5 comments about The Complete Studio Recordings Mississippi John Hurt.

1. Mississippi John Hurt is the best blues performer of all times. No leser show, no smoke, no big talk, but MUSIC!!!
   Music that comes from his personality and soul!!!



2. This is a fantastic collection that ANYONE with even a passing interest in folk should own. Mississippi John Hurt's music is so powerful and so delicate, so raw and beautiful at the same time. I love the way he frequently finishes his vocal lines with his guitar, making the instrument an extension, or rather an essential part of his voice. Don't hesitate, if you found your way to this page you will enjoy this album.



3. Am enjoying Missisippi John Hurt very much. Very relaxing. Was very happy that he lived to see the fruits of his wonderful labor of love.



4. His singing and guitar playing is just as good as on the early recordings.



5. C H I C K E N
   That's how you spell chicken!
   
   This won't be a particularly helpful review because I don't "know" music. All I can say that ever since seeing The Blues Brothers, I have enjoyed listening to blues without knowing much about it. Favorites include Howlin' Wolf and Robert Johnson... and John Hurt.
   
   He had a great voice. Cool vocals + cool lyrics = really listenable music. I am so greatful to my Yahoo!Music player for introducing me to him. :)

5 comments about The Complete Imperial Recordings: 1950-1954.

1. Are you kidding, who do you think Eric Clapton learned his best licks from?? Yep, T-Bone. This CD has no bad, average, or even great recordings on it. They are all spectacular!! T-Bone is the master of the "modern" blues style, yeah, like Eric Clapton, only earlier and beautiful music in his own right.



2. TBone is the best in my book. I like the smoothness of his music. I heard the Allman Brothers state on a live album many yrs ago that "Stormy Monday" was an old "Tbone Walker song." I guess I got curious and bought a casette tape by TBone at the time.... This was when I decided that he is my favorite of all Blues Musicians. These CD's include some of his best work. Glad to find it on CD.



3. T-Bone not only invented the electric blues but he still remains it's most towering stylist and symbol of pure cool. T-Bone's smokey after hours blues is still one of the most vital parts of the genre. Smooth is the key word here. T-Bone's singing and playing never lacked the smooth quality that was T-Bone Walker. He could sing songs of misery and hurt with incredibly deep soul but still manage to keep it cool. This set is a fantastic value! Each track stands on it's own merit. I don't have a favorite here because all are top notch.
   You won't be disappointed.



4. The late "T-Bone" Walker, a pioneering mastre of the electric blues guitar and a close friend/ certainly unremitting influence on my Uncle "Pee Wee" Crayton another "axe-handler" during the immediate postwar era. However, avoiding comparisons, Uncle "Pee Wee" Crayton brought enough "heat" and daring innovation to his playing to avoid being labeled as a mere "T-Bone" copy-"kat."
   
   As a young teen in the early 70's, I was extremely fortunate to experience the greatness of his "vibes" up close and personal...on many occasions, I would soak-up like a sponge and weld to memory those rare meetings when the "Texas 3" (1) Uncle "Pee Wee" (2) "T-Bone" Walker and (3) "Big Joe" Turner (another pioneering mastre blues singer, even though he was born in Kansas City, MO., he sang like he was from the state of Texas...) would get together at "Pee Wee's" house in West Los Angeles, California, and rehearse all day on Saturdays or Sunday afternoons up until the late evenings, just before going to there "gig" at the Perisan Room (a defunct legendary popular "night-spot" during the 1960's - late '80's located on the southwest corner of La Brea Avenue & Washington Blvd., of which now sits a U.S. Postal Station). These Complete Imperial Recordings: 1950-1954 are nothing but short from shear enjoyment fo' da soul...buy the CD you won't be disappointed!
   
   Those were exhilarating times to say the least!
   
   --"Big Dave" Burleigh, 'AmeriCanadian' Record Producre.



5. T-Bone sweet T-Bone - he is the founder of modern blues - and I think he does not get enough credit for his influence on jazz guitar. Kenny Burrell, in fact, has mentioned that T-Bone was one of his early influences. He certainly has a sweet tone, and he has a nice voice too. Pair this with a hot horn section, and this cd is a steal at 10 bucks. T-Bone is a classic.

