# Denise LaSalle – It's Lying Time Again
Denise LaSalle was a powerhouse soul and funk vocalist whose career spanned decades, establishing her as a distinctive voice in Southern soul music. By the time she recorded "It's Lying Time Again" in 1987, LaSalle had already built a formidable reputation for her raw emotional delivery and commanding stage presence. Her ability to blend funk rhythms with deeply felt soul vocals made her a respected figure in the Malaco Records roster, one of the most important independent soul labels of the era.
"It's Lying Time Again" emerged during a period when Malaco Records was producing some of the most vibrant soul and funk music of the late 1980s. The album represents LaSalle at a point where she had perfected her craft, delivering material that showcased both her versatility and her no-nonsense approach to relationships. The record captures the spirit of contemporary funk and soul while maintaining the authenticity that had defined her career.
The album opens with its title track, a funky declaration that sets the tone for the entire record. LaSalle's voice cuts through the instrumentation with confidence and attitude. "Teeny Weeny Black Bikini" follows with a lighter, more playful groove, while "It Makes Me So Mad" showcases her ability to convey genuine frustration and anger through her vocal performance. "You'll Never Get Your Hooks In My Man" stands out as perhaps the album's strongest track, a nearly five-and-a-half-minute funk workout that allows LaSalle to stretch her voice across an extended arrangement.
The B-side maintains momentum with "Footprints Of A Fool," a soulful examination of romantic mistakes, and "Your Pleasure Is My Business," which demonstrates LaSalle's sensual delivery. "Hold On" provides a more introspective moment, while "Holding Hands With The Blues" returns to melancholic soul territory. The album closes with "Love Break," a brief but effective final statement.
Throughout "It's Lying Time Again," the production is crisp and contemporary, featuring prominent funk bass lines, tight horn arrangements, and the kind of drum sounds characteristic of late eighties soul music. LaSalle's voice remains the focal point, never overshadowed by the instrumentation but always supported by capable arrangements. This record exemplifies why Malaco Records remained a vital force in soul music, delivering authentic funk and soul to dedicated listeners who appreciated substance over commercial compromise.
