'A Motown Christmas' was first released in 1973 as a double LP. It is altogether a mixed bag of goodies. The album features the Funk Brothers at their best but also schmaltz that could have been presented by Lawrence Welk. Sometimes a fresh, new arrangement can't save a weak song. Also a good performance can be ruined by an overdone arrangement.
I will say up front that I love Michael Jackson/Jackson 5 which is reflected in this review.
Note: Newer releases add I Want to Come Home For Christmas as a bonus track.
Anyway, on with the show...
FAVORITE SONGS:
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town - The Jackson 5
What Christmas Means To Me - Stevie Wonder
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - The Temptations
Someday At Christmas - Stevie Wonder
Jingle Bells - The Miracles
SONGS ALSO RECOMMENDED:
My Favorite Things - The Supremes
I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus - The Jackson 5
The Christmas Song - The Jackson 5
Give Love On Christmas Day - The Jackson 5
It's Christmas Time - The Miracles
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas/We Wish You A Merry Christmas - The Jackson 5
I Want To Come Home For Christmas - Marvin Gaye
LEAST FAVORITE SONGS:
Ave Maria - Stevie Wonder
Deck The Halls/Bring A Torch, Jeanette, Isabella - The Miracles
Silent Night - The Temptations
Little Christmas Tree - Michael Jackson
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - The Miracles
Joy To The World - The Supremes
Little Drummer Boy - The Temptations
Silver Bells - The Supremes
Frosty The Snowman - The Jackson 5
My Christmas Tree - The Temptations
White Christmas - The Supremes
One Little Christmas Tree - Stevie Wonder
Children's Christmas Song - The Supremes
Wow. Talk about the soundtrack to a big part of my childhood.
Jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi's music accompanied the early Peanuts TV specials from 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' (1965) onward, as featured here. The album mixes originals and peppy, original arrangements of traditional Christmas carols.
When people hear 'Linus and Lucy' they think of the Peanuts characters. On a related note, my nieces absolutely love that song! They call it "The Charlie Brown Song". And as a keyboardist, I can't put this album down.
Favorite Song: Linus and Lucy
Least Favorite Song: Hark! The Herald, Angels Sing
Songs Also Recommended: Christmas Is Coming , Skating, Christmas Time Is Here
Prior to having hits like 'Boogie Fever' and 'Hot Line', the Sylvers released their first 3 albums on Pride/MGM Records. In the early 1970s not every family musical act could claim to have the same musicians live as on record. The Sylvers were also able to write strong, original material. Especially Leon.
Their self-titled first album consists of love songs and social commentary with soul and funk. It was produced by Jerry "The Iceman" Butler and Keg Johnson. Alas like their other records on Pride, it's out of print.
Favorite Song: I'm Truly Happy
Least Favorite Song: Chaos
Songs Also Recommended: Wish That I Could Talk to You, Fool's Paradise, How Love Hurts, I'll Never Be Ashamed
Weird Al's latest #1 Billboard 200 album parodies songs I frequently hear emanating from stores' intercoms while shopping and introduces more catchy originals.
I also like how he decided to let the fans vote on which songs should become hits instead of just having the record company release the singles they think have hit potential.
Favorite Song: Word Crimes Least Favorite Song: Mission Statement Songs Also Recommended: Foil, Tacky, Handy, Sports Song
Mint Condition have proven themselves to still be one of the tightest R&B bands both in the studio and live. 'Believe In Us' is a song with a religious message that even the non-religious will love. I first heard it on 89.3 KJMC in Des Moines, IA.
Though not normally one who listens to bands who do electronic dance music, I'm a sucker for songs with a funky beat, even disco on occasion. This song, written and produced by Nile Rodgers, recalls his days with Chic. And I'm sure it would have charted just as well in 1979 as it has here in 2013.
This is Rick James' final album, released posthumously in 2007. It is a mix of funk, jazz, quiet storm and even folk. Given that Rick is best known for his funk songs, some of the tracks are disappointing but other tracks are gems and you have to wonder why the album didn't get more promotion.
