The Greatest [Import]

Arthur Alexander | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 13, 2006)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Ace Records UK
• ASIN: B0000009L1
• Also Available in: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #79,949 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #43 in Music > Indie Music > R&B > Soul

Track Listings

1. Anna

2. You're The Reason

3. Soldier Of Love

4. I Hang My Head And Cry

5. You Don't Care

6. Dream Girl

7. Call Me Lonesome

8. After You

9. Where Have You Been

10. A Shot Of Rhythm And Blues

11. Don't You Know It

12. You Better Move On

13. All I Need Is You

14. Detroit City

15. Keep Her Guessing

16. Go Home Girl

17. In The Middle Of It All

18. Whole Lot Of Trouble

19. Without A Song

20. I Wonder Where You Are Tonight

See all 21 tracks on this disc

Editorial Reviews

This CD has been one of Ace's most popular since its release in June 1989, both in terms of sales and critical approval.

17 years on it was beginning to appear slightly dated and so we have taken the opportunity to bring its appearance bang up-to-date with a brand new cover and booklet.

Arthur of course, has the distinction of inspiring both the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, and the definitive versions are here of both `Anna (Go To Him)' and `You Better Move On'.

The note is written by Arthur's biographer, Richard Younger who, ironically, was first turned on to Arthur by Ace's original LP release, "A Shot Of Rhythm And Soul".

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Overshadowed, But Not Outperformed, June 15, 2000

By 

Steve Vrana (Aurora, NE) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Greatest (Audio CD)

Arthur Alexander may have been overshadowed by the performers who covered his songs (the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Bee Gees, etc), but he was never out-performed by his peers.

Like most baby boomers, I first became aware of Alexander when the Beatles covered "Anna" on The Early Beatles. Then about ten years ago I picked up a used copy of a mid-Eighties Rhino release called Beatle Originals. It featured thirteen original versions of songs that the Beatles covered on their early albums. Among the tracks was Alexander's touching version of "Anna." Lennon did a nice job of copying Alexander's vocal style and it would show up again on songs like "In My Life." [Lennon would also provide the lead vocal on another of Alexander's songs, "Soldier of Love," which can be heard on Live At The BBC.]

Alexander shared something else in common with Lennon besides great taste in song selection. They were both born in 1940. Why Alexander's Beatles connection never resulted in a major career boost is puzzling. His only Top 40 hit was the tender "You Better Move On" in 1962.

This is terrific country-soul from one of the music world's best but mostly forgotten talents. In Dave Marsh's book The Heart of Rock & Soul: The 1001 Greatest Singles Ever Made, he included both "Anna" and "Soldier of Love." This is a fitting tribute to an amazing singer. Alexander died of a heart attack in 1993. This Ace collection covers all the highlights from his tenure at Dot and belongs in in any serious collector's music library. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A soldier of soul, February 26, 2001

By 

David Kinney (San Francisco, Ca. United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Greatest (Audio CD)

Despite having his compositions covered by both The Beatles and The Rolling Stones in the sixties Arthur Alexander never quite caught the break that would have put him over the top. That's the soul fan's misfortune too as Arthur lingered in obscurity until his untimely passing. This collection does a great job of bringing Arthur Alexander out of the shadows and it is essential listening for fans of countrified soul music. 'Anna' is probably the best known song here having been covered by the Beatles, but this version easily outpaces theirs. The Stones did a nice version of 'You Better Move On', but again, Arthur's is the one to own. It became patently obvious to this listener that Mr. Jagger spent some time checking out the vocal style of Arthur Alexander. You should too.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great voice, nice songs, not too dated, January 6, 2008

By 

Bill Staley (Santa Monica, CA USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Greatest (Audio CD)

Imagine that you had never heard the Supremes, Temptatons, Four Tops or Isley Bros. Then someone gave you their greatest hits. Imagine how blown away you would be. That's kinda how I felt listening to these great songs by a great singer who seemed to be a really great guy. I would rate all of these songs as 3s, 4s and 5s. The arrangements reflect the times (early 60s and 1987), but they are very nice.