Customer Reviews

Otis Redding Story

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Before 24 bit remastering, before the Otis Redding Anthology collection, there was this 3 cd set on Otis Redding. The remastering job gave the listeners the STEREO remixes that Stax records did on a Teac 4 track recorder. Most if these tracks appeared originally in stereo on the single albums but here lately in mono only. If you are a stereo enthusiast, this is the most complete one you will ever find on the studio recordings of Otis Redding.

THE OTIS REDDING STORY features all of the classic Otis Redding songs from "These Arms of Mine" to "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay." It also features some lesser known gems like "New Year's Resolution," his fine duet with Carla Thomas.

The liner notes by Rob Bowman are quite extensive and include several photos. The notes include a story about the recording "Pain in My Heart," which was found to be similar to another song recorded by a popular female singer of the era. Check it it out to discover which one.

Otis Redding fan or not, if you love soul music, this one is definitely worth a look.

When Otis Redding died in a plane crash in 12/1967, he was on the approach of a new flight direction of a criss/crossed generation of young white and black pattern that would fly above Motown, Atlantic, and destined to set down into a new world.

This 3 CD set is an overview of his adventure. From a Sam Cooke deep South gospel singer, to a determined early 60's soul shouter, to a Stax songwriter, Otis traveled the gravel voice road.

These CDs have the early '60's Top 40 Soul hits, rarely played on White Top 40. "These Arms of Mine", "Mr. Pitiful", "Shake","Can't Turn You Loose", "Respect". All these songs and more are familiar to listeners more today than yesterday. What is mostly overlooked, is Otis reversed the usual Black to White cover songs. He recorded "Satisfaction", "We Can Work It Out", and of course the definatative "Try A Little Tenderness".

The classic moment in RnB/Soul History is Otis' performance in 1967 at the Monterey Pop Festival, when he, dressed in a green suit, and backed by the southern boys MGS, overwhelmed the hippies with his passion. As he so perfectly put it, "The Love Crowd".

Otis had a generation in his hand, and was ready to take over. After that Summer of Love Monterey Pop Festival, he spend the rest of the summer in San Francisco and wrote what was to become his legacy, "Dock of the Bay". Released after his death, "Dock of the Bay" became a #1 hit. It melded Soul, Folk, and Rock into something new and had his whistling too!.

These CDs chronicle his recordings up to that point. The CD transfer is mostly fine, however those with the original Atlantic/Stax/ LPs will quibble with the quality. I got 'em, goin' hang on to 'em, because it's OTIS!!

I don't want to say much about the music here,apart from if you were around in the 60's you will know it,if you were not around,you should listen to it,fabulous,the 60's were a golden age for great popular music on both sides of the pond.

Where I can put in some info,is to comment on the sound quality.I always try to find the best and in stereo wherever possible.All the tracks on this album are stereo,except those early tracks that Otis recorded only in mono,these are from before April 1965.Both mono and stereo tracks sound fantastic for such old tracks,as they have been transferred straight from the original master tapes,with little or no digital restoration being necessary.I have the more recent remastered Otis,"Definitive Soul: Otis Redding", but it is generally inferior as it has too many mono tracks and just does not sound as realistic.

If you want an album in stereo with all his hits and much more then you cannot buy better than this 60 track 3 CD album.You will almost certainly have to buy it used,as it was issued from 1987 to 1993,also try other amazon sites if you cannot find it where you live.Thoroughly recommended,an absolute must.

PS You get a great 24 page booklet too,but you will need magnification to read it!!!

What a treat to listen again to so many familiar songs. Hard to believe he cut so many records yet died so young!
Quick delivery. Good sound.

Love Otis and especially been looking for the son Love Man. Thrilled to get this for my library.

I'm reviewing this before I receive it. I know it's going to be great because I had it on record. And, it's one of the few places you can find the song I Can't Turn You Loose.