From the recently released treasure trove of Stax/Volt demos and rarities "Written In Their Soul," here is Mack Rice and his demo of a song that had a bit of success for The Detroit Wheels on Motown's subsidiary Inferno label, "Linda Sue Dixon."
I still haven't gotten through the entire 7 disc set, but I keep thinking the same thing as each song plays. The Stax Rhythm Section, almost always Booker T. & The MGs for the most part, perfected soul music that rocks, so much so that many of those classic tracks could pass off as rock and roll with soul. That's how good these guys were. Al Jackson Jr. pounded that kit hard. Put Mick Jagger on vocals and this track could fit perfectly on "Rolling Stones' Now." Or how about Steven Tyler and slotting this track on Side Two of the first Aerosmith album right after their cover of "Walking The Dog." Maybe that's a stretch. Or maybe not.
Even as a demo, this silly song sounds as good as anything on an Otis record, and when played side by side to the Detroit Wheels version, you can immediately hear how the Wheels missed the boat.
12 comments:
That box is astonishingly great. It's a motherfucker! Got it a few months ago. I've been through the whole thing, listening to it a lot of different ways. I always find myself bumping up the volume and giving the mindblowers a second play. Everyone should own all the different Stax boxes. The depth of the talent is startling. There's a ton of Mack Rice and all the usual suspects. Some of the Bettye Crutcher tracks impressed me. But it's mostly all great.
Thanks for SOTD Nick Curran. That's a white guy who got it right, like few others. Unlike the Wheels did on their take of Linda Sue Dixon. You can tell it's gonna suck from the opening notes.
VR
OK, this - and the comment above - was/were the nudge I needed to buy it instead of thinkin' 'bout it.
I have the Stax Singles box sets and love them, but wasn't sure I needed this much more. But the little sampler CD from this set that MOJO put with its recent issue already had me rethinking my recalcitrant stance.
Also - any time I buy from Stax (like with the 7-CD Staples Singers box), I feel like I'm supporting a business and artists I believe in and that deserve it.
I don't think your comments are off point at all. They are prescient. In addition to Mick and Steven Tyler, Garland Jeffries would kill these tracks. I purchased the set when you first mentioned it and it remains the best release I have heard all year.
I wouldn't say DW's version sucks, but it definitely lacks the sinewy edge of the Stax one, which serves the song well. Stax did sinew/gristle better'n everyone.
C in California
Yeah, I was a little harsh on the Wheels' version which was a pretty big hit in Australia. Thats' how I got hipped to the Wheels record in the first place. I've got cousins in Tasmania. Is the singer Johnny B.? Just in comparison, it's not the same stew, you know. It hasn't simmered as long. At least the Wheels had the good sense to cover it. Hoodoo Gurus also covered it on "Doppelganger." I wildly prefer the Mack Rice demo over Eddie Floyd's version. That's what makes this box so invaluable. This shit needed to see the light of day,
Tyler yes. I could see him making it a vehicle. Jagger? I dunno. He might be in over his head. Rolling Stones, Now! is one of my favorite Stones albums. Wouldn't wanna fuck with it, except for maybe Surprise Surprise.
VR
VR,
"Now" is without question, my favorite early Stones record.
And guess what?
My favorite track?
"Surprise Surprise."
I must be getting good at this, because I can totally hear it.
And YES, Steven Tyler on vocals would kill!
Noooo. That one always seemed unfinished to me. I can't for the life of me understand why you would pick it as your fave with the wealth of other great performances on the record. I'm sure you have your reasons ...
VR
VR,
Because it rocks!
Man, I usually abstain from the Stones discussions, since I'm def not the fan others here are. And their early stuff, in particular, I find wanting. But I too like Surprise Surprise, one of only a handful on that album that sticks out to me. Surprise!
C in California
Surprise Surprise -
Re: Surprise Surprise. Where's the bass? It's not a terrible song but ... I don't know. It feels more like a rough demo and, don't hold it against me, it's sort of slight & mediocre IMHO. Especially following "Oh Baby" and "Little Red Rooster." Charlie's alright. But I would have rather the album closed with something like a more polished "Goodbye Girl." "Surprise Surprise" feels like it would have been more at home on 12 X 5. Not trying to change your mind, just explaining mine. Oh, and Mona, which was held off the 1st US LP, fits perfectly with the Chess stuff that populates this venture. Regardless, I love this Stones album more than any pre-1968 or post 1972 stuff. It's a keeper. You gotta have the mono remaster.
VR
Man, thanks for posting this, sounds fucking great!!!
You've previously mentioned the Motown series of unreleased stuff (which is fabulous!) - any other label releases of unreleased/rarities/demos?
Randy
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