Universal Language is a 1977 album by the American band Booker T. & the M.G.'s. The album was recorded for Asylum Records, following the demise of Stax Records, of which the M.G.'s were an integral element, in 1975.
The album was dedicated to M.G.'s drummer Al Jackson, Jr., who was murdered in 1975;Bowman, Rob (1997). Soulsville U.S.A.: The Story of Stax Records. New York: Schirmer Trade. p. 364. the remaining members recruited Willie Hall to replace him on this album.Concerted Efforts - Booker T. & the MG's The group would not record another album for seventeen years, returning in 1994 with That's the Way It Should Be.
Reception
The AllMusic retrospective review awarded the album 2 stars.AllMusic Review accessed July 22, 2011
Track listing All songs written by Cropper, Dunn, and Jones, except where noted
Side one "Sticky Stuff" – 4:09 "Grab Bag" – 4:32 "Space Nuts" – 3:27 "Love Wheels" – 3:38 "Motocross" – 4:33
Side two "Last Tango in Memphis" – 5:26 "MG's Salsa" – 5:27 "Tie Stick" (Cropper, Dunn, Jones, Johnny Stevenson) – 5:01 "Reincarnation" – 5:12
Personnel Booker T. & the M.G.s Booker T. Jones – keyboards Steve Cropper – guitar Donald Dunn – bass guitar Willie Hall – drums Technical Austin Godsey, Toby Scott – engineers Tony Lane – art direction Jonathan Seay – cover
Notes