Soul Generation -- In Your Way / Citations -- Hey Mr. Love

Sawyer and I just were talking about the Soul Generation, and I thought I should eventually post the track I have saved on my desktop for quite some time now. I also found Hey, Mr. Love in my library from a group named The Citations. I think it might be a song by The Soul Generation from their early days when the called themselves The Citations. So, I will post that one too.

In Your Way / Hey Mr. Love

LimeLinx: In Your Way / Hey Mr. Love

Get their Collectables album here.

Reggae Sunday at S.O.T.S

Acting Strange -- David Isaacs (More David Isaacs here.)

Babe and Suckling --  The Gladiators

Broadway Jungle -- Toots and The Maytals

Kinky Griner - Prince Buster 

Carolina -- Prince Buster

Enjoy!

LimeLinx

Barbara Lewis -- Sho Nuff (It's Got To Be Your Love)

Barbara Lewis was as beautiful as she was talented. 

Enjoy! 

LimeLinx

Every artist has his or her song that will always be their trademark. No doubt, for Barbara Lewis' it was her  Hello Stranger. She had written the title herself, and in 1963 this piece of sophisticated  seduction got lots of air time on radio stations -- and had made it into the pop charts. (The background vocals are by The Dells, btw.) But today, I'll post a not so popular song by her. 

Unfortunately, Barbara Lewis became one of the many artists who got swindled out of her fair share in her work. According to a bio on Pop History Dig "... despite her talents, Lewis’s share of the rewards for her music was not what it should have been, especially in the early years.  When she began her career, she was naïve about the business side of her music, and executives got most of the money.  Some of her royalty checks were sent to fictitious persons.  At one point, Lewis was given a check for $500, with her handlers telling her it was the best they could do."

In case you don't have at least a Best of Barbara Lewis yet, get it here.

"Sir" Joe Quarteman and Free Soul -- So Much Trouble In My Mind / You Know It's True

Oy! I think it's time for me to quit this blogging thing. I keep finding notes all over the house (and now in my purse, too) with artists and song titles I've heard somewhere, sometime. I must have heard this title  when I was on the go. But I'm not sure, I think I actually heard it at Felix Hernandez Rhythm Revue ...  Taking notes at home, maybe while I am on the computer is okay. But jotting names down while I am "away from my desk" is a borderline obsessive, I fear.

Nevertheless, I followed up on the note: Joe Quarterman/So Much Trouble -- and was rewarded with a great find. I found an album, vintage 1973 by an artist that deserves attention. This is some fine Funk with its roots in James Brown's work.

This album addresses the social issues of the seventies, presenting modern American history in a package with contemporar music history. The group and album need to be re-introduced to today's Soul/Funk scene!

 Enjoy!

Lime Linx

Doing my little research thingy, I found out that the group has a few more albums out. From their How High CD is the title You Know It's True, which could/should have been a dance hit. How High has some   outstanding material to offer besides a handful mediocre recordings. Occasionally, you'll find a song like You Know It's True where you may wonder if it's a remake or just a sound-alike. Do I know that song from KC and The Sunshine Band? Kool and The Gang? 
That said, however, all in all the group is definitely underrated. Yours old Raggedy says: Get their albums!


A group named Fred Leslie's Missing Link has recorded So Much Trouble ... Does anyone around here has a copy of their version, maybe? I also think I have heard Eli Paperboy Reed performing the piece -- not sure about it though, and I can't find anything by him. Help! It's driving me crazy not to know. 

Happy Friday!

Francine Reed -- Wild Women Don't Get The Blues (Vid.)

This is what I love about blogging: There are always people around who know artists I've never heard about. It just so happened that Marc sent me that wonderful For Your Precious Love cover by Francine Reed. And I was fascinated by her voice -- intoxicated even. So, I went hunting for more info about and music by her.
Here is a short bio from the Arizona Blues Hall of Fame website and a YouTube clip that convinced me that I need to change ... I think I should be a wild woman from now on. lol No more Blues and such. Sounds good, huh.

