An overnight success in 2005 some 40 years after her debut single, soul diva Bettye LaVette recorded this album for Motown in 1982. Teamed with ace producer Steve Buckingham, she cut these ten songs with the cream of Nashv... more »ille and Memphis musicians. Critically acclaimed at the time of its release but totally at odds with what Motown was then recording, Tell Me A Lie sounds as fresh today as it did when originally released. Bettye Lavette's star continues to rise now. First time on CD, digitally remastered in 24 bit from the original analog masters, and including a 12 page booklet.« less
All Artists:Bettye Lavette Title:Tell Me A Lie Members Wishing: 6 Total Copies: 0 Label:Reel Music Original Release Date: 1/1/2009 Re-Release Date: 6/3/2008 Album Type: Original recording remastered Genres:Pop, R&B Styles:Motown, Soul Number of Discs: 1 SwapaCD Credits: 1 UPC:667487800327
Synopsis
Product Description
An overnight success in 2005 some 40 years after her debut single, soul diva Bettye LaVette recorded this album for Motown in 1982. Teamed with ace producer Steve Buckingham, she cut these ten songs with the cream of Nashville and Memphis musicians. Critically acclaimed at the time of its release but totally at odds with what Motown was then recording, Tell Me A Lie sounds as fresh today as it did when originally released. Bettye Lavette's star continues to rise now. First time on CD, digitally remastered in 24 bit from the original analog masters, and including a 12 page booklet.
CD Reviews
A Classic Motown Masterpiece!!
Paul Williams | Warwick, NY USA | 05/17/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"An overnight success after her recent releases on Anti- Records, Bettye recorded this album with ace producer Steve Buckingham in 1981.Very much a departure from the Motown albums of the early '80s, this album has stood the test of time, using as it did the creme de la creme of Nashville and Memphis musicians. It's pretty much classic straight-ahead classic soul, with Bettye's vocals on top form throughout. The CD sound is excellent and is taken from the original first generation Motown tapes. Booklet includes the original album cover which was withdrawn at the last minute in favour of the posed "cheating couples" cover. (In the interests of full disclosure, it's on my label and Bettye herself helped with the original cover and is happy to see it out again)."
A Classic "Lost" Soul CD Finally Gets "Found"
G. Mitchell | Los Angeles, CA United States | 06/30/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"If you love Bettye Lavette, you need this - her long-lost early 80s Motown soul album that was barely released and all-but-shelved now finally gets a proper CD remastered reissue over 25 years later! And it was worth the wait: like the best soul singers who earn every note with authority, grace, and hard-earned lived-in experience, every song is made all the better by Bettye's sassy, gritty delivery - I like the midtempo groovers, the slow ballads, and especailly her attempt at uptempo disco/funk I CAN'T STOP, which reminds me of a classic Emotions/Cheryl Lynn/Three Degrees club track. She's sung for West End, she had a comeback recently with Anti, now get this MOTOWN classic, sounds even better in 2008. They really don't make 'em like this anymore!"
Bettye on Motown
Dexter | Scotland | 06/30/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Bettye LaVette, the great soul & blues singer, began her career in the early '60's but it was not until 1982 that she finally had her first album issued!
'Tell Me A Lie' was released on Motown and was one of the last real soul albums to be produced by the company. Sadly it did not have the success that it deserved and until now has been a lost treasure. However it's now been re-released and remastered and sounds better than ever.
The album includes the soul hit 'Right In The Middle (Of Falling In Love)' which Bettye still performs. There's also her versions of a couple of Motown classics 'I Heard It Through The Grapevine' and 'If I Were Your Woman' which sound like they were written with her in mind. Overall it's an excellent album and stacks up well against Bettye's current successes. So do yourself a great favour and get this little masterpiece. You won't regret it."
One of my favorite CDs EVER!!!
bert1761 | Washington, DC United States | 09/16/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I was so excited when I stumbled across this listing on amazon. I had no idea that this album was finally released on CD. I have been wishing for it for years. I had the LP when it was originally released 26 years ago, but wore it out long ago. I just got it today, and it is just as great as I remember it to be. And, amazingly, it doesn't sound dated at all. Although it is not as "gritty" as Bettye's recent CDs, her soul comes through on every track. The dance-oriented "I Can't Stop" is the only track that is not on par with Bettye's best work 40 years ago or currently. Anyone who likes classic R&B music will be well served by acquiring this CD, and fans of the neo-soul stars of today will appreciate hearing one of their great influences."
Under the radar excellence
David Bruce | Long Beach, California United States | 11/03/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Bettye flew just under the radar of commercial success for years. But, even without that success, she recorded some wonderful gems through the years. This 1982 release is no exception. Though there is some minor filler, the majority of this album is spot-on luscious woman's ache soul singing. Though I love Gladys Knight, I have to give the ultimate props to Bettye for her take on "If I Were Your Woman" -- she wrings every ounce of emotion possible out of this song, while never becoming maudlin or over-the-top. In many ways, it's been to Bettye's artistic achievement that she flew under the radar, as it were. Excellent release, well worth searching out."
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1