An underrated classic Soul set from Irma Thomas.
587138
Irma Thomas has always been known as "The Queen Of New Orleans Soul" and she is most definitely one of the most righteous Soul Divas in all of R&B music's history but she is also criminally underrated. This 1986 release got virtually no exposure whatsoever outside of Southern Soul and Blues circles but it remains a masterpiece of soulful, heartfelt and inspired R&B music. In many ways, "The New Rules" has far more in common with the music that the Stax and Hi labels were putting out in the early-1970s than with contemporary R&B...and that alone makes it worthwhile. Enjoy!
1498327
In my opinion this is one of Barbara McNair's best and most soul orientated albums. I love every track. However I doubt this has been properly remastered as the sound quality is rather reverberant and at times quite tinny as someone else has mentioned, (so only 3 stars.) However listen through all that for the great vocals and some good arrangements.
4823800
This 32-track U.K. collection, focusing on her years with Geffen/Warner Music/Atlantic covers the years 1980-1992 (except for the 1983 album "She Works Hard For The Money" which was a contractual obligation album for her previous label). While there have been many collections that include & focus on her 70's hits on Casablanca Records, this one focuses entirely on her post-Casablanca career and contains many of her best artistic efforts. The remastered sound quality on these CDs is amazing! The best that these tracks have ever sounded. The albums involved were:

-THE WANDERER (1980): "Looking Up", "Cold Love", "The Wanderer" & "Who Do You Think You're Foolin'"
-I'M A RAINBOW (1981, unreleased until 1996): "Romeo" (also on "Flashdance" soundtrack), "Highway Runner" (also on "Fast Times At Ridgemont High" Soundtrack), "You To Me", "True Love Survives" & "I'm A Rainbow"
-DONNA SUMMER /Quincy Jones (1982): "Love Is In Control (Finger On The Trigger)", "State Of Independence", "The Woman In Me" &  "(If It) Hurts Just A Little"
-CATS WITHOUT CLAWS (1984): "Supernatural Love", "Suzanna", & "Eyes"
-ALL SYSTEMS GO (1987): "All Systems Go", "Only The Fool Survives" duet with Mickey Thomas from Starship/Elvin Bishop Band & "Dinner With Gershwin"
-ANOTHER PLACE & TIME (1989): "This Time I Know It's for Real", "When Love Takes Over You", "Breakaway", "I Don't Wanna Get Hurt" & "Love's About To Change My Heart"
-MISTAKEN IDENTITY (1991): "Heaven's Just A Whisper Away", "Work That Magic", "When Love Cries" & "Let There Be Peace"

Some of the tracks on this collection are the single/radio remixes or in a few cases extended versions. While this collection is very inclusive, I feel 3 essential tracks are missing: her recording of Bruce Springsteen's "Protection" from the 1982 Quincy Jones album featuring Bruce on guitar, her cover of The Drifters' classic "There Goes My Baby" from 1984's "Cat's Without Claws" album, which was a chart hit, and the excellent track "Fred Astaire" from 1991's "Mistaken Identity". Some would also make the argument for her cover of "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" from the 1981/1996 "I'm a Rainbow" album to be included. Since disc one is 63 minutes & disc two is 75 minutes, there would have been room to include some of these additional tracks (they could have also left off "(If It) Hurts Just A Little" & "Suzanna") .

Instead of lamenting what's missing, there's tons of great stuff included, making this an ESSENTIAL album for ANYONE's collection! Tracks 11-13 on disc one is a great place to start: All 3 of these should have been Top 10 hits (and still could be if they were re-released as singles). "Highway Runner" is a rocking good track, as good as "Hot Stuff" & further cements her being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for any doubters. "Breakaway (Power Radio Mix)" was released as a U.S. single but never charted; it's a shame because it's among her best & easily the 2nd best track on the "Another Place & Time" album. And "Heaven's Just A Whisper Away" from the 1991 "Mistaken Identity" album did not get a single release due to the record company's viewing of her solely as a "dance" artist. This powerful power ballad is right up there with Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You" & Vanessa Williams' "Save The Best For Last" which were both released around the same time by rival record companies. Atlantic Records missed the boat on this one, but it's here for you to appreciate & enjoy now. (I always thought Tamyra Gray, from the 1st season of American Idol could do a killer cover version of this song).

