Hilariously racy monologues were a hallmark of
Millie Jackson's concerts, as the title of
Live and Uncensored implies. Beyond the foul-mouthed hijinks on this 1979 release, though,
Jackson created witty narratives that covered everything from sexual foibles to
soap operas, and in the process dressed down both sexes; hypocritically coy women are directed to
"Give It Up," while in
"The Rap" and
"Be a Sweetheart," bumbling and sexually rabid men get roundly manipulated.
Jackson turns TV critic on
"The Soaps" to blast the inanity of daytime television, and on
"Logs and Thangs" offers up some well-worn yet sophisticated sexual innuendo. And, yes, there is music here as well.
Jackson delivers fine examples of her
Bobby Womack/
Stax-inspired brand of
soul on
"(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don't Want to Be Right," "Just When I Needed You Most," and
"What Am I Waiting For," and prefigures
hip-hop diva
Mary J. Blige with her slightly hoarse yet honeyed vocal delivery on
"I Still Love You (You Still Love Me)" -- replete with some fine breakbeats.
Womack gets his due as
Jackson's medley of
Rod Stewart's
"Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?" and
Womack's own
"Put Something Down on It" reveals
the Brit's debt to the great
soul writer/producer. Aside from a few forgettable moments like a
classical music parody and some weak
disco,
Live and Uncensored is a strong document of
Millie Jackson in her element. [This two-disc CD reissue of
Live and Uncensored includes
Jackson's 1982 follow-up album,
Live and Outrageous, as a bonus.] ~ Stephen Cook
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