Hank Ballard saw one of his songs, "The Twist," turned into a craze by an R&B singer without soul; saw his style expanded by singers like James Brown and Clyde McPhatter without much recognition; saw his joyously risqué mentality become the norm in rock & roll and R&B; but he never had the fame he was due. Sure, he had hits and is well-known among most serious R&B/soul fans, but that stops just short of the iconic status that he deserves. And if any collection makes a case for his greatness, it's the superb 20-track ...
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Hank Ballard saw one of his songs, "The Twist," turned into a craze by an R&B singer without soul; saw his style expanded by singers like James Brown and Clyde McPhatter without much recognition; saw his joyously risqué mentality become the norm in rock & roll and R&B; but he never had the fame he was due. Sure, he had hits and is well-known among most serious R&B/soul fans, but that stops just short of the iconic status that he deserves. And if any collection makes a case for his greatness, it's the superb 20-track overview Sexy Ways: The Best of Hank Ballard & the Midnighters, released on Rhino in 1993. Over the course of 20 tracks, the best of Ballard's singles for Federal and King, including one cut with the Royals, are unveiled; and years later his music still sounds exuberant, salacious, impassioned, and irresistible -- among the best '50s R&B has to offer. It's a bit of a shock to hear what a carnal punch this music still packs, decades after it was recorded. It's not just the clear sexuality of "Work With Me Annie"; "Sexy Ways"; "Annie's Aunt Fannie"; or "Look at Little Sister;" (the latter effectively cut by Stevie Ray Vaughan); but even "The Twist" is charged and vibrant with sensuality, something Chubby Checker's bland remake ignored. There is an undercurrent throughout these dance songs -- and it's irresistible -- but what is more stunning is the consistently brilliant songwriting, and perhaps the impassioned performances. Either way, this is brilliant, timeless music, transcending the pigeonhole of great '50s R&B to stand among some of the great pop music of the 20th century . ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rovi
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Fair. All our items come in the original case with artwork, though manuals and slipcovers are not always guaranteed to be included as these items are donated goods and will show some wear and tear from normal use. Jewel cases will be included but may be damaged and/or cracked. We typically resurface discs that are visibly scratched prior to shipping, but we do not test disc(s). Digital codes may not be included and have not been tested to be redeemable and/or active. Thank you for shopping with Goodwill Colorado! Orders shipped Monday through Friday. Safe and Secure Bubble Mailer! Your purchase helps put people to work and learn life skills to reach their full potential. Thank you!
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