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Friday, February 16, 2024

Steve Cropper, Albert King - Jammed Together (Superb Blues US 1969)



Size: 91.8 MB
Bitrate: 256
mp3
Ripped by: ChrisGoesRock
Artwork Included
Source: Japan 24-Bit Remaster

One thing is certain...when these guys said "Jammed Together", they MEANT it; what an awesome album this is! Here we have two of the blues' elder statesmen (Pop Staples & Albert King), and the young "whippersnapper" (Steve Cropper) all assembled in one place, and the results are fantastic; there's no doubt that the three of them had a great time making this album! 


"Jammed Together" isn't an album of self-indulgent guitar solos and noodling to satisfy egos; the title tells you all you need to know: this is all meat, no filler, folks. Because each of the three guitarists have very distinctive playing styles and tones, you can literally pick them out as you listen to it. 

A great example of this can be heard on the rocking instrumental "Big Bird", where Cropper, King and Staples each occupy the left, middle and right stereo channels respectively, but the stereo separation didn't really need to be done so you'll know who is who; as I said, you'll literally be able to identify them with each solo turn. 


In addition to the fabulous guitar playing, all three take turns on vocals as well; King leads off with the Ray Charles classic "What I'd Say", Cropper turns in a rare vocal on "Don't Turn Your Heater Down", and Staples on the positively spine-tingling "Tupelo", where his soulful vocals and trademark tremelo-effected guitar give the track a swampy, ominous feel and mood. It's very obvious that this song influenced John Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater Revival, as evidenced by the CCR tracks "The Midnight Special" & "Born On The Bayou" alone. 

Released on the Stax label in early 1969, "Jammed Together" is a genuine blues/soul classic; get it now! 

01. What'd I Say 5:28 
02. Tupelo 6:00 
03. Opus De Soul 5:30 
04. Baby, What You Want Me To Do 3:30 
05. Big Bird 3:13 
06. Homer's Theme 2:11 
07. Trashy Dog 3:00 
08. Don't Turn Your Heater Down 3:15 
09. Water 3:06 
10. Knock On Wood 5:02 

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1 comment:

goinsidemyhead said...

This is sooo good! I wish there was a follow-up. Just classy guitar driven soul from 3 masters of taste and refrain. Pops Staples was a rare musician.
Great post!