Impressions: I’ve heard of this album, but never listened to a minute of it, mostly because radio stations rarely play live albums and, I guess, some laziness on my part. Let’s put it on… Right off the bat, the atmosphere is pretty great; sounds like a hot crowd in a smaller, more intimate setting that most concert albums. Sam “Mr. Soul” Cooke and his band come out to “Feel It (Don’t Fight It)” and I’m spellbound. His distinct smooth voice has a little rasp to it which gives his normally sweet singing style a whole new dimension missing from his sometimes white-bread radio hits. Add that with, the band’s swinging R&B sound is explosive and never lets up and this shit is giving me chills. Seriously, I’m almost in tears over here, this is so good. Sam (known as the Black Elvis) has got the crowd singing along like I’ve never heard before at a concert. It’s like a church rave-up the way he’s pushing the crowd and the band. What a shame he died two years after this. Even his overly-familar and shopworn hits like “Chain Gang” or “Cupid” have completely new life in this electric setting. I’m floored by the energy of the room and the drop-dead performance by Sam and the band. I think this is now on my list of Top 10 concerts I wish I could take a time machine to see. Clausterphobic and sweaty and great mix of raw and smooth. I’m blown away. Where has this album been my whole life? I’m angry I haven’t heard it 1000 times before.

Starred Songs: “Bring It On Home To Me,” “Chain Gang,” “Cupid,” even “Twistin’ The Night Away,” okay all of the songs…
Sneaky Tracks: All of them
Should this album be on the list? Yes, higher.
Will you listen to this again? Yes. Maybe today.

Verdict: Stellar. jaw-dropping live picture of R&B legend Sam Cooke at his prime. Funky, soulful, life-affirming… it doesn’t get better than this.
Rating: ★★★★★