Reviews (page 8 of 13)
The audio is a lot nicer than the James brown live album I reviewed a couple days back, the crowd doesn’t get in the way of the music but still makes you feel like you’re really there. Just a very fun album, I don’t think you could feel bad listening to this.
Sam cooke is one of those artists who has incredible charisma in his live performances. While nothing mind blowing, this was really fun and energetic performance and im always a sucker for live recordings where people are singing along.
Love Sam Cooke,.missing a few hits but great performance
Highlights: Feel It, Twistin' The Night Away, Somebody Have Mercy, We're Having A Party. RCA thought this was too raw and gritty. They were wrong. The label was gutless about releasing it, wanting to preserve Sam's on stage persona. Sure, the sound quality isn't spectacular (perhaps a single mic job?). You can barely hear the horns and guitar, which sound lush when you get to hear them clearly. Sam's voice is crisp and oh so slick. But in saying that, it's likely to be one of the best live recordings of the early 60's. It's down-to-earth compared to Cooke's tv performances. Crowd is loud, the band is playing mightily, EVERYONE is having fun. I wonder if James Brown took notes from Sam Cooke... Overall: 7/10
Just a great time overall.
4/5!
4 - this was really great but awful sound recording, not a fan of live albums when it’s that bad
I love Sam Cooke’s music, seemed rushed at the beginning of this live performance but it evened out nicely and the grit of the live part of it was endearing
Sam Cooke is my favorite soul singer. However, I've never listened to the album before today. This recording is the Sam Cooke that I love. The raw, road worn version playing in front of an audience that just adores him. He is on fire here. This a must listen for anyone regardless of what genres you like.
This was funky af. I really rate Sam Cooke
This is rowdy Sam Cooke! I love how much energy is in this one. I've listened to a lot of Sam Cooke songs, and I'm always drawn in by how smooth his vocals are and smooth the music. This feels like some real rock and roll. There is a ton of energy in this record, you can hear the crowd in some songs and the band is going for it with every song. However, Sam is next level. His voice is coarse, which is kind of wild. It reminds me Twist and Shout by the The Beatles when John's voice is shot. Bring it On Home To Me is the obvious winner on this record. I don't love the recording quality, its not great, but its also not terrible.
pretty great stufff
This is a classic. Obviously it has that older sound, but overall I think this album stands the test of time. The whole thing was good, nothing made me want to skip a track. I think it helped that it was a live album as well. This is a good selection for this journey.
Never listened to this specific album before. Awesome! Sam Cooke is so good.
Amazing album to listen to in 1 session. Listened to all but didn't download all.
RAW. An entertainer so enveloped in his love and passion of the music he's performing. Absolutely essential soul. An interesting inflection point on the movement of popular music to focus on and include African-American artists and their influences but still preventing them from presenting themselves as such.
Great live recording
had a brilliant time at my 60s prom! one of the best live albums i’ve ever heard.
Doesn’t have the usual issues with live albums Quite like Sam Cooke
Lekker swingy en 2 echt wel bangers
Big fan, reminds me of half of a dozen Martin Scorsese movies (I can hear ray liotta saying "I always wanted to be a gangster" over like any of these songs. Def old timey but maybe I'm just an old timey kinda guy.
There are some live albums that make me feel insanely jealous that the audience got to be there. This is one of those. They got their damn money’s worth! Sam Cooke is revered by vocalists for his vocal attack. He has that clear-throated, powerful tone. It’s confident and compelling, just forces you to stop and take notice. Damn, this would’ve been a fun dance floor.
now normally i would rate this a little bit lower as i am still not too keen of this genre, but where this album shines is the fact that it's live. and it's not just a normal live album, both cooke himself and the roars of the crowd breathe so much life into this album. the way he engages with the crowd and everything, if i was there in person i would be clapping and singing along too.
This was such a fun listen. I love Sam cookes voice. Bring it on home to me was my standout.
4.25
I love these old live records from the 60s where they didn't record from a mixing board but set up microphones in the room and picked up what they picked up. Great energy from this record. I know this album has been called one of the best live albums ever recorded and although I don't know that I would go that far, I do think it's a great example of what this kind of performance was like back in the day. A really fun album that shows how great Sam Cooke was as a performer. It's so short though, I don't know that I would give this more than like 3.75/5. I'll give it a 4/5 since 3/5 isn't enough.
Sam Cooke is a prodigious popular soul singer and performer. His live album "One Night Stand - Live at the Harlem Square Club, 1963" is powerful and authentic. This album puts the listener in the Harlem Square Club, a lively and packed club in downtown Miami.
Only really gave 4 instead of 5 stars cuz its the first album out of 1001 and im trying to leave room for what might be coming. But I was having a great time dancing around in my flat to this
A really fun night with some old classics! So much energy here. Really enjoyed it!
Gewoon heerlijk live album zo.
A great soul album. It would have been great to be there with a drink in hand.
The other albums I’ve listened to haven’t been that good, but this live album was pretty good, and I enjoyed listening to it.
You can feel the energy in the room!
The live audience made me think of how everyone listening to this music is living their own complicated life that is just as interesting if not more than my own. And for 36 minutes and 33 seconds, at least one of the times I smiled or laughed or sighed I would guess that, probabilistically, someone else shared that sentiment with me in that moment. I loved how the tracks seemed seamless like the artist was constantly belting and hyping up the crowd, like a party that never stops.
