Nobody Wins – Stax Southern Soul 1968-1975 – Various Artists CD (Kent)

From the people that brought you the “Take Me To The River” and “The FAME Studios Story” box sets, this compilation puts the spotlight on the music emanating from the South’s greatest label – Stax Records of Memphis.

In the early 60s Stax defined the sound of Southern Soul through the work of Otis Redding, Sam & Dave and Booker T & The MGs. From 1968 onwards the label widened its reach and, although records were still cut in their own studio, the label was also using studios in other parts of the city and the south. “Nobody Wins” follows these developments through a mixture of rare gems, previously unreleased tracks and a sprinkling of classics.

Of the previously unreleased numbers, the earliest is the Charmels’ ‘I’ve Done It Again’ from what was probably the under-recorded vocal group’s last Stax session. Chuck Brooks provides us with a brilliant version of ‘Hold On This Time’, and we have a wonderful unreleased number by Stax songwriter Bettye Crutcher.

We have also gathered together many rare singles that have not been reissued or were only available on the Stax singles box sets. In this way we have unearthed masterpieces from Jimmy Lewis, Willie Singleton, Freddie Waters and Mack Rice.

Elsewhere we have one side of Charlene & The Soul Serenaders’ in-demand Volt 45, and a number from Calvin Scott’s obscure LP. Classic performances abound from Stax greats William Bell, the Soul Children, Eddie Floyd, Mable John and Johnny Taylor.

Here are 21 tracks that demonstrate that Stax remained at the top of the Southern Soul pile until it shut up shop in 1975. – Ace Records