Search - Various Artists :: Atlantic Unearthed: Soul Brothers

Rare soul music gems from the vaults of Atlantic Records.

Josh P. | 04/29/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Atlantic Records was one of the country's leading record companies in rhythm & blues and soul music. Here, in collaboration with Rhino Records, 16 rare tunes are presented froim artists like Wilson Pickett, Sam & Dave, Otis Redding, Percy Sledge, Donny Hathaway, Arthur Conley, plus some rarely heard artists as well. Some of these songs have never made it past being only released on the original 45, and others have never been heard before, period. These songs come from about 1967-1974; one of the last of the golden ages at Atlantic. This disc runs about 50 minutes, but is very enjoyable. Definitely worth hearing, because it's not something you'd hear every day. One listen to the whole thing, and you'd be asking why some of these songs never saw the light of day again...until now!



Wilson Pickett: Can't Stop a Man In Love

Lots of energy and a good beat in this one. The background vocalists are good.



Bobby Womack: How Does It Feel

The organ and bass make this song; good beat to it.



Sam & Dave: You Left the Water Running

Good funky stuff from these guys; great drumbeat.



Arthur Conley: Rome Wasn't Built In A Day

Seminal track featuring a sharp horn line at the beginning and near the end of the song.



Percy Wiggins: Book of Memories

This would have been a good hit; nice easy soul ballad with a very audible classic sounding bass line.



The Soul Clan: That's How It Feels

Dynamite soul talents Arthur Conley, Ben E. King, Solomon Burke, Don Covay and Joe Tex team up to deliver this very heartfelt song.



Otis Redding: I Love You More Than Words Can Say

What's a soul collection without Big O? There'd be something wrong with any woman who can't feel this guy's heartwrenching plea.



Percy Sledge: Baby, Baby, Baby

Percy does a beautiful job with this organ-drenched rendition of the Aretha Franklin ballad. It features a good horn part in place of the backing vocals.



James Carr: Hold On

His only Atlantic single is a moderate tempo ballad that is as every bit as touching.



Otis Clay: Pouring Water on a Drowning Man

Have mercy! This guy's telling it like it is; passionate soulful performance on this one.



Mighty Sam: Lovebones

Still has that Johnnie Taylor spirit about it. Great organ parts and solos. Listen as he compliments his fellow Atlantic artists near the end.



Darrell Banks: The Love of My Woman

Confident sounding uptempo number from thsi rarely heard artist.



Walter Jackson: Coldest Days of My Life:

Beautiful slow, soul ballad that features a great bass guitar part especially during the chorus part. Love how the backing vocals spice up this song well.



R.B. Greaves: Whiter Shade of Pale

Neat B Major-keyed rendition of this classic song featuring a terrific organ part and backing vocals.



Carl Hall: Change With the Seasons.

Can this guy belt it out! As ultra-soulful as it get can possibly get.



Donny Hathaway: What A Woman Really Means

Sounds very modern and really way ahead of its time. Listen to Donny's vocal stylings and how the male backing vocals sound and you'll know.



Be sure to check out the "Soul Sisters" volume as well. For fans of classic soul, it's a must!



"

Mixed bag with some good stuff

Andre M. | Mt. Pleasant, SC United States | 09/24/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I'm usually a big fan of underground, little-known soul that didn't get the airplay it deserved the first time around. I would recommend at least listening to this one before buying.



Much of this is just okay, but there are a few exceptional tunes. The unreleased "What a Woman Really Means" by the legendary Donny Hathaway makes you wonder why this was not released to the public the first time around. The Soul Clan (Arthur Conely, Don Covay, Joe tex, Ben. E. King, and Solomon Burke), the rare R&b Supergroup, appear in one of their only two recordings "That's How It Feels," as each takes their turn singing the saddest stories they could think of (their other release, the more upbeat "Soul Meeting," appears on Rhino's Solomon Burke collection).



James Carr, another undeground legend, appears in one tune, and an amazingly unknown Carl Hall sings a fantastic number that never appears on "oldies" stations, as is the case with Percy Sledge's "Baby Baby baby." Why? I don't know, but at least you can buy this stuff here."