Otis Redding - The Dock of the Bay

Shortly after his breakthrough appearance at the Monterey Pop Festival, Otis Redding began talking of making a record that would be to soul music what Sgt. Pepper's was to rock. Sadly, "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" was the only song he recorded for this project before his untimely death, and so The Dock of the Bay wound up being a mixed bag of non-LP singles and previously unreleased material. Of course, Redding was such an amazing singer that even a ragtag collection of his stuff is worth checking out, and this album certainly has its fair share of high points, including "Tramp," a sassy duet with Carla Thomas; the funky "Don't Mess with Cupid"; and the unbelievably poignant "Ole Man Trouble." --Dan Epstein Amazon.com essential recording

****1/2

"The Dock of the Bay" sadly became Otis Redding's last album, and it's a bit of a haphazard collection as well, gathering various singles and B-sides and including tracks recorded as far back as 1965.

Perhaps surprisingly, it's also one of his best albums. The famous title track from 1968 sticks out stylistically; there is really nothing here quite like it.
The rest of the album is more traditional soul, spanning emotional ballads like "I Love You More Than Words Can Say" and the gospel-like "The Glory Of Love", swaggering soul stompers like "I'm Coming Home To See About You" and "Let Me Come On Home", and dance-friendly R&B like "The Huckle-Buck" and "Tramp", the classic duet with Carla Thomas.

Even the lesser-known songs are good, or even great. The arrangements are excellent, relatively sparse but fittingly muscular, utilizing the small horn section to great effect. This is one classic soul record, and one of the ver ybest places to experience the great Otis Redding. It's sad that it came out under such circumstances. January 6, 2008

"COULD HAVE BEEN CALLED 'AT HIS BEST, Vol. '"

The bulk of the Tracks here included Previously Released Singles, B-Sides, And a handful of of Unreleased Gems from the vaults. Well put together collection finds Otis in various settings. Album includes the Title #1 R&B/Pop Hit, Plus Hit Singles: "Tramp" (With Carla Thomas), "The Glory Of Love". Also included is the Album Favorite "I Love You More Than Words Can Say" that could have/should have been released as a Single "I Love You More Than Words Can Say". There is a couple of "Best Of's", a Box Set, but if you're seeking out getting ALL of Otis Redding's Albums (C.D.'s)...This IS a Must Have. November 17, 2007

A true soul legend in every sense of the word.

Talk about a sho nuff soulful voice. Otis Redding most definitely left his mark on the music industry before departing away from this earth. This cd is a must have for anyone who loves music. May 3, 2007

Time Has No Power

This album had a mongrel begining. It has a thoroughbred history. A soul landmark. Don't live without it. December 31, 2005

More than words can say

I stayed away from this CD for years simply because 'Dock of the Bay' was so overexposed. Recently, I gave this one a chance and it exceeded my expectations. I still think 'Immortal Otis' is the essential Otis Redding album. However, this one will blow you away too. He just has a way of owning a song and making it completely his. Otis has covered a few songs and they all take on new meaning, like 'Respect.'- just totally Otis. People have tried to take on Otis, as cover material, but his style is simply too unique, too much soul for any mere mortal. July 25, 2005

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