Bettye LaVette: Bettye LaVette – I’ve Got My Own Hell To Raise

Legendary soul belter showcases perfectly gritty voice on covers album

Long embattled yet exalted by a following of soul fans and record geeks, Northern Soul legend Bettye LaVette continues her comeback (which began in 2000 with the release of the previously shelved Child of the ’70s album from 1972). It’s important to note the wide breadth of material covered on I’ve Got My Own Hell To Raise, and that there’s not one soul or R&B track in tow. Takes on Lucinda Williams (“Joy”), Sinéad O’ Connor (“I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got”), and country footnote Bobbie Cryner (“Just Say So”) are accented nicely by Bettye’s spare, gritty backing band.