Here’s my quick & dirty take on Stax records and some of the big artists to check out. This is the blueprint for southern soul right here. Hard edged with that slammin’ backbeat that is unmistakable. This is by no means comprehensive and is sorta focused on dance music, but still, it should help if you don’t have a ton of stuff.
First there’s this – and this will do the trick for most of what you need. (but only up until ’68, there is a full compilation that goes all the way to 1975, it’s just harder to find – but worth it)
OTIS REDDING
The king. Otis was the man, the center of the Stax sound. This best of is a good start:
This live album is the jam:
If you are into it, this collection, not on mp3, is really amazing:
SAM & DAVE
These guys weren’t able to get hits until they got down to Stax, but their songs are some of the most well-known Stax hits.
WILLIAM BELL
A great and slightly lesser-known genius from Stax, who wrote a ton of great songs, and whose songs had a tenderness that was a striking counterpoint to the slamming backbeat of Stax.
ALBERT KING
One of the few blues players that doesn’t sound like B.B. King. This is how I like my blues.
EDDIE FLOYD
“Knock on Wood”
“I’ve Never Found a Girl (to Love Me Like You Do)”
RUFUS THOMAS – king of the dance records
“Walkin’ the Dog”
“Do the Funky Chicken”
“Do the Penguin”
BOOKER T & THE MG’S – the house band for all the Stax hits!
“Hip-Hug Her”
Of course there is a ton more, but this will get you on your way and you can pick and choose your own favorites.