God, I would love to hear this on vinyl with a good set of headphones!
Never heard this album. I have heard of this artist.
Schöner Soul und R&B.
Crowd took a bit to get going but he managed.
Much needed antidote to what I had to listen to immediately before this.
Engaging. Energetic. Enthusiastic. Entertaining. Gritty, gravelly, great. What a fun album. Good stuff Mr. Cooke!
Nice live album. Funky souly.
I can't think of another live album that makes you feel like you were there. The energy, the sound, the vibes, are all the right ones. Sam also keeps us on our toes by engaging with the crowd. The way he transitions from crowd work to his tunes is uncanny.
How incredible would it have been to be there.
Not what I was expecting; I've been listening to a lot of Sam Cooke of late, but he's definitely at the more polished, pop end of soul. But this? Here's the raw, rough-edged, testifying Cooke, the performance belying his gospel background. So radio faves like 'Cupid', 'Twisting the Night Away' and the excellent 'Chain Gang' are maybe a little less ragged but pulse with a rare energy. Oh, and King Curtis is skronking away on the sax! This is tip top, a side of Cooke I wasn't familiar with; glad I've now become acquainted.
Good fun, fast and easy. Now knowing the background though - this record makes a lot of sense - as in 2024 we tend to take live gig noises for granted - heated and almost punk like for the time for Sam Cooke must have been quite a heart attack for his label. Screw them.
Classic singer. Legendary songs.
Good vibes. Not sure GOAT tier
I'm often guilty of writing off live albums as non-essential, or companion pieces, or cash-ins… but that's certainly not the case here. Of all the live recordings I've had on this list so far, I'm not sure any of them have oozed energy, charisma and passion quite like Sam Cooke's "Live at the Harlem Square Club". Released in 1985 but recorded in 1963, it instantly transports any listener straight into a smoky, sweaty club in the middle of 60's Overtown, Miami. It's an absolute treasure trove of live music, and one that fans of Sam Cooke and his contemporaries should be very grateful for. Throughout his career, Cooke nailed a melodic fusion of 50's rock and roll with smooth, silken soul. That's evident here, but the bombast is wonderfully dialled up. Sweat drips, hips shake, distortion crackles and vocals rasp, all with a very satisfying crunch. The live setting lends Cooke's vocals - and the band around him - a wild untethered thrill, like listening in 3D. The energy is palpable from the very start, as we hit an absolutely knock-out run from "Feel It (Don't Fight It)" to "Chain Gang" into the more-mellow-but-still-persuasive "Cupid". From there, we enjoy the carefree chaos of "Twistin' the Night Away", a slow-burning intro kicking off a sublime rendition of "Bring It On Home To Me", and the all-out jubilation of "Having a Party". The audience are hanging on Cooke's every line, but never feel too intrusive, instead contributing wonderfully to proceedings. Listen to the swelling chorus of "For Sentimental Reasons", the call and response at end of "Having a Party", and even "Chain Gang" (a live simulation of a gang of slaves never sounded so… fun). Cooke had already been dead for over twenty years by the time of this album's release, but would have only been fifty-four. He was gone far too soon, but this album is a perfect way to preserve his legacy, capturing the sound of a vital and vicarious artist in his prime.
Listen at: 07/02/2024
This album felt like a breath of relief after the albums we’ve had. I really liked the sounding of this. I usually don’t like this type of vibe but given the amount of time it was (short) and that it was actually pretty good, I conclude I really liked it.
It's a great album and Sam Cooke is an exceptional performer. My only critical comment toward it is that I just don't typically care for live albums. I think it would've been better had it been a studio album.
Full of classic Sam Cooke in an awesome environment 4 stars
It's OK. Not keen on live albums generally and thought this one a bit samey. Not a bad listen and I probably wasn't in the mood when I listened to it. Sam Cooke is a respected artist so worthy of 4 stars regardless
Feel good, romantic twist n shout live show energy boom
I’m not usually a fan of live albums but the energy on this is fantastic. Such a great performance. Highlights: Feel It, Cupid, Having a Party.
Now this was a pleasant surprise! I expected smooth soul music, but what I got was more akin to 60s garage rock. At least the first tracks. Then it slowed down a little and got too smart for a while, before it finished on a high. Will definitely listen to again!
No filters, no effects, just raw talent and beautiful vocals. Mic’ed up like you are set in the front row, close your eyes and imagine you are there.
Such a wonderful album — full of great songs and energy and Sam Cooke.
This is probably the best live album I've ever listened to, I feel like I could literally imagine myself right there in a bar with Cooke pelting out bangers.
incredible! i hâte live albums but i liked this
Sam Cooke - taken way too early Sounds like it would have been a party to be there live
This album is so fun. Excited, passionate, soulful vocals by Cooke that absolutely live up to his legendary reputation as a singer and performer of the early 60s. Sure, there isn’t much variety, but this is to be expected for a live album released during this period. Tracks like Feel It (Don’t Fight It), Twistin’ The Night Away, and Chain Gang, among others, are honestly just a blast to listen to. You can definitely hear how Cooke was influenced by 50s blues/rock and how he would leave a legacy for decades to come. Really, the only thing preventing this from being 5 stars is the fact that it’s not really meant to be listened to as an album. Such is nearly always the problem with live albums. It would’ve had an even bigger, louder, prouder effect live – but as an album it loses some steam when the performers aren’t actually present.