Al Green -- Keep On Pushing Love

Soultaker and I were listening to the Maurice Watts' Love zone Friday night, and one of the songs he played was Al Green's Keep On Pushing Love. I had to confess that there was yet another Al Green song I didn't know ... This man's repertoire is simply too vast for one person to become fully acquainted with.
Your old Raggedy, of course, went looking for that track immediately. What I found out was that it is from Al Green's 1995 Your Heart's In Good Hands album -- and that there are even more beautiful songs on the album. Al sounds as fresh and authentic as on any of his early releases.

Get it!

Enjoy!

LimeLinx

Chameleon -- Mysteryoso

I love me some heavy bass. And if I can feel its vibrations in my stomach -- it's perfect.  I know there are some of you who appreciate that type of music too: The Funk!

So let's funk it up today with a nice instrumental by Chameleon. 

Give me some bass please!

Enjoy!  

LimeLinx

More Info on the group.

The Controllers -- Heaven Is Only One Step Away

How was the weekend, people? I had one of those "extreme relaxed" Sundays, meaning spending most of the day in my pj's, trying to convince myself that leaving the house would be a good idea. Well, suffice it to say that I had little success ...

The Controllers started out in Alabama as the Epics in 1965, changing their name to The Soul Controllers in 1970 and finally calling themselves The Controllers.

" Reginald and Larry McArthur, Lenard Brown, and Ricky Lewis formed the lineup, and were especially effective on heartache ballads, though they also did competent up-tempo dance numbers. They relocated to Miami in the late '70s and began recording for Juana. Frederick Knight produced some of their material, including the 1977 debut LP Somebody's Gotta Win, Somebody's Gotta Lose. They enjoyed moderate success with other Juana singles and LPs, though both "Heaven Is Only One Step Away" and "We Don't" were outstanding performances. They moved to MCA in 1984. Stevie Wonder made a guest appearance on harmonica for their first MCA single, "Crushed," which reached number 30 on the R&B charts. Their biggest MCA hit was "Stay," which peaked at number 12 in 1986. They moved to Capitol in 1988, issuing Just in Time that year."  (Allmusic.com,  Ron Wynn)

Enjoy!

LimeLinx 

P.S.: Those who don't mind the rather synthetic sound of the 80's, the group's album "Stay" would probably be a nice find. I love the singing, but the music is def. a big turn-off for me.

Reggae Sunday!

A bagful of Reggae to  make the gloomiest mood go away!

Comes and Goes -- The Melodians

Thunderball -- The Upsetters

So Long Baby -- The Marvels 

Enjoy!

Limelinx

For Your Precious Love Covers (Tracks)

Well .. there wasn't much interest in contributing cover versions of this wonderful love song. If it hadn't been for Marc, I would have had no submissions at all.
I know. I know. My followers are lazy. Anyway,  here are three of the most beautiful covers I've ever heard.
Big thanks to Marc!

Vernon Guy from the Ike and Tina Turner Revue - Live! album (I think this is my favorite.)
The Hi-Lites. Perfect background harmony.
Francine Reed feat. William Bell (live) This woman has such a powerful voice -- I love it! And, of course, William Bell's voice never fails to touch me. (So many memories.)

Bonus:
Byron Lee and The Dragonaires -- because I simply cannot pass a Reggae tune ... It makes my heart sing and my feet dance.

Enjoy!

FileFactory

AudioBlog#20 -- Is This Really ...?

I got the  idea for this audioblog when I stumbled upon to an early recording by one of my favorite singers. At first I thought the song was simply mislabeled -- but it turned out, it was not. The voice on the early recording was so very different from what I was used to -- it was simply amazing. Of course, I kept searching for similarly puzzling recordings, and I will post a few of them here.
 I will not give you a playlist today. If I did, the whole enterprise wouldn't be fun ... I will post the individual tracks, though.

Alright. Here we go:

DivShare

LimeLinx

File Factory

Juke Boy Bonner -- I'm In The Big City

Blues on Thursday  bLueS oN thUrsdAy  Blues on Thursday

I just found him while surfing the Tube ... and I'm In The Big City I definitely like. It's from his album Life Gave Me A Dirty Deal, (Arhoolie Records, 1993). This is my kind of Blues. Nice pace, neat harp, and a crisp guitar ...