So quit reading this long-winded review & BUY THIS ALBUM NOW! You will never regret it.
1701535
Often times when  veteran R&B artists from the 70s and 80s releases a new album today, it far too often suffers from low production values, poorly-written/executed songs and an artist whos voice is only a mere fraction of what it used to be.  Luckily, for the most part, this is not the case for Melba Moore on the long awaited, much overdue Forever Moore.

Promised for going on four years now, Melba delivers an impressive set of songs here.  No, its not the high glossed, magnificently produced material we all remember from her highly successful tenure at Capitol Records in the 1980s.  But, for a woman who hasn't had a full length secular album on the market since 1990 (not counting her collaboration with Phil Perry in 2009), Moore comes kind of close to recapturing the magic of those Capitol years.

Moore is in fine voice throughout this relatively short set (only 9 songs), which is a shame.  While I was listening to the album, I kept thinking what a pity that some of the songs were very short in length and the album came to a close much too soon.

Most of the album contains upbeat and mid-tempo dance tunes.  The highlights of this set include Lets Dance, which could have easily become a steppers classic, the inspired Its My Time Again, The Way of Love, which is infected with a wonderful  80s throwback groove and the title track where Moore convincingly reminisces about her life and career.

Now, for the not so good.  How Sweet It Is is the weakest song on the set.  This is only track that, IMO, suffered from low production value and a not-so-great vocal from Melba.  Although well-meaning, Things Always Work Out comes across as poorly arranged and produced.  Melba does what she can with it, sounding strong throughout.  Theres an enjoyable duet with an unknown male vocalist, Last Forever, that comes in at meager 2:48 and just ends way too soon.

I was actually very disappointed that a couple of tracks that were released as singles over the past four years that were said to be a part of the project do not appear here.  The gorgeous Love Is and  What Can I Do To Survive, a song I fell head-over-heels in love with the first time I heard it.

The album definitely has its peaks and valleys.  But, overall, it is a mighty fine album from one of the most underrated vocalists of our time.  A much welcome return to R&B from the incredible Melba Moore.
2245934
When it comes to underrated groups, The 5th Dimesnion are among the greatest. They created some of the most meorable songs in music history, but are ignored by everyone except "oldie" radio (and the xm Satellite Radio plays them often on the '60s and '70s stations). Finally, Arista has decided to give them that respect with this amazing 2 - disc, 36 - song collection.
The album features all the hits you'd expect - "Up, Up And Away", "Stoned Soul Picnic", "Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In", "Wedding Bell Blues", "One Less Bell To Answer" and my personal favorite "(Last Night) I Didn't Get To Sleep At All". But there is more to the 5th than those hits. For example, there are many ignored album tracks that are excellent works. Among my favorites are "Dimension 5ive" (a real vocal showdown), "Black Patch" (with an otherwordly a capella intro and a shared lead vocal by all 5 members), and "Time And Love" (beats Barbara Streisand's version). Also, there a few great ignored singles. I especially adore their version of "Never My Love". It may not have been a top 10 hit like the versions by The Associaton in 1967 and Blue Swede in 1974, but it features a great orchestral arrangement and Marilyn McCoo's sincere vocal. And besides, it only missed the top 10 by a hair (it peaked at 12). I also enjoyed the bouncy "Paper Cup" and their version of "Worst That Could Happen" (their version was before the hit version by The Brooklyn Bridge and is better).
I really suggest this cd. I wish this muisc was still popular today. I think that rap music is bringing the music world to a long, slow decline that desperately needs fixing. Here's hoping the 5th get back soon and record a new studio album.
3485719
Inez Foxx is given the full treatment here by the brothers at Stax. Full accompaniment with strings, viola, violin and cello. Assorted horns, the electric treatment, slide guitar, keyboard. Nice thoughtful production with some wonderful layered vocals from "hot Buttered Soul" and excellent stereo separation at a time when many soul artists musical ventures suffered from over production and congested arrangements that needed a bit of NyQuil to clear up the pain between your ears. Oddly one cut actually has a Hot Wax HDH treatment which sounds like a "Honey Cone" song. Best cut is "Let me down easy" as Inez reminisces a love lost, the pain of meeting after a break up and the ultimate realization that any relationship must come to a end even when promises are made for civil and mutual separation, "hoping to let me down easy", for a person who really hasn't let go....just yet. She sings this with blindingly, painful sadness, full of passion and longing. We can see why Stax/Volt took her on for this album. Extra singles included here that were not on Volt LP# VOS 6022 from 1973. Twice as good as her mocking bird stuff. Enjoy!
871868
Great music from one of the most influential and essential r&b artists. Smooth vocals, perfect delivery, and lyrics that defined the medium of soul music. Awe inspiring collection of songs. You won't find anyone who is a Sam Cooke Fan who can say what are the essential songs (and get a consensus with any other fan) So suffice it to say some of the best are here, and some of the lesser knowns as well. I have been a Sam Cooke fan since hearing him played in the movie Witness. When his music came on the radio it helped define the scene.  The song itself part of the script.. overall I am sure you'll enjoy this collection. A Great place to start, it will make you want to find his original albums.
4282374
I am spinning an original seventies pressing on my turntable and it is one smooth slice of soul.  The lush MFSB arrangements combined with Dionne at her finest means I'm going to have to add this hidden gem to my CD collection.
1149422
Although the sound quality leaves much to be desired, the inclusion of this box set in any music lover's collection really should be mandatory.  From the gossamer "To Know Him Is To Love Him" through to the soulful "Black Pearl", Spector rewrote the sounds of the times, setting the bar a little higher for anyone else producing music.  Traces of The Ronettes' "Be My Baby" and "Baby, I Love You" and The Righteous Brothers' "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling" are still heard today in finely crafted records by artists as diverse as Green Day, The Sleepy Jackson, and U2.

