Atlantic Soul 1959-75 (4CD) [Limited]
£39.99
Description:
In continued celebration of Atlantic Records' 60th anniversary, and the label's peerless soul-deep legacy, Rhino Handmade proudly issues the limited edition, four-disc boxed set ATLANTIC SOUL (1959-1975).
It is the second of a trio of limited edition Rhino Handmade boxes saluting Atlantic's 60th - Atlantic Blues (1949-1970) was released in 2007, and this year brings Atlantic Vocal Groups (1951-1963). As with each box in the three-part series, ATLANTIC SOUL (1959-1975) is presented in a collectible sepia-toned 12 x 12" display box that includes an expansive booklet filled with in-depth liner notes and rare archival photos. Production is limited to 3,000 worldwide in individually numbered boxes available exclusively in the UK through www.rhino.co.uk.
Because Soul era Atlantic - as guided by principals Ahmet Ertegun and Jerry Wexler - is so inextricably associated with the history and cultural mythology of soul music overall, many righteous compilations presenting the label's biggest hits and most prominent tracks are readily available for fans and collectors alike. For that reason, ATLANTIC SOUL (1959-1975) spotlights lesser-known and rarely heard treasures from Atlantic's vaunted vaults, presenting 82 tracks testifying to the rich depth and diversity of talent that comprised the soul music firmament on the label's roster. This unique set was compiled and produced by music historian Billy Vera, himself an Atlantic Records artist during part of the era covered. As Vera writes in the liner notes, “Some of the tracks here will be familiar while others are making their digital debut on CD. Either way, buckle your seatbelts for an emotion-filled ride on the Soul Train. You're going to hear some great, if little known songs, sung and played to perfection.”
The box opens with The Genius, Ray Charles, delivering his masterful version of “Come Rain Or Come Shine.” It closes with the blue-eyed soul of Hall & Oates on “She's Gone” and the proto-disco fervor of The Trammp's “Hooked For Life.” In between, Vera's survey of many of soul's stealthiest stand-outs and best-kept secrets underscores the range and reach of the entire genre. From the orchestral soul of Ben E. King to the raw Detroit gospel of The Falcons, from the Southern funk of Memphis and Muscle Shoals to the 70s rejuvenation of the New York and Philly studio scenes, Atlantic wrote the book - and Rhino Handmade makes it possible for you to add it to your library. Naturally, no such collection would be complete without an entry from the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, herself an awesome personification of soul's signature fusion of church-fueled vocals, secular songs and R&B grooves. She's represented with her stirring cover of “A Change Is Gonna Come,” paying tribute to fellow soul legend Sam Cooke. Other Atlantic soul icons featured include Solomon Burke, LaVern Baker, The Coasters, Sam & Dave, Donny Hathaway, Ben E., King, The Persuaders, Esther Phillips, “Wicked” Wilson Pickett and the inimitable Otis Redding, among others. While the songs may not be the time-honored classics you're used to hearing, the legendary voices are instantly recognizable. Also ripe for discovery are tracks by artists who made it big after they left Atlantic - including Patti LaBelle and The Isley Brothers - and great voices whose day had come and gone but were still sounding smokin'- among them Howard Tate, James Carr and Baby Washington. And while names like Judy Clay or Soul Brothers Six might only be remembered by a few, once you've heard them you are unlikely to forget them.