Customer Reviews

Memphis Unlimited

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.