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RICK JAMES Street Songs( Mobile Fidelity)
Mobile Fidelity offers a pristine 45RPM 2xLP pressing of Rick James’ standout 1981 album Street Songs. The album’ s meticulous funk went on to influence studio productions during the ensuing decade of R & B, funk, and hip-hop. As advertised, the material reflects James’ streetwise observations of a hardscrabble life in the inner city as heard on songs including“ Ghetto Life.” Stevie Wonder adds
harmonica to“ Mr. Policeman.” The set is liberally spiced with a racy rendezvous or two, represented by tracks like the unambiguous“ Give it to Me Baby” and hot-blooded“ Make Love to Me” with its insistent groove. The album’ s most memorable track is the raunchy dancefloor filler“ Super Freak,” with background vocals by Motown titans The Temptations. The slow-burning“ Fire and Desire” finds James thanking a former lover, voiced by Teena Marie, for making him a better person and partner in his new relationship. The irrepressible“ Below the Funk( Pass the J)” is an herbinfused rap session, with James discussing his roots in Buffalo, NY, and reminiscing with friends. The album has never sounded better on vinyl. The platters are dead quiet. Bass guitar and kick drum are full-bodied, Erskine Williams’ clavinet and synthesizers twist with sinewy life, guitars ring, brass and percussion sparkle, and Daniel LeMelle’ s saxophone bristles. James’ s sly vocals leap from the speakers with clarity and passion. With this premium audiophile presentation, James fulfills his promise to deliver“ music for the feet” and“ words for the mind.”( mofi. com)
– Jeff Elbel 9
Continued on page 14 newreleases
October 3
AFI Silver Bleeds The Black Sun Idlewild Idlewild Rachael Yamagata Starlit Alchemy Richard Ashcroft Lovin ' You Sparks Madder Upchuck I ' m Nice Now
October 10
Brian Eno & Beatie Wolfe Liminal Yellowcard Better Days
October 17
Boz Scaggs Detour Chrissie Hynde Duets Special Of Monsters and Men... In The Mouse Parade Tame Impala Deadbeat The Last Dinner Party From The Pyre
October 24
Bon Jovi Brainwasher Brandi Carlile Circa Waves Serj Tankian Sigrid The Lemonheads Love Chant Tortoise Touch
October 31
Creeper Sanguivore II: Mistress Of Death Florence + the Machine Everybody Scream Guided by Voices Thick Rich And Delicious The Charlatans UK We Are Love Witch Fever FEVEREATEN
Rachael Yamagata
Tortoise
10 illinoisentertainer. com october 2025