Immediately thought of Flounder, Dday and Dean Worner. Can’t deny the power of the roots of modern rock and roll
extremely good vibes
good but wasn't in the mood
Still sound fresh. You can feel the energy of 1960s New York. Love it.
Prolly my favorite so far
Live albums are rarely great imo. A few stand out and exhilarate me. Mostly, it's poor recordings of the studio tracks. Sam Cooke a naturalcooked this one! I swear I've never felt so in the moment listening to a live recording before. If I closed my eyes, I was there. Plus a phenomenal performance by Sam Cooke, he was such a natural. Thank you for this enlightenment.
Although rightly known for the late-career civil rights anthem, 'A Change is gonna come', Sam Cooke's repertoire was largely made up of occasionally twee versions of standards or show tunes, foisted upon him by management in those pre Civil Rights Act days. (Sadly, due to his untimely death, Sam never got to experience those changes!) However, this live album of a performance to a largely African-American audience is quite a revelation. No longer merely an entertainer, this is a sweaty and electrifying performance with Cooke in proto- soul God mode. Urging the audience on, he runs through a relatively brief set at breakneck speed, backed by a stellar band which includes fellow murder victim, King Curtis! A great performance and a thrilling live document, it's just a shame that the aforementioned 'Change...' doesn't feature.
doidera.
8.9/10 DAMN BOY DAMN
special
Unless you're a card carrying member of the KKK, you love Sam Cooke. This was hit after hit of good vibes music. I feel putting on some Sam Cooke at any time could turn my frown upside down. The only reason it's not a 5 is beause I prefer studio versions of these songs over the live recordings. 4.8
A fun listen and great to hear the interaction between Cooke and the audience throughout. Would be solid to put on during a party and just let it play all the way through.
too much audience chatter but great set
Sam Cooke mostraba en vivo una de las mejores voces de todos los tiempos, especialmente indicada para el "soul" más cadencioso y melódico. Destacan los solos de saxo interpretadas por King Curtis en "Somebody Have Mercy". El disco acaba en alto con una épica y jubilosa "Having a Party".
Holy shit this IS raw. He’s more amped up here than I ever imagined he could be. I always envisioned some lounge bar crooner that exudes cool, but this is on par with Little Richard more than Dean Martin or Sinatra. Not that this is bad - it’s excellent in most ways, just unexpected. His backing band seems to have fun with what they’re given, but a little dry. Most drum beats and bass parts sound the same.
Tolle rohe Live Atmosphäre und Performance. Da wäre ich gerne dabei gewesen, um die Night away zu twisten.
That man has energy, must have been an amazing show to be at
The way the band flows from song to song is really fun. He has such command of the band sound and flow. All songs are classic swing and soul, a real fun listen.
Great to hear these oldies in album form. Listening the way Sam wanted them presented makes them more appreciable, less gimmicky in 2024
Haven't listened to Sam Cooke quite some time. Enjoy this quite a bit. Always liked his music
Great sax! Bluesy jazz
I typically don't enjoy live albums, but in Sam Cooke is quite energetic, and it makes this quite enjoyable.
These are songs that most of us know as American classics and they are just great. If I closed my eyes I could imagine the excitement of this concert. Having said that, live albums are not my favorite. I am totally going to go back and listen to the studio versions of these and more again.
This would have been a site to see - Sam Cooke being true to himself and letting the music flow from that full band out into the crowd. I hate that his life ended too early and that this wasn’t even released for 2 more decades, but it is a gift for us now and future generations. Thank you, King of Soul, for your contributions to the world of music.
Really fun and groovy. A good 8/10
Great to hear some early rock and roll/blues with big band influences, highlights are Cupid and Chain gang. 8/10
Superb selection of songs, performed with an almost fervent anarchic energy. The garage rock recording style does impede on some of the polished soul warmth however. A great performance, but perhaps not a great album.
The Album was very good. I thought that it really wasn’t “raw” as the reviews and wikipedia said it was. The rawness label was most likely due to the album being recorded in the late 50s early 60s and we are now desensitized to “raw” albums. Other than that, hearing the performance energy of Sam Cooke was phenomenal. Great 1st album of my journey.
Honestly pretty surprising for a 60s live album. Unlike any Beatles or James Brown show, you can actually hear the audience care about the music instead of screaming the entire time. They also sing along and they AREN'T out of tune, which is genuinely surprising. It helps that Sam Cooke is just such a good performer.
Fun album. Hadn’t heard it before. Enjoyed it a lot. Will listen to it more. I really like old ‘live from a club’ albums like this where you can hear the audience and the singer riffs w the audience and band. This is right up there w Jerry Lee Lewis’ Live at the Star Club.
I enjoyed this live album. I typically have to be in the mood to listen to this type of soul music but even out of the mood I enjoyed this. I especially liked the “who is this? The operator. Well I don’t want to speak to the operator, I want my babyyyy” line. I also enjoyed the OC line of “I don’t have leukemia line” and uhh plus one star for making me “grab my hankie “
Rätt bra faktiskt.
