Customer Reviews

Moments From This Theater

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Peter Guralnick calls Dan Penn the "secret hero" of his book "Sweet Soul Music," and in a way Penn is as essential to understanding soul music as listening to Aretha or Percy Sledge (two artists who covered Penn's work). Penn and Spooner Oldham labored for some harsh taskmasters, like Fame's Rick Hall and Atlantic's Jerry Wexler, but they managed to write and produce tunes that sound effortless in their construction. Listen to Penn's hit for the Boxtops, "Cry Like A Baby," or "I'm Your Puppet," his hit for the Purify brothers that launched the Muscle Shoals recording industry -- they sound like tunes that have been around forever, just drifting in the ether, waiting for Penn to hear them and write them down. But don't take my word for it -- buy this record, right now! You'll listen to it over and over again.

This is an album that Southern Soul masters Penn and Spooner recorded live, during an unusual tour of small venues, and what a gem it is. I believe that you will find at least one song here which has already moved your heart, and -call it an injustice that these men may not be worshipped beyond certain circles- you may not even know that one of them wrote it.

For me, "Cry Like A Baby" or "Do Right Woman, " "I'm Your Puppet" or "The Dark End Of The Street" are enough to vow, be quiet, and listen. Even if you still loved the versions that made these tunes unforgetable, you'll appreciate their spare beauty and may rediscover the depth of Penn and Oldham's songwriting.

The playing, only piano and guitar, are a treat in its own right. Oldham does not have to play that many notes to wow you with his deep sense of melody, and Penn -not the most gifted singer ever- sings sincerely enough to satisfy angels.

This is a very special album, perhaps not everyone may see it or be drawn to Southern Soul, but I risk to bet that no one seriously interested in popular music would miss to feel the mood and depth of these renditions.

...I was fortunate enough to see Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham at the Bluebird in Nashville a few years back. The mere thought of that show still gives me goosebumps, so I can't wait to get this CD. Should be great. I've never lied to you before. Unless we dated years ago.