{"product_id":"marlena-shaw-the-spice-of-life","title":"MARLENA SHAW - THE SPICE OF LIFE","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e2026 repress. The 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","brand":"Forced Exposure","offers":[{"title":"Vinyl LP","offer_id":53356113723705,"sku":null,"price":33.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0060\/2744\/4291\/files\/a2581510693_10.jpg?v=1780448100","url":"https:\/\/www.goingundergroundrecords.com\/products\/marlena-shaw-the-spice-of-life","provider":"Going Underground Records","version":"1.0","type":"link"}