5 comments about King of the Blues.

1. THIS IS NOT ONLY THE BEST BLUES FROM ONE OF ITS BEST BLUESMAN, BUT IT IS ALSO A HISTORY OF B.B. FROM START TILL NOW. THE BOOK IT COMES WITH IS OUTSTANDING



2. When it comes to the blues, almost no one has mastered it better than B.B. King. He is truly a legend in the music business. His guitar playing skills are comparable to but a few (and those few were heavily influenced by him), his voice is one of the most distinct and powerful in music, and his career spans almost 60 years. How many other artists can boast not only having that longevity, but also still being able to thrive even as they hit their 80s'.
   
   The 77 songs on the aptly titled "King Of The Blues" boxed set are astonishing. Every classic B.B. song is available, from his early recordings spanning all the way back to 1949 all the way up to 1991. That's 42 years of some of the finest blues and R & B ever recorded. The sound quality is highly commendable, and the liner notes are exceptional. This is a boxed set that belongs in everyone's record collection.



3. BB King ranks at the top of blues music and belongs in company with some of the greatest blues artists of all time (i.e. Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson, John Lee Hooker, Howlin' Wolf, etc). His contributions cannot be overstated. This boxed set, "King of The Blues", is a masterful collection of his best works whether obscure or well known. This is a must own for any fan of blues, jazz or music in general and covers King's contributions from 1949-1991. The thrill is definitely NOT gone.



4. I am fairly young and still feel like I missed something by not learning about BB King and Muddy Waters at an earlier age. It is almost like coming upon buried treasure, to listen to these songs.
   
   The energy and emotion of a song such as "I'm Gonna Sit in 'Til You Give In (and give me all of your love)" is unbelievable with raw power and energy. What is especially surprising to me is that I had never heard practically all of these songs played even on oldies stations. My personal favorites are his early years, but there are no bad songs here on any of the four CD's. Every person has their own favorite song.....mine is "Lucille." I am simply amazed that I never heard this song before having made this purchase. There are so many songs which can only be described with superlatives, and this is much too short of a space to do that in. I bought this box set and can honestly say that I am not skipping songs. BB King also is on here with the Duke Ellington band, with songs you will not get on any "Best of" collection.
   
   I had picked this up and put it down many times, because I was unsure because of the price of it. But I have not regretted it one iota since buying it....quite the contrary in fact, as I look at this as one of the best purchases of music I ever made(even paying full price!). If you are at all interested in the blues, look into buying this piece of gold from one of the masters.
   
   Highly recommended.



5. I just bought this box set last week and have been enjoying it like no tomorrow. I have many records of the top Blues singers going back to Robert Johnson and Bessie Smith, but I do believe that this is the best "complete" set on one artist! Man can them songs take you back. If I knew that this collection was this good I would of bought it years ago when it first came out (1992). No matter what your Budget is ,if you are really into the Blues you should buy this set - even if it means eating half lunches for a week or two, you won't be sorry. After hearing these tunes "The Thrill is Back"!

5 comments about Martin Scorsese Presents the Blues: A Musical Journey.

1. I owned this previously and I am glad to have it again. It will teach about the blues from their inception at the turn of the 20th century to the present day. All the classic songs that were later done by UK acts are here as well. If you can find it used, it is a better bargain because there is a lot here that is "filler not killer" but if you want to get a blues education, buy this collection.



2. This collection is an excellent synopsis of the Blues from its earliest roots on the rercording medium to modern times. It also shows how far and wide this genre covers in the musical landscape with its influence on rock-and-roll and jazz. Besides having over 115 songs, there is also a companion booklet that documents every track. I really recommend this collection to anyone not familiar with the Blues, because it can be a great starting point for you to expand on an area you find more interesting, like the Kansas City blues in the 30s, Chicago blues in the 50s, or diverse individuals such as Lead Belly, T-Bone Walker, Howlin' Wolf, John Jee Hooker, and Stevie Ray Vaughn.



