musicology #75
21 Jan 2008 6 Comments
in America, Sam Cooke, themusicologist, vocal group Tags: gospel, sam cooke, Soul, soul mp3, soul stirrers, specialty, themusicologist, vocal group
sixartist,sixtune,sixweekspecial #1
(Sam Cooke w/The Soul Stirrers – That’s Heaven To Me)
this next section is dedicated to six artists, (1 a week), who have been instrumental in themusicologists education. not just musically but also culturally. every one of them having successfully communicated the message on many occasions…I like to think of them as ‘foundation artists’ who, for themusicologist, are the benchmark against which all others are measured, (not compared).
they are…Curtis Mayfield, Steve Marriott, Sam Cooke, Paul Weller, Alton Ellis and Jackie Mittoo. there are others. but the six above hold a special place in my heart for having a major impact on the direction my life has taken. I’m sure we all agree that music has the profound power to shape the heart and mindset and for the next 6 weeks it’s all about these cats and their legacy.
starting proceedings with none other than Mr Soul himself the legendary Sam Cooke. King of the genre and a lion among men. Not only for his musical contribution but also for his style both in delivery of the message and the way he conducted himself.
it’s beyond doubt that without Sam Cooke themusicologist’s world would have been a less inspirational place in which to live. his life is well documented so the next six days, (no fling on the sabbath), are just about the priceless gift he left us with.
I could wax endless lyrics about anecdotes, musicological facts and information but information alone is useless, unless it leads to knowledge which although has value is not comparable to wisdom.
for themusicologist Sam Cooke delivers the holy grail of wisdom.
“the things that I see as I walk along the street ……..”
musicology #70
09 Jan 2008 Leave a Comment
in America, Mod, Soul, themusicologist Tags: 60's soul, Mod, mp3, northern soul, royal premiers, Soul, vocal group
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..
musicology #63
18 Dec 2007 6 Comments
in America, duets, Mod Tags: duet, ike turner, ike&tina turner mp3, mp3, Soul, soul45, sue45
Ike Turner Tribute #3 (Ike&Tina Turner – The Argument – 1962 – Sue)
so theres been Ike as piano player, Ike as producer and now this piece of musicology from the golden year of 1962 finds Ike, (& Tina), on vocals, in tension..you can hear it not only in the lyrics but more importantly in the atmosphere. penned by Ike there’s menace in there.
like I said, I’m not going to speculate or pass judgment on the personal nature of the relationship especially as this piece says it all so I’ll just let the music tell the story.
musicology #58
05 Dec 2007 Leave a Comment
in America, duets, Soul Tags: covers, duets, mp3, rolling stones, Soul, themusicologist, womack&womack
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.
musicology #52
09 Nov 2007 3 Comments
in America, Soul, themusicologist Tags: mp3, musical diary, Soul, streaming audio, themusicologist
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.
musicology #47
27 Oct 2007 Leave a Comment
in America, Soul, themusicologist Tags: Love, Soul, streaming audio, themusicologist, vocal group
vocalgroupaction .. day 6 (Who’s That Lady – Isley Brothers)
cats..apologies for delay in posting this late in the day. had a late one last night, didnt get home until 7:30 am !! and subsequently slept the whole day .. well worth it though as I was out with my best spars who I NEVER fail to have a great time with. I’m dedicating this one to them. thanks for your unconditional support and friendship it is very much appreciated. this one from 1973 on the T Neck Label. The message is always in the music even if it does fall on ‘deaf ears’
musicology #45
25 Oct 2007 2 Comments
in America, Mod, Soul Tags: Mod, Soul, streaming audio, themusicologist, vocal group
vocalgroupaction..day4 (Elephant Walk – Donald & The Delighters)
I first heard this about 6 / 7 years ago. I fell in love with it there and then at it has since become one of my favourite pieces of vocal group action..having enjoyed it many times it never ceases to amaze me how innovative it is. which, considering Donald Jenkins is on the session, (singing lead), is no surprise as, for themusicologist, his contribution, (especially), to the vocal development of Soul deserves a mention. check that use of echo and the mad jungle sounds .. wonder if Lee Perry knew the tune? one from the witch/cortland stable out of Chi’ from the summer of 1963
musicology #39
19 Oct 2007 4 Comments
in America, duets, Mod, Soul, themusicologist Tags: 1965, Chuck Jackson, duets, Maxine Brown, Mod, Musicology, Soul, Soul mpe, soul music, streamingaudio, themusicologist, wand
doublebubble .. day 5
(Chuck Jackson & Maxine Brown – Don’t Go)
sticking with the 1965 selection this one brings together two of Souls shining lights that, (as is all too often the case), didn’t receive the accolades due for their musical efforts. Maxine Brown and Chuck Jackson were there recording in the ‘new style’ as Soul emerged from the shadows of Doo Wop and Rhythm & Blues in the early 60′s to become the force it is today. the second tune this week to flow from the pen of the majestic songwriting duet Ashford&Simpson.
