So doggone good. I originally got hipped to this record in the throes of my Massive Attack / Portishead / Tricky obsession, after learning that it contained the “Glory Box” sample (and, subsequently, “Hell Is Round The Corner,” whutup the-breaks.com). After a few months of determined digging, I found Black Moses at my local record spot and upon unraveling the meticulously-designed gatefold, realized this wasn’t just another sample record, it's the most ambitious (bordering on grandiose) statement from one of the most important soul auteurs of our time. Not just genre-defining, but decade-defining; full of lush instrumentation and sweeping orchestra (arranged by Dale Warren of 24 Carat Black) and executed with an epic scope that gave the psych and prog bands of the day a run for their money. And yeah, it’s a 90 minute Stax record; of course there’s gonna be breaks. Best consumed in full, but here are the highlights: “Going In Circles,” “Ike’s Rap II,” “Ike’s Rap III / Your Love Is So Doggone Good,” “Never Can Say Goodbye,” “(They Long To Be) Close To You.” This deluxe edition is pressed on double 180g heavyweight vinyl, housed in replica 6 panel foldout sleeve (double sided!) with printed inner sleeves, remastered from the original tapes. Only 750 copies pressed. Recommended.

• 180g double vinyl pressing
• remastered from original analog tapes by Dave Cooley at Elysian Masters
• housed in deluxe double-sided foldout packaging
• full-color printed inner sleeves
• limited to 750 copies
• music label: Stax 2018

reviewed by hannibal chew 03/2018