{"product_id":"the-spice-of-life-lp","title":"The Spice Of Life [LP]","description":"\u003ch2\u003eMarlena Shaw - The Spice Of Life [LP]\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Spice of Life, released in November 1969, stands as Marlena Shaw's second -- and final -- studio album for Cadet Records, produced and arranged by the renowned Richard Evans and Charles Stepney. From the opening, Shaw's voice -- both playful and powerful -- cuts through the lush yet tight-knit arrangements, weaving together a vibrant tapestry of soul, proto-funk, jazz, gospel, and blues. The album features two defining classics: her deeply resonant original of \"Woman of the Ghetto\" and a signature take on Ashford \u0026amp; Simpson's \"California Soul,\" both staples in sampling culture (you'll probably find that you're more familiar with Shaw's material than you thought.) Evans and Stepney's arrangements are far from mere support -- they're panoramic and inventive. You'll hear kalimba flourishes, psych-tinged guitar accents, and bongo-fueled organ textures that elevate each track, keeping the atmosphere rich but never overwhelming. Moments like the Bacharach-styled \"Looking Through the Eyes of Love\" or the dramatic flair of \"Stormy Monday\" showcase their widescreen sensibility and Shaw's versatility. Beneath its musical elegance, The Spice of Life carries a weighty current of social commentary. Tracks such as \"Woman of the Ghetto\" and the succinct, fierce \"Liberation Conversation\" bring political and feminist themes into a soulful, expressive framework -- adding unexpected depth to the sophisticated sonic palette. This album offers an immersive journey through soul-jazz mastery, one that rewarded listeners with sampling gold for decades to come. Reissue on 180g vinyl.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTracks\u003cbr\u003eA1. Woman Of The Ghetto\u003cbr\u003eA2. Call It Stormy Monday\u003cbr\u003eA3. Where Can I Go\u003cbr\u003eA4. I'm Satisfied\u003cbr\u003eA5. I Wish I Knew (How It Would Feel To Be Free)\u003cbr\u003eB1. Liberation Conversation\u003cbr\u003eB2. California Soul\u003cbr\u003eB3. Go Away Little Boy\u003cbr\u003eB4. Looking Thru The Eyes Of Love\u003cbr\u003eB5. Anyone Can Move A Mountain\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Marlena Shaw","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":62526878875978,"sku":"602488520843","price":6.48,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/goldenspiraluk.com\/products\/the-spice-of-life-lp","provider":"Golden Spiral Vinyl","version":"1.0","type":"link"}