RHYTHM REVUE

Thanks to our sponsors and supporters for making our 18th Roseland dance season happen: 98.7 KISS-FM Fine Silver by Nana & Efua Ron Terner Photography THANKS TO THESE FINE LABELS FOR PROVIDING MUSIC: A BIG THANK YOU TO THE RHYTHM REVUE SUPPORT STAFF Michele Graves Carlos Hernandez Dahlia Joshua Wayne Reeves Ida Stroud Other web places of interest: Classic Urban Harmony promotes the legacy of Rhythm & Blues Vocal Group Harmony (1940's through 1960's), Doo Wop Music, Soul Harmony, Spiritual Quartet Singing and Early Rock & Roll. Entire contents of classicSoul.com ©2008 Double R Productions, Inc. "Rhythm Revue" is a registered trademark.

98.7 KISS-FM (NYC): Sundays noon - 4pm. Classic soul. 88.3 WBGO-FM (NJ/NYC): Classic soul every Saturday 10am - 2pm. (Also available as live stream at wbgo.org, Saturdays 10am - 2pm ET.) Rhythm Revue's Rare Soul e-45's Click on the record >>> to open the index page to a wide selection of rare soul e-45's that you can play on your computer. Enjoy vintage soul styles from southern to sweet, all collectors' items from deep in the Rhythm Revue vaults. (Real Player is required, which is a free download.) Check back often for new additions. Years ago, most DJ-oriented radio stations published weekly survey sheets that you could pick up at a local music shop. Printed under the stations' logos were the lists of the week's top hits, based (so they claimed) on local sales and listener requests. (The most interesting of these surveys are the ones with the longest list of records. Some have as many as a hundred or more, giving you an idea of just how much music you could hear on commercial radio then.) We've collected hundreds of these survey sheets from soul and pop stations all over the country, dating from the late 50s through the 80s. Some of these rare items are now available for viewing. (If you have any lying around that you'd like to share with us, let us know.) Dee Dee Warwick performs her Blue Rock recording "We're Doing Fine" in 1965. Previous videos of the week >>>

SAT, DEC 6 - Roseland. Tickets>>> Info>>> PARTY PEOPLE Here they are ... photos from the 2007-2008 season of Rhythm Revue dances at Roseland. Photographer Ron Terner captures the heart and soul of New York's funkiest dance party. Feel the love (and check out the styles). Were you there? Gallery>>> Al Green Lay It Down Tracks: All Raphael Saadiq The Way I See It Track: "Oh Girl" 1945-2008 THE VOICE OF AN ANGEL KISS-FM 10/05/08 KISS-FM 10/19/08 KISS-FM 10/26/08 WBGO 10/04/08 (revised) WBGO 10/11/08 WBGO 10/18/08 WBGO 10/25/08 Download music here.

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Bursting with music, 2CD set of Loleatta's great Salsoul material,…

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rformances.

TODAY IN HISTORY OCTOBER 28

A big birthday shout-out to our brother Tom Paddison! Hope you're
enjoying your day so far!

Sharing birthdays with Tom are the following:

Singer/actress Natina Reed (Blaque) - 29

Former "American Idol" runner-up/"Idol Tonight" co-host Justin Guarini
(born Justin Eldrin Bell) - 30

Singer/actress Telma Hopkins (formerly of Tony Orlando & Dawn) - 60

Singer Cleo Laine (born Clementina Dinah Campbell) - 81

Now onward to the music history:

2006 – Rod Stewart went to #1 on the US Billboard album charts with
"Still the Same...Great Rock Classics of our Time." It also went to #4
in the UK. After spending 4 years making albums of pop standards and
show tunes, the singer returned to his roots by recording an album of
classic rock remakes. Such tunes included Elvin Bishop's "Fooled Around
& Fell In Love," John Waite's "Missing You," Creedence Clearwater
Revival's "Have You Ever Seen the Rain?" and Bonnie Tyler's "It's a
Heartache."

VIDEO LINK: Rod Stewart – "Fooled Around & Fell In Love"
(music video)

http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=F0Mnj1cSESg
<http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=F0Mnj1cSESg>

Also in 2006 – Rapper Ludacris (featuring Pharrell Williams) went to
#1 both on the US Billboard R&B/hip-hop and pop singles charts with
"Money Maker." On the R&B/hip-hop charts, the song stayed on the spot
for just one week, while on the pop charts it stayed for 2 weeks.

2005 – Singer Marcel Evans, Gulf Coast artist and one-time member of
the Drifters, died at Lakeview Regional Medical Center in Covington, LA.
Before his death, he and his family temporarily moved to Pensacola, FL
before their home in Biloxi, MS was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.
Evans was 53.

Also in 2005 – Rap artist The Game was arrested at a North Carolina
mall where he was signing autographs. He was charged with disorderly
conduct and resisting arrest. The Game was wearing a Halloween mask
during the incident.

5 events that happened in 2003:

1. Sean "Diddy" Combs announced that he would investigate allegations of
workers being mistreated at the Honduras sweatshop, which supported his
line of "Sean John" clothing.

2. Meanwhile, Diddy's ex-girlfriend Jennifer "J-Lo" Lopez was picked by
Mayor Mike Bloomberg as honorary chairperson of a council to draw more
aspiring Latin entertainers in New York.

3. Sting published his 1st volume of his autobiography called "Broken
Music," which covered everything from childhood to his days as lead
singer/bass player of the Police.

4. Paul McCartney and his former wife, Heather Mills, welcomed a
daughter: Beatrice Millie.

5. Singer Beyoncé Knowles released "Summertime" (featuring Sean
"Diddy" Combs). It was from the film "Fighting Temptations" (which
Beyoncé co-starred). It later peaked at #35 on the US Billboard R&B
singles charts.

VIDEO LINK: Beyoncé Knowles - "Summertime" (live performance)

http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=tU48dtQOCIM
<http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=tU48dtQOCIM>

2002 – Meanwhile, Beyoncé's former Destiny's Child bandmate Kelly
Rowland released her debut solo album "Simply Deep," which featured
"Stole," "Can't Nobody," and "Dilemma" (featuring Nelly). It later
peaked at #3 on the US Billboard R&B album charts and #12 on the pop
album charts.

VIDEO LINKS: Kelly Rowland – "Stole" (from "Tonight Show
with Jay Leno")

http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=r9i9NMf7cTA
<http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=r9i9NMf7cTA>

Kelly Rowland (featuring Nelly) – "Dilemma" (from Patti
LaBelle tribute special)

http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=OE1pOFHYsjQ
<http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=OE1pOFHYsjQ>

Kelly Rowland – "Can't Nobody" (from "Top of the
Pops")

http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=6wAhH_D6IwU
<http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=6wAhH_D6IwU>

2001 - The Beastie Boys played their 1st of their 2 shows at the
Hammerstein Ballroom in New York as part of their benefit concert called
"New Yorkers Against Violence" which they organized.

1999 - NFL star Terrell Davis made a special appearance rapping with
hip-hop artist Legit at the Wazoos nightclub. Davis was on the injured
list at the time.

1997 – H-Town released their 3rd album "Ladies Edition: Woman's
World," which featured "They Like It Slow," "Don't Sleep on the Female,"
and "Julie Rain" (which talked about spousal abuse). It later reached
#53 on the US Billboard album charts. The group had severed ties with
controversial rapper/manager/ reality show star Luther Campbell and
became born-again Christians while working on the album. They dedicated
the album to murdered victim and O.J. Simpson's ex-wife Nicole Brown. In
addition, they posted 20 national phone helplines on the back cover of
their album for women who were abused and scorned in their
relationships.

VIDEO LINK: H-Town – "They Like It Slow" (music video)

http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=riJA8m- aEaA
<http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=riJA8m- aEaA>

Also in 1997 – Rapper Mase released his debut solo album "Harlem
World," which featured "Feel So Good" and "What You Want" (featuring
Total). It later debuted at #1 on both the R&B/hip-hop and pop album
charts.

VIDEO LINK: Mase – "Feel So Good" (music video)

http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=ggkZH-TNZd0
<http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=ggkZH-TNZd0>

1994 – The Rolling Stones performed at the Oakland-Alameda County
Stadium in California. Seal was their opening act.

1993 – Patti Austin and George Benson kicked off their 5-date UK
tour at London's Hammerstein Odeon.

Also in 1993 – Rapper/actor Tupac Shakur released his single "Keep
Ya Head Up." It later peaked at #2 on the US Billboard rap singles
charts, #7 on the R&B/hip-hop charts, and #12 on the pop charts.

VIDEO LINK: Tupac Shakur – "Keep Ya Head Up" (music video)

http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=3_bkCnMrLM0
<http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=3_bkCnMrLM0>

1990 – Janet Jackson performed a sold out show at London's Wembley
Stadium during her "Rhythm Nation" tour.

3 events that happened in 1989:

1. Speaking of Janet: the singer hit #1 on the Billboard album charts
with her self-titled album "Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814" and
stayed for 4 weeks. It featured her mega-hits "Black Cat," "Come Back to
Me," "Love Will Never Do (Without

You)," "Escapade," "Alright," "Miss You Much," and the title track.

