Review: Otis Redding - Otis Blue: Otis Redding Sings Soul (2008 Collector's Edition)

Label: Rhino

Released: April 22, 2008

Otis Blue is a widely accepted soul classic and for good reason. It finds Redding running through some great soul tunes, many made famous by others, yet it never makes you long for the other versions (even Aretha's version of "Respect"). He's just that powerful of a singer. "Satisfaction," one of rock's most overrated songs, even sounds good when Redding does it.

Rhino's new double CD collector's edition includes both the original mono and stereo mixes as well as alternate takes, b-sides and two live shows. Frankly, I'll never understand the appeal to re-issuing a CD with both the stereo and mono mixes. There wouldn't have been a mono release of these albums had the world not been in transition between the formats. Why do we need them re-issued? Otherwise, the bonus material ranges from interesting to awesome. The live cuts are particularly hot and make the re-issue as a whole a very nice package.

Ratings
Satriani: 8/10
Zappa: 6/10
Dylan: 7/10
Aretha: 10/10
Overall: 9/10

If you're curious about my rating categories, read the description.