JOE TEX/HOLD WHAT YOU'VE GOT SD 8106 (-65) US STEREO

One more encounter in my unscholary and very personal US soul inquiry. Joe Tex (born Joseph Arrington Jr. 1935-82) started recording his special branch of Southern Soul already 1955 when he got a contract with King label. Following nine years he issued thirty unsuccessful singles on various labels before finally getting a break with "Hold What You've Got", reaching #5 on Billboard and topping the US R&B list. Counting the 1964 Checker (LP-2993) compilation of some of those early 45:s this was his second album and first of ten for Atlantic up to 1972. I hear here a blend of soul, gospelish and countryish baked together in a way as much if it was captured from, or planned for, a stage show. Like a milder version of James Brown. He talk-sings and entertains in about the same way, just little more restrained. All songs self-penned, mostly dealing with personal matters described by a large portion humor. A good mood record, yet my impression is sketchy rather than profound so of all US soul I've listened to lately it's not top ten...not yet anyway...maybe it'll grow before my very ears eventually. Audio and stereo mix are just fine and even if not my absolute first pick from the soul barrel it's still good listening and a keeper. First also issued in Canada (same number). Also as US mono (8106). In UK 1969 as "You Better Get it" with alternate sleeve design (Atlantic 588130). Premiere US stereo had label as shown here and glossy cover. (YZÄ*)