Wattstax - The Living Word (2LP)
50th Anniversary edition
Conductor – Dale Warren
2 LPs, Gatefold jacket
Original analog Master tape : YES
Heavy Press : 180g
Record color : Black
Speed : 33 RPM
Size : 12'’
Stereo
Live
Record Press : unspecified
Label : Craft Recordings
Original Label : Stax
Recorded live at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on August 20, 1972
Engineered by Dave Purple, Pete Bishop, Ray Thompson, William Brown
Mixed by Terry Manning, Tom Nixon
Produced by Al Bell
Mastered by Chris Muth
Photography by Howard Bingham, Roland Charles, Waldo Nilo
Reissued in 2023
Tracks :
Side A:
- The Staple Singers - Oh La De Da [click here to see more vinyl featuring The Staple Singers]
- The Staple Singers - I Like the Things About Me
- The Staple Singers - Respect Yourself
- The Staple Singers - I'll Take You There
- Eddie Floyd - Knock on Wood
- Eddie Floyd - Lay Your Loving on Me Live
Side B:
- Carla Thomas - I Like What You're Doing (To Me)
- Carla Thomas - Gee Whiz
- Carla Thomas - I Have a God Who Loves
- Rufus Thomas - The Breakdown
- Rufus Thomas - Do the Funky Chicken
- Rufus Thomas - Do the Funky Penguin
Side C:
- The Bar-Kays - Son of Shaft / Feel It
- The Bar-Kays - I Can't Turn You Loose
- Albert King - Killing Floor
- Albert King - I'll Play the Blues for You
- Albert King - Angel of Mercy
Side D:
- The Soul Children - I Don't Know What This World Is Coming To
- The Soul Children - Hearsay
- Isaac Hayes - Ain't No Sunshine [click here to see more vinyl featuring Isaac Hayes]
Reviews :
“Wattstax: The Living Word is a two-CD document of the all-day festival of Stax acts in Los Angeles in 1972 contains decent performances by the Staple Singers, Eddie Floyd, the Bar-Kays, Carla Thomas, Rufus Thomas, Albert King, the Soul Children and Isaac Hayes. It's not remarkably different from what you'll find on those artists' records, however, and Isaac Hayes does none of his more popular singles, his contribution being limited to a 17-minute cover of Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine." Check out the Bar-Kays' outrageous eight-minute soul-rock workout on "Son of Shaft," though, which goes into some Santana-like grooves in the middle; Rufus Thomas launches into three dance novelties in a row ("The Breakdown," "Do the Funky Chicken," and "Do the Funky Penguin"). Note: a couple of these cuts (the Staple Singers' "Oh La De Da" and "Lay Your Loving on Me"), although programmed as if they were recorded live at the event, are actually versions that were re-recorded in the studio.” AllMusic Review by Richie Unterberger
“I think both Wattstax: The Living Word and The Living Word: Wattstax 2 sound pretty fantastic for 8-track recordings captured on the fly at a massive, one-time concert event like this — similar to Woodstock, which, for what it is, sounds pretty remarkable at times. So, don't be thrown by this numerical ranking, as these Wattstax LPs do sound really quite great, all things considered... Kim Weston's concert-opening take on the NAACP-acknowledged Black National Anthem 'Lift Every Voice and Sing' is a jaw-dropper. There are some powerful gospel moments from The Golden 13 on 'Old Time Religion,' and it is essential to hear Rev. Jesse Jackson's album-opening comments here as well. This is where we also get to hear The Dramatics doing their smash breakthrough hit 'Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get,' in addition to an extended set by the great David Porter.” Mark Smotroff, Analog Planet