Take Me to the River: A Southern Soul Story, 1961-1977 [Box set]

First thing i have to say is that this release is truly perfect , a work of art,in fact,that is worth every penny .And i'm not even talking about the music yet !
From the evocative photo which adorns the front cover (taken at a Stax session in the 60's) , to the colours , typography and design of the track listing on the back and the extensive hard-back booklet with tons of info and facts on all the artists and songs it is so obvious that lots of care, attention and hard work has gone into this release by everyone concerned , it's a real labour of love . Thank you.
And , of course , there's the actual music itself .......
OK , i'm biased . Soul is my true love when it comes to music and , specifically , soul of the Southern variety .I was pretty much certain to love most of the tracks on here but even i wasn't prepared for just how magnificent it all is .Even tracks i've become (overly) familiar with over the years seem to have taken on a new lease of life , old worn out classics have raised their game and got even better when placed alongside new (to me at any rate) slabs of mellow passionate genius . And that's what you get here , believe me , some of the greatest music ever recorded .
So . Packaging superb. Music even better .
Now the quibbles ! You knew they were coming didn't you , even the most perfect diamond has a flaw or two .In this case though they are minor and not really worth bothering about , i just thought i'd mention them anyway .Also they're personal so if you're thinking of buying this : DO IT ! Don't let my gripes put you off .
The first concerns my all time "greatest ever " song , by anyone , ever , in any genre . Namely "That's How Strong My Love Is" by the legendary O.V. Wright .A simply magnificent performance by all concerned and IT SHOULD BE ON HERE !
Secondly is "I'd Rather Go Blind " by Etta James .Yes , it's great but i for one am sick to death of it , seems like it's on every compilation i ever buy ! Overkill . I don't doubt that Etta should be on here (her Muscle Shoals work is class) but there's lots to choose from and It Hurts Me So Much or Almost Persuaded are under heard tracks which deserved a chance.

Still , like i said , thats just me , it can't be allowed to put you off and i'm sure the compilers will take those points on board for Volume 2 which , people , just HAS to happen . I mean , after such a triumph as this release there just has to be a sequel , surely ? Just give us another 75 tracks from the same period , i'll be first in the queue !
Anyway , an absolute triumph from start to finish , an utter masterpiece and a work of inspired genius . I love it .
To everyone at Kent and Ace Records and especially to Tony Rounce and Dean Rudland i say , sincerely , thank you .
Some esteemed reviewers in the monthly music magazines (as well as me and my friends) are saying that this just may be the greatest compilation ever released (in ALL genres!) and .....we're right !
Right , i simply must go and listen to "That's The Way Love Turned Out For Me" for the millionth time this week.........

A beautiful album of absolute classic tracks. Everything you used to listen to and want to hear again is there. Sure brings back some good memories.............

I love the way this has been released. The joy of a physical album is in discovering and engaging with the music beyond what goes into your ears, and this does that in fine style. A lovely slipcased book with the three CD's in the back, with nostalgic 45rpm artwork and photo's throughout and a little bit about each song, all written with love and enthusiasm.
Sound quality is lovely, and very even across all the recordings.
The compilation must have taken much care and attention to compile, and it shows. It's only downside is the emphasis on the slower tempo recordings, making tracks like Johnnie Taylor's 'Jody's got your girl and gone' stand out. Uptempo tracks are often the most obvious choices for a compilation, and 'Take me to the River' is a brave and wonderful deviation from the obvious, however a slightly greater variety of tempo would have made this perhaps my favourite Soul compilation, along with Stax's 50th anniversary box set.