(One Drop Of Rain – Wayne Wonder)
Another day another dollar, (or not as the case may be)
fulfilling a request from a dear friend for this one so without delay JP, this one’s especially for you
pucker slice of 1996 dancehall, (produced by the Shocking Vibes crew), from one of my favourite singers. A cat who has been dropping musical bombs for nigh on 20 years and delivers almost, (nobodys perfect), everytime he takes the mic .. Mr Charles, y’ large.
(Once I Was Lonely – Gregory Issacs)
still spinning .. rollin and tumblin. hold this top piece of ‘lovers’ from the
‘cool ruler’ who had this to say..
” I think that the power of music is in love songs because every day people fall in love, Gregory Issacs doesn’t fall in love, Gregory Issacs stands in love”
lyrics, don Gregory, lyrics ..
mid 90’s Winston Riley production for his own Techniques label.
doublebubble..#7
(Wornell Jones – It Must Have Been Love)
finishing off the 3 round theme with the icing on the cake. a barely known 80’s Boogie, marrow trembler from this musicologist/songwriter/singer/bass player. what more can be said about it other than
“it must have been love”
one thing themusicologist would like to add to the diary is a few words on how music is so often the catalyst for change. this week I undertook a new journey .. therapy… relationship therapy to be precise. for an ‘alley-cat’ this is almost unheard of for many reasons but, (almost), anything and everything is worth investigating and as communication breakdown is all too common in this age there is obviously value in wise counsel. this musical diary is my therapy, best friend, shoulder to cry on and this week here we are without planning, scheming or manipulating listening to duets, two people in harmony… bliss and strangely almost confessional.
the point to make here is that no matter how hard one ‘knocks’, (and themusicologist is an example of this pursuit), if the door to the heart is closed and nobodys home the time will come when the person outside packs the emotional bags and hits the road. Darryl Banks knew this back in ’66 and laid down an anthem, (musicology #11), to guide us but if you don’t ‘listen’ you can’t hear. so this piece of musicology goes out to all those who aren’t listening as well as those who are.
doublebubble .. day6
(Womack & Womack – Woman)
If you like your soul straight up, no chaser this is one of them tunes that does all the talking .. lovers/haters hold this marrow trembling 4mins 17 seconds of 80’s soul duet heaven from Linda and Cecil and let the music be your guide…
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.
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 ..
doublebubble .. day3
(Bob & Marcia – Always Together)
one of themusicologists favourite duets. this time from 1970 and the island of Jamaica. epitomising the sound of late 60’s early 70’s reggae and one that many a genuine rudeboy/skinhead would have moved to down at El Partido.
I have 3 versions of this, the UK mix/the dancehall 12″ and this one which, after much deliberation is the one that has come out on top. I love the 12″ just as much but it’s more of a specialists cut, (9 mins long), made for playing ‘in the dance’….
the male singer in the duet is also the songwriter, (one of Jamaicas finest poets), and I would imagine, for this session at least, is heavily involved in arrangement, production and final mix down. no prizes for guessing that its yet another Studio1 production.
doublebubble .. day 2
(Marvin Gaye & Tami Terrel –
a match made in heaven .. this pair of songbirds were the first to record this ashford and simpson penned number in 1967.
shortly after, at the tender age of 22, Tammi collapsed on stage, (in Marvin’s arms), and was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. Her health deteriorated and she died in 1970. Marvin devastated, retreated into near isolation, (as well as other things to ease the pain), and wrote ‘What’s Going On’ still the only authentic LP loaded with hard hitting environmental questions.
so this one is not only for the two of them, but for all of us that appreciate how short, (and cruel), life can sometimes be …
doublebubble day 1
(Bobby Womack & Patti LaBelle – Through The Eyes Of A Child)
so we have heard from the ladies, the men have said their piece and now its time for doublebubble..the duets.
of particular interest for themusicologist is the difference between these three disciplines.
harmony between two people is a sound/sight to behold .. anything is possible and nothing is too much of a challenge and this weeks 7 pieces are, (I believe), all examples of such togetherness. kicking off with some fine 80’s soul&boogie delivered by two deep and soulful singers ‘the poet‘ & ‘lady marmalade‘ . musicologists that have been laying down quality almost 25 years before coming together on this one in 1984.
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.
mansweek day 6..
(Sam Cooke – That’s Where It’s At)
just realised that 33 was the age which this legend died at. so thats nailed it for themusicologist ..
Mr Soul step up and let the people know what we’re talking about.
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.
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.
day 3 . . mans week
(Curtis Mayfield – Move On Up)
for themusicologist there are two artists that have been the biggest influence on the direction life has taken. both will be featured this week. First up, this artist and this tune are at the forefront of my musical memories.
exposed to this Goliath of soul at the tender age of TWO by the legendary Tony Blue, (respect is always due), the foundation source of themusicologists education. All I can say about this cat is, whenever times are hard father Curtis never fails to turn the grey skies blue and always sends the spirit soaring.
(would have posted the full 9mins but edited it down to just the vocal half)
mansweek .. day 2
(Jackie Wilson – I Want Somebody)
if you’re out there listening …
of the ten most soulful singers of the twentieth century, this cat is pushing for top spot and there can be no greater compliment paid than the one below from one of the others on the list:
“Jackie Wilson turned out to be probably my greatest idol that I ever had, as far as an entertainer,” said Smokey Robinson. “Because to me, he had everything. Jackie was just a complete package. The other guys could sing, but Jackie could sing and dance and entertain. He was really just great. So I think I probably admired him more so than all the other guys.”
day 1..mansweek
(Ken Parker – Choking Kind)
this is a big challenge. selecting 7 male vocal pieces from the vaults when the truth is it could easily be 7 from one artist or one year !! so without delay and to ‘set the speed’ .. heres the first piece from none other than the Brentford Road reggae powerhouse known as Studio 1 the place where musical history and magic were made on a regular basis.
almost all the reggae greats learnt the ropes under the direction of mr Coxsone Dodd a genuine musicologist who knew his onions inside out ..
this week, it’s seven from themusicologists heart which some may find ‘painful’. if thats the case then pretend you were on holiday because the ‘truth’ is something that I can’t hide.
day 7 .. Ladiesweek.
(Timi – It’s Over)
its been tough staying on top of the theme but, musicologically, worth the effort.
last one from the ladies and yep..it’s from the 90’s.
moving out of the soul into one of themusicologists other musical passions .. the sweet sounds of Jamaica. This one, produced by Beres, and mixed by ‘Bulby’ is from 1998.
themusicologist 