01) Feel It - 8,5 02) Chain Gang - 9,0 03) Cupid - 10,0 04) It's Allright/For Sentimental Reasons - 9,0 05) Twistin' the Night Away - 8,0 06) Somebody Have Mercy - 8,0 07) Bring It On Home To Me - 8,5 08) Nothing Can Change This Love - 8,0 09) Having a Party - 8,5 TOTAL: 8,61 (86/100) It must have been a fun night at The Harlem Square Club.
Rating: 4.3
The true potential of a live album is capturing the authentic spirit of the performer. In that sense, this is a perfect album. Cooke’s gravelly-yet-smooth voice glides playfully over the ebullient crowd in such a pleasing way. It makes zero sense that this album wasn’t released until the 80s. Given Cooke’s untimely death and the circumstances surrounding it, the record company’s position that they were “preserving Cooke’s image” feels very phony, but Q-Tip did mention industry rule #4080.
His slightly hoarse vocals made me long for the smooth effortlessness of his studio recordings, but regardless, this is solid gold. Wish I could time machine myself to this concert. 4.7
Wow.. their voice, might be the first soul album I've actually enjoyed, I'm extremely impressed
Perfectly sat at the soul / pop / blues boundary. Makes you wish you were there in the room nursing one whisky too many
70/100 Based on this scale: 1 star - 0 to 19 2 stars - 20 to 39 3 stars - 40 to 59 4 stars - 60 to 79 5 stars - 80 to 100 Really cool live album.
Another lovely live album
A really good album. He was a seminal artist in the evolution of soul and RnB music. He broke down barriers. His voice is superb, and this album shows it was not manufactured in studios. I've always loved Sam Cooke's music.
Great happy energy + classic songs.
This show sounds like it would have been fun to be at. Great performance and sound
This went very hard. 60s live albums just have a different energy to them
Yeah this definitely snapped. Ty ben for letting me know in chat. A lot of saves. Good energy, fast paced, catching rips. I really enjoyed.
Good listen, not really my cup of tea though
Loved this!!
Love it
Really good live album showcasing Sam Cooke's great energy and how he performed to an audience. I loved how he encouraged them to sing along, telling them the next lyric to sing, and just overall sounding like he was having a great time. Favorite song "Bring it on home to me". Other highlights "chain gang", "twisting the night away", and "having a party". Overall a fun, energetic, entertaining album
Mr. Soul don't miss.
great
Legendary performance. Top tier showman and great vocals. A really fun listen
vibes through the ROOF
Great songs
This is so good. Love live albums. It would have been fun to have been there.
Really good!
Really enjoyable album. Reminds me of Animal House. Probably not a multiple listen but certainly fun.
Wow , no wonder they call him the King of Soul… solid live performance of a legend.
I'd never listened to any Sam Cooke as a block like this, only as part of a radio or playlist. Boy, was he a performer. A couple awkward transitions (hard to tell if it's editing or done live) keep this from being a 5 as an album for me, but I can't imagine how much fun it must have been to actually be at this show.
Nice
Bra
Deze lekker van genoten met een dikke stout.
Love a fun swing/soul album. Normally I like live albums like this but the crowd work can get a little annoying. But the vibes are good.
While the individual songs are mostly just good to above average maybe, the energy of this album is what makes me love it. His vocals and energy are just infectious and make you wanna listen more. The dynamics in his performance make you never get bored.
この歴史的資料としての凄みを前にして何を言えばいいのか。実際にサム・クックの歌唱をライブで聴けたらどんなに素晴らしいことだったろうかと思う。
This a great album by an incredible artist. Sam Cooke never disappoints.
What a good time this was. That guy sure knows how to let those good times… roll ;). I quite enjoyed cleaning my room and the kitchen to this, I don’t see myself coming back to a lot of it often but I appreciate the good vibes here.
wow! mr cooke puts on a SHOW! what a treat it would’ve been to see him live, the energy he puts into his performances is next to nothing!!! my favourite part of this album was the ‘for sentimental reasons’ section of the medley, WOW he sounds so beautiful and the crowd goes wilddddd 👏👏 i love you all for sentimental reasons friends ! cooke’s energy grows consistently throughout and brings a whole new side to these excellent songs. ohmygod “bring it on home to me” has entered the cat gieck 2023 playlist woweeee wow wow wow excellency, it feels so classic and touches my soul ! also shoutout to the other musicians playing, they keep up with the legendary cooke and create an exciting power to the songs that elevate them further (i’m not good at identifying instruments but i think it was the sax man who really stood out for me yeehawww) ! having a party was a perfect way to end the show, i feel like i’ve just been at the Harlem square club, and what a show it was! 4.5 lb stars for cooke’s overwhelming energy, it really is such a key factor to the performance album, besides his absolutely astonishing voice and boy does he look good in that suit !!
i mean it’s Sam Cooke
Sounds like a hoot and a half. Don’t think I could listen to this super often but me likey!
Fun
This is everything a live album should be. I wish I could have been there for this because it just sounds fun. Not having too much variety in songs keeps this from being a 5.
