VA — Finger Poppin\’ And Stompin\’ Feet — 20 Classic Allen Toussaint Productions For Minit Records 1960-1962 (2002)

FLAC (tracks+cue, log) | 49 min | Early R&B, Soul, Rock\’n\’Roll | 267 MB

Allen Toussaint is a giant of American popular music, but his work was primarily behind the scenes as a songwriter, producer, arranger, and sessionman. Even as a leader, his songs and recordings became better-known through interpretations and assimilations from such artists as Glen Campbell, Lowell George, and Bonnie Raitt, instead of his darkly sensual, funky records of the \’70s. That\’s why a collection like Finger Poppin\’ and Stompin\’ Feet: 20 Classic Allen Toussaint Productions is so welcome — it shines a spotlight on Toussaint\’s most influential work as a producer and songwriter, all from the vaults of Minit Records. This is hardly the totality of Toussaint\’s contributions — not only are his solo recordings nowhere to be seen, such brilliant work as his collaborations with Lee Dorsey are nowhere to be heard on this disc — but it\’s an exuberant celebration of a musician at the top of his game. Plus, it\’s just a hell of a good listen, nearly a greatest-hits collection of New Orleans R&B as a whole, thanks to such classics as the Showmen\’s \»It Will Stand\»; Ernie K-Doe\’s \»Mother-in-Law,\» \»A Certain Girl,\» and \»I Cried My Last Tear\»; Aaron Neville\’s \»Over You\»; Jessie Hill\’s \»Ooh Poo Pah Doo, Pt. 1\»; Benny Spellman\’s \»Fortune Teller\» and \»Lipstick Traces (On a Cigarette)\»; and Irma Thomas\’ \»Ruler of My Heart\» and \»It\’s Raining.\» In addition to those, there are lesser-known gems from the same artists, plus cult artists like the Del Royals and Allen Orange, which add seasoning to a collection already bursting with flavor. Even if you already know Allen Toussaint\’s work and reputation, it\’s a revelation and a joyous listen. And, needless to say, it\’s also essential to any pop or R&B collection.

1. The Showmen — It Will Stand

2. Ernie K-Doe — Mother-In-Law

3. Aaron Neville — Over You

4. Allen & Allen — Heavenly Baby

5. Jessie Hill — Ooh Poo Pah Doo (Part 1)

6. Ernie K-Doe — Tain\’t It The Truth

7. Irma Thomas — Cry On

8. Allen Orange — True Love Never Dies

9. Aaron Neville — Let\’s Live

10. Ernie K-Doe — Te-Ta-Te-Ta-Ta

11. Jessie Hill — Whip It On Me

12. Benny Spellman — Fortune Teller

13. Ernie K-Doe — I Cried My Last Tear

14. Benny Spellman — Lipstick Traces (On A Cigarette)

15. The Del Royals — Always Naggin\’ (Grumblin\’ Fussin\’ Nag Nag)

16. Irma Thomas — It\’s Raining

17. Ernie K-Doe — A Certain Girl

18. The Showmen — 39-21-46

19. Irma Thomas — Ruler Of My Heart

20. Jessie Hill — Ooh Poo Pah Doo (Part 2)