Already the architect of one of the sauciest festive hits of all time (1968’s ‘Back Door Santa’), Clarence Carter was hitting his solo prime as the 60s ended. A singer whose work often tiptoed around the precipice of temptation, the Alabama native was a shoe-in to reinterpret Memphis songwriters Chips Moman and Dan Penn’s stab at writing “the best cheatin’ song ever”, first dashed off during a half-hour break in a hotel poker game. Originally recorded as a deep soul anthem by James Carr two years earlier, FAME studios producer Rick Hall doubled down on its acoustic blues and gospel roots during this live studio take. Moore shows a rare mastery of timing and composure as his bruised baritone lets loose a friendly lecture on the sexual proclivities of cows, horses and mosquitos in contrast to humans’ more taciturn tactics (sufficiently altered to earn Carter a co-writer credit) in-between ticklish licks from his Jazzmaster guitar. Right up there with the song’s better interpretations (Flying Burrito Brothers, Richard & Linda Thompson, Frank Black), it was an easy fit amid a unique catalogue that held infidelity up as both a deep spiritual metaphor (c.f. 1968’s comically lascivious ‘Slip Away’) and a romantic pinnacle, whose thrills could not be surpassed, even if it sent you straight to hell’s burning pits.