FILE UNDER: The queen in her prime.
CORPORATE LINE: On March 5-7, 1971, the one and only Queen of Soul headlined Bill Graham’s world-famous rock venue Fillmore West. Her connection with the enthralled audience proved intense, and the shows were a seminal breakthrough for Aretha’s own peerless legacy and for the popularization of soul music overall. Disc 1 features the original single-disc album Aretha Live At Fillmore West, updated to present two previously edited tracks in their entirety including Franklin’s momentous duet with Ray Charles–who just happened to be in the audience–on “Spirit In The Dark”. Disc 2 is comprised of rare alternate versions previously available only on the very limited edition, now out-of-print, Rhino Handmade title Don’t Fight The Feeling: The Complete Aretha Franklin & King Curtis Live At Fillmore West.
THE REVIEW: From the opening when Aretha takes on “Respect” at a dizzying speed you know this show must have been electric. The first disc is the originally released Live At Fillmore West with songs ranging from “Love The One Your With” and some interesting choices such as “Eleanor Rigby” and “Bridge Over Troubled Waters”. Neither sound like the originals—these are masterful remakes.
The second disc is full of some of the same tracks—but from different nights. The only new songs are “Mixed-up Girl”, “Call Me”, and “You’re All I Need To Get By”. “Spirit In The Sky” is in two parts—the second part Aretha invites the genius Ray Charles onstage to sing along. It’s a moment that must have been priceless.
FRANKLY: There is a reason Aretha Franklin is the queen. It must have been magical to stand in that audience. Aretha Franklin Live At Fillmore West is as close as you will ever get to being at that show.
+ Rae Gun
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