CHER: "3614 Jackson Highway"

Original released on LP Atlantic ATCO 33-298

(US, July 1969)

I must admit that I am not a big fan of Cher's music. But this record which only recently I've listen to, is a hidden gem from the late sixties. It is her sixth studio solo album and it was named after the address of Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, in Sheffield, Alabama, where it was recorded, and produced by Jerry Wexler, Tom Dowd and Arif Mardin. Cher covers three Bob Dylan songs, all from his then current album "Nashville Skyline", but the best cover of all is the opening track, "For What It's Worth", a composition by Steven Stills, from the times of Buffalo Springfield. This album reveals that not only did Cher have soul, but the Swampers are the quintessential foil for her decidedly unique style. Like Soul Music serpent charmers, they summon from Cher the most authentic, if not interesting work she had been responsible for.