Many of the lyrics show Rick looking back on his life and enjoying the present. One lyric, in the song 'Stroke' is set in future tense, "I will be back again... and just as bad." The good kind of bad, that is. Hopefully in 100 years, his name will be associated with more than the Dave Chappelle quote, "I'm Rick James, bitch."
Favorite Song: Funk Wit Me Least Favorite Song: Guinnevere Songs Also Recommended: Taste, Stroke, Deeper Still, Stop It
As you may know, it was on April 29th of last year (2011) that my best friend, John Michael Crivaro died. At the time of his death, he was working on a list of 50 of his favorite Genesis songs so I thought I'd make a new list as a tribute. The songs included in the photo above have been retained.
50. The Silent Sun
And so we begin with a song released as the band's first single from 1968, later rerecorded for their first album, 'From Genesis to Revelation' (1969). Their record label at the time, Decca pushed for a lush, commercial pop sound with strings and horns which the band would soon outgrow. The album was produced by Jonathan King, who also named the band.
49. I Can't Dance
Genesis had their share of silly songs, both during and after the Peter Gabriel years. However, they could make them catchy enough that you liked it. This is the title track to the band's final album with Phil Collins, 'We Can't Dance' (1991).
48. Illegal Alien
Who writes songs about controversial political issues? These guys. And I doubt any musician could get away with a music video with fake mustaches and Mexican accents.
47. Jesus He Knows Me
Genesis' dig at televangelists. Like Frank Zappa, they pointed out their outlandish lifestyles and how they conflicted with what was being preached. But of course, there are a lot Christians who are not like this at all.
46. Harold the Barrel
A song about a depressed restaurant owner with a fussy mother. Probably the closest Genesis ever got to sounding like the Beatles, quirkiness aside.
45. The Conqueror
A tale of a royal a-hole (or who is at least perceived to be one). Nice fuzz guitar from Anthony Phillips. The song begins with a variation on the chorus to In The Wilderness.
44. Happy the Man
This 1972 single features lyrics such as "like a nun with a gun" and reminds me a lot of Cat Stevens (Yusuf).
43. Mama
This is the first track off their 1983 self-titled album, it's about a young man's fixation with an older female prostitute and features a chilling laugh from Phil, "Ha-HA! Ha-HA!". The band had fantastic light sequencing in their later days and this song certainly benefited from it.
42. Just a Job to Do
This song showcases the rockier side of Genesis. The riff almost reminds me of 'Another One Bites the Dust' by Queen or 'Who's Making Love' by Johnny Taylor.Another stellar track from Genesis' self-titled album.
41. Abacab
This song has a pulsating bass pedal (repeating the same note) like Turn It On Again. The title comes from the form of the song: A B A C A B.
40. Invisible Touch
'Invisible Touch' (1986) is the album with the hit song of the same name
and the album that got my sister and I into Genesis as a kid. One day,
around the age of 8, my mother and sister went for a walk but I decided
to stay home and make a copy of the album to cassette. Around the same
time I was listening to 'So' (1986) by Peter Gabriel. So imagine my
surprise when my parents told me that Peter Gabriel used to be in
Genesis!
39. A Trick of the Tail
The title track from their first of two albums released in 1976 and their first without Peter Gabriel, pop to be proud of. The promo film (see below) features a shrunken Phil Collins and the rest of the band superimposed onto Tony Banks' piano. They've got no horns and they've got no tails...
38. Follow You Follow Me
A nice pop hit from the band's first album as a trio, '...And Then There Were Three...' (1978) with Mike playing bass and lead guitar. Tony rocks the ARP 2600.
37. Unquiet Slumbers for the Sleepers.../...In That Quiet Earth
The first song, Unquiet Slumbers for the Sleepers is an instrumental that segues into a soaring lead guitar line by Steve Hackett for the second song, ...In That Quiet Earth; from the last studio album with Steve Hackett, 'Wind & Wuthering' (1977).
36. Lilywhite Lilith
This pseudo-ballad features good unison from Peter and Phil and includes a reprise of The Broadway Melody of 1974 with different lyrics.
35. Behind the Lines
The opening track from 'Duke' (1980). If this doesn't pump you up,'Man of Our Times' should. It's written in the book.
