Comments on: Three Women

by: DIADILEV THOUGHTS

Fri, 11 Aug 2006 21:32:31 +0000

The C.STATON Track is unbelievable.Like 2006 is 1966.Killer.

by: Barry

Fri, 28 Jul 2006 22:33:10 +0000

For me, Irma–mucj like Gladys–has both soul and pop modes–and all the more power for it. I don’t think the clean enunciation and relative lack of melisma rule sout the soul part. She’s got an outright gospel CD too, BTW)…

No; not writiting anywere about FAME. May have much sue later sometime tho.

by: Steve Pick

Fri, 28 Jul 2006 22:08:33 +0000

I’ve always considered Irma Thomas to be a soul singer - she’s got gospel influences, even if melisma isn’t really her thing. Of course, she’s got a heavier blues thing going, too. At any rate, she’s the only human who’s ever sung “Wind Beneath My Wings” and made me come close to crying, so she’s one of my favorite singers in the world.

I think you nailed it on the Allison Moorer, though Charles isn’t wrong, either. If you didn’t know how great Moorer can be - and her last couple records are among my very favorites - you’d be perfectly happy with this pop album. It’s only a disappointment by her own standards.

Meanwhile, what do you think of Aretha’s version of “My Way,” which has just turned up on Atlantic Unearthed: Soul Sisters?

by: livingin

Fri, 28 Jul 2006 20:18:58 +0000

No, I haven’t heard that one. But, with Swamp Dogg involved, it wouldn’t surpise me if it was a soul music through and through–nor would it surprise me if he had Irma singing soul. But if all that’s true, it’s still an exception to her rule. I mean, I love Aretha’s tribute to Dinah Washington but she’s not singing soul on that record.

Except, I mean, for Soulsville.

by: Roy

Fri, 28 Jul 2006 17:04:27 +0000

I don’t think I disagree with you, but have you heard her album with Swamp Dogg, In Between Tears? Sounds like soul to me!

by: livingin

Fri, 28 Jul 2006 15:57:12 +0000

Are you going to be writing about your FAME visit, Barry?

I wouldn’t categorize Irma as a soul lady; she’s blues and R&B but without much of the gospel influence that those other singers have. She’s great, though.

by: Barry

Fri, 28 Jul 2006 15:04:27 +0000

Hey, I thought Irma was the next soul lady after Aretha-Mavis-Gladys

Barry
-Who spent yesterday, with much fun and a gulp-inducing sense of histiry, at FAME studios in Muscle Shoals, along with Brian Mansfield, who was leading an “‘racially integrated session” panel at the WC Handy Festival there. Much time with Rick Hall, some with Roger Hawkins and David Hood–and amazement checkling out the e ssentially unchanged room that produced “I Never Loved a Man” and “Patches” and “Fancy” and “Mustang Sally” and, for that matter, “Wild Horses” and the Allman Brothers band’s beginning. Some nice old pictures of that Candi Staton aorund, too.

by: Charles

Thu, 27 Jul 2006 14:43:58 +0000

I’m actually okay with the new Alison Moorer. (Right on, Spencer, on singling out “The Duel.” Great song) My biggest complaint with her in the past is that, as much as I like her songwriting, her records occasionally had a semi-sleepy vibe that never really allowed her to let rip. This one is far from that, and - with songs like “Work To Do” and “Fairweather” - sounds to me like the pop/rock record that Liz Phair’s been trying so hard to make the past few years. I can certainly understand y’all’s points, though, but I think the record’s worth a shot.

As for Ms. Thomas and Ms. Staton…what really needs to be said? Spectacular…

by: Spencer Marquart

Wed, 26 Jul 2006 17:00:35 +0000

Thanks for touching on these new records David. I’ve been a fan of Candi Staton since I picked up that self titled retrospective that came out a couple years back on Astralwerks - along with the Betty Swann. Thanks to John Wendland for sparking my interest in those releases. What I’ve heard (on KDHX) of the new Staton (and Thomas) sounds wonderful. I’ll pick this one up and the new Irma Thomas, since I’m unfamiliar with most of Irma’s work. The Alison Moorer must be a letdown? I think “The Duel” was amazing and “Miss Fortune” is a close second. Great records indeed. Now she’s with Earle (how many times has that dude been married?!?) and he’s putting that Steve Earle production to work for Alison. I trust Roy’s take on the guitar sound. Steve’s always used that signature crunchy in your face guitar sound. Alison - a great rhythm guitarist, probably doesn’t need that. Now, I’m scared and may have to pass on this record.
Thanks again for the insight guys.
Spencer

by: Roy

Wed, 26 Jul 2006 15:30:50 +0000

You nail what’s right with the new Candi and Irma–and what’s wrong with the new Alison. I’ll add that Moorer’s record has maybe the worst guitar sound I’ve heard since the Shags.