3. IMO, this 5-disc set is par none the best blues compilation spanning over 50 years. Not everything noteworthy has been included, but it is the best bang for your buck you're going to find anywhere for a wide blues selection from early to recent, and Marty Scorese did a fantastic job in selection. I have given it as a gift several times and it is the gift that keeps on giving. Some very great tunes.



4. This box set compliments the film series very well. Musically, the set is wonderful until the middle half of the fourth disc and wans quite considerably on the fifth disc. This is not only a matter of bad taste in choosing appropriate music for these parts of the set, it is merely a matter of musical history: the blues at the time in which these portions of the set cover was simple not very good music.
   These portions would have been much better off if they included work by the likes of Carey Bell or RL Burnside instead of The Fabulous Thunderbirds and the Cock Rocker of Blues, Stevie Ray Vaughn.



5. One day in early 1968 I bought the album Wheels of Fire by Cream. Cream of course featured Eric Clapton.
   I put on the live disc and listened to a song called "Crossroads" and became hooked.
   At that time I didnt have a clue who Robert Johnson was or what blues was.
   I over the years listened to blues through "White" artists like Eric Clapton, The Allman Bros and others.
   One day I broke down and bought a Robert Johnson album and a whole new world was opened up to me.
   I had no idea what "Mississippi Delta" blues was compared to "Chicago Blues" etc. For years I have listened to these recordings and was never able to hear the originals.
   People like Eric Clapton have changed the arrangements on many of these songs to suit their styles. Now through this recording I am finally able to hear what the song was originally like. I personally love the slide guitar of the Mississippi Delta. I love the "rawness" of those recordings. I am also able to hear the electric side that came from Chicago as blues players migrated there. This Cd has the finest songs by the best blues artists ever.
   This set includes Mississippi Fred McDowell, Robert Johnson, Skip James, BB King, Buddy Guy, Maceo Merriweather, Big Bill Broonzy, Muddy Waters, Son House and the list just goes on and on.
   It also includes the "White" side of the blues including Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaugh, Bonnie Raitt and many others.
   This is a celebration of the blues, and is a must for any collector, or fan of the blues. This CD is for people like me who have listened to the blues for so many years and now want to listen to the real thing.
   You will never find a better collection in your lifetime....

No comments about Can You Follow.

5 comments about Those Were the Days.

1. A great box set from an influential band featuring Eric Clapton on guitar/vocals, Jack Bruce on vocals/bass and a fine drummer who goes by Ginger Baker.
   This is the best way to get (almost) all their studio and live recordings. There is so much more to this band than blues-rock. The only negative aspect is the fact that the BBC sessions that they recorded are not included but here you get quite a few rarities to make up for it.
   
   So this is definitely the way to go if you want all the albums from this excellent trio in one package!
   Thanks for taking the time to read!
   Later...



2. This is a great collection of music highlighting the influence of early American blues music on the British 'rock invasion' of the 60's and 70's. It also illustrates why the words "Clapton is God" were painted on a subway wall in London. A truly excellent collection of music for Clapton/Cream/Blues lovers.



3. This boxed set has all of the studio albums Cream did; in addition, it has a lot of live material (2 discs worth): almost all the Cream material you'll ever need.
   
   Their name says it all, "Cream = The cream of rock musicians".
   A great exponent of Blues-Rock, Psyc. Rock. None of the songs are bad, really; and, many are classics. Don't know what would have happened had they stuck together longer, but I guess it was their volatility that made them great.



4. Those Were the Days is an ambitious four-disc, 63-track box set that divides Cream's career into two halves. The first two discs feature every studio track the group ever released, plus a handful of unreleased cuts, alternate takes, and rarities. The other two discs are devoted to live material, which is segued together in an attempt to recreate the "ideal" Cream concert. It's a remarkably comprehensive collection, complete with an extensive booklet and remastered sound, yet it doesn't reveal any new insights about Cream, nor does it offer any invaluable rarities. Therefore, it's only for die-hard collectors or listeners wanting to acquire the entire Cream catalog at once; casual fans will be satisfied with individual albums or greatest-hits collections.



