“Green Onions” is the debut album by American soul band Booker T. & the M.G.’s, released in 1962. Here’s a track listing and a brief review of each song:
“Green Onions” – The title track and the band’s biggest hit, a funky and infectious instrumental that features Booker T. Jones’ Hammond B-3 organ and Steve Cropper’s guitar riffs.
“Rinky Dink” – A lively and upbeat track that showcases the band’s tight and dynamic rhythm section, with Al Jackson Jr.’s drums and Lewie Steinberg’s bass driving the groove.
“I Got a Woman” – A soulful and bluesy cover of Ray Charles’ classic, featuring Booker T. Jones’ soulful organ playing and Steve Cropper’s bluesy guitar work.
“Mo’ Onions” – A funky instrumental that builds on the band’s signature groove, with Booker T. Jones’ organ leading the way and Steve Cropper’s guitar providing a catchy melody.
“Twist and Shout” – A high-energy cover of the Isley Brothers’ hit, featuring the band’s tight and infectious rhythm section and Booker T. Jones’ soulful organ playing.
“Behave Yourself” – A slow and soulful instrumental that showcases the band’s ability to create a heartfelt and emotional atmosphere, with Booker T. Jones’ organ playing taking center stage.
“Stranger on the Shore” – A dreamy and romantic cover of the Acker Bilk classic, featuring the band’s tight and subtle playing and Booker T. Jones’ expressive organ.
“Lonely Avenue” – A soulful and bluesy cover of Ray Charles’ classic, featuring the band’s tight and dynamic rhythm section and Booker T. Jones’ emotive organ playing.
“One Who Really Loves You” – A lively and upbeat instrumental that highlights the band’s ability to create a catchy and infectious groove, with Steve Cropper’s guitar riffs providing the melody.
“You Can’t Sit Down” – A funky and upbeat instrumental that closes out the album with the band’s signature groove, featuring Booker T. Jones’ organ playing and Steve Cropper’s guitar riffs.
Overall, “Green Onions” is a classic soul and R&B album that showcases the incredible musicianship of Booker T. & the M.G.’s. The album features the band’s signature groove and tight rhythm section, with Booker T. Jones’ Hammond B-3 organ and Steve Cropper’s guitar riffs at the forefront. From the funky and infectious “Green Onions” to the soulful and bluesy “Lonely Avenue,” the album is a masterclass in soulful instrumental music that has influenced countless musicians over the years. Whether you’re a longtime fan of soul and R&B or new to the genre, “Green Onions” is a must-listen album that captures the infectious energy and groove of Booker T. & the M.G.’s at their very best.
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