VIDEO LINKS: Janet Jackson – "Alright" and "Miss You
Much" (live from Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA 9/17/08)

http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=o1g7hIYJFKE
<http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=o1g7hIYJFKE>

Janet Jackson – "Rhythm Nation/The Knowledge" (live
performance 2002)

http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=G3I_4YRuKlY
<http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=G3I_4YRuKlY>

Janet Jackson – "Come Back to Me" (live from Aloha Stadium,
Honolulu, Hawaii)

http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=qCFZTAHkT54
<http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=qCFZTAHkT54>

Janet Jackson – "Love Will Never Do (Without You)" (live
from Aloha Stadium, Honolulu, Hawaii)

http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=QTwy42ahGJA
<http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=QTwy42ahGJA>

Janet Jackson – "Escapade" (live performance 1990)

http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=Si3Vu3HFe- g
<http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=Si3Vu3HFe- g>

Janet Jackson – "Black Cat" (live from Staples Center, Los
Angeles, CA 9/17/08)

http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=Vqw13gvEwoQ
<http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=Vqw13gvEwoQ>

2. The Gap Band entered the US Billboard R&B singles charts with "All of
My Love." It later became their last #1 R&B hit single of the `80's.

VIDEO LINK: Gap Band – "All of My Love" (music video)

http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=tp16YPRsfF4
<http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=tp16YPRsfF4>

3. Singer Regina Belle went to #1 on the US Billboard R&B singles charts
with "Baby, Come to Me." It also peaked at #60 on the pop charts.

VIDEO LINK: Regina Belle – "Baby, Come to Me" (from
"Soul Train")

http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=hjlS_28wCxg
<http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=hjlS_28wCxg>

1987 - Singer Sheena Easton made a guest appearance on "Miami Vice" as
Sonny Crockett's fiancée, Caitlin Davies. She appeared in only 5
episodes. SPOILER ALERT: Easton's character was killed during a concert
on the 5th episode.

VIDEO LINK: Sheena Easton – "Follow My Rainbow" (music
video)

http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=fFt4_h0lW_ 8
<http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=fFt4_h0lW_ 8>

1983 – Patti LaBelle released her single "If Only You Knew." It
later went to #1 on the US Billboard R&B singles charts, where it stayed
for 4 weeks.

VIDEO LINK: Patti LaBelle – "If Only You Knew" (from
"The Oprah Winfrey Show")

http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=gdn3-nF3fVU
<http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=gdn3-nF3fVU>

1978 - Chic entered both the US Billboard R&B and pop singles charts
with "Le Freak." It later went to #1 (R&B for 6 weeks and pop for 5
weeks).

VIDEO LINK: Chic – "Le Freak" (live German TV performance)

http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=XXDHzs4- -6s
<http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=XXDHzs4- -6s>

1972 – Singer Billy Paul entered both the Billboard R&B and pop
singles charts with "Me & Mrs. Jones." It later went to #1 on both
charts.

VIDEO LINK: Billy Paul – "Me & Mrs. Jones" (from PBS
special)

http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=m-8sfSrssDA
<http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=m-8sfSrssDA>

1967 - Diana Ross & the Supremes went to #1 on the US Billboard album
charts with their greatest hits album and stayed for 5 weeks.

1964 – And speaking of the Supremes: the female trio performed the
1st of 2 nights at "The Tami Show" at the Civic Auditorium in Santa
Monica, CA. Other performers included Smokey Robinson & the Miracles,
Lesley Gore, Marvin Gaye, Chuck Berry, Beach Boys, and the Rolling
Stones. But the biggest attraction was James Brown & the Famous Flames.
Surf-rock duo Jan & Dean hosted the event.

VIDEO LINKS: James Brown & the Famous Flames – "Please, Please,
Please"

http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=H5aVhLjT7UE
<http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=H5aVhLjT7UE>

James Brown – "Night Train"

http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=l89xJPi2U_ Q
<http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=l89xJPi2U_ Q>

1956 - Elvis Presley made his 2nd appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show."
He performed 4 songs: "Don't Be Cruel," "Hound Dog," "Love Me Tender,"
and "Love Me." He was shown from the waist up - no reveal of his pelvis.

1950 – Lowell Fulson went to #1 on the US Billboard R&B singles
charts with "Blue Shadows" and stayed for 4 weeks.

1948 – Chuck Berry married his girlfriend, Themetta "Toddy" Suggs.
60 years and 4 children later, they're still married to this day.
(J.D.'S COMMENT: God bless them on their successful marriage.)

MIDNIGHT SPECIAL MOMENTS

1977 – Styx; Debby Boone; Lynne Marta; Little River Band

Tribute: Electric Light Orchestra

Guest host: David Soul

SOUL TRAIN HISTORY BOOK

2000 - Ricky Bell; Toni Estes; Tank

1995 - Michael Bolton; Anointed; AZ (featuring Miss Jones) – Guest
host: actress Mari Marrow

1989 - Kool & the Gang; David Peaston

1978 - Freda Payne; Atlantic Starr

1972 - Johnnie Taylor; Undisputed Truth

J.D.

4 BROTHERS BEATS

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Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Al Green "Back Up Train"

Soulbrotha here. This summer I happened upon a guy selling vinyl on the street and he had this Al Green album that I had never seen before. The cover had no picture on it. Just a bland green design with Al's name across the top (see below). Turns out that this was his first ever recording, Back Up Train, originally released on the Hot Line Records label in 1967 with the infinitely better cover shot that you see above. My copy is a Bell Records reissue from 1972. I'm pretty sure Bell was cashing in on the success of his Let's Stay Together LP which was released that same year. Shame on the art department!


Green was born in Forest City, AR, where he formed a gospel quartet, the Green Brothers, at the age of nine. The group toured throughout the South in the mid-'50s, before the family relocated to Grand Rapids, MI. The Green Brothers continued to perform in Grand Rapids, but Al's father kicked the boy out of the group after he caught his son listening to Jackie Wilson. At the age of 16, Al formed an R&B group, Al Green & the Creations, with several of his high-school friends. Two Creation members, Curtis Rogers and Palmer James, founded their own independent record company, Hot Line Music Journal, and had the group record for the label. By that time, the Creations had been re-named the Soul Mates. The group's first single, "Back Up Train," became a surprise hit, climbing to number five on the R&B charts early in 1968. The Soul Mates attempted to record another hit, but all of their subsequent singles failed to find an audience.

Nearly forgotten by all but serious soul fans, Back Up Train was Al Green's debut. Released in 1967, when he was still billed as "Al Greene" and before he worked with producer Willie Mitchell the record is a perfectly serviceable slice of slightly sweet period soul -- perhaps a little generic, but never less than pleasant. Much of the record was either written or co-written by the album's producers, Palmer E. James and Curtis Rodgers who were not just part of Hot Line Records but in the Creations Green's previous backing band. Though they're fine as producers, they didn't have strong material as songwriters, never producing something as limber and memorable as Green's lone songwriting credit, "Stop and Check Myself." Musically, this number, along with a few other cuts, suggest the tight, sexy sound of his seminal Hi albums, but they're nowhere near as seductive as those slow grooves, nor are they as effortless. Still, it's possible to hear their roots throughout the record.

Green's voice, while not as smooth as it would be just a few years later, shows enormous talent. He's equally comfortable with ballads and funky workouts, and the production, while dated, is quite appealing in how it falls somewhere between the grit of Memphis and the sweetness of Chicago soul. Back Up Train is good enough that, if Green hadn't gone on to greater work, this would be the kind of record soul fanatics would treasure and trade, speculating on what might have happened if Green had been given another shot. Of course, Green went on to bigger, better things, and this stands as no more than a footnote to his career, but it's an interesting, enjoyable footnote all the same. - AMG

The thing to remember is that Al Green was barely 21 years old when he recorded this debut. When I listen to this album, it sounds to me like he was emulating other legendary singers like Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, etc. That's not a bad thing, just not terribly original. But at the same time, you can hear Al struggling for his own sound. It comes in strongly on the track Stop And Check Myself. You can hear some of his future genius shine through in his laid back phrasing and in the overall slinkiness of the melody. If you don't know Al's music, I would suggest that you skip this album and start with his major work from the '70's. For those who are long time fans, this is a great peek at the young man who would soon become a superstar.

The vinyl re-reissue can be found here and the cd reissue can be found here. The Bell vinyl reissue (green cover) is being offered here. The album was also posted by Stone on his nifty blog, Stone Soul. So go check him out too and tell him 4BB sent ya!

Enjoy!

Here is the terrific title track, Back Up Train.

Monday, October 20, 2008

R.I.P. Rudy Ray Moore a.k.a. Dolemite

EURweb: After an extended illness, seminal comedian Rudy Ray Moore, better known as Dolemite, has died in Akron, Ohio. He was 81. Moore, whose actual name was Rudolph Frank Moore, passed away from complications of diabetes, his only child and daughter, Yvette "Rusty" Wesson, told us.

According to Wikipedia, Moore is perhaps best known as Dolemite, the uniquely articulate pimp (“… rappin’ & tappin’ is my game!”) from the 1975 film "Dolemite," and its sequel, "The Human Tornado." The persona was developed during his earlier stand-up comedy records.

Rudy Ray Moore was also known as the "king of the party records" and released many comedy records throughout the 1960s and 1970s, developing a style even more rude and explicit than contemporaries like Redd Foxx and Richard Pryor. This kept him off of television and major films, but cultivated an enduring fan base. He also guested on Big Daddy Kane's CD Taste of Chocolate, released in 1990.

