Chitlin' Soul Without the Grease

I remember reading a review of Johnny Cash's first American Recordings CD by Robert Christgau, and he found it to be a tough listen. Too careful, if you will. That's the way I feel about Bettyle Lavette's I've Got My Own Hell To Raise. A journeywoman, Lavette, still has that 60's gritty soul voice that I love. Her latest album has 10 songs written by woman, and the songs are good. But the production, by Joe Henry who also did the Solomon Burke comeback that I really didn't like, is too clean. Your better off with Lavette's previous release. I'm not saying that the album isn't good. It's worth a listen for Lavette's passion. But I want more sweat next time.