So I got this recommended by Amazon, and my mother keeps pestering me for a Christmas list. It sounds pretty damn good, but I figured I'd check the gang here just to see. I did a quick search, so Z and billyg, I'm looking at you guys.

From AMG:
I'm a Loser is the standout recording from Southern soul singer Doris Duke; problem is, it's nearly impossible to find. Originally released on the Canyon label in 1970, I'm a Loser found only intermittent life on small domestic and Japanese labels. For fans of the gritty soul style of early Millie Jackson and Denise La Salle recordings, this title is worth searching for.

The 12 medium-tempo tracks were mostly penned by fellow Southern singer Gary "U.S." Bonds and producer Jerry Williams Jr. and are executed nicely by a crack Capricorn Studio band. There's nothing here on the level of Aretha Franklin's contemporary triumphs for Atlantic either in the quality of the vocals or material, but Duke's own gospel-imbued voice, with its slightly hoarse and urgent tone, finds its own niche.

The lean, Stax-inspired numbers also are very decent and even contain Duke's big hit "To the Other Woman (I'm the Other Woman)." The fate of the love weary is the main subject matter here and all its attendant drama is not only captured well by Duke's pleading vocal delivery, but it is unobtrusively underscored by the minimal and tasteful string arrangements.

I'm a Loser may be a somewhat obscure title, but it is one that would fit into any good soul collection.

From Amazon
Doris Duke's "i'm a Loser" is Considered by Many - Including the Late Dave Godin, to Be the Greatest Deep Soul Album of all Time. To Satisfy the Demand from Those who Missed Its Previous (And Very Brief) Japanese CD Reissue in the Early 1990s, Kent is Honoured to Restore "i'm a Loser" to Catalogue, as Part of this Retrospective of Doris' Two Year Collaboration with Another R&B Legend, Jerry Williams Jr AKA Swamp Dogg.

As Well as Doris' Two Swamp-produced Albums, the CD also features the First Reissue, in 36 Years!, of Both Sides of Doris' Rare Us Jay Boy Single (Originally Released as Doris Willingham). The Sleeve Notes Include Swamp Dogg's Own Reminiscences of the Sessions that Produced this Monumentally Soulful Music.

I"m listening to the one track of hers that Rhapsody has available ("Business Deal") and it's pretty freakin' awesome.

Give it a go, Fu. (then, y' know, YSI/Sendspace a brother)

Also, isn't there a better than fair chance billy g has the record already? Ask him and see if it's worth it.
Aside: the "Soul Power" comp that had her track on it is pretty dope. Couple tracks in right now and me likey.

this is a great package. with i'm a loser being such a rarity (and also only on LP), this collection is pretty much the definitive doris duke CD. i'm a big fan.

you know the story of the saxophonist prodigy that plays perfectly for the old-timer? "that's great, kid, but where's your story?" doris duke is a little like the antithesis of that. she may not have the best voice technically, but, oh my, you feel what she feels when you hear her sing.

"to the other woman", "i don't care anymore", and "the feeling is right" alone are pretty much worth it.



billy g's not the only person who listens to soul and latin music on this board.

Fair enough and no offense intended. Just that I think he's the guy most of us think of immediately when such topics come up.

Thanks, James. You ain't nearly as bad as Jasmine makes you sound in chat.

*** UPDATE ***

Thanks, James. This disc is better than I had anticipated, and I had high hopes.

np: See thread title.

i'm glad you appreciate it and took my recommendation. i've actually been seeing this out-of-stock at some retailers, but i'm sure it'll be pressed again if sales have been as strong as they seem.