Sweetback's Baadasssss Song / Don't Play Us Cheap [2 on 1]
WithSweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song, entertainment maverick Melvin Van Peebles created one of the most intriguing African-American movies of all time and one of the most fascinating soundtracks ever. OnThe Melvin Van Peebles Collection, we can hear the now-remastered and thoroughly frenetic 1971 effort along with his 1972 cast production ofDon't Play Us Cheap.Sweetis the real gem here: an in-your-face precursor to hip-hop (just listen to the amazing "Come On Feet Do Your Thing") where Van Peebles and a youngEarth, Wind & Firecombine funk with spoken word, gospel hymns with jazz. Brimming with all the restlessness ofPublic EnemyorJames Brown, the soundtrack never lets up.Don't Play Us Cheapis almost as interesting. When Van Peebles couldn't fund this sequel toSweet Sweetback, he simply turned it into this Broadway musical. More mainstream than any of his other projects (remember,Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Songwas required viewing for Black Panther members),Don't Play Us Cheapis an inspiring mix of blues, soul, and musical theater. Incredible.--Jason Verlinde