The Ikettes (G)Old & New - The Ikettes

With more push, the Ikettes would be mentioned with the greatest female vocal groups. Their lineup changed constantly, but talent always replaced talent, and they never lost their assertive, attacking sound. "Peaches & Cream," an explosive slab of pop/soul, is aggressive and gritty. "Camel Walk" has a rolling beat and exudes soul; its chorus includes a sexy, funky count from one to 11. The easy, rhythmic "I'm So Thankful" reigns as their most relaxed hit, it's similar to the Supremes' "Where Did Our Love Go." Two Supremes remakes, "Someday We'll Be Together" and "Come See About Me," get a soul/funk infusion. Billy Preston's "Will It Go Round In Circles" and the Doobie Brothers' "Listen to the Music" -- high energy rockers -- spotlight the Ikettes' powerful voices. "I'm Blue," a soul shaker that features Tina Turner wailing in the background, is definitive Ikettes. The Sweet Inspirations redid "Blue" on Atlantic Records, and Salt N' Pepa used key elements from it on "Shoop." Out of print, and unfortunately, to date, a good compilation CD of Ikettes recordings has not surfaced. ~ Andrew Hamilton, All Music Guide