) and decided that I'd listen to the whole box set, starting at disc one through disc four. The experience was a revelation. Aretha is one of the greatest vocalist ever to record. And when she sings, she simply "tells the truth." When she says she, "Never Loved a Man," "the way that I love you," that's what she means. When she wants a "Do Right Man," because she'll be a "do right woman," that's what she means. You hear it in her voice when she talks about being a "Natural Woman," telling her man to "Think," and saying she wants "R-E-S-P-E-C-T;" you know what she's talking about. And it's not just the classic, old jams she vocalizes the truth on. It could be lesser known gems, such as "Try Matty's," "The House that Jack Built," or "Don't Play that Song." When she says "Rock Steady," I'm up and grooving, rockin' steady. When she says she'll be that "Bridge Over Troubled Water," it's spiritual. And when she sings "Call Me," or "Until You Come Back to Me," the urgency in her voice sends chills through me. My Dad loved Aretha and I grew up listening, but not appreciating Aretha. Once you get to be my age though, all you're looking for is truth and honesty and if you purchase this box set, you will definitely get it! I love this four disc CD set. I recommend it for anybody needing an intro to Aretha's greatness or anybody who needs to hear it TOLD LIKE IT IS!

Queen of Soul: The Atlantic Recordings ~ Aretha Franklin.......2005-03-26

This collection of her atlantic recordings is stupendous and amazing. Franklin is a tremendous artist with mega super hits such as think, respect, and many more. The book-let is very nice with high end photographs of Franklin and the covers of all her albums that she made for atlantic. There is so much to like about her and her amazing ability as a vocalist, muisician, lyricist and performer. The front cover photo is very nice with Franklin mayb e in her 30's or later, I have no idea, but it is a very nice photo and she looks great. Gotta love those tacky sunglasses on her 1975 release you. This is a very nice compilation that one should not miss.

Essential Cornerstone of any Soul collection.......2005-02-10

I know, I know, you narrow your eyes whenever you see the term "essential," in an amazon review. Well, hate to tell you but it doesn't get any more essential than this. This may be the gold standard of Box sets. Better than my Joy Division, my Miles, my Coltrane, and my Sonny Rollins sets. By heaps and piles!

As far as I'm concerned: It's Billie, Nina and Aretha. The Mother, The Daughter and The Holy Spirit of Soul. I love Etta (both Ettas). I love Mahalia, and I love Bessie. I swear by Ruth Brown. Mabel Mercer and Roberta Flack- Love 'em to death. But one gives credit where it's due: at her absolute prime, Aretha sounds, well- PRIMAL. Like her voice has become the avatar of Athena, Artemis and Aphrodite- all rolled into one. The woman's pipes are sooooo grand as to be almost inhuman- yet tempered with such human warmth, tenderness, humility... Her voice does things to me, and unless you're a robot in disguise or one of the walking dead- it will to you too... So. Forget the label, "soul," and all the baggage it carries- just take the word at face value: If you possess a soul- you will love this. This is the kind of music that unites generations- gives all cultures a common ground.

This collection is a couple steps short of being 'comprehensive,' but still pulls off being definitive. It's missing a few tracks that the hardcore fans will kick up a fuss over... Still: 4 CDs. 88 tracks. Excellent sound (most of the earliest songs are preserved in mono: a good thing), the remastering is phenomenal. Great packaging, the 80+ page booklet has interviews with everyone, it's a sweet read. Then there's the smalll fact that you're getting All her Atlantic hits and (probably) the cream of her entire Atlantic output: albums, singles, B-sides, all of it (and that's saying something). I defy you to bat an eye at this.

You'll want this over the Columbia Comp. Some go for the early 60's Aretha, but I feel I can say this without reservation: her individuality blossomed at Atlantic. It was with her move to Atlantic (back when the likes of Jerry Wexler, David Ritz, Dave Marsh and Tommy Dowd were workin it) that she began to earn the apropos moniker, "Queen of Soul." At Columbia, one always feels like she's straining against the pop arrangements. She's trapped, yearning to be set free. The Columbia producers cramped her innate tendency to do what gospel singers do best: let loose. That's just what she does over the course of these four fantastic CDs. Atlantic gave Aretha the license to use her wings. We all get to some along for the ride.

You really don't have a reason not to get this. If you feel that nigh-60 dollars is too much to drop... Well, the BMG people (yeah, the ones that mail out those annoying CD forms that you always forget to fill in and return on time and then you have some crap you never wanted in your maibox to ambush you) usually has a sweet half-off policy for all box-sets. They offer this for about 25 $'s, which is actually about 33$'s, once you add the shipping and tax. Just so's you know.