5. To have all of the official Cream releases, both studio and live albums, together in one 4-CD set is very cool. Although I have owned the Clapton Crossroads box set for years, I never had the Cream albums on CD before buying Those Were The Days. Of course the CDs sound way better than the old LPs or tapes I had. Cream is among the elite bands of classic rock, so that's what gets it four stars from me right off the bat. I didn't give it five stars because, as much I am a fan, some of the material sounds dated and doesn't hold up well over time. Also, I don't care for the "book" packaging because it's difficult to take in the car or to store with the rest of my CDs. The standout tracks are too numerous to list, and the lowpoints too few to make note of. Cream was and still may be the epitome of British-blues-rock, which makes their entire discography essential to musicians and fans.

5 comments about Crossroads 2: Live In The Seventies.

1. Oh My God... the cd is excellent. Eric Clapton is with out a doubt the best guitarist of all time. this cd, which takes you back- let me tell you I thought I was sitting in the audience smoking weed - shows how absolutely wonderful he is, and how we miss that style of rock, GET THIS CD- it's great.
   You won't be disappointed. I also bought his new autobiography, but I can't stop playing the CD. Side 2, in the late 70's,the original Layla, etc., great. I can't say that enough- GREAT.
   I saw Eric in the 70's -live- and I cannot forget it- the best concert of all times, and I have seen everybody.



2. Being a long time Clapton fan, I can say with subjective certainty that the Tusla backup band, as heard on this retrospective, was the best that ever stood behind the man. In many cases, he stands in the background while the rhythym section just cooks- "Little Wing" and "Badge" serving as notable examples. Terry is superb both as a rhythym and lead guitarist...never again, not with Albert Lee, not even with Mark Knopfler, would the interplay be THIS smooth, THIS breathtaking, THIS raw. Oldaker is reminiscent of Levon Helm or Gene Parsons, and leads that band charging through numbers with his perfect touch. Dick Sims, on organ, sounds incredible, with his playing hovering between the background and foreground, much like Clarence White's guitar playing in the Byrds. It's there, and it's perfect in every case. Same for Radle- by this time, Radle had been Eric's longest standing bassist and knew Clapton's habbits. Listen to how spotlessly he counters them. And Elliman and Levy provide perfect harmony.
   In sum, Eric's best band and Eric's rawest and BEST playing. Never again would he reach these heights. Ever.



3. Being a long time Clapton fan, I can say with subjective certainty that the Tusla backup band, as heard on this retrospective, was the best that ever stood behind the man. In many cases, he stands in the background while the rhythym section just cooks- "Little Wing" and "Badge" serving as notable examples. Terry is superb both as a rhythym and lead guitarist...never again, not with Albert Lee, not even with Mark Knopfler, would the interplay be THIS smooth, THIS breathtaking, THIS raw. Oldaker is reminiscent of Levon Helm or Gene Parsons, and leads that band charging through numbers with his perfect touch. Dick Sims, on organ, sounds incredible, with his playing hovering between the background and foreground, much like Clarence White's guitar playing in the Byrds. It's there, and it's perfect in every case. Same for Radle- by this time, Radle had been Eric's longest standing bassist and knew Clapton's habbits. Listen to how spotlessly he counters them. And Elliman and Levy provide perfect harmony.
   In sum, Eric's best band and Eric's rawest and BEST playing. Never again would he reach these heights. Ever.



4. This collection shows Eric at his best and his worst. These were days fueled by a lot of alcohol...and on some songs it shows. But for the most part this is a great collection of some of his live work in that era. Some of the jams are wonderful, "Badge" and "Eyesight." He's simply magic with the guitar. However, some, like "Crossroads," sound like he doesn't know which of the twelve blues bars he's supposed to be singing in (that was an unintentional pun.) Juxtapose this with "24 Nights" - this collection is a gritty, loose sound, while the latter is more of a clean, polished performance (that was an intentional pun). I love EC and hope he continues to release his live vault...no matter which of his phases it come from.



5. Someone once told me that Eric is best listened to live and this set proves the point!
   Of course there are a few dodgy tracks and yes, I agree, there should have been other tracks added and others omitted.
   But!
   This is the master at his best, it doesn't get any better than this.
   Favourite tracks, too hard to say which are my favourites but there is some wonderful guitar playing on all tracks.
   I have been an Eric fan since the Yardbirds and this CD set takes pride of place in my collection

5 comments about More Hot Rocks: Big Hits & Fazed Cookies.

