Silk Sonic “Leave The Door Open” (2021)
I've never had a song get stuck in my head like this throwback gem by Silk Sonic. It's a good problem, but it might be making me a little crazy.... Read More
A.J. Croce “Nothing From Nothing” (2021)
A.J. Croce has got some incredible piano skills, and a brand new album of eclectic covers. And, as it turns out, he's also got a name.... Read More
Van Morrison “I’ve Been Working” (1970)
Labor Day wishes care of the ever hard-working, Van Morrison.... Read More
Tom’s Record Of The Day / Erma Franklin “Piece Of My Heart” (1967)
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.... Read More
The J.B.’s “Pass The Peas” (1972)
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..... Read More
Beyonce “Love On Top” (2011)
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.... Read More
Mariah Carey “All I Want for Christmas Is You” (1994)
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..... Read More
Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes “It’s Been A Long Time” (1991)
..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.... Read More
Little Steven & The Disciples Of Soul “Superfly Terraplane” (2019)
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.”... Read More
Ohio Players “Fire” (1974)
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...... Read More