PS. Jimmy Smith died today. RIP

Near Perfect .......2004-11-10

Of course, I love Aretha Franklin & am very grateful to my buddy who gave me this boxed set as gift. Being the perfectionist I am, I do have some complaints, so please bear with me :

1) Where is "Lean On Me"? This was a non-album B side of "Spanish Harlem". This is not the Bill Withers song, but a Van McCoy compostion. Surely they could have included it. Fortunately I have a turntable & managed to salvage the single out of my collection. FYI - Melba Moore also does a great version of this song which is worth checking out.

2) Disc 4 is a little uneven. Even a great artist like Aretha Franklin put out some less than great music. Her "5 for the DeeJay" is a strange song which for some strange reason creeps me out whenever I hear it. It sounds almost like a parody of her classic style. Sorry, I'm probably overanalyzing things here. As long as they were putting her later stuff on the set, why not include at a couple of numbers from her last 2 albums "Almighty Fire" & "La Diva". I know that the material is supposed to be horrible, but it would have been good just for the shock value. At least, I would have been interested in hearing the Skip Scarborough material which considering the man's other work, couldn't have been that awful!

3) Some of the additions that I suggested could have taken the place of some of the inclusions. Her version of "Somewhere" is nice but not essential to me. Also, I know I'll get into hot water for this one. I know that the duet with Ray Charles must have been wonderous in concert, but for some reason doesn't come off that well on record. Of course, with the recent death of Mr. Charles its inclusion is fitting & proper.

4)I love Gospel music but the inclusion of the one Gospel song sounds somewhat out of place on this collection. It might have been a better idea to put together a Gospel collection, which I think there has been in the last few years. Possibly, her version of Marvin Gaye's "Wholly Holy" might have been a better choice. I know! I know! I'm being very picky!

Okay I better say some things I really enjoy about this collection:

1) The numbers from the Curtis Mayfield produced "Sparkle" are absolute gems & deserve more attention that they have gotten.
2) The beautiful "Without Love" co-written by sister Carolyn is a very moving number which almost brings me to tears.
3) Her "Young Gifted & Black/Spirit in the Dark" Period is very well covered here - including some awesome cover versions such as "Spanish Harlem", "Don't Play that Song", "You're All I Need to Get By" & a stunning version of Elton John's "Border Song" that totally blows away EJ's version. During this time, she was also writing more of her own songs which, again, are stunning - "Call Me", "Daydreaming", "All the King's Horses", etc. I can't remember if she wrote "One Way Ticket", but it is another lost gem!!!
4) Of course, her "Lady Soul" period (the 1st 4 Atlantic albums) is covered well. Some of the lesser heard tracks really stand out like ballads such as "Prove It" & "Baby Baby Baby". Of course, Carolyn Franklin's composition "Ain't No Way" still blows me away every time I hear it. By the way that is Cissy Houston (Whitney's mom) hitting those stratospheric high notes in the background. I have heard DJs incorrectly say that it was Carolyn doing the singing there.
5) The "Soul 69/This Girl's in Love..." period is interesting. Some critics seemed to savage the stuff from "Soul 69" which is actually quite nice. Again, why couldn't they have included her version of "This Girl's in Love..."? Oops! I'm complaining again. Sorry!

So, anyway, for anyone who is still reading this rambling review, I hope I'm forgiven for my criticisms. I do love Aretha! When an artist is as talented as she is, I tend to expect absolute perfection. Anyway, enjoy!

P.S. If you don't have the bucks to lay down for this collection & don't have nice friends who will give you a gift copy, you should check out some of her individual collections like "Aretha Arrives" "Lady Soul" or "Never Loved A Man". Also there are some budget priced collections which include her well-known & lesser known material, and they are the original recordings - not re-recordings!

Forever The Queen!!!.......2004-09-08

Hey Aretha fans
I would like to let everyone know that I LOVE Aretha!!
I have ever since I first borrowed a tape that had her "oldies" on it. It wasn't until I became older that I learned to appreciate her lyrics. This collection is by far the best I have ever had! I listen to it in every possible direction i can. But I love to hit shuffle and wonder what song is gonna be next. This collection has almost everything Aretha did in the 60's and i would love to hear the other songs that aren't on this collection. Which means buying all of her records but hey when u love Aretha as much as I do you don't really care. ha ha
So to all of you that have this collection Congrats! and to those of you THINKING of getting this GO HEAD!
Cause this is the proper way to hear the QUEEN OF SOUL!

