Castle Us / Ryko
2001
Ghetto Child
About This Album
If you're talking about packaging, the flaws of this disc are considerable. Comprised of 14 songs from 1960-1990 (most from 1960-71), the unifying theme is that all of them are taking from Houston recording sessions. But while recording dates and some personnel are noted, the original labels and dates of release are not. Furthermore, although the liner notes give a reasonable overview of Copeland's career, the tracks on this specific compilation are not discussed. And, putting the boot in, the cuts are not sequenced chronologically, but arranged almost as if someone had pressed the random button on a CD remote. Now, having aired all those complaints, the music is very good. These are fiery, committed performances in which the songs and arrangements often veer as much toward soul as toward blues. That's something that works to Copeland's advantage, both because he was versatile enough to combine styles well, and because it made him stand out from legions of other journeymen bluesmen. The 1960-71 material is particularly fine for its raw and unusual qualities. 1971's "Ghetto Child," for instance, has a searing wobbly organ that sounds like it was lifted from a warped Animals record, and its flip side, "Soul Power," has respectable funk rock influences.
Track List (try tracks 3,9,10,13 and 14)

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