Butterfly Mind #3
(Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings – Nobody’s Baby)
What can I say about Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings? not sure so I’m just going to let the cut speak.
Entries categorized as ‘Soul’
musicology #433
October 28, 2009 · 2 Comments
Categories: America · Soul · femalevocalsUSA
Tagged: 100 Days 100 Nights, 2007, Dap-Tone mp3, nobody's baby mp3, rhythm and blues mp3, Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings mp3, soul mp3, themusicologist
musicology #425
October 11, 2009 · 3 Comments
noExcuses #2
(You Got My Mind Messed Up – James Carr)
too many cuts to choose from and my butterfly mind certainly needs direction while my heart weeps.
today’s slice is courtesy of the majestic James Carr a cat who had the misfortune of suffering from a condition known medically as Bi-Polar Dis-order. What that means, (like many mental conditions), is debatable but it is especially poignant for themusicologist as a much loved and cherished companion is also going through a period of transition that is in danger of being labelled. Recorded and released in 1966 on the Goldwax label.
Categories: Mod · Soul · themusicologist
Tagged: 1966, 60's soul mp3, Bi-Polar, Goldwax, James Carr mp3, themusicologist, You Got My Mind Messed Up mp3
musicology #410
July 28, 2009 · 3 Comments
Terry Callier #2
(Terry Callier – Alley Wind Song (Original Demo)
A quote from the man himself:
“People everywhere are searching, searching for a spiritual base to stand on, reach out from and react to. The way I understand it, I’m supposed to put the message out there as clearly as I can. The rest has to take care of itself.”
“And hear some strange magic man work some ju-ju if you can,
Or do you know a spell that’s worth repeating,
Trace your pictures in the sand,
Tell me can you work a mojo hand,
Can you start the drums of Kuru beating,
Beware of the South wind,
The heart and mind and mouth wind
And search the sacred sands for a solution,
And tell me now..is it true if I put faith in you,
Will you lead me to the bridge of bright tomorrows,
And will your grace see me through,
Will incense and candles do,
Will prayer remove me from the reach of sorrow,
Oh beware of the North wind,
A king of worlds comes forth wind,
And blow apoun the land in retribution,
In the land of the free where the huddled masses flee,
From the cold and cruel worlds of wars dominion,
In a dusky mirror that I see,
Dont you know it got a hold back on my jubilee,
If freedom’s just a matter of opinion,
Ah beware of the West wind,
A bitter black suppressive wind,
That leads your children home for revolution,
That leads your children home for revolution,
Listening ones…if I sing,
Will that make you do your thing,
Will the chatting reach your high and lofty places,
And what is this strange gift you bring,
It’s sparkling like a diamond ring,
Will that bright light reveal the prince of faces,
Beware of the East wind,
A god of man and beast wind,
A famine and or feast wind,
And the last but not the least wind,
A threat of silver fleece wind,
A follow great release wind,
Blowin all across the land,
Blowin all across the land,
Where you stand,
Where will you stand,
Categories: America · Funk · Lyrics · Social Commentary · Soul
Tagged: 1974, 70's Soul mp3, Alley Wind Song mp3, Cadet, chess records, funk mp3, I Just Can't Help Myself, Terry Callier Lyrics, Terry Callier mp3, themusicologist
musicology #398
July 8, 2009 · 5 Comments
Sound&Fury #2
(Terry Callier – Darker Than A Shadow)
Slowing down the tempo a piece with this the second cut on the sound&fury courtesy of a Cat who has been a constant feature on themusicologist’s playlists over the past few weeks..poetic lyricologist of the highest order, childhood friend of Curtis Mayfield and one time Cabrini Green resident, Terry Callier.
This majestic slice is borrowed from his 2002 set ‘Speak Your Peace’. Just like to add thas far as I am concerned Terry Callier is an artist who deserves our support. Buy his sets, go to his concerts and let him know that he has some ‘warriors’ by his side.
“Darker than a shadow,
Darker than a shadow,
I was asleep and having dreams,
Awakened by a silent scream,
A raging wind and clouds of steam,
It was..darker than a shadow,
Unprepared for scenes like these,
With heavy air and boiling seas,
Destruction of societies,
It was..darker than a shadow,
What type insanity is this,
Standing on a precipice,
That leads into a deep abyss,
And it is darker than a shadow,
Darker than a shadow,
There was a storm like this before,
Aftermath where angels walked,
Poisoned waters, wasted shores,
And it was..darker than a shadow,
Is this all we have learned my friends,
We’re doing now what they did then,
Repeating great mistakes again,
Darker than a shadow,
What type insanity is this,
We are walking in a scorching mist,
Leads down to a deep abyss,
And it is darker than a shadow,
Darker than a shadow,
Darker than a shadow,
And then from out the deepest void,
There came a flaming asteroid,
One third of this world was destroyed,
It was…darker than a shadow
Mankind was in a raging fit,
And thermo-neuclear fires were lit,
We never saw the end of it,
‘Cause it was…darker than a shadow,
What mad insanity is this,
Standing on a precipice,
That leads into a deep abyss,
It is darker than a shadow
What type insanity is this,
Standing on a precipice,
That leads into a deep abyss,
And it is darker than a shadow,
Darker than a shadow,
Darker than a shadow,
Darker than a shadow,
Darker than a shadow,
Darker than a shadow,
Darker than a shadow,
Darker than a shadow”
Categories: America · Curtis Mayfield · Funk · Jazz · Lyrics · Paul Weller · Rhythm&Blues · Soul · blues
Tagged: 2002, Darker Than a Shadow lyrics, Darker than a shadow mp3, funk mp3, soul mp3, Speak Your Peace mp3, Terry Callier Lyrics, Terry Callier mp3, themusicologist
musicology #396
June 28, 2009 · 4 Comments
PostMod/ernist #6
(Toussaint McCall – Nothing Takes The Place Of You)
Final cut on the PostMod/ernist. To be honest I have struggled with this theme. The circumstances I find myself in have affected my confidence which, unlike belief, is buried in the unconscious making it impossible, in my opinion, to cultivate, (again unlike belief), internally. Put simply it’s other people who are responsible for our fragile confidence and my observation is that too many don’t take responsibility for making and breaking it. I’m not laying any blame as that’s for the immature. Neither am I making any excuses, life is a two way street and I must be just as guilty of being irresponsible.
As you may already be aware themusicologist for me is and always has been a kind of diary shot through with Joy & Pain and utilising the power of music as communicator, comforter and guide.
Bottom line…my lifetime’s observation so far is that people will always let you down. Rarely intentionally but that doesn’t lessen the impact. One way to lessen the impact is to not have what Charles Dickens called ‘Great Expectations’. Shoot for the stars but accept that the probability is that you will miss. This attitude has led me to the belief that it’s the journey of and through life that’s important rather than the destination and along the way our companions will come and go. Some will last longer than others. Some will bring and share love while others will try to hurt and hinder. Live by your own values and pass no judgement on those of others. It’s a mean, fucked up world and, from what I can see, it’s only getting meaner. Play by your own rules and do what you think is neccesary for survival and bear in mind that the society that we live in has been created without our consent.
The final cut is a classic slice of 1967 Southern Soul courtesy of Louisiana born Organist and Vocalist Toussaint McCall with a tune that is known to Soul fans the world over which never fails to tremble themusicologist’s marrow. Especially poignant and a fitting end not only to this theme but also to the 20 year relationship I have had the pleasure to share.
Categories: America · Soul
Tagged: 1967, Nothing Takes The Place Of You mp3, Ronn Records 45, Southern Soul mp3, themusicologist, Toussaint McCall mp3
musicology #394
June 25, 2009 · 1 Comment
PostMod/ernist #4
(Leon Ware – What’s Your World)
Quality piece of Soul from long time musicologist, arranger, singer and songwriter extraordanaire who’s career stretches back to the late 1950’s. First brought to themusicologist’s attention in 1982 as the Cat responsible for the Soul&Boogie / ‘Jazz-Funk’ classic ‘That’s Why I Came To California’. A BIG tune with London’s hipsters at the time of it’s release. Mr Ware is still going strong and celebrates HALF A CENTURY in what must be one of the most cut throat, back stabbing industrys out there. Today’s slice is borrowed from his excellent debut album released on United Artists in 1972.
Categories: America · Soul · themusicologist
Tagged: 1972, 70's Soul mp3, jazz funk, Leon Ware mp3, That's Why I Came To California, themusicologist, What's Your World mp3
musicology #390
June 15, 2009 · 12 Comments
Modernist #18
(Ernestine Anderson – Keep An Eye On Love)
Cats…apologies for leaving you all ‘hanging’ for this final slice..my excuse is that it has been ‘on me like a rash’ for the last couple of weeks and I haven’t been able to find the time for themusicologist. The Project is taking up most of my time leaving precious little for Mod/ernist musings although the combination of the two has produced the latest addition to the Tribute Tees below. Available in two colours, sizes from Small to XLarge and THREE cuts ‘Dubplate’, ‘Classic’, and ‘Double A’, (American Apparel) see Tribute Tees for further information
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- Modernist ‘Classic’
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- Modernist ‘Double A’
Final cut on the Mod/ernist theme..and I’m wrapping it up with this fine piece by extraordinary singer Ernestine Anderson whose long career stretches back to the early 50’s when as a teenager she toured with the, (legendary), Johnny Otis band and then Lionel Hampton’s. Essentially a Jazz singer but I’m sure she could ’sit down’ on any piece of music with effortless ease. Recorded and released in 1963 it won’t come as a surprise to those who know this cut but for those who don’t know it, (as well as them that do),
Released on New York’s Sue Label (another slice of the Juggy Murray pie), and in the UK on the Mod/ernist’s most cherished Red & Yellow label of the same name. Apparently it didn’t get much play at the time, (according to my sources), but for me this piece is ‘well modern’ and If I had been on the wheels of steel back then it would have been one of themusicologist’s choice plays….what’s ironic is the timing of today’s cut. I have honestly tried my best to ‘Keep an Eye’ but all my efforts have been in vain…
LISTEN TUNE…
Categories: America · Mod · Soul · femalevocalsUSA
Tagged: 1963, Ernestine Anderson mp3, Johnny Otis, Juggay Murray mp3, Keep An Eye On Love mp3, Lionel Hampton, Mod music, modernist, modernist tribute t-shirt, Sue mp3, themusicologist
musicology #389
June 2, 2009 · 18 Comments
Modernist #17
(Charlie & Inez Foxx – MockingBird)
Penultimate day of the Mod/ernist theme, (honest guvnuh !!), and then it’s onto musicolological pastures new. Hard for me to leave this theme as I love the music and am really enjoying the dialogue.
Couldn’t complete a mod/ernist theme without including this one from Charlie & Inez Foxx…1963 cut on Juggy Murrays Symbol label. BIG, BIG tune from back in the day.
Categories: America · Mod · Rhythm&Blues · Soul · duets
Tagged: 1963, 60's soul mp3, Charlie and Inez Foxx mp3, Juggy Murray, mockingbird mp3, Mod music, Symbol 45, themusicologist
musicology #388
May 31, 2009 · 12 Comments
Modernist #16
(The Orlons – The Wah Watusi)
Have to keep it brief today as I’m up to my eyeballs with various things that demand my full attention making it nigh on impossible to wax lyrical about Mod/ernists, Musicology, Sociology, Philosophy, The Bauhaus and all of the other strands that woven together inform who I am or even ‘we’ are.
So without delay hold this cut. Yet another from the magic year of 1962 by vocal group The Orlons..one of the important things about this cut is that it made #2 in the U.S Pop chart which for an ‘R&B’ vocal group was no mean feat and for me highlights one of the reasons that 1962 was an important year sociologically. Before then the likelyhood is that it would have been re-recorded by a more shall we say marketable vocal group but ‘walls’ were breaking down especially in America and ‘Race’ music was leading the charge.
Categories: America · Mod · Soul · vocal group
Tagged: 1962, Early Soul mp3, Mod music, Soul Vocal Group mp3, The Orlons mp3, The Wah - Watusi mp3, themusicologist
musicology #386
May 27, 2009 · 4 Comments
Modernist #14
(The Valentinos – Darling Come Back Home)
Today it’s the turn of youth cult ‘observer’ and prolific writer on the subject Paolo Hewitt with what I think is a worthy insight into Mod/ernist that resonates throughout the whole spectrum from conception right up to today and beyond.
“Modernism has remained Britain’s most enduring youth cult because it’s originators created a blueprint that has proved timeproof. By doing so, they put up a safeguard against the transient nature of fashion. Mod has never withered against the ravages of time because it is so particular. About everything, Detail is all. Mod created, for the very first time, a twenty four hour lifestyle that totally revolved around clothes, music, drugs and attitude. They did not oppose society, they simply ignored it. They created their own simple sign language, devised fashion codes and style statements to develop their very own culture of cool. That they were initially hidden from view did not stop them contributing heavily towards the society that ignored. Their demands for clothes and music laid the foundations for the emergence of these industries in Britain and their style demanded a complete shift in attitude towards menswear. The true Modernist transformed London and made it the centre of ‘Hip’. Their clubs were the best in town, The Dj’s played the best and most exciting records and they danced the best dances.
All this because they had no problem mixing other cultures into their own. They were many things, arrogant, contemptuos, sometimes cruel and peacockis to a ‘man’ but they were also open minded and ambitious. One of their credos was simple; if it’s good, absorb it, wherever it’s from. Consequently Mod musical taste was immaculate an it’s development is entwined with the history of Soul music’s triumphant entry into Britain and when it was time to move on they did so. Which is so perfectly right, so perfectly Modernist”.
Today’s cut is one from themusicologist’s vaults recorded and released in 1962 for Sam Cooke and J.W Alexander’s trailblazing SAR label. Hold this quote from the book ‘Dream Boogie’ about the year in question..
“There was a new kind of pride in the air and a new kind of proclamation. Sam’s ‘natural’ hairstyle, (what became known as the Afro), was finally beginning to catch on and a few months later the Philadelphia Tribune defined ‘Soul’, a term confined for the most part at this point to the downhome instrumental sounds of Jazz musicians such as Bobby Timmons, Horace Silver and Cannonball Adderley as “the word of the hour…a spiritual return to the sources, an emotional intensity and rhythmis crive that comes from childhood saturation in Negro Gopspel music”. “Oh we all heard it said onetime ‘Wonder Boy’ preacher Soloman Burke, a lifelong Soul Stirrers devotee who had positioned himself somewhere between Sam and Brother Joe May in his own persuasive style, of Sam’s new Soul sound. “Pop audiences heard that yodel…like it was some shiny new thing. But if you knew Sam from Gospel, it was him saying, ‘Hey, it’s me’.
This was in the early months of 1962 at the same time that young working class kids in London were beginning to galvanise a new movement of their own and were instinctively drawn to this fresh sound coming out of America’s big cities. The group in question had a name and sound change from The Womack Brothers to the Valentino’s and it was their preceeding cut ‘Looking For A Love’ that provided them with their first breakthrough but for me this one takes some beating.
Categories: America · Mod · Sam Cooke · Soul · vocal group
Tagged: 1962, Bobby Timmons, bobby womack, Cannonball Adderley, Darling Come Back Home mp3, Dream Boogie, Early Soul mp3, Horace Silver, Mod music, Paolo Hewitt, sam cooke, Sar 45, Soloman Burke, The Valentinos mp3, The Womack Brothers, themusicologist
musicology #385
May 26, 2009 · 6 Comments
Modernist #13
(Gene Chandler – You Threw A Lucky Punch)
After two days of rest themusicologist is coming down the home straight for the Mod/ernist theme this week so I’ve decided to fly by the seat of my pants , (so to speak), and lay down some cuts that might not have been played in the critical years, (1961-1963), but I’m sure would have been if known about. As the theme has unfolded and due in part to the dialogue I feel like I am tuning in to the pace of the music that moved the crowd. As Tony Blue said ‘Shout & Shimmy’ was too fast whereas all the commentators have, (independantly), identified some of the key sounds and what has emerged is that they are all of a certain tempo. No surprise really as my own experience of the various scenes that I have been privliged to have been involved in over the years have all marched to one special beat, (whatever that may be), seems like the ‘biggest’ cuts of the theme so far are all what I would call Mid Tempo…or to put it another way…the ‘Perfect Beat’. Not too fast or too slow but just the right pace to make your feet move without forcing them to. The Cats know the beat of which I speak….the one that would ‘raise the dead’ and compel them to throw whatever ’shapes’ were in their bones. Of course there are some whose sense of timing and natural rhythm is a joy to behold but even their best is brought out by the same beat that seems to catch all of our dancing feet and moves us onto the floor. Today’s cut is, (for me), in that groove and is also the original to the Mary Wells cut ‘You Beat Me To The Punch’, (musicology #376), sung by none other than the ‘Duke Of Earl’ himself, Gene Chandler whose name, (or if not name then certainly his musical contribution), should be known to Mod/ernists everywhere. Recorded for and released on the Vee Jay label in the magic year 1962.
