Labels We Love – Hi Records

Al Green – Greatest Hits – Reviewed in 2006

Greatest Hits

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A distinguished member of the Better Records Rock and Pop Hall of Fame.

This Hi LP sounds JUST RIGHT to me. There aren’t enough copies floating around for me to shootout. I no longer have the DCC LP; I sold my test pressing long ago. I remember it sounded a bit thick, but that was on a very different stereo than the one I own today. It has been my experience that when I hear a really dead-on early pressing of a record like this, the 180g version will tend to come up short. If you own the DCC pressing, I guarantee this copy is better or your money back. (more…)

Al Green – Gets Next To You

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Incredible sound throughout for this Hi Records pressing with each side earning Top Honors — Triple Plus (A+++) from start to finish
These sides are both stunning — clean, clear, dynamic and spacious with tons of bottom end weight
“Al Green and producer Willie Mitchell established their classic sound with Green’s second album… Alternating between Sam Cooke’s croon and Otis Redding’s shout, Green develops his own distinctive style, and Gets Next to You only touches the surface of its depth.” – All Music

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Al Green – Let’s Stay Together

More Al Green

Let’s Stay Together

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A distinguished member of the Better Records Rock and Pop Hall of Fame.

It’s rare that we have copies of this brilliant record up on our site, and it’s not for a lack of effort on our end.

It’s tough enough to find any copies of Green’s early LPs out in the bins, let alone clean copies with great sound. I wish we were able to find more copies of this album, because when you stumble on a good one it’s an absolute thrill. The best pressings give you a big, spacious soundfield and put Green’s vocals right up front. If you’ve got a pressing of your own around, throw it on for comparison’s sake — odds are pretty good that the sound will be dry and grainy, particularly on the strings. (more…)

Al Green – I’m Still In Love With You

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I’m Still In Love With You

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A distinguished member of the Better Records Rock and Pop Hall of Fame.

This is The Memphis Sound at its best — big Hammond organs with whirring Leslie speakers, funky drums, punchy brass blasts, and lovely string arrangements.

Al Green’s singing is superb, of course, but one thing that really stands out after hearing the best Hot Stamper copies is the quality of the musicians’ performances. The rhythm section on this album really drives the music. Just listen to the punchy kick drum and deep, note-like bass on a song like Love and Happiness — the band is rockin’.

The Hodges Brothers — the house band at Hi Records, known for their “telepathic interplay” — deliver rock solid musicianship just brimming with energy and soul. The brass is handled by the truly great Memphis Horns, of Stax Records fame. (more…)