Soul Recommendations

Thanks Groovy Tube man. I have not explored two or three of those and will have to check them out. For some reason I have not liked any Marvin Gaye (except "... Grapevine ..." (and even then like the Gladys Knight version better), or liked any Stevie Wonder stuff (I am utterly allergic) - but JB sure is the hardest working man in show business, and a big fave of mine. Sad to here you are not a dram man Bencampbell - I was looking for some tips (I like the Islay and Skye stuff best - very peaty). Now beer I can relate to, but we don't get anything but the mass produced American stuff here. I like a dark roasted hop myself and my favourite is Monteiths Black - which is made here in NZ but the brewer is - coincidence or what? - American.

Oh Redkiwi a few more while I'm thinking of it. Now some of these aren't pure soul like The Godfather and Arthur Conley but still groovy man, how about the O'Jays, early Commodores ("Brick House" is funky man), Philly's own Delphonics and the Stylistics (not too funky but really soulful) and of course one of my fav's from the 70's Earth, Wind and Fire. And boy we almost forgot Aretha, the Queen of Soul.

Otis Redding - Otis Blue (O.R. sings soul) is an absolute MUST HAVE! It's in glorious MONO and can be found on German-pressed LP with GREAT sonics. The standard-issue CD (remaster) is actually pretty good as well (bought it for a friend). The cool thing about this disc is that (to my surprise) 'Respect' was originally sung from a MAN'S perspective. O.R. 'Live at the Whiskey a Go Go' is reportedly great, haven't heard it. DCC has a great LP and CD of Ray Charles 'Greatest Country and Western Hits' showing how much better he is at singing 'the white blues.' R.C. Genius+Soul=Jazz - also great! Holiday Salutations, -John

Redkiwi, sounds like you like gutbucket over urbane, Memphis more than Philly. Ok, you don’t like Marvin Gaye, so why try any more – but maybe his duets with Tammi Terrell (remember the single “Ain’t No Mountain High”)? Arethra, yeah -- “Lady Soul” is a classic big hitter. My Otis Redding suggestion would be his “Dictionary of Soul.” Did you possibly mean Junior Walker (and the All-Stars) when you said Junior Wells? If not, Jr Walker (Shotgun, Butter Up Buttercup, How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You) absolutely smokes; I have a terrific “Anthology” LP. Smokey Robinson (and the Miracles) had to have been one of the best Motown songwriters as well as one of its most original voices. “Disco A-Go-Go” is a silly title but a great LP; there are probably some good Smokey compilations. I like Musikdok’s Ray Charles suggestions. Maybe since you’re into jazz you already have his stuff. (Speaking of jazz for a second, I love “The Genius of Ray Charles” with Ray singing in front of a big band.) I have a very special esteem for Sly and the Family Stone. What a funk-rock-soul-R&B innovator; too bad he couldn’t handle the business. “There’s a Riot Goin’ On” is not typical of his more pop stuff but is a progressive and highly influential album. Unique stuff like “Family Affair” and “You Caught Me Crying…Again” on it. Mind-bending, really – I love it. I don’t think Sly’s stuff has been remastered, which is sad.

I think you understand where I am headed Jayboard. I like Otis but have not known which albums to persue, so thanks to you and Musikdok. I actually did mean Junior Wells, even though I know people see him as a Blues player - but I hear a lot of soul in what he does. I am already on the track of some of the suggestions people have kindly made - looks like I may be giving myself some nice presents this year (bought two soul CDs yesterday - will go hunting again today armed with my new list).