P.P. Arnold - The First Lady Of Immediate
1982 Press..
A 1968 copy in this cond goes for 500+
Year Released: 1968
Genre: Soul, Rhythm and Blues, Pop-Soul, Northern Soul
Description:
The First Lady Of Immediate is the debut studio album by American soul singer P.P. Arnold. Released in 1968 on the Immediate Records label, it is a crucial document of the "swinging London" era and a testament to the powerful, soulful voice of a singer who was a key figure behind the scenes of British rock and pop music.
The album's creation is a fascinating story. Arnold, originally an Ikette (a backing singer for Ike & Tina Turner), left the group while on tour in London and was convinced by The Rolling Stones' manager Andrew Loog Oldham to stay in the UK and sign with his fledgling label, Immediate Records. The album was a collaborative effort, with production and musical contributions from a number of British rock heavyweights, including Oldham himself, Mick Jagger, Steve Marriott, and Ronnie Lane of The Small Faces.
The album's sound is a unique fusion of American soul and British pop-rock. It's a highly polished and orchestrated record, with a full-blooded production that often features lush strings, horns, and powerful backing vocals. The album's most famous track is her definitive version of Cat Stevens' "The First Cut Is The Deepest." Arnold's soulful and raw vocal performance on the song transformed it from a folk ballad into a timeless soul classic. Other notable tracks include the powerful soul-shouter "(If You Think You're) Groovy," which features instrumental backing from The Small Faces, and the fan favorite "Everything Is Gonna Be Alright," which has become a Northern Soul collector's item.
Despite its critical acclaim and the strength of its singles, The First Lady Of Immediate did not achieve the commercial success it deserved, a fate often attributed to the financial troubles and eventual collapse of the Immediate Records label. However, the album has gained a legendary status over the decades, with its powerful vocals and ambitious production making it a favorite among soul music aficionados and fans of the mod and Northern Soul scenes