An unlikely pairing that works, Back to Back contains five classics each by Ben E. King and Sam & Dave. If you're not humming by the middle of "Stand By Me," you will be by the time "Don't Play That Song (You Lied)" gets going. The disc includes King's endearing "Spanish Harlem" and the churning "Supernatural Thing," where he updates his groove on a charter that should have climbed higher.
Sam & Dave are as explosive on CD as they were on vinyl, on stage, and in their private lives. They sing gutsy soul created by Memphis writers/singers Isaac Hayes & David Porter. The festivities continue with the barnstorming "Soul Man" (accented by Steve Cropper's ringing guitar), "I Thank You," a feisty rendition of "634-5789," "Hold On I'm Coming," and "Soul Sister, Brown Sugar." ~ Andrew Hamilton
