Consumer Guide Album

James Brown: Super Bad [King, 1970]
Recorded live, it says--hmm. Were the strings that accompany "By the Time I Get to Phoenix" on stage with him, or did he borrow them from Isaac Hayes on his way to pick up the uncredited "Chain Gang" finale from Sam Cooke? But it doesn't matter. Ten minutes of super rhythm plus ten minutes of bad blues plus a surprisingly passionate "Let It Be Me" with the Jamesettes and you even forgive the bad (really bad, I mean) Albert Ayler imitation that he identifies as a tribute to 'Trane. In fact, you kind of like it. A-