1. When I bought this collection I was interested in one song that was not on any other Stones album at that time: "We Love You". From the closing of the jail doors (Mick and Keith had been arrested prior to recording this.)
   and the dragging of chains to the horns in the background this is just a goofy song. And if it sounds like there are too many voices for the Stones alone - John Lennon and Paul McCartney also sang on this recording. Because the single did not do well in the US (#50 on the Billboard Charts) It was not included on the US release of "Through the Past Darkly (Big Hits, Volume 2)" although the flip side, "Dandelion", was. Since then it has also been included on both "The Singles Collection: The London Years" and "Rolled Gold+: The Very Best of the Rolling Stones". Now....if someone can put out the Beach Boys / Jan & Dean / everyone sounds drunk version of "Barbara Ann"..



2. Hot Rocks - Big Hits & Fazed Cookies, is an amazing early collection by the Stones. I had the album back in 1981 but lost it. Amazon gave me a great deal on the CD, and with new digitized sound, the Stones are better than ever! I highly recomend it.
   Gary Kent
   Satisfied Amazon Customer



3. I just love this record - it has the lesser known Stones gems, especially from their psychedelic era, together with then-unreleased early songs. This shows a more mellow side of the Sontes... TLA cinema in the early '70s used to play the second LP between movies, and listening now brings it all back...
   
   The sound on this reissue is excellent and natural, I hear details not evident in the LPs I bought when they first came out.



4. Don't get me wrong I love the Stones, but "More Hot Rocks, Big Hits & Fazed Cookies" shouldn't have been released in 2002. Why? Most of this material could have been bonus material on the appropriate albums, but I understand show biz greed. Also, fans may have fond memories of this album, such as my brother, who I bought this for. One big problem he had was the opening track, "Tell Me," which was longer than the LP version back in the 70's. I can't believe no reviewers have noticed this, and that was one of the key reasons he wanted this collection; and it's not there! I call that tampering with history wouldn't you? Another problem he had, was the bonus material [disc 2] screws up the running order he so fondly remembered.
   
   If you're buying this for nostalgic reasons you may be disappointed. If you are new to this collection it might be just fine.



5. i got this 2 Lp set used at a local record store, underground sounds and i listen to it all the time, this is some of the best rock and roll there is, a relic of a lost time, theres some rolling stone stuff that i dont like but this is awesome, at times beautifel music. i recommend this to everyone. :0)

5 comments about The Complete Stax-Volt Soul Singles, Vol. 2: 1968-1971.

1. I heard this set before I was exposed to the legendary 1959-1968 Stax/Volt volume one box set. With the exception of Otis Redding, I am more impressed with music here than in volume one. The loss of Otis Redding and the fallout of the distribution deal with Atlantic clearly sent the label into a tail spin. However this forced (or allowed) other talents to rise up, like Isaac Hayes, and the label sought acts like the Staple Singers, who found their sound in Memphis. This is also when the black power/black consciousness movement starts to influence the music. There's more message music -- some of the best and funkiest message music recorded -- and apart from a few tracks, you're not really beat over the head with it. (One exception may be John KeSandra's "(What's Under) The Natural Do," ... it's a bit cheesy with 30 years of history from the time it was recorded, but it's a song with a sense of humor that also makes a statement.) The volume 1 set chronicles a label trying to find its sound and put together a string of hits. That music can't be denied in any way, shape or form. But this set is when the hits start coming fast and furious ... yes, they're largely hits on the R&B chart, they're hits none the less. And plenty of artists crossed over into the pop chart as well, the detailed track listings make that clear.
   
   For what it's worth, this is when Albert King put together a string of hits, and they're all represented ... a bit odd for a straight-up blues guitar player to find a home at Stax, but that's the beauty of this label, they made it all work.
   
   Of course, you've really got to be into soul music, and this era of R&B, in particular, to invest in a set like this. If you've already paid for any of the Motown "complete" sets or some of the philly soul compilations, then I would highly recommend this (and volume 1) without reservation.



