Richard Smith

Look way below the pop-soul that dominated Detroit in the 60s and you will find much heavier sounds that are considerably more to my taste. Take this one-off by Richard Smith for Fortune’s Hi-Q subsidiary. It’s a raw – crude even – production made even more lo fi by a dreadful pressing but that shouldn’t put you off listening to Smith’s impassioned wailing and some fine background vocalists. Both sides are simple in structure and they’re illuminated by some out of tune horns but perhaps ListenMama Cried just pips ListenI Don’t Wanna Cry thanks to Smith’s gruffer tone. But you can make your own mind up here. File with Gene Cooper.

 



Discography

ListenMama cried / ListenI don’t wanna cry ~ HI-Q 5042 (1967?)

 

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