IKE AND TINA TURNER/OUTTA SEASON BTS 5 (-68) US

 

I very seldom buy records I haven't heard before just because of the sleeve, but this I couldn't resist. Designed by Tom Wilkes (who also made the covers for Beggars Banquet, Safe As Milk, All Things Must Pass and Harvest among others) it's a wit on the 1930 movie "Check And Double Check", where white actors color their faces black to fit in. Here it's the opposite, they're posing as white people singing the blues. I've seen it has got very mixed reviews from critics, some rather bad, so my expectations were kept low, but when listening to the record for the first time I was hit by a good blues album. Mostly a bit softer than you might expect from the duo, but with top vocals from Tina. Larger part covers of regular blues numbers with simple yet on the spot backing, allowing her voice to flower. She's the star here for sure. The audio on this US press is superb - loud and clear with perfect separation...almost tactile. Very good listening all through. Hard to pick favorite tracks, but why not "I've Been Loving You Too Long" and "Rock Me Baby". Sixties issues in Canada, Israel, Australia (in mono and stereo), New Zeeland and over Europe. UK on Sunset (SLS 50314). Also on US reel, 8-track and CD (Good Time Records GTRCD 1386).  Premiere US had label as shown here in a glossy fold/out cover.  (YZÄ*)  (FÄV*)