You Wore Your Lie Well

Well, I was very happy to have this 45 show up on my doorstep yesterday. I don't have much time to listen to, let alone find, records these days, so when I can actually knock something off the wants list, it's a good day. A very good day.

Unfortunately, the tune is not about a happy matter. Mamie has been fooled by her lover, a situation that can best be summed up by the lines "I gave you everything you could ask for / how dare you stand there and say we're just friends?". As the song builds, she seems to move up in her register, a very nice touch.

The music is a bass-heavy slice of funky soul. It's amazing how effectively the bass propels the tune along. The percussion plays the supporting role, but fills in all the openings nicely. There's a bit of wah-wah behind everything, too, that often fuzzes out. The horns come in for dramatic effect, just a jab or two when all the other musicians step back. Simply fantastic.