[rating=9.00]
Anyone who’s ever heard a single note from Melissa Etheridge during her multi-decade career can attest to the fact that she’s not only a tenacious and tempestuous performer possessed with grit and sass, but also an artist that stands apart in terms of her credibility and conviction. That’s something to be relished in these troubling times. With her muscular delivery and singular defiance, she’s established herself as one of today’s most credible, convincing performers in any sphere, be it rock, roots or whatever realms the pundits might choose.
Therefore, Etheridge’s decision to turn her attention towards an album of Stax Records classics is logical in one sense, but somewhat curious in another. If it seems an odd shift in stance, all it takes is an initial listen to prove otherwise. She literally finds herself right in the groove replaying such familiar favorites as “Who’s Making Love,” “Hold On I’m Coming,” “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now)” and “Born Under A Bad Sign.” There’s no pomp or pretension needed; Etheridge revels in her own edge and authority, thereby making these songs an ideal match for a style that’s always been borne by a certain soulful edge to begin with. Even so, one can’t avoid the feeling that Memphis Rock and Soul comes across as a bit redundant, simply because the familiarity factor is so obvious and apparent. These tracks are already engrained through their classic renditions, not to mention the hundreds of covers that have been recorded in the decades since.
Nevertheless, Etheridge has a license to venture into this terrain, not only due to her own tenacious talents but because Memphis Rock and Soul is released on the Stax label itself. Therefore, the credibility and credence are certainly sustained. Perhaps it’s best not to judge the need, but rather to embrace and enjoy. A little nostalgia goes a long, long way.
