Only The Strong Survive Soundtrack (Koch) 3 1/2 Stars out of 4
By Dexter
http://www.indierec.com

Like Standing In The Shadows of Motown, Only The Strong Survive succeeds because of its unified theme. Unlike most soundtracks of recent years this is not a record company’s marketing ploy to promote new artists on their roster and provide exposure for established groups between albums. There’s none of the mix and match of rap, R&B; and hip hop that make even the best of those soundtracks so uneven. Based on a documentary of R&B; in the sixties and seventies (With focus on the Memphis Sound and artists who cut their teeth on Stax Records) the tracks augment the film to perfection. Most impressive, the film’s producers were able to lure many of the song’s original performers who recorded new versions of instantly recognizable tunes. Their reinterpretations prove how these R&B; staples performed by those who made them classics are as vital today as when recorded thirty and forty years ago. This has no appearance of an Oldies show by singers trying to hang on. These are vintage performers who still sound far better than those recording today. Recorded in 1999 the album includes two of the last offerings by the late-Rufus Thomas (one teamed with daughter Carla). The voices of such contributors, all recorded in live settings, are dynamic. It’s as if they were singing the song for the first time. Wilson Pickett, Sam Moore (of Sam and Dave), Jerry Butler and Isaac Hayes among others percolate. And while the singing is powerful also give a listen to the live musicians who put to shame the synthesizers and new technology that save record company money at the cost of qualitry. While each band used their own musicians they are every bit as potent as Motown’s The Funk Brothers and Philly’s MFSB. While there are any number outstanding tracks some shine more than others. “Don’t Let Go” the album’s (and movie’s) finale is Isaac Hayes back in his prime. Aside from “Shaft” Hayes too often is associated with ballads. Here like in “Shaft” Hayes is at his best with an up-tempo number which includes extended interludes of instrumentation. A classic which should be released as a single. Sam Moore does an incredible reprise of the Sam and Dave hit “Soul Man” then returns with “When Something Is Wrong With My Baby.” Listen to these and all the songs on the album and you notice the melodies are instantly identifiable, something that sadly can’t be said for today’s music. Jerry Butler is showcased with two tunes the most powerful being the title track. Give these veterans quality material and like The Isley Brothers they might be right back on the charts. There are also two Wilson Pickett tunes with “(In The) Midnight Hour” just slightly more pleasing than “Soul Survivor.” His energy and voice are incredible on both. And don’t overlook the incredible “Night Time Is The Right Time” duo by Carla Thomas and Rufus Thomas. Comparing Only The Strong Survive with Standing in the Shadows of Motown is difficult. The latter was a showcase for the often anonymous and overlooked Motown house band, The Funk Brothers. Rather than have the original hitmakers belt out the tunes current artists covered the Motown classics (and did a generally excellent job). In Only The Strong Survive the performers are featured, but, again, don’t overlook each artist’s live band. The musicians are scintillating. Both albums work showcasing the vitality of the music of the R&B;’s finest hour. On Only The Strong Survive each performer has his or her own unique identity. There’s no listening to any one tune and wondering just who is singing the song. Individuality was encouraged in those wonderful days while anonymity too often abounds today. Only The Strong Survive – classic in every way.