Just like there are busted sets in books, there are busted sets in albums and CD series. I recently found Atlantic Rhythm and Blues, 1947-1974, Volume 5: 1962-1966. I haven’t seen any of the other volumes in this series, but if you glance at the Track List, you’ll see why I think this CD is the pick of the litter.
You might remember when MTV showcased singers and groups in their “Unplugged” series. The gimmick was that the songs were performed acoustically. Some people liked this approach, others hated it. But MTV and Warner Brothers brought out a series of soundtrack CDs of these studio concerts. Some sold better than others. This CD, The Unplugged Collection, Volume One features many “Name” performers. Michael’s favorite group, R.E.M., concludes the CD. Whoever put this collection together decided not to include the “Big Hits” from the Unplugged series. Eric Clapton’s unplugged version of “Layla” is missing: “Unplugged is a 1992 live album by Eric Clapton, recorded at Bray Studios, England in front of an audience for the MTV Unplugged television series. It includes a version of the successful 1992 single “Tears in Heaven” and an acoustic version of “Layla“. The album itself won three Grammy awards at the 35th Annual Grammy Awards in 1993 and became the bestselling live album of all time, and Clapton’s bestselling album, selling 26 million copies worldwide.” Instead, “Before You Accuse Me” is the Clapton selection here.
Are you a fan of these CDs? Do you have any favorite songs/artists presented here? GRADE: ATLANTIC RHYTHM AND BLUES, Volume 5: A; The Unplugged Collection, Volume One: B
TRACK LIST:
The Drifters– | Up On The Roof | 2:33 | |
La Vern Baker*– | See See Rider | 2:32 | |
Ben E. King– | I (Who Have Nothing) | 2:31 | |
Solomon Burke– | If You Need Me | 2:25 | |
Otis Redding– | These Arms Of Mine | 2:30 | |
Barbara Lewis– | Hello Stranger | 2:39 | |
The Drifters– | On Broadway | 2:57 | |
Doris Troy– | Just One Look | 2:28 | |
Nat Kendrick & The Swans– | (Do The) Mashed Potatoes (Parts 1&2) | 2:57 | |
Chris Kenner– | Land Of 1000 Dances | 2:26 | |
Rufus Thomas– | Walkin’ The Dog | 2:30 | |
Esther Phillips– | Release Me | 3:15 | |
Don Covay– | Mercy Mercy | 2:21 | |
The Drifters– | Under The Boardwalk | 2:37 | |
Esther Phillips– | And I Love Him | 2:38 | |
Joe Tex– | Hold What You’ve Got | 3:05 | |
Otis Redding– | Mr. Pitiful | 2:35 | |
Barbara Lewis– | Baby I’m Yours | 2:30 | |
Willie Tee– | Teasin’ You | 2:42 | |
Otis Redding– | I’ve Been Loving You Too Long | 3:09 | |
Wilson Pickett– | In The Midnight Hour | 2:26 | |
Don Covay– | See-Saw | 2:58 | |
Otis Redding– | Respect | 2:05 | |
Sam & Dave– | You Don’t Know Like I Know | 2:37 | |
Percy Sledge– | When A Man Loves A Woman | 2:50 | |
Sam & Dave– | Hold On, I’m Comin’ | 2:38 | |
The Capitols– | Cool Jerk | 2:35 | |
Jimmy Hughes– | Neighbor, Neighbor | 2:35 |
AA
Stevie Ray Vaughan– | Pride And Joy | 3:49 | |
Eric Clapton– | Before You Accuse Me | 3:45 | |
Lenny Kravitz– | Are You Gonna Go My Way | 6:25 | |
Soul Asylum (2)– | Somebody To Shove | 3:43 | |
k.d. lang– | Barefoot | 3:54 | |
Paul Simon– | Graceland | 5:11 | |
Elton John– | Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me | 6:48 | |
Neil Young– | Like A Hurricane | 4:44 | |
Rod Stewart– | Gasoline Alley | 3:39 | |
John Mellencamp*– | Pink Houses | 5:21 | |
Paul McCartney– | We Can Work It Out | 2:57 | |
Elvis Costello & The Rude 5– | Deep Dark Truthful Mirror | 4:51 | |
Don Henley– | Come Rain Or Come Shine | 3:46 | |
Annie Lennox– | Why | 4:59 | |
10,000 Maniacs– | Don’t Talk | 5:26 | |
R.E.M.– | Half A World Away | 3:40 |