Enjoy!

LimeLinx

The Appointments -- Sweet Daddy

Hm ... There's not much to offer in terms of info about this group.  If anyone knows more about The Appointments, please share the info with us. All I know is that I listen to it quite often -- volume turned way up. This is as perfect a mood mender as they come. Try it! 

Raggedy's Rx:

Enjoy!

LimeLinx

Archie Walker -- I'm Asking Forgiveness / A Change Is Near

Archie Walker is one of the artists who only seemed to have released a handful recordings. I think it is  regrettable not to have more material available by this artist. It certainly would have been interesting to hear how his voice had changed over time.
His voice may not be exceptional, but in its modesty (for the lack of a better expression) it is touching me. He's not trying to impress his audience, but is singing his song as if he were by himself -- in the shower, maybe?
I found the tracks -- of course -- at Sir Shambling's.  At first, I was going to post only I'm Asking Forgiveness, but A Change Is Near definitely deserves to be posted too. The song's title already hints at the original it is based upon: Sam Cooke's A Change Will Come. The latter song's musical arrangement is no doubt brilliant -- I especially love the guitar.

Now, get an earful of that sweet 60's sound of Archie Walker. 

Enjoy!

Lime Linx

Arnie Love and The Lovelettes -- Me Myself and I

Today's track is from the 1981 album Invisible Wind by Arnie Love and The Lovelettes (P-Vine Japan).

Enjoy!

LimeLinx

Reggae Sunday

Playlist:

Love And Affection -- Bob Marley and The Wailers (Birth of a Legend)

We Need Love -- Johnny Osbourne

Love is a Treasure -- Freddie McKay

Enjoy!

LimeLinx

ZZ Hill -- The Greatest Love

I admit I never knew this side of ZZ Hill. For the longest time I thought of him in terms of watered down Blues songs. Well, I just found a soft and silky Southern Soul piece by  him on the Kent Southern Soul Brothers album presenting Clay Hammond and ZZ Hill. I have listened to the song at least five times since I dug it out. I guess that means I really like it, and that's why I want to share it with you.

If you like Southern Soul, you should get the Cd -- and if you haven't heard of Clay Hammond yet, you're destined to discover an awesome vocalist in the best of Sam Cooke tradition. 

Get the CD here.

Enjoy!

LimeLinx

AudioBlog#19 -- Pain

Sadly enough, this audioblog was inspired by the horrible deed of a through and through evil person in Tuscon Arizona. Six people's lives ended in the line of fire of this vile and disgusting person; 13 more people got hurt.
It's not very difficult for me to imagine the pain of those who have lost a beloved person. But I also know that over time the pain will become more bearable. I hope and wish that the wounds of those left mourning will someday heal.

Playlist:

Pain Is The Name Of Your Game -- Urel Thomas

Hard Pain Blues -- T-Bone Walker

I'll Erase Your Pain Away --Whatnauts

Audience For My Pain -- Sam Moore

I Didn't Know The Meaning Of Pain -- Otis Clay

Listen

LimeLinx

Willie Hutch -- Stormy Monday

Blues On Thursday     Blues On Thursday

Today's track is from Willie Hutch's 1976  album Concert in Blues (Motown) 

The excellent pianist is Harold Johnson.

Find the album here.

Enjoy!

LimeLinx

For Your Precious Love Versions

I just found another cover of "For Your Precious Love" -- one of the most beautiful love songs that ever have been sung.

I would like to ask you to help me expand the collection of versions I have been able to acquire so far. Here are the versions I have in my library:

The Flames

The Invitations

The Rolling Stones

James Brown

Linda Jones

The Impressions

Jerry Butler (of course)

Garnet Mimms

Roy Hamilton

Otis Redding

Oscar Toney

Geater Davis

Please send your version to:  btexpress944@gmail.com

Update: Jan. 14th

((Marc)) contributed the following cover versions:
David Allan Coe
Don Bryant
Francine Reed feat. William Bell (live)
Jackie Wilson and Count Basie
Johnnie Taylor
Little Johnny Taylor
The Hi Lites
The Laurels
Vernon Green and The Medallions
Many thanks for these fantastic tracks!

