Take Me To The River: A Southern Soul Story 1961-1977 [Box set, Import]

Various Artists (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 3, 2008)
• Original Release Date: 2008
• Number of Discs: 3
• Format: Box set, Import
• Note on Boxed Sets: During shipping, discs in boxed sets occasionally become dislodged without damage. Please examine and play these discs. If you are not completely satisfied, we'll refund or replace your purchase.
• Label: Kent (U.K.)
• ASIN: B001E7ONZQ
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,321 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #17 in Music > R&B > Soul > Memphis Soul
  • #17 in Music > R&B > Soul > Southern Soul
  • #95 in Music > Box Sets

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. You Don't Miss Your Water - William Bell

2. Go Home Girl - Arthur Alexander

3. These Arms Of Mine - Otis Redding

4. Steal Away - Jimmy Hughes

5. My Adorable One - Joe Simon

6. You're Gonna Make Me Cry - O V Wright

See all 26 tracks on this disc

Disc: 2

1. You Left The Water Running - Maurice & Mac

2. I'll Go Crazy - Don Bryant

3. Rainbow Road - Bill Brandon

4. The One You Can't Have (All By Yourself) - Shirley Walton

5. Tell Him Tonight - William Bollinger

6. A Smile Can't Hide (A Broken Heart) - Ollie & The Nightingales

See all 25 tracks on this disc

Disc: 3

1. Mumble In My Ear - Marcell Strong

2. Breaking Up Somebody's Home - Denise LaSalle

3. Tired Of Being Alone - Al Green

4. I Can't Be Satisfied - Spencer Wiggins

5. Groove Me - King Floyd

6. She's All I Got - Freddie North

See all 24 tracks on this disc

Editorial Reviews

Take Me To The River is a selection of 75 songs that tell the story of the golden era of Southern Soul 1961-77 over 3 CDs, with full notes and lavish illustrations in a 72 page full-color book, all lovingly encased in some rather special deluxe packaging.

It's hard to contest any assertion that, while great Soul music was undoubtedly made right across America during the 60s and early 70s, the best of it was probably made in the Southern states and, specifically, in musically-enlightened cities and towns such as Memphis, Miami and Muscle Shoals. Here are 75 tracks that collectively do everything that is necessary to uphold any such assertion.

Take Me To the River chronicles the story of Southern soul, from its advent in 1961 to its apex in the early 1970s. Its track listing was carefully chosen to reflect and demonstrate every facet of the genre, and - we hope - to appeal to both long time collectors and those who we hope will enjoy it deeply enough to delve further into the genre's breadth of repertoire.

The track listing embraces everything from million selling, international hits to 45s that barely sold enough to cover their pressing costs. Quality is the common link for the inclusion of all the tracks - although those who only hanker after rarity will not be disappointed by the number of 'first time on CD' selections that are included.

With a sumptuous booklet that is overflowing with rare photos, ephemera and label shots, not to mention extensive track by track annotation and accompanying essays, this is almost as handsome a read as it is a listen...

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 10 stars minimum, October 7, 2008

By 

Luigi Facotti (Chicago Il) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Take Me To The River: A Southern Soul Story 1961-1977 (Audio CD)

While a cursory glance at the track listing on this package would indicate to a died in the wool soul music fan that this is just another compilation - a closer look would indicate that the care and attention and sound quality are nothing short of a revelation. Ace with their usual fastidious approach have even surpassed themselves. The previously unreleased take of "Try A Little Tenderness" by Otis is worth the cost of this set by itself. And the packaging is outstanding - far surpassing the Bear Family Sweet Soul Music series from earlier this year which are drab by comparison and a lot more expensive.
So as a sop to today's economic woes treat yourself to a milestone in soul music history and hope that we can all convince Tony Rounce and the folks at Ace/Kent that a second volume is mandatory.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I ECHO THE SENTIMENTS OF THE TWO PREVIOUS REVIEWS, December 3, 2008

By 

paul vernon "an old Sailor" (Virginia) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Take Me To The River: A Southern Soul Story 1961-1977 (Audio CD)

I am knocked sideways by this release. 75 stonkers, beautifully remastered, presented in a book format, with hard cover, lashings of color photos, in-depth notes, track by track comentary and discographical information.

Ace have enjoyed a wonderful reputation for years of Getting It Right, but this is beyond my expectations. If you love Southern Soul already, buy it because there'll be things here you'll never have heard (unless you were one of the compilers). If you want to leap into the genre for the first time, just get this - you wont find a better starting place.

25 stars!!

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I too, give this 10 stars!!!, October 9, 2008

By 

squinky3 (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Take Me To The River: A Southern Soul Story 1961-1977 (Audio CD)

I echo the sentiments of the previous reviewer, and too, give this set 10 stars. Heck, 15... 20... it's that good!! Any meager words I come up with cannot do any justice to what's contained in this handsome package, so you'll just have to get your own copy. Ace has really outdone themselves with this one: from the booklet-styled holder to the notes and photos to the music itself... I am rendered mute!! Guys, it's gonna be hard to match this one, but a second volume wouldn't be too much to ask for please, would it??This set is by far my favorite box set released this year, and as anyone who has read any of my posts or reviews before knows, I am wallowing in box sets!! Get this now!! What are you waiting for??