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
-
Vinyl Care - Top Picks
A selection of accesories to keep your turntable equipment & vinyl records in the best shape
-
Technics SL-1500C Turntable
Features a direct-drive motor, a high-precision tonearm, and a premium MM cartridge, delivering exceptional sound quality
-
Edifier R1280DB Powered Speakers
Combining classic design with modern Bluetooth connectivity, built-in amplification and versatile inputs, these speakers deliver rich, balanced sound.
-
Ortofon 2M Blue Premounted
Mounted on the SH-4 Black Headshell, this setup delivers exceptional clarity, dynamic range, and accurate sound reproduction.
-
Audioengine A2 Plus
Precision-engineered 2.75-inch woofers and a 0.75-inch silk dome tweeter, featuring built-in DAC and Bluetooth connectivity for seamless integration.
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Gary Numan A Perfect Circle: Live At OVO Arena, Wembley [3xLP]
Bmg
July 25, 2025 -
Preston Cooper Toledo Talkin' (Graphite)
The Valory Music Co.
August 29, 2025 -
Common Holly Anything Glass (White)
Keeled Scales
August 1, 2025 -
Sinsaenum IN DEVASTATION
Earmusic
August 8, 2025 -
Ed Sheeran Play (Amazon Exclusive; Purple)
Atlantic
September 12, 2025 -
Half Japanese Adventure (Cream)
Fire Records
July 11, 2025 -
CMAT EUro-Country [2xLP]
CMATBABY Limited
August 29, 2025 -
Belinda Carlisle Once Upon A Time In California (Autographed; Sunset)
Demon / Edsel
August 29, 2025 -
Wolf Alice The Clearing
Rca Records
August 22, 2025 -
FLETCHER Would You Still Love Me If You Really Knew Me?
Fletcher/Snapback
July 18, 2025 -
Wolf Alice The Clearing (Amazon Exclusive Edition)
Rca Records
August 29, 2025 -
Hunx and His Punx Walk Out On This World
Get Better Records
August 22, 2025 -
Editrix The Big E (Purple)
Joyful Noise Records
July 25, 2025 -
Mareux Nonstop Romance
Warner Records
August 1, 2025