Customer Reviews
Sheer class - By: Andy Edwards, 04 Oct 2007 
Stax became an institution, the name synonymous with Southern Soul, differentiated by it's more earthy sound - but then you probably knew that. You may also know that for a Black music institution, Stax was a surprisingly multi-racial set up, typified by Booker t & the MGs, where the colour of your skin was unimportant. Unusual as that was for the American Southin the early 60's, throughout the period covered by this set, Stax was a beacon of racial harmony.
Gee Whiz, by Carla Thomas was the first major hit for the label, & while the initial output was heavily Blues influenced, the familiar Stax sound can soon be heard as releases by Booker T, Otis Redding & William Bell soldin large quantities & crossed over into the pop charts. That was just the beginning & hits just kept coming - Sam & Dave ripping up the place, Rufus Thomas' funky gems, as well as the cooler sounds of Eddie Floyd.There's so much good music here, & some real undiscovered gems, as well as some that would be best forgotten.
This set covers what might be regarded as "The Atlantic Years" as the labels output was licensed to Atlantic until 1968 - the deal gave Atlantic the rights to everything. Stax would never be the same after that - & 1968 was a watershedin more ways than one, as the death of Otis deprived them of their major artist & the murder of Martin Luther King saw racial tensions drive a wedge into that racial harmony.
As a testament o the creativity that existedin Memphisin the early 60's, as a record of one of the most influential studiosin music history, as proof of what can be achievedin the face of prejudice - whatever, this is essential listening
Excellent - By: , 19 Mar 2006 This superb box set introduces you to the early years of Stax. Stax is very different from Motown, think Motown for grown-ups. Instead of sugar you get honey. Stax is sexy. This is the complete singles so you have to expect a few duds, particularly a few Christmas singles milking the seasonal cash cow are particularly hideous, but do add to the social history containedin this box-set. You can hear the sound develop over the ten years. The booklet inclosed is informative but read George Pelecanos' "Derek Strange" series of novels to get a real feel for the music!
Don't buy it if you've got things to do - By: , 07 Apr 2000 When this bad boy flopped onto my door mat with a (curiously soulful) thud this morning i had it unwrapped & the first discin my hifi within minutes. Since then i have sat & listened to almost 10 hours of music, spread over 9 cds & amounting to over 250 songs. There are no bad ones. This box set is a postcard from one of the richest periodsin music. Prolific, profound & proud to be black. In Glasgow people say Chemikal Underground has an impressive roster of artists. That is true, but when you look at Stax, there's is outstanding; even better than Motown as this collection testifies. Otis Redding, Booker T & the MGs & Sam & Dave are just three reasons why this is an essential musical item. You'll be dancing, crying & loving at various points through the selection, & what could be more healthy. I don't think i could live with just one kind of music. But if it was necessary for the wellbeing of my granny for instance, it may be with something like this. Food for your ears sweet thing. Soul music. mmmm.
