EDDIE FLOYD/KNOCK ON WOOD S 714 (-67) US

As a retiree I can't think of any better way to spend time than collecting old vinyl. Not only getting the opportunity to enjoy lots of good music, there can also be eye candy in shape of label designs and good sized sleeves, inners and inserts. But for me most enjoyable is finding gems now almost forgotten by the large public, or ones that I myself for some reason never noticed before. Seen this many times in used bins through the years but always passed it by, till I finally decided to give this copy a try. Eddie Floyd started as member of fifites vocal group The Falcons 1957-63, scoring a US hit with "You're So Fine" 1959. From 1965 contracted as songwriter for Stax, mostly working together with label guitarist Steve Cropper, then among other things writing hits for his former Falcons band mate Wilson Pickett. 1966 he himself recorded a song originally meant for Otis Redding - "Knock On Wood". It became an instant hit and have been covered frequently since. With that background it's strange this debute LP didn't sell better at release or haven't been more cherished by the large public...cause it is a gem. Part of the Atlantic soul stable, but coming out slighly otherwise than for exemple Otis Redding and in comparison to Sam & Dave more reminding of the duos debute - "Hold On I'm Coming" - than their later stuff. Based on rock and R&B with a clear southern accent, rather slow and very cool with mostly marked rhythm and intricate brass. Singing heartwarming and connective, showing his vocal group background. Title track mono, the rest for its time very good stereo and audio on this press excellent. All together pleasant listening. Favorites - "Knock On Wood", "High-Heel Sneakers" and "I've Just Been Feeling Bad". Also as US mono (714). Originally issued in Canada (SD 7414/714C) and UK (589006). Italian (Atlantic ATL LP 08008) came with alternate sleeve design. Later reissued in US, Europe and Japan on vinyl and CD. First US stereo had label as shown here and glossy cover. (TÄX*)