Soul Box

構成数 : 3
合計収録時間 : 03:34:02
This compilation contains one full length CD and a 72-page companion book. Working together the two offer a mixed and somewhat disoriented history of soul music. The CD itself is a phenomenal set of digitally remastered original soul recordings from the '50s, '60s, and '70s. Highlights include: The Impressions "Its All Right," James Brown's "Say It Loud (I'm Black and I'm Proud)," The Chi-Lites "Oh Girl," and Jackie Wilson's "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher." Although the book admits in the introduction that it's a difficult task to define soul music, it provides a solid historical background. The book focuses on the music's popular history from the '50, '60s, and '70s, dividing the chapters by decade. This approach is problematic because much of the history overlaps. The strongest of the three sections is the chapter discussing the rise of soul and rock & roll in the '50s. It points out that when the music became popular it was viewed by many as an attack on the white culture. This section incorrectly states how that the death of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. Richardson was one of the biggest events of 1958 (they died February 3, 1959). Once the book gets to the sections on the '60s and '70s it changes its focus from an overview of musical trends to looking at how groups, artists, songwriters, and record labels kept reorganizing themselves. Without the help of accompanying music from many of these artists it would be rather difficult for a reader not familiar with the genre to understand just what went on. After giving a quick history of the '70s the book abruptly ends, just barely mentioning disco, funk, or rap. While those who lived through this history might be able to follow this book, younger generations trying to gain an introduction to the music will probably be a bit confused. ~ Curtis Zimmermann
録音 : ステレオ (Studio)