musicology #533

Jamaica #13

(Dobby Dobson – Your New Love)

As 1968 came to an end so the Rocksteady evolved into the early Reggae retaining the essential flavours, (walking bassline and one drop percussion), but from my observations between 1969 and 1971 two, (almost), seperate identities emerged due, (as far as I am aware), to commercial pressure.

First there was the local sound system/dancehall market, (the lifeblood), to satisfy but also there was the export market which at the time meant England. Certain Mod/ernist’s, (or whatever you want to classify them as), took to Jamaican music straight away as early as 1962/3 and for some, (Steve Barrow for example), it turned into a lifetime’s commitment. These same hipsters seemed to embrace and recognise not only the musical quality but also the authenticity that for me is a critical aspect of Jamaican musicology. In many ways ‘Reggae’ has always been a commentary on the life and times of the sufferer and for some, (me included), that is magnetic. When I say sufferer I don’t just mean financial but also the emotional and just as importantly the social..

In England the Reggae captured a younger generation who had watched and listened as Soul, (and ‘Mod’), went overground which resulted in a look towards Jamaica for fresh inspiration. Contrary to popular belief, (and I have it on the authority of young Cats who were there), racism was not as much of an issue as has been portrayed. The universal language crosses all boundaries and the music of Jamaica spoke to both brown, black, pink and white as young kids connected through it.

I’m not sure about other parts of London but I do know that Reggae was BIG on the streets South of the River Thames in places such as Camberwell, Peckham, Brixton, New Cross, Deptford and Lewisham where Jamaicans settled. (Not forgetting Notting Hill, Shepherds Bush, Willesden and Harlesden of course). Was Jamaican music as prevalent in East and North London? I have no idea but for sure it reached out to many areas and not only in the Capital. Again I have no personal connection with Cities outside of London so I can’t comment but one look at the charts of the time shows that Jamaican music certainly had the potential to explode…

Feels a bit like I’m losing the focus so I’ll step out of the writing and on with the music otherwise i’m in danger of getting sidetracked by social history which as important as it is doesn’t really affect the quality of the music.

First up is an absolute classic from a singer who has already graced themusicologist with the original cut of ‘Loving Pauper’..Dobby Dobson. Can’t lay my hands on the 45 to credit the producer right now but I know it’s on Punch and the year of release was 1969

musicology #496

SoulBoy #15

(Sam And Dave – Goodnight Baby)

Staying on board the Soul Train for this week as there are far too many cuts and artists who have yet to be featured..Marvin Gaye, Bobby Womack, James Carr, Sam Cooke, Teddy Pendergrass, Al Green, Aaron Neville, Bobby Bland, Solomon Burke and on and on and on in fact a year still wouldn’t be long enough to dig deep into the Soul Cellar so another week is the LEAST I can do.

Too many pieces to choose from…must have lined up at least 5 cuts…just as I’m about to prepare one a next piece floats out of the speakers to distract my butterfly mind. So without further delay hold this piece from one of the great duets Sam Moore and Dave Prater. So electric were they on stage that Otis Redding refused to go on after them. 1965 release on the Stax Label.

musicology #487

SoulBoy #6

(Jackie Wilson – No Pity In The Naked City)

hmmm…themusicologist has been AWOL these last few days ! busy getting it all straightened out but the musicology is on constant playback in anticipation of hitting the right note. In truth I’m a bit lost for words at the moment but not for music and this one from Soul brother supreme Jackie Wilson is BOSS. For themusicologist Jackie is one of a handful of artists who personify the essence of Soul. Starting out with his performances as lead singer with Billy Wards Dominoes in 1953 right up to the 70’s Jackie was always trembling marrows with his vocal ability… and this is one of them.

musicology #384

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…

musicology #106

sixartist, sixtune, sixweekspecial #29

(The Style Council – With Everything To Lose)

penultimate slice from the Paul Weller tribute selection and the second of two from his time spent in the Style Council, (the Humble Pie years), along with Mick Talbot formaly of, (relatively unknown), UKPressure band the Merton Parkas and ‘keeping time’ the young Steve White, (didnt the Pie have an unknown young drummer?),

not suggesting that this was the way he planned it..just another example of synchronicity I suppose.

this cut taken from the album..Our Favourite Shop, (not only a great album but, for me, one of the best LP covers of all time !!), reminds me of having just left school and going on holiday in what was then called Yugoslavia. this album was the soundtrack for that holiday and the few months that surrounded it, (memories are made of this), there are at least six pieces on the album that could have been the final choice and there’s nothing between them so I just picked this one mainly for the lyrical content..

Paul Weller at his poetic best..telling it like it was, (and is still)

“From the playground to the wasteground, Hope ends at 17
Sweeping floors and filling shelves, Forced into government schemes
11 years spent to dig out ditches, Forget your schoolday dreams
Guarantees and lie-filled speeches, But nothings what it seems
Qualified and patronised and with everything to lose

No choice or chance for the future, The rich enjoy less tax
Dress the girls in pretty pink, The shit goes to the blacks
A generation’s heart torn out, And covered up the facts
The only thing they’ll understand Is a wall against their backs
The only hope now left for those, with everything to lose
with everything to lose, with everything to lose

In desperation empty eyes, Signed up and thrown away
There’s drugs replacing dignity, The short sharp shock repaid
There’ll be no money if you dare to question Working the Tory way
The truth is up there carved in stone, Where 21 dead now lay
A family’s loss for a few pounds saved, With everything to lose

With everything to lose, with everything to lose
With everything to lose, everything to lose…

lyrics Don Weller….lyrics.

message received, (in ’85), and understood.

musicology #88

sixartist, sixtune, sixweekspecial #11

(Humble Pie Feat Steve Marriott – Strange Days)

penultimate piece of musicology magic from Mr Marriott and friends…can’t believe it’s gone so quick.

one of the many things I ‘love’ about the geezahh is his obvious dedication and commitment to communicating using the ‘universal language’. Not only as a vocalist or musician, (could, and did, play most of them), but also as a performer.

most people can sing, (some can play instruments), but what seperates the legends from the rest of us is how they deliver…Steve Marriott delivers as good as anyone and deserves to be ranked in the uppermost branches of the musical tree so that the sun can shine on him from morning to night..

hold this piece of 1971 Rock, Rhythm&Blues from one of the great English bands..Humble Pie .. telling it like it is…quality piece of musicology. a Glyn Jones/Humble Pie production..lyrics courtesy of Steve Marriott.

musicology #86

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

musicology #72

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.

musicology #70

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 #66

Ike Turner Tribute #6 (Happy But Lonely – The Family Vibes)

last piece to send Ike off and one that for themusicologist does a perfect job of communicating the yin and yang of the cat..type of tune that themusicologist would like to go out to … in fact i’m adding it to my ‘funeral march’ playlist. taken from the 1972 album Strange Fruit. Ike on organ duty, letting it all hang out.

Ike, thanks for the music it’s what themusicologist will remember you for.

musicology #64

Ike Turner Tribute #4

(Ghetto Funk – Ike Turner & Kings Of Rhythm)

over the past few days themusicologist has been involved in some heated, (internet), debate regarding the paying of tribute to Ike..not going into it here but one comment suggested that nobody would even know who Ike was if it wasn’t for his riding on the back of Tina’s talent !! hmmm..

now it’s one thing to try and tear his life to shreds with all kinds of personal insults, (scum/bastard..etc), but to disrespect his musical contribution is unforgiveable…someone even stated that he had wasted his life? how do they think his family feel about this abuse, and, make no mistake it is abuse.

all themusicologist is able to comment on is his musical contribution, which is huge and great. so here’s another fine piece from Mr Turner this time at the birth of Funk…taken from the 1969 LP A Black Man’s Soul.

musicology #45

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

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

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 #34

mansweek day 7

(Aaron Neville – Tell It Like It Is)

BIG MAN tune. (almost left it out, too much choice), sure everybody out there knows it but themusicologist is NOT about rare, obscure tunes that nobody has heard .. appropriate tunes is what the I deal with and for mansweek there is no tune more so. one of them tunes that always leaves me wanting more than the 2mins:40.

“if you want something to play with, go and find yourself a toy, baby my time is too expensive..and I’m not a little boy”

chaps, hope you’re singing this one loud and clear. ladies..hope you’re listening.

musicology #32

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 #31

mansweek #4

(Paul Weller  – Down In The Seine – Live in Dublin 2001)

this artist/poet/legend has been a guide since 1977 when, as a 9 year old, themusicologist was presented with ‘In The City’. as far as im concerned this cat is second to none.

the amount of times his words, music and actions have been an inspiration are beyond counting and for that I would like to give thanks. as large as Curtis, Marvin, Bobby and Sam.

musicology #20

Barbara George – I Know 

staring down the barrel of a 3 week musicology theme, themusicologist is slipping in this request from theagingmod, (comment on #19), recorded in 1961 for the a.f.o label in New Orleans just as the tide was turning from the traditions of R&B into the sweet sound of Soul.

also ties in musicologically with the next 3 weeks selection,

week1. hereby known as ‘ladies week’ (a tune a day sung by and for the ladies)

week2. hereby known as ‘fellas week’

week3.hereby known as ‘double bubble week’ (duets)

starting Mondays, ending Sundays…keep it locked.

agingmod…this ones for you.

musicology #19

(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

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.