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
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 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
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
Jamie Lidell* – Another Day
It was a perfect spring day in London today and this is a perfect spring track. It is simple and uplifiting and was a good soundtrack as I meandered about enjoying the weather.
RjK
*Artist #408
Mayer Hawthorne – Just ain’t gonna work out (Rory McDermott guest gig review)
Mayer Hawthorne, Scala, 7th March 2012:
In 1965 James Brown (and the Famous Flames) appeared in a naff woolly jumper on a television show called Ski party. Shot for a largely white audience it was surely his most sterilized peformace, watered down for white sensibilities. Like John Belushi appearing in Little House on the Prairie
And so I spent the first 20mins of the gig- feeling a bit duped. A rather lanky but well preened Michael McDonald flanked by a Ralph Lauren boy band sang through a nu-soul repertoire.
Then something quite odd happened – the music picked up, the crowd limbered and I stopped being a complete prat – I came round to his thoroughly infectious routine. By the start of the second half he had me in the pocket of his red velvet tuxedo.
Mayer Hawthorne is an entertaining guy, amicable and humorous when interacting with the crowd. His songs are overtly tongue-in-cheek with crooning more Neil Hannon than Neil Diamond (Note; can carry a tune better than either…..)
The smooth tone voice and falsetto range are a direct throwback to his musical roots (He grew up in Detroit, Michigan – The Motor City which put the MO in Motown). But this was not an imitation cover gig; it was a show. And a bloody good one.
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| From MH’s Twitter |
RMcD
Diana Ross – Ain’t no mountain high enough
I heard this on Saturday night and was reminded of what a fantastic song it is. There are several great versions of it and I struggle to decide which is my favourite. I imagine it was very bold in it’s day with the spoken word passages and heavy strings. It is so joyous and uplifting it is hard not to smile when you hear it. Also, it highlights what an utter hero Diana Ross is. What a voice!
RjK
The Temptations – Ain’t too proud to beg
Lamont Dozier* – Why can’t we be lovers?
Lamont Dozier is Motown royalty. However, it wasn’t until this week that I knew it was as a singer and not just as part of the incredible and prolific Holland-Dozier-Holland song writing trio.
This is so fresh, it has been a while since I have been so moved by a soul artist I hadn’t heard before. I tend to judge a song by how many times I am compelled to listen to it in succession after first hearing it. On that scale this scored pretty high (I am still counting).
Ooh baby, why can’t be lovers? Oh darling, from loving you I’ll never recover…
RjK
*Artist #387