Categories: America · Mod · Soul
Tagged: 1962, Duke Of Earl, Early Soul mp3, Gene Chandler mp3, Mary Wells, Mod music, modernist, themusicologist, Vee Jay 45, You Beat Me To The Punch, You Threw A Lucky Punch mp3
musicology #384
May 23, 2009 · 7 Comments
Modernist #12
(The Drifters – Up On The Roof)
Modernist / Mod / Mods..for me the label is not the issue it’s the philosophy..the ideology that’s important and how it evolved to influence almost every ‘trend’ that followed. That’s what fascinates me. The narrative of the early sixties is well documented from almost every angle other than the ’street’ perspective in part because the voice of the people is not one that is often heard. As Johnny Spencer said ‘by 1965 the essence and meaning was gutted from the original movement because it was a genuine threat to the staus quo’. For sure the consumer revolution had been managed as far back as the early part of the 20th Century but ‘Mod/ernist’ was never part of the equation because it came up from the street where the establishment had no control or initial interest other than in how to ‘capitalize’.
By the time I was born in 1968 the control was being fought for and for a moment the chance was there to bring down the system but by then the momentum was with the bourgouise intellectuals who when it came down to it didn’t realise that in the words of Martin Luther King there would be ‘No victory without sacrifice’. As the 70’s rolled on everything had been commoditized and the moment passed, (much to the relief of the establishment), who then went on, (in the 80’s), to destroy the working class by giving us ’something’ to lose in the way of our own property which, of course, wasn’t ours anyway as it belonged to the banks that had sold us into debt slavery.
Interpret my musings how you will but I know how it was to live through these times with a narrative of Mod/ernist as the guiding principle which is after all an Attitude rather than merely a fashion trend. In my opinion part of why the lifestyle of Mod/ernist has been, (and continues to be), so enduring is the underlying principle at the heart of it which is to follow your own path and, (as much as you can), decide for yourself what to do, wear, listen to, watch, read, learn etc.
Today’s 1962 cut by the Drifters is so well known that it is easy to dismiss it as nothing more than pop but if you listen to the words it speaks the language of pure Mod/ernist, the cats who met, walked, talked and lived together metaphorically
“Up On The Roof..way up where the air was fresh and sweet and away from the hustling crowd and all the Rat Race noise down below…….right smack dab in the middle of town..”
Listen Tune…
Categories: America · Mod · Soul · vocal group
Tagged: 1962, 1970's, 1980's, capitalize, commoditization, consumer revolution, Debt slavery, Ideology, Martin Luther King, Mod, Mod music, modernist, mods, No Victory Without Sacrifice, philosophy, the drifters mp3, themusicologist, Up On The Roof mp3, Working Class
musicology #379
May 18, 2009 · 1 Comment
modernist #7
(Jackie Wilson – Lonely Teardrops)
Part of the method of inquiry adopted here on this theme is to get a better idea of, (as TonyBlue said in the comments), what, who, where, why and how the nameless thing evolved from the depths of the young Urbanite experience and as far as I am concerned, (and have already stated), the music is the key to unlocking the period. Not only the music of America but also from the island of Jamaica. One conclusion is that in each of the places of note there was a genuine sense of shaking off the chains of Imperial/colonialism and the Slave/Master mentality that had ruled around the world for longer than living memory. Not just in terms of skin colour but also the ‘Class’ system which in England at least was deeply entrenched like nowhere else in the world.
A Cat named Patrick Uden makes a great point on the nameless thing, (we’ll be hearing more from him later), and it’s this
“To be a Mod/ernist you had to come from a culture where Modernism didn’t exist and therefore that made you different and England at that time was ancient it…was falling to pieces. I mean it was awful. You have no idea how miserable and Grey Britain was. The first Habitat shop opened, I think in 1962 in Chelsea and was a complete revelation”
For me the point here is that all over Europe and America the ‘Modern’ had been part of the language since the early part of the century from music in America through to architecture and design in Europe so under those conditions there was nowhere else for a youth movement to be different other than England and especially London until a group of young-bloods emerged to drag Britain kicking and screaming into ‘today’ which according to a Philosopher who I rate highly is the stomping ‘ground’ of the proletariat, one of three ‘classes’ he defines. The other two being the Arisocrat, (who lives in and on the past) and the Bourgoise who looks to and lives in tomorrow. A great observation which for me is spot on.
Today’s slice is courtesy of a member of the elite..Jackie Wilson who somehow managed to shine even under the conditions forced on him by his ‘Master’ Nat Tarnapol. It’s true Jackie was humiliated by recording some awful p(o)op between but as we all know cream rises to the very top of the bottle and in matters musical Jackie delivered some of the best Soul ever made. Hold this 1958 cut to hear what I mean…ignore the terrible backing on this cut and listen to Jackie soar whilst standing on the vanguard of the transition from Rock & Roll into Soul. Again I would just like to add that the cuts upto and including this one are not in any way ‘Rare’ but in the context of ‘Mod/ernist’ there’s no denying that when released they were as fresh as spring daisys.
Categories: America · Mod · Rock and Roll · Soul
Tagged: 1958, 1960's London, Aristocrat, Bourgeoise, Brunswick mp3, Early Soul mp3, Habitat, jackie wilson mp3, Lonely Teardrops mp3, Mod music, Modernism, modernist, Patrick Uden, Proletariat, themusicologist
musicology #378
May 16, 2009 · 8 Comments
Modernist #6
(The Impressions – Say It’s Alright)
I was going to end this theme tomorrow but on reflection there’s too much music yet to be featured and such is the quality of the dialogue from the commentators I’m letting it run for another week.
A large part of the debate has been the use of the word ‘Modernist’ and whether it was in fact used by anyone at the time? with that in mind hold this quote from the book ‘Soul Stylists’ compiled by Paolo Hewitt which is full of anectodes from Cats who claim, (and I see no reason to believe they are lying), to have participated in the ‘nameless thing’ of the early 1960’s.
“The bands from our youth club in Hastings were dressed like The Shadows on the cover of their first album; very neat red jackets, dark ties and white shirts. Then I spotted these strangely dressed guys from another school. They had short Italian haircuts and they wore bum freezer jackets with cut away collars and half belts on the back, narrow ties, tapered trousers with slits up the sides and side laced winklepickers. I went up to one of them and asked;
“Why are you dressed like that?” and he spoke the immortal words;
“Because I’m a Modernist”
The cat’s name is Lloyd Johnson and no date is mentioned but from the sounds of the ‘clobber’ it’s likely to have been before 1964
From themusicologist’s perspective what is beyond doubt are the release dates of the music contained on the theme which is obviously, (in almost all cases), not subjective and delivers insight into the most important aspect of any ’scene’..the music and today’s cut is, in my mind, one of the greatest pieces of mod/ernist musicology of the period from quite possibly the driving force behind the winds of change none other than Curtis Mayfield who has featured heavily on themusiciologist over the last few years but also in my life since babe in arms.
hold this next quote on today’s cut from a book on the legend by author Peter Burns.
“Recorded in August 1963 the horn arrangement, a suggestion of Mayfield’s, took it’s inspiration from a Bobby Bland single but the idea for the song itself had come from a conversation between Curtis and Fred, (Cash, member of ‘the holy trinity’), one night when the Impressions were on tour in Nashville. Mayfield was effusively expounding some ideas and future plans and Cash was interjecting from time to time and concurred with “Right” and “Well that’s allright”, suddenly Curtis had a hook line ‘Say It’s Alright’. They cut this historic track at Universal studios in Chicago just two months after Curtis’s hit production of Major Lance’s ‘The Monkey Time’ which was still riding high on the charts. All the vital elements came together and this modern classic brought The Impressions back even stronger than before”.
Released on ABC-Paramount and arranged by Johnny Pate
“Say It’s alright, (it’s alright), say it’s alright, (it’s alright),
It’s alright have a good time cause it’s alright wooohh it’s alright,
We’re gonna move it slow, when lights are low,
When you move it slow it sounds like a moan and it’s alright wooohh it’s alright
Now listen to the beat, trying to catch your feet,
You got Soul and everybody know that it’s alright wooohhh it’s alright,
When you wake up early in the morning feeling sad like so many of us do,
Hum a little Soul make life your goal and surely something’s gotta come to you,
And say it’s alright, say it’s alright…it’s alright have a good time cause it’s alright woohhh it’s alright,
Now everybody clap your hands give yourself a chance,
You got Soul and everybody know that it’s alright wooohh it’s alright,
Some day I’ll find me a woman who will love and treat me real nice,
Then my roams? gotta go and my love she will know from morning noon and night,
And she’s gotta say it’s alright..say it’s alright,
It’s alright have a good time cause it’s alright woohhh it’s alright,
Now everybody clap your hands, now give yourself a chance…you got Soul now baby..”
Categories: America · Curtis Mayfield · Lyrics · Mod · Soul · themusicologist · vocal group
Tagged: 60's soul mp3, bobby bland, Chicago Soul mp3, curtis mayfield, curtis mayfield lyrics, fred cash, Johnny Pate, major lance, Mod music, modernist, Paolo Hewitt, Peter Burns, sam gooden, Say It's Alright 45 mp3, the Impressions mp3, themusicologist
musicology #377
May 15, 2009 · 10 Comments
Modernist #5
(Ray Charles – What I’d Say)
Received this on an email last night and thought this was probably the best place to share it rather than on the Comments. Why? because It’s another piece of critical writing straight from the horses mouth so to speak and in keeping with the authentic nature of this theme deserves a place on the front page. There’s some excellent dialogue taking place in the comments so it’s a small dilemma as to whether to put it there but, (in the words of Rupie Edwards on ‘Census Taker’) “time is short and money a roll on this ‘ting”, (not really money but certainly time !!) anyway on with the debate..
“Purely out of academic interest I’ll start by asking a question. It’s a simple, honest, and open question that I’ve not only (and often) asked myself, it’s one I’ve left hanging out there since first stumbling across it for any other interested party or person to answer. To date no-one’s properly answered it!
The question is this. Do you or did you know a Modernist?
Well, put simply, I didn’t, or if I did then said Modernist didn’t make it clear to me (which is the same thing). Thus, and as no-one else responded to the question, I’m left to ponder the very existence of this mythical harbinger/precursor to “Mod”.
Who was he? Where was he? When was he? What was he into? How many “hims” were there? (I’ll stick with the “he” if that’s OK ladies? Purely as a literary tool, nothing else)
First. Who Was He?
According to the little what’s known he was well educated (grammer school at the very least) and he wasn’t working or upper-class. So does this establish him as “middle-class” then? Somehow I doubt it. The middle-classes were, well, the “middle” class: safe, plodding, grey, they were rocking no boats with “attitude”, they were quite happy living the “you’ve never had it so good” life in their “Little Boxes”. So if Modernist wasn’t upper, middle or lower (working?) class who was he? From which social category did this legend rise from? It can only be from the post-war “striving” class i.e. upper-lower/lower-middle class families (mainly second generation immigrants and of those most likely Jewish or Italian… now there’s a religious conundrum if ever there was one! ).
As we know he was well educated that means he was over 16 and under 21. Why? Cutting a long explanation short, bright boys like him stayed on at school to the 6th. form and he wasn’t conscripted into the army.
Again, according to what little is known, he was a very sharp dresser, neurotically so! Clothes were more important to him than money or sex. This guy was a real true dandy! The clothes he wore were either designed (sometimes made) by him or his VERY close circle of fellow Modernists or rare and expensive imports. Once worn or better said shown-off they were disposed of fast; past on/over to younger brothers or the such like. His clothes were SHARP to say the least. Every detail, from style of shirt collar down to the cloth cover buttons on trousers (yes, trousers) was meticulously thought out. What he wore no-one else wore (if they did he – and the other face – was a finished article in the circle). Styles changed at the speed of light. The pace of it all took it’s toll. Going out looking like he did was all about being SEEN; being looked at and being copied. It goes without saying that aggro was avoided like the plague.
To summerize… He Was.
Aged 17-19. Good looking, slim build. Clever but no academic (good head on his shoulders). Not short of a few bob (son of a local businessman perhaps). Street-wise but not tough (a lover not a fighter). An individualist (with those clothes he had no choice). A narcissist…Next installment… tomorrow.”
Today’s cut is from a legend who needs no Introduction with a tune that needs none either. The great Ray Charles Robinson with a groundbreaking piece of modernist musicology that as far as I’m concerned defines the word and essence of the elusive ‘Modernist’ in a matter of minutes…
Categories: America · Mod · Rhythm&Blues · Soul
Tagged: 1959, Modernist mp3, Ray Charles mp3, themusicologist, What I'd Say mp3
musicology #376
May 14, 2009 · 1 Comment
Modernist #4
(Mary Wells – You Beat Me To The Punch)
As the the theme moves into the second half I would just like to add that as far as the music is concerned I am resisting the urge top throw down obscure cuts from the period in question purely because the chances of them being played back in the day were almost non existent. The fact is that the rare pieces that have come to light over the last 20 years would NOT have been available to the cats who were exposing the music of America and even Jamaica in and around London’s clubs and venues. Not even Guy Stevens or Sammy Samwell would have had access to pieces on such labels as One-Derful, Butane, Witch, Cortland, Sar and the like so as much as I would LOVE to expose them here It’s not my intention to impress anyone with the lesser known cuts rather it’s to lay down pieces that were actually played in places like The ‘Ly, Scene, Disc, Flamingo, Disc, Tottenham Royal, Streatham Locarno etc so if that’s a dissapointment to some then, (in the words of Lord Creator), ‘Such Is Life’…..
With that in mind today’s slice of the Modernist pie is another classic from the Tamla Motown stable that shook up some of the London venues mentioned above. A response to Gene Chandler’s majestic ‘You Threw A Lucky Punch’ from yet another ‘Mod/ernist’ Icon Mary Wells who went on to feature heavily between 1962-1964 and along with The Marvelettes blazed the trail for the inclusion of the ladies in the male dominated world of Modernist musicology.
Categories: America · Mod · Soul · femalevocalsUSA
Tagged: 60's soul mp3, Gene Chandler, Guy Stevens, mary wells mp3, Mod music, modernist, sammy samwell, Tamla Motown mp3, themusicologist, You Beat Me To The Punch mp3
musicology #375
May 13, 2009 · 27 Comments
Modernist #3
(Major Lance – The Monkey Time)
Following yesterday’s dynamic duo of, (an extract from), Johnny Spencer’s excellent ‘Mod/ernist’ critique combined with the equally inspirational Miracles cut I would like to continue by quoting from a piece by Dick Hebdige who wrote a paper, (presumably for a thesis), in 1974 called ‘Style Of The Mods’. The majority of it, (as the title suggests), involves ‘Mods’ which is a different subject but obviously connected.
“All youth styles are threatened with the eventual neutralisation of any oppositional meaning. Mods were particularly susceptible to this combination of limited acceptance and full blooded commercial exploitation. According to George Melly the progenitors of this style appear to have been a group of working class dandies, possibly descended from the devotees of the Italianate style known through the rag trade world as ‘modern’ who were dedicated to clothes and lived in London. Only gradually and with popularisation did this group accumulate other distinctive identity symbols, (The Scooter, Pills and music). By 1963, the all night R&B clubs held this group firmly to Soho and Central London”.
In my personal experience the ‘Modernist’ of the early 1960’s steadfastedly refuses to align themselves with the ‘Mod’ movement that followed even though between 1962-1965, they shared many of the same clubs, dancehalls, venues and of course music. The ‘Modernist’ was not all all interested in imitation and therefore the music had to be Authentic. Be it Modern Jazz, Early Soul, Rhythm & Blues, Blues or the sounds of Jamaica that were beginning to be heard in and around London’s clubs at the time so NO English band imitating R&B would ever have been taken seriously. An exception may have been Georgie Fame’s Blue Fames who were BIG downstairs at the Flamingo but NEVER groups like The Animals, The Who, The Stones, Small Faces etc..they would be considered MOD bands.
