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.
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.
doublebubble .. day6
(Womack & Womack – Woman)
If you like your soul straight up, no chaser this is one of them tunes that does all the talking .. lovers/haters hold this marrow trembling 4mins 17 seconds of 80’s soul duet heaven from Linda and Cecil and let the music be your guide…
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.
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 ..
doublebubble .. day3
(Bob & Marcia – Always Together)
one of themusicologists favourite duets. this time from 1970 and the island of Jamaica. epitomising the sound of late 60’s early 70’s reggae and one that many a genuine rudeboy/skinhead would have moved to down at El Partido.
I have 3 versions of this, the UK mix/the dancehall 12″ and this one which, after much deliberation is the one that has come out on top. I love the 12″ just as much but it’s more of a specialists cut, (9 mins long), made for playing ‘in the dance’….
the male singer in the duet is also the songwriter, (one of Jamaicas finest poets), and I would imagine, for this session at least, is heavily involved in arrangement, production and final mix down. no prizes for guessing that its yet another Studio1 production.
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 …
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.
Womack&Womack – Baby I’m Scared Of You
the musicologist can see a clearer path and has made resolutions.
for the next few weeks i’ll be throwing down 1 piece at a time,
(a.k.a the one tune technique), the reason:
a soundtrack for metamorphosis/change that I would love to share using the
universal language.
the time has come to make a move and I can only hope the music does the talking.
feeling it…… then lets trip back to the early 80’s and the days of Lois Jumbo’s, Diadora, Adidas, Fila , Pringle and Aquascutum sported with authentic mod panache whilst line dancing at the ‘Ly, Cinderellas, Samanthas, Gullivers and Flicks.
First up…one for the ladies out there…but don’t play man for cheap…and bear in mind that he need a little mo’ too…..
themusicologist 