A heartful southern soul album with the added bonus (that may not be a bonus to some) of an energetic and actively engaged live crowd. I don't have too much else to say than that, I love soul whenever I get round to listening to it and this is wonderful positive soul with great energy to it, highlighted by songs like "Chain Gang" and "Cupid".
Grizzlier thank expected from Sam Cooke, who I always considered a little clean. The live setting gives a good impression of charisma and sweat. I never realized quite how didactic a lot of this early soul was but who cares the lessons are as good as the grooves.
This is a fun album. No unnecessary lengths, no fillers, good pace. It obviously isn't perfect, but really that's not what this is about.
Love the voice, love the energy
I cant explain why, but I feel like the live atmosphere adds a lot to albums of this style. Very enjoyable listen.
Seamless transitions between songs - a good live soul album. Not something I‘d listen to every day though, as the live audience over headphones can be a bit loud. Top song: Nothing Can Change This Love
Very nice, a lot of bangers
High energy, superb set list, short and sweet, and I loved hearing the audience sing along.
It's a jam
sam cooke is an icon, not much else to say
Very cool to hear this legend his songs in a live format! He was very versatile and this recording shows it! Great length too! 8 out of 10
love the vive but idk i just quite haré yo listen to a some that si not so into old jazz
Good vibes. I’m glad this is a live album, the atmosphere helps.
Energetic and fun! Great love album capturing Sam's energy and vibes
Sam’s voice is an injection of energy. This album is a testament of the outstanding display of adrenaline his shows were.
Album 215 of 1001 Sam Cooke - One Night Stand - Live at the Harlem Square Club Rating : 4 / 5 Favorite Tracks : Chain Gang, Cupid, Twistin' the Night Away Excellent album. Before albums had to have some concept and/or special meaning. Just a collection of great tunes performed live in a legendary venue by a legendary entertainer and some very talented backing musicians. Awesome stuff.
Good! Different style to my usual listening
One of those classic performers who shaped so much they almost lost some magic since they are so common to hear. Great album, great performance, good live energy.
All the hits. I was thinking ok we got the hits but they don't sound the best, but when I got to Somebody have Mercy I got it. The soul, the passion, the fun they are having came through for me.
Energia a atmosfera
quite sweet
Solid jams. Always enjoy a well done live version of anything, and this fits the bill. Felt like I was in a smoky, rowdy venue with front row seats to the show.
A wonderful joyful live album.
It’s not really my style, but even I’m not enough of a cynic to escape this album’s charm. It just cheers you up and makes you want to move. Highlights: - Feel it - Chaingang - Somebody Have Mercy
Classics. Wonderful songs so full of verve. Usually like live albums but i prefer the studio quality on some of these. Though hearing Sam’s crowd work was fun.
No me suelen gustar los álbumes en directo, pero este me ha encantado. Muy divertido y bastante corto, lo puedes escuchar varias veces seguidas sin cansarte. Las canciones son simples pero Sam Cooke trae mucha energía y hace que se disfrute mucho. Favoritas: Chain gang, Cupid, For Sentimental Reasons, cada vez que involucra al público (sobre todo en For Sentimental Reasons), y cuando dice "I wonder what is wrong with me (It ain´t that leukemia, that ain´t it!" (???).
Top
Beautiful voice, lots of energy. The crowd is fun and vocal. Makes you feel like you’re there. You can tell they’re having a lot of fun.
This was fun, the "King of Soul" doing just that. The album is pretty short (37 minutes) and the energy is good throughout. As always, a bit hard to rate the very old music (particularly the stuff that sounds old), but I generally enjoyed this. Cooke's voice is awesome, good stuff here. Favorite song: Cupid Other: Feel It (Don't Fight It), Twistin' The Night Away, Bring It on Home to Me, Having a Party 10/22/23
What a performer, classic!
Thumbs up
AMAZING just plain amazing. No extra words needed.
Fun jazz
Its All Right Bring it On Home To Me
Great live performance
awesome!
Classic, feel good, jazzy
Gorgeous and delightful. Thanks for the suggestion. I will listen again. I knew I liked Sam Cooke but I didn’t know just how much.
Wonderfull Voice, great nerve and tremendous horn section
That is one cool album
The energy from the live audience is electrifying. It feels honest and spiritual and a true reflection of the times.
Good album, would have been amazing to actually hear the live performance. The songs on the album have a timeless feel. The transition between songs is so smooth. Not an album I could listen to on repeat, but definitely something I wouldn't mind coming back to after a bit.
Huge influence on Brian Fallon, both musically and lyrically (“the radio!”)
wow! my heart is full! just songs that make you feel good, hit you right where they need to. obviously not similar to what i'd normally listen to but how could i not love this?? the flow of the album is great too, not a wasted moment. his little interjections and audience interactions are so charming. i'm charmed! standout- bring it on home to me
Gun live record! Kind of surprised this is the only Sam Cooke on the list but I’ll take what I can get. Cooke’s singing is very raw and much more real than what you get on other recordings. So many of these songs are completely iconic. My only issue with the album is that the instruments get a bit buried under the vocals at times. Essential tracks: 1. Cupid (Added to playlist) 2. Chain Gang 3. Twistin’ the Night Away
Fun, and the live aspect is actually beneficial for once. Also toddler approved
This was great for a live record in the 60s, the sound is crystal. The energy is way up there and I enjoyed every track.
