Did you know Aretha Franklin had a sister who was also a recording artist? Did you know that Janis Joplin’s iconic recording of ‘Piece Of My Heart’ was not the original version? If you’re like me, the answer to both questions would be ‘no.’ But Tom Clifford knows. … More Tom’s Record Of The Day / Erma Franklin “Piece Of My Heart” (1967)
The J.B.’s, James Brown’s inimitably funky band, put out numerous stellar albums during the ‘70’s era when they weren’t backing the Godfather of Soul on stage and on record, including this culinary crowd-pleaser.. … More The J.B.’s “Pass The Peas” (1972)
In ‘Love On Top’ Queen Bey incorporates four key changes. And it sounds simply magnificent. Beyoncé is The Queen for plenty of reasons, but let it not be forgotten that amongst her many majestic traits she also possesses one astounding voice. … More Beyonce “Love On Top” (2011)
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)
