Stax Revue Live in ’65 – A Time Machine Back to the Golden Age of Soul
There are few labels in music history that capture the raw energy, passion, and groove of 1960s soul quite like Stax Records. From Booker T. & the MGs to Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Carla Thomas, and William Bell, Stax defined an era with its distinctive Southern soul sound.
Now, with the release of Stax Revue Live in ’65, fans are invited to step back in time to witness one of the most exciting soul showcases ever staged. This new 2CD set captures the Stax/Volt Revue on stage in all its glory, blending powerhouse vocal performances with tight, driving instrumentals from the legendary Booker T. & the MGs.
The set includes:
2 CDs featuring both well-known classics and previously unreleased material.
A beautifully put-together booklet, offering background on the venues, the artists, and the atmosphere of the shows. It’s full of period photos, stories, and nostalgia that really bring the era to life.
Recordings from the 54 Ballroom (with highlights like Wilson Pickett’s explosive In the Midnight Hour), and a bonus unissued set from the Club Paradise Show in Memphis.
For soul collectors, this is gold: half of the set has never been released before.
The Sound of ’65
When you hear “1965 live recording,” you might worry about tape hiss and muddiness. But this release is a revelation. The atmosphere is electric, the crowd is alive, and the sound is crisp and surprisingly powerful.
The closest reference point would be B.B. King’s Live at the Regal (also recorded in 1965) – a record where the audience reaction becomes part of the performance. You can hear the hollers, the applause, the shouts of “Lord have mercy!” as the energy builds. Unlike some archival recordings, this isn’t sterile or distant – it feels like you’ve stepped into a smoky, packed club at the peak of the soul explosion.
Highlights
Wilson Pickett – “In the Midnight Hour” (9 minutes!): A marathon, fire-breathing performance worth the price of admission alone.
Booker T. & the MGs – “Green Onions”: Faster, tighter, and more urgent than the studio version – it tears along with unstoppable momentum.
Carla Thomas, Eddie Floyd, and others delivering their hits in raw, passionate performances that put you right in the room.
The Stax/Volt Revue was more than a concert – it was a cultural moment. These tours took the Memphis soul sound around the world, influencing generations of artists and cementing Stax’s place in history.
With this 2CD set, you’re not just listening to music – you’re stepping inside a time machine to 1965, where soul was young, fresh, and unstoppable.
For fans of 60s soul, R&B, and the golden age of live performance, this release is absolutely essential.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