34. Man of Our Times
Phil sure likes singing the word "tonight" a lot.
P. S.: No one does drum fills like Phil.
33. It
The finale to 'The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway' (1974), their final album with Peter Gabriel. If you haven't heard the album all the way through then you may want to save listening to it until you do; trust me, it's worth it. It's only knock and knowall, but I like it.
32. Land of Confusion
Another political song, later covered by Disturbed. The music video features puppets made for UK TV show, 'Spitting Image' and takes a blatant swipe at US president Ronald Reagan.
31. Domino: In the Glow of the Night/The Last Domino
Two songs partially inspired by the 1982 Israel-Lebanon War. Not a subject I'd otherwise mention.
The riff in In the Glow of the Night reminds me of Mama.
30. Throwing It All Away
Yeah, it's a ballad but a memorable one at that.
29. Entangled
This song is a tapestry of sound that will be entangled in your eardrums. Proof Genesis could still progressively rock without PG.
28. Turn It On Again
A hit from the hybrid pop-progressive album, 'Duke' (1980). I like it a heck of a lot better than 'Misunderstanding', a rip-off of 'Hot Fun in the Summertime' by Sly & the Family Stone.
27. For Absent Friends
The first song Phil sang lead vocals on, from 'Nursery Cryme' (1971). A favorite of my mom's.
26. Counting Out Time
Peter and Steve really shine on this one. The book said I could not fail.
25. Duke's Travels/Duke's End
These two songs end the album (you guessed it) 'Duke' (1980) and include fragments of other songs on the album, in the vein of Los Endos.
24. Los Endos
The finale to 'A Trick of the Tail' and a live favorite for years to come. Johnny C. called it, "The greatest instrumental of all time."
23. Seven Stones
If you happen to have a vinyl copy of 'Nursery Cryme' (1971), this song begins the second side.Great dynamics like on The Fountain of Salmacis.
22. Can-Utility and the Coastliners
A standout track from 'Foxtrot' (1972).If you don't have this album and are a Genesis fan, you need to get it.
21. Get 'Em Out by Friday
A song about a greedy landlord whose story morphs into science fiction. Can you say "humanoid"?
20. Stagnation
As mentioned earlier, Genesis used a lot of dynamics in the PG era. 'Trespass' (1970) marks a dramatic improvement from 'From Genesis to Revelation' (1969).
19. Eleventh Earl of Mar
Wow. This bridge in this song makes you want to get up and march.Steve really tears the solo up. The reason to listen to 'Wind & Wuthering' (1977).
18. Robbery, Assault and Battery
An epic tale in the vein of The Battle of Epping Forest albeit with a slight disco feel on the drums. The promo film features the band lip-syncing on a stage and is interspersed with an action sequences starring Phil as the robber, Mike as the cleaner and Phil, Steve and Mike as the policemen.
17. The Battle of Epping Forest
Another epic story that tells of a battle between the gangs of Willy Wright and Little John's Thugs (AKA The Barking Slugs) with an interlude from the Reverend. Just like any picnic.
16. Duchess
Basically a song about a diva, a bisexual drum machine... and Phil in a fedora.
15. Dance on a Volcano
The opening track to 'A Trick of the Tail' (1976). This song used to terrify me with the lights turned off. Let the dance begin...
14. Inside and Out
The final track off the 'Spot the Pigeon' EP (1977), recorded during the 'Wind & Wuthering' (1977) sessions and Steve's swan song with the band.
13. Twilight Alehouse
This song was the B-side to the single version of I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe) (1973). The feel on the chorus is a lot like Get 'Em Out By Friday.
P. S.: I added this song at the last minute because I had listed Duke's Travels/Duke's End twice.
12. More Fool Me
I remember watching 'Six Hours Live' with Johnny C. and us singing and playing this song on our acoustic guitars. To be honest, I'm tearing up thinking about it.
11. Squonk
Weird title, great song about a mythical creature that dissolves into a pool of tears.
10. The Carpet Crawlers
There is lamb's wool under my naked feet.
-Rael (the main character in 'The Lamb', not to be confused with the UFO religion...)
