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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Real soul, Real voice...great album!, June 25, 2008
It's always a dangerous game with cover albums. Either you really have a new take on great songs or you "really don't." Thanks to Edwin McCain, we REALLY do! From start to finish, this album delivers like crazy. If you're a fan, you probably knew deep down that Edwin really always did have a soulful voice, but until now, we have not heard it full stop. It's almost as if he was born at the wrong time. If he were of age in the 60's, he would have been doing his thing with Otis and the rest of the gang. Well, he's certainly doing it now. It sounds like he has truly put his own spin all these amazing classic soul tunes. At the same time, it doesn't sound planned, which is probably why it's so good. Back in the day, none o these artists planned anything. It just came out. That's certainly what happened here. It's raw, unadulterated, perfectly produced (in that it sounds like the producer just let it happen as it happened) and so fun on top of it all.
This is the perfect album to take on a Summer's drive, top down and wind blowing your hair back. From the very cool New Orleans vibe of "Can I Get a Witness" to the feel-good "Good Times" and the amazing touching ballad with Joan Osborne. "Dreams To Remember," this album does not let down. Most of the time, you just wanna dance and be happy.
Now for the band: Eddie Bayers, typically known for his country stylings, is an amazing soul drummer...never too much...always tasty...always in the pocket; Manny Yanes seems to be perfectly simple and laying it down - never too much; Ivan Neville...well, what can you say? The keyboards never sounded so sweet!; Larry Chaney plays a mean guitar! - and he's just as soulful as the legendary Steve Cropper, who also rips on the album; Finally, there's Edwin. It was like he was born to sing this music. If you read the liner notes, you will see a great story of how Edwin really got started in music as a child and his early soul influences are finally recognized on this masterpiece!
With all the almost amateur efforts of other veteran artists out there, this album never lets down! It's pure, soulful and timeless.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Real singer. Real Soul!, July 5, 2008
It seems like people have been giving this album pretty long reviews. Since a lot of what I feel has already been said, - great band (Ivan Neville, Eddie Bayers, Larry Chaney, Manny Yanes), great producer, and a lot of fun, I will keep mine short. It's just a great album. Summer is just the perfect time to release it too. It literally makes you want to get a 57 Checy, put the top down and cruse a highway by the sea. However, it's equally as good with a modern car and a sun roof. Jokes aside, it is seriously a great listen and Edwin's voice is the most powerful I have ever heard him, yes, even more than "I'll Be," which was a great song. I only wish more artists would do fun, Summery albums like this one.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Edwin's tribute to Southern Soul - Yes, he COULD have been in Earth, Wind and Fire!, July 29, 2008
It has been a while since Edwin has given us an album that showcases the rasp and rage and rumble of his voice and the depth of his musical roots. Born in Greenville, SC and steeped in his early performance days in Charleston, SC (with friends like Darius Rucker of Hootie and The Blowfish hitting the radio airwaves about the same time), Edwin has gone back to his roots and the music of his heart with this CD, and it shows in the final product.
Ed is more than a balladeer and more than a "two trick pony." This is the perfect album for a summer drive, a quiet night at home with someone you like, or as background music for a late summer barbeque or beachside bonfire. If you aren't swaying in your seat or bouncing around the family room with your kids by the fourth track, turn it up! All of us raised below the Mason-Dixon line (and many above!) will appreciate the production of this album, its mix of pop hits and little-known gems, and the unique but subtle re-working of these southern soul classics.
In this effort, an accomlished singer-songwriter has looked in the rearview mirror and honored those songwriters that gave him roots and wings. Pour the sweet tea (or Southern Comfort!), take your shoes off, and wiggle your toes in the warmth of this musical gift. It will be one of my favorites for years to come.
Thanks, Edwin, for making this ride as sweet, sweaty and soulful as ever.
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