For some Linda Jones is the most incredible soul singer ever.

 

For others, she is just too much and goes over the top - too much 'wailing' and too many vocal acrobatics - basically too much cheese

 

She has recorded some truly class tracks and I would be interested in hearing some I don't already know.

 

To get things going, here is one I have always loved - not a solo effort but a combination with the Whatnauts. A song from my youth courtesy of the great Dave Evison.

 

So, if Linda Jones is a Marmite singer, do you like Marmite?

 

Hey, just spotted a classic cheese and Marmite thing going on here 

 

Cheers

 

Richard

 

 

Sorry, but if someone says they love soul, then says they don,t like Linda Jones, then I am out of any further conversation

 

Kev

So many marvellous sides, she was truly wonderful.

 

I would have anointed her feet with perfumed oils

 

Her first outing on Turbo (1971)

 

Aretha, Shirley Brown, Laura Lee, Gladys Knight, Linda Jones, she's up there for me with the other legends I have mentioned

 

Kev

I definitely like this one

 

Richard

 

Flip to "Your Precious Love"

 

Linda Jones - Marmite!!!!!

 

Her vocal style is cheesey!!!

 

You're either desperate for a thread theme, or you really know some people that don't know the first thing about real soul music.

 

I've yet to meet anyone who thinks Linda Jones is anything less than a legend,

another yawn topic ! I like marmite and eat cheese. Id say she was more like champagne rather classy

I like marmite and eat cheese.

Have you tried them both together? I thinks its a great combination.

 

Anyhow, back onto Linda Jones - PURE CLASS

"When The Hurt Comes Back" doesn't seem to get mentioned that much and is a beautiful piece of soul

Edited April 12, 201312 yr by John Reed

Sorry, but if someone says they love soul, then says they don,t like Linda Jones, then I am out of any further conversation

 

Kev

What the man says.

 

Spine tingling is surely an expression purposely made to characterise her vocal abilities.

In my all time top ten.

I can see you what mean that some people might regard her as being a bit over the top but, in my book, she's fantastic. One of the all time greats!

 

 

THE BEST FEMALE SINGER THAT AS EVER LIVED!!! End Of.

its all about personal choice..i prefer Doris Duke amongst others..

Black Music and Blues & Soul was where I first heard about her and the words written about her were so powerful I had to hear her, but at that time, aged 13/14, 25p a week pocket money, none of her records available in the UK (as far as I knew) and nothing played on the radio.  How did people to get to hear stuff in those days?  So I don't think I did ever hear anything by her until Just Can't Live My Life was issued in 1975 due to Northern demand.  Plus I kept mixing her up with Lorraine Ellison which didn't help.

Love "I'm so glad" etc...but how about "My heart needs a break".? That's not been bettered has it.?

I can see you what mean that some people might regard her as being a bit over the top but, in my book, she's fantastic. One of the all time greats!

 

She does have tendency to do a lot of technically very difficult vocal acrobatics, vibrato, fast scales etc.

 

Not in the same cringe-worthy category thankfully as Gloria Taylor or even Mariah Carey 

 

What are her best lesser-known Northern-type tracks then?

 

Cheers

 

Richard

THE BEST FEMALE SINGER THAT AS EVER LIVED!!! End Of.

Up there with Aretha and Kim Weston! 

 

They just do not come any better than........................

 

https://youtu.be/pDYx1gK117w

 

I bought my copy from Scooby about 15 years ago Dave.......£20.00 

Edited April 12, 201312 yr by Guest

Having only recently acquired Linda's " Hypnotized" LP on Loma, I have to say it's barely been back in the sleeve since. Just amazing. (Thanks again BG if you read this). With that on one deck and the recently released Ty Karim LP delight from Ace/Kent on the other, I've lost a good few hours just listening and soaking in the soul from what must be two of the best female soul vocalists ever.

If only we had met sooner.

 

My epitaph and my funeral song, another one

Prefer her deeper slower stuff myself but for dancefloor friendly, even if it's not out and out Northern then this one from her Hypnotized album gets my vote.

 

Good call Dave 

 

Think I have this somewhere.

 

Cheers

 

Richard

astonishing vocals. Im so glad i found you (whatnauts) is a fabulous tune.       

 

   Just cant live my life is as good as it gets,  in my opinion.      My heart needs a break, also fabulous.....  so Linda jones gets my vote

Love "I'm so glad" etc...but how about "My heart needs a break".? That's not been bettered has it.?

 

I don't reckon it has Kev.

I've posted this before, but it's definitely worth another share - the mono mix of "If only we had met sooner". Vastly superior to the thin and tinny stereo version. So much so that it's almost like listening to a different song (if you know what I mean).

 

https://youtu.be/mRLdicXQZuw

Oh yes

Al H

 

For some Linda Jones is the most incredible soul singer ever.

 

For others, she is just too much and goes over the top - too much 'wailing' and too many vocal acrobatics - basically too much cheese

 

She has recorded some truly class tracks and I would be interested in hearing some I don't already know.

 

To get things going, here is one I have always loved - not a solo effort but a combination with the Whatnauts. A song from my youth courtesy of the great Dave Evison.

