We'll Never Turn Back by Mavis Staples

So I go from pop music to reggae to local "folk" music now to gospel music. Before I go any further, I have to admit I cheated a little with this CD. I already have "99 and 1/2," one of my favorite songs from the CD, on my iPod. Ross, Christine, and I heard the Sensational Joint Chiefs do a cover of it at a reunion show of theirs last year. It was such a great song that when I found out it was on this CD I downloaded it right quick. However, I never listened to the rest of the CD so I didn't totally cheat. I'm glad I listened to it now though. It is amazing what you find sometimes when you listen to a whole CD, little hidden gems, or in this case a message that bears repeating. Mavis Staples is from the Staples Singers singing group. Their CD, "The Best of the Staples Singers," is another CD I enjoy. I won't review that one though because I have listened to it too many times. Mavis, as well as her sisters, is known for R&B, soul, and gospel music. In the liner notes she call the music on this particular CD "freedom music." I like that description. The music is inspiring, its meant to make you want to take a stand, or at the very least remember all of those people who did take a stand during the Civil Rights Movement. The songs sound kind of like spirituals but modern day versions of them. She sings about things that happened back in the day and how things now are still a long way from where they should be. I found it ironic that this was released in 2007 and now here we are in 2009 with Barack Obama as our president. We are moving a little way on that road.

My favorite songs are "99 and 1/2" and "I'll be rested." I almost wonder if Ross didn't buy this CD for "99 and 1/2." Although I am sure he had heard it before our night at the Uptown with the Joint Chiefs and there is probably some other CD in his collection with that song on it. Anyway, it has this great guitar sound on it and a great beat. I think you could even dance to it. The best part though are the words
"I'm runnin', runnin' for freedom y'all
Cause 99 and 1/2 just won't do
Now, if your God won't help you
You better try mine"
and
"Lord, I'm tryin' to make 100,
cause 99 and 1/2 won't do."
How cool is that. The mathematician in me just loves that. The other song "I'll be rested" is very mellow. She repeats the words "I"ll be rested when the roll is called" throughout the song and then she says names of different people that were involved and died fighting in the Civil Rights Movement.

I think that Ross bought this CD, like I said, partly for "99 and 1/2," but I think he bought it for the message the CD had as well as it being Mavis Staples. She is a pretty extraordinary singer and the songs on this CD are pretty powerful, not only because of her voice, but because of all of the meaning behind those lyrics. Another great CD, with a great message, gotta keep it.