"This May Be My Last Time Singing" is a rousing collection of African-American gospel from the latter half of the last century. Interestingly, the tracks were compiled from 45s, many of which were pressed in very small runs for the congregations where the music was recorded. The curator, Mike McGonigal — of whose musical/editorial vision you might be familiar with from the excellent Yeti Publications and several Mississippi Records compilations — says that "he chose to source this compilation entirely from 45s because of their democratic/DIY nature; almost anyone could raise enough money to release a seven-inch single." The Tompkins Square Label released it as a three CD set, but oh how I wish it was also available as a box set of 45s. Check out the title track by Missionary Mami Sample below.
Here's what author Peter Doyle writes about the compilation:
Maybe you'll feel like I did on first hearing these tracks, that you've stumbled in on someone else's tenderly private moment. Or that you've been swept up in a collective delirium. You'll hear deep soulfulness here, with heavy admixtures of rhythm and blues and rock'n'roll. There are echoes of '60s and '70s pop too. You'll also catch bits of country and western, and something like surf guitar. In another way, much here uncannily resembles the unruly sound and spirit of 1960s garage.
Amen.
This May Be My Last Time Singing: Raw African-American Gospel on 45RPM, 1957-1982 (Amazon)
