More Potatoes, Please

I've been stretching my belly all year in preparation for the marathon of gluttony that is Thanksgiving. Starting early with Bloody Marys and copious amounts of tryptophan will ensure I'll be asleep on my brother's couch by 6 pm. Because I'll be too busy chewing, I present my Thanksgiving post today with a spotlight on my favorite side dish. Have a great holiday!

Big Bill Broonzy & Washboard Sam: Diggin' My Potatoes

Ok, I know in the blues world "potatoes" are rarely potatoes but this is just slightly more subtle than "squeeze my lemon 'til the juice runs down my leg". Performed with a classic skiffle style this version can be tracked down on the 1953 Chess release Big Bill Broonzy & Washboard Sam.

James Brown: (Do The) Mashed Potatoes, Pt. 1

Here's and early jam from James Brown in tribute to his favorite dance at the time. Recorded at an outside record label (Dade) in 1959, the track was credited to Nat Kendrick & The Swans to avoid contract issues with Mr. Brown's King label. Local DJ Carlton "King" Coleman is screaming the specials of the day which was overdubbed to hide JB's original vocals although his "Yeah"s are still audible. If you don't have Star Time by now I feel for you.

Maurice Simon And The Pie Men: Sweet Potato Gravy

Another instrumental to help with digestion. Find this on BGP's 2002 compilation SuperFunk3.

Coffy Is The Color

A blaxploitation masterpiece on par with Curtis Mayfield's Superfly and Isaac Hayes' Shaft, Roy Ayers' soundtrack for the 1973 Pam Grier vehicle Coffy remains one of the most intriguing and evocative film scores of its era or any other. Ayers' signature vibes create atmospheres and textures quite distinct from your average blaxploitation effort, embracing both heavy, tripped-out funk (Brawling Broads) and vividly nuanced soul-jazz (Aragon). The vocal numbers are no less impressive, in particular the rapturous opening cut, Coffy Is the Color. Richly cinematic grooves, as inventive and cohesive as any of Ayers' vintage Ubiquity LPs. Check It Out!

Roy Ayers: Coffy Is The Color

Roy Ayers: Aragon

Roy Ayers: Brawling Broads

Hang On In There

Mike James Kirkland: Hang On In There

Released in 1972, Kirkland's epic track strongly echoes Marvin Gaye's What's Going On released just a year earlier in both subject and sound. This too often overlooked singer soars on this his second of a masterful pair of releases for MCA. You can find the re release by Luv N' Haight here.

Spooky Time

Sorry it's been so long since I've posted anything here. I've been having some storage/download issues. The blog's getting more popular than I expected which couldn't make me happier.
Halloween is my favorite times of year and I've got a few tunes to spice up your Halloween parties. Dig these!

Dusty Springfield: Spooky

You gotta love Dusty's cool delivery on this track from 1968. Originally recorded by Classics IV, I think Dusty's version is the definitive one. You can find it on the re-release of Dusty....Definitely.

Nina Simone: I Put A Spell On You

Something about Nina Simone's voice makes this cover completely eerie. While the Screamin' Jay Hawkins original is comical, this version is dead serious. Supposedly The Beatles got the bridge for Michelle after hearing this tune. You can find this track on Nina's great 1965 release I Put A Spell On You.

Frank De Jo Jo: Turn Off The Lights

This cover of the Larry Young's 1975 sexual classic takes on a whole new scary vibe at Halloween. This track is taken from Ubiquity's first Rewind! compilation.

Pledging My Love

Here's a special happy birthday post for my wife Alisen.

Aretha Franklin: Pledging My Love/The Clock

Here's one Alisen hasn't heard yet. It's a beautiful cover from the brand new Rhino collection entitled....(take a deep breath)...Aretha Franklin Rare & Unreleased Recordings from the Golden Reign of The Queen of Soul. This collection a real treasure and a must own for any fan of soul music.

James Brown: For Once In My Life

One of my wife and my's many favorites taken from JB's 1970 big band explosion Soul On Top. It's tough to beat Stevie's original but Mr. Brown sure comes close.

The Soul of John Lennon

There is no greater tragedy in music than the loss of John Lennon in 1980. His music and message of peace and love will go on forever as will his remarkable musical legacy. Today would be his 67th birthday and I've selected just a few soulful covers to show the wide influence his music has had. John Lennon is truly missed and the world was a better place with him in it.

Junior Parker: Tomorrow Never Knows

One of John's first "trippy" songs from 1966's Revolver LP is soulfully covered by Memphis bluesman Junior Parker. You can find this haunting rendition on 1971's Love Ain't Nothin But a Business Goin' On.

The Brothers Johnson: Come Together

Here's a somewhat slick, but definitely funky cover of John's Abbey Road composition. You can find this track on The Brothers' 1976 LP Look Out For #1.

Jackie Robinson: In My Life

This is a tune I often turn to to remind me of John Lennon's genius. It never fails to move me and Jackie Robinson sweet vocals captures the nostalgia of the lyrics. You can find this track on Trojan's uneven Beatles Tribute Box Set.

A Rainy Day with Ms. James

Leela James: When You Love Somebody

Leela James' 2005 debut LP A Change Is Gonna Come is stellar. Singing well beyond her years Leela lets it all out on this heart ripper.

Etta James: Take It To The Limit

This track from 1994's Live From San Francisco proves what a great singer can do. I'll honestly tell anyone who asks "I HATE THE F_in' EAGLES!" but what Etta does here is simply astonishing. She actually makes me rethink my entire anti-Eagle lifestyle....Then I hear Hotel California and I realize I was right!