More treasures from the vault

After the success of the previous two posthumous releases, "Dock of the Bay" and "The Immortal Otis Redding," Steve Cropper put out another collection of unreleased studio material. This enjoyable disc features a dozen tracks culled from the vast amount of recordings Otis made prior to his untimely death in December of 1967. These songs were all from sessions done in his last year, with the usual accompaniment of Booker T. & the MG's and the Mar-Keys. For a compilation of leftovers, there are a number of gems to be found. "I'm A Changed Man," "That's A Good Idea," "Groovin' Time" and the title track are classic Redding, and the fantastic "Direct Me" features some great guitar work by Cropper. Only three covers are included: a spirited version of "(Your Love Has Lifted Me) Higher and Higher," Brook Benton's "A Lover's Question," and the rollicking "Look At That Girl" with some nice female backing vocals. It may not be essential, but this album did produce a couple of Top 20 R&B hits ("Love Man" and "A Lover's Question") and it captures Otis during his most productive period. Once you have his key records, pick this one up. It's definitely worth a listen.

SOULFUL SON OF THE AFRICAN SOIL

After looking out for the track, "Direct Me" for over 25 years I finally have a full compilation of the rarest talent in soul. "Direct Me" is a national anthem, second to none. For thirty-something years the music of Otis Redding, has tought me how to respect and honour, especially our momen. For the third generation in my household, we all give that "...little tenderness".

If we all could have the "Love Man" in our hearts, the world could be homely to all mankind. It takes a loving man to direct the destiny of weapons of human destruction away from the innocent women and children.

The Best

This is undoubtedly, hands down, the best Otis Redding Album ever released. Eventhough it is one of the posthumous releases it contains Otis' greatest accomplishments as a performer and a songwriter(a facet of his genius which is, unfortunately, not as recognized as it should be). Alot of people say that "Otis Blue" is his best album and it is undeniably amazing. All of his recordings, live and studio, are mindblowing. But contrary to what the reviewer below asserts this is not an album to get after you've heard the "key" ones. Get this now and here Otis at his best.