Fresh remastering would push this to a five star review but, as it stands, it's still essential.
3773218
Just as she did with O Susannah and Up Above My Head, Ruthie Foster continues to show me new meanings behind songs that I thought I knew.  The most notable example on this album is Ruthie's sensitive, torched-out take on Ring of Fire.  There are many others as well, such as Everlasting Light, in which she remakes the wonderful, thumping original into a soulful, strongly female declaration of commitment and protection.

The album has a generally gospel tone, which is strongly influenced by the prevalence of the B3 organ and the vocals of the Blind Boys of Alabama. There are a couple lighter songs, including the original Aim For the Heart, but the album does have a weighty, profound feel. I don't consider that a flaw, as some reviewers seem to; I'm actually impressed.  To be sure, the album loses some momentum around Long Time Gone and Don't Want to Know, so this is actually a 4.7 review.

If you're looking for lightweight fare, this is not it.  If you love old-time soul, this is a very good addition to your collection. As another chapter in the Ruthie Foster catalog, it's outstanding.
2869517
Overall, the tracks on the CD were good. The album has a real "mixed" flavor - some tracks are from the early 90's...others from the late 90's. We've already heard "Are You That Somebody", "One In A Million", and "Try Again" which are, of course, past singles. What I really enjoyed about the CD were the unreleased songs. Most of them are slow,soulful gems showcasing aaliyah's talents in singing soft r&b jams. The best part of the this CD is the bonus DVD. It's perfect - EVERY one of her beautiful videos. This came to a suprise to me - I was fuguring it would just have an interview or two.  But to my surprise, all of her videos are included in a wonderful 1 disc DVD.  Worthy of anyone's collection. Get this, you won't regret it. Aaliyah "Baby Girl" will be greatly missed. . . . :)
4933959
Aretha Franklin (born Aretha Louise Franklin, March 25, 1942) is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and pianist. In a recording career that has spanned over half a century, Franklin's repertoire has included gospel, jazz, blues, R&B, pop, rock and funk." (Wikipedia) Aretha, also known as "The Queen of Soul," is quite simply amazing; this album of her great songs from the `70s proves that she had and still has everything it takes to be a world class artist! Aretha charms her audiences wherever she goes; and that's terrific. This track set gives us fine songs and ballads from the `70s; there's not a bad song in the lot--this music is all THAT good.

Aretha's own "Rock Steady" from her 1971 album entitled Young, Gifted and Black is a great way to start off the track set. Aretha has backup although she never really needed it--her talent carries her through every time. "Spanish Harlem" is one of my very favorite tunes when I hear Aretha sing it; she never misses a beat and "Spanish Harlem" is quite memorable, too. "Don't Play That Song" is very well done; and her 1970 song "Spirit in the Dark" is nothing short of excellent. Elton John's and Bernie Taupin's "Border Song (Holy Moses)" gets a most sensitive treatment from Aretha who delivers this to perfection--and beyond! "You're All I Need to Get By" is extremely beautiful; and I really like Aretha's touching rendition of Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water." That organ sounds great in the arrangement, too!

