Record Reviews

BOOKER T. & THE MG`S ~ ORIGINAL ALBUM SERIES RHINO 081227972547 (Barcode: 081227972547) ~ USA ~ Pop & Rock Recorded: 1962 - 1968 Released: 2012 This Box Set collects five early albums by American instrumental quartet Booker T. & The MG`sFind albums by this artist, which originally consisted of keyboardist Booker T. JonesFind albums by this artist, guitarist Steve CropperFind albums by this artist, bassist Lewie SteinbergFind albums by this artist and drummer Al Jackson, Jr.Find albums by this artist In 1965 Steinberg was replaced by Donald DunnFind albums by this artist and that lineup lasted until Jackson´s death in 1975. The quartet was the house band for StaxFind albums on this label Records and as such appeared on countless classic Soul albums in the 1960s and 1970s. In parallel they released instrumental albums as a quartet, which combined Funk, Soul, Rhythm And Blues and early Jazz-Rock Fusion. The albums included here are their first five studio recordings (except for a Xmas album) released originally between 1962 and 1968. The music includes some original compositions by the group members, but mostly covers of (then) contemporary Pop / Soul material, skillfully arranged by the group, with some absolutely classic riffs and moves, which are sadly rarely heard today. The cheesy organ sound of the first albums is so ridiculous, that it is a beauty of its own and a trademark of the time. Some fifty years after this music was recorded it is still a great fun to listen to, notwithstanding the guilty nostalgic feeling of times long gone. The group was so tight and professional that anything they played sounded smooth and funky, making you stand up and dance. These are immortal qualities, which keep this music alive and kicking. For young listeners and musicians this is a superb example of what great music is made off, and therefore a valuable lesson to be learned by all. As these albums clearly show, very limited resources, simple straightforward arrangements and a lot of talent are enough to create great music. Highly recommended! Side Note The "Original Album SeriesFind albums with this title" by Warner Bros.Find albums on this label, the "Original Album ClassicsFind albums with this title" by SonyFind albums on this label, the "5 Original AlbumsFind albums with this title" by UniversalFind albums on this label, the Box Sets by RhinoFind albums on this label and other similar releases are an archetypal example of how good intentions turn sour. Although these new editions often bring back to life some of the best music ever made on this planet, which in many cases has been lost in the tides of time and was unavailable on the market for ages, they suffer from an unforgivable disregard for the essence of cultural values and general sloppiness, contrary to human decency, which requires as to treat our Cultural Legacy with respect and loyalty. The Box Sets produced under these monikers have no discographical information whatsoever about the lineups, musician names, composers, lyricists, dates and places of recording, original release data and even basic copyright data (the last is strictly illegal BTW). Although the original LP sleeves are reproduced, they are often edited and information (which would be in most cases too small to be readable) is removed. Most importantly these Box Sets don't include any booklet offering a historical background and perspective about the Artists and the Music, which are extremely important and vital to the preservation of our Culture and passing the knowledge to the next generations. In short the fact that these Box Sets are meant to be inexpensive, does not mean that they have to be cheap. Considering the fact how many times this music has been sold over and over again by the labels, this is a crying shame!

Updated: 05/04/2024Posted:

CD 5 Digisleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend

CHICAGO ~ CHICAGO XXXIII O CHRISTMAS THREE RHINO 603497830350 (Barcode: 603497830350) ~ USA ~ Brass Rock Recorded: 2010 Released: 2023 This is a reissue / remaster of the 33rd album by the legendary American Brass-Rock group ChicagoFind albums by this artist, originally released in 2011. It is the 2nd album by Chicago dedicated to Christmas material. Alongside the founding members: keyboardist Robert LammFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Lee LoughnaneFind albums by this artist, trombonist James PankowFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Walter ParazaiderFind albums by this artist, several guest artists also take part in the recording: vocalist Dolly PartonFind albums by this artist, guitarist Steve CropperFind albums by this artist and others. The album was produced by Phil RamoneFind albums by this artist and presents fourteen tracks, all of which are Christmas classics, except one original song by Loughnane. The music remains within the established Brass Rock idiom, with brilliant melodies and excellent brass arrangements, which have faithfully carried the group through their lengthy career, which knew some ups and downs, but in retrospect can be seen as one of the most spectacular in American Rock. Overall, this is a brilliant Rock album, steady as a rock (he he) and full of brilliant music and excellent musicianship. They don’t make music like this anymore and this album, being an exception, is a perfect proof of that statement. For many Chicago’s faithful followers, this is just what the doctor prescribed. Of course it can be listened to all year round, Xmas or not!

Updated: 04/07/2026Posted: 04/07/2026

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend