Ranging from major hits to alternate takes and rarities, this CD (released in 1992) illustrates the prolific nature of Percy Mayfield’s Specialty Records output during the 1950s. Though not everything on Memory Pain is essential, the collection of early R&B and 12-bar blues is consistently satisfying. The best known song here is the number one hit of 1950, “Please Send Me Someone to Love,” and many listeners will also be familiar with such gems as “Strange Things Happening” and the title song. A singer who was flexible as well as charismatic, Mayfield is as convincing on a rare version of the mournful, jazz-tinged “Nightless Lovers” as he is on 12-bar numbers like “My Blues” and “The Big Question.” The CD ends on an interesting note with a demo of “Hit the Road Jack” (which became a major hit for Ray Charles). Highly recommended. – Alex Henderson