I dug out the following covers:
Aaron Neville
Buddy Miles live

Update Jan. 15th
Francine Reed (studio) Passion, fire, power.
Southside Johnny (Smooth and silky)
The Marcels (Fantastic acappella version)
The Impressions (1981) (Doesn't really work for me)
Barbara Mason (Beautiful, simply beautiful)
Byron Lee and The Dragonairs (Makes the heart sing and dance!)
Gene Vincent (Different somehow)

I dug out the following covers:

Aaron Neville

Buddy Miles live

***
Concerning my complaint about the lack of participation, I had some people call me impatient. They say I expect too much too soon from my blog friends. So, let's wait a little longer and see if there will be more submissions in the next days.

Update Jan. 22, 2011
I've posted my favorites here.
In addition, Marc sent me 3 more versions. 

Clay Hammond -- The Good Side Of My Girl

I am in the mood for a voice resembling Sam Cooke's set against a backdrop of a soft guitar, a moaning harp, interspersed with the sound of a Hammond organ. Top the whole thing with perfect female background vocals and a driving drum beat showing the song its direction. I could have said I am in the mood for some Southern Soul -- but that just won't do it.

For a comprehensive discography please go here.

Enjoy!

LimeLinx

24 Carat Black -- Poverty's Paradise

Today I'm going to post a true masterpiece of music. It's the type of song that keeps you listening from the beginning to the end despite it's extreme length. I definitely like every minute of it. Not only is the musical arrangement exquisite, but also the lyrics are effective.
Poverty's Paradise is from Ghetto: Misfortunes Wealth, an album by a little known group called 24 Carat Gold. It was first released in 1973 on the Stax label. The classical training of Dale Warren, who composed the string scores for this superb album, shows throughout the entire recording.
He discovered the group when they still called themselves the Ditalians and convinced them to change their name to The 24-Carat Black. The album, despite its high quality, was not successful. Later, however, it was highly valued by Hip-Hop artists for sampling purposes. In 1995, Ghetto: Misfortunes Wealth was released in CD format.

Raggedy's recommendation: Get It.

Enjoy!

LimeLinx

W. A. Mozart -- Requiem Mass in D Minor

Out of respect for the victims of the Tuscon massacre, I will not post today. My heart is heavy; and in my mind the words "nine-year-old" child keep repeating themselves. I am deeply sorry for the victims and their families. And I am deeply ashamed for America: this is no longer the land of the free and the home of the brave. It has turned into the land of  savages and cowards. 

May the victims R.I.P. and may their loved ones find consolation and peace of mind someday.

Soultaker's Treasure Chest - Good Hennessy Music

Posted By Soultaker

I hope everyone had a safe holiday. I'm glad everything is back to normal and that I made it through the madness. Actually I had a great New Years. Got to give a shout out to DJ Prestige as he was DJing down at The Annex in Asbury Park. Me and my lady went down and brought in the New Year with him. Had a great time dancing to the tasty joints he was spinning and enjoying the overall good vibe down there. Check out his blog Flea Market Funk as he has plenty great mixes of his own there.

I've been in a Mellow My Man type vibe lately. Meaning I like to partake in one of my favorite beverages, in this case, some Hennessy and listen to some slow music. It could be some jazz or often times some good soul music. So today I'm going to give you a sample of what I call Some Good Hennessy Music.

So Grab Your Favorite Drink, Click Here And Enjoy

1. She's Lonely - Bill Withers - Columbia
2. Who's It Gonna Be - Honey Cone - Hot Wax
3. So Soon We Change - David Ruffin - Warner Bros.
4. Wind, Blow Her Back My Way - Syl Johnson - Hi
5. Don't Change Me Now - Mavis Staples - Volt
6. For Your Precious Love - The Invitations - Silver Blue Records
7. The Bitter End - Howard Tate - Atlantic
8. Castles Of Sand - Jermaine Jackson - Motown

LimeLinx

Theo Peoples Special

It looks as if the rumors are no longer rumors, but have turned out to be true. Theo Peoples is no longer with the Four Tops.

