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For the latest of the This Is series’ label spotlights – following our acclaimed looks at Flying Dutchman and Fame – we focus on Goldwax as it celebrates its 60th birthday, and feature the cream of the recordings made during its short existence. This throws the spotlight not only on James Carr, but vital label mate Spencer Wiggins and also the beautiful harmonies of the Ovations. These three acts were the mainstays of Goldwax, and alongside the song writing talents of George Jackson and Dan Greer, show why the label’s influence is still important today.
There are gems strewn throughout the catalogue, from the earliest recordings of ‘Why Can’t We Live Together’ hitmaker Timmy Thomas, through rarely-recorded artists such as Philip & the Faithfuls.
This two LP set also demonstrates how strong the Memphis club and studio scene was at the time with recordings of Willie Walker, Percy Millem, Barbara Perry, Gene ‘Bowlegs’ Miller and others who recorded sparsely but were popular live performers.
“This Goldwax” comes in a wide spine sleeve, with fully illustrated and annotated inner sleeves.
A perfect introduction to the label as it enters its seventh decade.
Tracklist
2LP
SIDE ONE
1. THE DARK END OF THE STREET - James Carr
2. UPTIGHT GOOD WOMAN - Spencer Wiggins
3. TO ME IT'S STORMING - George & Greer
4. CALL ON ME - Percy Milem
5. I'M LIVING GOOD - The Ovations featuring Louis Williams
6. I DON'T WANT TO TAKE A CHANCE - 'Wee' Willie Walker
7. TODDLIN' - Gene 'Bowlegs' Miller
SIDE TWO
1. FREEDOM TRAIN - James Carr
2. I'M A POOR MAN'S SON - Spencer Wiggins
3. TICKET TO RIDE - 'Wee' Willie Walker
4. WHAT'CHA GONNA DO - Phillip & The Faithfuls
5. SAY YOU NEED IT - Barbara Perry
6. WHEN YOU LOOK IN THE MIRROR - Eddie Jefferson
7. THAT'S HOW STRONG MY LOVE IS - O.V. Wright
SIDE THREE
1. LOVE ATTACK - George & Greer
2. ONCE IN A WHILE (IS BETTER THAN NEVER AT ALL) – Spencer Wiggins
3. A MAN NEEDS A WOMAN - James Carr
4. THEY SAY - The Ovations
5. A LUCKY LOSER - 'Wee' Willie Walker
6. ARABIAN JERK - The Merits
7. HAVE SOME BOOGALOO - Timmy Thomas
SIDE FOUR
1. THE WELL'S GONE DRY - Dorothy Williams
2. SPOONFUL - Playboy Five
3. I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'VE GOT (BUT IT'S GOT ME) – Percy Milem
4. A MAN IS A MEAN THING - Barbara Perry
5. WILL I EVER BE FREE - Jeb Stewart
6. SHE'S BETTER THAN YOU - Oboe with The Keys
7. HE CALLED ME BABY - Jeanne Newman
CD
1. THE DARK END OF THE STREET - James Carr
2. UPTIGHT GOOD WOMAN - Spencer Wiggins
3. TO ME IT'S STORMING - George & Greer
4. CALL ON ME - Percy Milem
5. I'M LIVING GOOD - The Ovations featuring Louis Williams
6. I DON'T WANT TO TAKE A CHANCE - 'Wee' Willie Walker
7. TODDLIN' - Gene 'Bowlegs' Miller
8. FREEDOM TRAIN - James Carr
9. I'M A POOR MAN'S SON - Spencer Wiggins
10. TICKET TO RIDE - 'Wee' Willie Walker
11. WHAT'CHA GONNA DO - Phillip & The Faithfuls
12. SAY YOU NEED IT - Barbara Perry
13. WHEN YOU LOOK IN THE MIRROR - Eddie Jefferson
14. THAT'S HOW STRONG MY LOVE IS - O.V. Wright
15. LOVE ATTACK - George & Greer
16. ONCE IN A WHILE (IS BETTER THAN NEVER AT ALL) – Spencer Wiggins
17. A MAN NEEDS A WOMAN - James Carr
18. THEY SAY - The Ovations
19. A LUCKY LOSER - 'Wee' Willie Walker
20. ARABIAN JERK - The Merits
21. HAVE SOME BOOGALOO – Timmy Thomas
22. THE WELL'S GONE DRY - Dorothy Williams
23. SPOONFUL - Playboy Five
24. I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'VE GOT (BUT IT'S GOT ME) – Percy Milem
25. A MAN IS A MEAN THING - Barbara Perry
26. WILL I EVER BE FREE - Jeb Stewart
27. SHE'S BETTER THAN YOU - Oboe with The Keys
28. HE CALLED ME BABY - Jeanne Newman