I’ve been avoiding Ike & Tina for awhile. For a long time, I just felt that their sound in the mid-60s was too raw. Of course this is just a first impression and based on their big hits of the late 60s, River Deep, Proud Mary, etc. Strange enough, I’ve been buying Ikettes records since the start. “I’m Blue” being a favorite from Hairspray, and finally getting my hands on a copy of “Nobody Loves Me” after a year wait.

I had purchased an early Ike and Tina 45 on Sue at the KUSF Record Swap and it sat moldering in the boxes, unplayed, until I set it aside.

It wasn’t until I came across this one at my favorite record shop that this changed. I’ll buy any Loma 45 for $3! This one starts with a little skit that I have to cue past, but the song showcases Tina’s roar and the Ikettes soothing harmonies. The song is so sad, a 3 minute melodrama.

These mid 60s 45s can be hard to find and pricey, but my ears have been opened!

DJ Fuzzprobe