Search - Steve Cropper :: With a Little Help From My Friends

A truly great album Steve with great arrangements

P. H PICOT | Haymarket, VA United States | 04/12/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One thing overlooked many reviews of Steve Cropper's work is the fact that the whole sound was what interests Steve, he is an arranger first, and on this album it shows. Although the album lacks credits, the 1971 original release date would indicate that the late, and great, Al Jackson, Jr was on drums and if you like to hear a super rock drummer work out with a great guitarist, this is an album for you. As always, Steve Cropper is strong, but doesn't wear you down. This is album about good songs, not a show-off piece. Cropper is a fan, and enjoys hearing good side men as much as we do. There are some fine horns on here, and if you like "Hang 'em high" or "Time is tight", you will certainly enjoy this timeless album. One song I was sorry was not included here is "Slim Jenkin's Place", a Jones-Cropper-Dunn-Jackson classic that is currently only available on the STAX 3-CD set "Booker T. & the MGs" that comprises (I think) all the sides that were ever released as singles and some amazing live stuff, including 5 and 10 minute sets of "Time is tight" and "Hang 'Em High". If you get either, you will be glad and have music you can listen to over and over. If you only know Boooker T and Steve Cropper from their covers of the Beatles and others, you are missing some fine music and you should fix that. (Don't let the release date fool you, there is no expiration date on this album)."

Great album for fans of music

Brad | New Hampshire | 08/10/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Are you kidding? Where has this album been all my life? And I thought the song first/musician second idea only existed in prog rock. I guess you could use that statement as a barometer for understanding the vast appeal of this album. I have heard a lot of music, granted it is mostly progressive rock and thrash metal, but those are two pretty wide universes, and with limited exposure to truly different types of music, I must say this is simply one of the best albums I have ever heard. I am no stranger to sit-down-and-listen, and this album deserves full attention. Layer upon layer of intensely fun music at your fingertips. And the grooves...those precious, precious grooves. I thought all bass playing was white and angular. Great to hear fantastic, team-oriented bass playing that catches you in a groove yet doesn't obnoxiously take center stage in a pretentious showcase. I know this album has been around for some time, but it's new to me. Hearing soulful playing like this is almost like hearing Chapman stick-based music for the first time: fresh and rejuvenating. So for all you progressive rock and thrash metal fans out there looking for something just as intense but in a different vein, try this one out."

Little known Cropper album worth a listen

Robert E. Poles | Sparta, New Jersey USA | 02/21/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This album holds many enjoyable moments for anyone who will
take the time to really listen to it. The arrangements are great. I only regret that none of the musicians are given
credit. What Steve does with a simple tune like Land of a Thousand Dances is incredible. I wish he had done more solo
albums during this period."