Showman! Swingy and varied repertoire. Don’t like to listen to old recordings in general, but can imagine this as a 5* when being there.
Fun! Great energy!
Nice album, really enjoyed that!
These old school live club recordings just make me want to be there every time. It feels alive.
Amazing energy
Never listened to this but just recently heard about it. I love Sam Cooke, so I’m excited to check his out. Very fun! Cool to be able to hear the faster, raw, live versions. But I will say that it’s not as listenable. Things seem rushed. Might have to go 4 as much as I love Sam.
Sam Cooke is a legend. I already own his box set.
What a voice, what a band, what a sound, what a crowd!
god i need to listen to more soul 4.5 ⭐️
väldigt glatt, coola låtar, redigt bra sångröst
One of the better live albums to be included on the list. 3.5/5
Fun album, movin and groovin all along. Really takes you back to a time and a place in history
Short, sweet, and to the point. This performance is a real clambake. It sounds like this show was done in a very small, intimate club which would have been a blast to be at. Love these old soul/jazzy songs and the energy and swagger that Sam Cooke possesses here. Could definitely start my day with this album every morning.
This was so much fun, there’s something so fascinating and charming to me about live recordings of music from the 60s and before, great energy.
Hella fun live soul, love hearing the crowd and the banter. Cooke is great and so is his backing band.
Great
at first i was like uhhh a live album??? we sure about this? but it's actually good. can't believe this was sealed away in the disney vault for 20 years before being released, I guess because the audience was having too much fun? wild favorites: soul twist/introduction, feel it (don't fight it), chain gang, it's all right/for sentimental reasons
Fun, lively, and good! A great listen from beginning to end.
A truly soulful performance
Sam!
Felt like I was there - great album!
Amazing energy!
Such a unique record!
Fun! Would listen again.
Good energy, fun music, killer voice.
This just sounds like the best party to be at
Live swinging music, super fun. It's fun to astral project yourself back to that club with the sites and smells and sounds.
Top 3 Songs: 1 - Twistin' The Night Away (6) 2 - Having A Party (10) 3 - Cupid (4)
Really fun album. Hadn't listened to much Cooke but will definitely return to this one and others. 4.5/5
1963 rok, świetny live album nagrany w surowej wersji, w tle cały czas słychać głosy publiczności która dopełnia całości. Piękny głos z charakterystyczną chrypą. Feel it oraz Chain Gang od których zaczyna się album to dwie świetne piosenki, niesamowicie skoczne. Później następuje zwolnienie tempa i wg mnie artyście nie udaje się wrócić do tego poziomu. 8/10 jak na pierwszy oceniony album? Pewnie drugi raz już nie przesłucham.
Some classics on here. Wouldn't necessarily seek this out, but enjoyed it.
A fun live album with some great songs.
Sam Cooke has such a powerful voice. He really wails on this album. And the performance is loose. His spoken intros lead right into the songs and he starts a lot of call-and-response with the audience. Great energy bottled in this recording.
I absolutely love the intro speech. "Don't fight it, let's feel it." What a great kickoff. Lots of these songs are ones from my childhood. I love Sam Cooke and I know my mom did too even though I'm sure I didn't learn his name for years after hearing him through her stereo in the basement. It's a pleasure to go back and listen to some of these in a super focused manner and not just in passing like I normally have in my adult life. Some definitely thankfully dated monologue-ing going on between some of the tracks man sheesh: "when someone says your girlfriend did something or your wife did something, don't go home and hit her" Lots of good singers in the crowd, they sound great! I love this record. It's so good and it makes me feel good. Solid 4/5. The energy is such a highlight.
not a fan of live albums, this one is ok i guess. Still prefer the songs in the studio version though :D
So good and fun
This is obviously a classic recording with excellent performances of many classic and well known Sam Cooke songs. It's so baked in to the culture of what everyone knows now, it feels like it's been around forever. Tough to give this anything less than 4 stars.
Bumps in the whip.
I really enjoyed this. I think I might enjoy the studio versions of songs better, but he's got a great voice and good songs. I'll have to listen to more
Nonstop grooves on this one. Dude must have been one hell of a showman.
Sam's energy and chemistry with both the band and crowd is amazing. He's just electric. The songs are proven standards, and Bring It on Home is a solid tent pole, but the live flow of the setlist is well done. The back 5 basically are one big medley
Heard it before?: No Enjoy it?: Yeah, probably the best vocalist of his time and he brings life to everything he touches, hard to believe this is a live performance of 40+ years ago Favourite song: Track 3 - Chain Gang
Altijd genieten
The joy from Sam Cooke as he hits the stage coupled with the frenetic energy of the crowd makes listening back a real pleasure. This is where the performer and the crowd feed off of each other, the intensity builds and it's clearly a night to remember for everyone in the room. I don't feel there is anything particularly unique about this performance. Cooke does what he does and the band sit in the background supporting the man. The highlights aren't the musicianship or special interpretations of Cooke's songs. The highlight comes from the energy in the room, the rawness of the performance, how Cooke interacts with individuals and the whole of the people that are clearly having the time of their lives.
mysigt, borde lyssna på igen! for sentimental reasons var grym!
