 | THE IRMA THOMAS COLLECTION
rating: 5
THIS IS REALLY "THE BEST OF THE BEST" IRMA THOMAS CD OF ALL TIMES. IT
REMINDED ME OF THE FREE CONCERTS SHE GAVE AT AUDUBON PARK ON SUNDAY
AFTERNOONS YEARS AGO, AND BROUGHT BACK MEMORIES OF BETTER TIMES.
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From "Slow Burn", thanks Ray Liotta
rating: 5
Found this now favorite CD while watching an interesting Ray Liotta film called "Slow Burn". A character in that film is a fan of the one he calls "Sister Irma Thomas". Being from Wisconsin, I have to admit I searched under Sister Thomas....then wised up and found this incredible CD. It just resonates with maybe not heart-ache but feelings of the heart. She feels. And all the musicians on this are great. Ordering another copy now for a friend who heard mine and loved it.
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Total Perfection!!!!
rating: 5
I recently got this CD and fell in love with the voice of Irma Thomas all over again! This Cd is pure delight..music in it's true form. I did notice a bit of a scatchy record sound in a couple of places but for me that just added to the joy of it all. I am thrilled this CD was not digitally remastered. Pure sweetness...buy it...you won't regret it.
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Soul of New Orleans
rating: 2
The songs included in this 1996 compilation were recorded in 1963 and 1964, according to the essay included. This is stated without certitude, because individual track information is not provided.
SWEET SOUL QUEEN OF NEW ORLEANS: THE IRMA THOMAS COLLECTION consists of 23 songs, presumably recorded in 1963 and 1964 on Minit and Imperial/Liberty labels. Disc packaged in black standard jewel case; total running time: 60 min. Booklet includes several photographs, a 3+ page essay by John Morthland, chart position information for 4 songs, no lyrics, and no individual track information. The sound quality is mostly decent.
Not included here is her 1960 hit "(You Can Have My Husband But Please) Don't Mess With My Man" or 1963's "I Did My Part"; nor is "Good to Me" or her other recordings made on Chess Records, after she signed with the label in 1967. Includes 10 songs not found on the "Time Is on My Side" compilation.
The collection does include her "answer record" to James Brown's "It's a Man's Man's Man's World", "It's a Man's Woman's World", produced by the Godfather of Soul himself. Another notable track is "Moments to Remember", which has an intro very similar to Martha & the Vandellas' "(Love Is Like a) Heatwave".
Note: Last note of up-tempo "Take a Look" runs over into first second of ballad "It's a Man's Woman's World" (Pt. 1)
The music is not particularly Bluesy, nor is it Southern Soul or New Orleans Jazz. It is Rhythm & Blues, verging on Do-Wopish Pop (with a couple Motown-esque tunes). Here, Irma is more Ruth Brown than Etta James; more Ronnie Spector than Aretha Franklin; more Mable John than Koko Taylor. While her voice and the music is enjoyable, I would have liked a few additional songs and I would have expected better packaging for such a costly CD.
Content/Music: 2 & half stars
Packaging/Booklet: no stars
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Amazing soul CD by a largely unknown soul star
rating: 5
I guess that if I had to style myself a soul connoisseur I would have to say that I'm a lateral connoisseur, rather than a deep one. I know a lot of music by a lot of different artists, but I don't know most artists' rare songs, nor do I carry along a lot of information about the artists. I simply enjoy the music and I'm always on the lookout to expand my soul library.
I'm happy to report that I'm absolutely thrilled to have found this Irma Thomas CD and that it is no slouch at all in terms of quality. The first 10 songs or so on this collection can easily be inserted in any great soul music collection, which is really pretty amazing give the relative obscurity of Mrs. Thomas (though not so obscure as to be covered by the Rolling Stones - see "Time Is On My Side").
I noticed someone above said the quality of the recording is scratchy but I have had no such experience and I've listened to it through a really nice pair of etymotic headphones and super crappy work computer speakers. It sounds absolutely luscious with the nice headphones.
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