Hidden Gems - Carla Thomas

Advantages: ....will make your mind delve into the impossible
Disadvantages: none its unexplainably amazing!...yes thats probably not a word....

...Within the last year Muse have become one of the most talked about bands, each album they release they recieve a new breed and mass following of fans around the planet. This album is usually overlooked by many the new fan - and if you are one of them i suggest you dont! Strictly speaking it is a collection of "bsides and live tracks", dont let the name tag fool you, the hidden gems of muse's backcatalogue are found on this very cd! It is the soundtrack to the Hullabaloo tour - "origins of symmetry period", and i highly recommend the dvd that can be purchased as well......... This cd proves how unique muse are, how edgy even with the most mournful sounding acoustic songs "hyper chondriac music" ( acoustic version of hyper music), which is to this day my favourite muse song. Side A contains the bsides and hidden gems, if you... Read review

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Advantages: Great British Pop Soul
Disadvantages: Criminally Overlooked

...Paul Weller loves them and Phil Collins wanted to join them, but The Action remain one of the hidden gems of the 60's Mod scene. In fact, they were the REAL Mod favourites. Their choice of soul covers and well produced originals had Mods flocking from far and wide to see them. At the time, real mods were heading to clubs like The Flamingo to listen to authentic blues and R&B, played by authentic blues and R&B players. A small contingent of British acts were learning their craft from the originals, and combining the American sound with the sound of swining London. Georgie Fame, Zoot Money, The Animals, Them and Chris Farlowe all had their share of the limelight. Listening to this album, it's difficult to understand why they weren't huge! in Reggie King, they had a singer to rival the pure soul power of Steve Marriott, and they... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Well compiled collection
Disadvantages: Not all best tracks included

...of the lesser known artist getting as chance to shine The Staple Singers were a Gospel/Soul R &B family group formed in 1948 and including Mavis Staples who went on to have a solo career and who is still touring today. They achieved chart success with some classic soul hits such as ‘Ill Take You There’ and the often covered ‘Respect Yourself’ both included in this record along with other tracks. The Staple singer never achieved the fame or the crossover appeal of some of the other artist already mentioned but the quality of their output in the Stax years stand up to any of the other artists. Carla Thomas daughter of another Stax artist Rufus Thomas had a prodigious output of singles on the label and is rightly prominently featured on the compilation. Known as the ‘Memphis Queen’ her distinctive voice made a perfect partner for Otis Redding... Read review

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