I stumbled across this classic track by Aretha this week. I hadn’t heard it before but it’s pretty great. The easy power of her voice still makes me sit up and take notice even after all these years.
Aretha Franklin:
/RjK
Tag Archive for Soul
The Chiffons* – One Fine Day
Soul classic from The Chiffons to start the week. It doesn’t get much better than this. Pure pop magic.
The Chiffons:
/RjK
*Artist #670
Carla Thomas* – Pick up the pieces (Live at Wattstax)
This is a great live recording of Stax legend Carla Thomas taken from the 1972 Wattstax music festival which took place in The LA Colluseum. It is probably my favourite track of hers (the also excellent album version is here)
Carla Thomas:
/RjK
*Artist #668
The Staple Singers – Help me Jesus
My musical diet of late has been been an odd mixture. Off-kilter modern Electronica and early Soul and Gospel. As I mentioned before, I seem to have an outsized affection for Gospel of this era. I love the simple purity of the songs.
Chicago band The Staple Singers made a classic journey from an early career as a Gospel group to later career success in more mainstream Soul.
The Staple Singers:
/RjK
Ben E. King* – Teeny weeny little bit
A friend described Ben E. King as being simultaneously over and under rated, and I have to agree. His most famous track Stand By Me has been played to death but some of his other work, both solo and with The Drifters is really outstanding.
Ben E. King:
/RjK
*Artist #664
The Valentinos* – Sweeter than the day before
A northern soul classic to start the week. This is relentless! Cleveland, Ohio band The Valentinos are mostly known for launching the careers of Cecil and Bobby Womack.
The Valentinos:
/RjK
*Artist #655
Freddie Cruger* – Pretty Little Thing feat. Linn | (NAT)
I discovered this track silky smooth track from Swedish producer/DJ Freddie Cruger earlier in the week on the awesome Far From Cyan blog. I haven’t been able to get it out of my head since.
/RjK
*Artist #648
Jean Knight* – Mr.Big Stuff | (GPF)
Funky 70’s classic from Jean Knight to brighten up the middle of you week. She might have been a one hit wonder but a hit it was! Pretty special video here too.
Ooh yeah!…
Jean Knight – Mr.Big Stuff:
/RjK
*Artist #647
Lady* – Get Ready
I discovered Transatlantic duo Lady (a rather search engine unfriendly name!) a few weeks ago via the excellent Far From Cyan blog. This is fierce, in a good way.
Lady:
/RjK
*Artist #644
Sly and The Family Stone – A Family Affair
Classic early-70’s track from funk heroes Sly and The Family Stone. It’s so smooth I almost can’t bear it!
Sly and The Family Stone:
/RjK