Soul Men Soundtrack CD Releases 11/4

Although the movie about two estranged soul-singing legends who agree to participate in a reunion performance at the Apollo Theater to honor their recently deceased band leader has been afflicted with tragedy (the untimely deaths of Bernie Mac and Ike Turner), the Stax-influenced soundtrack remains unmarred.

My favorite track on the album is the cover of I'm Your Puppet by John Legend and featuring vocals by the movie's stars Samuel L. Jackson and Bernie Mac. Mac and Jackson performed on the tracks Boogie Ain’t Nuttin’ (But Gettin’ Down) and Do Your Thing which also featured vocals by Sharon Leal.

Neo-soul stars Anthony Hamilton, Leela James and Ryan Shaw, cult favorites Sharon Jones with her band The Dap Kings (known for their work with Amy Winehouse among others) and Me’Shell NdegeOcello contribute their talents to the solid album that faithfully recreates the legendary sound and flavor associated with Stax Records at the height of its popularity in the late ‘60s through the mid-‘70s.

The CD also features stellar original Stax recordings by Hayes (Never Can Say Goodbye, a 1971 Top 5 R&B and Top 30 pop hit) and longtime soul man Eddie Floyd (of Knock On Wood fame) via the 1968 hit I’ve Never Found A Girl (To Love Me Like You Do).

If you're a fan of old-time R&B, you definitely want to add the Soul Men soundtrack to your collection!