He joined The Temptations in 1992, replacing Richard Street. In 1998 Theo left the group and took Levi Stubbs' place in the Four Tops -- a daunting task for even the most accomplished vocalist. Levi's   naturally passionate singing simply can neither be duplicated nor replicated.

Theo Peoples, however, is without a doubt, one of the greatest, most soulful singers around. In addition to his excellent vocal skills he oozes stylishness and has the charisma so typical for each and every Temptation who has ever graced the stages of this world. (Yeah, yeah ... I'm getting carried away again.)
Anyway, I thought this news would be the perfect occasion to  post a  Theo Peoples Special. And, of course, to wish him all the best for his new career.

Those of you who are not familiar with Theo's solo material, I urge to check it out.

So, let's start with a video clip of him and the Queen

I always considered Theo being in the wrong place with the Four Tops; Theo, in my opinion, is a singer whose talent cannot be fully exhibited through the Motown material that the Tops usually perform. He belongs to another genre and another generation. 

This is the material that is Theo's forte.

From The Temptations' For Lovers Only

And here's the man live -- Smooooooooth ... Soulful ... Theo



Finally,  the title track from his album Chemistry ... You And Me (2004)

Enjoy!
LimeLinx

Skip Mahoaney -- Your Funny Moods

Friday!

And the pick of the day is a slow jam with lots of feeling and of long duration. Funny Moods was the A-side of Skip Mahoaney and The Casuals' first 45 recording, and it became the title song of the group's firs LP  (D.C. International Records, 1974).  Their second album was, Land of Love, followed in 1976. (AVI released both their LP's on a single CD in 1995) More info about the group. 

Enjoy!

LimeLinx

Big Lucky Carter -- Hurricane Blues (and an Interview)

BLUES ON THURSDAY  BLUES ON THURSDAY 


Take it from one who's been there: oral history.

Enjoy!
LimeLinx

Obituary

Charles Bradley -- Lovin' You Baby

It was difficult to pick only one track from this fantastic album. Some of the songs are strongly reminiscent of the great James Brown, and I think neither the Menahan Street Band nor Charles Bradley is trying to hide this fact. The album is a monument to true music: horns, drums, guitars, hammond organ ...  And of course it showcases one of the few soulful voices that are left for us hardcore soul fans to admire. 

Yours old Raggedy strongly suggests to get this album; there is not one filler track among the 12 tracks on the album. Daptone has done it again. 

I am posting one of my instant favorites from the CD.

Charles Bradley and The Menahan Street Band, Lovin' You, Baby (Dunham Records, 2011)

Enjoy!  (Link fixed)

LimeLinx

Bio (Also: In Why Is It So Hard, track 10, Charles Bradley sings about his life experience.) 

Willie John Ellison -- Lost The Will To Live

More info: here and here

Enjoy!

LimeLinx

Don't you love the guitar? 

Sydney Rodgers -- Child From A Broken Home / Don't Throw Stones / Raggy Raggy Clothes

Reggae on a Monday is quite as good as Reggae on a Sunday. Isn't it? 

 Sidney Rodgers (Miracle Worker, 1974):

Child From A Broken Home

Don't Throw Stones

Raggy Raggy Clothes 

Enjoy!

LimeLinx
Files

Hearts Of Stone -- It's A Lonesome Road

I'm not one who gives much advice -- mainly because I could use some of it myself. But this piece of advice is quite safe because proven and true: Steer clear from hearts of stone ... they'll send you on a lonesome road littered with heartache and hurt and regrets. 

LimeLinx

Happy New Year!

To all my followers and readers and friends: I wish you a happy new year and that at some point during 2011 you'll be the one singing "the dream I had came true." 

I also start the new year with a new color scheme, hoping that life will be a vibrant, colorful, and daring an experience as the fuchsia/pink color combination I've picked. 

Let's start 2011 on a hope-filled message -- in a song of course.

The Dream I Had Came True, Dicky and Billy

Enjoy
LimeLinx