Tag Archive for Soul

William Bell* – I Got A Sure Thing

I can be guilty of getting distracted by things that are shiny and new. As I mentioned yesterday, as part of choosing my 30 favourite tracks of 2012 I also reflected on the music I have posted recently. Just as I realised that I needed to post more World Music, I had also been neglecting my first musical love, Soul.

This has been somewhat addressed by posting James Brown, Fontella Bass and The Impressions over the past fortnight, but I can still never get too much Soul.

William Bell is a favourite who I was surprised that I hadn’t posted already. He is from Memphis, Tennessee and made his name on the hometown Stax label alongside such other great as Otis Redding and Issac Hayes. I first heard his music unwittingly, as he seems to be a favourite of hip hop producers who seem to sample him extensively.

A few years ago I had the thrill of fulfilling a dream and visited Memphis and Soulsville USA, the Stax rexording studio which is now a soul music museum.

Soulsville USA:
/RjK
*Artist #588

The Impressions* – People Get Ready

Welcome to Year Three of 365 days of YouTune. Over the holidays I have been pondering about what way to proceed with the blog. It basically came down to a question of go big (try to build it up) or go home (call it a day). I came down on the side of the former so look out for some changes (hopefully improvements) in the coming weeks. Also, any ideas or suggestions would be most welcome.

I seem to be all about symmetry at the moment. Having ended 2012 in a similar fashion to 2011, I now begin 2013 in the same way that I started my blogging journey, with Curtis Mayfield (who else could it be?).

This Gospel influenced number is from right at the start of his career when he was just making his name in Chicago with The Impressions. It’s just like any great Gospel track in that it is both powerful and potent. A good note to start any new year upon.

/RjK

*Artist #585

29th December 2012 (R.I.P Fontella Bass)

Fontella Bass – Hold on this time

Sad news about Fontella Bass passing away this week at age 72. Another Soul great gone, there have been too many this year.

She was born in St.Louis in 1940 and came to prominence with her biggest hit, the spectacular Rescue Me which was released on Chess Records in 1965.

/RjK

25th December 2012

The Ronettes – Sleigh Ride

If it has to be a Christmas song (and at this time of year unfortunately they seem to be unavoidable) it might as well be The Ronettes, Phil Spector and The Wall of Sound (or perhaps Wham!). Music doesn’t get much better than that magical combination.

This is taken from the 1963 album A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector. Setting aside the Christmas motif it is actually a pretty spectacular record.

Merry Christmas all…

/RjK

23rd December 2012

James Brown* – It’s a man’s man’s man’s world

I came across an amazing photo of James Brown with The Rolling Stones on the ever enjoyable Awesome people hanging out together Tumblr recently (see pic below). It made realise (shamefully) that I hadn’t posted the legendary JB yet, nearly two years into my blogging odyssey. So it’s about time I righted this wrong.

James Brown has one of the most arresting voices I have ever heard and the opening 30 seconds of this track still make the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end every time I hear it.

James Brown chillin’ with The Rolling Stones:

/RjK

*Artist #580

11th December 2012

The Dynamics* – Yes I love you baby

Northern Soul classic from Detroit legends The Dynamics. I really like how well the vocals play off each other here, especially the falsetto part.

Ain’t no doubt about it…

/RjK

*Artist #573

4th December 2012

Sam Cooke and The Soul Stirrers – Peace in the valley

I don’t think I have yet encountered a voice that’s more pure than Sam Cooke’s. This is never more true than in the early Gospel music he recorded with The Soul Stirrers. The music is simple and his voice is unshackled and full of fervour. The result is simply startling.

/RjK

28th November 2012

The Supremes – Love is like an itching in my heart

Classic Motown. As I have mentioned before The Supremes are my favourite Soul Band (maybe even my favourite band full stop) of all time. It just doesn’t get much better than this. 

Love is like an itching in my heart and baby, I can’t scratch it…

/RjK

20th November 2012

Sly and The Family Stone* – Can’t strain my brain

I have been on the listen out for some Soul music as it probably has been under represented on my personal playlist of late. It will always be my fist musical love by my inner magpie has been drawn to things shinier of late.

This is taken from Sly and The Family Stone’s 1974 album Small Talk. It’s just a perfect later soul/funk track. Super smooth vocal and just a hint of horns. Doesn’t get much better than that.

/RjK

*Artist #558