I stumbled across this rather fun cover of the Hall and Oates classic a while back on YouTube. It is taken from an album of Hall and Oates covers by Californian band The Bird and The Bee, which was released in 2010.
I am not sure it is quite as good as the moustache-tastic original but I really enjoyed it all the same.
The Bird and The Bee:
/RjK
*Artist #739
I am a little wary of over posting Van Morrison (especially having posted another live version of his only a few weeks ago), it is apparent that my regard for his work is probably higher than most. However, one of the things I have tried to achieve through this blog is to document my musical taste and the journeys it takes me on and over the past few weeks Van’s live work is something I have been mining heavily. He is the most masterful performer I know.
This is taken from a 1982 performance in Germany. The original track is taken from Beautiful Vision, which was released the same year. I especially love the trumpet and saxophone…
Van Morrison:
/RjK
I came across an excellent BBC documentary about the Wigan Casino and the Northern Soul scene there in the 70’s which featured a pretty spectacular soundtrack.
This track was probably the most famous featured but look out for some more lesser known gems in the coming days and weeks. It is taken from Stevie Wonder’s 1966 album Up-Tight.
Stevie Wonder:
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I had a very early (and rather sleepy) bus ride this morning and this track came on the radio. It might have been my rather groggy state but it sounded rather good.
UK singer Tasmin Archer was something of an early-90’s one hit wonder.
Tasmin Archer – Sleeping Satellite:
/RjK
*Artist #738
I was reminded of this track when revisiting The Blues Brother (which features a good version for an unappreciative audience!) recently.
It was originally released in 1966 by English band The Spencer Davis Group. It is a go to song if I ever need to give a party or playlist some energy.
The Spencer Davis Group:
/RjK
*Artist #737
Even though Madonna seems to have rather turned into a parody of herself in recent times, I can’t help but listen to her music from back in the day and give it up to her. She definitely had some musical game.
This track is taken from the 1985 movie Desperately Seeking Susan.
Oh 80’s Madonna, where did is all go wrong?…
Madonna circa 1985:
/RjK
This is day number 1000 of blogging!! Thanks for sticking with me, the journey has been long and rather meandering but I hope that you might have discovered something unexpected along the way. I have really enjoyed sharing it with you.
It has taken me to some strange and surprising places but all in all it’s been an enriching experience. I hopefully have at least a few more posts in me yet…
This track is, I suppose, typical of the blog thus far. It is random and a little obscure but I heard it on the radio (Tom Ravenscroft’s show part of a Mood Rings guest mix) and it has been stuck in my head since.
A.R. Kane were a Dream pop band formed in the 80’s and this was originally released in 1992 is featured on a soon to be released retrospective of their work.
A.R. Kane:
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*Artist #736
In my meandering travels about YouTube this week I stumbled across this rather good cover version of Sam Cooke’s spectacular original. Aretha and Sam must have two of the best voices ever recorded so to hear one of them cover another’s track is actually quite thrilling.
This is taken from Aretha’s excellent 1967 album I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You, which is jam-packed with hits and stand out tracks and is well worth checking out if you so inclined.
Aretha Franklin – I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You:
/RjK
This track, a 90’s classic, came into my head over the weekend for no particular reason. It is one of the very first tracks I can remember hearing on the radio.
It is taken from Seal’s 1991 eponymous debut album which also featured the equally classic Crazy.
There is a pretty enjoyable video here too…
Seal (circa 1991):
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I first discovered the late, great Donny Hathaway (great voice, sad story) when I heard his great cover of John Lennon’s Jealous Guy (which I posted a couple of years ago). This is taken from the same album, Live, which was released in 1972.
This makes for a nice, smooth start to the week, which is always welcome.
Donny Hathaway:
/RjK