 

So, if Linda Jones is a Marmite singer, do you like Marmite?

 

Hey, just spotted a classic cheese and Marmite thing going on here 

 

Cheers

 

Richard

 

 

 

what's marmite?

 

I heard it mentioned on an episode of "Vicar of Dibley" (i saw on netflix) and didn't know what it was!

Can't believe this topic Linda jones ,marmite, mind you I was once told by someone "in the know" that Gladys knight was no soul singer so shouldn't be too surprised about this . Linda jones , marmite , keep saying it to myself like Peter Kay with his "garlic bread "

what's marmite?

 

I heard it mentioned on an episode of "Vicar of Dibley" (i saw on netflix) and didn't know what it was!

 

It's a yeast extract.

 

The marketing pitch is you love it or hate it.

 

Google it 

 

Richard

Edited April 12, 201312 yr by Premium Stuff

Prefer Vegemite personally, no where near as strong tasting. 

Edited April 12, 201312 yr by Guest

Prefer Vegemite personally, no where near as strong tasting. 

veg.jpg

 

The old Marmite jars used to have the instruction 'spread thinly' because it is quite strong.

 

Vegemite tastes quite different - nice for a change 

 

Never tried a Vegemite and cheese combination - guess it would work   

 

Cheers

 

Richard

Edited April 12, 201312 yr by Premium Stuff

I definitely like this one

 

Richard

 

Love this record and Linda Jones but it so reminds me of The Supremes ' Love Is Like A Itching In My Heart ' .

Never tried a Vegemite and cheese combination - guess it would work   

 

 

 

Richard

On toast! 

On toast! 

 

Mmmmmm 

 

I recommend Marmite, cheddar and cucumber sandwiches on fresh brown bread with white pepper 

 

Also Marmite on toast with scrambled eggs 

 

Richard

Its a taste sensation!

Oh yes

Al H

 

 

Yep - that is fabulous - one of her best for sure IMO 

 

Richard

How's about some of her Neptune sides, That's When I'll Stop Loving You/I'll Be Sweeter Tomorrow" and " Ooh Baby You Move Me/Can You Blame Me?"

Also "Fugitive From Love" Turbo and Blue Cat mind you I always thought "You Hit Me Like T.N.T was pop crap but that's just my opinion of course.

Dave.

I have I Can't Stop Lovin' My Baby on Loma and think it's the business!

 

I had a chance to pick up the Loma LP a few months ago from a chap but was short of cash and didn't.  Is the LP good as well?

I have I Can't Stop Lovin' My Baby on Loma and think it's the business!

 

I had a chance to pick up the Loma LP a few months ago from a chap but was short of cash and didn't.  Is the LP good as well?

Yeah, the Loma LP is very good.

It also came out in the UK, with JJ Jackson's Loma LP on the flip, as part of The Loma Story that came out due to demand in the 70s. (7 vol set).

It's a yeast extract.

 

The marketing pitch is you love it or hate it.

 

Google it 

 

Richard

 

 

It's a yeast extract.

 

The marketing pitch is you love it or hate it.

 

Google it 

 

Richard

 

I just know the Vicar of Dibley hates it! 

 

There is a British ex-pat grocery down the coast. I will have to drive down and see if they have some. I am intrigued.....

Love Lindas voice, another that I personally think is great is

You hit me like TNT. Perhaps too fast for some these days?

Have you tried them both together? I thinks its a great combination.

 

Anyhow, back onto Linda Jones - PURE CLASS

"When The Hurt Comes Back" doesn't seem to get mentioned that much and is a beautiful piece of soul

Hi John

 

Absolutely lovely record - new to me my friend.

 

Thanks

 

Peter

 

Hi John

 

Absolutely lovely record - new to me my friend.

 

Thanks

 

Peter

 

 

Me too - very nice indeed

 

I'm still having this thing with Linda Jones though when she does more than is needed - 'more is less' - rather than 'less is more' (which probably defines my musical taste overall I guess).

 

There's a bit early on where she does a kind of James (Jimmy) Stewart (impersonator) type wobble/wibble thing - which for me detracts 

 

Cheers

 

Richard

Me too - very nice indeed

 

I'm still having this thing with Linda Jones though when she does more than is needed - 'more is less' - rather than 'less is more' (which probably defines my musical taste overall I guess).

 

There's a bit early on where she does a kind of James (Jimmy) Stewart (impersonator) type wobble/wibble thing - which for me detracts 

 

Cheers

 

Richard

I know and hear where you're coming from Richard. I don't know too much about Linda to be honest. Always been a big fan of JCLML and ISGIFY and know a few others but the thread - like so many others, has been a learning curve.

 

Nice one.

 

Peter

 

Very sad loss so early in her life - " She must have have seen something coming when she sang I cant stop loving my baby as 2 lines in the lyrics say " Take a trip up to heaven - Ive been many times before"

She was just abrilliant singer with a fabulous range

Very sad loss so early in her life - " She must have have seen something coming when she sang I cant stop loving my baby as 2 lines in the lyrics say " Take a trip up to heaven - Ive been many times before"

She was just abrilliant singer with a fabulous range

Yes, 28 is no age is it.