"A Brand New Me" has Aretha squarely front and center which is right where she belongs; and "Day Dreaming" couldn't have been done any better. "All The King's Horses" is another poignant number and listen for Aretha to do a great job on "Angel;" "Master of Eyes (The Deepness of Your Eyes);" "Oh Me Oh My (I'm A Fool For You Baby)" and the incredible "Until You Come Back To Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do)" which is another one of my favorite tunes when Aretha sings it with so much genuine heart and soul. No wonder "Until You Come Back to Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do)" was a huge hit for Aretha in 1973 and 1974--it's outstanding. The album then ends with Aretha Franklin performing Bobby Womack's "I'm in Love" and "Something He Can Feel" written by Curtis Mayfield. It leaves me wanting more!

Aretha Franklin's genius clearly shows on this excellent album; it's a must-have for her fans. This music is also great as an introduction to Aretha's artistry for anyone just discovering her exceptional talent. Aretha still gives concerts--catch her performing live onstage if you can! I highly recommend the music of Aretha Franklin.
4798361
This 2 disc compilation contains 4 of Ray's albums, although the most popular being the title which is the first half of the first disc. Genius + Soul is mainly organ instrumentals of Ray Charles swinging to standard jazz/blues arrangements with the Basie orchestra. Ray Charles put soul behind the organ which in no way overpowers the orchestra and perfectly blends into the swing. The number Ray does sing on are some of the strongest pieces like I've Got News for You or I'm Gonna Move, which are two blues songs accompanies by strong organ solos and soulful singing. The greatest song is possibly One Mint Julep, which is a Quincy Jones arrangement and features some of the strongest soloing I've heard in soul music. The other 3 albums included are nowhere near as strong as the first featured, but do have a few good songs. Mainly laid back jazz standards with Ray Charles blending in with the orchestra. The first album is the main reason to buy this, but the other 3 included albums do not hurt this set, only add more value since we are getting more of Ray Charle's recordings from different time periods. So Ray Charle's only main album that he exclusively uses organ as well as the perfect blend of organ soloing and band swing make this one of Ray's strongest ABC albums, and is in my top 5 Ray Charles albums of all time, along with One Mint Julep being in my top 5 Ray Charles songs of all time.
2591361
This 2 CD set has the four original albums by The Box Tops (TBT) from 1967-69 on the Bell label, plus several (mono) tracks  from the same period.  The sound is pretty clean without discernible compression.  There's a 10 page booklet with notes from Keith Glass along with some period photos of the band.  This set of albums gets 4 "stars" for the great performances and also  for the fine songs, many written by Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham among others on all four albums.  Some of the later album's songs are close to being "filler" but are still enjoyable for fans (like me)  of TBT, so somewhere between 3 and 4 "stars" is for many people a good rating--to each his own on that subject.

I think everybody has heard "The Letter" and "Cry Like A Baby" by now, which are classics of the blue-eyed soul style of singing that was so popular in the late '60s.  Alex Chilton's voice sounded much older than his teenage performances of the songs (among others) and the Southern session players gave the music a solid and soulful sound that the band itself couldn't quite attain.  But the playing was so solid, and along with some good songs and Chilton's vocals, gave the band a real identity.  The band's first two albums were (arguably) the best simply because there weren't any songs like "The Letter" (among other hits) on the last two albums.  But each album had some fine songs sung and performed well.  Session musicians played on all four albums simply because the young band didn't have a strong sound on their own at the time, but the Memphis/Southern style music is still enjoyable.

Disc 1 has the first two albums, "The Letter/Neon Rainbow" (tracks 1-12) from '67, and "Cry Like A Baby" (tracks 13-23) from '68.  There's five extra tracks (in mono), "The Letter", "Cry Like A  Baby", "I See Sunshine", "You Keep Tightening Up On Me", and  "Come On Honey".  Disc 2 has the albums "Non-Stop" (tracks 1-11) from '68, and "Dimensions", (tracks 12-21) from '69.  There's two extra tracks included, "Since I Been Gone", and "Lay Your Shine On Me".

