Stax Profiles (Compiled By Dr. Mable John) - Carla Thomas

Advantages: Unusual tracks
Disadvantages: None

...I don't usually go out and buy compilations as I tend to find that I already have most of the tracks on other albums. This particular set was given to me as a Christmas present and I was very pleasantly surprised. There are a few well played tracks on here, in particular, those by Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, The Staples Singers and Booker T but there are many others, some of which have not had airplay in a long time. Classics Stax artists such as Rufus and Carla Thomas, Albert King, Isaac Hayes, William Bell and the Bar-Kays appear alongside those who are less well known outside the circles of Stax afficionados - Linda Lyndell, Little Milton, Eddie Floyd and Johnnie Taylor being just a few. There are a total of 98 tracks on this set and I didn't find one that I wanted to skip. Stax and B&S fans will love this set. For those new... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

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

...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 on many hits including... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Probably his least arty, most commercial album
Disadvantages: Not a critical favourite, sometimes derided for lacking depth

...;Saturday Night Fever’ always has, but in my book (or in my mind), that’s no bad thing. As regards the musicians and general team on this record, they include fellow Roxy Music members Phil Manzanera and Paul Thompson, guitarist Chris Spedding, Elton John sideman Ray Cooper, future Bananarama chanteuse Jacquie Sullivan, and Chris Thomas, who gets a co-writing credit on ‘Rock Of Ages’. Interesting thought - this album was recorded late 1976 and early 1977, about the same time that Chris produced the Sex Pistols’ ‘Anarchy In The UK’. At that time, few of us saw much common ground between the suavely-attired Roxy leader and those, ahem, foul-mouthed spiky tops. With only eight tracks and a total playing time of just under 37 minutes, it’s not sparkling value for money, but as it’s now... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful