I've been really digging Sam Cooke's Live at the Harlem Square Club, 1963 lately. I'm not typically big on live albums, but I find ones that are recorded at small venues (see also: Jeff Buckely's Live at Sin-e, which I adore) are so much more accessible. I love when the noise of the audience is as loud as some of the instruments. You can really feel the atmosphere, the energy, the connection between artist and audience. Music is so much more social than any other art form. Literature is so solitary, and visual art (movies included), even when viewed in groups, is typically viewed quietly or silently. But music is different. Not only can you sing along, you can participate. Cooke invites the audience to sing his lines quite frequently, to let them become not just observer but performer as well. He chats with them not just in between songs but in between lines within songs. There's such a beautiful coming together in these sorts of performances.

It's also some damn fine music. I love how raspy his voice is compared to the smooth way he typically sings on his studio efforts.

I feel you tudwell, I'd choose an average group in a small venue over a legendary group in the nosebleeds of an arena. And time-travel permitting, I would choose Sam Cooke in a club over, well, maybe every show I've ever been to.

daaaaaamn. If you're a fan of the OVOXO aesthetic then you'll love this. Maybe better in the Rap thread, but when he sings its sooo smooth.

I've never been too taken with this one. The songs still seem a bit to similar to their studio counterparts for me. Now, for live Sam Cooke, the 1955 Shrine Concert with the Soul Stirrers is where its at. Hard core gospel domination.

That tune is so good, Liam. Album worth getting? Haven't really delved into any other OVOXO stuff apart from that DROPXLIFE album.

I don't think he has an album out right now...or at least not that I know of. Btw, I believe dropxlife produced that track.

Is there a finer album from 1960-64 in rock and pop than At Last! ? I sure haven't heard it yet.

maybe have guitar, will travel?

Haven't heard that, but I do love me some Bo.

Both Modern Sounds in Country and Western and Ain't That Good News could edge Etta out for me.

<3




batman may be ddd's biggest ewf fan... but i think i'm a close second

This is an absolute tune. I'd appreciate if any of you soul brothas could identify the Curtis song this song samples.

Compilation albums from the most prominent artists of this genre are just about the best things ever. I went through a Ray Charles collection, then Al Green and now Smokey Robinson and its just pure freaking gold with just about every song ranging from good to great and not a single time feeling like skipping a song. I've also finally listened to Superfly(twice) and WOW !!!

I listened to Al Green's "Absolute Best" comp yesterday and it is truly awesome. Superfly also kicks ass.