Purplish Rain

Here are the only two reasons to get the Prince tribute from this month's Spin magazine.

Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings: Take Me With U

Mariachi El Bronx: I Would Die 4U

Why Can't We Live Together

Timmy Thomas: Why Can't We Live Together


This song is proof that less is more. Recorded as a demo in 1972 Timmy Thomas' rather simple song became a surprisingly huge hit. Thomas accompanies himself on organ backed by a cheesy rhythm box. It's the title track on his LP from 1974.

Tinga Stewart: Why Can't We Live Together


Tinga Stewart's 1977 performance is riven with emotion and in many ways far more powerful than Thomas's original. In Stewart's capable hands, the lyrics become an accusation, a demand, and finally an affirmation that indeed "we can live better." A stunning cover that leaves the original in the dust. This track can be found on Blood & Fire's exceptional compilation from 2001 Darker Than Blue: Soul From Jamdown 1973-1977.

Steve Winwood: Why Can't We Live Together


Taken from Winwood's 2003 "comeback" album About Time this version has a considerably more Latin vibe featuring Winwood on a Hammond organ, drummer Walfredo Reyes Jr., and guitarist José Piresde Almeida Neto. Congas and timbales flesh out the rhythm.

Koko Taylor 1928 - 2009

Koko Taylor is the great female blues singer of her generation. Raw vocal power and blustery swagger.”
– Rolling Stone

Koko Taylor is a national treasure…she packs firepower a lot of youngsters only wish they had.
– Chicago Tribune

Koko Taylor is the blues…a growling goddess of down-and-dirty. Sheer, unstoppable shouting power, full steam ahead and damn the torpedoes. There are many kings of the blues but only one queen. Koko’s voice is capable of pinning a listener to the back wall.
– Boston Globe

Raucous, gritty, good-time blues…Taylor belts out blues in a gravel voice with ferocious intensity. Foot-stomping music that’ rough, raw and wonderfully upbeat.
-- People

Chicago’s best blues singer…she has fire in her lungs.
--Chicago Sun-Times

Koko Taylor: I Don't Care Who Knows


Koko Taylor: Fire


Koko Taylor: Fish In Dirty Water


Koko Taylor: Get It While You Can


Check out Koko's legacy

Remembering Koko Taylor

Full post to come...Koko's classic Wang Dang Doodle.

The Fabulous Baby Huey & The Babysitters

400 pound Chicago soul man Baby Huey never quite expanded his popularity beyond his hometown but that does not diminish his power and undeniable soulfulness. Baby Huey's debut on Curtis Mayfield's Curtom label featured many Mayfield compositions. Unfortunately Huey didn't live to see its release after suffering a drug related heart attack in 1970. The Babysitters would carry on with a teen aged Chaka Kahn as the lone Baby Huey LP became the stuff of legend. Here are just a couple tracks from that classic album.

Baby Huey & The Babysitters: Mighty Mighty Children

Here's a first hand account of how great Baby Huey was as a live act.

Baby Huey & The Babysitters: Mama Get Yourself Together

I dare you to sit still with this one.

Soul Power Trailer....Hell Yeah!

Thank a Vet

Tiny Watkins: Soldier's Sad Story

get it on the compilation Excello Story : Vol. 4-1961-75.

Funkadelic: Foot Soldiers (Star-Spangled Funky)

get it on 1979's Uncle Jam Wants You.

Steel Pulse: Soldiers (live)

get it on1992's Rastafari Centennial Live In Paris.