Jean Carne* – We got some catching up to do (GPF)
I like this so much it almost feels wrong to suggest it is a guilty pleasure. But it has the kind of dancefloor friendly sound that is perfect for a Friday night.
Jean Carne is from Atlanta and released this gem on the seminal Philadelphia International label, home of some sensational soul, funk and disco.
/RjK
*Artist #522
Van Morrison – It’s all in the game / You know what they’re writing about
I have been meaning to post Van for a while. Firstly I am a self confessed devotee of his music but also because I nearly saw him play in Dublin a few weeks ago before inclement weather intervened (why even bother with gigs in parks in Ireland?).
This pair of tracks closes out the 1979 album Into the music. They aren’t his most iconic work but I have listened to them relentlessly over the past few months. I think they are classic Van; starting with a spacey, meandering cover of an obscure 50’s tune then building and building to a crashing, heartfelt crescendo (see about 6:30 onwards).
Meet me down by the pylons...
/RjK
Bruce Springsteen – Born to run
I have been meaning to post this for a while and it feels fitting to post someone iconic and American today. It doesn’t get much more of either than Bruce Springsteen.
This is typical of him in that it is urgent and compelling perhaps even epic yet there is something simple and heartfelt about it too that we can all relate to.
It kind of feels like the calm before the storm this evening as I am off to Barcelona tomorrow for another stag do at the weekend. I am feeling not a little dread about how I will likely be feeling on my way home on Sunday. Apologies if normal blogging service is interrupted. At best I imagine the post will be brief for a few day.
/RjK
Curtis Mayfield – Power to the people (Demo)
I opened my musical blogging odyssey with Curtis and it dawned on me this week that I haven’t gotten back around to him yet in my more than 600 subsequent posts.
Move on up, is probably my favourite song of all time. It’s certainly one of my Desert Island Disks and Curtis, the album it is taken form takes pride of place in my (admittedly modest) collection of LP’s. It’s sleeve is a real treat (see below).
This is a bonus track from the 2000 re-release of the album and it’s simplicity is perfect.
Dr.Hook* – When you’re in love with a beautiful woman (GPF)
Another classic to round off the week. What a great video! Could it be more 70’s?
This is just so silky smooth, I particularly like the backing vocals. I can’t help but smile whenever I hear it.
Can’t believe it’s September tomorrow…
RjK
*Artist #511
T Rex* – Cosmic Dancer
Classic track #3.
This is, to my mind, a perfect 70’s track. It is languid and eclectic yet there is also something quite quaint about the whole thing. It is taken from the 1971 album Electric Warrior, which is well worth a listen.
I danced myself right out the womb. Is it strange to dance so soon?…
David Bowie – Heroes
This has been seeping into my consciousness over the past 2 weeks during the Olympics as it seems to have been playing on loop at all the different venues. I’m not complaining as it is a great and very fitting track to have chosen as the soundtrack to the games.
RjK
The Specials – A message to you, Rudy
RjK
Rather unbelievably it is my last Friday night in London before moving to Dublin. As such, I plan to go out with a bang this evening and wanted something to set the mood. When I am looking to set this tone I go in two directions – Hip Hop (that is up tempo, old school or preferably both) and, as in this case, Disco. The majority of my party anthems come from these two sources.
Dr. Buzzard’s Original Savannah Band* – Sunshower (GPF)
This classic 70’s funky disco tune seemed apt to post today, which featured both bright sunshine and heavy rain in North London.
Sunshower, just a sign of the power of loving you, oh Baby…
I first heard it when it was sampled in several of my favourite hip hop tunes like Can I kick it? by A tribe called Quest and this Ghostface tune.
RjK
*Artist #473