Memphis Boys: The Story of American Studios

Liner Note Authors: John Broven; Roben Jones; Tony Rounce.
Though it doesn't quite have the reputation or mystique of the studios for Sun Records and Stax Records, American Studios was also a major generator of rock and soul hits in Memphis. Produced as a soundtrack/companion to Roben James' book of the same name, Memphis Boys: The Story of American Studios has a couple dozen hits and other noteworthy tracks recorded at the facility between 1966 and 1970. Indeed, it's more oriented toward familiar hit records than the usual Ace compilation. When a studio cut distinctive, richly arranged soul and rock hits of such quality, however, that's nothing to complain about. And there are plenty of classic smashes here: the Box Tops' "The Letter," Dusty Springfield's "Son of a Preacher Man," Merrilee Rush's "Angel of the Morning," the Gentrys' "Keep on Dancing," Sandy Posey's "Born a Woman,' Wilson Pickett's "I'm in Love," Joe Tex's "Skinny Legs and All," James & Bobby Purify's 'Shake a Tail Feather," and Danny O'Keefe's "Good Time Charlie's Got the Blues," to name some. For those looking for something a little or a lot less famous, there are Southern soul sides by the likes of Bobby Womack, Spencer Wiggins, Clay Hammond, Percy Milem, and L.C. Cooke (brother of Sam Cooke). Elvis Presley is represented by a cover of Hank Snow's "I'm Movin' On," and while Mark James' original version of "Suspicious Minds" (a number one hit for Elvis in 1969) has been reissued before, its inclusion guarantees it will be heard by quite a few appreciative listeners who might have been previously unaware of its existence. Expert annotation (including a track-by-track rundown) and Ace's typically ace vintage graphics/photos complement a collection that makes you eager to read the much lengthier book that inspired it. ~ Richie Unterberger