254 - Otis Redding - Dictionary of Soul
Dec. 4th, 2012 07:26 pm
What stood out the most to me is how up-front Otis's vocals are (other than "I'm Sick Y'All," which sound like it was recorded and mixed by a completely different crew). Booker T and the MGs truly back him by providing rhythm and flourishes to accentuate Otis's singing. At most, the horns may get close to the same level as the vocals at moments where they serve the occasional response role or a quick burst. That leaves the emotion of Otis's vocal delivery exposed for the listener.
A good chunk of Dictionary of Soul are covers. I had only heard his version of "Try a Little Tenderness," so when I read that it was originally a Bing Crosby tune, I HAD to find out what all was changed for this cover. Talk about a complete make-over! Another cover of note is Otis's version of "Day Tripper." While not as drastic of a change as "Tenderness," I actually completely missed paying attention to "Day Tripper" on my first listen because Otis did make the song his own and not just him providing vocals to a loyal cover band.
For some reason, the second half of the album didn't fare so well with me. The songs weren't worse, just didn't grab me as much as the first half.
Songs I knew I liked: "Try a Little Tenderness"
Songs I didn't know but now like: "Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song)," "Tennessee Waltz," "Day Tripper," and "My Lover's Prayer"
Songs I can go the rest of my life without hearing again: None