Memphis Unlimited [Original recording remastered]

O.V. Wright | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 10, 2009)
• Original Release Date: 2009
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording remastered
• Label: Reel Music
• ASIN: B001QSYCK4
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #99,352 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

OV Wright at the top of his game -- working here with classic Memphis production from Willie Mitchell, and a sound that should have knocked Al Green right off of the charts! Wright's vocals have a rougher edge than Al's, and the record's really dripping with deep soul feeling -- a slow-burning energy that's perfectly handled by Mitchell, in ways that echo some of OV's bluesier roots, but keeps things in the more sophisticated Memphis modes of the 70s. The balance is perfect, and instrumentation is handled by a batch of Hi Records regulars -- including the Memphis Horns with Wayne Jackson and Andrew Love. Wright really rises to the occasion for the whole album, and the set's arguably better than any of his later work for Hi -- although that stuff is all pretty darn wonderful too! Titles include "I've Been Searching", "Lost In The Shuffle", "I'd Rather Be Blind Crippled & Crazy", "Ghetto Child", "You Must Believe In Yourself", and "I'm Going Home". Beautiful reissue pressing too -- with deep notes on the music, details of the session, vintage images, and even an OV Wright Discography too!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-own soul classic, January 9, 2010

By 

Frank White "Abagnale" (Somewhere, World) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Memphis Unlimited (Audio CD)

If you can't afford the O.V. Wright backbeat boxset, this is the first O.V. Wright album you have to get. I don't think it's fair to compare them but it's like the more griefful of Al Green (yes, it's possible). Production is by the great Willie Mitchell (who left us a few days ago). O.V. Wright is considered the greatest southern soul singer by some. I don't have a number one but O.V. Wright would definitely have to be in my top 5. "Blind, cripple and crazy" is an obvious cut to check out but the album is just full of great songs. I rarely give 5 star ratings, this one deserves them.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stone Classic..... period., April 28, 2010

By 

TCH (Cambs, UK.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Memphis Unlimited (Audio CD)

This LP produced by the late great Willie Mitchell in the unique ambience of the Hi Records studio is an absolute classic. It has all the hallmarks of an early 70's Hi production (despite being released on Backbeat records); think Al Green, Ann Peebles and just as good as hard to believe as that may be. The singing is pure gritty Southern soul and consequently not at all like the ethereal Al Green but is instead much more visceral, not better or worse than the inestimable Rev. Green just different. All the tracks are brilliant in their own way but personal favourites include the almost operatic melodrama of "He's My Son (Just The Same)", which would just be pure corn in hands of another singer, and the absolutely impassioned "I'm Going Home (To Live Which God)" which is also somewhat poignant considering O.V. wasn't long for this world when he sang it passing on a few short years later. To finish any fan of the early 70's Hi Records sound the unimpeachable high point in 70's soul music must get this CD.