CD Review: Otis Redding “The Complete Stax/Volt Singles Collection”

Otis Redding
“The Complete Stax/Volt Singles Collection”
Shout Factory
Discs: 3
Tracks: 70

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

On July 23rd Shout Factory will be paying tribute to “The King of Soul” Otis Redding with a 3 disc, 70 track box set that compiles all of his single releases from the Stax/Volt era. Some of the songs included on this set have never been available on CD until now. Packed with such classics as “(Sittin’ On)The Dock of the Bay”, “Try A Little Tenderness” and “Respect” “The Complete Stax/Volt Singles Collection” has it all.

Not being the biggest fan of repackaged/rereleased material I was a little hesitant prior to listening to the three discs that make of the collection. However upon first listen I was blow away by the overall mix of the tracks. Sure they don’t sound as great as the original 7” recordings but it is damn close. Each track is left to breath in its original mono mix which further compliments Redding’s powerful voice. Not only does this collection sound great but the packaging is equally as good. The three discs set comes packed in a box similar to what DJ’s of the 50’s and 60’s would receive their 7” singles in. Along with vintage styled box comes a multi page booklet containing pictures of each original 45. A touch which makes this collection just a bit more special

The collection is being released in two versions. The standard version will be available starting July 23rd and contains the standard 3 disc collection however if you go to www.shoutfactory.com and order not only do you get the set on June 25th (a month early) but you also receive an exclusive 7” vinyl radio promo copy of “I’ve Got Dreams To Remember/Nobody’s Fault But Mine”.

Track Listing: Disc 1
1.)     These Arms of Mine
2.)     Hey Hey Baby
3.)     That’s What My Heart Needs
4.)     Mary’s Little Lamb
5.)     Pain Is My Heart
6.)     Something Is Worrying Me
7.)     Come To Me
8.)     Don’t Leave Me This Way
9.)     Security
10.)   I Want To Thank You
11.)   Chained and Bound
12.)   Your One and Only Man
13.)   That’s How Strong My Love Is
14.)   Mr. Pitiful
15.)   I’ve been Loving You Too long (To Stop Now)
16.)   I’m Depending On You
17.)   Respect
18.)   Ole Man Trouble
19.)   I Can’t Turn You Loose
20.)   Just One More Day
21.)   Satisfaction
22.)   Any Ole Way
23.)   My Lover’s Prayer
24.)   Don’t Mess With Cupid

Track Listing: Disc 2
1.)     Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song)
2.)      Good To Me
3.)      Try A Little Tenderness
4.)      I’m Sick Y’All
5.)      I Love You More Than Words Can Say
6.)      Let Me Come On Home
7.)      Tramp
8.)      Tell It Like It Is
9.)      Shake
10.)   You Don’t Miss Your Water
11.)   Glory Of Love
12.)   I’m Coming Home
13.)   Knock On Wood
14.)   Let Me Be Good To You
15.)   (Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay
16.)   Sweet Lorene
17.)   Lovey Dovey
18.)   New Year’s Resolution
19.)   The Happy Song (Dum-Dum)
20.)   Open The Door
21.)   Amen
22.)   Hard To Handle
23.)   I’ve Got Dreams To Remember
24.)   Nobody’s Fault But Mine

Track Listing: Disc 3
1.)     White Christmas
2.)      Merry Christmas, Baby
3.)      Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag
4.)      Direct Me
5.)      A Lover’s Question
6.)      You Made A Man Out Of Me
7.)      When Something Is Wrong With My Baby
8.)      OOH Carla, OOH Otis
9.)      Love Man
10.)   Can’t Turn You Loose
11.)   Free Me
12.)   (Your Love Has Lifted Me) Higher & Higher
13.)   Look At The Girl
14.)   That’s A Good Idea
15.)   Demonstration
16.)   Johnny’s Heartbreak
17.)   Give Away None Of My Love
18.)   Snatch A Little Piece
19.)   I’ve Been Loving You Too Long
20.)   Try A Little Tenderness
21.)   My Girl
22.)   Good To Me