Search - Allen Toussaint :: Allen Toussaint Collection

Mike C. from LOWELL, MA
Reviewed on 8/8/2009...

Even though this compilation only spotlights a small portion of Toussaint's career, it's a great one. Many of the great songs he's written have been recorded to great success by other artists, which we miss here, such as the earthiness of Lee Dorsey or the down-and-dirty grind of the Meters. This is, however, a wonderful overview of his best albums.

OH LORD!!!!

W. K. Jerram | Austin, Texas United States | 09/06/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Lord have mercy, if you have not exposed yourself to the wonderful understated genius of Mr. Allen Toussaint, do yourself (and your soul) a favor and pick this record up immediately! This has enough funky bass, sweet singing, and soulfulness to keep you happy for a long time. At least till you can get your hands on more of his work. Sadly, much of his solo records are deleted from the original labels they came out on, but you can still acquire much of the original albums these wonderful songs came out on if you're willing to search.Most folks will know "Southern Nights"...I wasn't sure where from though. Turns out, Glen Campbell of all people had a hit with it in the 70s. But look here for the definitive version. As a matter of fact, Mr. Toussaint's songs have been covered by innumerable artists, and i'm yet to hear anyone better his own version of anything! Fans of Boz Scaggs "Silk Degrees" album will recognize "What Do You Want the Girl To Do"...but brace yourself...this is how the tune was always meant to be delivered! SOUL baby! Although Toussaint is a MASTER of the piano, and his barrelling and funky rhythms undoubtedly are the bedrock on which all this killer material originates, please make sure you pay attention to the SONGS! I know that's somewhat of a rare distinction nowadays, but this guy has the craft, skill, execution, arranging knowhow that few people are lucky enough to mine once, let alone for the dozens and dozens of hits associated with Mr. Toussaint (he wrote hits and produced for Lee Dorsey, Dr. John, the Meters and countless other Nawlins cream of the crop). Anyway, before I run out of room, i must tell you to look into this cat and all he's done, and you'll see why he's in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I'm TOTALLY embarrassed and ashamed that he isn't even MORE revered and known to the masses. But that kinda makes it sweeter, when you feel like you've discovered a treasure that no one else knows about...but those in the KNOW do!Oh yeah, the songs: From A Whisper to a Scream, What Is Success, Am I Expecting Too Much, On Your Way Down, Soul Sister, Country John, Last Train, Southern Nights,What Do You Want the Girl To Do, You Will Not Lose, Night People...it's an increadible run of an album...you have to get to track 12 before you even slow down, and even then, they're still great and his smooth voice will win you over even when the production is a bit, shall we say, 80s? Don't fret, if you like music at all, especially soul, rock, funk, hell even country, it's all evident here, and you'll get the rare opportunity to witness GENIUS in it's most pure and understated form on one fantastic CD. GIT IT NOW!"

Simply awesome

Rachell | La. | 04/14/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What a piece of work. This CD is by far one of the most romantic and happiest sound of N.O music. I love it! This is the first CD both my kids and I enjoy listening to everytime we're in the car. Then at night, I select certain songs to add atmosphere for the evening. This was a really smart buy and a real treasure."