Search - Curtis Mayfield :: Sweet Exorcist

Bittersweet

Matt Calvert | Gt. missenden, Bucks United Kingdom | 02/23/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"'Sweet Exorcist' marked Curtis' beginning to re-work Impression's songs as well as emphasise the rhythm section (with a greater role placed in keyboards such as electric piano an organ than in the past over guitars) over orchestral backings. The results (still acheived from incorpoarting the classic Curtis sound of rhtyhm section and orchestra) produce a greatly overlooked album from Mayfield's catalogue.The opening track 'Ain't Got No Time' kicks off the album with a great mid-tempo groove re-worked from an Impressions tune of the same name, before dissolving into the sublime title track which dipsenses completely with extra-group arrangements. Other highlights include 'Make me believe in you' and 'Kung Fu', much sampled for it's drum break. 'Suffer' is also included, a ballad penned by Curtis and the late Donny Hathaway, another unique Chicago vocalist.'Sweet Exorcist' continues Curtis' long line of brilliant releases, swiftly followed by 'Got To Find A Way'. Perhaps not essential, but for fans a must have, if only for the title cut and other highlights."