Sound The Alarm

I've had to take the time to carefully listen to Booker T's new CD as my first play led to a sense of despair. I heard echoes of the "Road to Memphis" CD which to my ears was just plain noise and with this new CD thought that I might have to conclude that my 50 year love affair with Booker T. - Mr Jones' music (as Bill Withers sang) was coming to an end.On reflection and repeated plays (once I got past the opening bars that made me think the CD was defective), I now appreciate this is a very good, if not excellent, CD with a lot of energy and excellent musicianship.In fact of the NEW releases I've bought this year (not the numerous remastered reissues) - this is my favorite. Mr. Jones is to be credited with the fact that 50 years after recording his first tracks for Stax in Memphis - he returns to the new - and finally revitalized Stax label - as musically relevant as he was then.The music is good to great- the track by Kori Withers, Bill's daughter, is among the latter, reinforcing her great YouTube performances on Netherlands Radio 6 [ suggesting it's only a matter of time before she has her own CD - hopeful with her father involved in some way. "Fun" is precisely that and "All Over the Place" has shades of "Shaft" throughout. The big question of course is whether this is really "a Booker T. CD" to his long time fans? From an organ/songwriting/producing viewpoint it obviously is.But taking a blindfold test - how many of us would say "that's a new Booker T. CD?" Few I would imagine other than to note that someone's playing the B-3 like Booker T. There are the more classic organ dominated tracks, e.g., "Father Son Blues", Austin City Blues" but these are a lot less subtle in style than Booker's playing on the last real Booker T. CD  That's the Way It Should Be  with Duck Dunn and Steve Cropper in 1994. But it is a vast (and I mean vast) improvement over his last CD  The Road From Memphis  where Questlove's unique drumming style - using trash cans of the type regularly turned over by Tom in Tom and Jerry cartoons - instead of a drum set - still rings painfully in my ears.I'm sure there are a large number of old school Booker T. fans (including me) who'd love a 2013 reprise of old times with a set of tracks similar to  Evergreen , "Time Is Tight", "Melting Pot", "Sarasota Sunset" - even "Lulu's Back In Town" from  Be Kind Rewind  with Booker T firmly in front of a MGs-type line up instead of the youngsters here.Some years ago on his website, Mr, Jones indicated he was working on a series of songs focused around blues legend Bessie Smith, entitled naturally enough "Empress of The Blues" - I don't know whether this was to be a musical or a soundtrack - and had also shared some works in progress in 2006 - "High Jam" and "Melt Jam" - as mp3 downloads. Nothing more of either project has been heard of since. It would be nice think that a 2014 outing on Stax would see a return to his more mellow roots perhaps based on these works in progress. In the interim, maybe he will be producing and playing on a Kori Withers CD in the same style as his organ-heavy mp3 outing with Jolie Holland  What A Wonderful World  - Let's hope so.

I'm not sure how to begin this review. I could choose the superfluous amount of adjectives to describe the emotion one gets from listening to this recording. I could say the collaborations are stellar. I could strongly encourage you to take a listen. But, I prefer to be selfish! This is like a secret only I want to know, a recording that I wish I had been in the recording studio as they laid these tracks down. The energy, sensuality and the fun simply exudes from this set. I don't want to share! I want to keep it all to myself. But, I cannot because this was meant to be shared. So, you're in on the secret if you want to be, if not then this soon to be Grammy nominated album will be something you'll regret you missed, even if this isn't your kind of music. That says a lot about you as there's something on here for everyone. Booker T and crew sounded the alarm, please do not remain calm as you exit with your headphones to enjoy the most beautiful Blues I've heard in quite sine time.

Received this album on vinyl on its release date of June 25, 2013. Although the description in Amazon shows 12 tracks, the vinyl version does NOT include "Austin City Blues," an instrumental featuring Gary Clark, Jr. The vinyl edition does include a "free" download of all the tracks - including Austin City Blues - but the mp3 version is at 160 kbps which is regarded as medium quality. This album, including the missing track, is available in 44.1 kHz/24 bit digital .flac on the HD Tracks website for slightly less ($17.98 vs $18.00) than the vinyl version on Amazon.As for the music, those tracks on which Booker T.'s talents are prominently displayed (less than half the tracks on the album) are excellent. The remainder - all vocals with various artists - are, for the most part less interesting. It is too bad "Austin City" isn't on the vinyl; it's among the best tracks on the album.

Booker T's later albums are always engaging, and full of his mellow musical spirit. Sound the Alarm lets him collaborate with a group of fellow artists who I have not heard. It expands his reach, and exploration of current strands of pop, soul and funk. The Avila Brothers were perfect partners, bringing a current "street cred" to many of these tracks. But then there's Poncho Sanchez in there with them! Very engaging CD, and a stretch for Booker T Jones. Congrats to all involved. Booker T's thanks to each collaborator in the liner notes are very engaging.Larry in Seattle

I understand the harsher reviews, this is a grab bag of styles, guest players and yes, quality. That said, it's a well-produced, solid collection of feelgood music and I find myself listening to it all the time. There is something here for everyone. Several tracks will have you up and dancing, or at least tapping your foot uncontrollably. The bottom line is that it's very listenable as background (while you're working, reading, cooking, entertaining, etc.) ... you know, when most people listen to music. But it's not a document of the best Booker T. can do (or has done). It's a bunch of fun music by a performer that shouldn't have to keep proving his skill and just make people feel good (as he did for me). Thanks Booker T.

I have been waiting a long time for Booker T to give me something that made me want to spin it more than once. With "Sound The Alarm" my waiting has not been in vain. A great collection of songs and a good supporting cast of musicians. There's no "Green Onions" here, but "Feel Good" really makes you want to hit the repeat button several times. Everything else is excellent blend of r&b, rock, and blues. I like the sound and the music presented on this cd and would gladly buy it again.

Enjoyed BT in years gone by and wanted to support his new effort. Enjoyed!

I did not think I would love it but I got a copy for my partner and one for his son. They both went nuts for it, so then I wanted one for myself. We have been to STAX records several times and we were glad to see that this came from there. We all would give it five stars.

Why did I buy this? It's Booker T, of course! How can anybody go wrong, if you buy his work you already know his music - The Sound of Stax. This CD isn't like the last couple though, it's different and yes different for one reason. On first listening I was sure Booker T and the MGs were playing together again. Not like they were, but the 1960s bought into the new century. Subtle, but it's there, Stax in 2013. Gave a man in his 60s a warm feeling. Sound the Alarm, we're back!

Sometimes the key playing is understated but to me it works brilliant. The collaborations on this album are perfect, for that alone its worth the money. Booker T has lost no skill in all these years.

Best Booker T album in a long time full of talent. No Steve Cropper but all the musicians that appear are talented . There is still no sound like a Hamond B3 ind the hands of a master. !!

came promptly, well wrapped, good condition - well it is new - but I was a bit disappointed in the music - but that's not the fault of the vendor of course...

Mr. Jones is chosing some excellent personnel to keep the quality so top notch. 50 years in the spotlight and still one of the best in music.