Intento analizarlo como si lo escuchara en el momento que surgió... y pienso en la crudeza que tiene su voz, es un chabón que canta con el corazon. El sonido te lleva a estar ahí en el público, esa mugre hermosa con olor a whisky pegada en el suelo y zapatos. Por más que se escuche bajito, quedo maravillado con el groove del batero. Me gustaron mucho los coros también. El agitando y su juego con la gente es divino (Chain Gang). Siempre me pareció loco los discos en vivo en este tipo de rankings o listas, tendría que existir otra lista paralela, pero me imagino que algo del marco y que sea en Harlem en esa época dice mucho más que un disco de estudio, además que antes se pensaban discos en vivo que no eran únicamente un compilado de temas ya grabados anteriormente.
Recording quality is low, and the mic setup is atrocious, but there is an energy that pours through this thing. Rnb and soul in the classic nightclub style.
Loose and easy-swinging, this set from 1963 captures Sam in fine, upbeat form. His playful call outs to audience and band alike show a performer in full control, and the 36 minutes captured here enjoyably fly by. My somewhat measured rating reflects the inherent difficulty with live sets - the songs aren't the familiar versions, but (in this case) none of the performances shed new light on the songs themselves. Yes, the set is engaging, and yes, the performances are good, but there's nothing particularly special here.
An energetic live album with some great tunes that I’ve always enjoyed but has never quite fully resonated with me for whatever reason
Smoooth
Truly Mr. Soul. He takes basic song chord progressions and turns them into lively uplifting songs that are really elevated and enhanced in the live setting.
fun voice!
Genre: Jazz Recording: Live
That ENERGY! Sam Cooke killed it.
Soul. Directo.
I really had fun with this one & reminded me of hanging out with my grandma. Fun cleaning house music.
Such a good live Album. So much power behind the music.
Frábær stemmari
What a voice, and the man has a ton of energy throughout the live show. Great songs too, missing Another Saturday Night though. The only negative here for me is he changes the cadence of some of the songs from the studio versions, so it's hard to get in a groove to. When this album was over, I turned on Sam Cooke's greatest hits to hear the originals.
Nice to hear Cooke run through some of his classic pieces. He sounded very enthusiastic, playing for the crowd. HIs interactions with them didn't seem forced, he was having a good time, which came off infectiously. Great stuff.
I didn't love the album on first listen. Didn't hate it either, but I didn't think it sounded that great. The audience sounded grainy and far off and didn't add to my listening experience. So I went and listened to a bunch of Sam Cooke studio albums to remind me what his voice really sounds like when not limited by live sound quality. Solid of course. And when I came back to this album, I appreciated him and his voice much more. I didn't even really notice the audience. Not the most electric live performance I've ever heard, but he was still pretty darn good. Could've done without the bit where he said let's get romantic for a second and then story told about going home and not hitting your woman but whispering sweet nothings instead. BB King story told something similar on his live album a couple years later. WTF?
I do love a good live album, and this is a really good live album. Sam Cooke and his band put on an entertaining show full of energy and enthusiasm. A perfect album for when you’re feeling a little down and need some positive music to bring your spirits back up.
muy bueno
Mr Soul has riz for days. The songs themselves are quite middle-of-the-road but I'd have loved to have been there for this recording.
I felt like I was actually in a small, smokey club listening to Sam Cooke, and half the time he was looking right at me.
First live album I’ve really enjoyed. 😂
What a party
1 flaw. There's not enough. This Man has soul and grit. The quality of live recording is excellent for its age too. Brilliant listening.
Rating: 7/10 One of the best live albums ever, king of soul. What a voice!
Great energy on the recorded show
album maravilhoso, a voz dele é incrivel!! minhas favs: cupid nothing can change this love medley: it’s all right / for sentimental reasons twistin’ the night away
Boppity bop bop. Never listened to Sam Cooke before.
Bop
The live aspect of this album is great. Would have loved to have been there.
What a performer! Dude made me wanna love my wife better lol. Like a guide on how to love a woman. Guy gives it 100%
Not really what I would normally listen to, but as far as live albums go this is fantastic. Really warm sound, and a nice amount of crowd noise. Sam Cooke's voice is great and it sounds like he put on a brilliant show. It's quite funny that the label thought this was too "raw and gritty" for release in the 60s. Maybe it was the bit where he asks the crowd to wave around their handkerchiefs that pushed it over the line.
4.25
This would have been a spectacular concert.
Sam was a hell of an entertainer
Otis Redding was a huge admirer of Sam Cooke and this live album showcases why - masterful performer, beautiful vocalist, soulful delivery. Where Redding was gritty and soulful, Cooke is clean and soulful - note perfect, still from the heart, with an audience enraptured, practically eating out of his hands. And damn it if Cooke's Bring It On Home to Me isn't a near perfect song. And whilst this isn't a perfect album it is pretty special and a remarkable document in the story of soul.
Genres: Soul Formed: Chicago, Solo Career 1957 Run time: 10 songs, 36 min 33 sec What a wonderful velvety voice! This live recording shows what a great rapport he had with the audience. Great energy and fantastic material. There is a long list of great songs from this and other albums. What a gift he shared with us. In 1964, the great man’s career was cut short when he was shot and killed by the manager of a motel in LA. The courts ruled Cooke's death to be a justifiable homicide. I can’t help but feel if he was a successful white singer, it would have been a very different ending. Being part of the civil rights movement probably didn’t help.
