VA - The XL and Sounds Of Memphis Story Vol. 1 - Vol. 3 [2007+2010] (3 x CDs)

MEMPHIS SOUL

VA - The XL and Sounds Of Memphis Story Vol. 1 - Vol. 3 [2007+2010] (3 x CDs)

Vol 1, Can't Be Satisfied    Memphis is a city that has given birth to countless soul classics, thanks to the legendary labels Stax, Goldwax, and Hi. But there is more to the Memphis soul story than these well-known names. This compilation showcases 22 rare and unreleased gems from the vaults of Gene Lucchesi, a record businessman who worked with various labels in the city, such as Sounds of Memphis, XL, Roman, ERR Music, Chess, and MGM. These tracks span from 1967 to the early 1970s and offer a diverse and delightful sampling of the Southern soul sound in its various forms. Whether it’s the Stax-inspired balladry of Rudolph Taylor’s “Tell Him Tonight”, the Motown-flavored pop of Barbara & the Browns’ “I Don’t Want to Have to Wait”, the Aretha-esque gospel of Ann Hodge’s “You’re Welcome Back”, or the funky groove of the Jacksonians’ “California Dreamin’”, there is something here for every soul fan to enjoy. The singers and musicians on this collection may not be household names, but they have talent and passion to spare, and they deserve to be heard and appreciated by a wider audience. This is a treasure trove of lost soul music that will make you want to dig deeper into the rich and varied history of Memphis. If you love soul music, you owe it to yourself to check out this amazing compilation.

Vol. 2, Play the Game    Memphis soul music is a rich and diverse genre, with many hidden gems waiting to be discovered by the discerning listener. This compilation is a perfect example of that, as it brings together 22 tracks from the XL and Sounds of Memphis labels, most of them either very rare or previously unreleased. These songs cover a wide range of styles and moods, from the mid-‘60s to the mid-‘70s, reflecting the evolution and innovation of Southern soul in that era. Whether you prefer the raw and gritty R&B of Carroll Lloyd’s “Try My Love”, the smooth and sweet pop-soul of Barbara & the Browns’ “I’m Gonna Start a War”, the funky and groovy dance tunes of Vision’s “Play the Game” and Willie Cobbs’ “Eating Dry Onions”, or the soulful and heartfelt ballads of George Jackson’s “All in My Mind” and Rudolph Taylor’s “What’s That You Got”, you will find something to satisfy your soul cravings on this collection. The artists on this CD may not be as famous as their counterparts at Stax and Hi, but they have just as much talent and soul, and they deserve to be recognized and celebrated by soul fans everywhere. This is a wonderful opportunity to explore some of the lesser known but equally rewarding aspects of Memphis soul music, and to enjoy some great songs that have been hidden for too long. Don’t miss this chance to play the game and win some soulful prizes.

Vol. 3, Steppin' Stone    Memphis soul music is a treasure trove of hidden gems, and this compilation is a testament to that. It features 22 tracks from the Sounds of Memphis and XL labels, most of them never released before. These songs capture the essence and diversity of early-'70s Southern soul, with a variety of styles and moods, from the romantic to the funky, from the smooth to the gritty. Some of the artists, like the Ovations and the Minits, are familiar names to soul aficionados, but most of them are obscure and underrated talents who deserve to be heard and appreciated. The Minits shine with their all-female vocals and groovy rhythms on “Hook Line & Sinker”, while their sweet and soulful single “Lover Boy” is a standout track that could have been a hit. Otis Wheat delivers a heartfelt country-soul ballad on “I’m Your Slave”; Jimi Hill shows his Michael Jackson influence on the catchy “Guessing Game”; and Dan Greer brings some Swamp Dogg flavor to his quirky songs. Some of the tracks have a raw and unfinished feel, which adds to their charm and authenticity. This is a collection that will appeal to soul lovers who are always looking for something new and different, and who appreciate the depth and quality of Memphis soul music. It’s a rare opportunity to discover some of the hidden gems that have been buried for too long, and to enjoy some great soul music that will make you feel good. (B)