Today’s slice of modernist musicology is courtesy of Major Lance whose vocal sound helped revitalise the sound of Black America. Mainly it must be said down to one man…Curtis Mayfield who in 1963 was at the forefront of the OKeh label’s re-emergance as a serious force to be reckoned with. This cut I know for a fact was a firm favourite downstairs at THE club for hip cats of the time ‘The New Scene’ , (located in Ham Yard Soho). Arranged by Johnny Pate and produced by Carl Davis
Hold this quote on the cut from Robert Pruter’s definitive book on the subject ‘Chicago Soul’.
“On May 8th 1963, Lance went into the studio again and made what has to be considered recording history. He did three songs; ‘Monkey Time’, ‘Please Don’t Say No More’ and ‘Mama Didn’t Know’, the latter an answer to Curtis Mayfield’s Jan Bradley hit, (or the much more obscure Fascinations cut), from earlier in the year ‘Mama Didn’t Lie’. Monkey time was paired with ‘Mama Didn’t Know’ for Lance’s second release on OKeh, and the record became a monster hit during the summer and early fall, eventually selling more than a million copies. ‘Monkey Time’, featuring the classic brassy sound that distinguished later OKeh hits, launched the OKeh label and popularized a dance of the same name.”
Categories: America · Curtis Mayfield · Mod · Soul · themusicologist
Tagged: 1963, Carl Davis, Chicago Soul mp3, curtis mayfield, Dick Hebdige, George Melly, Georgie Fame, Johnny Pate, Johnny Spencer, Major Lance mp3, modernist, mods, OKeh 45, Robert Pruter, The Animals, the miracles, The MOnkey Time mp3, the scene, the Small Faces, The Who, themusicologist
musicology #374
May 12, 2009 · 11 Comments
Modernist #2
(The Miracles – Way Over There)
Today I would like to take the opportunity and quote from a top ranking piece of critique on the subject of Modernist by a Cat named Johnny Spencer who lived through as well as observed the changing face of London during the early Sixties.
“In London during the early sixties as in other parts of the British Isles a tiny minority of young, (mostly working class), boys and girls known only to themselves as ‘Modernists’ were walking, talking, dressing and dancing to a different song. These youngsters who were conceived in the heady and delirious optimism that marked the end of WW II had passed onto them in their genes a very real sense of supremecy, invincibility and confidence, a confidence that was fuelled and underpinned by the meta narrative of the western world, the concept of modernity, then at it’s zenith. By the early 1960’s the social fabric of cities in England had changed radically from the period before 1945, the war had dealt attitudes of authority and deference a mortal blow, conscription had ended, and the young en masse for the first time found themselves with a realistic disposable income. With history on their side this generation of independently minded teenagers felt able to think and act for themselves, not in a quasi-intellectual way as the ‘beatnicks’ had done, or to have to rebel, like the ‘Teddy Boys’, but as a truly autonomous entity.”
The musicology is courtesy of modernist icons ‘The Miracles’, (Smokey Robinson, Bobby Rogers, Marv Tarplin, Ronald White and Claudette Rogers), whose unique and distinctive sound epitomised the emerging sound that became known as Soul. The cut that was BIG on the London scene was in fact the second version, (with strings), but in the essence of ‘Modernist’ I had to lay this, (regional) one, (without strings), on you. Recorded for and released in 1960 on Motown.
Categories: America · Mod · Social Commentary · Soul · vocal group
Tagged: 1960, 60's soul mp3, Beatnicks, Bobby Rogers, Claudette Rogers, Early Soul mp3, Johnny Spencer, Marv Tarplin, Modernist mp3, Motown mp3, Ronald White, smokey robinson, Social Commentary, Teddy Boys, The Miracles mp3, themusicologist, way over there mp3
musicology #372
May 10, 2009 · 4 Comments
SuchIsLife #6
(Bill Withers – World Keeps On Going Around)
Final slice of the SuchIsLife theme…which for me have been less demanding mentally than the two that preceeded it so I’m almost tempted to stick with it but, there’s a subject that I would like to share that is not only close to my heart but has informed the I since birth and that subject is ‘Modernist’. I’ll say no more about it until tomorrow when it kicks off.
Back to today though and what more authentic way to finish than with this cut from a Cat whose influence on themusicologist stretches way back to the early seventies when as a toddler he was often to be heard, (along with Bobby Womack, Curtis Mayfield, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder), drifting out of the speakers. Especially this 1973 album ‘Live At Carniege Hall’ which has been etched into my consciousness from the age of 4. Exceptional album from an exceptional Lyricist, Singer, Social Commentator and Performer. Still moves me and always will..every slice a winner. Not often that themusicologist makes recommendations but if you get the chance buy this album.
“Looking at the pictures of the places that he’s been,
Old man told me what he found,
Said it don’t make no difference whether you’re out or whether you’re in,
Know the world keeps going round and round,
Going round and round,
Said he looked at the places, and talk to the faces that he seen,
Then he turned the pictures upside down,
Said it don’t make no difference how many places that you been,
Said the world keeps going round and round,
Going round and around,
Then he put up the pictures shook his head and with a grin,
He talked about his ups and downs,
Said it don’t make no difference how many fixes you been in,
Know the world keeps going round and round,
Going round and around,
Betty Joe Johnson, don’t you pull no Daisy Mae on me,
Daisy Mae she did me dirty,
so I had to leave her for Anna Lee,
Anna Lee she had big street feet,
she spends her nights out on the road,
So I started seeing Sally Jackson,
I had to let old Anna Lee go,
Sally Jackson was a player,
had another man along with me,
So I just took me one step backwards,
checked up on old Anna Lee,
Anna Lee still had them street feet,
Like to dance all night and sleep all day,
So I just took one more step backwards,
checked up on old Daisy Mae,
Daisy Mae is still doing dirty,
so I tell you what I had to do,
I had to go just one step further, Betty Joe Johnson
And that’s how I know you,
Then he looked at the places, talk to the faces in life that he had seen
Then he turned the pictures upside down,
Said it don’t make no difference how many places that you been,
Said the world keeps a going round and round,
Going round and round”
Categories: America · Funk · Lyrics · Social Commentary · Soul · themusicologist
Tagged: 70's Soul mp3, Bill Withers live mp3, Bill Withers Lyrics, bobby womack, curtis mayfield, Live At The Carniege Hall mp3, marvin gaye, Stevie Wonder, themusicologist, World Keeps On Going Around Live mp3
musicology #371
May 9, 2009 · 5 Comments
SuchIsLife #5
(Jackie Wilson – Love Is Funny That Way)
Day five..bit later than intended but Such Is Life..
Today’s cut is from one of the greatest singers to have ever recorded….Jack Leroy Wilson Jr known simply as ‘Jackie’ who ranks right up there with the best. Jackie, Sam Cooke and Curtis Mayfield were instrumental in fusing Rhythm & Blues, Gospel and ‘Popular’ music into what became known as Soul. Of course there were others who deserve recognition but without these three it wouldn’t be the same.
Jackie’s recording career begun in 1951 but really begun to take off after replacing Clyde McPhatter, (who left to form the Drifters), in Billy Ward’s Dominoes. In 1957 Jackie, (possibly inspired by his greatest ‘rival’ Sam Cooke), went Solo and begun his unfortunate lifelong ‘bondage’ with ‘manager’ Nat Tarnapol who is reported to be the one most responsible for robbing Jackie blind for his whole career. But the least said about him the better. Jackie racked up many hits and was quite possibly the world’s greatest performer whose stage shows are the stuff of legend. He could dance and almost sing anyone under the table but as so often seems the case died broke due to his manager’s ruthless greed and exploitation. This one from 1971, (no idea who is sharing the mic with him), was recorded and released on the Brunswick label.
Listen Tune
Categories: America · Curtis Mayfield · Mod · Sam Cooke · Soul
Tagged: 1965, 60's soul mp3, Billy Ward's Dominoes, clyde mcphatter, curtis mayfield, jackie wilson mp3, Love Is Funny That Way mp3, sam cooke, The Drifters, themusicologist
musicology #369
May 6, 2009 · 2 Comments
SuchIsLife #3
(The Soul Stirrers – Looking Back)
Slipping and sliding from Paul Weller into a slice from the greatest Gospel, (and possibly vocal), group to have ever stepped up to the M.I.C, into the studio or onto the stage, the Soul Stirrers with a fine piece on Sam Cooke and J.W Alexander’s groundbreaking Sar label. I think it’s the majestic Jimmy Outer singing lead on this one backed by Paul Foster, Richard Gibbs, Leroy Crume and J.J Farley. Recorded and released in 1964.
Categories: America · Sam Cooke · Soul · themusicologist · vocal group
Tagged: 1964, 60's soul mp3, gospel mp3, J.J Farley, J.W Alexander, Jimmy Outer, Leroy Crume, Looking Back mp3, Paul Foster, Richard Gibbs, sam cooke, Sar mp3, themusicologist, vocal group mp3
musicology #359
April 21, 2009 · 8 Comments
AlternativeSoundtrack4 #26
(Irma Thomas – It’s Too Soon To Know)
Final slice of the Alternative Hustler Soundtrack and it’s come down to the faceoff between Eddie and Bert. Yesterday’s slice heard Fats declare that Eddie was the new king of pool and Bert showed his true colours. Not that he has done much to conceal them but he hints that maybe it was his boys that broke Eddie’s thumbs and if he, (Bert), commands it his heavies will do more than that this time. But our man has learnt some character and is prepared to make whatever sacrifice is necessary to ensure that Sarah’s brings about a Victory over Bert, (who in my opinion represents the establishment).
Bert on the other hand is only really interested in ownership and money, he has said it throughout the film but what he hasn’t said is how much he envies those capable of showing true feelings and who are not chained by the evils of power and money. Classic Capitalist mentality trying to show that it’s wealth, greed and power that makes the world go round and not happiness, love and integrity, (character). I make no bones about it money and power don’t motivate themusicologist and never will. I have bills to pay and, more importantly, mouths to feed and there are some who may, (and do), call that irresponsible and obviously they are entitled to their opinion but integrity/character don’t come cheap and as with most things there is always a price to pay, (for everyone concerned). Fantastic interchange of dialogue and ideology between the antagonist, (Bert), and protaganist, (Eddie), in this scene that deserves mention. How none of the main actors received oscars for their performances is beyond reason and therefore must have been in some sense political.
The director Robert Rosen had integrity/character but ultimately it was shipwrecked on the rocks of so called ‘Democracy’ and he lost it. Which is not a judgement or criticism, (of Robert Rosen), more of an observation. For more insight into the facts of life it’s worth taking another listen to a slice featured earlier on this theme; Memphis Slim’s ‘Mother Earth’ (musicology #352)
Tough call the final cut..couple of options but going with my gut feeling it has to be this one from Irma Thomas with a slice of pure unaldultarated heart wrenching Soul, (with a capital S), A cover of the song made popular first by the Orioles and then by the irrepressible Dinah Washington a singer who set the standards for every female singer that followed. Rare to find a Dinah song covered that even comes close to her version but for themusicologist this one does. Also as far as I’m concerned it’s fitting that the final call belongs to a female in tribute to the character played by Piper Laurie and the answer, (posthumously), is a resounding Yes. Recorded and released in 1961 for and on the Minit label. Produced, (I imagine), by Allen Toussaint.
Categories: America · Jazz · Mod · Soul · Soundtrack · femalevocalsUSA · themusicologist
Tagged: 1961, Allen Toussaint, alternative soundtrack, Capitalism, Dinah Washington, Early Soul mp3, George C Scott, Ideology, Irma Thomas mp3, Jackie Gleason, minit mp3, New Orleans Soul, Paul Newman, Piper Laurie, Robert Rosen, The Hustler, The Orioles, themusicologist
musicology #356
April 18, 2009 · 5 Comments
AlternativeSoundtrack4 #23
(Bobby Bland – St James Infirmary)
Leaving it all to the dialogue and Bobby Bland today..(both from 1961). So you’ll just have to take a listen for yourself if you want to know what’s occured.
Categories: America · Mod · Rhythm&Blues · Soul · Soundtrack
Tagged: 1961, alternative soundtrack, bobby bland mp3, duke 45, George C Scott, Mod music, Piper Laurie, soul mp3, The Hustler, themusicologist
musicology #355
April 17, 2009 · 2 Comments
AlternativeSoundtrack4 #22
(Dee Clark – Raindrops)
As yesterday’s slice of musicology pronounced…themusicologist is ‘A Little Busy’ at the moment so i’ll keep it brief. The dialogue today says it all. Eddie’s done his conkers and still hasn’t learnt any ‘character’, Bert still hasn’t learnt any compassion and Sarah, (who comes down to the arena unnoticed), learns that maybe Eddie is not the man of her ‘dreams’. Heart wrenching….
The music is courtesy of the majestic Delectus ‘Dee’ Clark whose voice is how I have always imagined an angels would sound. Yet another BIG mod/ernist dancehall classic, (and eary musicologist memory) from the dawn of a new era, (1961), and yet another on the Vee Jay label which between the years 1960 – 1962 did as much as any label to direct the new sound. Unfortunately that wasn’t backed up by artist renumeration and even though the record sold TWO million copies and hit #2 on the ‘Pop’ charts it signalled the end rather than the beginning for Dee who never scored another hit and ended up absolutely ‘pot-less’ in a Welfare motel in the 1980’s….Tragic.
But his memory lives on and the music he made is as good as it gets…So even though he is no longer with us…Dee this one’s in honour of you..
Categories: America · Mod · Soul · Soundtrack · themusicologist
Tagged: 1961, alternative soundtrack, Dee Clark mp3, Early Soul mp3, George C Scott, Mod music, Paul Newman, Piper Laurie, Raindrops mp3, The Hustler dialogue, themusicologist
musicology #351
April 13, 2009 · 1 Comment
AlternativeSoundtrack4 #18
(Lavern Baker – Shake A Hand)
After the emotional plea yesterday from Sarah, Eddie asks her to join him on the Kentucky trip. They meet up with Bert who tries to belittle her, (but doesnt succeed), and the three of them board the train…
The music today is from one of the great female Rhythm & Blues singers, Lavern Baker whose recording career begun 1n the late 1940’s but had some big hits in the 50’s with cuts like Tweedle Dee and Jim Dandy. This one from 1960 was recorded for and released on the Atlantic label.
Categories: America · Rhythm&Blues · Soul · Soundtrack · femalevocalsUSA
Tagged: 1960, alternative soundtrack, Atlantic Records, George C Scott, Lavern Baker mp3, Paul Newman, Piper Laurie, Shake A Hand mp3, soul 45, The Hustler, themusicologist
musicology #349
April 11, 2009 · 3 Comments
AlternativeSoundtrack4 #16
(Jack McDuff – Brother Jack)
Still a week to go for this theme such is the amount of quality dialogue..so wasting no time today’s section features our man ‘back in the saddle’ after having the casts removed. Not sure how long this period would have been…month or two? anyway, during this time there would have been no pool, no hustling, no sharks..just Eddie and Sarah. Back into the frame steps Bert who notices Eddie’s new ‘bridge’ but doesn’t make too much fuss about it…
Eddie, (after having time to think), accepts Bert’s previous offer to become his manager and the ‘action’ is about to begin again.
The music is another slice of Hammond organ but this time it’s courtesy of ‘Brother’ Jack McDuff with a cut from his 1960 album ‘Brother Jack’ released on the Prestige label.
Categories: America · Funk · Soul · Soundtrack · instrumental
Tagged: 1960, alternative soundtrack, Brother Jack, George C Scott dialogue, Hammond Organ mp3, Jack McDuff mp3, Paul Newman dialogue, Prestige label, Soul Jazz mp3, The Hustler, the musicologist
musicology #348
April 9, 2009 · 2 Comments
AlternativeSoundtrack4 #15
(Etta James & Harvey Fuqua – My Heart Cries)
Today’s dialogue is especially poignant in as much as it offers an insight into not only the two characters, (Eddie & Sarah), but also a fundamental difference in the sexes. Don’t forget that this is 1961 and the dawn of a new era in the dialogue between man and woman. Sarah makes it as clear as crystal how she feels about Eddie leaving no ambiguity and he, (in time honoured fashion), tries to sidestep the issue but she reiterates her feelings and lets him know in no uncertain terms what she wants to hear him say.
The music is a beautiful piece of Soul from two great singers both of whom have already featured on themusicologist, Etta James and, (her husband at the time), Harvey Fuqua with yet another slice of the Chess records pie, (as influential as any label in the development of what is now known as ‘Urban’ music). Recorded and released in, yep you guessed it, 1961 and featured on Etta’s fantastic album ‘At Last’. Arranged by musicologist Riley Hampton.
Categories: America · Soul · Soundtrack · duets
Tagged: 1961, 60's soul mp3, alternative soundtrack, chess records, Etta James mp3, Harvey Fuqua mp3, My Heart Cries mp3, Paul Newman, Piper Laurie, riley hampton, Soul Duet mp3, The Hustler dialogue, themusicologist
musicology #341
April 1, 2009 · 9 Comments
AlternativeSoundtrack4 #8
(Shirelles – Will You Love Me Tomorrow)
The G20 ‘conference’ has disrupted my plans making it impossible to go out to work today so I’m directing my energies in other directions.
Today’s slice of the Alternative Hustler pie finds Eddie and Sarah together after their first night of passion. Not, I hasten to add, following on from yesterday’s piece of the action where she knocks him back for being ‘too hungry’. That night didn’t end up the way Eddie planned it so the next day he trys to hustle and finds his reputation has already spread around town making it difficult. He manages to find a dive where no-one knows him and makes a few bucks, returns to the bus station, (without knowing exactly why), and after a while Sarah arrives. She looks at him and without speaking they head off, arms entwined to her apartment…
The cut is another Town Hall/Dancehall early mod classic but this time from original girl group The Shirelles. (Shirley Owens, Alston Reeves, Doris Coley Kenner Jackson, Addie Harris McPherson, and Beverly Lee). The song was written by Carol King and Gerry Goffin with Luther ‘Strings’ Dixon producing. Recorded and released on Florence Greenberg’s Scepter label in 1960 it was the first song by an all girl group that hit #1 ushering in a new musical era that came to be known as ‘Soul’.
Categories: America · Mod · Soul · Soundtrack · femalevocalsUSA · vocal group
Tagged: Addie McPherson, Alston Reeves, alternative soundtrack, Beverly Lee, Carol King, Doris Kenner, Florence Greenberg, Gerry Goffin, Girl Group mp3, Luther Dixon, Mod music, Paul Newman dialogue, Piper Laurie dialogue, Scepter 45, Shirley Owens, soul mp3, The Hustler, The Shirelles mp3, themusicologist, Will You Love Me Tomorrow mp3
musicology #339
March 29, 2009 · 2 Comments
AlternativeSoundtrack4 #6
(Sam Cooke – Cupid)
The Kid has been rolled over by Fats who showed him that not only does he who laugh last laughs longest but also that action speaks louder than words. Talent alone can get you ‘there’ but is not enough to keep you there, that takes character which comes only with experience. I doubt Eddie had been chewed up and spat out like that before…collapsing in a heap on the floor that a few hours ago he was parading around on like a king. That’s a long way to fall from “I’m the best there is” to begging Fats to play him for his last ‘bottle’…
One of the many things I like about this film is how it deals with some of the raw sides of human nature. There Isn’t a ‘nice’ character anywhere to be found, they are all Corrupt, Twisted and Crippled in some way, (like we all are), and when I watched it recently it was a touch painful to be honest..as I said at the start of the theme as a youngblood growing up on London’s mean streets themusicologist identified with the Fast Eddie character and although I was only young, still I saw and was involved in enough ‘experiences’ to gain some of the ‘Character’ that the film deals with. I was always in disagreement with the ‘respect your elders just because they are older than you’ ideology and found it hard, (especially with authority), to accept. I was young and foolish, (and happy..doo doo doo do do do do !!), and was brought up to value actions over words. The man to watch is the one who says nothing not the one who is shouting and gesticulating about what is going to be done at some future date. I was taught that by both the males and the environment that influenced my early life and it has often provided insight during some of my less salubrious moments. Anyway I’m rambling a bit so I’ll get back on the track..where was I…
Oh yeah, Eddie has taken a beating from Fats and after a short sleep in a hotel room abandons his partner Charlie and heads for the Bus Station. From across the room he spots a lone female and makes a move…Hustler style? I don’t know..I have always believed that people are like magnets and some we are drawn to while others repel us. Made more sense when a few years back I read a lot about Frequency and how every living entity has one. Naturally harmony would draw us to those who are ‘playing our tune’ so that together we could make sweet music. What draws the bee to the pollen, the horse to water and the man to the woman..frequency, so with that in mind, (as far as I’m concerned at least), ‘our man’ Eddie is drawn to this woman and he ‘makes a play’.
Sarah, played by Piper Laurie, (real name Rosetta Jacobs), sees it coming and makes it plain that she’s not interested in his advances. She answers him but doesn’t leave him any room in which to manoeuvre so he gets his ‘nut’ down, (sleeps), for a while and when he wakes she’s gone.
Todays cut is one of the great songs sung by one of the greatest singers of all time…Sam Cooke and even though we all know the tune inside out it still kicks arse..tough tune that I could never tire of. Make no mistake this piece epitomises Soul, a genre that wouldn’t have been the same without ‘The Lion’ blazing trails. I have been listening ALL day to music from 1960 and 1961 waiting for the right slice and as soon as I reached this one, (six hours later !!), it struck the right note..so here it is. Eddie doesn’t know it yet but ‘The arrow’ has flown straight into his heart.
Categories: America · Mod · Sam Cooke · Soul · Soundtrack · themusicologist
Tagged: 1961, alternative soundtrack, Cupid mp3, Early Soul mp3, Paul Newman, Piper Laurie, Sam Cooke mp3, The Hustler dialogue, themusicologist
musicology #320
March 1, 2009 · 3 Comments
SongsOf Protest&Freedom#6
(Otis Redding – A Change Is Gonna Come)
final cut of the freedom&protest…and what better way to finish with one of the greatest songs sung by one of the greatest singers. Sam Cooke’s original has already featured on themusicologist but couldn’t pass up this opportunity to throw it down again.
Otis singing Sam Cooke…doesn’t get any better. Taken from the LP ‘Otis Blue’…With Issac Hayes on the Keyboards, (and production), as well as the full Stax/Volt family Donald Dunn, Steve Cropper, Al Jackson, Wayne Jackson, Andrew Love, Gene Miller and Fred Newman.
Categories: America · Mod · Sam Cooke · Social Commentary · Soul
Tagged: 1965, A Change Is Gonna Come mp3, Al Jackson, Andrew Love, Donald Dunn, Fred Newman, Gene Miller, Issac Hayes, Memphis Soul mp3, Otis Blue, Otis Redding mp3, sam cooke, songs of freedom and protest mp3, soul mp3, Steve Cropper, themusicologist, Wayne Jackson
musicology #314
February 21, 2009 · 4 Comments
Live&Direct #10
(Curtis Mayfield – Stone Junkie Live)
Penultimate cut of the current theme and then something new on Monday…not sure what it might be but as always I’ll let the music be the shepherd.
Today’s slice of the Live&Direct pie is courtesy of the man whose musicology ‘begat’ themusicologist with my earliest musical memories; brother Curtis Mayfield with a piece from the, what is today well known, set ‘Curtis Live’. Not sure how popular it was in 1971? with it’s militant message and hard hitting social commentary but as is always the case with Authenticity it spoke to me. I was no more than a babe in arms at the time but thanks especially to my Dad who was, (and still is), a BIG Curtis fan, the music and message of Curtis burned into my consciousness and has stayed there ever since. I have read somewhere that the experiences and messages learnt from the so called formative years are the ones that exert the most powerful influence on our character. If so then Curtis was, for me, one of my most valued ‘teachers’ (along with certain members of my family), and for that I am eternally greatful. So without further delay hold this, the second cut from his ‘Live’ set to have featured on themusicologist.
Recorded at New York’s ‘Bitter End’ in 1971 and featuring the combined talents of Craig McMullen, Joseph “Lucky” Scott, ‘Master’ Henry Gibson, Tyrone McCullen and of course Curtis Mayfield.
Don’t know about Elvis but for me ‘Curtis Lives’ and always will.
“Here’s something that I know everybody knows about,
I ain’t gonna point no fingers, I don’t want nobody to point no fingers,
But I, right on yeah…I think it’ll break it down…
Stone junkie, stone, stone junkie,
Stone junkie, stone, stone junkie,
Stone junkie, stone, stone junkie,
Stone junkie, stone, stone junkie,
Times have now arrived in this nation,
There’s now a people with a different relation,
Black and white, yellow, red and blue,
All in the same bag we know it’s true,
They just,
Stone junkies, stone, stone junkies,
Stone junkies, stone, stone junkies,
Don’t let your mind become offended miss Lady,
‘Cause you ain’t no better than our typical Sadie,
You just got money, you can spend out at will,
But when comes aches and pains, you still use the pill,
I don’t mean nothin’,
Stone junkie, stone, stone junkie now,
Stone junkie, stone, stone junkie one mo’,
Stone junkie, stone, stone junkie now,
Stone junkie, stone, stone junkie,
Stone junkie, stone, stone junkie,
Stone junkie, stone, stone junkie yall,
Stone junkie, stone, stone junkie now,
Stone junkie, stone, stone junkie,
I know everybody whose heart is still thumping, (he died)
I know everybody whose heart is still thumping,
Is drinking, shooting, snorting, smoking on something,
I feel like I fell in a hole, you know that hit home everywhere,
Now that might sound funky so I don’t mean to mislead,
So you can retract the thought of you on drugs or on weed
That ain’t my business you know what you do
I’m just singing for the majority of you
Should I say mister,
Stone junkie, stone, stone junkie,
Stone junkie, stone, stone junkie,
Stone junkie, stone, stone junkie,
Stone junkie, stone, stone junkie,
Please give my fellas a great big round of applause…”
Categories: America · Curtis Mayfield · Funk · Live · Lyrics · Rhythm&Blues · Social Commentary · Soul · themusicologist
Tagged: 1971, Authenticity, craig mcmullen, Curtis Mayfield Live mp3, curtis mayfield lyrics, joseph 'lucky' scott, Master Henry Gibson, Stone Junkie Live Lyrics, Stone Junkie Live mp3, the bitter end, tyrone mccullen
musicology #308
February 14, 2009 · Leave a Comment
Live&Direct #5
(Lou Rawls – Goin’ To Chicago Blues)
Today’s cut features yet another of the great vocalists…Louis Allen Rawls. Life long friend of ‘Mr Soul’ Who was equally at home singing Gospel, Soul or Jazz whose impassioned response to Sam Cooke on the immortal 1962 cut ‘Bring It On Home To Me’ deserves special mention. A singer of the highest order about whom Frank Sinatra was quoted to have said “he has the classiest singing and silkiest chops in the singing game”…
This cut, first performed, (and written), by Jimmy Rushing and the Count Basie band was recorded for Capitol in 1966 featuring musicians James Bond, Earl Palmer, Tommy Strode, Herb Ellis..produced by David Axelrod.
Categories: America · Jazz · Live · Mod · Rhythm&Blues · Sam Cooke · Soul
Tagged: themusicologist, soul mp3, sam cooke, 1966, rhythm and blues mp3, Frank Sinatra, Count Basie, Lou Rawls live mp3, Goin' To Chicago Blues Live mp3, Jimmy Rushing, David Axelrod, James Bond, Earl Palmer, Tommy Strode, Herb Ellis, Bring It On Home To Me
musicology #304
February 10, 2009 · 4 Comments
Live&Direct #1
(Sam Cooke – Somebody Have Mercy – Live)
New theme on themusicologist starting today concerning Live performances. Not that a recording can truly do them justice but other than being there, and in the case of the majority of artists featured during this theme who are no longer with us, it’s the best I can offer. All powerful performances…starting with the Lion…Mr Soul who has already been a major player on themusicologist over the preceeding two years, this being the second cut featured here from the infamous ‘Live at the Harlem Square’ session recorded in 1963. All I can add is that Words don’t do it justice.
Categories: America · Live · Sam Cooke · Soul
Tagged: 1963, live at the harlem square, Live Recordings mp3, Live Soul mp3, mr soul, Sam Cooke Live mp3, Somebody Have Mercy mp3, themusicologist
musicology #273
December 28, 2008 · 1 Comment
newyearboogie #1
(What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve)
themusicologist and full crew are off for a week’s break where ‘the rain falls mainly on the plain’ so I am hoping to continue the theme from there but of course it depends on the communication resources available….If I am unable to however then I would just like to take this opportunity to thank all you musicology cats out there for the love and support during 2008….what a year it has been, pure ‘hill and gully ride’ from beginning to end….
Categories: America · Rhythm&Blues · Soul · vocal group
Tagged: themusicologist, vocal group mp3, what are you doing new years eve mp3
musicology #269
December 24, 2008 · Leave a Comment
sleighbellsring #17
(Destiny’s Child – Carol Of The Bells)
Quality.
Categories: America · Christmas · Soul · vocal group
Tagged: Carol Of The Bells mp3, christmas mp3, Christmas music, destinys child mp3, themusicologist
musicology #268
December 24, 2008 · Leave a Comment
sleighbellsring #16
(Johnny Moore’s Blazers – Christmas Eve Baby)
Woke up this morning with the smell, sound and sight of Christmas in my nose, ears and eyes…what JOY. So with that in mind today I am going to post as many cuts as I can manage in between preparing for Santa’s visit tonight.
First up is a cut from Johnny Moore’s Blazers. Not sure of the exact year or even whether it’s Charles Brown on vocal duties what I am sure of however is it’s quality…..
Categories: America · Christmas · Rhythm&Blues · Soul
Tagged: billy valentine, charles brown, christmas eve baby mp3, Christmas music, eddie williams, floyd dixon, johnny moore, johnny moores blazers mp3, Rhythm and Blues Christmas mp3, themusicologist
musicology #266
December 22, 2008 · 3 Comments
sleighbellsring #14
(James Brown – Santa Claus Is Definately Here To Stay)
Only TWO more, (full), days to go, ONE if, like me, you consider Christmas Eve to be the day of reckoning …..so hang on to your hats as we slide into the home straight with the next three cuts.
First up is James Brown delivering his and Songwriter/Arranger/all round musicologist..Nat Jones’ 1970 message of Christmas. One of my favourite slices of the Christmas pie..the combination of music, lyrics and production soothe like only sweet music can.
Had to transcribe the lyrics on this one…Quality…
“Aint no use in saying there ain’t no Santa Claus,
’cause Santa Claus is definately here to stay…in the mind,
ain’t no use in saying there ain’t no money in the bank for toys,
’cause it was put up a long time ago for a rainy day,
ain’t no use in saying you don’t love all your brats,
cause I’m, watching you as you hustle tham off to play,
keep the family strong with a little faith, love and hope,
and you can always get along,
ain’t no use, ohhhh now, in crying about spilt milk in the past,
because all the cats had a feast,
aint no use in worrying about who’s doing you wrong,
just leave them there and go away in peace,
ain’t no use in saying what you gonna do and what you ain’t gonna do,
because with your power you doing your best,
so release yourself from all that strain,
and take that money out the bank,
and just give your, give yourself a rest,
take some of that money in the bank and give yourself a play?
cause Santa Claus is definately here to stay,
ain’t no use, ain’t no use, hehehehe, ain’t no use,
ain’t no use in sayin’ “ahh I would like to get rid of them all”,
cause you know you’re only fooling yourself,
so grab one hand on the wheel and the other around your kids,
and go on and laugh yourself to death,
aint no use in saying “I wouldnt, I wouldn’t give a nickel for them all”,
when you know you wouldnt take nuthin’ for either one,
so gone on tell the truth ’cause if you don’t you a lying son of a gun,
’cause you wouldnt take nuthin’ for them all,
aint no use, ohhh now, haha,
you know I probably wont be there this christmas,
but if I do I still want to say merry christmas to you and especially you,
I wanna say merry christmas to all the people who can’t find themself,
lets try to get together live in peace love one another,
and treat each and man like he’s your brother
with a little love, and kindness………
Categories: America · Christmas · Lyrics · Social Commentary · Soul
Tagged: 1970, Christmas music, james brown christmas mp3, James Brown lyrics, Nat Jones, santa claus is definately here to stay, soul christmas mp3, themusicologist
musicology #264
December 20, 2008 · 4 Comments
sleighbellsring #12
(The 5 Keys – It’s Christmas Time)
Ok…it’s not a ‘classic’ I’ll grant you that but Jerry Butler takes some following… so with that in mind, hold this 1951 cut on the Aladdin label from one of the greatest vocal groups to ever grace the M.I.C.
Rudy West singing lead on this one backed up by Maryland Pierce (second tenor), Ripley Ingram (octave tenor), Dickie Smith (baritone/second tenor), Bernie West (bass), and guitarist Joe Jones.
Categories: America · Christmas · Soul · vocal group
Tagged: 1951, Bernie West, Christmas music, Dickie Smith, doo wop christmas mp3, Joe Jones, Maryland Pierce, Ripley Ingram, Rudy West, The 5 Keys mp3, themusicologist, vocal group mp3
musicology #263
December 19, 2008 · 4 Comments
sleighbellsring #11
(Jerry Butler – O Holy Night)
A Christmas classic from the ‘Ice Man’. 1960 cut on the Vee Jay label. What a voice…..
Categories: America · Christmas · Soul
Tagged: 1960, Christmas music, Jerry Butler mp3, O Holy Night mp3, soul christmas mp3, themusicologist, Vee Jay 45
musicology #255
December 11, 2008 · 1 Comment
sleighbellsring #3
(Otis Redding – White Christmas)
Day late but definately not a dollar short for a special musicologist tribute in memory of Mr Otis Redding who died on December the 10th 41 years ago, (1967), at the tender age of 26. I won’t lie and say it’s a date that’s in my diary which for me makes it all the more special and even transcendental that he has risen in the unconscious to let us know ‘what time it is’…one of them performances that could wake the dead. As good as ‘White Christmas’ gets.
Categories: America · Christmas · Mod · Soul
Tagged: christmas mp3, christmas soul mp3, Otis Redding mp3, stax mp3, themusicologist, white christmas mp3
musicology #252
December 7, 2008 · 2 Comments
birthdaybashsoul&funk #7
(Steve Parks – Moving In The Right Direction)
Final cut from the birthdaybash rare groove selection and I’m finishing up with a top ranking piece of 80’s soul from a cat called Steve Parks. As far as I know he only waxed one set for the Solid Smoke label from which this, the title track, is taken. First heard by themusicologist in 1986 whilst raving out and about in London Town. Last ‘played ‘out’ by themusicologist at the birthdaybash on November 29th.
Tomorrow begins the Christmas selection. One a day to put us in the mood for when the sleigh bells ring…….
Categories: 80's Boogie · America · Soul · themusicologist
Tagged: 1981, 80's boogie mp3, 80's soul mp3, moving in the right direction mp3, rare groove mp3, steve parks mp3, themusicologist
musicology #251
December 6, 2008 · Leave a Comment
birthdaybashsoul&funk #6
(Jean Carn- Don’t Let It Go To Your Head)
penultimate day of the ‘birthdaybash’ and no better cut than this for communicating the message. A 1978/9 12″ special from the vaults of Philadelphia International featuring the extraordinarily talented Jean Carn. Written and produced by the legendary Leon Huff and Kenny Gamble. Quality tune, beautifully delivered..LISTEN TUNE.
Categories: America · Soul · femalevocalsUSA · themusicologist
Tagged: 1978, Don't Let It Go To Your Head mp3, Jean Carn mp3, Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, Philadelphia International mp3, themusicologist
musicology #247
December 2, 2008 · 6 Comments
birthdaybashsoul&funk #2
(Bobby Reed – The Time Is Right For Love)
been waiting almost two years to lay this one down on themusicologist and in true musicology style the ‘time’ has come. One of my all time TOP tunes that never fails to touch me DEEP
“Ooooooh baby, here we are alone at last,
together just the two of us, with no one else in sight….“
Categories: America · Soul · themusicologist
Tagged: Bobby Reed mp3, communication, musical diary, rare groove mp3, Rare Soul mp3, the time is right for love mp3, themusicologist
musicology #245
November 28, 2008 · Leave a Comment
soul&boogie #6
(Faze O – Ridin’ High)
Cats…apologies for not completing the ’soul&boogie’. Been ‘grafting’ since EARLY Saturday Morning and have only just made the time and space to hook up to themusicologist. Decided to continue the theme for this week so it’s straight into this one from Chicago boogie quintet Faze – O who scored with this 1978 cut on the She label. Keyboardist Keith “Chop Chop” Harrison, guitarist Ralph “Love” Aikens, bassist Tyrone “Flye” Crum, drummer Roger “Dodger” Parker, and percussionist Robert “Bip” Neal, Jr combine to deliver a glimpse into the future of funk/soul/boogie at the dawning of a new day.
LISTEN TUNE……
Categories: America · Funk · Soul · themusicologist · vocal group
Tagged: 1978, Boogie mp3, faze-o mp3, funk mp3, jazz funk mp3, Jr, Keith “Chop Chop” Harrison, Ralph "Love" Aikens, riding high mp3, Robert “Bip” Neal, Roger “Dodger” Parker, themusicologist, Tyrone "Flye" Crum
musicology #244
November 21, 2008 · 2 Comments
soul&boogie #5
(Dolette McDonald – Xtra Special)
quick’s the word and sharp’s the action on today’s post..Busy, Busy, Busy at the moment and time waits for no man so I’m dropping this piece of ‘82 ’shun on you without further ado. BIG tune on the floor and in the clubs back then and is still very much sought after. 12″ on the BC label. Produced and mixed by Began Cekic for, (Al Hudson’s?), One Way productions.
Categories: 80's Boogie · America · Funk · Soul
Tagged: 1982, 80's boogie mp3, Began Cekic, Dolette McDonald mp3, One Way Productions, themusicologist, Xtra Special mp3
musicology #243
November 20, 2008 · Leave a Comment
soul&boogie #4
(Maze – Before I Let Go)
Boogie of the highest order from the legendary Maze featuring of course Frankie Beverly. Too many bombs dropped by them to list and every one a winner. Already featured twice on themusicologist so no need for the introduction. This one, released in 1981has got it all..lyrics, vocals, production and of course impeccable syncopation.
Categories: 80's Boogie · America · Funk · Soul · themusicologist
Tagged: 1981, 80's boogie mp3, Before I Let Go mp3, frankie beverly mp3, marvin gaye, maze mp3, raw soul, soul mp3, themusicologist, too many games mp3
musicology #242
November 19, 2008 · Leave a Comment
soul&boogie #3
(Change – Paradise)
For themusicologist one of the many benefits of listening to and learning from the ‘boogie’ is the genre’s optimism. At the time, (certainly in England), the outlook was BLEAK. Margaret Thatcher, (and crew), had torn the heart out of the country and begun to establish their ideology on the nation.
Free Market, ‘Entrepenurial’, State backed Capitalism where the individual was more important than the collective. I’m not about to go ‘into one’ on the political philosophy of the times all I will say is that as an 11 year old in 1979 just about to start secondary school it certainly had a huge impact on me. Greed became the order of the day which in my opinion had a negative impact on society at large. The boogie on the other hand had a positive effect bringing people together ‘under a groove’.
The group in today’s spotlight were formed in 1979, (in Bologna), by Italian producers Jacques Fred Petrus and Mauro Malavasi and with their first album ‘The Glow Of Love’ enjoyed instant success. Obviously Luther Vandross as lead singer played a part but more than that the group had ’style’ and so even after Luther’s one album contribution they managed to evolve and continue to deliver.
The importance of ‘Boogie’ to the development of what became known as ‘House’ is unquestionable and this cut from their second album, (Miracles), is a 5 minute slice of Boogie, with a capital B.
Tight drums, pucker bass line, excellent production and the perfect vocal from Diva Gray as the cherry on the cake.
Categories: 80's Boogie · America · Soul · World · femalevocalsUSA · themusicologist
Tagged: 80's boogie mp3, 80's soul mp3, Boogie mp3, Capitalism, Change mp3, Diva Gray mp3, Free Market Ideology, house music, Jacques Fred Petrus, Luther Vandross, Mauro Malavasi, not guilty pleasure, Thatcher's Briatin, The Glow Of Love, themusicologist
musicology #241
November 18, 2008 · 1 Comment
soul&boogie #2
(Kleeer – Intimate Connection)
day two of the ’soul&boogie’ and already dropping bombs…anyone who was there throwing shapes knows that this cut tore it up anytime it was played and still sounds as fresh as it did more almost 25, (Count ‘Em), years ago.
The cats in question, (Paul Crutchfield, Richard Lee, Norman Durham and Woody Cunningham), started out in the early 70’s but it wasn’t really until they hooked up with producers Patrick Adams and Greg Carmichael around 1976, (as the Universal Robot Band), that things really began to take off.
3 years later they changed their name to Kleeer and begun to record, (for me), some of the best boogie of the period, one of which has already graced themusicologist, (musicology #10). This one though from 1984 is the cream of the crop. produced by Eumir Deodato, engineered and mixed down by Mallory Earl for Atlantic, has to be one of my most cherished pieces of the ‘black stuff’.
Serious…..
Categories: 80's Boogie · America · Funk · Soul · themusicologist · vocal group
Tagged: 1984, 80's boogie mp3, Eumir Deodato, Greg Carmichael, Kleeer mp3, Mallory Earl, Norman Durham and Woody Cunningham, Patrick Adams, Paul Crutchfield, Richard Lee, themusicologist, Universal Robot Band
musicology #239
November 16, 2008 · 6 Comments
inmodwetrust #6
(The Marvelettes – Someday, Someway)
Bit late with this final instalment of the mod selection. big night Friday night…the Cyprus cats were back in town to celebrate which, although having nothing to do with ‘mods’ certainly deserves a mention. As the regulars know themusicologist is, for me, a musical diary, a soundtrack connecting my feelings to the sweet sound of music, the benefits of which are many. had a great night made even better by making new connections which was a pleasure.
Music wise today’s cut is another from the Berry Gordy and Motown selection by a girl group whose name burned brightly on the emerging Mod/ernist scene especially in the lead up to Soul establishing itself as a mainstream musical force. B-side to their classic Beechwood 45789. Quality double sider that was definately played in and around London back in the day.
Tamla 45 from the pivotal year concerning mods and soul, (1962), whose paths were inextricably linked on the ‘road to freedom’ as oppressed people discriminated by the colour of their skin or, (as was/is the case on these fair shores), the way they spoke, began to break down, (and through), the walls of class and colour boundries to have more opportunities to fulfil their dreams and aspirations.
Categories: America · Mod · Soul · femalevocalsUSA · vocal group
Tagged: 1962, 60's Soul Vinyl 45, Berry Gordy, marvelettes mp3, Mod music, motown 45, soul mp3, themusicologist
musicology #238
November 14, 2008 · 2 Comments
inmodwetrust #5
(Tony Clarke – The Entertainer)
Focus and discipline are certainly two attributes hard to come by for themusicologist in these turbulent times. Lucky for me I have music as guide, companion, and trusted friend. Might sound strange but often feels like a dialogue between me and the sounds…anyway, enough of the butterfly mind and back to the theme.
This cut was recorded the year that ‘mod’ had well and truly arrived, (some would even say finished), ‘tickets’ were everywhere and leading up to, (and certainly beyond), the bank holiday tear ups the ‘originals’ were moving on. Elsewhere kids up and down the country were ‘aving it large’, (for the first time), as ‘mod’ was spoonfed to the nation and beyond. Modernists on the other hand turned their back and looked for something else to direct their trend setting and creative energies into. Which is not to say that some of the vanguards didn’t stick with it and join in the ‘fun’. Maybe for them it wasn’t neccesarily about ‘being first’ it was also about ‘being there’, as perpetrators of ‘the new breed’ to take advantage of the opportunities that had arisen out of them revolutionary ‘times’. I think it was the philosopher Hegel who wrote/said that Ideas are the prime movers of history and not social or economic forces and for themusicologist, ‘Mod’ was and to some extent still is an idea.
The musicology is courtesy of a cat named Tony Clarke who recorded this Mod classic for one of the other Big mod labels, Chess. Unfortunately I have been having problems hooking up my Turntable to the computer so It will have to be the CD remaster until I can replace it with the 45. hope you understand.
Categories: America · Mod · Soul
Tagged: 1964, 60's soul mp3, Billy Davis, chess label, Hegel, London Mods, Mod music, modernist, stylist, the entertainer mp3, themusicologist, tony clarke mp3
musicology #236
November 12, 2008 · 9 Comments
inmodwetrust #3
(The Miracles – Mickey’s Monkey)
another slice from the 1963 selection, the year that ‘Mod’ grew out of various shadows to establish it as more than a handful of ‘dressers’/stylists/modernists into a movement. Same year that the (New) Scene opened it’s doors in Ham Yard, (Soho), to become the premier London club and forum for all things ‘mod’ and hip in the capital.
The cut is delivered in fine style by legendary Detroit vocal group The Miracles with William ‘Smokey’ Robinson on lead supported by Bobby Rogers, Marv Tarplin, childhood friend and, (along with Smokey), former 5 Chimes member Ronald White and female vocalist Claudette Rogers. The Miracles paved the way for Motown’s success in the early sixties with cuts like ‘Shop Around’, ‘You Really Got A Hold On Me’ and this one apoun which the Berry Gordy empire was built.
Categories: America · Mod · Soul · vocal group
Tagged: 1963, Berry Gordy, Bobby Rogers, dressers, London, London Mods, Marv Tarplin, mod mp3, modernists, Motown mp3, Smokey Robinson mp3, stylists, The Miracles mp3, the scene, themusicologist
musicology #235
November 11, 2008 · 1 Comment
inmodwetrust #2
(Joe Hinton – You Know It Ain’t Right)
Round two of the mod/ernist musical merry go round and this time it’s courtesy of a relatively obscure vocalist by the name of Joe Hinton who up until 1958 had been a gospel singer but, it was with this one, (recorded for Don Robey’s Backbeat label in 1963), that he broke through. Going on to have a minor ‘hit’ with his version of Willie Nelson’s ‘Funny How Time Slips Away’ the following year. Unfortunately his career was cut short in 1968 after losing a battle with Skin Cancer but for themusicologist he is, (almost), immortalised by this slice of the Mod/ernist pie.
Categories: America · Mod · Soul
Tagged: 1963, backbeat 45, don robey, Joe Hinton mp3, Mod music, soul 45, soul mp3, themusicologist, Willie Nelson, You Know It Ain't Right mp3
musicology #234
November 10, 2008 · 6 Comments
inmodwetrust #1
(Walter Jackson – That’s What Mama Say)
new theme on themusicologist and one that is very much a part of my musical education due to the fact that both my mum and dad were first generation mod/ernists, (1962-1966). the cuts laid down this week were all played in and around London during the above period.
first up is a piece from one of the premier ‘mod’ labels, operating out of ‘Chi’, OKeh. A label that was one of the first to focus on ‘immigrant’ music in the 1920’s recording many of the early Jazz pioneers such as Louis Armstrong, King Oliver, Sidney Bechet and Mamie Smith. After some time spent lost in the musical wilderness the company’s fortunes were reignited by employing Carl Davis in 1962 as head of A&R who had the vision to employ Curtis Mayfield as associate producer in 1963 as well as three of the best arrangers Johnny Pate, Riley Hampton and Gerald Sims who is quoted to have said
“the Chicago sound came from basically one source…Curtis Mayfield”
This one from 1963 is sung by one of themusicologist’s favourite singers, Walter Jackson. Produced by the aforementioned Carl Davis, arranged by Riley Hampton and songwriten by none other than Curtis Mayfield with, (possibly), the Impressions harmonising.
Categories: America · Curtis Mayfield · Mod · Soul
Tagged: 1962, 1963, Carl Davis, curtis mayfield, Gerald Sims, Johnny Pate, king oliver, louis armstrong, mod mp3, okeh mp3, riley hampton, Sidney Bechet, soul mp3, the impressions, themusicologist, walter jackson mp3
musicology #213
September 2, 2008 · 2 Comments
12AngryMen #9 (alternativesoundtrack #3)
(Jimmy Smith & Lou Donaldson – Summertime)
so the count is now 9 to 3 in favour of the guilty’s. The evidence is being torn to shreds piece by piece and what started as an open and shut case is turning into a battle of subjectivite opinion vs objective facts.
the two performances that, for me, are outstanding are Henry Fonda and Lee J Cobb. The others are good but these two are special. both are featured on this piece of dialogue.
the song which comes courtesy of organist supreme Jimmy Smith and Blue Note stable mate, Saxophone legend Lou Donaldson is a haunting 1957 rendition of the George Gershwin classic Summertime, (penned for the Opera Porgy & Bess). A song that has been covered more times than I’ve had hot dinners, rumour has it that Gershwin adapted it from a Ukranian lullaby ‘Oy Khodyt Son Kolo Vikon’, (A Dream Passes By The Windows), which he heard in 1926.
