Don't Play Us Cheap – Original Cast & Soundtrack Album
Melvin Van Peebles · 1973
75 min · 21 tracks
A vibrant blend of funk, jazz, and theatrical storytelling captures the essence of Black urban life in the early 1970s.
Top tracks — play these first
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You Cut Up the Clothes in the Closet of My Dreams — This track introduces the album's themes of love and loss with sensual melodies and poignant lyrics that set the emotional tone for the project.
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I'm a Bad Character — With its catchy hooks and playful rhythm, this track encapsulates Van Peebles' irreverent wit while making a bold statement about identity and self-perception.
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(If You See a Devil) Smash Him — This song is a direct critique of societal injustices, using metaphorical language to challenge listeners to confront evil forces within their communities.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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You Cut Up the Clothes in the Closet of My Dreams
The moment shifts from personal regret to broader existential reflections on aspirations and realities, creating a powerful juxtaposition.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 You Cut Up the Clothes in the Closet of My Dreams 5:49
- 2 Break That Party and Opening 2:16
- 3 The Eight Day Week 0:45
- 4 Saturday Night 1:20
- 5 The Bowsers Thing 3:59
- 6 The Book of Life 4:24
- 7 Quittin' Time 7:11
- 8 Ain't Love Grand 4:19
- 9 I'm a Bad Character 3:38
- 10 Know Your Business 1:49
- 11 Feast on Me 3:26
- 12 Ain't Love Grand 4:13
- 13 Break That Party 3:01
- 14 Someday It Seems That It Just Don't Even Pay to Get Out of Bed 3:31
- 15 Quartet 5:48
- 16 The Phoney Game 1:42
- 17 It Makes No Difference 2:33
- 18 Bad Character Bossa Nova 3:37
- 19 Quartet 4:09
- 20 The Washingtons Thing 5:11
- 21 (If You See a Devil) Smash Him 2:23
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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