Showing posts with label 70's Soul. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 70's Soul. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Billy Preston -- I'm Really Gonna Miss You
I'm not really the biggest Billy Preston fan, but some of his songs, I do love. One of these is today's pick. You'll find the track on his Ultimate Collection CD.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
William Bell -- Get It While It's Hot
From the Stax-Volt Complete Soul Singles Vol. 3: 1972 -1975 (BoxSet) is today's pick. William Bell has played a major role in creating the Stax-Volt sound as a singer as well as songwriter. In the later 50's, before he began his work with Stax in 1961, he was a member of the Del Rios.
His warm and smooth tenor voice turned any song into a special delivery, and his son writing skills show, for example, in Chuck Jackson's hit Any Day Now which was co-written by William Bell. Any Day Now was issued by William first, though, after the success of his initial release You Don't Miss Your Water.
If you don't own any William Bell albums, I encourage you to check out his material.
His warm and smooth tenor voice turned any song into a special delivery, and his son writing skills show, for example, in Chuck Jackson's hit Any Day Now which was co-written by William Bell. Any Day Now was issued by William first, though, after the success of his initial release You Don't Miss Your Water.
If you don't own any William Bell albums, I encourage you to check out his material.
LimeLinx
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
The Four Mints -- You're My Desire
The Four Mints are from Columbus, Ohio where they recorded for Bill Moss’ Capsoul Records. You're My Desire was their first single, and it was written by their lead singer Ben "Pete" Caldwell. It should have been more successful in my opinion than it was.
“Row My Boat,” their next release, would become their biggest success and was an audience favorite at the group's love performances. For a while, it looked as though they were on the right track to being successful because "Row Your Boat" resulted in their first and only LP in 1973 ("Gently Down Your Stream").
“Row My Boat,” their next release, would become their biggest success and was an audience favorite at the group's love performances. For a while, it looked as though they were on the right track to being successful because "Row Your Boat" resulted in their first and only LP in 1973 ("Gently Down Your Stream").
(Bill Moss reissued the LP on CD in 1995, as The Original Four Mints.) The group also began touring nationally. But when their third single, "Can't Get Strung Out," failed to even get off the ground, the Four Mints gave up their dream of a break through.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
The Manhattans -- Devil In The Dark
No doubt, The Manhattans are the right choice if one wants to create a "certain" atmosphere. And when I've first heard this song, I was wondering, if there ever was a love song these guys didn't turn into the epitome of lovers in love.
Devil In The Dark is from their 1979 album Love Talk (Columbia Records)
Friday, February 25, 2011
Webster Lewis -- Go For It
How about some music to dance to? On a Friday that seems to be the natural choice.
This tune is from Webster Lewis's 8 For The 80's album (1979)
The man has a Master's degree from the New England Conservatory of Music, yet Webster Lewis's best known recordings are his mid/late 70's disco tunes. In my opinion, he is a terrific pianist/keyboardist who should have been able to establish himself in the Jazz genre. Instead he worked in the background in various positions.
The most notable musician he's worked with are Barry White, Michael Jackson, Tom Jones, and Herbie Hancock, to name a few.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
E(a)rnest Jackson -- Why Can't I Love Somebody
(Picture from Ernest Jackson's website.)
According to Sir Shambling's, Ernest Jackson most likely came from the same place he produced all his recordings: Baton Rouge. His late 60's material was released by BOFUZ, while it was the Stone label that released his 70's cuts. In the 80's, Ernest Jackson had signed with Royal Shield.
Despite his obvious talent, he never made it to the top -- where he definitely belonged. Alas, listen yourself and tell me why a voice like Ernest's should be known only to a few lucky music lovers?
Apparently, the artist is working at a restaurant in Baton Rouge, where he's not only waiting but also singing.
Today's pick is from 1974.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Denise LaSalle -- Trying To Forget
Denise is best known for her Southern Soul recordings focusing on extramarital issues, so to speak. She, like Millie Jackson, got stuck in a rut, singing about the rather unsavory aspects of love and love-like relationships. Nevertheless, I love both of these singers for their great voices. After all, music not only offers the means to escape from reality but often it also portrays quite accurately the not so glorious sides of life.
Today's pick is from Denise LaSalle's album Here I Am Again (1975). On this song she showcases her ability to control her strong, expressive voice, presenting a softer, less raw style than she usually applies to her material.
I just love her.
Today's pick is from Denise LaSalle's album Here I Am Again (1975). On this song she showcases her ability to control her strong, expressive voice, presenting a softer, less raw style than she usually applies to her material.
I just love her.
Friday, January 28, 2011
"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!
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.
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!
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!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Sunday, January 2, 2011
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.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
The Ebonys -- Mr. Me , Mrs. You
The Ebonys will forever be remembered for their unforgettable Forever -- a song I can listen to all day long without ever tiring of hearing it. Of course, what makes that song so attractive is the raw, emotional, gritty lead voice. And I believe it's exactly this distinct lead voice that keeps the song from becoming kitschy. Well ... The Ebonys were not very successful, and there's actually only one other song, You're The Reason Why, that achieved similar recognition than Forever; it climbed to #10 on the R'nB charts in 1971.
