Customer Reviews

Back to the Shit

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I LOVE Millie Jackson. I wanted to LOVE this album. And I tried, really. But it's just not up to snuff. Millie can be absolutely hysterical (only Bette Midler has as big a repuation for bawdy on-stage fun). Unfortunately, she sounds less than inspired here. To put it mildly, this is the deepest she has ever strayed into "gross out" comedy (check the cover picture and track listing for an indication). No doubt, she has crossed that invisible "line" before...but dammit, the material was MUCH FUNNIER then! She is indeed in fine voice here, but it must be noted that the "singles" here are concert recordings of her past studio hits for the JIVE label (from "Imitation Of Love"). These versions were NOT "hits". The only other really worthwhile song here is her rendering of the Carole King/Gerry Goffin classic "Will You Love Me Tomorrow", even if it is a bit too long. THAT song can be found on her worthwhile "The Very Best! Of Millie Jackson" cd, along with most of her other (but not all) best moments on JIVE. Is there anything good here? Well, yes. There are some amusing bits to be sure ("I'm Waiting Baby"). But this collection cannot TOUCH her previous two "live" albums (available on one cd set, and worth EVERY penny). And I'd rather listen to a misguided Millie than almost any other performer of her class and style that I can think of. But boring is BORING, no matter how talented and original the artist may be. And my babies, THIS is one DULL album. Buy the "Very Best!" instead, and seek out "The Tide Is Turning" for the two songs it missed: "Cover Me (Wall To Wall) and "In My Dreams".

When Millie Jackson signed with Jive Rcords they ATTEMPTED to clean up her image with her first 2 studio releases on Jive; An Imitation of Love, and even more with, The Tide is Turning. Needless to say they learned their lesson, and this live CD was the end result.

Frankly I would have liked this release more if it had more tracks on it, but the combination of Millie's way underated singing, and her trademark blue tinged stage banter work.

Throughout her career one of Millie's other trademarks is the way she can remake a song like nobody else, and the highlight of this release is her take on Carol King's "Will You Love Me Tomorrow".

Back To The S&^T, is really Back To Millie.

Millie Jackson does it again.
Known in certain circles as the female Prince. Millie Jackson continues to produce avant garde progressive soul. Don't let the cover art fool you, this is quality music that moves the soul and lifts the spirit. She mixes these incredible live tracks with her wonderfully smooth wit and charm that makes you laugh as well as think.
Here are my takes and interpretations on a few of the songs:
The album kicks into gear with the track "Hot Wild Unrestricted Crazy Love"
Very smooth, this song deals with lonelyness and the unrivaled passion certain human beings have for eachother.
The next track "Getting to know me" is an incredible introspective about her feelings and basically getting to know herself while getting to know the audience.
The next song that I want to talk about is "Muffle that fart". This song is hilarious. Among the other deep and thoughtful songs that she has on the album she drops this hilarious bomb that just makes you cry out loud!

One of my favorites the sad and slow song "Will you love me tomorrow" deals also with insecuties we all feel. I mean the title says it all. Great accompanyment on this song and her counterpoint riff style is definately displayed in this song.

The next song I will review is "Sho Nuff Danjus" This her final song of the album and chosen as her coda is a smooth and sexy songs that is her way of saying goodbye after the fun yet thoughtful journey her album takes you through.
The album in general is amazing! and definately a must have for road trips or other occasions that can be shared with friends.

ON "BACK TO THE (SHIT)" MILLIE IS IN TOP VOCAL FORM. WITH THIS CD, SHE MADE HER LAST VENTURE TO THE TOP TEN. ALL OF THE SINGLES WERE HITS. THE REMAINDER OF THE ALBUM IS FULL OF GREAT SOUL MUSIC AS ONLY SHE CAN DO IT. ...

Only talent-challenged performers rely on 'blue' material to sell records. There is no value to this album outside the 'hood.