The unmistakeable Etta. My favourite of her 60's rock-soul belters (and one of the lesser-played ones; I was surprised when it didn't even make it onto the Etta Chess box set), recorded when she had a drug habit that would make Keith Moon blush. I ended a DJ set with this song and the reaction was phenomenal.
from the single Fire (Cadet 5620) available on CD - Tell Mama: The Complete Muscle Shoals Sessions (Chess)
Greatest instrument of this song is Marlena's voice and the story it tells about being a mother and getting along in ghetto. I haven't heard any as improvising singer than she is and I know there is not many as versatile as she is and that is the reason You need to get this song. During eight minutes that this song lasts you may find yourself singin' "I'm woman of the gheeetto...", even if you are not and you there may also raise urges to feed a baby. This is a warning.
This song goes to same category as Marvin Gaye�s and Curtis Mayfield�s political material, but what makes this different is that this song does it by the point of view of a woman. And lord that woman is strong one.
from Spice of Life (Cadet) available on CD - Blue Break Beats Volume Four (Blue Note)
I know the buzz is burned on his return but I still need to give this song props. The first time I heard this album was indesribable. It sort of places you in a zone where so many sounds you love coexist in poingant harmony. This one, the title track, is a mix of torchy iceman elegance, and rootsy baroque impressionisim. And the mix of talents is undeniable. Charles Stepney and his incredible group of session men, and one, singular, unique songwriting talent. Done at a time when they could do no wrong...
It goes in and out of print, so snap it up if you can.