THE ICEMAN COMETH JERRY BUTLER

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I first took interest in Jerry Butler when favoured hip-hop producer J Dilla sampled “Just Because I Really Love You” in the track “U-Love” for his album Donuts. It’s one of the strongest tracks in a 31 track vibe fest, and its due predominantly to J Dilla’s ability to mix Butler’s passionate delivery with a mellow beat, keeping the vocals at the forefront. The Ice Man Cometh, Jerry Butler’s 11th album and definitive work, is an immediate reference to Jerry Butler’s on stage persona. Able to keep cool during the most strained emotive situations, Butler was able to define the Iceman.

In all honesty, there’s nothing profound about The Iceman Cometh. This is standard Soul, except without the high energy that soul god James Brown defined; the calling at the crowd, the funky jigging. Butler trades all the above for a smoother sound with a bigger emphasis on dated themes of love. But you’re not listening to The Iceman Cometh for its profoundness. You’re listening to it for its transcendent vocal delivery and because Jerry Butler is such a cool mother****er. Also because it’s a short record you can blow through in half an hour. So if you’re ignoring the lyrics - good.

Do give The Iceman Cometh a curious listen. If you’re looking to get into Soul, you’ve already checked James Brown and Al Green out. Check Jerry Butler out next. It’s essential listening for the genre.