line up 1 (1961-93)

- Arthur Alexander (aka June Alexander) (RIP 1993) -- vocals

  supporting musicians: (1972)

- Hayword Bishop -- drums, percussion

- Thomas Cain -- piano 

- Charles Chalmers -- horn arrangements

- Gene Chrisman -- drums, percussion

- Johnny Christopher -- guitar 

- Tommy Cogbill -- bass 

- Shane Keister -- keyboards 

- Bobby Emmons -- keyboards 

- Eddie Hinton -- guitar 

- Mike Leech -- bass, string arrangements 

- Kenny Malone -- drums 

- Bobby Wood -- piano 

- Reggie Young -- guitar 

- none known

Genre: soul

Rating: 4 stars ****

Title:  Arthur Alexander

Company: Warner Brothers

Catalog: BS 2592
Year: 1972

Country/State: Florence, Alabama

Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+

Comments: still in shrink wrap (opened)

Available: 1

Catalog ID: --

Price: $30.00

Given his debut album was released in 1962 ("You Better Move On" - Dot catalog number DLP 25434), I always wondered why it took a talented singer like the late Arthur Alexander a decade to record a sophomore album.  During that ten year period Alexander managed to record fourteen singles across three labels, but nobody had enough faith to  finance a sophomore album.  In my book it's one of soul music's countless crimes.

I've also always wondered who at Warner Brothers made the decision Alexander was an act they wanted to sign.  Whereas Warner had a long track record with rock and pop outfits, Southern soul wasn't a musical niche that seemed to fit in the marketing plan.  Fame, Stax, Atlantic ...  Sure.  Those potential partnership made perfect sense.  Warner Brothers?  Recorded in Muscle Shoals Studios with bassist Tommy Cobill producing, "Arthur Alexander" was simply a business tragedy.  Musically the album showcased a charming mixture of Alexander penned originals and cover tunes; including four tracks written by singer/songwriter Dennis Linde.  Material like 'I'm Coming Home', the heartbreaking ballad 'In The Middle Of It All' and the classic story song 'Rainbow Road' easily stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the classic Stax catalog.  Alexander's voice and delivery were unique in that, unlike most of his soul contemporaries, his dry, gruff vocals were restrained and understated.  Alexander wasn't even going to try to outpower a Wilson Picket, or Otis Redding.   Elsewhere the album was interesting for Alexander's version of 'Burning Love.'  Released a couple of months before Elvis Presley's version  it may lack the rock energy of Presley's take, but I find it every bit as enjoyable. My biggest complaint with the album stems for Cogbill's bizarre decision to keep the songs super-short.  Virtually every song clocked in under three minutes and exemplified by 'I'm Comin' Home' and 'Burning Love', he routinely faded performances out just as they were building up steam.  That shortcoming aside, this is a great, overlooked soul classic.  Glad to have a copy in my collection.  

Warner Brothers floated a couple of singles, but doesn't appear to have done much to support the album which quickly disappeared into cutout bins.

Arthur Alexander" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) I'm Comin' Home (Dennis Linde) - 1:55 rating: **** stars

The first of four tracks written by Dennis Linde, powered by Alexander's gritty voice 'I'm Comin' Home' was Southern soul for folks who didn't like the genre.  Built on a breezy New Orleans-flavored groove (with a distinctive Stax flavor), it was nearly impossible to sit still through this one.  Warner Brothers tapped it as a promotional single:

- 1972's 'I'm Comin' Home' b/w 'It Hurts To Want It So Bad' (Warner catalog number WB 7571)

2.) It Hurts To Want It So Bad (Kim Smith - Steve Smith - Charles Valdman) - 2:17  rating: **** stars
One of the prettiest Southern soul ballads I've ever heard, 'It Hurts To Want It So Bad' had some stunning lyrics that served to spotlight Alexander's unique vocals. Alexander's low-keyed delivery was simply so different from most soul singers who "power" their way through ballads.  

