Album of the Day

Wilson Pickett made his name with gritty Southern soul sides cut at the Stax and Muscle Shoals studios, so his trip north for 1970's IN PHILADELPHIA was an unusual one. Though producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff are better known for slicker Philadelphia International hits from later in the decade, the pair prove perfect foils for The Wicked One on these ten tracks, which include Top 20 singles “Engine Number 9” and “Don't Let The Green Grass Fool You.” The singer's fiery performances fits these funky grooves and orchestrated settings like a glove, and the set throws in a couple of surprisingly effective Afro and psych moves for good measure. IN PHILADELPHIA was one of Wilson Pickett's last great albums for Atlantic Records, and we'll give it another spin today in honor of the performer's birthday.