Average customer rating: Seminal box set for soul & R&B fans Full of Great Stuff It is THE collector's box set...amazing! I love it! A good complication of Stax soul from the 70es.

The Complete Stax-Volt Soul Singles, Vol. 2: 1968-1971 Various Artists Manufacturer: Stax ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Blues | Styles | Music Electric Blues Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music Modern Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Disco | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music 1960s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music 1970s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music Motown | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Southern Soul | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Memphis Soul | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Northern | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Southern Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music 1960-1969 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music 1970-1979 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Blues | Box Sets | Stores | Music General | Pop | Box Sets | Stores | Music R&B & Soul | Box Sets | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Complete Stax-Volt Soul Singles, Vol. 3: 1972-1975 The Complete Stax-Volt Singles 1959-1968 Atlantic Rhythm & Blues 1947-1974 Motown Singles, Vol. 4 Hitsville USA: The Motown Singles Collection 1972-1992 ASIN: B000000ZHS Release Date: 1993-10-15

Tracks:

1. I Was Born To Love You - Shirley Walton
2. Precious, Precious - Isaac Hayes
3. Send Peace And Harmony Home - Shirley Walton
4. Soul Limbo - Booker T. & The MGs
5. I've Never Found A Girl (To Love Me Like You Do) - Eddie Floyd
6. It's Been A Long Time Coming - Delaney/Bonnie
7. What A Man - Linda Lyndell
8. I Like Everything About You - Jimmy Hughes
9. Stay Baby Stay - Johnny Daye
10. Private Number - Judy Clay/William Bell
11. So Nice - Mad Lads
12. Long Walk To D.C. - Staple Singers
13. Give 'Em Love - Soul Children
14. Funky Mississippi - Rufus Thomas
15. Lovin' Feeling - Charmels
16. Where Do I Go - Carla Thomas
17. Bed Of Roses - Judy Clay
18. Bring It On Home To Me - Eddie Floyd
19. It's Unbelievable (How You Control My Soul) - Jeanne And The Darlings
20. Who's Making Love - Johnnie Taylor
21. Mighty Cold Winter - Dino And Doc
22. Hang 'Em High - Booker T. & The MGs
23. You're Leaving Me - Ollie/Nightingales
24. Copy Kat - Bar-Kays
25. I Forgot To Be Your Lover - William Bell
26. Running Out - Mable John
27. My Baby Specializes - William Bell/Judy Clay
28. I'll Understand - Soul Children

Tracks:

1. The Ghetto - Staple Singers
2. Blues Power - Albert King
3. The Echo - Epsilons
4. Funky Way - Rufus Thomas
5. Take Care Of Your Homework - Johnnie Taylor
6. I Like What You're Doing (To Me) - Carla Thomas
7. I've Got To Have Your Love - Eddie Floyd
8. Let 'Em Down Baby - Jimmy Hughes
9. Love Is Here Today And Gone Tomorrow - Mad Lads
10. It Ain't Long Enough - Judy Clay
11. Mellow Way You Treat Your Man - Ollie/Nightingales
12. Private Number - Sonny Stitt
13. Time Is Tight - Booker T. & The MGs
14. Double Or Nothing - Mar-Keys
15. (Sittin' On The) Dock Of The Bay - Staple Singers
16. So I Can Love You - Emotions
17. Don't Stop Dancing (To The Music) (Part 1) - Bar-Kays
18. One More Chance - Margie Joseph
19. I Wanna Be Good (To You) - Jimmy Dotson
20. Finger Lickin' Good - Art Jerry Miller
21. Tighten Up My Thang - Soul Children
22. My Whole World Is Falling Down - William Bell
23. Testify (I Wanna) - Johnnie Taylor
24. Drowning On Dry Land - Albert King
25. Do The Cissy - Stingers
26. Don't Tell Your Mama (Where You've Been) - Eddie Floyd

Tracks:

