The Complete Stax-Volt Singles 1959-1968 [BOX SET]

Various Artists - R&B/Soul, Otis Redding

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 30, 1991)
• Original Release Date: April 30, 1991
• Number of Discs: 9
• Format: Box set
• Note on Boxed Sets: During shipping, discs in boxed sets occasionally become dislodged without damage. Please examine and play these discs. If you are not completely satisfied, we'll refund or replace your purchase.
• Label: Atlantic / Wea
• ASIN: B000002IQU
• Also Available in: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #60,879 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

46 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars AN EDUCATION IN SOUL MUSIC 101, July 8, 2003

By	PETER XUEREB (SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES Australia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I bought this set originally as individual CD's but thankfully was able to trade them in once I found out it had been boxed and got it with the Atlantic 8 CD box. They complement each other quite well with very minimal repition between the two sets. Originally this Stax/Volt set was released as a LP Sized box set with an appropriately sized booklet, so my review is based on that format. This set contains all of the Stax/Volt single "A" sides and key "B" sides to boot between the years 1959 and 1968 when Stax/Volt & Atlantic parted ways. The book is extremely informative, with great colour photos of original labels and the artists in question. I'm assuming it has maintained the same level of thoroughness in it's smaller format judging by the photo above. Like the Atlantic box this is an essential collection that serious music collectors should have and an incredible education on the roots of black soul music. Being Australian I hadn't heard 95% of this or the Atlantic stuff before with the odd Otis Redding, Booket T. & The MG's & Sam And Dave tracks reaching the airwaves or record shelves here. It's only with adult hindsight that I was able to delve backwards to investigate further.. I was in "Time Warp" mode back in the late 80's/Early 90's thanks to a similarly named Record store here in Sydney. This set is lovingly compiled and most of the tracks reveal a gritiness missing from today's so-called version of R & B (don't start me on that!) There isn't a lot I can add that my fellow reviewers haven't already stated. From one stand point this music is probably very personal to those who grew up listening to it (like the Beatles for me). But I love soul music too and to hear the grooves put out by that Stax/Volt house band puts so many others to shame for sheer quality and toughness. There are probably those who don't understand the difference between Motown & Stax/Volt/Atlantic. From an Aussie view, it's like comparing the Beatles & the Stones.. The Beatles would be Motown (slick & professional, great sounding records but tough when need be - they were fans of and influenced partly by that label) while the Stones would Stax/Volt/Atlantic (not as slick in appearance, rough on the edges but bluesy & gritty - most of their influences came from the deep south & Chicago blues). I hope that make sense. I've wanted to get the other 2 Stax sets for a while and maybe down the track I will..it's on my 5 year wishlist plan! That said buy this set for some thoroughly great music and an insight into a great label's massive but very important legacy.

32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great, but not for everyone., February 18, 2000

By	M.R. (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews

This is an undeniably great set, with tons of great tunes. However, there *is* a little fat on it. Not every single was a classic; there's no way they could be, as fast as they were pumping them out. Still, for people who really want a handle on deep soul and who want off-the-beaten-path gems along with the hits, this is a great set to check out.

Other great r&b/blues/soul boxed sets to check out after this one:
-Atlantic Rhythm and Blues
-Hitsville, USA Vol. 1 (Motown)
-The Specialty Story
-Crescent City Soul
-Chess Rhythm and Roll
-Aladdin Story
-Hi Records Story
-Chess Blues
-Mercury Blues 'n' Rhythm

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Labor of Love!!!!, December 30, 2002

By	D. Hawkins (Denver, CO United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If you're going to shell out money for this baby, then be prepared to go all the way. The listening will both elate you and exhaust you as you hear innumerable songs (probably for the first time) that make you go "WOW!" I stopped counting after awhile, but the quality factor here is way over 90%, not bad for a 9 CD set. The one constant here is the GROOVE, engineered by Booker T. and the MG's. If God has a house band, you know it's gotta be these guys (or will be when the other 3 make it there). The late Al Jackson Jr. had a pulse like no other drummer you will ever hear, and if you only listen to this set for the drumming, then it's still the wisest investment you'll ever make. Go to your bank if you have to, but get ahold of this monument to great music. Your soul will thank you!!!