Listen: Cussin’ Cryin’ & Carryin’ On (Single Mix) / Ike & Tina Turner
Cussin' Cryin' & Carryin' On (Single Mix) / Ike & Tina Turner

A seemingly precise representation of the delta, chitlin’ circuit RnB Ike Turner could master in a four hour session when he wanted to, providing Tina Turner was there, that is. Even though it was recorded in Los Angeles, ‘Cussin’ Cryin’ & Carryin’ On’ still felt rural.

The single was released twice, both times on Pompeii and about a year apart. Wish I had some, any info as to why. Trust me, I have dug deep, but uncovered none. Oddly, as with almost every other Ike & Tina Turner record from the period, this never did get a UK issue. How is that even possible, it’s so good.

‘Cussin’ Cryin’ & Carryin’ On’ and their general sound during the era, tortures at what I’m convinced was missed by not seeing The Ike & Tina Turner Review in full, sweaty action during ’64/’65/’66′. If only I’d been born a few years earlier, well at least ten to cover it safely. The live shows I could have attended, and records I could have acquired. Wow.

Listen: Make Em Wait / The Ikettes IkettesMakeEm.mp3

Listen: Beauty Is Just Skin Deep / The Ikettes IkettesBeauty.mp3

I can admit it, the slightest reason has me in front of the wall shelf, flipping through The Ikettes section, all the while completely smitten with their behind the scenes details. Either truth or fantasy, the revolving lineups and drug dramas running rampant in LA’s black music scene during the 60′s – 70′s make for constant detail digging this end. Add Ike Turner into that mix and boom. Yet, everybody was popping out one great record after the next almost weekly.

Seems Ike was indeed of assembly line mindset. Recycling instrumental tracks often, and rewriting the same song regularly meant the verse/hook had to be strong – seemingly as hard a chore but way cheaper on the wallet.

Not an easy white label promo to find, I was only too happy stealing this for $6 on eBay recently.