Time Is Tight

Recorded in 1968 at Stax Studios in Memphis, Tennessee, for the soundtrack to the film Uptight, with Booker T. Jones on Hammond organ, Steve Cropper on guitar, Donald 'Duck' Dunn on bass and Al Jackson Jr. on drums. Composed by all four members, the instrumental was produced by Booker T. Jones, with a separate, shorter recording released as the hit single. Released in 1969 on Stax Records, 'Time Is Tight' reached number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and number four on the UK Singles Chart. Its memorable organ melody and tightly coordinated rhythm section made it one of Booker T. & The M.G.'s biggest international hits and established it as the signature composition from the Uptight soundtrack. The recording became one of the group's most recognisable instrumentals, remaining popular through radio broadcasts, film appearances and retrospective collections. It was subsequently covered by artists including The Clash and The Shadows, while its distinctive organ melody and economical arrangement continued to influence instrumental groups and musicians.