Linda "Babe" Majika's insanely brilliant Don't Treat Me So Bad is a tight six tracks of blistering electro-flavoured bubblegum and synth-drizzled solar-powered machine-funk. It has become increasingly hard to find, with copies currently moving for over £200. But this is definitely a case of eye-watering price equalling heart-thumping quality. Once of the Hot Soul Singers, Don't Treat Me So Bad was Linda's debut LP as a solo artist. It was produced by Ace Mbuyisa of boogie-funk maestros Freeway and was originally released on Umkhonto Records in South Africa in 1988. The enormous "Let's Make A Deal" is probably the best-known track here, and it's definitely the best one if you ask us. Linda's vocals drip with attitude over warm, breezy synths and an urgent, edgy electro beat to create a timeless club-ready bomb that sounds as fresh as ever. But the rest of the album is far from filler. Opening track "Kunzima (Tabalaza Mjita)" instantly brings the sunshine vibes, strutting out the gate with that unmistakable South African steppers groove. It's a deceptively simple song, with multiple instrumental elements arriving and taking leave with admirable restraint. "It's Our Home" is a powerful showcase for Linda's vocals, enhanced by some life-affirming call and response backing vocals throughout. In fact, they're a joyous presence on the whole album. The insistent pipes and swirling, bubbling synths of the title track "Don't Treat Me So Bad" follow. A spacious proto-piano house banger that closes out the first side in phenomenal fashion. Arriving as track two on the second side, "Unga B'Omthemba Umuntu" has the unenviable task of following the huge "Let's Make A Deal". It does the job with class, bringing the tempo down to a mid-paced tropical bounce with lilting harmonies and welcome traces of hi-life guitar. Wonderful stuff. "Playboy" is is another unbeatable head-nod groover rounds out the set wonderfully. That bassline high in the mix is to die for, and the chorus will make any dancefloor smile. As ever, Simon Francis on mastering duties elevates this release, adding heft and elegance in all the right places with his customary deft touch. The memorable cover art, in which Linda appears straight out of the 1950s with her polka dot skirt and butter-wouldn't-melt pose, has been faithfully restored. But don't let the innocent styling fool you - Don't Treat Me So Bad is the work of one badass woman who can hold her own, and then some.
Release date:
October 16, 2020
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Cartridges - Top Picks
A selection of turnatble cartridges that provide great performance and sound quality
-
Turntables - Top Picks
A selection of reliable record players you can buy today, for every budget
-
Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge
Features an elliptical stylus that accurately tracks the grooves of vinyl records, delivering a rich, detailed sound with an output voltage of 5.5 mV
-
Edifier R1280DB Powered Speakers
Combining classic design with modern Bluetooth connectivity, built-in amplification and versatile inputs, these speakers deliver rich, balanced sound.
-
Pro-Ject Phono Box DC Pre-Amp
Compact, high-performance phono preamplifier for both MM and MC cartridges, delivering a clean, detailed signal with minimal noise.
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Mike Oldfield Hergest Ridge: 50th Anniversary [2xLP]
Universal UK
July 4, 2025 -
Night Moves Double Life
Domino Record Co
July 25, 2025 -
Lucy Spraggan Other Sides of the Moon
Ctrl Records
July 18, 2025 -
Chris Stamey Anything Is Possible
Label 51 Recordings
July 25, 2025 -
Grinderman Grinderman 2 Eco
Bmg
July 18, 2025 -
Wet Leg moisturizer
Domino Record Co
July 11, 2025 -
Signs of the Swarm To Rid Myself Of Truth
Century Media
August 22, 2025 -
Gwenno Utopia
Heavenly
July 11, 2025 -
Kingfishr Halcyon
Atlantic
August 22, 2025 -
Paul Di'Anno In Memory of
Metalville
July 11, 2025 -
Idina Menzel Original Broadway Cast of Redwood Redwood Original Broadway Cast Recording [2xLP]
Masterworks Broadway
July 25, 2025 -
California Irish The Mountains Are My Friends
7Hz Productions
July 11, 2025 -
Madeline Kenney Kiss from the Balcony (Red Rose)
Carpark Records
July 18, 2025 -
Case Oats Last Missouri Exit
Merge Records
August 22, 2025