Al Green - Explores Your Mind (London 1974) 24-bit/96kHz Vinyl Rip

By the time of 1974's Al Green Explores Your Mind, this version of the Memphis sound was the production style for only a handful of artists. Producer Willie Mitchell used a lighter touch for his most famous artist, and it's all but crafted into the Al Green sound. Despite his skills, Green never falls into mannerism here and gives heartfelt and cogent vocals rooted in intelligence and technique. "Sha-La-La (Make Me Happy)," although lyrically slight, has the artist's charisma and Mitchell's pop chops. "Take Me to the River," with perfect backing from Hi Rhythm and a horn and string arrangement, finds Green at his most persuasive. The last track, "School Days," has Green longing for a school girlfriend and despite the potentially sappy sentiment, it works like a charm. The greatness of Al Green Explores Your Mind comes from a collective effort, including James Mitchell's dreamlike string arrangements and the always skilled backing vocals of Rhodes, Chalmers & Rhodes. But the biggest draw here is Green's phrasing and intimate vocals, making the record an extremely strong effort. Jason Elias AMG

Track listing:

A1. Sha-La-La (Make Me Happy)
A2. Take Me To the River
A3. God Blessed Our Love
A4. The City
A5. One Nite Stand

B1. I’m Hooked On You
B2. Stay With Me Forever
B3. Hangin’ On
B4. School Days

Personnel:

Rhythm Section:
Howard Grimes – Drums, Congo & Bongo
Leroy Hodges – Bass
Charles Hodges – Organ & Piano
Teenie Hodges – Guitar
Archie Turner & Michael Allen – Piano

Horn Section:
Wayne Jackson – Trumpet
Andrew Love – Tenor
Ed Logan – Tenor
James Mitchell – Baritone Sax
Jack Hale – Trombone

String Section:
The Memphis Strings
String Arrangements – James Mitchell

Vocal Background:
Donna Rhodes
Sandra Rhodes
Charles Chalmers

Produced by Willie Mitchell & Al Green
Recorded at Royal Recording Studios, Memphis, TN.