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 - An Unforgettable Live AlbumThis album is a priceless gem that you will treasure forever! Sam Cooke metaphorically rolls up his sleeves and really works up a sweat in this amazing live concert at the Harlem Square Club, giving an earthy, gritty performance that is spellbinding. Sam's delivery crackles with raw energy! He belts out the songs with an emotional intensity and sense of urgency that whips his audience into euphoric frenzy. Some favourite, well-loved songs (such as "Cupid," "Chain Gang," "Bring it on Home to Me," etc.) have been thumpingly and effectively re-worked to give them an edginess which causes the temperature to soar in that highly charged, festive atmosphere. You can feel the electricity in the air! Sam teases and cajoles an attentive and adoring audience who eagerly comply with the call to party. The tempo intensifies and reaches a crescendo at the end of a totally exhilarating and riveting musical experience! Rating: - One of the greatest live performancesSam Cooke delivers an unbelievable performance in this one. When I first got it, it was difficult for me to appreciate this live album. But as time passed by, the more it grew on me. And now, it's truly one of my favorite albums. Any soul music fan has to have this one. The way Sam Cooke works the crowd is a thing of beauty. Those people that attended this performance are some lucky folks. He gives it his all and the crowd appreciates it. My personal favorite was "Chain Gang" because of the way he works the crowd at the end and because his voice is just electrifying with his "oh yeah" screams. Sam Cooke may not be my favorite artist but I believe he's the greatest artist of all-time. This record is one of the many testaments of that. Rating: - ONE OF THE BEST ALBUMS EVER!This is soul at its very best! No matter how many times I listen to this album, I NEVER get tired of it. Sam Cooke went on to inspire thousands of musicians and, after hearing this album, you'll know why. Since the new movie "Ali," starring Will Smith, has been released on DVD and VHS, a lot of people wonder about the beginning where the actor portraying Sam Cooke is performing. Well, this recording is exactly where they got the idea for the beginning of the film. Of course, my favorite is "Bring It On Home To Me." Sam delivers his music with all the fervor of a gospel sermon and beat of a pop/doo wop song. Then, there are also the usual hits, from "Cupid" to "Twistin' The Night Away." If you're looking for a soul album to start a collection, this IS the ONE!!! It'll keep you moving!!! The sound is no longer mono, making it all the more enjoyable. The fact that Sam could get the place jumpin' is exactly why he was such a great entertainer. You can feel the high energy and the fun of that evening back in 1963 oozing out of the stereo every time you listen to this album. James Brown may be the Godfather of soul, but Sam Cooke is the father!!! Rating: - should get more than 5 stars!This is the live album to outdo all other live albums. I am a head banging, rock and roller, guitar nut and this is still the best live album ever! The main reason that it is great is b/c Sam Cooke works the audience. The cd builds up steam as the songs go by. This is a snowball rolling down a hill that gets bigger and bigger. He talks to the audience, works the ladies, entices the men, pumps up his band, etc. The songs are almost a "best of" situation. Chain gang, having a party, twisting are all awesome! You know how great the cd is? The recording has serious limitations. There are no highs and no lows. Horns, guitar, bass, drums are all mixed way towards the back but Cooke's singing and talking are way towards the front. It does not matter and should not influence anyone's listening pleasure. A great comparison is to Otis Redding live at the Whiskey a Go Go. That is a good concert, fantastic sound recording and the band seriously rocks. This blows that away. This is not only the best concert cd but also, it is obvious how other entertainers and djs modeled themselves afer Sam Cooke's style. What a shame that this tremendous performer died in his prime. Whoever reads this take note...I am no soul music fanatic. I am a Lez Zep. Who, Nirvana, guitarnut type of guy. THAT is how powerful that this work is b/c it most definetly rocks more than "live at leeds", "get your ya yas out", "Song remains the same", etc. Rating: - BEST LIVE RECORD EVERI agree with Mr. Sullivan about who cares about some specific sounds at a live performance,... its raw, sweety, aggressive, compasionate, ITS ROCK AND ROLL!! ....today's new soul artist should buy this CD, take notes, and learn from it,.. (r&b singers are too cheezy now...) Listening to this CD, you are going back when the male soul singers were real men,.. no fakes like today's singers who just want to show off high vocal ranges like a bad imitator of Eddy Valen on the guitar. This Live show does not have any pyrotechnics,...and thats why I love it,.. Sam Cooke is by far my favorite soul singer... (I dont have nothing else to say,... so BUY IT NOW!)
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