The 2 Live Crew used Rudy Ray Moore's records as scratch samples on their early work; most notably on "Throw The Di*k." Moore starred in "Big Money Hustlas," a movie created by and starring the Insane Clown Posse, in which he played Dolemite for the first time in over 20 years. In 2008 Rudy Ray Moore reprised the character Petey Wheatstraw for the song "I live for the Funk" Featuring Blowfly and Daniel Jordan. This marked the first time Blowfly and Rudy have collaborated on the same record together, and the 30 year anniversary since the movie was filmed.

Moore began his entertainment career as an R&B singer and continued singing through his comedy career. He developed an interest in comedy in the Army after expanding on a singing performance for other servicemen.

Besides his daughter, Moore also leaves behind his 98 year-old mother Lucille. Although, Wesson couldn't tell us the exact dates, funeral services will be in Akron, Ohio as well as Spokane, Washington where his mother and the rest of his immediate family lives.

How difficult it must be for his mother to bury her son, at her age! Just sad.

To lift our spirits, I am posting this trailer of Dolemite. If the fight scenes in this clip don't make you howl, then nothing will.

R.I.P. Dee Dee Warwick

SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. (AP) — Dee Dee Warwick, a noted soul singer who won recognition for both her solo work and her performances with her older sister Dionne Warwick, died Saturday. She was 63.

Warwick died at a nursing home in Essex County, said family spokesman Kevin Sasaki. He said she had been in failing health in recent months and that her sister was with her when she died.

Warwick had several hits on the soul and R&B charts in the 1960s and 70s, including "Foolish Fool, "She Didn't Know (She Kept on Talking)" and a version of "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me" that was later covered by Diana Ross and The Supremes. Warwick also was a two-time Grammy Award nominee and sang backup for Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett and others before starting her solo career.

A member of a musical family, Warwick was the niece of noted gospel singer Cissy Houston and a cousin of pop star Whitney Houston.

Born in Newark, Warwick was a teenager when she began singing with her older sister in the late 1950s. The two performed as The Gospelaires and also collaborated and sang with the Drinkard Singers, a long-running gospel group that also featured some of the Warwicks' aunts and uncles and was managed by their mother.

Dionne released this statement:

This morning [Saturday] at 10:00 my beloved sister Dee Dee made her transition....she went peacefully of which i am grateful.

Again i must say thank you to all that held her in prayer....knowing that God has given her a merciful release from the pain she suffered with for so very long has been my comfort.

All that is left to say is that God has another incredible voice to add to His angelic choir.

God Bless You All for Caring.

Dionne

Friday, October 17, 2008

R.I.P. Levi Stubbs

DETROIT (AP) - Four Tops lead singer Levi Stubbs, who possessed one of the most dynamic and emotive voices of all the Motown singers, died Friday at 72. He had been ill recently and died in his sleep at the Detroit house he shared with his wife, said Dana Meah, the wife of a grandson. The Wayne County medical examiner's office also confirmed the death.

With Stubbs in the lead, the Four Tops sold millions of records, including such hits as "Baby I Need Your Loving," "Reach Out (I'll Be There)" and "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)."

The group performed for more than four decades without a change in personnel. Stubbs' death leaves one surviving member of the original group: Abdul "Duke" Fakir.

Stubbs "fits right up there with all the icons of Motown," said Audley Smith, chief operating officer of the Motown Historical Museum. "His voice was as unique as Marvin's or as Smokey's or as Stevie's."

The Four Tops began singing together in 1953 under the group name the Four Aims and signed a deal with Chess Records. They later changed their names to the Four Tops to avoid being confused with the Ames Brothers.

They also recorded for Red Top, Riverside and Columbia Records and toured supper clubs.

The Four Tops signed with Motown Records in 1963 and produced 20 Top-40 hits over the next 10 years, making music history with the other acts in Berry Gordy's Motown stable.

Their biggest hits were recorded between 1964 and 1967 with the in-house songwriting and production team of Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland. Both 1965's "I Can't Help Myself" and 1966's "Reach Out" went to No. 1 on the Billboard pop chart.

Other hits included "Shake Me, Wake Me" (1966); "Bernadette" and "Standing in the Shadows of Love" (both 1967).

They toured for decades afterward and reached the charts as late as 1988 with "Indestructible" on Arista Records. In 1986, Stubbs provided the voice for Audrey II the man-eating plant in the film "Little Shop of Horrors."

The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Original Top Lawrence Payton died of liver cancer in 1997. Renaldo "Obie" Benson died of lung cancer in 2005.

Stubbs was born in 1936 in Detroit and attended Pershing High School, where he sang with Fakir. They met fellow Detroiters Payton and Benson while singing at a mutual friend's birthday party, then decided to form a group.

"These are four of the greatest people I have ever known. They were major pros even before they came to Motown," Gordy said when the Four Tops' star was unveiled in Hollywood.

Stubbs is survived by his wife, five children and 11 grandchildren.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Jimmy Ruffin "The Groove Governor"

Soulbrotha here. And no, you aren't seeing double. What you are looking at is the Jimmy Ruffin album, The Groove Governor. The cover art was "skillz-fully" co-opted by Laffy for This Is Tomorrow, so I figured I would post the album behind the inspiring artwork.

Jimmy Ruffin is, of course, the older brother of singer David Ruffin from the legendary Temptations. Though he did not share the enormous success of his younger sibling, he nonetheless enjoyed several huge hits.

Wikipedia gives a pretty thorough bio:
Jimmy Ruffin (born May 7, 1939 in Collinsville, Mississippi) is an American soul singer and older brother of David Ruffin, one of the lead singers for The Temptations. Jimmy himself was offered a chance to sing with the Temptations, but he declined in favor of David.

His 1966 hit "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" was a major success and his most well-known song. The intended follow-up, "East Side West Side", was released only in Australia, however, due to an argument with Motown head Berry Gordy. The song was written by Ron Welser and Flamingos' member Terry Johnson. With his brother David, Ruffin also released a popular cover version of "Stand By Me" (by Ben E. King), taken from the Ruffin Brothers' album, I Am My Brother's Keeper.

Ruffin's other hits include "I've Passed This Way Before", "Gonna Give Her All The Love I've Got", "Don't You Miss Me A Little Bit Baby", "I'll Say Forever My Love", "It's Wonderful To Be Loved By You" and "Tell Me What You Want".

In 1980 he collaborated with the Bee Gees' musician Robin Gibb, who produced his album Sunrise. From it came the single which would be his last Top 10 UK and U.S. hit: "Hold On To My Love". In 1986 Ruffin collaborated with the British pop group Heaven 17, singing "A Foolish Thing To Do" and "My Sensitivity" on a 12" EP record. In the 1980s, Ruffin moved to England, where he has his own talk show. He continues to tour and perform to this day. In addition to his brother David, he had three other siblings: Quincy, Rita Mae (deceased) and Rosa (deceased).

The Groove Governor from 1970 was his third release for Soul/Motown and although no major hits were culled from it, it still is a pretty decent album. Oddly enough, the tracks that stood out to me also stood out to All Music Guide:

The lesser of his two previous Soul/Motown releases, but still a good effort. "Let's Say Goodbye Tomorrow" has a good chorus and should have done better. The producer employs a spoken intro on Burt Bacharachs' "This Guy's In Love With You," to good effect. "Living in a World I Created for Myself" has hit qualities but failed to make the grade. The backing vocals, aptly done by the Originals, are magnificent throughout.

There is no cd reissue but the vinyl can be purchased over at Calisoulbrother for a very decent price.

Enjoy! [new link in comments]

Take a listen to Let's Say Goodbye Tomorrow

Boomp3.com

Sunday, October 12, 2008

This Is Tomorrow presents "Skillz"

Hey, friends! It's been a while since I posted anything, due to way too much to do at work right now. But now it's time for a new post – and by new I actually mean new!

Our friend and 4BB contributor This Is Tomorrow sent me an e-mail with a snippet from an upcoming mixtape (featuring new talents in beatmaking) some time ago, asking me if we were interested in posting it. My initial reaction was "Eh, we only do forgotten soul and funk gems...this new ish is for others to post!" – and then I had a listen to it...and immediately answered the mail with a capitol "YES! We'll post it!" :¬)

And now the mixtape is completed, so now we post it! Easy as that. You'll understand why after a first listen. Apart from showcasing This Is Tomorrow's own skills, there's a couple of other familiar names in there as well – at least to those who followed the 4BB Beat Competition some months back...LP2's in the mix, Truestatiks too. But also other underground notables like The Billion Dollar Quartet, DJ Ian Head, Rob Love and Graziano.

And in an effort to make this transition from sweet, forgotten soul and funk gems to sweet instrumental hiphop beats as easy as possible for all you oldschool vinylheads out there, I asked permission to do some special cover artwork...just to visually ease you into this new thing. So I tweaked the 1970 Jimmy Ruffin "The Groove Governor" artwork just for you all, just not to scare you away from a good thing...for the seasoned beat afficiando, just click the little picture to the left to view the original artwork in full size. :¬)

Now, here's This Is Tomorrow's own presentation of "Skillz":
"The way we listen to music has changed in the last few years. mainly because of the internet and high speed connections we are able to find anything we like in seconds. The good thing about that is that you always discover new music. I discovered artists I would have never heard without myspace, blogger etc. Instead of just putting up every album I own, I always wanted to present the lesser known artists on my blog called This Is Tomorrow. This mix/beat tape features beatmakers from all around the world who shared their music to put this together. So it's them I have to thank the most. I hope you enjoy their music as much as I do."

Listen up!

