The young, new exponents of the Stax/Volt soul sound '67!
Michael Sean | Seattle, WA - US | 09/15/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The Bar-Kays were part of the next generation of Stax-Volt artists, entering a vibrant soul scene populated by the likes of Booker T. & the MG's, The Mar-Keys, Sam & Dave, William Bell, and Otis Redding. MG drummer Al Jackson, Jr. had taken the young group under his wing, gearing them up for this fantastic 1967 debut. The blistering title track is an unquestionable Memphis soul classic, kicking off a strong set of 11 instrumental cuts. House-wrecking numbers like "Knucklehead," "You Can't Sit Down" and "House Shoes" are sure to get your party started. Sadly, this would be the first and last record from the original Bar-Kays lineup. While on tour with Otis Redding, a tragic airplane crash took the lives of Otis and four members of the group, just six months after the release of this album. The remaining members (trumpeter Ben Cauley and bassist James Alexander) later reformed the group, playing back-up on several Isaac Hayes records and releasing a string of albums that moved their sound towards heavier funk with vocals. The CD reissue includes Booker T.'s original liner notes, testifying the promise of their contagious grooves. This disc is a very enjoyable and often overlooked gem. Definitely recommended for fans of '60s soul."
Soul Finger CD
Matthew P. Panepinto | 09/13/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Excellent CD! Order arrived ontime and in wonderful condition. It is nice to know you can procure cool items all the way out in Iraq!!"
Stax '07
David A. Elliott Jr. | Pinellas Park,Fl | 05/16/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I seem to recall having a 45 of "Soul Finger" on the Volt label when I was about 4 years old. I still think it's a great song. The Bar Kays were similar to Booker T & The MGs, in fact Booker himself wrote the liner notes. This is great Stax/Volt instrumental music from the 60s. I just wish the sound quality was louder."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1