Undeservedly Obscure Soul Men
Glenn Nippert | Alpharetta, Georgia United States | 08/29/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Back in the 70's, the biggest star on Hi records was Al Green, whose success really overshadowed the rest of his labelmates. This 26 track release sets out to right that wrong and succeeds fabulously. I don't think there is another genre with as many unsung heroes and unheralded talent as R&B, especially from the mid sixties to mid seventies golden era of black music. There are a couple of famous cats on here, like Otis Clay, O.V Wright, Syl Johnson and Charlie Rich, doing the original{pre-Sam and Dave) version of "When Something Is Wrong With My Baby". But most of these artists are completely unknown and the surprising thing about this album is that unlike a lot of "Deep Soul" compilations is this one kicks in the first time you play it.(A lot of them you really have to live with for awhile.} The Masqueraders, The Memphians, Willie Clayton,Phillip Mitchell all let loose with great soul ballads and funky struts that seem instantly like old friends. This is the best album I've bought in a couple of months. If you enjoy the deepest of deep soul and you buy albums because of the music contained within and not for the name recognition on the cover, then give these Soul Brothers a try."