(January 2026) Episode 703 is BOOKER T. & THE M.G.’s. I started this following the death of guitarist Steve Cropper. Most of us recognize them for their 1962 hit “Green Onions” (an accidental one; it grew out of a jam). Their major contribution to music was in the development of Memphis soul as the house band for Stax Records (backing Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, Bill Withers, Sam & Dave among others). They did put out a bunch of albums in the 1960s and 1970s, with almost exclusively instrumental tracks, some of which charted. I admit that much of this comes off as incidental music, especially the 60s records, and instrumental covers of popular songs. But that shouldn’t diminish our estimation of them.
Favorite album: Melting Pot
Favorite song: Chicken Pox
Compared to expectations: same
Recommendation: The first album Green Onions features cool R&B and Melting Pot is their funkiest. Also check out McLemore Avenue, their distinctive take on Abbey Road.
Opus Project 