Staple Singers Feat Mavis Staples – This Time Around CD (Stax)

A mainstay of the Stax catalogue from 1968 to 1975, the Staple Singers and lead singer Mavis Staples were among the Memphis label’s biggest-selling artists from the beginning of the 1970s until Stax’ demise five years later.

Almost all of their Stax albums have found their way onto CD down the years. Those released while Stax was an active, front-line label have at last been joined by “This Time Around”, a 1981 project comprised of unreleased material from the previous decade.

Although assembled from material recorded over a number of years, “This Time Around” is no less cohesive than the Staples’ earlier releases. Indeed, it contains some of Mavis Staples finest vocals and songs from writers of the calibre of Phillip Mitchell – including the dancefloor classic ‘Tripping On Your Love’ – and Stax staffer Bettye Crutcher (who also has her own CD released this month).

All fans of quality Southern soul will welcome the opportunity to own this album on CD, and to be able retire their well-worn vinyl copies at long last. Ace Records