1. Mrs. Robinson - Booker T. & The MGs
2. Love's Sweet Sensation - William Bell/Mavis Staples
3. Just Because Your Love Is Gone - Darrell Banks
4. Chains Of Love - Jimmy Hughs
5. Happy - William Bell
6. The Challenge - Staple Singers
7. Soul-a-lujah - Johnnie Taylor/Eddie Floyd/William Bell/Pervis Staples/Carla Thomas/Mavis Staples/Cleotha Staples
8. Never, Never Let You Go - Eddie Floyd/Mavis Staples
9. Just Keep On Loving Me - Johnnie Taylor/Carla Thomas
10. I Need You Woman - William Bell/Carla Thomas
11. I've Got A Feeling - Ollie/Nightingales
12. It's Time To Pay For The Fun (We've Had) - Jeanne/Darlings
13. I Could Never Be President - Johnnie Taylor
14. By The Time I Get To Phoenix - Mad Lads
15. Long And Lonely World - Colette Kelly
16. Midnight Cowboy - Bar-Kays
17. I've Fallen In Love (With You) - Carla Thomas
18. Slum Baby - Booker T. & The MGs
19. The Best Part Of A Love Affair - Emotions
20. By The Time I Get To Phoenix - Isaac Hayes
21. Walk On By - Isaac Hayes
22. Tupelo (Part 1) - Pop Staples/Albert King/Steve Cropper
23. Water - Steve Cropper/Albert King/Pop Staples
24. The Sweeter He Is (Part 1) - Soul Children
25. You're Driving Me (To The Arms Of A Stranger) - Mavis Staples

Tracks:

1. Open Up Your Heart (Let Me In) - Newcomers
2. Why Is the Wine Sweeter (On The Other Side) - Eddie Floyd
3. When Will We Be Paid - Staple Singers
4. Grinder Man - John Lee Hooker
5. Born Under A Bad Sign - William Bell
6. What You Gonna Do - Margie Joseph
7. I'm So Glad - Jimmy Hughes
8. Beautiful Feelings - Darrell Banks
9. Your Love Was Strange - Dramatics
10. Love Bones - Johnnie Taylor
11. Hard To Say Goodbye - Delaney/Bonnie
12. Got To Get Rid Of You - J.J. Barnes
13. Habit Forming Love - Reggie Milner
14. My Thing Is A Moving Thing - T.S.U. Toronadoes
15. Stealing Love - Emotions
16. When Tomorrow Comes - Emotions
17. Wrapped Up In Love Again - Albert King
18. Do The Funky Chicken - Rufus Thomas
19. California Girl - Eddie Floyd
20. Tribute To A Black Woman (Part 1) - Bernie Hayes
21. Sang And Dance - Bar-Kays
22. Hold On, I'm Coming - Soul Children
23. Love's Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down (Part 1) - Chuck Brooks
24. Help Me Put Out The Flame (In My Heart) - Ernie Hines
25. Black Boy - Roebuck 'Pop' Staples

Tracks:

1. Bracing Myself For The Fall - Ollie/Nightingales
2. All I Have To Do Is Dream - William Bell/Carla Thomas
3. Sining About Love - Jeanne/Darlings
4. Goodies - Chris/Shak
5. Just The Way You Are Today - Barbara Lewis
6. The Creeper Returns - Little Sonny
7. Guide Me Well - Carla Thomas
8. Give A Damn - Staple Singers
9. Steal Away - Johnnie Taylor
10. Your Sweet Lovin' - Margie Joseph
11. I Forgot To Remember - Jones/Blumeberg
12. Can't See You When I Want To - David Porter
13. Never Be True - Carla Thomas
14. Can't You See What You're Doing To Me - Albert King
15. Sixty Minute Man (Part 2) - Rufus Thomas
16. The Preacher And The Bear - Rufus Thomas
17. Something - Booker T. & The MGs
18. Seeing Is Believin' - Mad Lads
19. You're My Only Temptation - Roz Ryan
20. What I Don't Know Won't Hurt Me - Paul Thompson
21. Right, TIght And Out Of Sight - Branding Iron
22. (What's Under) The Natural Do - John Kasandra

Tracks:

1. My Girl - Eddie Floyd
2. I Have Learned To Do Without You - Mavis Staples
3. Play The Music Toronadoes - T.S.U. Toronadoes
4. Lonely Soldier - William Bell
5. Heart Association - Emotions
6. I Stand Accused - Isaac Hayes
7. Brand New Day - Staple Singers
8. Sweeter Tomorrow - Margie Joseph
9. Cool Strut - Bernie Hayes
10. You Put The Sunshine Back In My World - Newcomers
11. Montego Bay - Bar-Kays
12. Got It Together (Parts 1 & 2) - Rudy Robinson/Hungry Five
13. Wade In The Water - Little Sonny
14. You're Movin' Much Too Fast - Nightingales
15. The Best Years Of My Life - Eddie Floyd
16. I Am Somebody (Part 2) - Johnnie Taylor
17. I Loved You Like I Love My Very Life - Carla Thomas
18. Soul Machine - Reggie Milner
19. (Follow Her) Rules And Regulations - Tempress
20. (Do The) Push And Pull (Part 1) - Rufus Thomas
21. Love Changes - Charlene/Soul Serenades
22. Put Your World In My World (Best Of Two Worlds) - Soul Children
23. Love Is Plentiful - Staple Singers

