Tag Archive for Soul

4th July 2012

Lauryn Hill – Doo-Wop (That thing)

There have been some details of Lauryn’s chaotic personal life on the internet and in the press recently along with the tantalising prospect of some new material from her.

This made me revisit the spectacular 1998 album The miseducation of… to which I am still eagerly awaiting for a follow up (other than a misguided live album). This was one of the stand out tracks. It is classic, late-90’s r’n’b.

Happy independence day to all my American friends out there.  

RjK

27th June 2012

William De Vaughn* – Be thankful for what you’ve got

You may be more familiar with the Massive Attack cover of this song, from their Blue Lines album. However, this is the original and, in my opinion, superior version. It is so mellow and smooth, just a perfect example of 70’s soul.

Diamond in the back, sunroof down, Diggin the scene with a gangsta lean, wooh-ooh-ooh…

RjK
*Artist #471


16th June 2012

Kim Weston* – Helpless

This is a strangely rather unheralded early Motown track. In revisiting it this week I was reminded that it is a classic, right up there with any of the more famous stuff. It fulfils the basic requirement I have for a soul song in that it makes me want to move.

Look out for a special Father’s Day post tomorrow from the blogfather himself, my Dad. I will catch you all again on Monday. 

RjK

*Artist #463

28th May 2012

The Versatones* – Bila

And now for something completely different! I heard this wacky and manic doo wop tune on Downtown Soulville a few weeks ago and it has been rattling around my brain ever since. It is so upbeat and infectious, a heady combination on a sunny, summers day.

RjK

*Artist #452

23rd May 2012

Donny Hathaway – Someday we’ll all be free

Donny Hathaway was such a talent and another who died far too young. I first got into him when I heard his stupendous cover of Jealous Guy by John Lennon, which I posted last year.

The super weather has continued in London today. What is it about sunshine that makes every record sound exponentially better?

/RjK

Aside

Arthur Conley* – Sweet soul music

I felt it was the right thing to post a Stax song today after hearing the sad news about Donald “Duck” Dunn, of Stax and Blues Brothers fame. And what a song this is! It might have the greatest intro ever. It certainly must be up there anyway.

Had a nice family lunch in Maze today, really good to see everyone. I would definitely recommend it, especially if someone else is paying! 

RjK

*Artist #442

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Quantic and Alice Russell* – Look around the corner

A short post at the end of a long anf busy day. Not much report on these guys other than I am hopiong to see them play in Camden next week.

Looking forward to a weekend at home and a trip to Dublin for a big rugby match.

RjK

*Artist #429

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Mary Wells – Whisper you love me

Mary Wells is a total hero and one I rediscovered last year. This is classic early Motown and bears the hallmarks, simplicity, warmth and wonderful melodies. I also love the innocence, it was a simpler time back then!

Whisper you love me boy. Make it sound soft and clear, tender and sincere…

RjK

Aside

Unlimited Four* – I Wanna Be Happy

I have realised recently that soul music has been underrepresented thus far in 2012. The blog has expanded my musical horizons more that I thought possible but soul will always be my first love. Look out for a few stompers in the coming weeks to redress the balance.
This has a classic early soul feel being both pure of sound and sentiment, I can’t help but smile when I hear it.
RjK
*Artist #427

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Harold Melvin and The Bluenotes – The love I lost

This is a Gamble and Huff Philadelphia International classic. It is one of the very earliest disco records and a Saturday night anthem. I hope if you’re out tonight you hear something as good as this.

We loved each other, we just couldn’t get along. Take a good look at me; I’m in misery, can’t you see…

RjK