Doris Troy

The single most anticipated remaster (for me anyway) in the great Apple Records remaster project was Doris Troy's self-titled 1970 LP. The soulful singer was the subject of George Harrison's admiration and The Quiet Beatle, at the beginning of the year that loudly inaugurated his new found, post-breakup stature with the release of All Things Must Pass, produced her sole Apple album.

On a joyful, spiritual record, Doris ("Mama Soul"), knocks the shit out of originals and covers. Highlight: Buffalo Springfield's "Special Care" with Stephen Stills guesting. Each tune is a heart-grabber, foot-stomper or soul-searcher. Troy, best known for her original take of "Just One Look," comes scorching out of the speakers, whether in loose jams a la "Give Me Back My Dynamite," or tight, churchy numbers like "Hurry."

I've read that the record suffers from period "heaviness." Nah. George plays with happy elan (no more so than on the bonus version of "Get Back"), Eric Clapton adds typical tasteful flourishes and Ringo pounds away quite brilliantly. It is of its time for sure - think Delaney & Bonnie or Derek and the Dominoes - but it is timeless.

Doris Troy may be my favorite album of the year. Not bad for a 30 year old record!