1968 was one of the pivotal years of America’s history. Assassinations of Bobby Kennedy, Martin Luther King, political riots and the Vietnam war were all a reflection of the country’s turmoil. Memphis, where King was killed, was also the home of STAX records, and the songs that year (collected here) form that label reflect the various prismatic colors of that era.
Mega hits included “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” by the recently departed Otis Redding, as well as the gospel dripping soulfest “I Thank You” from Sam and Dave. Manic horns and a noir mood are created by Eddie Floyd on “Big Bird” while Isaac Haye’s moans through “Going To Chicago” and Booker T and the MGs go latin on the instrumental hit “Soul Limbo.” Rufus Thomas boogaloos through “Memphis T rain” and Carla Thomas pleads on “I Want You Back” and the Staples Singers reflect the mood with a churchified “Long Walk to DC,” putting the “soul” back in soul music. A rich time capsule of sound.