Rick James & Teena Marie - Live In Long Beach 1981

Taped in Long Beach, California in July 0f '81,the live album is a perfect showcase for James' undeniably funky and fun music. After starting things off with a funky introduction (courtesy of the underrated Stone City Band),Rick kicks things off with "Ghetto Life",and the party has begun. "Big Time" comes next, with James promising that "Before we leave, we gon' turn this motherfucker out!". Another track from the 'Garden Of Love' album follows, "Come Into My Life", before opening act Tena Marie joins the festivities for a spirited version of "I'm A Sucker For Love". James and Marie engage in a hilarious girl vs. boy mock battle. Teena then does her own red-hot hit "Square Biz". A blistering rendition of "Fire It Up" comes next, which includes the sing-along chant "We want Rick to funk us up". He obliges, launching into "Love Gun", then venturing into a short, jazzy interlude called "Do You Want Some Funk". An 11-minute version of "Mary Jane" follows, with Rick James repeatedly asking "Whatcha wanna smoke tonight?". By song's end, it has become transformed into a tribute to the late Bob Marley (who had recently passed away, when this concert took place). The show then closes with three of Jame's biggest hits,"Super Freak", "You And I" (a sweaty 12-minute version),and "Give It To Me Baby".