Super Fly - CURTIS MAYFIELD****

Little Child Runnin' Wild/Pusherman/Freddie's Dead/Junkie Chase/Give Me Your Love/Eddie You Should Know Better/No Thing On Me/Think/Superfly

Soul artist Curtis Mayfield reached an artistic and commercial peak with the soundtrack album Super Fly. The film tackled the subject of drug dealing and was one of several from the era for which the term ‘blaxploitation’ was coined. Includes the US top ten singles Freddie’s Dead and the title track. (US:1 UK:26)

“Curtis Mayfield’s third studio album was composed as the soundtrack to the movie Super Fly. Mayfield’s songs display a negative image of the drug dealer and ultimately this is the message the film itself conveys.”

“Mayfield came up with a funky, realistic, no-holds-barred musical soundscape confronting the ills of ghetto life that opened the paths to the hustles glorified in the movie.”

“There were a lot of great soul artists doing soundtracks around this time, but this one stands out above the rest. All the songs are so well written, going along with the plot of the film, yet could be played in any setting and would still be appropriate. Mayfield's use plot elements from the movie to put across socially conscious commentary is genius. These rhythms are terrific and catchy, but still sophisticated.”

“Adding a tense, nervous energy to his string and brass sections compared with the preceding Curtis, with Super Fly Curtis Mayfield might have in theory been cutting the soundtrack for a sleazy and rather forgettable blaxploitation movie, but it stands perfectly well on its own as a concept album telling its own story about corruption, vice, and the harm inflicted on communities from within and from without. It has more than a little to offer to jazz listeners too, particularly with some of the horn solos. Standing at the corner between soul and funk, sample what Curtis is pushing here.”

“Using grandiose orchestral backings, horns and a funky rhythm section, Curtis created a masterpiece of modern black music. Everything about this album works, from the music and arrangements to the detailed and cutting lyrics.”

“Curtis Mayfield struck a true chord with this recording. Without being obscene or vulgar he captured the sorrows and joys of people who lived city streets, but the everyday ups and downs of just being human.”