9. The Cinema Show
A tale featuring Romeo, Juliet, Father Tiresias and a kick-ass keyboard solo.
P. S.: Maybe it's just me but the phrase "chocolate surprise" sounds like part of a fecal or penis joke.
8. Firth of Fifth
This is a song to listen with headphones. A feast of Pete's flute, Steve's guitar and Tony's keys. The path is clear. Though no eyes can see. The course laid down long before...
7. The Return of the Giant Hogweed
Another early stage favorite, almost psychedelic. Herbicidal battering.
6. In the Cage
The suspense in this song is incredible. Your heartbeat may increase while listening to it.
5. I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe)
A song about a lawn mower and one of the band's first to make the UK single charts.
4. The Knife
The Knife was a staple (or blade) of their early live act.
Genesis Fact: For the album cover of 'Trespass', artist Paul Whitehead actually stuck a knife through the painting. He would later do the album covers for 'Nursery Cryme' (1971) and 'Foxtrot' (1972).
3. Watcher of the Skies
A song Mike Rutherford wrote about extraterrestrial life, the opening track to 'Foxtrot' (1972) and one of PG's most famous costumes: bat wings and blacklight eye makeup. Mike gets funky on the bass. For reals.
2. The Musical Box
So around the time I learned that Peter Gabriel used to be in Genesis, I played a scratchy vinyl copy of my parents' 'Nursery Cryme'/'Foxtrot' double LP set. This is the song that got me into PG Genesis. This song was also a frequent encorein the band's live shows.
1. Supper's Ready: Lover's Leap/The Guaranteed Eternal Sanctuary Man/Ikhnaton and Itsacon and Their Band of Merry Men/How Dare I Be So Beautiful?/Willow Farm/Apocalypse in 9/8 (Co-Starring the Delicious Talents of Gabble Ratchet/As Sure As Eggs Is Eggs (Aching Men's Feet)
That's right. Seven songs, Twenty-two minutes and fifty-four seconds. Featuring lovers, holy men... Holy crap! This is a trip to listen to and I suggest you listen to it right now.
Danami is a rapper from Detroit, MI and a graduate of McNally Smith College of Music in Saint Paul, MN. His lyrics are reflective and optimistic. Rap gets a bad rap sometimes because of the "gangster" sub-genre that promote drugs, hating, or killing people. Danami promotes none of these.
'Success Is Intentional' is a concept album with an introspective emphasis. The songs deal with post-college life and its challenges (romance, childhood, society, anxiety) and sample tasty old-school soul. Fellow McNally Smith alumnus Cassondra Meyer and Big Soj are also featured.
Later this year, he will be releasing a new album, 'Delayed Gratification', which I plan on reviewing shortly thereafter. In the meantime, check out his website at danamionline.com.
Favorite Song: Love Sweet Misery Least Favorite Song: Party Girl Songs Also Recommended: Addicted, Money's Everything Right?, Pressure
I think it’s fitting to have “She’s Changing Me” as #10 because Bob was about to go through a change in his career. The album from which it comes, ‘Heroes Are Hard to Find’ (1974) was Bob’s last with the band.
The buildup to the chorus lets you know something big is about to happen. It arrives with epic three-part vocal harmonies.
‘Mystery to Me’ (1973) might be my favorite Fleetwood Mac album from the Bob Welch era. It came as a dramatic improvement over their previous offering, ‘Penguin’ (1973) in that it was void of Bob Weston and bad Motown covers. As you fans out there may realize, only one Bob was worthy enough to be in the Mac.
“Miles Away” starts off with a bluesy riff and has a tempo that alternates between moderate and fast. During the solo, the bass plays the same melody as the guitar, an often-used technique of Bob Welch and John McVie.
This song must have been a favorite of the band during this time period. They performed it on the Midnight Special.
“Somebody”, also from ‘Mystery to Me’ has a strong, yet laid back feel. The riff is reminiscent of “Mama Told Me Not to Come”, which was written by none other than Mr. Randy Newman.
“The Ghost”, the second track off of ‘Bare Trees’ (1972) paints a chaotic scene that is nicely contrasted by a happy sounding chorus. The flute sound is provided by Christine McVie’s Mellotron, a tape-based keyboard that played pre-recorded sounds and one of the very first samplers.
