The Charmels, ‘As Long as I’ve Got You’ (1967)

It’s surprising that the Charmels’ “As Long as I’ve Got You” is as obscure as it is, given that it was written by Isaac Hayes and David Porter and released on Memphis’ Volt label, a Stax subsidiary. The first time you listen past the piano intro that the RZA immortalized on “C.R.E.A.M.,” the immediate key change is jarring since you’re used to hearing it looped. The third or fourth time, it’s “How was this not a hit?”