No Place Like Soul

Soulive | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 31, 2007)
• Original Release Date: 2007
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Stax
• ASIN: B000RIWATE
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #59,517 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The recently revived Stax label initiates its first release of new music with the appropriately named Soulive. The band's fifth studio effort, and first with a full-time vocalist, both solidifies and scatters the group's sound. By not utilizing high-profile guest vocalists, the focus is back on songs as opposed to the jazz-oriented jams of the past. Recent addition Toussaint acquits himself well, singing with old-school energy and passion that meshes with the group's similar slant. But it comes at the expense of the skin-tight Crusaders-styled approach, once a staple of Soulive's sound. A few instrumentals, such as the rather plodding "Bubble" and the Stevie Ray Vaughan-inspired "Outrage," allow the guys to flex their considerable chops, yet this is clearly the act's most controlled, song-oriented effort yet. Toussaint goes falsetto loverman on the syrupy closing ballad "Kim," but the album coheres most effectively when Soulive hit a mid-tempo groove, as on "Callin'," the opening Sly Stone heavy funk-rock of "Waterfall," and the handclap-driven title track. Toussaint's reggae roots emerge on "If This World Was a Song" and his dusky voice is also a terrific match for the grinding funk of "Morning Light." Most of the improvisational jazz the threesome built their reputation on is MIA, which is particularly noticeable in Neal Evans's B3 keyboards moving to a supporting role. But Soulive take a step forward into the past on this retro excursion, and the impressive results should expand their audience--although possibly at the expense of some established fans drawn to the band's less structured material. --Hal Horowitz

Product Description

Japanese only HQCD pressing. Sony. 2009. --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars New direction, Same infectious talent, August 2, 2007

By 

K. Beers "Question Everything" (orlando, fl United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: No Place Like Soul (Audio CD)

Soulive has wandered down a completely new and exciting path. The addition of vocals and carefully sculpted and structured songs is a major change from the deep and dirty funk these guys once brought to their live shows. But their talent and song writing ability shine through brilliantly. Rather than focusing on individual merits through solos this album shows the bands ability to blend with one another and to put out consistent modern soul music that still manages to stay true to both the roots of the band and the origins of soul music itself. There are a number of Standout tracks such as "Waterfall" "One of Those Days" and the openly sweet and sexy album closer "Kim" (Written and sung by the group's drummer Alan Evans). This record is going to be a shock for longtime Soulive fans who expect the usual funk from the group but those fans who are open to new musical experiences will find that the talent and energy that have become a hallmark of Soulive are present throughout. Pick this one up, lay back poor some wine and dig.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Give it a minute to grow on you, August 2, 2007

By 

SanchoVilla (Berkeley,CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: No Place Like Soul (Audio CD)

OK. Looks like I'm going to have to come to bat for the best band of all time. I have big beef with Amazon's review of this album. 1st of all, throughout the years Soulive's staple has always been their ability to change their sound yet retain their local fan base. Many fans have their preference. Some loved the oldschool trio material,others loved the sound that came about when horns were added and now they have a full time vocalist named Tousaint who in my humble opinion fits the trio like Willie Mays' glove. For the last couple of years they've been experimenting with sit-in vocalist. Artists like Chaka Khan,Ivan Neville,Reggie Watts,Goapele and one night for some super-lucky people in Los Angeles....Stevie Wonder jumped on stage to jamm a few precious minutes. For those that are new to Soulive I'll admit that this album might not come out and bite you right away but as any long-time fan would tell you....it is a COMPLETELY different experience to hear them live. Neal Evans' organ/clavi/bass chops,Eric Krasno's guitar rifts and Alan Evans' tight pocket drumming are still killn'. I can absolutely garuntee that after you hear the new material live you'll be listening to this album over and over again.The sound is different no doubt but this is hands down their most complete album from top to bottom. Head to Soulive.com and check their tour schedule to see if they're shaking the walls at a club near you. Peace!

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Jamband Fans need to go find another band, August 9, 2007

By 

First Flight "Nighthawks" (NC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: No Place Like Soul (Audio CD)

I'm tired of all these jamband fans coming up here and ripping Soulive for branching out and trying something different. I've been a fan since Doin' Something and I think this album is great. I listen to it every day and I've also seen them perform live with the new material twice and it's even better live. As mentioned before Toussant is the first singer that can match his voice with Soulive's sound. For those that have seen the new material live Neil, Eric, and Alan still have solos where the jam out so you're able to see their unbelievable musicianship. This album is going to get Soulive to the masses mark my word and for those that don't like it move on to something else.