1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die: 37. James Brown and the Famous Flames – Live at the Apollo (1963)

 

Is this our first proper soul album? And who better than the Godfather of Soul to dish it up to us. A storming (if short) live performance, Brown’s band link the songs with driving interludes, and the gospel elements are clear with Brown leading rousing call and response sections. His voice is raw soul power, the Famous Flames a tight unit pumping out driving R&B, and there are some extremely loud screams from the ladies in the audience. 

I wouldn’t say there was a stand-out tune (although the hits medley is good, framed by Please, Please, Please), it’s all very good stuff. But so short! As is this review.  

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