Soul Man Strikes Again

We continue our look back at the music of 50 years ago…..

He just kept on delivering. The Reverend Al Green was in the midst of a run of some of the greatest soul music ever recorded when he released his 2nd LP of 1972, “I’m Still In Love With You”, in October.

He had already given us “Let’s Stay Togther” in January and this one was right there…as soulful as anything else being recorded at the time. And remember, this was a highpoint of the genre with Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Sly Stone, Issac Hayes, Curtis Mayfield and others working at an extremely high level.

A big part of the success of Green’s sound is the work of producer Willie Mitchell and that great Hi Records rhythm section featuring the Hodges Brothers…Leroy on bass, Charles on keyboards and Teenie on guitar plus the great Al Jackson Jr. on drums. Add in the Memphis Horns and you’ve got a non-stop groove.

Green wrote or co-wrote most of these including the two great hits, ‘Love & Happiness” and the title track”. He also turns two unlikely covers into sensual slow jams. ‘Oh, Pretty Woman” is along way from Roy Orbison…and Kris Kristofferson’s “For The Good Times” never sounded like this.

The best parts of this for me are the fat horn sounds, the lovely background vocals of the Rhodes Sisters, Donna and Sandra serving as a smooth counterpoint to Green’s testifying.

Also the ‘in the pocket groove’ of the Hodges, especially the guitar and organ on “Love & Happiness”.

This is the definition of Saturday night seduction music that Green’s would counter with his gospel tunes on Sunday. Doesnt get much smoother than this.

1.I’m Still In Love With You 2.I’m Glad You’re Mine 3.Love And Happiness 4.What A Wonderful Thing Love Is 5.Simply Beautiful 6.Oh Pretty Woman 7.For The Good Times 8.Look What You Done For Me 9.Ones Of These Good Old Days 10.I Think It’s For The Feeling 11.Up Above My Head