THE WILD MAGNOLIAS Schallplatten & CDs

Review: To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Wild Magnolias' debut album, Decca Records from France is releasing a special vinyl box set that pays tribute to these legendary recordings. This limited-edition 3LP collection includes the two original Barclay albumsiThe Wild Magnolias and They Call Us Wildialongside four bonus tracks and two previously unreleased remixes. This beautiful set is presented on 140gm vinyl, is housed in a lift-off lid box that features the original album artwork for the first two LPs. Fans and collectors alike will appreciate this carefully curated release, which not only revisits the groundbreaking work of the Wild Magnolias but also adds fresh content to their storied legacy. The collaboration between Willie Tee, the New Orleans Project, and the commanding vocals of Bo Dollis brought the soulful energy of New Orleans to life, and these recordings remain some of the most dynamic and cherished representations of that spirit, even five decades later.

Review: New Orleans funk outfit The Wild Magnolias were active in the mid 70s, releasing two albums and then regrouping in the 90s. Their sound is in step with their more renowned Louisiana peers, but certainly running hotter than the likes of The Meters. "Handa Wanda" is a stirring, effervescent call and response epic that shows the band at their best, rocking a wall of sound approach that keeps the pressure up the whole way through. "(Somebody Got) Soul, Soul, Soul" is a more fluid track, but it's certainly no slouch in the energy department either. This is hi-octane funk to get people shaking and sweaty.