just so you know, for themusicologist the term Soul covers any song about affairs of the heart sung with genuine feeling … regardless of race, creed or colour.
musicology #38
19 Oct 2007 7 Comments
in America, duets, Mod, Soul Tags: 1965, Bobby Robinson, Brownie McGhee, duets, Mod, Musicology, Port 45, Selah Jubilee Singers, Sonny Terry, Soul, Southern Harmonaires, streamingaudio, Tarheel Slim & Little Ann, The Jubilators, The Larks, themusicologist
doublebubble .. day 4
(Tarheel Slim & Little Ann – I Submit To You)
day late but not a dollar short with this piece from 1965. better known for their 1959 hit, (it’s too late), which made the doublebubble playlist but, for me, doesn’t reach the heights of this one.
the male half of this husband and wife pairing was a foundation soul singer who first recorded gospel from 1946 as a member of The Southern Harmonaires, Selah Jubilee Singers and The Jubilators. Next stop, (1950) was early Vocal Group The Larks followed by some Blues cuts accompanied by the legendary Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee before moving to Bobby Robinson’s legendary label Red Robin ..
musicology #36
16 Oct 2007 3 Comments
in America, duets, Soul Tags: ashford and simpson, doublebubble, duets, marvin gaye, motown 45, Soul, soul mp3, streamingaudio, Tammi Terrel, themusicologist
doublebubble .. day 2
(Marvin Gaye & Tami Terrel -
a match made in heaven .. this pair of songbirds were the first to record this ashford and simpson penned number in 1967.
shortly after, at the tender age of 22, Tammi collapsed on stage, (in Marvin’s arms), and was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. Her health deteriorated and she died in 1970. Marvin devastated, retreated into near isolation, (as well as other things to ease the pain), and wrote ‘What’s Going On’ still the only authentic LP loaded with hard hitting environmental questions.
so this one is not only for the two of them, but for all of us that appreciate how short, (and cruel), life can sometimes be …
musicology #35
15 Oct 2007 2 Comments
in 80's Boogie, America, duets, Soul Tags: 80's Boogie, bobby womack, duets, jazz funk mp3, Musicology, patti labelle, Soul, soul duets, soul mp3, streamingaudio, themusicologist, Through The Eyes Of A Child
doublebubble day 1
(Bobby Womack & Patti LaBelle – Through The Eyes Of A Child)
so we have heard from the ladies, the men have said their piece and now its time for doublebubble..the duets.
of particular interest for themusicologist is the difference between these three disciplines.
harmony between two people is a sound/sight to behold .. anything is possible and nothing is too much of a challenge and this weeks 7 pieces are, (I believe), all examples of such togetherness. kicking off with some fine 80′s soul&boogie delivered by two deep and soulful singers ‘the poet‘ & ‘lady marmalade‘ . musicologists that have been laying down quality almost 25 years before coming together on this one in 1984.
musicology #33
13 Oct 2007 6 Comments
in America, Sam Cooke, Soul Tags: mansweek, Sam Cooke mp3, Soul, soul music, streamingaudio, that's where it's at, themusicologist
mansweek day 6..
(Sam Cooke – That’s Where It’s At)
just realised that 33 was the age which this legend died at. so thats nailed it for themusicologist ..
Mr Soul step up and let the people know what we’re talking about.
musicology #32
12 Oct 2007 5 Comments
in America, Curtis Mayfield, Mod, Soul, themusicologist Tags: 1963, curtis mayfield, major lance, mansweek, Mod, OKeh 45, Soul, soul mp3, soul music, streamingaudio, themusicologist
mans week day 5
(Major Lance – Um, Um, Um, Um, Um, Um)
“Iiiiiiiiii just couldnt help myself, guess I was born with a curious mind,
Iasked this man just what did he mean when he moaned if he’d be so kind .. and he just go” …
the article mans tune. um, um, um, um, um, um .. I can only imagine what it would have been like to hear this one on the streets of London Town back in early1964, (Released in US, December 1963), maybe somewhere like The Scene for instance, (the first club of it’s type in London) or even The Disc’ .. 150% MOD tune .
must have heard it at least a 100 times over the years but NEVER fails to tremble me marrow. no surprise though as, again, it has father Curtis at the helm. Lyrics, choice of singer, arrangement. probably even played on the session such was his genius. not forgetting the contributions of Gerald Sims and of course Carl Davis who together with Curtis were most responsible for reviving OKeh’s fortune as well as leading the direction Soul took from 1962.
musicology #29
09 Oct 2007 5 Comments
in America, Soul, themusicologist Tags: brunswick 45, jackie wilson mp3, mansweek, Musicology, smokey robinson, Soul, soul mp3, soul music, streamingaudio, themusicologist
mansweek .. day 2
(Jackie Wilson – I Want Somebody)
if you’re out there listening …
of the ten most soulful singers of the twentieth century, this cat is pushing for top spot and there can be no greater compliment paid than the one below from one of the others on the list:
“Jackie Wilson turned out to be probably my greatest idol that I ever had, as far as an entertainer,” said Smokey Robinson. “Because to me, he had everything. Jackie was just a complete package. The other guys could sing, but Jackie could sing and dance and entertain. He was really just great. So I think I probably admired him more so than all the other guys.”
musicology #25
05 Oct 2007 7 Comments
in America, femalevocalsUSA, Soul Tags: 1973, Ann Peebles mp3, Hi mp3, ladiesweek, Soul, soul music, tear your playhouse down mp3, themusicologist
Day 5..
(Ann Peebles – Tear You Play House Down)
slipping and sliding into a deep soulful piece from 1973. recorded in Memphis for the HI label.
chaps..listen this keenly.
musicology #19
24 Sep 2007 8 Comments
in America, Curtis Mayfield, Mod, Soul Tags: 1962, communication, curtis mayfield, delilah mp3, major lance, Mod, Musicology, OKeh 45, Soul, soul mp3, soul music, themusicologist, universal language
(Delilah – Major Lance)
themusicologist is as much about the sharing of knowledge as the music itself. this fling is a fine example of what musicology means to me.
we were at a dear friends daughters second birthday bash, (happy birthday Nova), on Sunday and one of the guests was a beautiful baby girl whose name is this songs title.
of course as themusicologist there was only one thing to do and I enquired as to whether the child and parent were aware of the TOP tune I am about to throw down…as the answer was no I proposed to attach it to an email, (I would consider changing my name to be associated with such a slice of musicology), but this way it gives themusicologist a chance to indulge his passion for this singer, this particular tune and even more importantly the song writer/producer/musical genius whose message has been a constant inspiration throughout my whole life so without further ado .. this ones for you D*****H … from themusicologist.
musicology #10
03 Aug 2007 3 Comments
in 80's Boogie, America, Mod, Soul, themusicologist Tags: 1979, 80's Boogie, Kleeer mp3, Mod, musical communication, Musicology, Open Your Mind mp3, Soul, the universal robot band, themusicologist, winners
day3
(Kleeer – Open Your Mind)
I did say no philosophy but, things change…
still sticking with the pucker boogie..and letting music do the talking. but had to mix in a bit of spoken word……y’know !!
It’s the full 12″.. thought about editing out the sax solo out but it wouldnt be the same without it so it stays..feeling it strong and it’s all good.
musicology #72
11 Jan 2008 4 Comments
by themusicologist in America, Mod, Social Commentary, Soul, themusicologist Tags: 1964, 60's soul, chicago soul, curtis mayfield, Mod, newyearboogie, Soul, the impressions, themusicologist, vocal group
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.
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