2. In May of 1968, Stax was in a dilemma. The distribution deal with Atlantic Records ceased to be since Stax opted out of the Atlantic/Warner
   merger. Thus, they lost the lion's share of their back catalogue to Atlantic plus Sam & Dave, who were merely loaned to Stax and were initially Atlantic artists, not to mention Otis Redding from the December '67 plane crash that took his life. A prominent figure in the Civil Rights movement had also been brought down: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and it was in the Memphis area. With so much on their plate, it could have been the end of the line for Stax.
   
   However, with the mighty audacity and go-power of Al Bell, Stax was going to start from scratch and rebuild their catalogue under their new distributors, Gulf+Western. Their first record on the new label with the finger-snap logo (replacing the stack-of-records) was provided by none other than Booker T. and the MG's; it was a Caribbean-influenced number called "Soul Limbo." It was a hit right off the bat. With more hit singles following, Stax was off to a promising rebirth.
   
   Much of the earlier part of this 9-disc set that chronicles 1968-1971 sounds like a direct continuation of the first set. Though, it isn't long when the Stax sound begins to change gradually with the influences of Stax's new order of business and mass production including more outside production from the North and in places like Muscle Shoals. The changing times also affect the tone of the music as it becomes more funkier but somehow loses its down-home grit that was omnipresent in the first set. With new producers at hand and the aim for assembly-line production, the sound on this set begins to become permeated with polish and gloss. The new artists that came during this period like the Emotions and the Dramatics were saddled with this ordeal and lyrics to many songs were gravitating more towards social and domestic awareness.
   
   Nonetheless, the Stax veterans, namely Rufus Thomas, Carla Thomas, Eddie Floyd, Albert King, William Bell, Johnnie Taylor and Booker T. & the MG's still managed to keep Stax's primal grittiness intact. The Bar-Kays were reformed by the two surviving members and as a result they increased their level of funkiness. Isaac Hayes goes from Stax session musician and principal song writer and rises to stardom as one of Stax's most successful artists ("I Stand Accused" is his best work, period. The sound clip provided here on this page is awesome). The Staple Singers provide moments of inspiration and renewed hope. With the absence of Otis Redding and Sam & Dave, that initial high-power energy is sorely missing and it wasn't long when Booker T. & the MG's were drifting away from Stax. That's the gap that these swarms of new artists like the Soul Children, Margie Joseph and Ernie Hines were aiming to fill, and do great jobs in their own respect, but you'll know something is still noticably missing.
   
   At 216 tracks among 9 CD's, each containing more than 70 minutes of music and showcased in crisp, meaty stereo sound, Vol. 2 is definitely worth the listen. Though, I found that on the first box I could categorize all the songs into those that I loved/really liked and those that I could at least appreciate. On the second box, it's about the same, however there were about six tracks that I just didn't care for such as The Nightingales "I Don't Want to Be Like My Daddy", and Jeanne & the Darlings' "It's Time to Pay for the Fun", and Calvin Scott's "Shame on the Family Name." So, 6 out of 216 isn't bad, now is it?
   
   Still, being an avid Stax fan, there was much to enjoy on this second set.
   It's R&B; it isn't afraid to express itself and the lyrics are still down-to-earth and didn't have to be created from hard, exasperating efforts.
   Everything from Booker T. & the MG's, the Staple Singers, Rufus and Carla Thomas, Eddie Floyd, Albert King, the Bar-Kays, Isaac Hayes and Johnnie Taylor and many of the Soul Children's material were my favorite tracks and obviously there are too many to mention. I also enjoyed songs from renowned artists who had brief stints with Stax like John Lee Hooker, Barbara Lewis, The TSU Toronadoes, Darrell Banke, Jimmy Hughes and even Delaney & Bonnie of "Never Ending Song of Love" fame. On disc three, you'll hear MG guitarist Steve Cropper sing(!) on "Water" as he plays guitar alongside Pops Staples and Albert King. The first three discs and the last one on their own were the strongest in the set; everything spread out in between those mentioned still contained a lot of great songs and rare gems but in the midst were some weaker and uninspired numbers.
   
