Customer Reviews

Sweet Southern Soul

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

 

 

I'm glad that someone finally put at least one of Lou Johnson's albums back in print. I've been a long time fan of Lou Johnson's "booming" baritone voice. In the early 60's, he was sort of marketed as the male Dionne Warwick, having orginally released some of Burt Bacharach's songs even before Dionne. It's unfortunate, however that there isn't a compilation of some of these fine recordings including the old 45's of "Unsatisfied", "Park Avenue", "This Night", "Always Something There to Remind Me", and his biggest hit, "Reach out for Me". I think this would have been a better place to start for those not familiar with Lou Johnson's music. I do like "Sweet Southern Soul", however, except that copying a lot of soul artists of that time, Atlantic marketed him by having him sing some of the pop soul songs of the day -- not many originals here. If you really want to hear a superior album, scout around for an import copy of his Stax/Volt album, "With you in Mind". In my opinion, this album smokes SSS in quality, originality, and creativity. In a nutshell, SSS is a good album, but to me it doesn't do him proper justice considering what I know of his 60's releases and the forementioned album, "With You In Mind".

Lou Johnson is a real American treasure. A musicians musician who could read a newspaper and make it musical. Marginal Records has made a valiant effort to compile most of the great Lou Johnsons single recordings for Bell/Amy Records out of N.Y. and couple them with an early 70's album Lou made in New Orleans with Allen Toussaint. I am surprised at the Bell tracks that were not included here such as 'Kentucky Bluebird' and 'It Ain't No Use'. The fade in's at the beginning of each track is an indication or should I say a giveaway that 45 and/or 33 1/3 rpm records were probably used in the production this cd. The sound has been compromised but the music is first rate. Maybe Kent Records in England or sombody like that might re issue Lou Johnson's 60's music and give it the care that it deserves. The price of this CD is somewhat steep.

Sweet Southern Soul is just a great album. There isn't a bad song on it. Lou Johnson's style is emotional and very energetic. On B.B. King's "Rock me Baby" Lou Johnson belts it out like he is singing gospel. This cd is just awesome. As obscure as Lou Johnson is he is still one of the best soul singer i have ever heard.

About a year ago, I gave a review of the American release of this album, stating that although I like Sweet Southern Soul, there should also be a release containing a compilation of some of Lou's earlier 60's classics to appreciate the career and legacy of this sould legend.
Someone in some foreign land must have heard me, because this album does just that. It's all there, Unsatisfied, Reach Out For Me, Always Something There to Remind Me...these are all the classic songs that made Lou Johnson a star. In the early 60's, he recorded a good portion of Bacharach's catalogue, before Dionne Warwick (Dionne even sang background on some tunes) and this album showcase some of those tunes.
I would strongly recommend this import copy of SSS which includes Lou's 60's classics, for those who are just being introduced to Lou's sound. This CD has it all in one package.