It's a Soul Thang

Just what I had on mind Fmpnd. Tower of Power performed a while back near here and were still great. I'd also add Harold Melvin among others. Many you mention are those that I remember well when mentioned. Funk is cool, too. Bootsy, Parliament and all.....and of course, JB goes without needed mention! :-)

How bout some specific titles, too. Some artists kinda were around the board. For instance, the Temptations. Many only think of My Girl and such as that, but Sky's the Limit and Psych Shack are very different - the long version of "Smilin' Faces" (on Sky) is to be blown away by - very "urban" and with a killer, repetetive bass lien that draws you in like a magnet.

I agree with the above posters but also look at Isaac Hayes. Black Moses, Movement, To Be Continued and Hot Buttered Soul are all classic albums.

Second the vote for Isaac Hayes and nominate Smokey Robinson, both with the Miracles and without. I just recently got a copy of Quiet Storm and it's a good one.

You must familiarize yourself with Stax if you want soul-Johnny Taylor,Otis Redding, Sam and Dave,Booker T.and the MGs were their headliners.

Motown, for all its strengths, unabashedly tried to reach the "wider" audience, while Stax, generally speaking, was, (in my opinion) way more soulful.

I will send titles and more later- I have to look through the albums.

Check out Eddie Hinton. Best blue eyed soul singer you will ever hear.
Second the Stax records recommendations. Try the Staple Singers as well.