Bar-Kays - Soul Finger '1976

Tracks list

The Bar-Kays were an aggregate born of the same inspiration behind Booker T. &
the MGs — performing the double-duty of being a backing combo for the
significant canon of vocalists on the Memphis-based Stax and Volt labels, as
well as a self-contained unit. The original lineup of James Alexander (bass),
Jimmy King (guitar), Ronnie Caldwell (organ), Phalon Jones (sax), Carl
Cunningham (drums), and Ben Cauley (trumpet) were only together long enough to
have issued this album prior to the tragic loss of everyone sans Alexander and
Cauley in the December 67 plane crash that also claimed the life of Otis
Redding. Soul Finger (1967) commences with the title track, which quickly became
a Top 20 crossover pop hit in addition to one of the bands best-known works, not
to mention a certifiable feel good party anthem. The remainder of the platter
follows suit offering up ten further instrumentals that stay true to the
precedent that had guided Booker T. & the MGs , blending fun upbeat numbers with
the occasional slower-tempo side complementing the otherwise teen-oriented and
definitely danceable selections. Here, the cover of the Mad Lads I Want Someone
— co-written by Stax co-founder Estelle Axton aptly fits the bill, with
Caldwell providing a lovely and affective lead over the languid, melodic ballad.
Theme From Hells Angels is interesting as there is no designation given to
either the songs author or precisely what Hells Angels refers to. A movie? The
infamous biker club? The staccato rhythm recalls Maurice Ravels Bolero, while
Kings distinctly distorted fretwork helps to further the compositions undeniably
dramatic quality. Another highlight is the Bar-Kays Boogaloo, while definitely a
product of its time, it exemplifies the units cohesion as purveyors of the
unmistakably swinging Stax/Volt sound. ~ Lindsay Planer

Tracklist:
 01. The Bar-Kays - Soul Finger (02:23)
 02. The Bar-Kays - Knucklehead (02:21)
 03. The Bar-Kays - With a Childs Heart (02:59)
 04. Eddie Purell - Bar-Kays Boogaloo (02:17)
 05. The Bar-Kays - Theme from Hells Angels (02:48)
 06. The Bar-Kays - You Cant Sit Down (03:07)
 07. The Bar-Kays - House Shoes (02:48)
 08. The Bar-Kays - Pearl High (02:36)
 09. The Bar-Kays - I Want Someone (03:11)
 10. The Bar-Kays - Hole in the Wall (02:34)
 11. The Bar-Kays - Dont Do That (02:47)

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