In contrast to the 1970s -- when artists ranging from
Curtis Mayfield to
Parliament/
Funkadelic were praised for their albums -- singles defined soul music in the 1960s. It has often been pointed out that many Stax and Motown albums of the '60s had their share of filler -- nonetheless, others were full of gems that should have been released as singles. Reissued on CD in 1991,
Knock on Wood is one of
Eddie Floyd's best albums. The soul shouter successfully embraced sleeker northern soul on other projects, but here he sticks to the type of raw, hard-edged Memphis soul that Stax was first known for. From the unforgettable title song (a number one R&B hit) to covers of
J.J. Jackson's "But It's Alright,"
Jerry Butler's "I Stand Accused," and
Wilson Pickett's "634-5789," this CD beautifully illustrates the splendor of down-home Southern R&B. ~ Alex Henderson