This is the second in Future Noise’s look at the origins of soul and as the titling says the compiler, Mike Atherton, turns his attention to 1959 when soul was just starting to morph into what we know and love. Most commentators and pundits agree that soul grew from a variety of sources and its naissance was very much the work of three iconic innovators – Ray Charles, Sam Cooke and Jackie Wilson. All three are well represented here and Brother Ray’s ‘What’d I Say’ takes pride of place. Generally acknowledged as the first true soul record, it still sounds vital. The other Charles’ tracks are ‘Night Time Is The Right Time’ and ‘I’m Movin’ On’ while Sam Cooke offers ‘Everybody Loves To Cha Cha Cha’ and ‘Only Sixteen’ and Jackie Wilson’s contributions are ‘That’s Why I Love You So’ and ‘You Better Know It’. In terms of soul groups, again the pundits agree on the importance of the Drifters and their massively important ‘There Goes My Baby’ is naturally included here, while the distaff side of group soul is represented by the superb Shirelles. Early Motown is included via The Miracles’ ‘Bad Girl’ (originally, of course, leased to Chess) and Marv Johnson’s ‘You Got What It Takes’. Other featured heavy hitters include Brook Benton, Jerry Butler, The Isley Brothers, James Brown and Bobby Bland while wonderfully nostalgic cuts from Jimmy Barnes, Baby Washington , Jesse Belvin, Roy Hamilton, the Falcons and Sammy Turner add to the collection’s magic and help recreate an era when music was maybe a little simpler, a little more basic – but, nevertheless packed with real energy, huge passion and a Church-reared commitment… soul, if you would. As an early soul music primer this is a great album for beginners and even long-time collectors will find the set filling in some important gaps for them,
(BB) 4/5
