(April 1, 2025) Just in time for Record Store Day, Craft Recordings is issuing several new titles. This year’s lineup—available at participating independent music retailers on April 12—includes seven exclusive releases across several genres, including jazz, salsa, rock and soul. Many of these albums come in limited-edition vinyl colors exclusive to Record Store Day.
SoulTracks readers will be especially excited that, among these mostly jazz recordings, is a special LP release from the legendary singer, Carla Thomas – Sweet Sweetheart (1-LP, Translucent Light Blue Color Vinyl).
As Stax Records’ most hit-making woman, Carla Thomas was also referred to as the Queen of Memphis Soul. Her 1970 American Sound Studio recording session, produced by country music’s Chips Moman (famous for his work with Elvis), is significant for fusing her soul roots with just enough country, to great effect. This also happens to be Sweet Sweetheart’s vinyl debut, 55 years after it was recorded.
On this album, which wasn’t released in any form until its CD release in 2013, Thomas transforms many tracks from other popular songwriters of the time—James Taylor, Bee Gees, Gerry Goffin, Carole King, and more—into a wholly unique sound. The album’s first single “Hi De Ho (That Old Sweet Roll)” is a slowed-down King/Goffin track, its pop veneer mingled with warm, soulful vocals. James Taylor’s earthy “Country Road” becomes a beat-driven celebration of freedom. And the Bee Gee’s “To Love Somebody” is a lingering, intimate testament to heartbreak.
Sweet Sweetheart comes to vinyl as a limited-edition translucent light blue pressing, limited to 1,200 copies.
Sweet Sweetheart Tracklist:
Side A
- Country RoadI Loved You Like I Love My Very Life
- I’m Gettin’ Closer to You
- To Love Somebody
- Hi De Ho (That Old Sweet Roll)
- Heaven Help the Non-Believer
Side B
- Heavy Load
- Sweet Sweetheart
- I Think I Love You Again
- Everything Is Beautiful
- I’m Gettin’ Closer to You (Version 2)