Beaucoup aimé l’énergie du spectacle, du live – quoique, parfois, le côté « work the crowd » tourne à vide quand il s’étire, sur un tel enregistrement. Entraînant, joyeux même quand les émotions sont profondes.
Loved this. What a gem! Can't believe I'd not heard it before.
Today I learned that I prefer live Sam Cooke.
Nice old-timey music
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Man, that's really solid. Sam Cooke sure knew how to work a crowd. Do I wish they'd included a studio album from Cooke? Yes, absolutely. But I think I understand the desire to show off the performer side of Sam. He's truly something else.
Lindo, jazzero tranca.
A great live album. A wonderful performance and you can feel the atmosphere. Terrific.
-All very catchy and nice 50s/early 60s style songs. -No complaints, fun to listen to, not mind-blowing
I was really impressed by this album. Sam interacts with the crowd a lot more than I was expecting, and is very charismatic and seems to be having a good time. He feels like he can sing all of his songs effortlessly, and still be energetic the entire time. I really like his voice, and his songs are fun and entertaining. Favorite Tracks: Chain Gang, Cupid, Somebody Have Mercy
Talented.
Fun jams! Good to have a live recording in this mix. Favorite track: Twistin the Night Away
Live albums are very hit or miss for me, but this is one of the good ones. I like that it feels raw & unpolished. I don't know where I stand with the circumstances surrounding his death though. Did he attempt to rape a girl or are the conspiracy theories right? I don't want to dismiss rape allegations, but I do believe things should have been investigated better.
Lekker hoor
Live at the Harlem Square Club is an authentic piece of music history. Old classics performed in their heyday often don't sound as good to the modern ear. So listening to is has to be done as a historical activity. In that context, this is 1001 list worthy.
Very good live album: good recording, lively atmosphere, solid band, energetic vocal performance. The lyrics are a bit annoying.
I love the energy of this live performance.
Blissfully smooth
sam cooke's voice is classic
It's hard to rate live albums too highly for me because if it's bad I'd rather listen to the studio songs, but if it's good then I'd rather have been there. This was definitely the latter. Just seems like it was a fun time.
Great sounding record, as good as a greatest hits if it only had What A Wonderful World!
Music is a bit too honky tonky. +1 for It’s All Right and Bring It On Home To Me these are certified bangers.
It's often called "sweet" soul music for a reason, as this recording makes abundantly clear. What SC says from the stage is not to be fully trusted as the tempo differences between the fast ones and the slow ones are simply not that great. He's fully committed, but smoother and more genteel than say James Brown. There's an innocence and ebullience that's easy to like and infectious (cue the crowd noise); this is the stuff of which Saturday nights were made for a generation of Americans that largely got us started on this musical journey.
Didn't know Sam Cooke before this but after listening to the album, many songs sounded very familiar. Loved the Jazz and his voice is so good and clear.
Ordinarily, I feel like I should really dig this album, but it didn’t live up to what it could have been for me. I think I just don’t love this kind of early rock and roll stuff, but it’s a solid album for sure
i'm glad he doesn't have leukemia. sounded like a right ole knees up in there.
Today's album. The track Somebody Have Mercy has a phenomenal line towards the end. It's live, so I doubt an official lyric, but it's well worth checking out.
Ik dacht dit wordt weer zo'n typisch snobistisch plaatje, maar het swingt lekker en sam cooke heeft een dijk van een stem. Muziek die je vrolijk stemt, een uitstekende opkikker!
Solid listen. Everything was well performed, the band was tight. Sam Cooke was definitely on top of his performing game. A downside would be some of the lackluster tunes from the singers perspective and would have loved to hear a band let loose a bit and do some extended breaks and improvisation. But dancey. Regardless, performance was good, the audience was into it and the quality of recording is excellent for a live album from the time period.
I really want to be at this show. Really love the laughter and yelling of crowd interaction. Great incidental vocals! Counts off “ah 1 ah 2 ah put it anywhere” lol. Improvises “It ain’t that leukemia” on Somebody. Vocals are impeccable. Edits between songs are a little abrupt at times. Its almost all I could want from a live soul party record. Fun, free, on-point. can almost feel the heat from the room. A lot of insight to Sam’s sense of humor, and a more satisfying/revealing listen than album cuts in many cases. Glad to know this album. Would rank along side James Brown Live at The Apollo. Thumbs up. 👍
very good, loves the vocals but i don’t understand how the intro is the 4th most streamed
electrifying performance, definitely one of the best live rnb albums, and albums in general, that ive ever listened to, clears live at the apollo by james brown. cooke's vocals are amazing, actually insane that they thought this wasnt good enough to release. white pipo 🤦♂️
Sounds like a good gig!
No, I don't think I will live at the Harlem Square Club
Sam Cooke’s voice is even better live
It's a pretty cool album. It's from a time in American History when POC and Socialists derived an actually solidarity. Class warfare is Race warfare. Legendary Soul music. Legendary set.
Excellent live recording for its era!!
Great energy and great songs. Good stuff!