The complete "Skillz – A Universal Beat Tape" trackslisting:

01. Dul - Beat 11
02. Jekai Soulspeak - Passing Everything By
03. Rob Love - Hockey Mask Music
04. This Is Tomorrow - Nothing Is As It Seems
05. The Billion Dollar Quartet - Philosophy Is Learning To Die
06. Trishes - Aeroflot 08
07. Graziano - The Way It Iz
08. Eyes of Phases - Steps of Imperfection
09. King Elam - Laws Flute Joint
10. Sta - Berty
11. Katrah Quey - Last Piano Beat Part 4
12. DJ PC - Sp Beat 30
13. Zajazza - Method Number One
14. Le Freaque - Harlem Nights
15. Noza - Dear Old Budapest
16. True Statiks - Sun 85.5 bpm
17. Madscientist - Don't Blaze
18. JBM - Stop Falling In Love
19. LP2 - I Think Of You
20. DJ Ian Head - Rush Rush
21. Asthmatic Astronaut - Space Jazz
22. Akira Kiteshi - Albino Egg

Definitely worth checking out!

Big thanks to This Is Tomorrow for this great initiative and this truly relevant selection of cuts – make sure to check out his other mixtapes available right here!

(PS. For those of you who need to get your hands on the real Jimmy Ruffin "The Groove Governor" album, just click here!)

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Melba Moore "Burn"

Hello, kiddies.

As promised, here is the final score in the hat trick. More Moore for you, more importantly, for Pretoria... Time to get our ears dirty with "Burn".

It looks as if there is no sparkling reviews of this one either, so I will make use of my new found college skills (I began taking some courses this week) and put together one for you with my own personal spin...

Released in 1979, this is the second effort recorded during her tenure with Epic Records. This time, the production credit goes to Peter Bellotte, most famous for his work with the legendary Giorgio Moroder on all those classic Donna Summer records from days gone by. The sound here takes on a bit of a grittier approach as opposed to the signature Van McCoy polish that made her records for Buddah so appealing. None of the musicians' names sound familiar, so it seems that this is a team of session players headed up by keyboardist Thor Baldurrson. Aside from the obvious Disco infused tracks, in some spots it's almost remeniscent of an old Betty Davis record, albeit a little more tame. Judging from the provocative record cover image, I'm not so sure...

Now I will readily admit that I am partial to the Buddah records, but this one does have some great moments. Standout tracks include "Burn", "I Don't Want To Lose Your Love" and "Miss Thing" (check out the clip below)...




While this record never saw the light of an official CD reissue, there seems to be a way that you can get your hands on one. I checked out this little tidbit of information here which actually sounds interesting... A little rich for my blood, but it's worth the investigation if you're into that sort of thing. If not, then there are plenty of copies floating around in varying degrees of freshness here so as always, if you like it, show your love. With that said,

Listen up!

Time to get back to the books for now; I should give the other brothers a chance to post anyway... I'll keep digging in the meantime though so enjoy and as always, please be safe.

Peace and blessings.

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Blog Archive

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    • R.I.P. Rudy Ray Moore a.k.a. Dolemite
    • R.I.P. Dee Dee Warwick
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    • Jimmy Ruffin "The Groove Governor"
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Mixtape Roundup, Podcast

SoulBounce Blended & Beat Vol. 1

Our very own Vivrant Thang pulled me out of "retirement" because she's a jet-setter and needs riding music. So I thought, what better way to test out our little podcast feed than with a mix? (If it doesn't work, let us know.) This is the first in a series called "Blended & Beat", because dope music is a good "look." Get it? If not, then there's nothing I can do for you. At any rate, enjoy the blend, which includes dance tracks from across the decades. Your eyes aren't fooling you, that is Sting, Prince and Stevie in the cover. I was also able to sneak in some De La Soul and Kelis, as well as House faves like Kenny Dope, who along with Louie Vega comprises Masters-At-Work and Nuyorican Soul. Props to Stylus for the inspiration. DISCLAIMER: This mix is for those that love to dance. You might elbow someone in the eye. Tracklisting after the bounce.

SoulBounce: Blended & Beat Vol. 1 [Subscribe via iTunes]

Read more...

nOvaMatic | 10/25/2008 at 12:15 AM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Bounce-Worthy

Bounce-Worthy: Jesse Boykins III

Singer. Songwriter. Producer. Clothing designer. You may think that I'm using those words to describe the talents of an existing star on our radar, but instead those words describe Jesse Boykins III, who is a soul star in the making. The Chicago-born, Jamaica and Miami-raised 23-year-old was raised on a steady diet of classic soul, reggae and jazz. He now calls NYC home and all of these sounds--with a little hip hop thrown in the mix--can be heard in his music. He released an EP, Dopamine: My Life On My Back, earlier in the year that was well received by critics and fans alike off the strength of the single "Tabloids." The Beauty Created, his first full-length album, is scheduled to be released on November 11th, and according to Boykins, it's "inspired by Spike Lee joints and summer love." Two of the tracks from The Beauty Created, which is also the name of his band, that caught my attention are posted below for your enjoyment. On "Pantyhose" Jesse turns on the sexy as he sings to his lady after she comes home from a long day at work, and soulful house heads will eat up the DJ MeLo-X remix to "Tabloids." Boykins will be touring extensively in the coming months, and he can be seen on stage during the Rock the Vote show at S.O.B.'s next week. In the event that you missed his video for "Tabloids" when it premiered a few months ago, you can check it out after the bounce in addition to some footage of him live in concert.

Jesse Boykins III: "Pantyhose"


Jesse Boykins III: "Tabloids" (DJ MeLo-X Remix)

Read more...

Butta | 10/24/2008 at 6:00 PM | Comments (8) | Permalink

First Spin, Releases

'Got the Hunger' for Alice Russell's 'Pot of Gold'?

Alice Russell has a new album on the way, and if you're a fan like I am then that news is like Christmas and New Year's Day wrapped up into one. Russell's latest set, Pot of Gold, will be released exclusively on iTunes on November 4th, with the UK release scheduled for November 24th and the physical CD available for purchase on December 9th. All that release date minutia aside, I've had an opportunity to hear a few cuts from the disc, and believe me when I say that Alice brings in the soul and brings in the funk on the album produced entirely by TM Juke. One of the cuts from Pot of Gold that has me unable to sit still in my chair is "Got the Hunger?," which showcases the texture and depth of Alice's voice on top of some wicked instrumentation. Russell is setting the curve for UK Soul. Don't believe me? Listen to "Got the Hunger?" below and then check out the Pot of Gold tracklist and EPK after the bounce to witness the soul of Alice Russell for yourself.

Alice Russell: "Got the Hunger?"

Read more...

Butta | 10/24/2008 at 5:00 PM | Comments (2) | Permalink

Soul On Film

The More Official 'Notorious' Trailer Surfaces

For those of you (un)fortunate enough to actually sit through the BET Hip Hop Awards, you may have noticed the more official trailer for Notorious, the not really anticipated biopic chronicling Christopher "Notorious B.I.G." Wallace's life. After viewing the trailer, I will say this: it's not as cheap as I was expecting it to look. I will also, however, say the following:

• Angela Bassett who portrays Voletta Wallace, Biggie's mother, sans Jamaican accent deeply bothers me.
• The directing and acting is on par with Juice, complete with the baby momma and child scene of "this does not make you man."
• Derek Luke as Puffy doesn't bother me as much as I thought it would.
• Where the hell is Anthony Mackie as Tupac? I was wanting to see him thug it out.

In any case, the trailer is below. More critique will soon follow on 1/16/09 when Notorious officially comes to a cineplex near you. In the meantime, try to resist checking out the bootleg on a ghetto street corner near you.

ill Mami | 10/24/2008 at 4:30 PM | Comments (5) | Permalink

Industry & Culture

Ain't No Payola in Freestyle, But There's Still A-Plenty in Commercial Radio!

Do you remember last year when the FCC and radio broadcasters agreed to abide by The Future of Music Coalition's "Rules of Engagement," which sought to end the dirty tactics associated with payola? Remember the way we all laughed and grabbed our bellies at this ridiculous thing, since we all knew it was a crock of sh*t? Well, guess what? The agreement didn't work and payola is here to stay! According to a recent study, the indie labels that would've benefitted from this agreement are still being expected to hand over cash in order to get their stuff played on commercial radio. This means all the local and alternative artists that make way less money than their mainstream counterparts still have virtually no access to airplay. This is really sad and disgusting. [WIRED]

nOvaMatic | 10/24/2008 at 4:00 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

First Spin

John Legend, Bernie Mac and Samuel L. Jackson Are Your 'Puppets'

Aside from the presence of John Legend, whose modern vocal excessiveness runs against the classic soul sound of the song, "I'm Your Puppet" is so keyed in to the nostalgia of '60s soul and Stax Records that it's kind of enjoyable. Fine, Bernie Mac and Samuel L. Jackson aren't the most fantastic singers. But considering how easily both men's voices could have been dubbed over it's nice to know that they didn't cop out. They're not that bad, and it seems like all three of their performances on this song have more to do with the characters they play in Soul Men than proving their worth as soul singers. It's easy to forgive most shortcomings on this Purify Brothers remake because it's not trying to break new ground nor posit Mac and Jackson (or Legend, for that matter) as the new [insert neo-retroist group here]. It's pleasant enough, all things considering. [H/T: SS]

John Legend, Samuel L. Jackson and Bernie Mac: "I'm Your Puppet"


Soul Men Original Motion Picture Soundtrack [Amazon]

Ro | 10/24/2008 at 3:00 PM | Comments (7) | Permalink

Contests & Giveaways, Events

NYC Bouncers: Win Tickets to Rock the Vote at S.O.B.'s Next Week!

The treats just keep coming for New York City Bouncers. SoulBounce, in association with S.O.B.'s and Briclyn Entertainment, is giving away a pair of tickets to attend the Rock the Vote concert on Wednesday, October 29th in the heart of NYC.

The Rock the Vote show at S.O.B.'s will be a party with a purpose as everyone gathers to hear some good music and mobilizes to "Barack the vote" on November 4th. The show will be hosted by our good friend Eric Roberson and feature SoulBounce faves Curt Chambers, Jesse Boykins III and Hezekiah alongside fellow indie soul & hip hop artists K.I.N.G.S., Theophilus London, Kimberly Nichole and Solomon Cortes.

We're giving away one pair of tickets to whoever wants to go Rock the Vote next Wednesday at S.O.B.'s, and all of the details on how to enter are after the bounce. Tickets are also available via TicketWeb or at the S.O.B.'s box office for the bargain price of $10 or $12 on the day of the show.

Read more...

Butta | 10/24/2008 at 2:00 PM | Leave a Comment | Permalink

Pause For A Cause

Usher Says 'Hush,' Momentarily Distracting Us From His Personal Life

Under normal circumstances, this would be a First Spin, but just giving the song away, in this case, is counter-intuitive. You see, Usher has this new song called "Hush", and I would like for you to buy it. "Message Music" always toes the line between being extremely effective, or corny and reprehensible. However, because of the current political and social climate, these songs are more than warranted. And to Usher's credit, this isn't a song about voting for Barack Obama, so much as it is about getting off your ass and being a pro-active member of society. Usher says:

"'Hush' is about my awakening over the past 10 years to the social issues in our country and realizing that I have a voice. As Americans we have the right to speak out about slow recovery in the Gulf Coast, a long war and home foreclosures. But complaining isn't enough, you have to also take action," Usher says. "Whether serving at the homeless shelter or going to the polls for the first time, you have to act or else 'Hush,'" Usher exclaims.

So, buy the track. Do a bit of research into why this all began and put a little faith into Usher's intentions. Then, think about how you, Average Citizen, still have the power to affect change. [UNL]

nOvaMatic | 10/24/2008 at 12:54 PM | Leave a Comment | Permalink

Sh*t or Shinola?

Make Up Your Mind, D'Angelo

So according to his trainer, Mark Jenkins, D'Angelo is getting back into the kind of shape that dissolved underwear of all types earlier in the decade when he released the infamously salacious music video for "Untitled." Rumors of him getting healthy aren't new, but this is good news for the objectifier in many of us who would very much like to get their hands on Voodoo-era D'Angelo for a day or two of catching up on lost time. (It's amazing news, actually.) But what about those of us who would like it very much if he hit us with some of that musical brilliance that he's stowed away and toiled over for the last eight years?

Read more...

Ro | 10/24/2008 at 12:00 PM | Comments (5) | Permalink

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A New Expansion Release,
The Re-Launch of Jazz FM,
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Ralph Tee has been keeping himself busy with a number of activities coming to the forefront this month. Ralph has compiled a new collection for Expansion, “Soul Ecstasy” (Release Date 20th October). The album focuses on his formative years as a modern soul DJ from the latter 70s to early 80s. “On the surface it’s a collection of quality tracks neither previously available on CD or rare on CD, but I really wanted to put something together as an emotive journey through the spectrum of soul from an amazing period for our music”. The album contains Ralph’s 7” tweak of “Evening Of Love” (only available here on CD) and derives its title track from the Hubert Laws inclusion “We’re In Ecstasy” from 1978. “The track is a masterpiece and represents the epicentre of my musical taste – a rich tapestry of sophisticated soul and jazz”.

Expansion Records have joined forces with the new re-launched Jazz FM to bring you an astonishing 30 track, 2CD collection “The Sound Of Jazz FM” (Release Date: 20th October). Ralph Tee and Steve Quirk, who each return to the station with new shows, have compiled the project. Ralph’s Sunday Soul Show runs 4pm-7pm weekly (with a special guest appearance by Richard Searling at 6pm), while Steve Quirk returns 2pm-4pm Monday to Thursday with ‘Smooth Jazz In The Afternoon’ and Fridays 9pm-midnight with ‘Fusion Flavours’. “The Sound Of Smooth Jazz” is a mix of quality soul and smooth jazz from key artists integral to the new station. There’s a combination of classics and brand new music at an exciting time for our music. The station has brought back Robbie Vincent for a brand new Sunday show (10am-1pm) with Peter Young Saturday afternoons (3pm-6pm) and introduces Mike Vitti with his ‘Jazz Funk Party’ Saturdays 6pm-8pm. There is an massive launch campaign for the station that we hope will bring more people back to great music. You can listen on DAB, Sky Channel 202 and on line at www.jazzfm.com

Finally, the legendary Luxury Soul Weekender is coming up soon in Blackpool early January 09. All preparations are in full swing with Rashaan Patterson and Trina Broussard confirmed as acts. The events is always jam packed full with soul music lovers from all over the UK and beyond. Behind the scenes Ralph and Soulchoonz' Di-Lee are working on one or two small surprises too. So keep checking back on this site and especially on the Expansion page in our 'Artists & Labels' section.

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• BACK TO THE BAY: SUNDAY 10/26
• JOHN LEGEND + SEAL: AND NOW WE RETURN TO THE CLASS...
• MENAHAN STREET BAND: THE JAZZ OF SOUL
• THE DONAYS: DEVILISHLY GOOD
• DEE DEE WARWICK: SAY IT AIN'T SO!
• MUSIC AND FILMS
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• SOUL SIDES SOUL LP SALE!
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Thursday, October 23, 2008

BACK TO THE BAY: SUNDAY 10/26
posted by O.W.

I'm headed back up to the Bay this weekend to visit friends and family. As it so happens, my old DJ partner Vinnie Esparza, along with Oliver Bills, are launching a new monthly this Sunday evening at Koko Cocktails on Geary (across the street from J-Town) and I'll be joining them on their inaugural voyage.

Get Lifted
w/ DJs Vinnie Esparza and Oliver Bills
Special guest: DJ O-Dub
Sunday nights, 10pm - ?
1060 Geary Blvd., San Francisco

(Note: I fly out the next morning so I'll probably only be able to stay until midnight or so).

Hope to see my Bay Siders up there!

---

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

JOHN LEGEND + SEAL: AND NOW WE RETURN TO THE CLASSICS
posted by O.W.

John Legend: I'm Your Puppet
From Soul Men Soundtrack (Stax, 2008)

Seal: Change Gonna Come
From Soul (Warner Bros, 2008)

Soul Men has a dubious history behind it considering that it stars both Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes. Plus, judging from the trailer, it looks like the Black version of Blues Brothers...but not necessarily destined to be a classic. For the film, Stax commissioned a slew of folks to record both new songs and covers of classic soul tunes, including "I'm Your Puppet" by the Purify brothers.

And coincidentally, Seal is currently touting the lead video to his new album of soul covers: a cover of Sam Cooke's "Change Gonna Come." (You'll have to pardon the thin, mono mix but that's all that's available for it right now).

So what's the verdict?

I'm on the fence with Seal's song. It begins fairly close to Cooke's original but then shifts towards the end but either way, this comes up a bit short for me. I can't really pinpoint to anything technically wrong - Seal has a great voice and he executes this well - but with a song like "Change Gonna Come"; it is such a definitive song in the soul canon that it's very hard to effectively cover without simply reminding people how good the original was. There are very few artists who have managed to even approach the power of the original - that includes Aretha Franklin's take - but we're talking rarefied company and while I think Seal has the vocal chops, the song still doesn't achieve that transcendent moment you're hoping for. I'd rather hear him tackle something a bit more obscure. I'll reserve final judgment until I hear the album; I'm curious to hear him do "I Can't Stand the Rain" (Ann Peebles).

As for John Legend taking on the Purifys...I was more open to this, partially because it doesn't hide that it's a contemporary cover - this was clearly recorded now and not back in the '60s. Also, "I'm Your Puppet" is a more forgiving song to cover - what makes it such a classic has more to do with its signature melody than the Purifys' original vocals. So in essence, as long as you keep that melody intact, you can come at this song any number of ways and generally, it'll sound good (check out Jimmy London's reggae version for example. There's also Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell's duet version.) My point being: I think Legend does a fine job here - he puts his own vocal spin on it but sustains the main musical appeal of the composition.

---

Elsewhere, if you haven't checked in on Side Dishes lately, here's what you've missed:

My take on the new Menahan Street Band album.

A longer tribute to Alton Ellis.

Reviews of new albums by Robin Thicke and Solange Knowles.

---

MENAHAN STREET BAND: THE JAZZ OF SOUL
posted by Eric Luecking

Menahan Street Band: Montego Sunset + Going The Distance
From Make The Road By Walking (Dunham/Daptone, 2008)

While instrumental soul isn't typically my favorite sub-genre of soul, MSB's 35-minute album Make The Road By Walking is a consistent effort, with Daptone continuing to pump out solid full lengths to extend their reign on the retrosoul scene.

Jay-Z and his musical team found the sounds of MSB to be soulful enough to sample for the hit “Roc Boys.” On the album the original is presented with a slower tempo. Following is “Tired Of Fighting” where the horns take a back seat. If crooning is your thing, this song can be heard with vocals on the 45 with Charles Bradley in a renamed form called “The Telephone Song.” I really dig the congas on this track... they're not overt but add a nice complement to the thump of the rest of the percussion.

“Home Again,” reminds me of Young Holt Unlimited's breezy groove. With its intro guitar lick, I can hear The Avalanches using it for a future mix. Throughout the album, MSB sprinkles in different rhythms: on “Birds,” with its pulsating bass, where they switch to 6/8. The reggae rhythms of “Montego Sunset” making me think back to a beach party I attended in Jamaica a couple years ago. Drinks were abound during this great feast and the band just partied on late into the night. I didn't even care that my flight left early the next morning; I was too busy enjoying the music and the mood it put me in.

My personal favorite on the album is their spin on the Bill Conti classic “Going The Distance” from Rocky. Call it nostalgia if you will, but it takes me back to being 12 and catching the movie on cable on a Saturday afternoon. While it foregoes the dramatic strings, the layered horns give it a regal tone showcasing what they do best in triumph.

---

Here is O-Dub's take on the Menahan album.

---

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

THE DONAYS: DEVILISHLY GOOD
posted by O.W.

The Donays: Devil In His Heart
From 7" (Ace, 1961). Also on Kiss N' Tell.

My man Dave Ma hit me with this song - a early '60s girl pop/R&B single by the Donays. I loved this song from jump - the way the piano comes slamming in, with the guitar overlaid - and then the multi-part harmony? Ridiculously hot. And the lyrics are great - certainly "of the time" but I like the interplay between the back-up singers and lead, arguing over whether her new lover is a devil or angel.

Like many aspiring R&B hits, this flopped and likely would have been resigned to being more obscure than it already is if it weren't for the fact that the single caught the ear of a certain Liverpool quartet. I hold the Beatles in as high regard as the next guy but their take on the Donays' song is really anemic. They totally suck out the power and verve and replace it with a rather tepid cover. Even the Fab Four can't outdo the Donays.

---

DEE DEE WARWICK: SAY IT AIN'T SO!
posted by O.W.

Dee Dee Warwick: Foolish Fool
From Foolish Fool (Mercury, 1969). Also on Best Of.

Damn, so many legends are passing (Dolemite, RIP!) right now.

Dee Dee Warwick's one of those soul singers who had this incredible voice but never really got her due (unlike her more famous, younger sister Dionne). There's actually interesting parallels (however loose) between Dee Dee/Dionne and Erma/Aretha Franklin. In any case though, soul music has lost yet another great one. You'll be missed.

---

Sunday, October 19, 2008

MUSIC AND FILMS
posted by O.W.

I was watching Almost Famous on HBO the other night (again) and it has two of the best "use of songs in a movie" examples I can think of and that got me to thinking about other moments like that. I threw together a list of what immediately popped into mind though there were some stuff I left off for just being too obvious (basically, any Scorsese film and Pulp Fiction too).


End scene, Almost Famous.
Led Zeppelin's "Tangerine."
Tough to choose between this and the "Tiny Dancer" scene but I'm a sucker for the "what do you love about music?" bit.


End scene, Fight Club.
Pixies' "Where Is My Mind."
Totally unexpected and the timing with the drums and explosions is fantastic.


Hawaii scene, Punch-Drunk Love.
Shelly Duvall's "He Needs Me."
Best use of a song from Popeye, ever. P.T. Anderson, like Tarantino and Scorsese, is pretty genius with his song selections but this was, by far, one of the quirkiest I had ever seen and I thought it worked perfectly.


"Be a man" scene, Wild Style.
DJ Grand Wizard Theodore's "Subway Theme".
No explanation necessary.


Pre-assassination scene, X.
Sam Cooke's "Change Gonna Come."
Even though the patented Spike Lee tracking shot at the end mars the overall flow of the scene, the synergy between the power of the song and the unfolding of the scene - and what it's about to lead to - is of incredible poignance. I still get a lump every time I watch this.

What are your suggestions? Drop links in the comments.

---

Saturday, October 18, 2008

LEVI STUBBS: R.I.P.
posted by O.W.

---

Friday, October 17, 2008

SOUL SIDES SOUL LP SALE!
posted by O.W.

10/20 Update: 2/3rds of this original list went quickly. I still have two LPs left, don't miss out!

CLICK TO SEE THE LIST:

Al Jarreau: Lonely Town, Lonely Street (Koala, stereo)



Early in his career, Jarreau recorded this album - all covers of Bill Withers' songs. A pretty remarkable tribute from one singer to another. The version of "Kissing My Love" is especially killer plus great covers of "Use Me," "Ain't No Sunshine," "Gramdma's Hands", etc. Beautiful soul plus some great touches of funk. This is the original version of this LP, on the tiny Koala label).

Record: NM (beautiful condition). Cover: VG+++ (slight ringwear)

PRICE REDUCED: $20

---

The Reflections: Love On Delivery (Capitol)



Beautiful, early 70's harmony soul LP by these proteges of J.R. Bailey. As far as I know, this is the only album the group ever recorded which is a shame since they had the chops to do some sweet soul damage; it's tough to find as a result. This features one of my favorite summer songs - "Summer Breeze."

Record: NM- (small mars, otherwise super clean) Cover: VG++ (very faint ringwear, punch out hole, still in shrink)

PRICE REDUCED: $35

---

To order: email me.

U.S. shipping = $6/LP. Multiple items shipped at reduced costs. Insurance free for all items over $50, delivery confirmation free as well. Foreign buyers charged at airmail cost.

---

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

YEARS TO YEARS: 1972/75
posted by Benge

The Dells: I'll Never Fall in Love Again
The Dells: Trains and Boats and Planes
From The Dells Sing Dionne Warwicke's Greatest Hits (Cadet, 1972)

David Axelrod: One
David Axelrod: Go For It
From Seriously Deep (Polydor 1975)

1975 was a funky year for music, and not in a good way. It was after the last true r&b records were released, before disco, and in the midst of jazz being lost in fusion. Digging through records from that year, I wonder what happened to the soul. But in this darkness there are some lights, the occasional find that shows there were grooves to be played that could bring someone deep. David Axelrod's Seriously Deep was released on Polydor that year, the only of his albums to come out on that label. It kicks off with open drums in "Miles Away" that let you know there will be some true funk goings on here. Recorded with a full array of Los Angeles studio musicians, it veers away from his early work for Reprise and Capitol, being less orchestral in nature and more straight jazz-funk. There are the tangents that stray a little too far into fusion (I wish that Joe Sample had been asked to lay off the spacy "Odyessy Keyboard" a bit more), but there is a lovely, warm feeling throughout with horns, congas, and guitars keeping a solid groove that would've made for standout blaxploitation-style funk just a couple of years earlier. "One" is lovely and makes me want to go for a drive in L.A. with "Go For It" could've been playing in a particularly sweet dream I had the other night.

1972 on the other hand seemed to be a year where soul and funk filled the air in a way that artist after artist could grab at it and come up with something good, deep, soulful, and meaningful. That was the year that the vocal quintet The Dells, with the help of Charles Stepney, recorded and released The Dells Sing Dionne Warwicke's Greatest Hits for Chess Records. Featuring a thick roster of great Chicago soul men, including Phil Upchurch and Derf Reklaw, the Dells dived head-first into records -- all written by Burt Bacharach -- that had already been hits in softer and sweeter versions by the to-be host of Solid Gold. However, Stepney and the Dells are able to keep them sweet while also making them gritty. Unfortunately, since we are looking back at this record from today, we have to deal with the fact that a bunch of these Bacharach tunes have gotten stuck in our heads through popular versions by the likes of BJ Thomas and The Carpenters. It's hard to hear even this team try their hands at "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head" and "Close to You." But the burners are here, too. The opener "I'll Never Fall in Love Again" and "I Just Don't Know What to Do with Myself "are so worth the price of admission, that the failures can be overlooked and the other sweet tunes feel like icing on the cake. "I'll Never..." opens the album with a bass/piano/singing moment that will stop you from being able to do whatever you may be doing and drop you right into some deeper part of your being. "I Just Don't..." starts off with a bassline that lets you know something explosive is about to pop and picks up from there, going full-tilt congo wah-wah funk. Stepney throws in strings and all sorts of sweet sounds throughout creating an album that would be suitable for both a late Saturday evening/mid-morning Sunday groove.

Benge is the urban music director at WRUV-FM in Burlington, Vt. where he's spun every funky thing under the sun on his show, Sex Fly, since 1991. He also happens to be an Archetypal Dream Worker for North of Eden. Somehow the two are connected.

---

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

NEVER TOO MUCH
posted by Captain Planet

Lancelot Layne : Yo Tink It Sorf?
Biosis Now : Independent Bahamas
both taken from the compilation Calypsoul 70 on Strut (2008)

Orchestre Poly-Rhythmo de Cotonou : Iya Me Dji Ki Bi Ni
& Mi Homlan Dadale
taken from the compilation The Vodoun Effect on Analog Africa (2008)

Here's a few picks from recent compilations that I've had in heavy rotation. I figure we must be approaching the tipping point where nearly all the good forgotten 70's funky stuff from around the world has been unearthed and re-issued and then what will be left but to turn to the 80's! I'm picturing comps of drum machine & casio weirdness from Syria- wait a minute, someone's already released that record (and it's actualy pretty good)! But perhaps I'm wrong and more bounty like this will continue surfacing for as long as my hearing is good.

The Lancelot Layne is a track that I already had in my collection from the great Jeff Recordings compilation that came out a few years ago (is this recycling the sign that we're nearing the end?), but I'm glad that I was reminded of it again on this new comp from Strut. What a certified banger! Still will kill a dancefloor to be sure- and I'm scheming a remix. The rest of this compilation maintains a similar level of caribbean heat with plenty of disco, funk and reggae in the mix. The track from Biosis Now is something I heard when my good friend Busquelo picked this LP out of a Brooklyn thrift store.

And big shout Samy at Analog Africa for putting together this latest collection of lo-fi, syncopated (and sometimes perfectly out-of-tune) Beninese rarities. When he lacks frequent updates to his website, it must be because he's busy putting out another solid and legit release like this one.

Sad update: on my way to host my weekly radio show, I absent-mindedly left my bag full of all my latest and greatest CDs on the subway (to be fair, I was perhaps awestruck by the beautiful young lady sitting accross from me, but still, I'm stupid). So I've now lost both of these albums as well as about 50 others- most I hadn't even ripped to digital yet. Thanks to the almighty that it wasn't my VINYL!!!

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Saturday, October 11, 2008

ALTON ELLIS: RIP
posted by O.W.

1944 - 2008

Sad news: rocksteady great (and one of the finest crafters of reggae soul) Alton Ellis passed away recently. I was a late-comer to his magic but I've been beguiled by it ever since. His catalog is massive but I've always had an ear for his stuff from the late '60s and early '70s. Here's three of my favorite. Jah bless.

Alton Ellis: I'm Still In Love With You
From I'm Still In Love With You (Trojan, 196?)

Alton Ellis: What Does It Take To Win Your Love
Alton Ellis: It's Gonna Take a Miracle
From Sunday Coming (Trojan, 1970)

This dude is back, recognizing the real:

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Thursday, October 09, 2008

THE SOUL SIDES' "UNDER COVERS" MIX FOR DUBLAB.COM
posted by O.W.

I recorded this mix for Dublab.com back in June and is now available on their website archive. I originally created it as a promo mix for Deep Covers 2 (though the timing was off since Dublab was back-logged over the summer). Still, I put in a nice selection of different cover songs here - some you've heard, some you haven't. Here's the tracklisting:

Simply Red - I Know You Got Soul - You’ve Got It - WEA

James Brown: Your Cheatin’ Heart - Soul On Top - King

Jimmy McGriff - Ain’t It Funky Now - SOul Sugar - Groove Merchant

Bo Diddley - Bad Side of the Moon - Another Dimension - Chess

The Gimmicks - California Soul - Em Las Brisas - Swedisc

Klaus Wunderlich - Summertime - Hammond Fur Millionen - Telefunken

The Professionals - Theme From Godfather - On Tour - CES

Dutch Rhythm Steel and Show Band - Down By the River - Soul, Steel and Show - Negram

Byron Lee and the Dragonaires - Express Yourself - Reggay Splashdown! - Dynamic

Charles Wright and the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band - Movin’ On Up - Live at the Haunted House - Rhino Handmade

Hielo Ardiente - Mensaje (The Message) - Ritmo Ardiente - Dicesa

Al Escobar - Tighten Up - The Modern SOunds of Al Escobar - Tico

El Freddy Flaco - K-Jee - La Fiesta Vol. 2 - FTA

Manny Bolone and His Latin Boys - Micaela - Boogaloo - Boogaloo

Conjunto Universal - Que Se Sepa - Que Se Sepa - Velvet

Enrique Lynch - Viva Tirado - Sexympacto - Sono Radio

Wganda Kenya - El Abanico - COmo Se Hace Ah - Fuentes

Alton Ellis - What Does It Take To Win Your Love - Sunday Coming - Coxsone

Sparrow’s Troubadours - Soulful Strut - Hot and Sweet - Hilary

Joe Bataan - More Love - Singin’ Some Soul - Fania

Margie Joseph - Let’s Stay Together - S/T - Atlantic

Rhetta Hughes - Light My Fire - Re-Light My Fire - Tetragammon

West Coast Revival - Feelin’ Alright - S/T - LAX

Hodges, James, Smith and Crawford - Nobody - 7″ - Mpingo

El Alamo - Candy - Malos Pensamientos - Decibel

Donovan Carless - Be Thankful FOr What You Got - 7″ - Impact

Nancy Holloway - Never Can Say GOodbye - 7″ - N/A

Mark Holder - Sweet Caroline - Where THere’s a Will, There’s a Way - Deriva

And just because I wanted to be a good egg - I created a downloadable version of the mix, split into individual tracks (but no IDs written; I'm lazy - deal).

Enjoy! Hopefully I'll be rolling back to Dublab to do another mix soon.

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Playlist

1. 1. John Legend: I'm Your Puppet
2. 2. Seal: Change Gonna Come
3. 3. Montego Sunset
4. 4. Going The Distance
5. 5. The Donays: Devil In His Heart
6. 6. Dee Dee Warwick: Foolish Fool
7. 7. The Dells: I'll Never Fall in Love Again
8. 8. The Dells: Trains and Boats and Planes
9. 9. David Axelrod: One
10. 10. David Axelrod: Go For It
11. 11. Yo Tink It Sorf?
12. 12. Independent Bahamas
13. 13. Iya Me Dji Ki Bi Ni
14. 14. Mi Homlan Dadale
15. 15. Alton Ellis: I'm Still In Love With You
16. 16. Alton Ellis: What Does It Take To Win Your Love
17. 17. Alton Ellis: It's Gonna Take a Miracle

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Me, Myself and I

16 09 2008

by vivrant thang on all about me

This past weekend was one of the best I’ve had in a long time.

Friday evening, I took myself to see Tyler Perry’s new movie, Family That Preys. LOVED. IT. And I’m far from a Tyler Perry fan. This is only the second movie of his that I’ve really enjoyed. (Why Did I Get Married?was the other). So believe me when I say, support this movie. Maybe then we will see less of Madea and her tomfoolery.

Saturday, I went to the Kennedy Center’s Open House, a day of exposure to all the artistic, musical and cultural offerings of this historic institution. It made me smile to see all the families out with their small children who were playing with musical instruments, drawing, and participating in other creative outlets.

However, the top item on my agenda was to see Algebra Blessett perform. I’ve been a fan for a while now but I’ve never seen her live. I have her last album, Purpose, and I have to admit I wasn’t feeling it save a couple of songs, “Run and Hide,” and “What Happened.” So I was especially anxious to see her live performance. As I’ve mentioned before, a great stage show can turn me from a fan into a stan. She did not disappoint. Check out her reggae-flavored version of “Run and Hide,” complete with a side of Bob Marley’s “Waiting In Vain”and Jazmine Sullivan’s “Need U Bad.”

I got my album signed and also took a picture with her. We got that glow like Shonuff and Leroy, huh?!

On the way home, I popped the album back in and sure enough, I gained more appreciation for it. I definitely still have my stand out tracks, mostly on the first half of the album. Algebra will be on my list of artists to support whenever she is in my area.

That same day, I moseyed on over to the Silver Spring Jazz Festival. I was there to finally catch Marcus Johnson Project, one of the premiere jazz acts out of the DC area. I’ve been in the area almost ten years and I have never managed to catch him live. I’ve been sleeping. He had me grooving out there under the stars along with all the other jazz aficionados. Clearly, I’ve been sleeping.

I wasn’t able to get many videos as taping wasn’t “allowed” and I was too mellow to don my undercover operative hat. Here he is covering Floetry’s “Say Yes.” Sax man Marcus Anderson came up from North Carolina to sit in on the set.

Ironically, what made these days so wonderful for me is that the only company I had for the majority of the weekend (other than fellow music fans) was me, myself and I. I was telling my mother that I think I’m beginning to enjoy my own company a bit too much - especially after my solo vacation! I just loved be-bopping down the street at my leisure and doing what I wanted to do in my own time without having to take anyone else into account.

Although I ended the weekend by joining a fabulous group of women for the first meeting of our new Sunday Brunch/Dinner group, the still that time spent alone. Although I’m an extrovert, on occasion “me time” is just what the doctor ordered.

*Note: Raphael Saadiq concert review coming up on Wednesday. I know, a date late. coming very soon. I blame football. Meantime, cop The Way I See It, which is in stores TODAY.

Comments : 7 Comments »
Tags : algebra blessett, algebra blessett concert review, good soul music, good soul music website, heather headley me time, kennedy center open house, live performances, marcus johnson project, soul music
Categories : All About Me, Feeding The Music Jones

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Old School Friday: Remakes

16 05 2008

by vivrant thang on old school fridays

I went way overboard with this one. Just been that kind of week and I needed some good music to get me through.

This week’s theme was remakes. So many places I could have gone with this. The first artist that entered my mind was the King of Remakes, Luther Vandross. Once he remade a song, it became his. A lot of people have been surprised to know that many of their favorites were not his.

I needed some inspiration and found it here and here. I decided to weigh in on which version is my favorite. Some of my choices will probably be blasphemous. Feel free to add your two cents in the comments.

Sara Smile (Hall and Oates v After 7)
Although I LOVE After 7’s version, there’s just something about that blue-eyed soul. Besides, H&O’s version is one of my top fifty songs.)

As We Lay (Shirley Murdock v Kelly Price)
Really like Kelly’s video for this one, especially having Shirley make a cameo. However, this will ALWAYS be Shirley’s song. I really think she recorded this the second she got up out the bed with ‘Husband’)

Killing Me Softly (Roberta Flack v L Boogie)
This might draw some criticism from the few old heads that visit, but I fell in love with L Boogie’s sweet alto on this one. This became my version.

In the second video, Roberta joins the Fugees for the performance, which says a lot. Now that is the perfect combination.

Sweet Thing (Chaka Khan& Rufus v Mary J Blige)
This remains Chaka’s song…if only because she is SLAYING them in that red dress. Another off of my top fifty songs list.

Love Don’t Live Here Anymore, (Rose Royce v Faith Evans w/ Mary)
Don’t beat me down old folks but I got to go with Faith on this one. She got Mary on the joint too! Another perfect combination! Admittedly, I’m biased. Faith is one of my all-time favorite albums from start to finish.

Ain’t No Sunshine, (Bill Withers v. Michael Jackson when he was cute)
Michael’s version is so sweet. But Bill will always own this song. No one else can capture that distinctive sound. I’d like to see the Anthonys give it a try - that would be David and Hamilton)

Head on over and check out the other participants. This is a great theme this week and I KNOW you will enjoy what they come up with.

Electronic Village | Chatting Over Cocktails | Mrs Grapevine | Quick | Marcus LANGFORD | Cassandra | Danielle | Lisa C | Chocl8t | DP | Kreative Talk | MarvalusOne | Regina | LaShonda | AJ | Sharon | Invisible Woman | Believer 1964 | Dee |SJP | sHaE-sHae

Comments : 12 Comments »
Tags : bill withers, classic r&b remakes, classic soul remakes, hall and oates and after seven, kelly price ad shirley murdock, lauryn hill and roberta flack, Old School Fridays, rose royce and faith evans, soul music
Categories : My Favorite Things, Old School Fridays

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What About Your Friends

12 05 2008

by vivrant thang on what about your friends

What about your friends will they stand their ground
Will they let you down again
What about your friends are they gonna be low down
Will they ever be around or will they turn their backs on you

I know a sista has been a little scarce around these parts over the last couple of weeks or so - slacking in the comment response and such. I still love ya’ll but I have been going through a couple of things, as you can probably tell by today’s ’song in the key of my life.’

True friendship has always been very important to me. Over the years, I have had lots of associates and activity partners as I’m the type of person people are drawn to. However, I can count the number of true, ride-or-die friends that have come into my life over the past 30 3/4 years - that are still in my life today - and have plenty of fingers left over. And that’s okay. I don’t think you need that many.

My best friend and I met during our sophomore year of college. Our friendship has certainly been battle tested, but she has truly been there for me and I know she’s real. She actually introduced me to another woman and our friendship grew to the point that I just knew she would be one of those lifetime friends. She was there for me during the break-up last year (one of the people who kept me from catching a case). She encouraged me when I thought I would never escape from the mental imprisonment that was my former job. I have been there for her over the past few years that we’ve known each other in similar ways.

Our relationship has mostly grown over the phone because we’ve always lived in different states and have never had the chance to hang out extensively. Recently we had the opportunity to spend some time together and let’s just say, a sista’s eyes were wide open when she boarded the plane back to DC.

Let me explain. This is a bit uncomfortable for me to talk about because I’m a modest woman. However, this is also something that my mother has had to deal with all of her life and it’s the reason why at 61 years-old, she does not have any female friends. Not one.

Jealousy.

Whether it’s the way she carries herself, the way she dresses…or simply who she is, she has always drawn insecure women to her that eventually hurt her in a major way because they were jealous or envious of her. Yes, a couple of them have admitted it to her after the friendships were over.

Appears I’m following in her footsteps…at least with this friend.

Two weeks before my birthday, she did something to me which I will eventually forgive, but never ever ever forget. As a result, the friendship is over. Has to be - because the trust and respect I had for her is completely gone. (Yes, this was a biggie.) I never thought that she was the type of woman to let her insecurities get the best of her to the point where she would intentionally do something as hurtful as she has done to someone that is supposed to be friend.

This isn’t an easy thing to admit but when I was heavier, I had some of those same insecurities. So besides the fact that I am highly intuitive, I recognized what some of her behavior was really saying when we were hanging out because I’ve felt a lot of the same things. However, I have never let those feelings cause me to hurt my true friends intentionally.

Luckily, although I’m not religious, I am spiritual and I do have faith. I definitely believe in everything happening for a reason and that life’s events, good and bad, are all part of a larger plan. I know that there’s a reason why this happened and I am just waiting for the lesson to be revealed.

Folks, even if you don’t have romantic love in your life, please cherish your true friendships. They are hard to come by - and even harder to keep.

Enough of this shit.

Be sure to stop by tomorrow to celebrate the birthday of the 8th Wonder of the World - none other than Mr. Stevie Wonder! You know we gonna part-tay up in this joint! No Stevie, no Songs In The Key of Life. So ponder your favorite Stevie joints tonight, as I know you have many, and be ready to share with me tomorrow.

If you’re celebrating Stevie on your blog tomorrow, be sure to leave a note in the comments so I can link you up.

Comments : 11 Comments »
Tags : soul music, tlc, What About Your Friends, women and friendship
Categories : What About Your Friends

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Old School Friday: Movie Soundtracks

9 05 2008

by vivrant thang on old school fridays

Once again, it’s on. This week’s theme is music we love from some of our favorite films. I’m a HUGE movie buff so I really could have gone crazy with this. I’ll probably return to it in a later post.

My first selection is from the soundtrack of Love Jones, one of my all-time favorite movies - and soundtracks for that matter. The movie came out in 1997, which would make it ineligible for OLD School Fridays. However, there was one song on there that is certainly old school and one of my all time favorites. It elicits so many emotions in me every time I listen. I just have to stop what I’m doing and….feel. I meant to post it during Jazz Appreciation Month (which I let slip by…where did April go?) Better late than never.

Enjoy “In A Sentimental Mood,” a collaboration by two of THE best to ever do it, John Coltrane and Duke Ellington.

I’m going to switch it up a bit for my other two selections. I absolutely love 70s blaxploitation films. I have a whole collection of them, including most, if not all of Pam’s Grier’s work. That was one badmamajama. Kicking ass and taking names - all while looking fierce. My shero!

I decided to go with two songs from one of my favorite 70s films, Superfly. That was a badasssss soundtrack and Curtis Maryfield is a badmutha…shutyomouf!

Superfly

Freddies Dead

What the hell. Before I go, I have to give it up again for my man, Bilal who started my week off right with a hell of a performance on Sunday night. This is not old school so consider it a bonus track.

From the soundtrack of another of my all-time favorite movies, Love and Basketball, and from my top fifty songs list, here is “Soul Sista.” (I captured the live performance of this song from Sunday’s show during which soul singer Ledisi joined him. Absolutely sick. Stay tuned.)

Hope you enjoyed my trip down movie memory lane today. If you’re not an OSF participant, share some of your favorite old school movie soundtrack songs in the comments.

Head on over and check out the other participants. This is a great theme this week and I KNOW you will enjoy what they come up with.

Electronic Village

Chatting Over Cocktails

Ms Grapevine

Quick

Marcus LANGFORD

Cassandra

Danielle

Lisa C

Chocl8t

DP

Kreative Talk

MarvalusOne

Regina

LaShonda

AJ

Sharon

Invisible Woman

Believer 1964

Dee

SJP

sHaE-sHae

Comments : 12 Comments »
Tags : blog memes, curtis mayfield, freddies dead, in a sentimental mood, john coltrane and duke ellington, Old School Fridays, soul music, superfly
Categories : My Favorite Things, Old School Fridays

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Be Thankful For What You Got

6 05 2008

by vivrant thang on all about me

You may not have a car at all
But remember brothers and sisters
You can still stand tall
Just be thankful for what you’ve got
Diamond in the back, sunroof top
Diggin the scene
With a gangsta lean, wooh-ooh-ooh

The lovely spring weather in the DC area has me playing my personal summer soundtrack a little early. Since I got back in town, William Devaughn’s “Be Thankful” and Roy Ayers’ “Everybody Loves The Sunshine” has been on repeat on the Ipod.

Figures the weekend weather would be better here than at Derby. I wouldn’t say I balled out of control, but had a good time at the parties I did attend - admittedly it was largely due to the open bar! I visited Churchill Downs before race day and took a few pictures. Watched the races at a cookout, but for me, it was overshadowed by the poor horse that had to be euthanized right there on the track. It was hard to watch Big Brown’s people celebrating when a horse was over there being killed. I don’t fly the PETA flag or anything and I’m not even remotely an animal lover. However, all that carrying on just didn’t seem right.

In any event, I feel so thankful to have been able to get away exactly when I needed to - in this economy. I’ve had so many things on my mind lately - the direction of my career and my side hustle, moving ahead with my five-year plan, whether the therapy is helping, letting go of the past, relationships / marriage / sex. Might sound crazy but I just don’t like having all of that on my brain at once. Not trying to think that hard. It’s exhausting. So for a few days, I just needed to put my freakum dress on and let go.

The same night I returned, I headed out to see Bilal in concert. When I first heard he was coming to town on the day I was getting back, I went into panic mode wondering if I would make it back in time. Wouldn’t have mattered though. Nothing but death would keep me from it. It was a hell of a show, as if there was any doubt it would be. I’ll share the videos later when I get my technical difficulties cleared up.

Actually, the best part of the evening was meeting one of my readers! W