Tracks:

1. Heavy Makes You Happy (Ska-Na-Boom Boom) - Staple Singers
2. Who Took The Merry Out Of Christmas - Staple Singers
3. Too Many Lovers - Shak
4. Black Christmas - Emotions
5. The Mistletoe And Me - Isaac Hayes
6. Ask The Lonley - Barbara Lewis
7. Jody's Got Your Girl And Gone - Johnnie Taylor
8. Finish Me Off - Soul Children
9. Oh, How It Rained - Eddie Floyd
10. The Look Of Love - Isaac Hayes
11. Electrified Love - Ernie Hines
12. Melting Pot - Booker T. & The MGs
13. That's The Way I Like It (I Like it That Way) - Barbara Lewis
14. Mr. Big Stuff - Jean Knight
15. You Make Me Want To Love You - Emotions
16. Stop! In The Name Of Love - Margie Joseph
17. I Don't Wanna Lose You - Johnnie Taylor
18. (Girl) I Love You - Temprees
19. The World Is Round - Rufus Thomas
20. A Penny For Your Thoughts - William Bell
21. never Can Say Goodbye - Issac Hayes
22. I Don't Want To Be Like My Daddy - Nightingales

Tracks:

1. You've Got To Earn It - Staple Singers
2. Hold On To It - Limitations
3. Watcha See Is Watcha Get - Dramatics
4. Born Too Late - Branding Iron
5. Just Ain't Strong As I Used To Be (You Done Fed Me Sumpin') - Jimmy Hughes
6. That Other Woman Got My Man And Gone - Margie Joseph
7. If You Think It (You May As Well Do It) - Emotions
8. Shame On The Family Name - Calvin Scott
9. Blood Is Thicker Than Water - Eddie Floyd
10. (The Soul Philosopher): Hijackin' Love - Johnnie Taylor
11. Sweetback's Theme - Melvin Van Peebles
12. The Breakdown (Part 1) - Rufus Thomas
13. Pin The Tail On The Donkey - Newcomers
14. Them Hot Pants - Lee Sain
15. If That Ain't A Reason (For Your Woman To Leave You) - Little Milton
16. It's Good To Be Careful (But It's Better To Be Loved) - Shack
17. Where Would You Be Today - Ilana
18. Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven - Albert King
19. Go To Get Away From It All - Soul Children
20. Love's Creepin Up On Me - United Image
21. Show Me How - Emotions
22. If I Give It Up, I Want It Back - David Porter
23. A Woman Named Trouble - Little Sonny

Tracks:

1. Losing Boy - Eddie Giles
2. Respect Yourself - Staple Singers
3. I'll Kill A Brick (About My Man) - Hot Sauce
4. You Think You're Hot Stuff - Jean Knight
5. All For The Love Of A Woman - William Bell
6. Theme From 'Shaft' - Isaac Hayes
7. Jamaica, This Morning - MGS
8. Gone! The Promises Of Yesterday - Mad Lads
9. Girl, Come On Home - Major Lance
10. (Let Hurt Put You In The) Loser's Seat - Joni Wilson
11. My Baby Love - Tempress
12. How Do You Move A Mountain - Leaders
13. Black Nasty: Black Nasty Boogie (Part 6) - Black Nasty
14. Do The Funky Penguin (Part 1) - Rufus Thomas
15. You've Got A Cushion To Fall On - Carla Thomas
16. Get Up And Get Down - Dramatics
17. Son Of Shaft - Bar-Kays
18. Don't Cha Mess With My Money, My Honey, Or My Woman - L.V. Johnson
19. I Can Smell That Funky Music - Eric Mercury
20. A Sadness For Things - Calvin Scott
21. That's What Love Will Make You Do - Little Milton
22. Standing In For Jody - Johnnie Taylor

Album Description

The story of the great Memphis soul label, Stax/Volt. This 9-disc box concerns itself with the period between 1968 and 1971 and contains all 216 soul singles issued by Stax/Volt during that time- featured are some of the biggest and best-loved hits of the day, as well as a number of little-known gems by both major and less familiar artists. Artists include Shirley Walton, Booket T. & The MGs, The Soul Children, Sonny Stitt, Darrell Banks, Ollie & The Nightingales, Eddie Floyd, Isaac Hayes , The Staple Singers and many more. The discs are housed in a deluxe oversized box (12 x 12 x 1 1/2). 1993.

