In 1968, with numerous classic hits under their collective belt, Paul Revere and the Raiders were ready to stretch out and explore new musical territory. One of the first manifestations of the band's creative restlessness... more »--and perhaps the biggest departure of their recording career--was Goin' to Memphis. Recorded at Memphis' American studios (where Elvis Presley would stage his comeback sessions the following year) with legendary producer Chips Moman and such local session aces as Tommy Cogbill, Spooner Oldham and Bobby Woods, the project diverged sharply from the Raiders' established sound, introducing a gritty blue-eyed soul style that proved to be an ideal showcase for the vocal and songwriting talents of frontman and main songwriter Mark Lindsay. At the time, the abrupt stylistic shift generally confused the band's audience. But in the years since, Goin' to Memphis has been recognized as a lost gem, thanks to such effortlessly soulful tunes as "Peace of Mind," "Every Man Needs a Woman" and "I Don't Want Nobody," as well as distinctive covers of the R&B classics "Soul Man" and "Boogaloo Down Broadway." The Sundazed edition of Goin' to Memphis features new liner notes by Lindsay, recounting the history of this one-of-a-kind project.« less
In 1968, with numerous classic hits under their collective belt, Paul Revere and the Raiders were ready to stretch out and explore new musical territory. One of the first manifestations of the band's creative restlessness--and perhaps the biggest departure of their recording career--was Goin' to Memphis. Recorded at Memphis' American studios (where Elvis Presley would stage his comeback sessions the following year) with legendary producer Chips Moman and such local session aces as Tommy Cogbill, Spooner Oldham and Bobby Woods, the project diverged sharply from the Raiders' established sound, introducing a gritty blue-eyed soul style that proved to be an ideal showcase for the vocal and songwriting talents of frontman and main songwriter Mark Lindsay. At the time, the abrupt stylistic shift generally confused the band's audience. But in the years since, Goin' to Memphis has been recognized as a lost gem, thanks to such effortlessly soulful tunes as "Peace of Mind," "Every Man Needs a Woman" and "I Don't Want Nobody," as well as distinctive covers of the R&B classics "Soul Man" and "Boogaloo Down Broadway." The Sundazed edition of Goin' to Memphis features new liner notes by Lindsay, recounting the history of this one-of-a-kind project.
CD Reviews
Mark's first solo album
Hank Wirtz | Spokane, WA | 04/15/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"If you like Elvis Presley's Fat/Vegas period, then you'll love this album, because it's the same kind of songs performed by most of the same musicians. Mark Lindsay was the only Raider to appear on this album, so it has a different kind of sound, but since many of the songs are originals by Lindsay, you still get a Raideresque feel. My favorites include "Boogaloo Down Broadway" "My Way" and the Title Track, which used to be Ray Charles's live opener."
Mighty fine soul
Alejandra Vernon | Long Beach, California | 06/15/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Sold as a "Raiders" recording, it isn't. This remarkable CD is actually Mark Lindsay and some of the finest musicians in Memphis, put together by producer Chips Moman, and it has that great "Otis/Sam & Dave" sound...with arrangements that are tight and solid (the horns are a knock-out) and a whole lot of soul.9 of the songs were penned by Mark, are excellent, and fit in well with the likes of the Sam and Dave hit "Soul Man". My absolute favorite is "I Don't Want Nobody" by Thomas/Jones, with Mark's "Goin' to Memphis" a close second.2 of the bonus tracks are previously unissued, and are a treat to have included here. This is a CD that gets better with each hearing...it has a lot of depth as well as super fine musicianship. If you like soul music, and appreciate Mark's amazing voice and talent, this one's for you !"
Warm, but not hot
R. Riis | NY | 11/17/2002
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Essentially the Mark Lindsay Soul Revue, featuring session musicians in lieu of the actual Raiders. Lindsay has the voice and the inclination for blue-eyed soul, but something just something doesn't quite ignite here. Perhaps the most ambitious but least interesting Raiders album, excluding the Christmas oddity, in the catalog."
Paul Revere & the Raiders, Goin' to Memphis
Charles R. Foreman | Fort Worth, Texas | 11/30/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Often called one of America's forgotten groups, Mark Lindsay and company stretched their range on this album and perfectly blended the Raider's style with Blue-eyed soul. Peace of Mind, the only hit off the album, was actually an ad on to the Memphis sessions. If you like seeing how your favorite groups can do something a little different, try this one; a real tribute to Mark Lindsay's vocal and song writing talent."
Track Listings (15) - Disc #1