I think I'll record a CD this year.

[Dave Martin]

Originally Posted by Oren Hudson

While I don't disagree that "At Last" is a great record, IMO - if it were released today exactly as it originally was, do you think that it would be a great record?

Yeah, I think it would still be a great record. The string charts are great and Etta sings the bejeesus out of the song. But I also think that Etta's "The Right Time" (recorded in Muscle Shoals, and the last record that Jerry Wexler produced) is a great record. I think it only sold about 12 copies, but I bought one of them and treasure it. From my perspective as a recording guy, I don't think that Bettye Lavette's "I've Got My Own Hell To Raise" sounds that great. Nevertheless, it's a great record because it captures Bettye's performance, which is stunning. And that's ultimately the key for me - I want to hear stunning performances. Give me those and I'll forgive all sorts of mixing issues...