This selection of Random Gems is inspired by the classic tracks of Atlantic Records. Recently, I was lucky enough to get my hands on some great albums from the 1960s and 1970s that have been re-released by the 'Rhino' label. 

The song: Spirit in the Dark

The player: Aretha Franklin

Her 1970 album 'Spirit in the Dark' didn't receive the commercial success of her previous efforts. Her title song is not as well known as 'Respect', 'Think' and others featured in nearly every 'college' and 'road' movie. This is one of my favourites.

Where to buy:  or amazon.com

The song: These Arms of Mine

The player: Otis Redding

I first heard this in the 'Dirty Dancing' soundtrack almost 25 years ago. At the time I didn't pay any attention to the singer - that came many years later. In the excellent BBC documentary 'Dancing in the Street - A History of Rock and Roll Episode 3: R-E-S-P-E-C-T'^1,2, Booker T says that he accompanied Otis on this song at his audition for Stax Records in 1962. 

Where to buy:  or amazon.com

The song: Take My Love with You

The players: Eli 'Paperboy' Reed and the True Loves

Eli 'Paperboy' Reed is a 2000s musician channeling the 'Soul' sound of the 50s and 60s. This song is from the 2008 Eli 'Paperboy' Reed and the True Loves album 'Roll With You'. This album has a nice deep 'soul' groove that is reminiscent of the the great albums by Otis, Aretha and Wilson (first names of course).

Where to buy:  or amazon.com

References

1. http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00fgmvy/episodes/guide
2. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0375293/combined