I celebrated my birthday this past weekend. The highlight was at a barbecue when I was asked — nay, urged — to recount the plot of the film Soylent Green (1973) to several bystanders who were unfamiliar with it. Believe me, people, I live for moments like that.
I got some great books and CDs, including some referred to in this post about the new Stax Profiles series. In fact, I got the three I mentioned: Otis Redding, Carla Thomas and Booker T. & The MG’s.
I’ve always been fond of Carla Thomas, although I really couldn’t say why. “B-A-B-Y” is a classic, but she did a little bit of everything. “Gee Whiz (Look in His Eyes),” recorded when Thomas was 18, was Stax’s first big hit. Over the next decade, she put 22 singles on the national charts. Her King & Queen album with Otis Redding is terrific.
This song “(Your Love Is A) Life Saver” was produced by Steve “The Colonel” Cropper and David Porter and features the MG’s and the Mar-Key Horns. It’s a cute little number. Note how the drumming (probably Al Jackson, Jr.) is funky, but not precise.
The collection was selected by her former labelmate Mable John. John was at both Motown and Stax, and was also a Raelette. She’s now a Pastor of Joy In Jesus Ministries.
The first song I ever heard by her completely captivated me, it was so powerful. Check out those chord changes! Here it is for your listening pleasure, “I’m a Big Girl Now.” (“Don’t Hit Me No More” is also amazing.)
Carla Thomas – (Your Love Is A) Life Saver — BUY
Mable John – I’m A Big Girl Now — BUY
Tags: Carla Thomas, Mable John, Stax