How could anyone forget

Fantasy issued this wonderful collection aptly titled, Remember Me. This is not just an album for listeners who are already fans of Redding. Truth be told, almost anything the man recorded is worth checking out. The album's selling point is that it's full of outtakes and alternate versions of classic songs by Memphis's other king. There are legendary stories of Otis walking into Stax Records, smiling ear to ear, the McLemore Avenue studio buzzing with a new found energy. This album is certainly also a delight for fans of Otis. You get to be right there along for the ride for takes one and two of "The Dock Of the Bay". Take one will take you off guard as Steve Cropper's earnest guitar starts a strummin' and Otis lets out some tongue and cheek "caws", which would apparently give Cropper the idea to later overdub the familiar ocean sounds. This song was recorded just days before Otis passed. After take one, we hear engineer, Ron Capone, yell out, "Well, he won't make it as a whistler." The most compelling outtake on here however, is "Try a Little Tenderness". Bassist, Duck Dunn said if Al Jackson ever created one, it was this one. Jackson's metronome like timing creates tension and then the MGs just explode. The only word for it is orgasmic. The fact that these guys did this on take one is just mind blowing. Cropper plays beautifully on this as well as on "I'm Coming Home", a great Redding original that boasts one of the most infectious hooks you'll ever hear, with the help of Duck Dunn and has Steve Cropper playing his cooler than the other side of the pillow arpeggios. Other highlights include a late night jam of "Respect" and a killer alternate version of "Open the Door". The king of soul. Staxman, too, Rob Bowman contributes liner notes on this well thought out and thoroughly enjoyable set.

this is one of my prized cd's

Otis Redding passed away way to early..
we have way to little of his fabulous voice to listen to.

This particular cd has some of the best cuts ever..
prooves that not always the best cut is released,some of these i swear should make #1 if released today...

Trick Or Treat

A very mixed bag, this disc contains material from 1963 to 1967. Some songs are quite obscure, with alternate takes, stereo mixes, and a "stay In School" public service anouncement. As near as I can tell, original masters were used for this disc.

To say this is merely a collection of bottom-drawer material doesn't do it justice. This disc stands up on its own. Frankly, Otis Redding outtakes are better than most other's finished material. I've used this disc to introduce people to Redding's music, where usually the only track they've heard is "[Sittin' On] The Dock Of The Bay." Included are the first two takes. I'm not alone in the opinion that take two is better than the one released (track four). The booklet is very informative, being a great read and offering valuable insight into Redding's creative process.

Trainspotters: Prior to his career as a voice for South Park culinary excellence and a terminal stint as The Duke Of New York, Isaac Hayes was "only" doing music. He co-wrote "Trick Or Treat" with David Porter, and it's Hayes at the piano.

An essential record for Redding fans, and a great R&B record in its own right.