Album Review: Various Artists - ‘Atlantic Unearthed: Soul Sisters’

CD producer David Nathan has delved deep into the vaults at Atlantic Records to bring out treasures of 1960s and 1970s soul. In this releases he concentrates on the ladies of soul. He finds some rarities, B-sides, and hard to find singles, some are available here for the first time ever.

The first track is a rarity indeed, Aretha Franklin’s soulful rendition of Sinatra’s “My Way,” previously only available on an Italian compilation and is making its US debut on this CD. Other un-issued releases include “It’s Growing” by Margie Joseph, “(1-2-3-4-5-6-7) Count the Days” by Patti LaBelle & The Blue Belles, “Rescue Me” by Dee Dee Warwick (Dione’s sister), “Ain’t Nothing Gonna Change Me” by The Sweet Inspirations, and “I Ain’t That Easy to Loose” by Bettye Swann. There are also singles from Doris Troy (“Please Little Angel”), Dee Dee Sharp (“My Best Friend’s Man”), Baby Washington (“What Becomes of the Brokenhearted”), Irma Thomas (“Full Time Woman”), Judy Clay (“I Got to Love Somebody’s Baby”), Esther Phillips (“Cheater Man”), Laura Lee (“What a Man”), Jackie Moore (“It Ain’t Who You Know”), and Barbara Lewis (“Thankful for What I Got”). Aretha’s version of “My Way” is fabulous and proves once again why she’s called the queen of soul. I also enjoyed hearing a different take on “Rescue Me” (originally recorded by Fontella Bass in 1965) by Dee Dee Warwick. I also found the early work by Patti LaBelle a good song, but as the liner notes say the producers were trying to make the Blue Belles ape the Supremes and this ended up not working in the long run. However, it’s always interesting to hear early work from an artist. “My Best Friend’s Man” by Dee Dee Sharp has the honor of never appearing on any other compilation and if you want it you’ll have to get this CD. It’s a pleasure to listen to songs by some fine soul singers that are new to me. The only ones I had heard of before listening to this CD were Franklin, Patti LaBelle (but not the Blue Belles), and Mary Wells. This might be a good sampler if you want to hear a sampling of the feminine side of soul. If you’re into soul, then this CD is for you. The inclusion of Aretha’s version of “My Way” and the five recordings making their CD debut make this a must have for the fans of the ladies of soul. ‘Atlantic Unearthed: Soul Sisters’ is now available at Amazon. Visit the music database for more information and a complete track listing.