Atlantic Unearthed - Soul Sisters

Once again, Atlantic Records opens its archives for some good little-known soul, selected by Brit Soul expert Dave Nathan.

Most of this is really not that hot, but there are two really wonderful tunes from two legends of the genre. Aretha Franklin putting her stamp on Sinatra's "My Way" and Patti LaBelle and the Bluebells truly beautuful "1-2-3-4-5-6-7 Count The Days." I'm not even a big fan of Patti Labelle and I can not let this song spin on my CD player just once at a time!

But other than that, buy a good used copy of this CD.

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 Aretha Franklin, Barbara Lewis, Margie Joseph, Doris Troy, The Sweet Inspirations, Jackie Moore, 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 1964-1973; 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!

Aretha Franklin: My Way
Why this was only issued overseas is anybody's guess. She wasn't trying to put Frank Sinatra to shame; just her own personal take on it...and a mighty dang good one!

Margie Joseph: It's Growing
A nice, easy-tempoed drum and bass-laiden cover of an early Temptations' record. She adds a cool touch too it with her silky-smooth voice.

Patti LaBelle and the Bluebells: Count the Days
A solid track; could have been a great hit because it sounds like it had some potential. The bells and piano at the beginning set the stage before the bass and drums come in with a solid groove.

Doris Troy: Please Little Angel
"Just One Look" wasn't all. This cute-sounding number is quite enjoyable. Very dated, I must say; has a good '60s feel to it.

Mary Wells: Hands Off My Baby
Mary Wells after Motown continued to sing and be around Motown-like material. Somehow it just didn't quite cut it with her at Atlantic. This would have made a nice hit for her; love the congas and vibes at the beginning.

Dee Dee Sharp: My Best Friend's Man
Even Miss "Mashed Potato Time" got to work with Atlantic. In this sentimental-sounding track, you can't help but have pity on her.

Dee Dee Warwick: Rescue Me
This cover of the Fontella Bass classic has a great rhythmic drive too it, but somehow that same energy just isn't there. It sounds good in its own respect, but isn't quite the same.

Baby Washington: What Becomes of the Brokenhearted
This cover, on the other hand, rivals Jimmy Ruffin's original closely. She has a good contralto tone.

Irma Thomas: Full Time Woman
The melody felt like it existed forever; a real poignant-sounding ballad.

Judy Clay: I've Got To Love Somebody's Baby
It sounds like something you'd hear in one of those late-night dimly lit blues clubs. Johnnie Taylor originally did it at Stax some years before; exquisite cover.

Esther Phillips: Cheater Man
Definitely, could have been a huge hit. Esther's nasally voice, a rock solid groove and some great lyrics made a perfect combination. The producrs on this track are the same ones who worked with the blue-eyed soul group, the Box
Tops.

Laura Lee: What A Man
It has a lost classic touch to it. The horn section and backing vocals reflect that. Laura Lee was a gospel singer, and she carries that over fully in this upbeat number.

The Sweet Inspirations: Ain't Nothing Gonna Change Me
This is every bit of a gospel-like number. Everything they do in here is so cool from singing in unison to the call and response with the lead singer. Very righteous!

Jackie Moore: It Ain't Who You Know
Listen to the first few notes that Jackie sings, and wonder where else you've heard a similar sounding melody. A great, easy to listen to number. Backing vocals are silky-smooth.

Bettye Swann: I Ain't That Easy To Lose
Perhaps a perfectly produced and orchestrated record. From the wah-wah guitar to the rapid-fire drums to the added effects with the woodwinds and strings and to the call and response backing vocals at the chorus with Bettye's mellow voice.

Barbara Lewis: Thankful For What I Got
It's just how you will feel after absorbing these lost treasures. This track has an easy yet bouncy swing to it, and the backing vocals are fantastic sounding at the end of the chorus when they're basically saying "Ditto what Barbara says."

This compilation, along with the "Soul Brothers" volume, makes a great addition to any soul music lover's library.

This cd is just good! I love everything on it and I must say that it is straight grown-up woman's music.

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 3 reviews  4.3 out of 5 stars