Categories: America · Jazz · Mod · Soul · Soundtrack · blues · instrumental
Tagged: 12 Angry Men dialogue, alternative soundtrack, Blue Note mp3, george gershwin, Henry Fonda, Jazz mp3, Jimmy Smith mp3, Lee J Cobb, Lou Donaldson mp3, Porgy and Bess, Summertime mp3, themusicologist
musicology #211
August 30, 2008 · 2 Comments
HappyBirthdayToYou Selection
(Randy Crawford – You Bring The Sun Out)
Today my eldest child begins her journey through the Teenage Years…regulars to themusicologist will be aware not only of how much I love her but also how much of an inspiration she is to me and how much Joy she brings into my life. So today the alternativesoundtrack will be taking a back seat as I lay down a special dedication to our little Angel Child…
Categories: America · Soul · femalevocalsUSA · themusicologist
Tagged: themusicologist, soul mp3, Randy Crawford mp3, You Bring The Sun Out mp3
musicology #180
July 2, 2008 · 1 Comment
soulsearching #2
(Major Lance – Sweet Music)
day two finds us sliding out of the downbeat, (Yin), and countering with one from the upbeat, (Yang), selection. a fine piece of 1964 Soul from, as far as I’m concerned, the premier record label of the period, OKeh. big shout I know but one I’m sticking with.
part of my reasoning behind that shout is that OKeh was the label where the combined talents of Curtis Mayfield, Carl Davis, Johnny Pate and Gerald Sims came together to deliver a musical style that became the benchmark for a lot of the Soul that followed. of course there was Tamla, Chess and Atlantic, (as well as many smaller labels), and there are many fine cuts on these but of them, it can be debated, that only Tamla – Motown exerted as much influence as OKeh on the direction Soul was to take.
listen tune…
Categories: America · Mod · Soul · themusicologist
Tagged: 60's soul mp3, Atlantic Records, Carl Davis, chess records, curtis mayfield, Gerald Sims, Johnny Pate, Major Lance mp3, OKeh 45, soul mp3, Tamla Motown, themusicologist
musicology #177
June 21, 2008 · 3 Comments
alternativesoundtrack2..Quadrophenia #9
(Marvin Gaye – Baby Don’t You Do It)
the film is nearing it’s conclusion and after the ‘tear up’ outside the cafe in the previous scene this penultimate one finds Jimmy trying to make it up with Steph, (or at least make some sense of it all)
the musicology is courtesy of mod favourite and Soul legend brother Marvin Gaye with one of the mod classics..it was actually featured in the film so it’s not alternative but it fits the bill so well that it couldn’t be ignored. BIG tune on the scene….the Small Faces often played it on the curcuit and also recorded it in the early days, (1965?), in tribute to their authenticity, (the only real mod band in my humble opinion), but nothing could touch the Marvin and themusicologist never tires of hearing the man sing, (the Marvelettes are singing back up on this one)
Categories: America · Mod · Soul · Soundtrack
Tagged: alternative soundtrack, Marvin Gaye 45, Mod music, quadrophenia, soul mp3, tamla motown 45, the Small Faces, themusicologist
musicology #176
June 20, 2008 · 3 Comments
alternativesoundtrack2..Quadrophenia #8
(The Tams – Take Away)
strange how themusicologist seems to be drawn to art that reinforces one’s own predicament…maybe we all are?. not going into the details but lets just say I know how Jimmy feels.
this is the section after he has packed his job in and turns up at the Cafe to find all his ‘friends’. his so called best mate, (Dave), really takes the piss and the less said about young ‘tart’ Steph the better.
still, people are funny that way you trust them with your heart and 999 times out of a 1000 they’ll let you down but as Alan Watts said at the start of musicology #10
“that risk still has to be taken”
the musical accompaniment is a Mod screamer courtesy of Soul vocal group The Tams. I know for sure this was big on, (and in), the Scene that year and I must confess to taking a little bit of artistic license as it may have been released after the brief period in which the film was set. Couldn’t resist it though as it’s not only perfect for the alternative soundtrack it is perfect for me too.
p.s that ‘Glasgow kiss’ that he gives Dave after the ‘alleyway’ comment is quality and well deserved.
Categories: America · Mod · Soul · Soundtrack · vocal group
Tagged: 1964, Alan Watts, alternative soundtrack, Mod music, quadrophenia, soul mp3, The Tams mp3, themusicologist, Vinyl 45
musicology #166
June 5, 2008 · 6 Comments
malevocals2 #4
(Leroy Hutson – Paradise)
today’s cut is an 80’s Soul & Boogie classic from a man whose apprenticeship was served under one of the genres undisputed kings…Curtis Mayfield. Originally a member of vocal group ‘The Nu Tones’, he went onto feature (along with Donny Hathaway), as a member of the ‘Mayfield Singers’ after hooking up with him at Howard University.
multi talented as Singer, Songwriter, (he co-wrote Donny’s solo anthem ‘The Ghetto’), arranger and musician. he took over from Curtis as lead singer of ‘The Impressions’ in 1970
in 1973 having served his apprenticeship he went solo and released some extra fine work especially on his Hutson, and Hutson II albums. This one is a later work, (1982), taken from his only album for Elektra.
Categories: 80's Boogie · America · Curtis Mayfield · Funk · Soul
Tagged: 80's Boogie, themusicologist, curtis mayfield, the impressions, leroy hutson mp3, the nu-tones, donny hathaway, Elektra, 80's soul mp3, howard university
musicology #162
June 1, 2008 · 2 Comments
vocalgroupaction2 #7
(The C.O.D’s – Michael)
I’m almost at the end of my tether with the f*****g BOXNET audio widget and Ive been looking at alternatives so in the VERY NEAR future expect that there will be changes made ….
in the meantime hold this 1965 Mod classic from Chicago vocalgroup The C.O.D’s. who were overheard singing under a streetlamp by two cats who were so impressed with their talent that they decided to setup a label, (Kellmac), just to record them. unfortunately this was their only ‘hit’ so the label only lasted less than two years and a handful of releases, (3 of which are by the group)
the lineup consisted of lead singer Robert Lewis, Carl Washington and (songwriter), Larry Brownlee who alone went on to have fame as a member of the Lost Generation. Sadly Brownlee was murdered on Chi’s tough streets in 1978. the other two members disappeared without musical trace…
one that themusicologist remembers well from ‘back in the day’ thanks to ‘Uncle Johnny’ who was a major influence in the formative years of my musical journey.
the tune is based on a local Chi’ cat who was obviously a hit with the ladies.
starting tomorrow it’s male vocal week
Categories: America · Mod · Soul · vocal group
Tagged: Carl Washington, chicago soul, Kellmac records, Larry Brownlee, Mod music, Robert Lewis, soul mp3, the C.O.D's, The Lost Generation, themusicologist, vocal group mp3
musicology #160
May 30, 2008 · Leave a Comment
vocalgroupaction2 #5
(The Emotions – Blind Alley)
first outing on themusicologist for this female vocal group with a tune that never fails to lift my spirits which, today need lifting….not for any specific reason, just one of them days when ‘the pressure drop’
better known for their part in Earth, Wind & Fire’s ‘Boogie Wonderland’ this piece is from their earlier days, (1972), at Stax and has formed the foundation for many a ‘version’ since from Big Daddy Kane and Pharcyde to Mariah Carey, (one listen should explain why)
Categories: America · Mod · Soul · femalevocalsUSA · vocal group
Tagged: big daddy kane, earth wind and fire, mariah carey, pharcyde, soul mp3, stax, stax mp3, the emotions mp3, themusicologist, vocal group mp3
musicology #159
May 29, 2008 · Leave a Comment
vocalgroupaction #4
(Link – Whatcha Gone Do)
today’s cut is a little bit more up to date than the previous three. not easy considering the vocalgroup has almost dissapeared from urban music. I know almost nothing about these cats, not even how many of them are in the group.
but I do know that it was recorded in the Big Apple, (Allien Flyers Studio), at the end of the 20th century, (1998), produced by Darrell ‘Delite’ Allamby, engineered by Ben Arrindell and it’s on the Relativity label…and finally, for me, it hit the right spot ten years ago and still does today..
keeping it brief as I’m helping my good friend ‘Dready 10 Eyes’ load up a container for his emigration to Cyprus and we’ve only got 3 hours to do it!!
Categories: America · Soul · vocal group
Tagged: themusicologist, R'N'B mp3, Darrell 'Delite' Allamby, Ben Arrindell, Link mp3
musicology #158
May 28, 2008 · 2 Comments
vocalgroupaction2 #3
(The Drifters – Oh My Love)
while scouring the vaults looking for vocalgroup cuts it occured to me that there are many practitioners of the art that deserve a musicologist representation…but there are two who are essential. The Miracles..and this group who epitomise the genre.
originally formed in 1954 by Clyde McPhatter, the Drifters have been through many line up changes, first it was Clyde singing lead followed by Johnny Moore and then Bobby Hendricks.
in 1958 the whole group was fired and replaced with one that was going under the name of the Five Crowns, (featuring the unmistakable pipes of Ben E King), who soon delivered national success in 1959 with ‘There Goes My Baby’ true to form the line up didnt last and after an altercation between the two managers Ben E King, (eventually), went solo.
this is the B side to the aforementioned hit from 1959 featuring Ben E King singing lead in the year that ‘doo wop’ was being challenged by the emerging sound that became known as Soul.
Categories: America · Soul · vocal group
Tagged: themusicologist, soul mp3, the drifters mp3, clyde mcphatter, bobby hendricks, johnny moore, the miracles, ben e king mp3
musicology #155
May 25, 2008 · 1 Comment
duets2 # 4
(Loe & Joe – Little Ole Boy, Little Ole Girl)
slipping out of the Jamaican selection into some Detroit action with a piece from one of post war urban music’s great innovators Harvey Fuqua…original lead singer of the Moonglows, (musicology #46), and Soul legend. influential in moulding the new sound that sprung out of the wells of Rhythm & Blues and Gospel, Harvey Fuqua helped, (along with Berry Gordy, Smokey Robinson, Marv Johnson…), to ‘create’ the Detroit sound as head of artistic development at Motown after tiring of the effort required to run his own label, (which this one is on),
the duet is courtesy of almost unknown pairing, Lorrie Rudolph and Joe Murphy, who certainly do the song justice. more than that I can only add that it’s a 45 from 1961 and it’s on the ‘Harvey’ label.
Categories: America · Soul · duets
Tagged: soul mp3, soul 45, the moonglows, harvey fuqua, motown, smokey robinson, Berry Gordy, Detroit sound, Marv Johnson, Lorrie Rudolph, Joe Murphy, Harvey 45
musicology #152
May 19, 2008 · 1 Comment
duets2 #1
(Isley Brothers – Busted)
trying to keep a low one about not posting two cuts yesterday..(hoping that the quality and not the quantity is enough to earn themusicologist a reprieve)
this week it’s duets …. SIX cuts, (one a day), from across the ages. starting with this one produced, written and arranged by R’n'B supremo R.Kelly. performed by Ron Isley and Kim Johnson of JS and released in 2003.
Categories: America · Rhythm&Blues · Soul · duets
Tagged: 2003, Body Kiss mp3, busted, duets, isley brothers mp3, Kim Johnson, R Kelly, R'N'B mp3, themusicologist
musicology #150
May 17, 2008 · 3 Comments
ladiesweek2 #4
(Irma Thomas – It’s Raining)
yep…themusicologist has been a bit slack this week on the musical front. Saturday is here and I’ve only managed four cuts for ladiesweek2.
maybe I’ll fling down two slices tomorrow to bring the quota up to six. hopefully the quality and not the quantity has earned me a reprieve from your disappointment and today’s piece is no exception….in fact the piece is worth at least two ‘mortal’ cuts so I’m already feeling better about it !!
recorded in November 1961, released on New Orleans’ fabulous Minit label in 1962. written and produced by the legendary Allen Toussaint, (who is also tinkling the ivories ‘pon the session), an important musicologist in the development of the genre who’s production and songwriting talents have been enjoyed by many artists. first at Minit and then at his, (and partner Marshall Sehorn’s), notable Sea-Saint studios.
Categories: America · Soul · femalevocalsUSA
Tagged: themusicologist, soul mp3, Irma Thomas mp3, Minit, Allen Toussaint, Marshall Sehorn, New Orleans Soul
musicology #148
May 13, 2008 · 3 Comments
ladiesweek2 #2
(Aretha Franklin – My Way)
a first outing on themusicologist for this artist who needs no introduction with a 1970 version of a Paul Anka song we all know, written for Old Blue Eyes himself…Frank Sinatra.
I always thought that no version, (and there are MANY), could come close to the man’s until I heard this one….a great song, defiantly sung by one of the great singers..
Categories: America · Soul · femalevocalsUSA
Tagged: themusicologist, soul mp3, Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, 1970, My Way mp3, Atlantic, Paul Anka
musicology #147
May 12, 2008 · 2 Comments
ladiesweek2 #1
(Marie Knight – Cry Me A River)
kicking off ladiesweek with a songbird whose recording career started in 1946 as a gospel singer, teaming up with cats like the Sunset Four and the Sam Price Trio, but it was in the summer of 1947 when Marie begun her association with Sister Rosetta Tharpe that her star began to shine bright, (a year later they cut the majestic ‘Up Above My Head, I Hear Music In The Air’)
Marie first hit the ’secular groove’ in 1953, moved to Mercury, stayed there for a few years and then began the transition from Rhythm and Blues into ‘Soul’ with a few choice pieces on various labels that include Baton, OKeh and Diamond.
this classic song, (arranged by Bert Keyes and produced by Stan Kahan), is from her final days at Musicor and should have provided her the commercial success that she richly deserved but it wasn’t to be and so she spent the next few years working for a telephone company !! (not returning to recording until the late 70’s)
for themusicologist this is the pick of a bunch of 1965 recordings that epitomise the ‘Uptown’ Soul sound of the period. an amazing reworking of a song sung by such luminaries as Sam Cooke and Dinah Washington but of all of them this is the ‘best’. !! more than likely it’s the Cookies singing backup but Marie’s voice soars above the clouds and hits the highest heights.
Categories: America · Mod · Soul · femalevocalsUSA
Tagged: 1965, Baton, cry me a river mp3, Dinah Washington, female vocal, marie knight, musicor, okeh, Rosetta Tharpe, sam cooke, Sam Price Trio, soul mp3, the Cookies, themusicologist
musicology #146
May 11, 2008 · 3 Comments
SpectrumOfLove #6
(Flowers – For Real)
the final piece of the ‘Spectrum’ discovered me in complete synchronicity just after the birth of my first child in 1995. it nailed exactly how I felt/feel and, for me, is the benchmark against which all songs and performances on the subject are measured.
It’s one from my personal top 10 tunes of all time and words don’t do it justice so all I will add is that for themusicologist it defines love.
