miércoles, 9 de septiembre de 2009

MEGA POST: Irma Thomas - Chronological (1960 - 2006)

The unrivaled Soul Queen of New Orleans Irma Thomas ranks among Crescent City R&B's greatest and most enduring musical ambassadors, never enjoying the coast-to-coast commercial success of contemporaries like Aretha Franklin and Etta James but nevertheless breathing the same rarified air in the minds of many soul music aficionados. Born Irma Lee in Ponchatoula, LA, on February 18, 1941, she was discovered in 1958 by band leader Tommy Ridgley. Her early records were popular locally, but an R&B hit came in 1960 with '(You Can Have My Husband But Please) Don’t Mess With My Man'. The following year Thomas rejoined producer/writer Allen Toussaint, with whom she had worked on her first recordings. This reunion resulted in two of Irma’s finest singles, 'It’s Raining' and 'Ruler of My Heart' (1962), the latter a prototype for Otis Redding’s 'Pain In My Heart'. After signing with the Imperial Records label in 1963 Thomas recorded 'Wish Someone Would Care' (her biggest national hit, reaching the US Top 20), with its famous flip side, the dynamic 'Break-a-way', while the follow-up 'Anyone Who Knows What Love Is (Will Understand)' also entered the national chart. This single is better recalled for its b-side, 'Time Is on My Side', which was successfully covered by the Rolling Stones. Thomas continued to record excellent singles without achieving due commercial success. Her final hit was a magnificent interpretation of 'Good to Me' (1968), recorded at Muscle Shoals and issued on Chess Records. She then moved to Canyon, Roker and Cotillion, before appearing on Swamp Dogg’s short-lived Fungus label with 'In Between Tears' (1973). Thomas continued to record fine albums for the Rounder Records label throughout the '80s and '90s and she remains a highly popular live attraction. Her career has continued into the new millennium with regular studio albums. After the Rain, released in 2006, was nominated for a Best Contemporary Blues Album Grammy, and Simply Grand (2008) featured Thomas in an acoustic setting accompanied by a host of piano players, including Dr. John, Ellis Marsalis, Randy Newman, and others. Here's an gargantuan collection of 256 songs, kindly provided by our dear friend Mike from Florida, spanning all five decades of Thomas' amazing work. It includes different mixes of some of Irma's most notable tracks, live performances and a lot of rarities. Enjoy!! http://www.allmusic.com/, http://www.oldies.com/
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Irma Thomas singing 'It's raining'. Awesome:

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Thomas performs 'I've Been Loving You Too Long' at the New Orleans Jazz Festival, 1989.

15 comentarios:

Noelia Almenara dijo...

http://rapidshare.com/files/275010352/Irma_Thomas_-_Chronological__1960_-_2006__part_1.rar

http://rapidshare.com/files/275429963/Irma_Thomas_-_Chronological__1960_-_2006__part_2.rar

http://rapidshare.com/files/276702837/Irma_Thomas_-_Chronological__1960_-_2006__part_3.rar

http://rapidshare.com/files/277145449/Irma_Thomas_-_Chronological__1960_-_2006__part_4.rar

http://rapidshare.com/files/277575546/Irma_Thomas_-_Chronological__1960_-_2006__part_5.rar

Anónimo dijo...

like the music soundtrack. who sings 'what's this i see'?

david

Noelia Almenara dijo...

I am glad you like my playlist, scottdavida. As a matter of fact, I am doing a second one, to change it when I get tired of this. By the way, June Conquest sings What's This I See. You can see the credits at the bottom of the page.

Y yo qué sé dijo...

Thanks¡¡¡
y yo qué sé.....
Eva

Noelia Almenara dijo...

Gracias, Eva! Me gusta mucho tu blog! Un abrazo
Nosi

Troglodyte dijo...

Mega post indeed!! This is GREAT!! Thanks a lot!!

Carlos Blanco dijo...

Que bueno!!!. Ahora de 5 en 5 :-)
Muchas gracias.

Al's Pal dijo...

I thought I had most her stuff - this is a triumph. Huge props to a a true collector with great taste !

troods dijo...

I feel like my birthday is here early!! Incredible gift, I love Irma Thomas and the legacy she carries. Thank you much.

bearwolf dijo...

what an amazing post! any chance of a re-up of part 1 though, as it seems to be down? thanks!

apollojams dijo...

Hi, Nosi. I most humbly second Theo's request for a re-up of Part 1. I devoted five overnights [very slow internet connection, i'm sad to say] just to see what was IN them...and my favorite sides by Irma are all in part one. I know you've moved on, but the entire thing is so wonderful it's a shame that one of the 5 parts doesn't work. :(

Unknown dijo...

Hi Nosi!

First of all: WHAT A THANG !

THANX SO MUCH 4 THIS GREAT GREAT BLOG !

& then - i'd like 2 speak with Theo & Appolojams:
could you please please please 2 reup - http://rapidshare.com/files/275010352/Irma_Thomas_-_Chronological__1960_-_2006__part_1.rar

Private Beach dijo...

Great stuff - thank you. Can I add my voice to those requesting a reup of Part 1? It's a shame not to have the complete collection.

Liam Latrine dijo...

Thx for 4 parts - did anyone ever get part 1?

Chris dijo...

Hi, if only you could re-up your posts... hope you are in good health that's the most important greetz - Chris