448. Otis Redding, "Dictionary of Soul"

 


Otis Redding's last studio album before he died in a plane crash in 1967.  He was 26 years old when he died!  This record has some incredible stuff - like his "Try a Little Tenderness," which I was yesterday years old when I learned is a cover of a Bing Crosby song, of all things - and some far-out-man stuff, like his cover of "Day Tripper" by Lennon & McCartney.  But really, I don't care if it's soul classics or Tin Pan Alley songs or "Happy Birthday," I would listen to Otis Redding sing anything.  That voice is insane.

Like all great records, the backing band on this is Booker T. & the MG's.  The talent on this album is so deep that Isaac Hayes is playing piano.  Piano!  That's like having Greg Maddux pitching batting practice.

So this is a perfectly good way to ease into what God help us should be a better year.  It's rainy and shitty in San Francisco today and it's a good day to just let this wash over you.  Otis is a balm.

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