Not often do I recommend CD’s but the one this is borrowed from, (Keb Darge’s Soul Spectrum II), delivers Value, there are at least 5 killers on there that you would have to pay an arm and a leg for to get them on vinyl so if you like your Soul my advice would be to buy it.
p.s starting tomorrow on themusicologists it’s ‘Round 2′ of a previous theme concerning the vocal arts…six pieces a week from each category, female/group/male…
Categories: America · Soul · themusicologist
Tagged: themusicologist, soul mp3, soul music, mp3 blog, flowers mp3, 70's Soul, Keb Darge, Soul Spectrum
musicology #145
May 10, 2008 · 1 Comment
SpectrumOfLove #5
(Bobby Womack – That’s The Way I Feel About ‘Cha)
todays cut comes from one of themusicologists foundation artists who didn’t feature in the sixsixsix only because Curtis and Sam Cooke took the top two ‘Soul’ spots, but this cat runs them both all the way..
the album this is taken from, (I Can Understand It), played a BIG part in my ‘education’. I know it so well that the track order is part of my unconscious. I know every tune and almost every note and word on it…back to front. for me every cut is a winner and to choose one is almost impossible but I’m going with this one, first released on his ‘Communication album’ in 1971, as it may go some way to explaining my attitude to affairs of the heart, (especially as music has ALWAYS been my primary guide). I would have been about 5 years old when I first heard it and I have been listening to it ever since…
“ha, you know life is funny when you look at it,
everybody wants love but everybody’s afraid of love,
you know I’m a true believer of that,
if you get anything out of life,
you got to put up with the toils and strife
now listen…
your’e pushing my love a little bit too far,
I don’t think you know, I don’t think you know how blessed you are,
and your friend Annie Mae, tell you all she see,
have you ever thought she was trying to get close to me,
think it over, think it over girl, think it over,
look..thats the way I feel about ‘cha,
and if that’s being weak for you darling,
I dont mind, I dont mind, I dont mind, I don’t mind,
thats the way I feel about ‘cha, (wooohhh)
that’s the way I feel about ‘cha,
please, please, please answer love,
if it ever come knocking at your door,
’cause what’s out there knocking baby,
the world don’t give enough of, don’t give enough of
I know you been hurt, and so have others too,
but all you got to do is think about the changes,
in life have put them through,
lord have mercy, that’s just the way it is,
listen..
don’t take my love as a sign of weakness,
check into the situation girl, dig a little bit deeper,
that’s the way I feel about you yeah,
ohh that’s the way, (that’s the way I feel about ‘cha),
that’s the way I feel about cha (oohh lord)
thats the way, that’s the way, that’s the way I feel about you yeah,
that’s the way I feel about you, (I wanna testify this evening),
that’s the way I feel about ‘cha, (wooooohh)
that’s the way I feel about cha,
so if I’m weak for you I don’t mind,
that’s the way I feel about cha,
let me say it say it say it, say it, say it, say it,
that’s the way I feel about cha,”
Categories: America · Lyrics · Soul · themusicologist
Tagged: themusicologist, soul mp3, 1971, bobby womack mp3, that's the way I feel about 'cha lyrics, mp3 blog, I can understand it
musicology #143
May 8, 2008 · 3 Comments
SpectrumOfLove #3
(Maxine Brown – Heaven In Your Arms)
we’ve heard two from the fellas and now its time for the ladies to step into the arena…and who better than Miss Maxine Brown, Soul singer supreme, who’s delicious voice could charm the birds straight out of the trees….
for themusicologist Maxine Brown is one of the greatest Soul singers never, (commercially), known, (and there are MANY), ..her phrasing and timing is perfection. as witnessed on this piece of early, (1961), Big Apple flavoured Soul from the NoMar label. it’s not the first time Maxine has featured on themusicologist, having already laid one, (musicology #39), down on an earlier duets theme with Wand label mate Chuck Jackson but this time she’s centre stage.
Categories: America · Soul · femalevocalsUSA
Tagged: 1961, Chuck Jackson, maxine brown mp3, New York Soul, nomar 45, soul 45, soul music, themusicologist, wand label
musicology #142
May 7, 2008 · 4 Comments
SpectrumOfLove #2
(Johnny Mathis – 12th Of Never)
yesterday flew by without a post so today I’m getting this one in early.
what is Love? everyone has their own definition I suppose but for themusicologist this 1957 cut from well known singer Johnny Mathis goes a long way to providing an answer.
I read/heard somewhere that the music that touches us deeply gives us and others around us, (our ‘Loved’ Ones), an insight into how/who we would like to be in the ideal world, without the chains of our personal experiences that have shaped our lives. I don’t know about that but I do know that I gravitate towards songs about Love partly because It’s an emotion that I find very hard to express, (other than where my children are concerned), This is not because I haven’t received it, (thanks especially to my mum), and maybe therein lies the conundrum..for me the unconditional variety is the only one worthy of the name … but before this post gets too deep let’s return to the music.
This is the original version of a song first known to me sung by the magnificent Jamaican singer Pat Kelly who has already featured on themusicologist, (musicology #54), and I was going to lay down his top ranking reggae version but I feel that this one taken from the LP ‘Johnny’s Greatest Hits’ suits the SpectrumOfLove better….a beautiful ballad sung by a great singer that is all about the subject in question, LOVE
Listen Tune…
Categories: America · Soul
Tagged: 12th Of Never, 1957, Johnny Mathis mp3, Love song, mp3, pat kelly, themusicologist
musicology #141
May 5, 2008 · 3 Comments
SpectrumOfLove #1
(The Radiants – I’m In Love)
this weeks theme is dedicated to the quest for the ‘holy grail’ .. LOVE
some ‘thing’ that we all need, and if we’re lucky .. give and receive.
the love theme stretches across the full musical spectrum and I can’t think of a genre where it isn’t included in the repertoire and it’s of particular interest to themusicologist for the simple fact that I struggle to under/overstand and therefore express it.
to be honest I think it’s partly why I listen to and appreciate the musical arts to such a degree as it seems to capture the essence of this emotion like no other form of external expression, (in my humble opinion of course), and these next six, (maybe seven), pieces are examples of that.
first up is a slice of prime 1963 Soul from vocal group The Radiants whose track ‘Voice Your Choice’ was a BIG Mod/ernist tune in London’s clubs and dancehalls on release in 1964. The production has the Billy Davis ’stamp’ written all over it, (even though there’s no mention of the cat on the label), a man whose contribution to developing Soul, as well as Coca Cola, (he wrote the famous advertising jingles), is always worthy of a mention…maybe even his own category.
Categories: America · Mod · Soul · vocal group
Tagged: 1963, Chess 45, Maurice MacAlister, mp3blog, Roquel Billy Davis, soul mp3, The Radiants, themusicologist
musicology #118
March 29, 2008 · Leave a Comment
jamboree #5
(Ozone – Gigolette)
all things considered..has to be this one. for three reasons.
1: It’s me dear Uncle Bassie’s Hawaii Five-O birthday bash today and I’m sure he will appreciate the four string on the track
2: Big night out tonight celebrating ms Steen’s birthday at Brother Sean Rowley’s Guilty Pleasures,
(Leisure Wear theme !!)
3: The piece was released in 1981 (same year as the notorious Diadora Borg Elite which will be on ‘me plates’ tonight)
Good Enough…
1981 was also the year themusicologist became a teenager, Raygun became president, the Brixton, Toxteh, (and Lewisham), Riots boiled over, 13 people died when a house in New Cross burned to the ground. Britain was deep in recession, Bombs were going off in the capital, Berbatov was born, Bob Marley died and Spurs won the FA cup, (themusicologist was there at Wembley to see Ricardo ‘ Ricky’ Villa score the winner), beating Manchester City in a glorious replay….
Categories: 80's Boogie · America · Soul · duets
Tagged: 1981, 80's boogie mp3, diadora borg elite, gigolette, guilty pleasures, ozone, sean rowley, teena marie, themusicologist
musicology #116
March 26, 2008 · Leave a Comment
jamboree #3
(Erykah Badu – Soldier)
as always the musicologist has been devouring a lot of diverse music from the Kinks, James Carr, Gnarls Berkley, Small Faces, Dizzee Rascal…but this one feels like today. a pucker slice courtesy of Erykah Badu….taken from her latest ‘Set’ .. the innovative New Ameryka, released last month.
puts me in mind of Curtis Mayfield…
(also featuring musicologists Roy Ayers and Madlib)
Categories: America · Social Commentary · Soul · femalevocalsUSA
Tagged: themusicologist, curtis mayfield, soul mp3, New Amerykah, Erykah Badu mp3, Soldier, 2008, Roy Ayers, MadLib, Dizzee Rascal
musicology #114
March 24, 2008 · 5 Comments
jamboree #1
(Bobby Bland – Ain’t Nothing You Can Do)
themusicologist is a place to share, communicate and connect and one of the things I have learnt over this past year is that the message is in the music but it’s not always the one were looking for.
the universal language speaks to us all but not necessarily about the same topic…I’m laying down this selection as a ‘theme of no theme’..a complete ‘Jamboree Bag’ where anythings possible… a tune a day to help keep the wolves at bay.
almost every day while listening to music a tune will come on and I’ll think to myself… “I’ll have to lay that piece down one day”.. but often find themusicologist in the middle of a ’session’. so for the next few weeks it’s random..just good old BOSS sounds of all flavours and vintages.
starting with the majestic, late night, 1964 sound of Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland who, as a member of the Beale Streeters along with Johnny Ace, BB King, Junior Parker and Rosco Gordan, was there at the birth of Rhythm and Soul in the early 1950’s. A big Mod/ernist favourite who carried the swing for many years and possessed the special ability, (that the greats share), to make each recording his own. From 1950-1970 Bobby Bland was a powerful force in the development of the vocal style known now as Soul.
listen the ride……..
Categories: America · Mod · Soul
Tagged: aint nothing you can do, BB King, Beale Streeters, bobby blue bland mp3, don robey, duke 45, Johnny Ace, Junior Parker, memphis soul, Mod music, mp3blog, Rosco Gordan, soul mp3, themusicologist
musicology #101
February 23, 2008 · 6 Comments
sixartist, sixtune, sixweekspecial #24
(Impressions – Never Too Much Love)
you know what…I’m angry. angry with the mountain of useless information that is burying wisdom. why? allow me to break it down…today I ran a search for Curtis Mayfield lyrics. first stop lyrics.com. can you believe Curtis wasn’t even listed !!! let me say that again…..not even listed…
my conclusion..waste of time unless youre looking for the words to popular, (commercial), songs.
only way to do it then is for me to transcribe them myself…there are a few sites with some lyrics on them but I won’t waste your time linking them so in future I won’t be promoting any ‘lyrics’ sites on themusicologist
if anything it has strengthened my resolve to fly the flag for artists like Curtis and keep them in the public domain…back to the music with this uncomplicated plea for unity from 1963. if you think about it who else was writing and performing songs as deep as this at that time?
“after silence that which comes closest to expressing the inexpressible is music.”
-aldous huxley-
.. listen them lyrics
too much love, too much love,
never in this world will there be too much love
never too much love, too much love,
never in this world will there be too much love
an old story told now passed from me to you
in simple little words to get my meaning through
young and old I feel will understand
take heed everybody to a wonderful plan
we all know how, get together right now
clap your hands, sing and shout
never too much love, too much love,
never in this world will there be too much love
never too much love, too much love,
never in this world will there be too much love
maybe you don’t know how to sing or express words the way you like to say
but everybody I know can clap their hands and make a new friend everyday
never too much love, too much love,
never in this world will there be too much love
never too much love, too much love,
never in this world will there be too much love
Curtis Mayfield, Rest In Peace secure in the knowledge that your legacy and inspiration lives on.
Categories: America · Curtis Mayfield · Lyrics · Mod · Social Commentary · Soul · themusicologist
Tagged: 1963, abc paramount 45, aldous huxley, curtis mayfield, fred cash, johnnie pate, sam gooden, soul mp3, soul music, the impressions, themusicologist
musicology #100
February 22, 2008 · 15 Comments
sixartist, sixtune, sixweekspecial #23
(Impressions – Young Mod’s Forgotten Story)
landmark day today .. 100 posts on themusicologist. especially synchronistic that it’s fallen on Curtis Mayfield’s ‘watch’.
Iv’e banged on enough times during the time we have shared together on themusicologist about how much the man’s music and lyrics have meant to me as babe in arms, young boy, adolescent, teenager, young man, and now as man, (a title you can’t claim before 33 according to the ancients !!), so I’m not going to wax too lyrical today as Curtis says it all with this cut about the end of an era….
“Shall I tell it like it is, aint none of your business…YES IT IS..”
lyrics DON Curtis…lyrics
arranged by Curtis, legendary musicologist Johnnie Pate and rising soul star Donnie Hathaway…
Categories: America · Curtis Mayfield · Mod · Social Commentary · Soul · themusicologist
Tagged: curtis mayfield, curtom, donnie hathaway, fred cash, johnnie pate, Mod music, sam gooden, soul mp3, soul music, the Impressions mp3, themusicologist, young mod's forgotten story
musicology #99
February 21, 2008 · 1 Comment
sixartist, sixtune, sixweekspecial #22
(Curtis Mayfield – Kung Fu)
I enjoy and get great pleasure out of themusicologist but, (and it’s a price I’m prepared to pay), it takes up a lot of my time and doesn’t keep the wolves from banging on the family door. the bastards are circling, baying for blood and by the look in their eyes they sense victory…
what the wolves haven’t accounted for is, (with music as the proverbial shield and buckler), the determination to ride this wave of uncertainty and pass through this phase of insecurity not only in one piece but stronger, fitter and wiser, holding firm and not giving up as I continue the journey on the road to freedom with these words ringing in my heart and mind.
The wise man builds his house upon the rock while the foolish man builds his house apoun the ever shifting sand.
this cut is taken from the man’s beautifully crafted 1974 album Sweet Exorcist.
Categories: America · Curtis Mayfield · Social Commentary · Soul · themusicologist
Tagged: 1974, curtis mayfield, curtom, funk mp3, kung fu, soul music, sweet exorcist, themusicologist
musicology #98
February 20, 2008 · 1 Comment
sixartist, sixtune, sixweekspecial #21
(Jerry Butler&Curtis Mayfield – Find Yourself Another Girl)
round 3 of the Curtis Mayfield selection.as well as hard hitting lyricist and social commentator Curtis’s love songs are beyond compare. a genuine poet whose ability to tap into affairs of the heart deserves mention.
singing lead on this is original Impressions lead singer Jerry ‘The Ice Man’ Butler whose nickname is reported to have come from a performance where the p.a cut out and rather than stop Jerry continued to sing, (that and the way in which he performed emotion drenched soul scorchers without breaking sweat)
it was Jerry that insisted on Curtis replacing Phil Upchurch when he left Jerry’s touring band in 1961 to chase fame on the back of his Mod/R&B classic ‘You Can’t Sit Down’
Curtis was only sixteen at the time which is amazing considering the songs he went on to write over the following two years. this is one of those foundation soul cuts from that year..Curtis not only co-wrote it but it’s also him harmonizing and playing guitar.
musicology at it’s finest from two of Soul’s vanguards in perfect harmony
Categories: America · Curtis Mayfield · Mod · Soul
Tagged: 1961, curtis mayfield, find yourself another girl, jerry butler, phil upchurch, soul mp3, soul music, themusicologist, vee jay
musicology #97
February 19, 2008 · 1 Comment
sixartist, sixtune, sixweekspecial #20
(Curtis Mayfield – Hard Times)
one of the tunes that convinced me to ‘play-out’ back in London’s Rare Groove days of 1985/6, utilising Curtis as messenger for how it felt growing up on the streets of London at the time.
back then Curtis didn’t figure too tough on the capitals wheels of steel, James Brown, (and related), was the DJ’s choice, (along with a host of others), Curtis didn’t get much of a look in as he wasn’t considered danceable..obviously he was very highly regarded but was mainly enjoyed at home in moments of contemplation.
taken from his 1975 critique ‘There’s No Place Like America Today’
the spoken intro has been added by themusicologist to provide an insight on and from the man himself.
Categories: America · Curtis Mayfield · Social Commentary · Soul · themusicologist
Tagged: 1975, curtis mayfield, curtom, funk mp3, henry gibson, lucky scott, phil upchurch, soul music, themusicologist, there's no place like america today
musicology #96
February 18, 2008 · 9 Comments
sixartist, sixtune, sixweekspecial #19
(Curtis Mayfield – Mighty Mighty Spade & Whitey)
this week it’s all about the king … Curtis Mayfield.
the cat was first introduced to me as a 2 year old in 1971 and the two albums that are burned into my consciousness are Curtis and the album this cut is taken from..Curtis Live.
my dad, (respect is always due), was a BIG Curtis fan and was responsible for introducing me to music that has always been a constant source of inspiration.
along with Bobby Womack, Bill Withers and Marvin Gaye, Curtis ran ‘tings down in Circus Street. there were many others who made an apearance but, (subjectively), these three are an integral part of themusicologist’s upbringing.
lyrics as hard as nails, music as tough as old boots and vocals full of integrity. I could do four different Curtis sets, producer, songwriter, singer and inspiration, such has been his impact on music. without Curtis Soul would have travelled a different path as would the music of Jamaica and his impact on UK music is most apparent in another of the six/six/six artists Paul Weller, (the other major player in the themusicologists personal growth)
the lyrics to this one are, for me, as good as it gets so now ladies and gentlemen themusicologist is proud to present…Curtis Mayfield
listen tune…
Categories: America · Curtis Mayfield · Live · Social Commentary · Soul · themusicologist
Tagged: craig mcmullen, curtis live, curtis mayfield, curtis mayfield mp3, henry gibson, joseph 'lucky' scott, mighty mighty spade and whitey, newmusicology, paul colby, soul music, the bitter end, themusicologist, tyrone mccullen
musicology #89
February 9, 2008 · 5 Comments
sixartist, sixtune, sixweekspecial #12
(Humble Pie Feat Steve Marriott – I Need A Star In My Life)
final cut from brother Steve Marriott…difficult choice to make. luckily the man was prolific so there’s enough to choose from but still…tough.
I’m going for a cut taken from the posthumously released and highly recommended ‘Scrubbers Sessions’ released by Tim Hinkley in tribute to Steve. signing off this weeks six/six/six with with a quote from Tim..
