213. Isaac Hayes - Shaft

Release Date: 1971
Label: Enterprise

I haven't got the book with me at the moment, but I'm sure the introduction said something about not including film soundtracks. Yet here with are with a film soundtrack. I'm not going to quarrel though and this record is fine. I was a fan of 'Hot Buttered Soul' - the previous offering from Isaac Hayes - but this was less of a revelation. Of course, the title track is well known, but the rest of the album is perfectly fine to have on as background music, but a little dull if you make a concentrated effort to listen to it.

Rating: 6/10
Favourite Track: Theme From Shaft

165. Isaac Hayes - Hot Buttered Soul

Release Date: 1969
Label: Stax

Comprising of just four tracks, this seminal album from future chef Isaac Hayes (hence the titular reference to butter) is recognised as a landmark record in the history of soul music. The album oozes sex, sophistication and style and contains a monumental twelve-minute version of the Atomic Kitten classic, 'Walk on By.'. Alongside Sly and the Family Stone, this album is proof that soul music was beginning to produce essential albums towards the end of the 60s - something that would continue with the likes of Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder in the next few years.

Rating: 8/10
Favourite Track: Walk On By