   Granted, Stax was in the swing of things during this time and the sound became funkier and yet still glossy making the first set (particularly the earlier parts of it) sound primitive. The new beginning was an opportunity to use the new recording equipment acquired and here that is quite relevant. Chart success, in comparison, was about the same with less than half the singles presented being able to make the charts with everything else failing to even make a dent despite the arrival of subsidiary labels like Enterprise (mainly a jazz division), Respect and We Produce.
   
   The next chapter in Stax's golden history awaits you; R&B music was in its last golden years before disco took over. The end of those magic times came with the close of Stax records. Meanwhile, all involved in R&B and particularly southern soul was riding high at this point. So, if the first Stax set left you starving for more, this second set should satisfy you plenty if not overwhelm you.



3. So you probably already own the first box if you're looking at the second box. You're thinking that you already have the majority of the hits , and you do. You're thinking that you want this , but you aren't quite sure. Look , you picked up the first box , you probably LOVED it...pick up the second (and the third). You will hear songs that you never heard before , but that is what makes this box so enjoyable. It's like finding a new radio station circa 1968-1971 , playing songs that could have made the top 10...but didn't. You will not regret putting it in your shopping cart.



4. 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'!



5. 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.

5 comments about Atlantic Rhythm & Blues 1947-1974.

1. This is as good as music gets. The first CD is an introductory one, with some dated material, but once you get beyond the 40's, every song is a winner. This contains several Greatest Hits sets all in one place. Just brilliant stuff, to which I'd give my highest recommendation.



2. This is an excellent product for anyone who cherishes the
   old times when you had to SING a SONG not just repeating
   one verse over and over. There are some good hard to find
   songs that many of us had probably forgotten until they
   start to play and then they do bring back memories. An
   excellent gift for anyone over 50 years of age. Old
   enough to appreciate good music.



3. As I have waited many years to purchase this set, I have sampled it from the LP version that it was molded from. First released on CD in the early 80's there were two prior version that were released on LP. The first was started in the mid 60's and was released in the original mono versions for the first few volumes. It was then re-released in the 70's as two volume gatefold albums, also grouped in the first box set that the 8 CD set is modled after. The tracks have remained basically the same over the several releases with the final 8 CD set incorporating all the revisions. The quality of the recordings have been maintained throughout the entire collection without the tinkering that sometimes happens in the process of re-mastering. As I own several of the original recordings from the early 50's, in both the 78 and 45 rpm pressings, along with various reel and cassette releases. The sessions are the correct versions, as were made famous from their era. The history of these selections have maintained their importance in the soundtrack of the American Entertainment with their inclusion in some of the greatest box office releases in the past 4 decades. A little of the Atlantic history can be seen in the movie "Ray", as it was included in the bio of the most well know R & B artist of our lifetime. In addition, the r & r movies made in the early fifties featured the music of the Atlantic Black artist as featured in the first several disc of the collection. Dirty Dancing featured Soloman Burkes "Cry to Me", and many other tracks have been included in major movies over the decades. Every where you turn these tracks are a part of your history. To have them all in this one collection to enjoy endlessly, anytime you wish is worth the cost, whatever price you have to pay. If you were to download each track at .99 each you would pay well over two hundred dollars to burn all of these to CD yourself and you would not have the history that is included in this package. Although I sound like one of the TV ads, I just enjoy this music, I have grown up with it over the last 50 years and I feel it should be a part of any music collection as a part of the American R & B section. Buy it, listen, listen again and you will be overcome with the music, history and all that it has become.



4. Looked at this CD for years without buying - When I finally did, well worth the purchase - The sound quality is great and the music is without peer - Don't wait, buy!!!



5. This is probably the most extensive collection ever of the Atlantic RNb/Soul sound. Many of these records are real old, almost Smithsonian old but great to relive the history of RnB. Of course the 50s, 60s, and 70s soul classics are all in there. One surprising note is the variance in sound quality. Some of the songs from the 50s are cleaner than the ones from the early 70s. Maybe some were mixed for AM radio while others were not. Some of the master tapes may have also deteriorated. This is a must have for the RnB collector.