Teena Marie's strong 1979 debut owes a lot to Rick James. This is especially evident on the familiar opening track I'm A Sucker For Your Love which he wrote and lent his distinct style. But there's a lot of variety too. Teena's version of The Temptation's tune Don't Look Back gets me moving and smiling every time - it sounds like that first day of a holiday once you've got the hassle of the airport out of the way and you're on the way to the beach with the top down. I'm Gonna Have My Cake (And Eat It Too), though, is a strange one with many elements that would normally turn me off. It's over the top, sentimental, self pitying and sounds a bit too much like a show tune. But her vocals carry it once you get into them and they just strengthen until about three and a half minutes in when she starts scatting. It just starts to really swing in a dinner jazz style - complete with a drum break down and some nice George Benson-style guitar. I shouldn't like it but I can't help myself, and ultimately I'm always disappointed by the rather sudden ending, wanting it to just keep on jamming.
Teena Marie - I'm A Sucker For Your Love
Teena Marie - Don't Look Back
Teena Marie - I'm Gonna Have My Cake (And Eat It Too)
Found your blog on a link clicking tangent, and what a surprise. This definitely brings back childhood memories of listening to my uncle's record collection. Some of your choices have been staples in my personal collection for as long as I can remember. I'll give you a shoutout on my next post.
ReplyDeleteGlad you've enjoyed it and thanks for the shout. I'm looking forward to trawling your selections.
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