I love Rhino records! There are so many artists that I discovered
through them that I couldn't imagine my cd collection without them. Between their
70's hits collections, to remastering albums by The Young Rascals, Elvis Costello,
Frank Zappa, The Monkees, and here, Otis Redding, I'm not sure if other record companies would be
willing to do the same quality work. This Otis Redding best of is a wonderful way
to become more acquainted with this artist. I was always interested in Otis Redding after
seeing The Monterey Pop Festival years ago, and my interest was sparked again after VH-1
showed this classic 1967 music festival. I was originally more interested in seeing
Jimi Hendrix and The Who's performance on this broadcast. But the truth of the matter
is that Otis Redding blew everyone away! It was great to see soul artists like Lou Rawls,
Booker T and the MG's, and Redding thrown in will all the major rock acts of this era.
What Redding proved during his brief career is that music and feeling comes from the inner
soul. It's rare to hear music sung with such determination and passion.
This "best of" set was released in 1992, and since this time, a second volume has also
been put out (which I have yet to buy!). This set is very generous with 16 tracks
included including "The Dock of The Bay", Redding's most popular song. I find many
treasures on this set including his rendition of "Respect" (Redding wrote this song).
Coming off as less of an "anthem" based on Aretha Franklin's version, the song is more
loose and features a much different sound from his horn section. The Blues Brothers
embraced "I Can't Turn You Loose" in the late 70's, and righfully so since Belushi's
band featured many of the same musicians that backed Redding on his own version. You
discover that the original is arguably they most famous R&B flavored tune that was to
come out of the 1960's. The bass line from Donald "Duck" Dunn is the key to making this
track so fun and danceable. Besides "Dock of the Bay", I would think that Redding's
"I've Been Loving You (To Stop Now)" is probably his other most recognized song. Maintaing
all of the power and longing of a live performance, Redding pours his heart out here and
gives you the true extent of his amazing voice. The horn section picks up volume and
power as the song goes along, giving it more "urgency" in the end. This is my favorite
Otis Redding tune by far. Other jems here that I discovered are "That's How Strong My
Love Is" and "Shake". I'm happy that Rhino included a live version of "Shake" on this
set. Redding and band blazes through this sexually charged number. Steve Cropper's
groovy strumming is very prominent here, which would please the most die-hard rock and
roll fan. "(Sitting On) The Dock of the Bay" deserves still more mention. This became
Redding's first #1 single, but it came after his death in late 1967. Redding's whistling
at the end shows that he was willing to try new approaches in recording. I love the slight
inperfections in this take also, which gives the recording plenty of character.
It would be interesing to see how Otis Redding would have progressed over the last 35
years if he was still alive. Music like this never grows out of style, and I'm sure that
with the blues and soul revival during the 1980's would have brought him to the center
spotlight. I wish that "The Very Best of Otis Redding" would have included a performance
from the Monterey Pop Festival, but it's still a very comprehensive set and a great place
to start in hearing this artist in true form. I hope to get the Volume 2 set also!