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Track lists

Vol. 1

01 Spencer Wiggins - I Can't Be Satisfied 3:33

02 Minits - Last Mile Of The Way 3:46

03 Barbara & The Browns - Play Thing 1:49

04 Richard & Walter - Love Just Ain't There 2:19

05 William Bollinger - You Can Lead Your Woman To The Altar 2:41

06 Ann Hodge - Shower Of Tears 2:50

07 Ovations - Take It From Someone Who Knows 3:24

08 Dan Greer - Thanks To You 3:14

09 George Jackson - Talking About The Love I Have For You 3:29

10 Minits - Still A Part Of Me 2:31

11 Dan Greer - Hook Line And Sinker 2:41

12 Lou Roberts - Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Love 2:14

13 Barbara & The Browns - Pity A Fool 2:49

14 Ann Hodge - You're Welcome Back 2:22

15 Rudolph Taylor - Tell Him Tonight 2:26

16 Billy Cee & Freedom Express - Hanging Around Your Doorstep 3:48

17 Vision - Let The Moment Last 3:19

18 Spencer Wiggins - Best Thing I Ever Had 4:32

19 George Jackson - Walking The City Streets 4:14

20 Ovations - Don't Break Your Promise 2:52

21 Sweeteens - I'm Your Woman (You're My Man) 4:12

22 Jacksonians - California Dreamin' 5:35

Vol. 2

01 George Jackson - All In My Mind 3:00

02 Vision - Play The Game 3:25

03 Art Jerry Miller - Got To Get Home 3:29

04 Ovations - Gotta Move On (To My Destiny) 2:33

05 Everyday People - Today, Tomorrow And You 3:12

06 Minits - Natural Reaction 2:47

07 William Bollinger - Is It Love 2:22

08 Barbara & The Browns - You Don't Love Me 2:36

09 Charlie's Children - #1 1:45

10 Minits - Stepping Stone 2:29

11 Lou Roberts - She's Not Mama's Little Girl Anymore 2:23

12 Spencer Wiggins - Take Time To Love Your Woman 2:40

13 Ovations - Little Man 2:43

14 George Jackson - I Don't Need You No More 3:47

15 Sweeteens - So Much Love To This 3:37

16 William Bollinger - Teardrops 2:36

17 Carroll Lloyd - Try My Love 2:34

18 Richard & Walter - I Love You 2:40

19 Rudolph Taylor - Doorsteps To Sorrow 2:27

20 Ann Hodge - Nothing But The Truth 2:28

21 Minits - Take A Look At Yourself 2:37

22 Willie Cobbs - I'll Love Only You 2:25

Vol. 3

01 Willie Walker - If You Never See Ne 3:40

02 William Bollinger - I Won't Have To Cry No More 2:05

03 Jacksonians - Saturday In The Park 3:08

04 Minits - Hook Line & Sinker 2:22

05 George Jackson - How Can I Get Next To You? (Alternate Vocal) 3:37

06 Otis Wheat - I'm Your Slave 2:39

07 Dan Greer - You're Slipping Away 3:11

08 Jacksonians - I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know 5:02

09 William Bollinger - People Are Talking 3:06

10 Willie Walker - Run Around 3:04

11 Minits - Love Letters 3:04

12 Jacksonians - Sparkle Eyes 2:23

13 Art Jerry Miller - Always Treat Your Woman 2:31

14 Lou Roberts - Chirpin' 3:20

15 Dan Greer - Take A Look At Yourself 2:52

16 George Jackson - Love Trying To Come 4:05

17 Erma Shaw - Love Is Blind 4:00

18 Louis Williams - Steppin' Stone 5:49

19 Minits - Lover Boy 2:59

20 Jimi Hill - Guessing Game 3:21

21 Tekelia Kelly - Because Of You 4:26

22 Ovations - The Plumber 3:05

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