Otis Redding - Otis Blue

Otis. In addition to being one of those artists that one can cite by first-name only, can be included in the great pantheon of those that nobody doesn't like. Possessing arguably the best voice of his generation (if not claiming the mantle "voice of his generation"), Otis Redding, tragically, left us way too soon. Somehow, however, I had managed to never listen to an entire Otis Redding record from start to finish. Ladies and gentlemen, I have rectified this egregious oversight. Laid down in one 24-hour recording session like the man knew he was on borrowed time, Otis Redding Blue sounds as immediate and timeless as it did in its heyday. Found within, an artist at once in command of and comfortable with his own moment, with both arresting and even humorous results (like when he riffed his own lyrics to the Stones’ “Satisfaction"..and the band used his version years later). One could claim unrealized potential from most any artist (even bold ones) who die tragically at 26, but even that’s not a sure thing here: how could unrealized potential ever sound so complete? Lend an ear and let’s find out together - Oh, and the worst Neil Diamond song ever makes an appearance. So, there's that. Which still gives me a broad smile Pick up this week's LP on Amazon. Also this week, we spend A Few Minutes With a familiar tribute to an M@M-loving alien and his "Heartlight" as only Neil Diamond could sing it. A Current Affair brings us a silvery haired roller girl Angel Olsen singing "Shut Up Kiss Me".