The Spinners* – It’s a shame
I was listening to a mix and interview with Frankie Knuckles, who coined the term House music, this weekend. It was like a funky history lesson and very much recommended listening if you have any interest in that type of music. He played this and I was reminded of what a great song it it.
It’s a shame people don’t dance like this anymore.
RjK
*Artist #416
This was one of the sounds of the year I spent in California. My roommate used to have it as the ringtone on his cell phone. Remember when downloading ring tones was a thing? Do people still do that?
It is a good track, now that I don’t hear it at least a couple of times a day I can finally appreciate it! The hook features Bilal, one of only a handful of modern soul artists that I think are worth a listen.
/RjK
*Artist #415
Erykah Badu* – Window Seat
I am a little late on this as it was released a couple of years ago. It is nonetheless great and I was reminded of it when I was at home over the weekend. It’s so smooth and mellow.
Random fact about Erykah Badu – Ms.Jackson, the Outkast song, is inspired by her relationship with Andre 3000 from the band.
RjK
*Artist #414
This is taken from New Adventures in Hi-Fi, which was the first record I can remember getting genuinely excited about it’s release. I utterly loved it’s predecessors Monster and especially Automatic for The People, which I listened to insessantly on my Walkman (those were the days). However, they were both released before I really knew what music was and what it meant to me.
I was, and still am, a sucker for a song that paints a vivid image. R.E.M. are masters at this, and both this track and Nightswimming opened my eyes to this phenomenon. While I still don’t know exactly what they are on about in either track I still very much enjoy the ride.
If you ever want to fly. Mulholland Drive. Up in the sky…
RjK
This is joyous!
I have had a very pleasant few days at home and the weather has even been clement, a rare treat. So it feels right to post something upbeat. It doesn’t get much better and more upbeat than Stevie! What a great tune, if you ever need a spring put in your step I advice you to listen to this. The classic 60’s video here is but an added bonus.
For once I can say this is mine you can’t take it. As long as I know I have love I can make it. For once in my life I have someone who needs me…
/RjK
Diddy – Dirty Money* – Ass on the floor (GPF)
This is defiant. I guess that is the point of posting “guilty pleasures” on Fridays. I know this is interminably naff but it still inexplicably moves me.
Them haters can’t tell you nothing…
RjK
*Artist #413
This guy was another who I found reading reviews of this year’s of SXSW festival in Texas. I don’t know too much about him other than he is super fresh and from the musical hotbed that is Montreal.
The track reminds me a little of BTSTU in that it is arresting, electronic and more than a little hypnotic. I hope he come up with a little more to back it up than Jai Paul though. What ever happened to that guy? I clearly gave him the kiss of death!
/RjK
*Artist #412
Fleetwood Mac – Gypsy
As I said last week I have been thinking that my focus has been too fixed on new music of late. You don’t get much more classic than Steely Dan or Fleetwood Mac.
RjK
Bobby Womack* – Please forgive my heart
This is from Bobby Womack’s new record. Yes, you heard that right. It is a collaboration with Damon Albarn and Richard Russell called The bravest man in the universe. His voice still sounds strong and arresting. I was surprised to find that this is the first song of his that I have posted.
In other news I am headed home for a few days. Can’t wait for a relaxing couple of days in the Emerald Isle.
RjK
*Artist #411
A friend gave me a tip about this guy (thanks Davy). It is always nice to listen to music that comes via a recommendation. I am perhaps guilty of trying too hard to return the favour though!
I really like the sound here, it’s soothing quality has been welcome this morning. It has a refreshingly simple, old school jazz flavour and there is something heartfelt in the vocals. I can imagine him sitting at a grand piano playing it in a smoky bar after midnight.
RjK
*Artist #410