Etta James - Tell Mama: The Complete Muscle Shoals Sessions (1968)
Expanded Remastered Reissue 2001
XLD | FLAC | Tracks (Cue&Log) ~ 267 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 145 Mb | Scans included
Soul, Rhythm & Blues, Soul-Blues | Label: MCA/Chess | # 088 112 518-2 | 00:57:10
Expanded Remastered Reissue 2001
XLD | FLAC | Tracks (Cue&Log) ~ 267 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 145 Mb | Scans included
Soul, Rhythm & Blues, Soul-Blues | Label: MCA/Chess | # 088 112 518-2 | 00:57:10
As the title suggests, this is the definitive edition of Etta James' Tell Mama long-player. For this single-disc release the original album is augmented with five previously unissued tracks – documented during James' four Muscle Shoals sessions circa '67-'68. The question of why a rural Alabama town became a conduit for some of the most memorable and instantly identifiable grooves may still be up for debate. The evidence exists in droves and Tell Mama could certainly be considered exhibit A. These sessions feature the same impact that would redirect several first ladies of soul. Notable among them are Dusty Springfield's Dusty in Memphis, Aretha Franklin's I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You) and to somewhat lesser acclaim, Jackie DeShannon's Jackie. Tell Mama showcases some of the unique and admittedly darker qualities of what might best be described as R&B noir. "I'd Rather Go Blind," "Steal Away," "I'm Gonna Take What He's Got" all exemplify the essence of the blues – making the best of a bad situation.