You're The Reason Why, (Ebonys, PIR 1971)
The pick of today is a song from their second album, Sing About Life (Buddah, 1976.) It's not a song that could be described as exceptional, but it is a nice Philly tune ... And yours ol' Raggedy likes it a lot.
You're The Reason Why, (Ebonys, PIR 1971)
The pick of today is a song from their second album, Sing About Life (Buddah, 1976.) It's not a song that could be described as exceptional, but it is a nice Philly tune ... And yours ol' Raggedy likes it a lot.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Haze -- I Do Love My Lady (rare, obscure)
This title is from a 1974 album by a group that had been forgotten for decades. One day, a lucky vinyl collector DJ got her hands on it -- and voila! Here is a beautiful track from a resurrected album.
If you'd like to read the whole story, please go here.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Syl Johnson -- Come On Home
Syl Johnson, one of the most versatile soulmen, has just recently released a box set that has fans celebrate his music with a dedication and fervor rarely seen before. That they do comes as no surprise to me: Syl combined the best qualities of blues and soul and R'nB in one and the same person.Today's pick is from his 1975 album, Total Explosion (London Records.)
You have to watch this one!
The man himself unpacking the box set
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Luther Vandross -- I'll Get Along Fine
From one of Luther's two pre-soloist album Luther comes this track. Again, I have to thank ((Soultaker)) for pointing out this gem of an album to me. (Also see my previous post.)
R.I.P Luther
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Sly, Slick and Wicked -- When The Morning Comes
John F. Wilson (Sly), Charles Still (Slick) and Marc Sexton (Wicked) founded their group in 1970 in Cleveland, Ohio. Their Stay My Love got Paramount Records interested, and in March 1971 they got signed to the label. Heavily promoted by Paramount as the "hottest newest group," Stay My Love made it to # 1 on different charts. Nevertheless, Marc Sexton left the group at that time and Terry Stubbs replaced him.
In 1973 James Brown, having heard the group's debut single as well as its follow-up, It's Not Easy, made them part of his "First Family of Soul." He then produced Sho Nuff, a song written by the group; this song's success lead to an invitation to appear on Soul Train by the mighty Don Cornelius.
Sho Nuff, (People Records, 1973)
In 1974 they changed labels again, signing with the O'Jays owned Shaker Records. Once again, they released a hit with Turn On Your Lovelight. When Motown called via the Ju-par subsidiary, they of course moved again. There, in 1976, they released their first album Sly, Slick and Wicked. A second album for the label has never been released since Ju-par folded right after the first album had come out.
When they released All I Want Is You in 1979 for Epic, Sly, Slick and Wicked's star was already dimming.
The group kept performing into the 2000's while its members worked as songwriters and producers for such greats as the O'Jays, Janet Jackson (not so great lol) and Barry White.
The group clearly shows a way too obvious attempt to sound like the O'Jays -- which was not a good idea, in my opinion, simply because nobody will ever be able to come anywhere close to Walter Williams or Eddie LeVert.
In 1973 James Brown, having heard the group's debut single as well as its follow-up, It's Not Easy, made them part of his "First Family of Soul." He then produced Sho Nuff, a song written by the group; this song's success lead to an invitation to appear on Soul Train by the mighty Don Cornelius.
Sho Nuff, (People Records, 1973)
In 1974 they changed labels again, signing with the O'Jays owned Shaker Records. Once again, they released a hit with Turn On Your Lovelight. When Motown called via the Ju-par subsidiary, they of course moved again. There, in 1976, they released their first album Sly, Slick and Wicked. A second album for the label has never been released since Ju-par folded right after the first album had come out.
When they released All I Want Is You in 1979 for Epic, Sly, Slick and Wicked's star was already dimming.
The group kept performing into the 2000's while its members worked as songwriters and producers for such greats as the O'Jays, Janet Jackson (not so great lol) and Barry White.
The group clearly shows a way too obvious attempt to sound like the O'Jays -- which was not a good idea, in my opinion, simply because nobody will ever be able to come anywhere close to Walter Williams or Eddie LeVert.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Carrie Cleveland -- Love Will Set You Free
Wednesday needs to be a happy, hopping day.
Now this song gets me out of my chair and has me dance ... It's got that fantastic beat, and Carrie Cleveland's voice is captivating. Isn't it?
Thursday, October 28, 2010
The Temptations -- I Need You
This is one of the best Temptations album, in my opinion. Unfortunately, most of the songs are not heard very often nowadays. 1990 was originally released in 1973. The remastered originals CD came out in 2006. The lineup was MelvinFranklin, Otis Williams, Dennis Edwards, Richard Street and Damon Harris.
Damon sings lead on I Need You
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Jimmy Lewis -- How Long Is A Heartache Supposed To Last
Today's pick is one of those obscure songs that most of us would never have discovered were it not for such great music blogs as Funk My Soul If you want to get the album, hurry over to the site and d/l it. (Don't forget to be nice, though, and say thank you to Nikos and his crew.)
The album is from 1974 and combines different shades of soul with a heavy slant towards the Deep Soul side ...
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Frederick Knight -- Take Me On Home Witcha
Frederick Knight's ist best known for his catchy song I've Been Lonely For So Long (Stax, 1972) From the homonymous album is today's song Take Me On Home Witcha. Music won't get more 70's like this song.
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