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
-
Turntables - Top Picks
A selection of reliable record players you can buy today, for every budget
-
Denon DP-400
Featuring a high-precision, belt-driven mechanism and an adjustable tonearm that ensures optimal tracking and minimal resonance
-
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO
Featuring a one-piece carbon fiber tonearm, precision-tuned motor, and a heavy steel platter with TPE damping, it ensures superior stability and sound quality.
-
HumminGuru: Ultrasonic Vinyl Record Cleaner
Advanced ultrasonic technology with customizable cleaning cycles and a large tank capacity to thoroughly remove dust, dirt, and contaminants
-
Cartridges - Top Picks
A selection of turnatble cartridges that provide great performance and sound quality
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Faetooth Labyrinthine (Sea Blue) [2xLP]
Flenser
September 5, 2025 -
Field Medic Surrender Instead (Bone/Red Splatter)
Alternate Side
August 8, 2025 -
Ava Max Don't Click Play
Atlantic
August 22, 2025 -
Big Thief Double Infinity
4Ad
September 5, 2025 -
Whitney Small Talk
Whitney, Inc.
November 7, 2025 -
Robert Jon & The Wreck Heartbreaks & Last Goodbyes (Crystal Clear)
Journeyman Records
August 22, 2025 -
Led Zeppelin Live EP
Atlantic Catalog Group
September 12, 2025 -
Jonathan Groff & Original Broadway Cast of Just In Time Just In Time
Atlantic
October 24, 2025 -
Vince Guaraldi You're A Good Sport, Charlie Brown
Lee Mendelson Film Productions
September 12, 2025 -
Thin Lizzy Live And Dangerous (Metallic Silver) [2xLP]
Friday Music Two
October 31, 2025 -
Jobber Jobber To The Stars (Emerald Green)
Exploding In Sound Records
August 22, 2025 -
AJR Living Room (Bone/Black Splatter)
Bmg
October 24, 2025 -
Charley Crockett Dollar A Day
Island
August 8, 2025 -
Deftones Private Music (Amazon Exclusive)
Reprise
August 22, 2025