Uptight! (1968)

 

Starring:

• Julian Mayfield
• Max Julien 
• Raymond St. Jacques
• Ruby Dee
• Frank Silvera
• Roscoe Lee Browne 
• Janet MacLachlan 
• Juanita Moore 
• Dick Anthony Williams 

 
Storyline
Uptight is an updated remake of John Ford's 1935 film, The Informer. Dublin becomes the Cleveland ghetto and the Irish Republicans are replaced by black revolutionary fighters. Days after the assassination of Martin Luther King, Tank Williams (Julian Mayfield) is an unemployed and itinerant steelworker who turns over his militant friend, Johnny Wells (Max Julien) to the police for $1,000 reward, resulting in an underground all-points bulletin to exact vengeance on the squealer. Legendary director, Jules Dassin's unrelenting directional pace is complemented by the driving score of Booker T. Jones. The stellar cast includes Raymond St. Jacques, Ruby Dee, Roscoe Lee Browne, and Frank Silvera.

Link to soundtrack review.
Booker T. & The MGs - Uptight! (1968)

Branford Marsalis Quartet - Mo' Better Blues OST (1990)

1. Harlem Blues (Vocals by Cynda Williams)
2. Say Hey
3. Knocked Out The Box
4. Again Never
5. Mo’ Better Blues
6. Pop Top 40 (Vocals by Denzel Washington , Wesley Snipes)
7. Beneath The Underdog
8. Jazz Thing feat. DJ Premier (Vocals by Gang Starr)
9. Harlem Blues (Acapulco version) (Vocals by Cynda Williams)

Courtesy of Musicdawn

The Boris Gardiner Happening - Every Nigger Is A Star OST (1973)

Tracks
01. Boris Gardiner - Every Nigger Is A Star (Theme From) - Vocal by Boris Gardiner
02. Merlyn Brocks - You Just Got To Be In Love - Vocal sung by Merlyn Brocks
03. Jackie Bernard - Rough & Tough In The Ghetto - Vocal sung by Jackie Bernard
04. Boris Gardiner - Ghetto Funk - Featuring Leslie Butler
05. Boris Gardiner - Home Again - Vocal sung by Boris Gardiner
06. Boris Gardiner - Funky Nigger - Featuring Leslie Butler
07. The Scorpion - Deadly Sting
08. Boris Gardiner - Rats In The Ghetto (Instrumental)
09. Boris Gardiner - Every Nigger Is A Star - Vocal sung by Boris Gardiner - Ivor Londo, Guitar
10. Boris Gardiner - Negril - Featuring Leslie Butler

Review
An even rarer one. And perhaps in need of the most explanation since the film, starring Blaxplo-smoochie Calvin Lockhart of west-indian heritage, is hardly to be seen in the Imdb. There's an interview about the making of the soundtrack in the Jamaica Gleaner w. Boris Gardiner HERE. This movie is supposed to try and turn the word Nigger on its head for the black population of Jamaica in the '70s, much like the ghetto Youths of today like to Use the word Ma' Nigga affectionally. Needless to say the film flopped and sank into obscurity (perhaps for good reasons). The only trace I've seen of it is this poster on e-bay:

The title and the circumstances are truly grim, but this OST's appearance on here is IMHO a call for celebration. It's underservedly remained unissued in complete form. The tracks Ghetto Funk and Negril have appeared on a comp or two and the singles from the LP have been known to circulate among collectors, hence my requests in the column. But this!! The sound quality is very good considering the source and DAMN! Boris Gardiner knows how to git down, there are soulful vocals and rumbling reggae basslines, gut bucket blues and ripping organwork as always. Savour this gem.

A big up to DJTeddy Rosso from Norway and his man in Vienna for making this possible for the entire blaxploitationworld to enjoy.
Provided by Funkback

Saxton Kari & his Orchestra - Six Thousand Dollar Nigger OST (1978)

Tracks
1. Saxton Kari And His Orchestra - Feeling Good
2. Saxton Kari And His Orchestra - Bionic Sonata
3. Saxton Kari And His Orchestra - A Little Jazzy
4. Saxton Kari And His Orchestra - 6,000 What
5. Saxton Kari And His Orchestra - Funky Feelin' (Pt. I)
6. Saxton Kari And His Orchestra - Midnight Comfort
7. Saxton Kari And His Orchestra - Old Time Jam
8. Saxton Kari And His Orchestra - Lovers
9. Saxton Kari And His Orchestra - Funky Feelin' (Pt. II)

Review
This is one rare mutha. The movie in question must be one of the most painfully unintentionally comic features in the world. It features the Soul crooner Benny Latimore in a thug role and he's not singin' a note! The OST is out on a sub-label to T.K. so one would hope for some Latimore, but alas, after watching it perhaps he refused to be part of it. The music is alright tho' as Blaxploitation OST's go and I bet there are precious few more that was officially issued in full that has yet to see the light of day so enjoy!

A huge thanx to my friend from Norway DJTeddyRosso and His man in Vienna for making this possible for the entire blaxploitation universe.

Provided by Funkback