CD-Charts Position 191
Average Rating:

The Genius Hits the Road

CD-Charts > Music > Classic R
by: Ray Charles

Release Date June 10, 1997
This CD/album is one I have had as a 33rpm vinyl record for many years--bought it new when it first came out.Sooo......, was tickled pink when I saw it in CD format.The songs are vintage Ray Charles and include the string/large orchestra that he made several albums w/ in the 70's. Brings these old tunes to life as really no one else could.

CD-Charts Position 192
Average Rating:

Life, Love & the Blues

CD-Charts > Music > Classic R
by: Etta James

Release Date June 30, 1998
There are far worse ways to spend an hour than letting Etta James wail and croon her take on the blues and R&B numbers she appropriates on "Life, Loves, & the Blues." Still, one has to concede that her takes are not really all blues or all R&B but a hybrid propelled by lots of bluesy sounding guitar riffs and plenty of horns to fill out the songs. Her band and guests musicians cook up a thick gumbo that bubble along mostly in the background.

Solid throughout but never quite spectacular, this session is largely driven by formula, for neither Ms. James nor her band take many chances with the arrangements and delivery no such chestnuts as Spoonful. A few tracks, such as the overly long reworking of Marvin Gaye's Inner City Blues and Hoochie ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 193
Average Rating:

Fever: The Best of Little Willie John

CD-Charts > Music > Classic R
by: Little Willie John

Release Date November 16, 1993
When you look at the contents of the CD you have to wonder if the title means "Fever" is the best of Little Willie John and, with that, they're giving you only SOME of his other hits OR, if purporting to offer all his best, the producer fell asleep at the switch. The same holds true for another CD listed: Little Willie John: All 15 Chart Hits 1953-1962.

First of all John (born in Cullendale, Arkansas on November 15, 1937 and raised in Detroit) was just 16 in 1953, and although touring with Paul Williams & His Orchestra and cutting some discs for Savoy, Rama, and Prize, he had no hits of any description until 1955. Secondly, from 1955 to 1961 he actually had eighteen charters.

After signing with King in 1955, that fall he scored ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 194
Average Rating:

Diana Ross - The Ultimate Collection

CD-Charts > Music > Classic R
by: Diana Ross

Release Date October 18, 1994
If my memory serves me correctly, I chose this album because it had a good overview of what has been a great career for Diana Ross.
From the days of Motown and the Supremes,(which are covered in the first 5 songs), through to a galaxy of great titles, incl Endless Love, with Lionel Richie, Touch Me In The Morning, Do You Know Where You're Going To from Mahogany, Someday We'll Be Together, Chain Reaction, all great songs all instantly recognisable as vehicles for Miss Ross.
The album is not self indugent,it maintains it theme of One Woman(s) career over the decades, and presents us with 20 great songs. I love it.

CD-Charts Position 195
Average Rating:

The Best of Diana Ross & The Supremes - 20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection

CD-Charts > Music > Classic R
by: Diana Ross & the Supremes

Release Date October 19, 1999
For years now, Universal has been cranking out basic, mid-priced compilation CD's of artists in their huge catalog of labels. In many cases, these CD's have been welcomed as they have provided overview collections for some artists that have not been collected before or are an improvement, sonically and/or content-wise, over existing product. However, with the myriad of CD's available for supergroups such as the Supremes, there really is no need for this collection but here it is anyway. If by some chance a music fan does not already own a Supremes collection, this would be a decent sampling but unfortunately, the sound quality here leaves a lot to be desired. So while it's hard to dispute getting all number one tunes with one number two side, this CD falls on its face ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 196
Average Rating:

Conversation Peace

CD-Charts > Music > Classic R
by: Stevie Wonder

Release Date March 21, 1995
I think this is the best Stevie album of the last 25 years; his best period has been the '60 and the '70, but "Conversation peace" is very very good.

CD-Charts Position 197
Average Rating:

Stormy Monday

CD-Charts > Music > Classic R
by: Lou Rawls

Release Date January 11, 1990
Lou's first album, first released during 1962, plus the reissue has three previously unreleased tracks: Blues Is a Woman; A Little Les of Lou's Blues; and, an alternate take of Stormy Monday. Lou had signed with Capitol Records during 1961 after Nick Venet, A&R scout for Capitol, watched him perform at Pandora's Box in Los Angeles.

Les McCann is on piano; Leroy Vinnegar on bass; and, Ron Jefferson on drums. They are great. This album is the epitome of pre-Beatlemania in Hollywood clubs of the early 60s.

And, Lou is great. What a voice. If you want background music for a romantic dinner or evening, this album should be on the top of your list. But, don't just wait for a special occassion. Buy this album and enjoy the incredible and talented Lou Rawls. ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 198
Average Rating:

Great David Ruffin: The Motown Solo Albums 1

CD-Charts > Music > Classic R
by: David Ruffin

Release Date November 13, 2006
David Ruffin's first 4 albums on Motown have been out of print for a long time. If there are any Motown fans out there, I urge you to buy this cd collection right now. Why? Because they only printed about 5000 of these 24 bit stereo remasters and when they are gone, the sharks will be selling them to you for 10 times the price that they are now. There are other sets available too from Hip O Select on line. David Ruffin was one of the true kings of soul and these recordings are arguably his very best work.

CD-Charts Position 199
Average Rating:

All-Time Greatest Hits

CD-Charts > Music > Classic R
by: Drifters

Release Date October 13, 2003
David Ruffin's first 4 albums on Motown have been out of print for a long time. If there are any Motown fans out there, I urge you to buy this cd collection right now. Why? Because they only printed about 5000 of these 24 bit stereo remasters and when they are gone, the sharks will be selling them to you for 10 times the price that they are now. There are other sets available too from Hip O Select on line. David Ruffin was one of the true kings of soul and these recordings are arguably his very best work.

CD-Charts Position 200
Average Rating:

In Our Lifetime

CD-Charts > Music > Classic R
by: Marvin Gaye

Release Date April 05, 1994
This album for some reason has slipped into obscurity. I bought it in album form when it first came out and it has remained my favorite of all of Marvin's work and Marvin is in my pantheon of all-time favorites (What's Going On, of course, is a desert island record). But I LOVE this album. The bass work of Frank Blair on Heavy Love Affair and Funk Me is BRILLIANT. I can find little on Mr. Blair on the internet, other than that he later played with Robert Palmer. I have always wanted to write him a fan letter. I shared this album with a young bass player I know who had never heard of it and he was BLOWN AWAY by Blair's playing. This album just has the funkiest groove and satisfies on such a profound level. I'm so happy to own it in both album and CD form since it is seemingly so unavailable.