Whether you love her or loathe her, you have to admit Mariah Carey has had a pretty amazing career. She’s had 19 Billboard #1 songs – only The Beatles have more – with the latest coming just this month via a record released 25 years ago.. … More Mariah Carey “All I Want for Christmas Is You” (1994)
..the song that captured the evening’s magic vibe of reminiscence for us was ‘It’s Been A Long Time,’ an unapologetically sentimental and autobiographical soul ballad written by Van Zandt, reflecting back on youthful days around Asbury Park for three old friends: himself, Southside Johnny, and their third buddy, Bruce Springsteen. … More Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes “It’s Been A Long Time” (1991)
Little Steven, very much contrary to his most identifiable nickname, has always done everything big. Music, activism, television, radio, education…Never mind that old gray beard in the famous Dos Equis beer campaign, I’d be willing to say that Steven Van Zandt is, in fact, “The Most Interesting Man In The World.” … More Little Steven & The Disciples Of Soul “Superfly Terraplane” (2019)
Funk. It’s not just the notes and it’s not just the rhythm. It’s the feeling. When you’re listening to a band or a song, you shouldn’t have to do too much thinking to tell if it’s got the funk. You’ll feel it. And if it’s got the funk, ipso facto, it is funky. Funk bands … More Ohio Players “Fire” (1974)
Occasionally I come upon a new artist whose musical capacity – let’s say, whose musical beauty – is almost literally staggering, so as to challenge finding a proper description or appreciation. I felt this way a few years ago when I first discovered a heretofore unknown 20-year-old named Marcus King. … More Marcus King Band “Where I’m Headed” (2018)
It’s Labor Day, which means the end of the summer, which for someone like me who so looks forward to the warm weather and so hates the cold, I can honestly only say, fuck that. But, in addition to its significance as a marker on the seasonal calendar, it is.. … More Average White Band “Work To Do” (1974)
I’m quite sure there’s not a soul who needs me to try to describe the greatness of The Queen of Soul. Aretha Franklin was one of those artists that’s just universally accepted as magnificent, and deservedly so. Like the Mona Lisa, Aretha’s grandeur had long ago ceased to even be something to assert, her artistry … More Aretha Franklin “Today I Sing The Blues” (1961)
For starters, fuck Harold Melvin. There actually was a Harold Melvin in the Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes band, the founder and very briefly the lead singer when they were unknowns just starting out. But everyone knows it was the incomparable Teddy Pendergrass who put them on the map after joining (originally as the … More Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes “Wake Up Everybody” (1975)
‘Run Rudolph Run’¹ is a song recorded in 1958 by Chuck Berry (and melodically identical to a more famous one he’d release one year later, ‘Little Queenie’). Since then it’s been covered by a remarkable array of artists – from Keith Richards, Dave Edmunds, Sheryl Crow, Bryan Adams, Billy Idol, Reverend Horton Heat, Foghat, and … More Cee Lo Green “Run Rudolph Run” (2012)
There have been plenty of songs over the years about giving thanks. The odd pairing of Led Zeppelin and Dido both had big songs named ‘Thank You,’ while ZZ Top and Bonnie Raitt personalized things with their versions of a tune entitled ‘I Thank You.’ Alanis Morissette left a couple letters off with her song … More Earth, Wind & Fire “Gratitude” (1975)
