The Stovall Sisters: "The Stovall Sisters"

Preach.  This LP is probably most sought after for the furious groove of “Hang On In There,” and it is certainly the edgiest, most driving thing on the record, the rest of which moves at a much slower pace.  The Stovall Sisters were most famous for being the background singers on Norman Greenbaum’s hit “Spirit In The Sky,” which they cover here in a more churchy, less psychedelic style.  The liner notes say the Sisters had been singing professionally since they were children, with various stops along the way, including Lillian Stovall’s description of them having been the “18^th version of the Ikettes” for Ike & Tina Turner.  Though the Sisters are quite clearly rooted in gospel, this is definitely an attempt at more of a pop/soul crossover, though that attempt ultimately failed if you think about how difficult the original vinyl is to find now.  There are a couple groovers, a couple soul numbers, a couple straight gospel numbers, all translated through the depth of spirit and intensity embedded in the Sisters’ harmonies and lead vocals.  I wouldn’t say this is a perfect record, but its best moments succeed in grand fashion.