Musical Episode #026 : Digging In The Stax, to ’68

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Welcome back for another Musical Episode! Today’s episode kicks off a two part look at the Stax label. Today’s mix collects records released until 1968 when Stax had their traumatic break-up with Atlantic. Next week’s mix starts in 68 with the re-grouping of the label in the wake of the break up along with the noticeable shift in style that was taking place as the decade came to an end and the label expanded its reach under the new leadership of Al Bell.

The story of Stax is a truly remarkable one. A label started by an amateur fiddle player turned banker that built, from the ground up, the sound of Southern Soul, nurtured the incredible talent of their hometown Memphis, TN without compromising their vision.

Today’s mix takes us from the functional beginning with The Triumphs’ “Burnt Biscuits” which was the first release on Volt in 1961 to the Linda Lyndell 45 which was released among the legal confusion and turmoil that resulted in Stax’s separation from Atlantic. In addition to I think being the first release on Volt after the separation it also represents the funkier sound and smoother production that was to come.

Hope you enjoy today’s mix and see you Wednesday for another 45 and next Friday for part two where we follow stax from 1968 into the future!

Peace,
-George / Snack Attack

Tracklist:
The Triumphs : Burnt Biscuits (Volt, 1961)
Prince Conley : I’m Going Home (Satellite, 1961)
Rufus Thomas : Sophisticated Sissy (Stax, 1967)
William Bell : You Don’t Miss Your Water (Stax, 1961)
The Mad Lads : Don’t Have To Shop Around (Volt, 1965)
The Mar-Keys : Pop-Eye Stroll (Stax, 1962)
Rufus & Carla : Night Time Is The Right Time (Stax, 1964)
Dorothy Williams : Watchdog (Volt, 1964)
The Baracudas : Yank Me (Doodle) (Volt, 1964)
Jeanne & The Darlings : Soul Girl (Volt, 1967)
Jean & The Darlings : How Can You Mistreat The One You Love (Volt, 1967)
Johnnie Taylor : I Ain’t Particular (Stax, 1968)
Booker T & The MG’s : Red Beans & Rice (Stax, 1965)
Ruby Johnson : Keep On Keeping On (Volt, 1967)
Gorgeous George : Sweet Thing (Stax, 1965)
The Bar-Kays : Hard Days Night (Volt, 1968)
Sir Mack Rice : Mini-Skirt Minnie (Stax, 1967)
The Charmels : Loving Material (Volt, 1967)
Mable John : Your Good Thing (Is About To End) (Stax, 1966)
William Bell: Everybody Loves A Winner (Stax, 1967)
Carla Thomas : Stop Thief (Stax, 1967)
Bobby Wilson: Feels Good (Volt, 1967)
Linda Lyndell : What A Man (Volt, 1968)
Otis Redding : (Your Love Has Lifted Me) Higher and Higher (Atco, 1969)

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Sources:
Bowman, R. (1997). Soulsville USA: The Story of Stax Records. Schirmer Books.
Gordon, R. (2015). Respect Yourself: Stax Records and The Soul Explosion. Bloomsbury
“Soul Caravan Concert Ad” Baltimore Afro-American [Baltimore, MD], July, 19th, 1966, pg 6.

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