“Angel”, not to be confused with the Stevie Nicks song from ‘Tusk’ (1979) has a prominent Afro-Latino beat complimented by harmonized lead guitar. Can you say, heavy? This one’s off of ‘Heroes Are Hard to Find’ (1974).
5. NIGHT WATCH
“Night Watch” would have to be my favorite song from ‘Penguin’ (1973). It has frantic drum fills, a choir-like (harmonized) lead guitar and evolves into a very funky ballad.
Featured on this track is none other than former front man Peter Green, who plays one of the lead guitar lines.
“Hypnotized” is yet another song from ‘Mystery to Me’ (1973). The drums play a catchy 16th note beat and the melody kind of loops. These ingredients yield a pleasant trance for the listener.
The Pointer Sisters would later record this song for their album ‘Energy’ (1978).
“Sentimental Lady”! Bob Welch recorded this song twice, once (as depicted here) on ‘Bare Trees’ (1972) and later on his solo album ‘French Kiss’ (1977).
This is the song that got me into his music and would have to be his best known composition. Now stop reading and go listen!
P.S.: I apologize if your favorite song was not included.
The Dodgers (not the baseball team) were a spin-off of Badfinger. Bassist Tommy Evans and keyboardist Bob Jackson formed the band with former Rockits singer/guitarist John Wilson and drummer Dave Powell. They signed with Island Records and released three singles. Dave Powell would leave and be replaced by Paul Hooper. In 1977, by then under a new record label and new management, Tommy Evans was fired and replaced by future two-tone ska/reggae producer Roger Lomas. They released one album, 'Love On The Rebound' (1978) on Polydor Records.
The album was produced by Pat Moran, who along with management steered the band in two directions: pop and hard rock. As a result, the album's feel is uneven. There are questionable arrangements on otherwise good songs, 'All I Do' being a prime example. 'Don't Let Me Be Wrong', 'Don't Know What You're Doing', and 'Just Wanna Love You' are re-recordings of their previous Island releases.
Track Listing (UK version): Love On The Rebound, Anytime, For Your Love, Come Out Fighting, I Call Your Name, Mr. Music, Little Darlin', Don't Know What You're Doing, It Was You, Take Another Piece, Just Wanna Love You, Don't Let Me Be Wrong, All I Do, Take Another Piece (Coda)
Favorite Song:I Call Your Name Least Favorite Song: Little Darlin' Songs Also Recommended: Love On The Rebound, For Your Love, Don't Know What You're Doing, Take Another Piece
André Cymone is a Minneapolis bassist/producer. He has produced albums for Jody Watley, Adam Ant and was formerly a member of Prince's band. After leaving, he released his first solo album, 'Livin' In The New Wave' (1982) on Columbia Records.
The album is tasty 80s pop-funk with synthesizer and slap bass but overall is disappointing. A lot of the songs have nice riffs, however they occasionally fall short lyrically. If you're a fan of all things Prince related like me, you might want to pick it up. It's out of print and collectable. Otherwise you might want to stick with The Dance Electric.
Favorite Song: Kelly's Eyes Least Favorite Song: Ritz Club Songs Also Recommended: Livin' In The New Wave, Get It Girl, So Fine
Today marks the celebration of two holidays: Veterans Day (U.S.) and 11/11/11, a reference to the 1984 film 'This Is Spinal Tap' which happens to be my favorite movie of all time. Since this blog is centered on music, we will be focusing on the soundtrack.
For those unfamiliar with the band Spinal Tap, the lineup are as follows:
David St. Hubbins (Michael McKean): guitar and vocals Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest): guitar and vocals Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer): bass and vocals* Viv Savage (David Kaff (neé Kaffinetti): keyboards and vocals** Mick Shrimpton (R.J. Parnell): drums
The soundtrack album was released on Polydor (Polymer) records, and is every bit as satirical as the movie. Various phases of the band are represented, evolving from blue-eyed blues like the Rolling Stones/the Small Faces, flower-power folk like the Byrds/Buffalo Springfield to a heavy-edged 80s hair band. Sexual metaphors are found throughout the album's lyrics and may be disturbing to some listeners but the wording is silly enough to make any teenager or adult laugh. All songs were written by stars Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer and Rob Reiner (Marty DiBergi).
