If you don’t recognize Aretha Franklin’s stunning “One Step Ahead” from the the Moonlight soundtrack, then you’ll probably recognize it from Mos Def’s “Ms. Fat Booty.” Originally released in 1965, this 45 is one of Aretha’s rarest releases, frequently fetching over $100 on the collector’s circuit (with not a single copy of the original or the bootleg for sale online at time of writing), making it the perfect choice for Be With Records’ inaugural 7-inch release after making elusive classics like Ahmad Jamal’s The Awakening, Ned Doheny’s Hard Candy and Leon Ware’s self titled album lovingly available again on wax. The flip contains the original b-side to “One Step Ahead,” Aretha’s gorgeous rendition of “I Can’t Wait Until I See My Baby’s Face,” originally recorded by Justine Washington a few years earlier. Large hole 45 housed in Be With disco sleeve, recommended.

• music label: Be With Records 2017

reviewed by Mr. Fat Booty 02/2018