Customer Reviews

Country Got Soul 2 (Dig)

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The first volume of "Country Got Soul" touched off a sensation in the UK (it's a British import, hence the high price), and this is the first of several planned follow-ups (including one of entirely new material and a touring concert review). Naturally it won't pack the suprise whallop of the first volume, which reminded the public of a curious strain of blue-eyed swamp-funk that emerged in the late 60s for a hayday in the early 70s. Lynchpins included Eddie Hinton, Dan Penn, Bobbie Gentry, and Tony Joe White. Those are the most recognizable names, and they continue to be on this second volume.

Again, compiler Jeb Loy Nichols (a fine artist in his own right) trots out some miraculous obscurities: Sandra Rhodes' ace Supremes-gon'-funky "Sowed Love & Reaped The Heartache", songwriter Wayne Carson's version of his own "Soul Deep", and the absolutely revalatory "Harland County" by the super-mysterious Jim Ford. Those alone are worth the big bucks. More mainstream (relatively speaking) artists like Tony Joe White, Bobbie Gentrie, Eddie Hinton, and Townes Van Zandt fit in great, too.

There are a few mis-steps. Shirl Milete's take on Townes' "Big Country Blues" doesn't really go anywhere interesting, and the inclusion of a terrible, name-dropping, mechanical-sounding demo called "Muscle Shoals" by Donnie Fritts borders on inexcusable. It's that bad. Fortunately there's a new Dan Penn cut to cancel it out.

All in all, a more than worthy successor, with some really choice moments. If you see it, snag it.