Customer Reviews:

Seminal box set for soul & R&B fans.......2004-10-26

It's amazing how many hidden gems are mixed in amongst the more well-known songs in this fantastic 9 disc box set. From Darrell Banks' "Just Because Your Love is Gone" to the Newcomers' "Open Up Your Heart (and Let Me In), this is simply a treasure-trove of soul / r&b delights. If you like Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, the Dramatics, etc, you will love this set....good for dancin', good for romancin'!

Full of Great Stuff.......1999-08-25

Different from the material on the first Stax box - soul music was getting more of a standard rock/dance beat underneath of it, and the music was layed down through multi-tracking rather than through live arrangements. But it's still the voice of soul. There is a wealth of fine music on here. If you choose to buy this, I don't think you'll be sorry. There's a lot of pickings on here. Basically, this is a wonderful archival package.

It is THE collector's box set...amazing! I love it!.......1998-12-21

This box set is something I have coveted ever since we had it at the radio station I used to D.J. a soul show on. It has EVERY single you could want. All of the STAX sound is represented...funky dance numbers, ballads, and grooves that make your butt jump up and shake. It's an amazing resource. The booklet that comes with it is fantastic and super-informative. It's also a great place to look for samples, or find the originals that have been sampled from in a lot of Hip-Hop songs. For instance...Lynda Lyndell singing "What A Man", which was sampled (practically covered) by En Vogue and Salt 'N Peppa a few years ago. The originals are often better than the remakes!! Soul purists who can't get enough, Memphis music lovers, Hip Hop musicians, this is a box set for you...like you wouldn't believe! (And it's only one in a series of three amazing STAX box sets.)

A good complication of Stax soul from the 70es........1998-09-09

If you know the first Stax box and like the music from Jakie Brown movie, you will not regret bying this one. This is a nice complication of old soul musicians wich we dont realy remember in the 90es. Many of the numbers you will recognice, because they have been recorded as cover vertions later on. Therefore it does'nt seem to be old music, but just the original recording of some of the music we hear in the radio.

This is one of the titles you learn to enjoy, the more times you hear it the more you will enjoy it.

A good collection of soul, you dont get tired of because there are 200+ numbers to chose from.

Average customer rating: This is one U got to own if you love prince Prince is just plain Prince. Wish I would have Been There! ROCKS HARD IN A FUNKY PLACE Prince One Nite Alone... Perfection Y'all

One Nite Alone Live Prince Manufacturer: Npg (Big Daddy) ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Box Sets | Stores | Music General | R&B | Indie Music | Stores | Music Funk | R&B | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: N.E.W.S Prince - Live at the Aladdin Las Vegas 3121 Lovesexy Emancipation ASIN: B00007JGQ4 Release Date: 2002-12-17

Tracks:

1. Rainbow Children
2. Muse 2 The Pharaoh
3. Xenophobia
4. Extraordinary
5. Mellow
6. 1+1+1 is 3
7. The Other Side of The Pillow
8. Strange Relationship
9. When U Were Mine
10. Avalanche

Tracks:

1. Family Name
2. Take Me With U
3. Raspberry Beret
4. Everlasting Now
5. One Nite Alone
6. Adore
7. Eye Wanna B UR Lover
8. Do Me, Baby
9. Condition of the Heart (Interlude)
10. Diamonds & Pearls
11. The Beautiful Ones
12. Nothing Compares 2 U
13. Free
14. Starfish & Coffee
15. Sometimes It Snows In April
16. How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore
17. Anna Stesia

Tracks:

1. Joy in Repetition
2. We Do This (feat. George Clinton)
3. Medley: Just Friends (Sunny)/ If You Want Me To Stay (w/ Musiq)
4. 2 Nigs United 4 West Compton
5. Alphabet St.
6. Peach
7. Dorothy Parker
8. Girls & Boys
9. Everlasting Now

Customer Reviews:

This is one U got to own if you love prince.......2007-07-22

If you've ever seen Prince Live- YOU GOTTA PEEP THIS ONE! I'm a collector of Prince music and memorabilia- If U are... U gotta own this! LYNCHMOBB69

Prince is just plain Prince........2006-08-09

For better or for worse, the man still has not changed much in the 22 years that I have been a fan of his. I still see that his concerts go big on the most recent material (i.e. things he has with a new album) while alot of the oldies are glossed over and played for about 15 seconds (enough just to get one refrain in):(
I swear to you, this box set is sorta the same old thing you can expect from this man. I paid $50.00 for this and got three CD's worth of music (some great, some so-so and some just overly long stuff) You mostly pay $25.00 for the music and $ 25.00 for the box itself with the booklet inside! I almost feel the rube but I am willing to give this a second chance. So far, not so pleased though:

Prince is a brilliant genius. What can you say he loves to jam. And in one of the CD's "It AINT over", there the man is playing "Girls & Boys". Which come to think of it is almost 8 minutes of him & his band and the only reason this is considered "Girls & Boys" is because the chant of "I love you baby, I love you so much" is said by the audience at the beginning of the song! How is that "Girls & Boys??!?? I love that song, but with no Eric Leeds onstage with him, that song is NEVER to be played! The same treatment is given to "Peach" ANOTHER great song which leaves U thinking "What the hell..?" Prince obviously dances to the beat of his own drummer. Lol And so it goes on.
The second CD has alot of Prince just doing his regular "slow jams" melodies and I swear you will think because you see on the CD listing for "Diamonds & Pearls" and "Do me Baby" but get ready for just 20 seconds of each song (thus, that is considered long enough for a track listing (???)) Then get ready to hear yet another over-long rendition of "Nothing Compares 2 U" and "Anna Stesia". I swear, why does he love "Nothing.." so much? It was never a hit for him! It's his song so whatever...("Adore", "The Beautiful 1's", "Take me with U" and "Raspberry Beret" are given good treatments, but "Diamonds & Pearls", "Free", "Do me Baby" and "Starfish & Coffee" are given the bum-rush jobs)
Obviously, as always the man wants people to know his newer material "Muse 2 the Pharoah", "1+1+1 is 3", "Everlasting Now", "Avalanche" et al are all mostly played their entire length. That's fine, but don't be SO impatient to run through your catalogue so fast that certain songs (new or old) suffer from BEING TOO SHORT!!!!! He USED to take his time with his songs when the concerts were simpler (think Controversy tour 1981), when "Purple Rain" hit, the concerts became more rushed in my opinion.

Save the $50. This set has bad false advertising, plus it's from a period of time where Prince's "Hero" Larry Graham got too much stage time. (I thought Sonny T was Prince's hero???)

Wish I would have Been There!.......2006-08-06

Very hot, at times experimental, incredible muscicianship, and flat out funky songs! A great package, and worth every penny.

ROCKS HARD IN A FUNKY PLACE.......2006-03-31

One Nite Alone...Live! delivers rich funk, smooth jazz and powerful rock! Maceo Parker, Rhonda Smith, John Blackwell, Renato Neto join Prince in this amazing 3 disc live recording. From the opening track "Rainbow Children" to the final track "Everlasting Now" you'll be transported to another planet! Song like Rainbow Children, 1+1+1=3, The Beautiful Ones, Joy in Repetition, Take Me With U, Do Me Baby deliver the album. Amazing collection of material that will please the new fans as well as the old ones. Overall, Prince - One Nite Alone...Live! is truly one of the greatest live recordings out there! This album will not disappoint! Solid live material, beautiful music/vocals, over 30+ songs are presented. Will make a great addition to your Prince collection!

Prince One Nite Alone... Perfection Y'all.......2005-11-30

I have never heard a live concert of this nature! I am an avid Michael Jackson. Pound for Pound Prince takes his live music to an entirely different level. This music is estacy! This is absolutely a wonderful concert collection that I spent nearly 2 months looking for and then I found it at the Virgin Music Mega Store in Time Square!

I dont need to go song by song... from start to finish its an absolute roller coaster of nothing but music!

Soul, Jazz, and R&B under one roof... too much!

I've also got to say, I wasnt a Prince fan until I saw his concert live in Las Vegas. After that I was hooked!

YOU DONT NEED TO BE A FAN TO HAVE THIS COLLECTION ON YOUR IPOD!

THIS ALBUM KEEPS ME BUSY WHILE ON THE SUBWAY!

LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT

100% FUNK MUSIC!

Average customer rating: Parts are priceless, other parts are missing Everyone NEEDS some OTIS!! awesome Timeless I Can Never Get Enough

Otis! The Definitive Otis Redding Otis Redding Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Southern Soul | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Soul | Live Albums | R&B | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music R&B & Soul | Box Sets | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Man Who Invented Soul Queen of Soul: The Atlantic Recordings In Person at the Whisky a Go Go The Master 1961-1984 The Chess Box ASIN: B000003335 Release Date: 1993-11-09

Tracks:

1. She's Alright
2. Gettin' Hip
3. Shout Bamalama
4. Hey Hey Baby
5. These Arms Of Mine
6. That's What My Heart Needs
7. Mary's Little Lamb
8. Pain In My Heart
9. Security
10. Come To Me
11. Don't Leave Me This Way
12. Little Ol' Me
13. Don't Be Afraid Of Love
14. You're One and Only Man
15. Chained and Bound
16. That's How Strong My Love Is
17. Mr. Pitiful
18. For Your Precious Love
19. I've Been Loving You Too Long
20. I'm Depending On You
21. Ole Man Trouble
22. Change Gonna Come
23. Down In the Valley
24. Shake

Tracks:

1. Respect
2. You Don't Miss Your Water
3. I Can't Turn You Loose
4. Cupid
5. Just One More Day
6. Good To Me
7. Cigarettes and Coffee
8. Chain Gain
9. My Lover's
10. It's Growing
11. I'm Coming Home
12. Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song)
13. I'm Sick Ya'll
14. Sweet Lorene
15. Try a Little Tenderness
16. Day Tripper
17. Tramp
18. Knock On Wood
19. Lovey Dovey
20. New Year's Resolution
21. You Left the Water Running
22. Trick Or Treat
23. Merry Christmas, Baby
24. White Christmas
25. Things Go Better With a Coke (Radio Promo)

Tracks:

1. Announcement
2. Glory Of Love
3. I Love You More Than Words Can Say
4. Let Me Come On Home
5. Open the Door
6. The Hucklebuck
7. The Happy Song (Dum-Dum)
8. Hard To Handle
9. Amen
10. Gone Again
11. I've Got Dreams To Remember
12. I'm a Changed Man
13. Direct Me
14. Love Man
15. Free Me
16. Look At That Girl
17. Pounds and Hundreds
18. Tell the Truth
19. Johnny's Heartbreak
20. The Match Game
21. A Little Time
22. Slippin' and Slidin'
23. (Sittin' On) The Dock Of the Bay

Tracks:

1. Introduction
2. Shake
3. Pain In My Heart
4. These Arms Of Mine
5. I Can't Turn You Loose
6. I've Been Loving You Too Long
7. My Girl
8. You're One and Only Man
9. Good To Me
10. Day Tripper
11. Just One More Day
12. Mr. Pitiful
13. Satisfaction
14. I'm Depending On You
15. Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song)
16. Chained and Bound
17. Ol' Man Trouble
18. Any Ole Way
19. Papa's Got a Brand New Bag
20. Security
21. A Hard Day's Night
22. Respect
23. Try a Little Tenderness

Amazon.com essential recording

Having died at age 26, Otis Redding gave only a glimpse--albeit a well-documented one--of what he was capable of doing. These four CDs capture Redding's best moments and give a depth that is essential to Redding and Stax-era R&B fans. Redding shaped Stax's signature soul sound, in part by further livening up already high-powered horn charts and heavy rhythms, and in part by simply singing his heart out to a ringing degree. His early, heavily showy stuff is featured here in the form of "Shout Bamalama," but very quickly this set begins to boast just how categorically awe-inspiring Redding's vocal powers were. He made the heart hurt on scorching love-lost tunes ("That's What My Heart Needs") and then could jar the floor with bursting tempi, complex horn charts and unflagging passion on a tune like "Mr. Pitiful." By the time he was churning out tracks with the estimable instrumental outfit Booker T. & the MG's, Redding's dramatic delivery and awesome power were evenly keeled, ensuring at least an unforgettable performance--many of which are on these four CDs. The first three collect catalog material, from the early tunes (a great vantage on Redding's forming talent) to "Tramp," his erstwhile hit with Carla Thomas, to the jump-out-of-your-seat energy of Sam Cooke's "Chain Gang." The last CD collects live performances, each of which is distinctly unforgettable. Then th