Terry Callier – Ordinary Joe
This is classic soul, another one pilfered from my Father’s record collection. Terry Callier had an interesting career, enduring a couple of decades in the doldrums before making a comeback in the 90’s, notably collaborating with Beth Orton and Massive Attack.
Tag Archive for Soul
15th August
Etta James – I’d rather go blind
This is one of the most powerful songs I have ever encountered. I recently watched an excellent movie about the Chess label, called Cadillac Records where Beyonce plays Etta James. In it she sings a version of this song, and while she is perhaps easier on the ear (and certainly the eye!) she doesn’t quite match the raw emotion and power of Etta’s original.
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Brenton Wood – Oogum Boogum
A friend and fellow soul lover recommended this to me a while ago. It is a little lightweight but it is impossible to hear it and not smile. For some reason I woke up with it on my mind and as such I (almost) skipped my way to work this morning.
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Fontella Bass – Rescue Me
I have wanted to post this since the blog began but have been frustrated by a lack of quality youtube videos. Until now. It is in my top 5 soul singles of all time. No easy feat. Fontella Bass must be an all time great name for a soul singer too.
It is relentless. Enjoy.
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The Contours – Just a little misunderstanding
Was out on the tiles last night painting the town red with my brother. I woke up this morning feeling surprisingly fresh and with this stuck in my head. It’s a classic soul stomper and it’s been too long since I posted one of those.
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Jackie Wilson – Reet Petite
I was at a 50’s themed Coney Island party on Saturday night. It was typically East London – Bizarre and Kitschy. It featured a hot dog eating contest, a drag act wearing a horses head covering the Rolling Stones (wild horses of course) amoungst other oddities.
What it also featured was some great music, so I thought I would post a 50’s favourite. Jackie Wilson is a hero, and this is one of his best. It has an innocence which is typical of the era but is also animated and full of energy making impossible to resist.
Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell – Ain’t no mountain high enough
This is a little bit bubblegum but it is infectious and hard to dislike. It is a favourite party song, being relentlessly upbeat and catchy. It also has a purity that is sadly missing in more recent music.
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Brook Benton – Rainy night in Georgia
This is apt for me today – I am back in Ireland for a few days and when I stepped of the plane this morning it was indeed a rainy night in Georgia.
I also really like the song. It has a wistful longing that I can relate to and which seems to come particularly with rain (maybe that is because rain reminds me of home).
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Gladys Knight and The Pips – Midnight train to Georgia
Have been busy preparing for a busy week ahead today – sorry for short post. This is a classic soul tune, heartfelt and moving. It was one of the very first soul tunes to register on my musical radar.
Another point to note. I had the interesting experience of eating in a Gladys Knight and Ron Winans chicken and waffles (better than it sounds) restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia a few year ago (see picture below).
Chicken and Waffles:
/RjK29th May
Solomon Burke – Everybody needs somebody to love
After being inspired to post Brian Wilson after seeing him on Jools Holland I was moved to mine YouTube for some more BBC musical gems and I came across this. Pretty good.
I have wanted to post it for a while anyway, as it is a classic soul tune. A great version also features in a favourite movie of mine – The Blues Brothers. Check out Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi MOVE.
I need YOU, YOU, YOU. Just to see me through.