3.) Go On Home Girl  (Arthur Alexander) - 2:43 rating: *** stars

An Alexander original, the ballad 'Go On Home Girl' first appeared as a 1962 single.  Under the title 'Go Home, Girl'  it served as the "B" side to 'You're the Reason.'  Other than giving the song a slightly modified title and an updated '70s sound, the remake didn't really differ much from the original.  Ah, the heartache associated with stealing someone's girlfriend.

4.) In The Middle Of It All (Arthur Alexander) - 3:05  rating: **** stars

If you were looking for a "heartbreak" song for a movie, you'd be hard pressed to find something more poignant than Alexander's 'In The Middle Of It All.'  This was another track that Arthur had recorded earlier.  In fact, he apparently laid down at least four versions of the song.  About the best compliment I can make is that anyone who loves Solomon Burke is going to fall head-over-heels for this one.

5.) Burning Love (Dennis Linde) -  2:39  rating: **** stars

Yes, Elvis' cover is the one most folks know.  It's the version I grew up with and is certainly more pop-oriented than Alexander's version.  That said, I love this version.  It's not drastically different, but Alexander's earnest delivery is a hoot.  My only complaint has to do with the abrupt fade-out.  The song was simply too short.  Warner Brothers actually released it as a single before the Elvis version came out, but they did little to promote the 45.  Shame.

- 1972's 'Burning Love' b/w ' It Hurts To Want It So Bad' (Warner Brothers catalog number WB 7658)

6.) Rainbow Road (Donnie Fritts - Dan Penn) - 3:25  rating: **** stars
A classic Southern soul story song tune, 'Rainbow Road' would have made Clarence Carter proud.   Yeah, I'm a sucker for the genre and this is one of the best of the best.

(side 2)
1.) Love's Where Life Begins (Arthur Alexander - Dale Ward) - 2:05  rating: *** stars

A mash-up of Gospel and Stax-styled soul, 'Love's Where Life Begins' was quite commercial.  Yeah, the backing vocals were a little ragged, but it would have made a dandy mid-'60s single.

2.) Down The Back Roads (Steve Cropper - Mary Williams - Jackie Cooke) - 2:27   rating: **** stars

As a big Steve Cropper fan, any project with his fingerprints on it is of interest to me.  The beautiful, understated ballad 'Down The Back Roads' was no exception.  Easily one of Alexander's prettiest performances.

3.) Call Me Honey (Dennis Linde) -  2:17  rating: **** stars

Powered by some Stax-styled horns, Linde's 'Call Me Honey'  added a playful sense of humor to Alexander's nifty performance.   Hard not to smile when you hear the chorus. 

4.) Come Along With Me (Donnie Fritts - Arthur Alexander) - 2:42   rating: *** stars

Powered by some patented Stax-styled B3 Hammond moves, 'Come Along With Me' was another ballad that draws comparisons to Solomon Burke.  "We can make it like grits and gravy ..."  Too funny.

5.) Call Me In Tahiti (Dennis Linde) - 2:23   rating: **** stars

It wasn't going to change your life, but surrounding Alexander with a tropical-tinged melody, 'Call Me In Tahiti' would have sounded fine on a Jimmy Buffett album.  When thinking about that comparison remember this was recorded in 1972 !!!   Wonder if Buffett ever heard it?

6.) Thank God He Came (Donnie Fritts - Arthur Alexander) - 2:54   rating: *** stars

On the Gospel hymn 'Thank God He Came' Alexander gave the Reverend Burke a run for his money.  

With Alexander moving on to a brief contract with  Buddah Records, Warner Brothers quickly released a pair of non-LP singles.

- 1972's 'Mr. John' b/w 'You Got Me Knockin' (Warner Brothers catalog number WB 7633)

- 1973's 'Lover Please' b/w 'They'll Do It Every Time' (Warner Brothers catalog number WB 7676)

© Scott R. Blackerby June 2024