Southern Nights [Import]

Allen Toussaint | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 3, 2008)
• Original Release Date: 2008
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Phantom Sound & Vision
• ASIN: B0015FHIF4
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #516,777 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Last Train

2. Worldwide

3. Back in Baby's Arms

4. Country John

5. Basic Lady

6. Southern Nights

7. You Will Not Lose

8. What Do You Want the Girl to Do?

9. When the Party's Over

10. Cruel Way to Go Down

Editorial Reviews

Containing some of the best songs he's ever written, Southern Nights is Allen Toussaint's 1975 'swing for the fences' attempt at an all out masterpiece. Somewhat of a concept album, with reoccurring instrumental themes usually based on the title track popping up between songs, this album spawned at least two hits for other artists. The title track (minus the Lennon-esque rotary speaker vocal effect) was a giant hit for Glen Campbell, and What Do You Want The Girl To Do? was one of several singles on Boz Skaggs' 1976 gazillion seller Silk Degrees and also recorded with some success by Bonnie Raitt. For the first time on CD, this set also includes Back In Baby's Arms and Basic Lady. Original artwork. New detailed liner notes. --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars His best album, an overlooked classic, April 12, 2007

By 

rocksteady "Al" (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Southern Nights (Audio CD)

I don't give 5 stars lightly. I agree with everything that the first reviewer has said. Long admired by music industry insiders, Allen Toussaint is a major American talent. If you don't know who he is, he produced and wrote many hits for New Orleans artists such as Lee Dorsey, LaBelle, and others, and has worked as an arranger for Robert Palmer, The Band and Paul McCartney, to name a few. This album is the ultimate Allen Toussaint -- great songs, great arrangments and a thematic quality makes it one whole piece of work. This is helped along by the fine New Orleans musicians who play on the recording, including members of the Meters and the great Gary Brown on sax. This record did spawn hits for other artists, "Southern Nights" and "What Do You Want The Girl To Do" where two songs that became very successful cover versions for Glen Campbell, Boz Skaggs and Bonnie Raitt. While not a killer singer, Toussaint's vocals are warm, soulful and intimate, and I've loved this record since it first came out in the mid-70s.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You will not lose!, September 10, 2011

By 

J. Bonder "A Sound Painter" (Toronto) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Southern Nights (Audio CD)

I bought this album fittingly on my first trip to New Orleans, as it's next to impossible to find this thing in Canada for some silly reason. I was familiar with Toussaint's strong work and reputation among musicians including the Band, Lee Dorsey, Paul McCartney, Little Feat and many more. Often these and other artists have covered Toussaint's songs to great success, so I had an interest in hearing this music from the source.

I was not disappointed, only more shocked at how this album could be so difficult to find. Moreover, I was upset that this music as made by the man himself has not found more success, it is certainly deserving. The music on this album is consistent and of a piece. That said, the diversity of moods, melodies and especially dynamic arrangements make for a very satisfying listening experience. From the pent up and propulsive groove of "Last Train", to the moody syncopation of "Worldwide". "Back in Baby's Arms" soars with soulfulness, "Southern Nights" oozes atmosphere and brings back memorizes of those hazy summer New Orleans nights, and "What Do You Want the Girl To Do?" feels completely effortless in spite of the total brilliance of the arrangement and message. The rest of the tracks are consistently strong, but these were the songs that first perked up my ears and had me feeling so thankful for my purchase.

That this album is not more readily available is an injustice, and that more people are not aware of it a crime. While I picked up some other excellent music on my trip to NOLA (more Allen Toussaint, Dr. John, Wild Tchoupitoulas), this is the album that I come back to most often, and that reminds me most of that very special place and very special talent. Get this however you can, if it takes a trip to New Orleans, it'll be worth your while!

7 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Allen Tousaint is a genius and this is his Masterpiece, September 4, 2006

By 

Anthony C. Navarro (US) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Southern Nights (Audio CD)

went to see him this year at a benifit concert in New Orleans at Harrahs in an intimate setting and Elvis Costello (who i dont like anymore since he referred to Ray Charles using the "N" word) showed up to do a couple numbers with him)-- Mr. Tousaint is as great now as he was in the 1950's, 60's 70's,80's,90's -- he is as much a part of New Orleans Music as anyone including Louie, Professor Longhair, Fats Dominio and the list can go on and on and on.--- One of the greatest Albums ever made