Favorite Song: Tonight I'm Gonna Rock You Tonight Least Favorite Song: America Songs Also Recommended: Heavy Duty, Rock 'N Roll Creation, Stonehenge, (Listen To The) Flower People, Christmas With The Devil (bonus track on reissues)
Notes: *Bass and vocals on 'Gimme Some Money' and '(Listen To The) Flower People': Danny "Kootch" Kortchmar (Ronnie Pudding). 'Gimme Some Money' is credited to the Thamesmen.
**Additional keyboards: Harlan Collins and Jon Sinclair
'Shaft' is a 1971 film starring Richard Roundtree, directed by Gordon Parks and released by MGM. It was one of the first successful films in a cinematic movement dubbed blaxploitation (black exploitation). The soundtrack was released on Enterprise Records/Stax.
This album is smooth, it's funky with a slice of psychedelic (Do Your Thing). All songs were written and produced by Isaac Hayes. Backing him are the Bar-Kays and the Isaac Hayes Movement. The Theme From Shaft, Do Your Thing and Soulsville are the only tracks with vocals but don't let that disappoint you. The arrangements are deep and detailed enough to hold the listener's attention.
Favorite Song: Cafe Reggio's Songs Also Recommended: Theme From Shaft, Bumpy's Lament, Ellie's Love Theme, Early Sunday Morning, Soulsville, No Name Bar, Do Your Thing
Straight Up^ (1971) is the third album by Welsh/Liverpudlian band Badfinger. It was produced by George Harrison, Todd Rundgren and Geoff Emerick. They were at the peak of their career and two hit singles are included: "Day After Day" and "Baby Blue"^^.
To be honest, I can't find one bad song on this album. It's a tad more pop than their previous album, 'No Dice' but the production is top-notch. Well done lads!
Favorite Song: Baby Blue Songs Also Recommended: Take It All, Money, Suitcase, Perfection, It's Over
Notes: ^The band recorded a different version of the album produced with Geoff Emerick that remains officially unreleased in its entirety.
^^The single version of Baby Blue has reverb added to the drums and is the version used for the YouTube clip featured above.
^^^That's not blood on Joey Molland's head. By the time I obtained this copy, someone took the liberty of scribbling a red marker on it.
Dan Tedesco is a guitarist/keyboardist from Chicago, IL. He plays folk-based rock in the vein of Tom Petty. Accompanying Dan is drummer Rio Chavez. They were previously in a band called The Long Haul. 'Tracks On Fire' is Tedesco's latest release.
Some of the production is a bit rough in spots but the songs are well crafted. Here in 2011, it's a breath of fresh air to hear such original music without Auto-Tune and drum samples. I'm looking forward to another album.
Favorite Song: How Good It Feels Least Favorite Song: Hold On To Me Songs Also Recommended: Burn The Barn Down, Years Ago, Whiskey Roads
#Trendin is the the first single from The Time for over a decade with the original lineup: Morris Day, Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Jesse Johnson, Jerome Benton, Monte Moir and Jellybean Johnson. The title is a reference to the website Twitter. However the band are under a new name: The Original 7ven, as Prince retains the rights to their former name.
The chorus has a techno feel to it but overall the song is classic Time. Morris even uses the line "ain't nobody bad like me" from 'Cool' (1981). Fortunately the male/female "dialogue" found on some of their older songs is absent.
Note: #Trendin was released on 9/27/11 and an album, 'Condensate' followed on 10/18/11.
Welcome to Bernie's Old & New Music Reviews. I plan on focusing on music from my record collection, independent Des Moines and Twin Cities artists and whatever else my ears happen to notice. If you are looking for my original music, it can be found here.
In the forthcoming reviews, I promise to be both critical and civil. Many of the artists I listen to on a regular basis. But it's also necessary to get out of one's comfort zone, isn't it?
And last but not least, I would like to thank the ever insightful Johnny Crivaro (R.I.P.), whose blog inspired me to create this one.
