There were few more refreshing events in 2002 than the release of Solomon Burke's Don't Give Up On Me. It's a record that bleeds soul in the classic sense, and God knows I've been waiting for that for a long time. Producer Joe Henry should be congratulated for finally giving a soul great the chance to expose his gifts to us - great songs, minimalist but gritty production, a "back to basics" ethic and a dedication to "real music by real musicians." (Yes, there are interesting parallels with Prince's rebirth with The Rainbow Children.)

My great hope for the near future is that this trend might spread and eventually rope in the likes of Al Green and Aretha Franklin. For too long these artists have been insulted with lame adult-contemporary production values and uninspired musical direction. Their gifts will remain so long as they survive. What is needed- as Burke's record has demonstrated- is an environment which stirs their soul, which inspires them to great things. There's no magical formula, but there's no better place to start than with the recognition that any attempt to "contemporise" or "update" these artists is folly.

Prince learned that lesson after Rave. He's no longer obsessed with the packaging of his product and his music now reflects this. Dylan has experienced a similar shift with his last two LPs. Is there any hope that some of the diamonds of the soul tradition might follow suit and once again demonstrate their undoubted genius?

I've heard great reviews of Burke's last album but never picked it up. I still plan to soon, only because most of what I'm hearing is word of mouth stuff from fans. It will be my first ever Solomon Burke purchase. Aren't you proud of me?

yada blah
[This message was edited Fri Feb 28 21:53:33 PST 2003 by Supernova]

Supernova said:

what is wrong with you, woman... you don't have it yet..? get it now... it's terrific...

and his double-disc anthology "home in your heart: the best of solomon burke" kicks ass, too...


but seriously, i recently made a single-disc overview of solomon burke for someone else who had never really heard much of his music... i've still got it laying around here, if you want me to make a copy of you... then you'll know whether or not you like it, before you go dropping money on it... ...

EllisDee said:

Actually I was planning on picking up at least one of his anthologies when I get his latest disc next week. I guess with Burke, for me, it was always out of sight, out of mind. I know, it's a shame. There's just so much good stuff out there I need to get I hadn't gotten around to it.

Supernova said:

get "home in your heart"... it covers the most ground... but if you want a sampler before you go spending the money, i'll be glad to hook you up...

either way, i don't think you're going to be disappointed... the man is amazing...