A great album, but not perfect...

It's easy to understand how people can arbitrarily give this album 5 stars based on the genius of Otis, the man, THE BIG O. But unfortunately, although the man himself is in top form at this juncture, the band isn't up to snuff.

The track selection is fine, and the band handles capably enough, but they're not on equal footing, both in regards to performance and recording; the mix is a little unbalanced. Far better is his "Live In Europe" release, and (if you can find it) his "Live At Monterey Pop Festival".

Otis Redding's Best Live Album

Recorded in 1966, Otis Redding's In Person At The Whisky A Go Go is his best live album, beating out Live in Europe, and is one of the best and most energetic live albums ever made. The album kicks off with the great I Can't Turn You Loose followed by Pain In My Heart, from Redding's first album. This is followed by the soulful plea of Just One More Day and a great version of his earlier hit Mr. Pitiful. The recording of Satisfaction on here is even better then the version on Otis Blue, and easily rivals the Stone's version. This is followed by three great soul songs, I'm Depending On You, Any Ole Way and the great ballad These Arms of Mine. Reddin then goes into a kickin' version of James Brown's Papa's Got A Brand New Bag, which at least as good as the original. The album closes with the classic Respect. This is just a tour de force performance and you can feel the energy coming off of it. This prooves just how great of a voice Otis Redding had and just how soulful he was. This is an essential album in Otis Redding's catalog and in the history of Soul and R&B.

Otis was unquestionably one of the greatest

soul singers ever. On this side, recorded 35 years ago, he and his band are in top form, threatening to "blow the roof off" The Whiskey.

Look at the list of tunes: Respect, These Arms of Mine, Satisfaction, Pain in My Heart, Any Ole Way -- I mean this album hits you upside the head and you come back asking for more!

My favorite cut, though, is Otis' version of James Brown's "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag." Hey, I like it every bit as much as James's! This thing just cooks, baby! And keeps on cookin!

You like soul from the 60s? Don't fool around, buy this CD. You couldn't spend your money any better! Hey, I've had the vinyl issue of this side forever, and it's been through so many parties, that it's scratched, mutilated and damn near worn out! Glad to see this being put on CD.

Wasn't no one better than Otis!