Search - Various Artists :: Chicago Soul Cellar

Extraordinary hard soul music collection

Robert Pruter | Elmhurst, IL, USA | 07/25/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"As the compiler of Chicago Soul Cellar, I feel that the buyer should be aware of a few facts about this extraordinary collection. This compilation is built on the releases from the M-Pac label, a subsidiary of Chicago's One-derful label that existed 1962 to 1968. The music was created in the company's own studio (probably not on the same standard as Universal) and the session musicians came from the city's blues and jazz community. There is only one national hit on the collection, Harold Burrage's "Got To Find A Way," which stands as one of the most powerful hard-driving soul numbers from the mid-1960s. The other Burrage songs are highly appealing as well. The rest of the collection is composed of non-hits, but what a marvelous collection of hard soul it is. Dorothy Prince, with her stunning hard sound, will be a revelation to anyone who picks up this CD. The Ringleaders' two cuts will be loved by fans of that early sweet soul sound, and so on. True soul fans will appreciate the treasures found in this collection. This collection is extremely hard to find in the United States, as the issuing company has gone out of business. That ( )has it available presents a true opportunity to obtain a collection of music that has been unavailable for decades, and may become unavailable again. This is the window of opportunity."

IGNORE THE IGNORANT NEGATIVE REVIEW

paul vernon | Virginia | 12/03/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"MPac was one of the many small indie Chicago labels scuffling for success in the 1960's. This collection of soul, soul-blues and blues (there ARE differences!) is a highly engaging portrait of one of those labels. I wish we had anthologies as good as this for others.



Harold Burrage had been label-hopping for some years before he landed here, Bobby Davis had appeared on Bandera records, but in most cases the only opportunity to appreciate most of these artists is right here.



Yes, the recording quality was below todays technical levels. So what? If all you want is absolute fidelity, go stick your head in a recent Barry Manilow CD or something. If you want grit, emotion and commitment, then get this instead. No hooks? - try Big Daddy Simpson.



Read Robert Pruter's comments for more information, then download it now as an MP3!

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