“I came back from Steve’s funeral with Bobby Tench, I told him I had this album in my tape storage room..we put it on and it sounded great, it was then that I realised this album really should come out…this record was very special to Steve and if nothing else, it stands as a tribute to his enormous talent”.
lyrics Don Stevie … lyrics …
Categories: Mod · Soul · Steve Marriott · UKPressure
Tagged: 1974, 1975, Boz Burrell, clem clempson, Clydie King, Greg Ridley, humble pie mp3, ian wallace, Jerry Shirley, Joe Brown, Mel collins, Mod music, Steve Marriott, the Blackberries, themusicologist, Tim Hinkley, Vanetta Fields, Vicki Brown
musicology #86
February 6, 2008 · 3 Comments
sixartist, sixtune, sixweekspecial #9
(Steve Marriott – Help Me Through The Day)
What / Who Is Mod? … for themusicologist there are only a handful of cats who can lay claim to the title. one of them is Steve Marriott …
Why? because he lived life to the full, often at the extremes, always on the vanguard and didn’t compromise his personal values. Selfish? .. probably, Obsessed…almost definately, Dedicated….100%
Not suggesting that these qualities are the only, (or even most important), Mod credentials but if you dig deep enough they are, in themusicologist’s opinion ones that are ever present….another vital ingredient would be the love of Soul, Blues, Rhythm & Blues…without this you can’t be Mod !!
the aim is still to let the music do the talking and believe me I’m trying but the six/six/six is inspiring themusicologist to ‘nail me colours to the mast‘ ..
hold this cut from his solo album, simply titled Steve Marriott, (not his choice of title I hasten to add), recorded in 1975…pucker
Categories: Mod · Soul · Steve Marriott · UKPressure
Tagged: 1975 help me through the day, clem clempson, ian wallace, leon russell, Mod, mp3, rock mp3, Steve Marriott, UKPressure
musicology #83
February 3, 2008 · 14 Comments
sixartist,sixtune,sixweekspecial #6
(Sam Cooke – A Change Is Going To Come
had to be this one to finish up the Sam Cooke tribute. one from themusicologist’s top10 tunes of all time, regardless of genre…
another quote from the excellent book about Sam Cooke, (Dream Boogie), by Peter Guralnick
“He had given Rene Hall the ‘civil rights’ song he had played for J.W (Alexander), with no specific instructions other than to provide it with the kind of instrumentation and orchestration that it demanded. Rene was in no doubt as to the momentousness of the charge.
“I wanted it to be the greatest thing in my life……..”
’nuff said…
Categories: America · Sam Cooke · Social Commentary · Soul · themusicologist
Tagged: mp3, soul mp3, sam cooke, 1964, soul music, hugo and luigi, Sam Cooke mp3, rene hall, civil rights
musicology #82
February 2, 2008 · 5 Comments
sixartist,sixtune,sixweekspecial #5
(Sam Cooke – Bring It On Home To Me)
if anyone needed reminding or convincing why the Lion is called Mr Soul hold this one from 1963 taken from what is possibly the best live album of all time. bold shout I know and I’m sure many could offer alternatives but whatever your subjective feelings about it…if you don’t own it..and you want one piece of Sam Cooke musicology ‘wrapped round yer vaults’…buy it…and even though the recording couldn’t possibly do the performance real justice for those of us that weren’t there its the best there is.
a quote from the Sam Cooke book by Peter Guralnick about the show
“Upstairs there was a balcony with tables for the patrons and a small office in which the recording engineers, Bob Simpson and Tony Salvatore, set up their equipment. They monitored the sound at a fairly desultory teenage matinee, then adjusted the microphone placement for the first evening show, starting at 10pm.
Sam gave them a cheery greeting before going on, and then the place erupted in a manner that Salvatore, like his partner a neophyte in the world of Rhythm & Blues, was simply not prepared for.
‘There weren’t any brawls or anything like that, but I’ll tell you, it was like a scene out of a movie, the whole building was rocking, and I remarked to Bob, I said, ‘Oh Jesus, I hope this place don’t fall down’ “
King Curtis and full crew, (The Kingpins), playing the instruments….
Categories: America · Mod · Sam Cooke · Soul
Tagged: 1963, bobby womack, Dream Boogie, king curtis, live at the harlem square, Peter Guralnick, sam cooke, Sam Cooke mp3, soul mp3, soul music, the kingpins
musicology #78
January 28, 2008 · 11 Comments
sixartist,sixtune,sixweekspecial Sam Cooke Bonus #1
(Sam Cooke – If I Had A Hammer)
so..back in the Sam Cooke saddle after some techno issues regarding the Streaming Audio, (boxnet)
threw a small spanner in themusicologist works but rather than dwell on it I’ll take it as a sign that more Sam Cooke is required. Three bonus slices is how it is going to be dealt with, (mon/tue/wed), and then it’s back onto the original sixtune program for #’s 4/5/6, (thurs/fri/sat)
thinking about it…it’s fitting that Mr Soul gets 3 extra tunes as everything in the sixartist selection that follows shares a connection … his legacy. what was/is it about the man that is so special?
not just his voice which, let’s face it, is second to none..it was his capacity to move people of all colours and creeds communicating a message that crosses all boundries. as an example hold this one from a 1964 performance at the Copa in front of a full supper club audience. for themusicologist a killer performance…the way he drops it into a deeper meaning in the middle is breathtaking.
the way he delivers the message to this audience and then gets them involved is nothing short of a miracle, he also laid Bob Dylan’s freedom anthem Blowing In The Wind on them . Consider that for a moment..Sam Cooke singing Blowing In The Wind to a Copa audience…obviously the call and response to a soul/gospel audience was part of the performance and to be expected but at the Copa, to a tune like this, full of undercurrents is almost beyond belief but Mr Soul rinses it like NOBODY else could have done….
I’m in danger of waxing lyrical…Sam step up brother and let us know what it’s all about.……..
LOUD is how this one should be heard ..
“where?…..where?, (all over this land), that’s the place…huh”
I do believe that’s Bobby Womack, (along with Cliff White), pluckin’ strings
Categories: America · Mod · Sam Cooke · Social Commentary · Soul · themusicologist
Tagged: 1964, bobby womack, gospel, If I Had A Hammer, Live At The Copa, mp3, Sam Cooke mp3, soul music
musicology #77
January 23, 2008 · 6 Comments
sixartist,sixtune,sixweekspecial # 3
(Sam Cooke – Nobody Knows)
continuing the sixartistweek selection with the third cut from Mr Soul. This one taken from his 1963 album ‘Night Beat’. for themusicologist a special album that helped get me through darkest days … what turned out to sadly be a prophetic song for Sam that I like to think helped him as much as it did me…
a tear jerker that never fails to touch the soul.
Categories: America · Sam Cooke · Soul · themusicologist
Tagged: mp3, soul mp3, sam cooke, soul music, 1963, hugo and luigi, night beat, mr soul
musicology #76
January 22, 2008 · 2 Comments
sixartist,sixtune,sixweekspecial #2
(Sam Cooke – Let The Good Times Roll)
talk about synchronicity…themusicologist was reminded that today is Sam Cooke’s 77th birthday, (thanks erik), so it’s got to be this one from 1963.
yet another imperious, inspiring slice of over proof musicology from Mr Soul….overflowing with feeling. reminding us to ‘let the good times roll’ no matter what your current predicament which, bearing in mind the circumstances that surround his life at this time, makes it even more inspiring. recorded in December after the 25th take I do believe…such was the desire to ‘get in the groove’.
Mr Cooke …. your message is coming over loud and clear.
is that Bobby Womack harmonising?? Bob if you’re out there let us know..
Categories: America · Mod · Sam Cooke · Soul
Tagged: 1963, bobby womack, hugo and luigi, sam cooke, soul 45, soul music, themusicologist
musicology #72
January 11, 2008 · 4 Comments
newyearboogie #4 (Impressions – Keep On Pushing – 1964)
the ULTIMATE message tune..words aren’t enough, so im just movin’ on aside..
“now look a look a look a yonder, what’s that I see….”
only one thing dissapointing about this tune…it ends.
Categories: America · Mod · Social Commentary · Soul · themusicologist
Tagged: 1964, 60's soul, chicago soul, curtis mayfield, Mod, newyearboogie, Soul, the impressions, themusicologist, vocal group
musicology #70
January 9, 2008 · Leave a Comment
newyearboogie #2 (I Can Make It If I Try -The Royal Premiers)
“no matter how dreary the situation is and how difficult it may be .. you got to walk tall, walk tall, walk tall” ..
sticking with that sentiment this next one is from a little known vocal group from out of the ‘big city of dreams’, New York I do believe, (or at least thats’s where the tune was cut.) I can’t find any information on these cats anywhere other than a small mention in ‘the bible’, (R&B Indies), so if any of the soul and vocal group aficionados out there can ‘tip me the wink’ it would be most appreciated.
One from themusicologists top drawer, perfectly capturing the message of 60’s Soul, one of hope, a new day dawning and ‘nothing can stop me’ enthusiasm..
Categories: America · Mod · Soul · themusicologist
Tagged: 60's soul, Mod, mp3, northern soul, royal premiers, Soul, vocal group
musicology #61
December 14, 2007 · 2 Comments
Fontella Bass – This Would Make Me Happy
the first few weeks of the merry month of December have seen it all and non musical commitments along with so called service providers have kept themusicologist busy but I’m not here to make excuses because after all, is there anything more fulfilling and satisfying than playing, listening and sharing the joy of music…which leads nicely onto this.
fellow musicologist and friend Sean Rowley has presented an opportunity to include, (over the next six weeks), the one tune technique on his excellent show the joy of music which goes out live on BBCRadioLondon in the wee hours of Sunday mornings, (midnight till 2am GMT),
if you’re not a night bird but are still interested in hearing the show ‘live & direct’ click on the joy of music link above, click on Sean Rowley, (second column on the right), where you can stream it for up to seven days after the event. It’s one tune every week selected and introduced by myself … I make an appearance around the 45 minute mark preceeding the majestic Dion DiMucci interview a musicologist of the first degree.
for those not able to tune in and listen I’ll throw said slice of musicology down on themusicaldiary every Saturday starting right here right now
one last thing…not sure if you have heard but this information nugget has, (synchronistically), come to my attention…Ike Turner died on December 12th. The man was a legend and was a leading light in the development of the music that we know and love today from what some hail as the first Rock&Roll record, (Rocket88), in 1951 right through to tunes like River Deep, Mountain High he was instrumental in developing Rhythm&Blues as well as Soul, (something not many were able to do),
it’s more than coincidental that I threw this Ike production in advance of his passing and for themusicologist it is yet another example of music’s magic as well as its power to communicate so with that in mind I am going to pay a week long musical tribute to the man starting with this one
This Would Make Me Happy – sung by Fontella Bass, produced by Ike Turner, written by Oliver ‘Bus Stop’ Sain, for Ikes? LA based Vesuvius label, from the soulful year of 1964. very little is known of the label and according to the oracle, (R&B Indies), there are only two releases on it.
Ike, thank you for the music and the legacy.
Categories: @thebbc · America · Soul · femalevocalsUSA · themusicologist
Tagged: Musicology, themusicologist, soul mp3, ike turner, fontella bass, 1964, soul music, oliver sain
musicology #58
December 5, 2007 · Leave a Comment
coversweek .. day #5
(Womack&Womack -Angie)
this next piece is an example of how the ‘cover’ can almost make you forget the original. don’t get me wrong the Rolling Stones cut is a great song which, considering they are not really my bag shows how music can and does overcome all the subjective obstacles we place in it’s way but, and maybe I’m in the minority, I have always found them to be more concerned with the fame and the lifestyle which, for themusicologist, seems to come across in their songs. that said if any of you are big Stones fans and disagree then I would appreciate you directing me to the songs that you feel do communicate a message.
finally, as you may have concluded, themusicologist is not too knowledgeable in the popular music department so will be more than happy to stand corrected. in the meantime hold this soul bearing selection that should always have been sung by a man and a woman and if you have ever loved and lost this ones for you and try to remember that the hardest part is saying goodbye.
Categories: America · Soul · duets
Tagged: covers, duets, mp3, rolling stones, Soul, themusicologist, womack&womack
musicology #55
November 14, 2007 · 1 Comment
coversweek .. day 3
(Candi Staton – Stand By Your Man – Fame -1970)
it has been bought to my attention that a possible flaw on themusicologist is the abscence of the track and artist info. my intention is to promote communication, not withhold precious information, so from now on expect to see it at the beginning of the post …. just to reiterate, themusicologist is a forum for sharing music, knowledge and communication.
slipping back into some soul for todays ‘version’ that epitomizes the essence of coversweek. this vocalist is best known for the disco classic young hearts run free but before that she was a disciple of Rick Hall’s Fame studio where southern soul was polished into a High Art.
It was the early Mod Classic You Better Move On, (Arthur Alexander) that launched the FAME sound followed by Jimmy Hughes’s Steal Away. the FAME studio was responsible for many a well known Soul tune by artists such as Aretha Franklin, Clarence Carter, Joe Tex, Percy Sledge, Wilson Pickett, Bobby Womack, etc and it was into this creative maelstrom that the artist in question evolved from a teenage member of the Jewell Gospel Trio in the 1950’s and early 60’s, (touring with the likes of the Soul Strirrers and Mahalia Jackson), into to a woman capable of scoring ‘hits’ throughout the 1970’s. so without further ado .. hold this country and western standard. ladies .. enough said !!
Categories: America · Soul · femalevocalsUSA
Tagged: themusicologist, rick hall, female vocal, soul mp3, hear my plea, candi staton, fame studios, stand by your man mp3
musicology #53
November 12, 2007 · 1 Comment
coversweek .. day1
(Randy Crawford – Knocking On Heaven’s Door)
due to the popularity of themusicologists recent thematics, (ladiesweek/mansweek/duets/vocalgroups), as well as the personal pleasure gained by sharing such music it’s time to jump back into the saddle and throwdown a new theme.
coversweek .. alternative renditions of well known tunes …
most of the time I favour the original but on occasion an artist brings out something different in the tune and reaches new ground, as is the, (subjective), case with the seven pieces this week.
first up is a female vocalist who has already featured on themusicologist, (musicology #26 ), with a pucker rendition of a Bob Dylan song, (first of two Dylan covers), from the movie Pat Garret & Billy The Kid. themusicologist is a BIG fan of Dylan having grown up listening to the cat from ‘early out’ and I place him high up the learning tree as one o me ‘learning facilitators’ along with father Curtis, the Modfather, the Poet, Van Morrison and a few others so, without further delay ..
Categories: America · Soul · femalevocalsUSA
Tagged: bob dylan, female vocal, knocking on heavens door, mp3, Randy Crawford, soul music, themusicologist
musicology #52
November 9, 2007 · 3 Comments
back to the musical diary…
(Little Ghetto Boy – Donny Hathaway – Freddy Luster Remix)
as themusicologist evolves, grows and unfolds it reminds the I of a stream, meandering slowly down from the hills following it’s natural path, but in places the stream widens into a river and flows with uncontrolled rage, dangerous, aggressive, unpredictable and threatening. At these junctions it becomes a sink or swim, fight or flight situation. Sink and drown or fight and conquer. Navigating such waters is a challenge and tools become a necessity to help point the way.
I speak in these metaphors as right now the stream is leading into the river and I’m looking at the navigational tools at my disposal and wondering what one to trust, the compass or the map?
not often that themusicologist favours the remix or the cover version, (keep it locked for a ‘coversweek’ theme) but this Freddy Luster rinse out adds to the original in my opinion.
hold it, hear it and watch the cultural ride.
Categories: America · Soul · themusicologist
Tagged: mp3, musical diary, Soul, streaming audio, themusicologist
musicology #48
October 28, 2007 · 8 Comments
vocalgroupaction .. day7
(Back Up Train – Soulmates)
last piece. 1967 .. who can tell us the name of the lead singer?
Categories: America · Soul
Tagged: themusicologist, streaming audio, mp3, soul mp3, soul music, 1967, vocal group mp3, al green mp3, back up train mp3, the soulmates
musicology #422
September 8, 2009 · 3 Comments
nowordsjustmusic2 #2
(Randy Crawford – Trade Winds)
Listen Tune….
Categories: 80's Boogie · America · Social Commentary · Soul · femalevocalsUSA · metamorphosis · themusicologist
Tagged: soul mp3, 1981, 80's soul mp3, Randy Crawford mp3, Trade Winds mp3, Secret Combination