 

From things I've read she had diabetes and died at home in between shows. For someone so young the girl left some musical legacy which is clearly appreciated by many. Her voice lives on.

 

Peter

 

 

 

Darn it Tony - isn't that just brilliant?

 

My conclusion is that Linda's voice was best suited to up-tempo numbers - this kept her in control so she could do the right amount of wailing and vocal acrobatics suitable for the song. 

 

On her slower, deeper numbers she tends to go too far and wibble all over the place - 'more is less' kind of effect - rather than the right amount.

 

Cheers

 

Richard

Edited April 13, 201312 yr by Premium Stuff

Up there with Aretha and Kim Weston! 

 

They just do not come any better than........................

 

https://youtu.be/pDYx1gK117w

 

I bought my copy from Scooby about 15 years ago Dave.......£20.00 

150% agreed!! Stunning vocals, amazing song, Brilliant strings, an absolute classic! What more could you possibly want?

Thought Vegemite was for them girlie Aussies who could,nt handle the real thing!!!!! 

You know how some things can nag away at you...things that you can't leave alone.

 

This thread is one of them for me, and it's because I can't see how anyone that says they're into soul music could ever think that Linda Jones voice was anything less than the essence of pure soul music. 

 

The text below has been copied from a guy's blog; this guy had never heard anything by her before, and was so moved that he put his listening experience into words..... 

 

Raising Her Voice a Little Higher: The Pain of Linda Jones

 

CDs with warning labels are nothing new, as one can find the "Explicit Lyrics" sticker on albums by artists as different as gangsta rapper Snoop Dogg and the early blues diva Bessie Smith.

But a good decade or so ago I pulled a CD from a "marked down to next to nothing" bin that had a warning label of kind that I had never before encountered:

The music contained herein exudes an intensity rarely evident in popular stylings, and even infrequent within the "deep soul" idiom, and if you are not that familiar with Linda's output, I would genuinely recommend that you sample this CD in smaller doses.

I had never heard of Ms Jones at that point, but how could I not put down my 2 bucks and change for a CD that came with that kind of caveat?

Linda was signed to Loma records in the 1960s, but never achieved the kind of success that her stable mates Lorraine Ellison or Ike and Tina Turner were blessed with. The excellent double CD "The Best Of Loma Records: The Rise And Fall Of A 1960's Soul Label" contains no less than five songs by Linda, including her almost-hit "Hypnotized". She later signed to Sylvia Robinson's Turbo Records in the early 70s, and unfortunately most of the recordings from that era sound somewhat distorted whenever the technical equipment of the era was outdone by Linda's unique vocal range (which was basically all the time).

The first thing that will hit you - hard - about Linda Jones is that she never held back. Her rare joyous songs are ecstatic jubilations, while the majority of her tunes convey a sadness and drama that make you fear Linda has already put the razor blade next to her bath tub. Linda was a bit like Patti Labelle in so far that she did not seem to know any moderation, though her voice is very different from Ms Patti's.

If you compare Linda's recording of "I can't Make it Alone" with Dusty Springfield's version, you can't help but notice how much more Linda "got" the lyric. As incomparable and talented as Dusty was, as brilliantly produced as the "Dusty in Memphis" album is, I doubt you'll ever be able to enjoy Dusty's understated reading of the song again once you have sampled Linda's agonized, driven masterpiece interpretation of the King/Goffin composition. When she yells "Help me!" you just want to reach through your speakers and hold on to her for her own, dear life.

Linda suffered from health problems, including diabetes, and died at the very young age of 28. The pain in her voice was clearly driven by pain in her life, and maybe she explains her singing style best herself in her spoken, rambling ad libs in the middle of her knock-you-to-your socks cover of Jerry Butler's early hit, For Your Precious Love. If this version of the song sounds remotely familiar to you, that is probably due to the cloned version that Truth Hurts recorded for the soundtrack of the Will Smith movie Ali a few years ago. Personally, I would have preferred if they'd remastered Linda's recording to use it on the soundtrack to introduce more people to this forgotten diva. Anyway, here is what Linda said in that song, and if you click on the clip below, lord have mercy, you can hear her explain herself better than I ever could.

You know something ladies? And especially you ladies, I'd like to speak to you.

Cause you know something, ladies? If you got a man, I don't care what kind of man you got he'll want you to get down on your knees sometimes and kind of crawl a little.

But you know what? I got a man that's somewhere out there that I don't mind crawling to.

Sometimes I wake up in the midnight hour with tears rolling down my face.

And when I look around for my man, I can't find him.

Hell, I fall a little lower, look a little higher

Kind of pray to the Lord.

Because I always believed the Lord can help me if nobody else could

Well sometimes I think he don't even hear me!

So I have to fall a little lower on my knees, look a little higher,

Kind of raise my voice a little higher

And this is what I sing when I call to my man

And I especially want you ladies to listen to me

Because maybe you can try this

It might help you once in a while

This is what you sing...