While the band didn't last much more than two years or so (remember Big Star), they released several very fine singles (included here), plus the albums that each have overlooked songs that were very good if you're a fan (like me) of the band.  Bottom line--it's nice to have the band's four albums in one nice, neat package--that collects there best work as released on the Bell label.  If you're not a fan of the band a greatest hits package may be all you'll need and want.  But for long time fans, having these four albums and attendant singles  all together is a small prayer that's been answered.
4066826
Given the extreme rarity of most of these tracks, the sound quality is quite good. The songs by The Enticers ("Storyteller"),The People's Choice ("Run To Me"), The Optimistics ("Should I Let Myself Go") and GQ ("Strange Feelings") justify the entire CD's price but the others are also nice and all are excellent examples of soul ballad oldies that went nowhere but that deserve to be "rediscovered" by oldies fans now that they are available on CD. Thanks to Alan Beck at ITP Records for releasing another fine compilation of rare oldies.
3550364
This compilation has been a long time coming. Many of these Ike and Tina Turner songs have never seen the light of day on CD. It's about time. Gems like "The Chopper", "Up on the Roof" and "Doin It" should not be relegated to sitting in the bins of used LP stores. These songs deserve to be heard. Ike and Tina Turner have created a number of classic records and these songs sit comfortably among their best.
The disc opens with the ever funky "Funkier Than a Mosquitas Tweeter" which was penned by Tina's sister Alline. Was she talking about Ike? :) Tina's wildly uplifting reading of the track blows Nina Simone's bastardized rendition out of the water. The disc continues on with funk and soul drenched songs such as "What You Don't See" and "Baby, What You Want Me To Do" which would make Sly Stone proud. Soul, always a component of every Turner record turns up more predominately on cuts such as "Game of Love", "Up On the Roof (from the 'Let Me Touch Your Mind' LP) and "Whole Lotta Love" which was an R&B hit for Tina alone in 1975. And though many think Ike to be the sole svengali and mastermind behind the revue, Tina also made her writing attempts. You would be remiss to neglect to mention "Nutbush City Limits" (not on the disc), but she had other fine moments. "The Chopper" sits right alongside 'Nutbush' and other Tina tunes such as 'Sexy Ida' and 'Help Him'. The showstopper of this disc, however, is the addition of a sexy, soulful song from the Turner's 1969 LP 'Come Together' entitled, "Doin' It". Tina's raunchiness is restrained, but her sexual energy explodes over the track as Ike and company pander to her every desire to "change the groove". This is Aaliyah's "Rock the Boat" 32 years earlier.
In all, this disc has been over 26 years in the making. It's a pleasure to know that these classics are now available to hear without the cracks, pops and hisses of vinyl. The original 'Bold Soul Sister' and her erstwhile husband were indeed as funky as the title of this album suggests.
2313408
With the passing of the "Godfather of Soul," James Brown the "Hardest Working Man in Show Business" leaves a tremdous legacy of music in this four CD disc. I've owned this box set since the 90's and have yet to listen to all the music on these discs. There is so much music here that it takes awhile to go through; in my case years. Disc 1 is my favorite and has the songs that I love most including the gems of old school R&B "Please, Please, Please,"(can't you see him being brought back on stage with his cape over his shoulders?), the slow dance jam "Bewildered," the raucous "I'll Go Crazy," the prophetic and posturing "Think," the orchestral "Prisoner of Love," the catchy civil rights era  anthem with cranking sax "Night Train," the beautiful "It's a Man's World"(don't get upset womens libbers the lyrics conclude "it would be nothing without a woman or a girl") and of course the song he may be most remembered for "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag." Truth is there is a whole lotta soul here to rediscover. Some of the preachy stuff he did is not my favorite but others may find it inspirational. If you like old school funk than this is for you. Most of the songs on the other discs (2,3,4)represent work from his most funky period. The discs are organized loosly around a time period and theme, for example disc one is entitled " Mr. Dynamite" , disc two is "The Hardest Working Man in Show Business", disc three is "Soul Brother Number 1" and disc four is "The Godfather of Soul". The featured muscians are to numerous to credit here but if you like the funky sax of  Maceo Parker he is all over this box set as his his long-time backup vocalist Vicki Anderson. There are several  purely instrumental tracks and enough grunts and groans and screams to make you "get on up." The booklet is amazing too with photographs of different time periods like a young admiring Mick Jagger and JB in 1964 on The T.AM.I. Show ,old album covers and a complete discography, VP Hubert Humphrey discussing with JB "Don't Be a Dropout,"  old posters and classic old black and white concert scenes. James Brown set a standard that continues to this day in contemporary music influening many styles and countless musicians. Get on with your bad self and rediscover James Brown, his music will live on.