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Astute pop/rock music fans might note the familiarity of 3614 JACKSON HIGHWAY as the former home of the legendary Muscle Shoals Sound Studio. As the Atlantic Records production team: Jerry Wexler (executive vice president), Tom Dowd (vice president in charge of engineering), and Arif Mardin (director of A&R) had done six months earlier on DUSTY IN MEMPHIS, they chose to juxtapose their pop diva with a band affectionately known as the Swampers--yes, the same ones immortalized in Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama." This quintet includes the talents of Eddie Hinton (lead guitar), Jimmy Johnson (rhythm guitar), Barry Beckett (keyboards), David Hood (bass), and Roger Hawkins (drums). These men were directly responsible for the sound of such timeless classics as Percy Sledge's "When a Man Loves a Woman," Aretha Franklin's "I Never Loved a Man," and Arthur Conley's "Sweet Soul Music." Throughout 3614 JACKSON HIGHWAY they are able to create a similar seminal R&B vibe. The track list readily suggests the incongruity of Cher covering the likes of Buffalo Springfield's "For What It's Worth," Dr. John's "I Walk on Guilded Splinters," and not one, but two Bob Dylan tracks: "Lay Lady Lay" and "Tonight I'll Be Staying Here With You." However, a closer examination reveals that not only does Cher have soul, but the Swampers are the quintessential foil for her decidedly unique style.
Cher's only solo album for Atco, 1969's 3614 Jackson Highway, which she recorded at the legendary Muscle Shoals studio with its resident, legendary session men, was out of print for years, but now it's back in stereo together with every other recording she made for the label! That includes five unreleased tracks & a bunch of non-LP singles-many recorded at the famed Gold Star studios-that were originally slotted for an additional LP release, plus her contribution to the Chastity soundtrack, 'Chastity's Song (Band of Thieves)', & her last Atco recording, the presciently-titled 'Superstar'. 23 tracks, another major find by Rhino Handmade-limited edition of 4500! 2001.
Recorded at Muscle Shoals Studio, Muscle Shoals, Alabama, 1969-1970.
Personnel includes: Cher (vocals).
3614 Jackson Highway Music
Cher - 3614 Jackson Highway Songs
3614 Jackson Highway Music
3614 Jackson Highway Music Review
Average Rating: (4.6 out of 5 stars)    List All 10 Reviews 3614 Jackson Highway Is A Treasure
This album is great in the respect that Cher was exposed to other elements besides those of Phil Spector and Sonny Bono. This record asked her to reach deep within herself. The production values are far better than the albums that Sonny produced. He seemed to only pull out the stops for their recordings as a duo and Cher's solo records were not a produced as this one. The original line-up of songs are all cover material, but delivered well. 'For What It's Worth' is delivered well with conviction as most of the songs on this collection, but my favorite song on here is 'I Walk On Guilded Splinters' It seems to capture a funkier more psychedelic tone in it's production and Cher is believable with the forboding lyrics. Overall the original album was not well received commercially, but it had to be just poor promotion at the time. Cher had a lot of competition, too. Aretha Franklin and Janis Joplin were cranking out steady hits with this type of material. Cher just needed to bare her soul and why shouldn't she? With these producers she can't go wrong artistically or musically. Cher loves Bob Dylan and her version of 'Lay Baby Lay'(originally Lay Lady Lay) is enchanting and seductive. She had a knack for picking Dylan tunes and had done so since her first solo record. 'Do Right Woman, Do Right Man' is another that you can feel. It is most definitely different from Aretha's, but it carries it's own special warmth. Really all the tracks here represent a wonderful time capsule of sorts. The record was not a commercial success, but This Cd comes with wonderful liner notes and backstories on Cher and the studio at 3614 Jackson Highway. The bonus material is worth the price alone as Cher's version of 'Superstar' is magical! She really pulls it out of a hat. Karen Carpenter never heard Cher's version before she recorded the song. Ms. Carpenter only knew the Bette Midler version prior to learning of Cher's. ' Band Of Thieves' from Cher's movie 'Chastity' is another that will become an instant favorite. Here you have the mono and stereo verson. The bonus tracks are produced by Sonny and various other producers. You hear a marked difference in production once the bonus tracks have started. Atco was obviously not sure what to do with Cher. They certainly were not sure about Sonny producing her as they would not have sent her to Alabama to work with Wexler, Dowd and Mardin. I am sure that if things had been more together with Atco that this bonus material featured here would have been another album for them, but Sonny and Cher would eventually end up at Kapp Records and Cher would solo for MCA. I think it is odd and beautiful that Cher came to love 'Danny Boy' as she really comes through. I think that if you buy this Cd you will be happy, possibly beyond your expectations. Enjoy!
Submitted by jason (asheville, NC, USA) 
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 EARLY & ON HER WAY
This is one Cher cd that I also have on an album. I am trying to get my collection on CD since it is hard to find a turn table. There are a lot of songs you will know and a lot you won't. Just to hear the difference between then and what she sound like now is amazing. There are 23 yes 23 songs on the cd.and it is a limited edition, only 4500 made. Get your now and enjoy for years
Submitted by rudeen112 (EAST HARTFORD, CT)
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Great old CD
Cher's old music still rocks.
Submitted by a reviewer (Menasha, Wi Us)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No cher is rocking and rolling
you go cher!!!
Submitted by stephanie twain (pompton lakes new jersey usa)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No Here's one for the highway!
An earthy under-stated Cher easing into the groove of Muscle Shoales studio.
My fave tracks are those with a country bent.
"Pleas don't tell me", and J
"Just enough to keep me hangin' on"
Only two the hard way with Gregg Allman compares with the direct singing by Cher, found here.
The extra tracks are interesting,but noe produced with the honesty or the musician-ship!
Submitted by wardlamb (New york, new york usa)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No List All Reviews | Have you heard this album? |  |
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