People Get Ready
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The Impressions are unquestionably one of the great soul groups of the sixties. Throughout the time when Motown seemed to dominate the soul charts Curtis Mayfield was developing a completely different sound of his own. With labels like Vee-Jay, Okeh, Constellation and Chess, Chicago was already a hotbed of Soul Music, but it is Curtis Mayfield who must be acknowledged as its most influential writer, producer and artist. This CD is a compilation of his work with the Impressions through the golden era of soul, 1961 to 1968. Whereas Motown built much of their success on dance music, Mayfield was a balladeer. The bulk of this music is therefore more at home in the living room rather than the dance floor. The one exception to this rule is the Impression's magnificent Northern Hit 'You've Been Cheatin'', which must rank as one of my all time favourites. Much of the rest of the album comprises of mid-tempo love songs, standard faire for the soul composer. Good though these may be they are very similar in both tempo and subject matter and so become tedious after a while. For me it is Mayfield's 'message' songs which make him a cut above the average. 'Amen', 'People Get Ready' and 'Meeting Over Yonder' are all overtly gospel. 'People Get Ready' is particularly powerful with its imagery of a train journey representing a trip to salvation. He even takes out the time to feel sorry for those who fail to 'get on board'. There aren't many who can get a popular hit out of Christian material and the fact Mayfield has done so is testimony to his greatness. 'Keep on Pushing', 'We're a Winner' and 'We're Rolling Along' are Mayfield's contribution to the civil rights movement. None of the songs overtly criticise white people nor do they mention oppression but their message is clear. His angle is always to have strength and courage in dealing with unspecified troubles. This album is more than just a sixties soul release, it is a snapshot of Black American History. Although not a versatile singer Mayfield certainly demonstrates flexibility as a composer. Love songs, protest songs and religious songs punctuated with the odd footapper are all admirably dealt with and provide us with a snapshot of the Black American Psyche in the sixties. For me the best tracks are, 'People Get Ready', 'Keep On Pushing' and You've Been Cheatin''. The only one I didn't like was the rather repetitive 'Girl Don't You Know Me'. Track Listing Gypsy Woman Little Young Lover I'm The One Who Loves You It's All Right Minstrel And Queen Girl, Don't You Know Me That's What Love Will Do I'm So Proud Talkin' About My Baby Long Long Winter I've Been Trying Keep On Pushing You Must Believe Me Amen Woman's Got Soul We're In Love People Get Ready Meeting Over Yonder I Need You You've Been Cheatin' You Always Hurt Me We're A Winner We're Rolling On
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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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