Hey everyone, For years, I've owned the Atlantic R&B set on vinyl: a few days ago I broke down and bought the 8 CD box set. I know that this compilation is of great historical importance, but somehow that's beside the point when you're actually listening to it. Song after song (there are 203) grabs you and makes you want to dance, sing along, snap your fingers, or just rejoice in the wonder of great music making. Lovers of Aretha Franklin can hear not only her but precursors like LaVern Baker and Ruth Brown; there are also great performances by "Big" Joe Turner and Ray Charles (to say nothing of all those people whose names are no longer familiar but who really kicked ass way back in the 50s and 60s). Needless to say, I'm recommending this set very highly. If you're interested in comparing notes, please get back to me offlist (this is SO njc!! Or maybe not - Joni was probably dancing to just this music when she was a teenager.....) Cheers, Roberto ps. I visited Cleveland and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997, the year Joni was inducted. I must admit it was boring, despite Joni's signature and Jim Morrison's sixth grade homework. The highlight for me was seeing a plaque honoring LaVern Baker, who was a great star in the 1950s and then lapsed into obscurity. She enjoyed a brief comeback in the early 90s, but, alas, she died in 1997. _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp
