Live And Uncensored/Live And Outrageous

Hilariously racy monologues were a hallmark of Millie Jackson's concerts, as the title of Live and Uncensored implies. Beyond the foul-mouthed hijinks on this 1979 release, though, Jackson created witty narratives that covered everything from sexual foibles to soap operas, and in the process dressed down both sexes; hypocritically coy women are directed to "Give It Up," while in "The Rap" and "Be a Sweetheart," bumbling and sexually rabid men get roundly manipulated. Jackson turns TV critic on "The Soaps" to blast the inanity of daytime television, and on "Logs and Thangs" offers up some well-worn yet sophisticated sexual innuendo. And, yes, there is music here as well. Jackson delivers fine examples of her Bobby Womack/Stax-inspired brand of soul on "(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don't Want to Be Right," "Just When I Needed You Most," and "What Am I Waiting For," and prefigures hip-hop diva Mary J. Blige with her slightly hoarse yet honeyed vocal delivery on "I Still Love You (You Still Love Me)" — replete with some fine breakbeats. Womack gets his due as Jackson's medley of Rod Stewart's "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?" and Womack's own "Put Something Down on It" reveals the Brit's debt to the great soul writer/producer. Aside from a few forgettable moments like a classical music parody and some weak disco, Live and Uncensored is a strong document of Millie Jackson in her element. [This two-disc CD reissue of Live and Uncensored includes Jackson's 1982 follow-up album, Live and Outrageous, as a bonus.]