Don't Leave Me This Way
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Most of the tracks on this album are taken from the period 1976 to 1978, when soul music was struggling desperately against the rising tide of 'disco'. Commercial considerations meant that Thelma, like it or not, had to adopt some kind of contemporary style. This she achieved by superimposing a soulful lyric onto a disco beat to produce a result which is surprisingly pleasing. It is certainly nowhere near as bad as much of the 'soul' music produced during this era. Two exceptions are 'Anyway You Like It' and 'Saturday Night, Sunday Morning' which are typical bump and grind music in support of some rather crass lyrics. Her biggest hit 'Don't Leave Me This Way' is more representative of her style, a pulsating funky beat supporting her powerful vocals with a reasonably meaningful plot. We should not forget that it was 'The Northern Scene' which first launched Harold Melvin's version of the same song. The track 'I'm here Again' is exactly the same tune put to different lyrics. Although 'disco soul' seems to be Thelma's main style she does demonstrate her versatility with a few different examples. 'If It's The Last Thing I Do' is a supper club type song which shows some jazz influences. 'Come To Me', 'I'm Letting Go' and 'I Ain't That Easy To Lose' are slow ballads on which she performs admirably. The song which really showcases her talent however is the two song medley of 'Stormy Weather' and 'I Can't Stand The Rain'. The first she presents in a traditional blues idiom before bursting into a Turneresque type version of the second. The contrast between the two is so stark that it makes the transition highly dramatic. The final track which I particularly liked was 'I Need You Right Now', which is billed as a duet with Junior Walker. It is amazing how an artist can develop such a personal style with an instrument that his playing is instantly recognisable. Personal favourites are 'Don't Leave Me This Way', 'Stormy Weather/ I Can't Stand The Rain' and 'I Need You Right Now'. Ones to miss are 'Any way You Like It' and 'Saturday Night, Sunday Morning' Track Listing:- Don't Leave Me This Way I Want To Go Back There Again Don't Know Why I Love You I Can't Go On Living Without Your Love Saturday Night, Sunday Morning Give Me Something To Believe In If It's The Last Thing I Do I've Got The Devil In Me I Need You Right Now (with Jr Walker) Come To Me I'm Letting Go I Ain't That Easy To Lose Stormy Weather/ I Can't Stand The Rain Don't Pity Me I'm Here Again Any Way You Like It
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Why Not visit the Authors other Website, 'The Alternative Blackpool Website' at http://www.localdial.com/users/jsyedu133/bpool This Site Last Updated 18/05/05
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