March 8, 2014

Aretha Frankin-- Respect

Atlantic Records

R-E-S-P-E-C-T.  Every now and then ya just need this jam.  Aretha Franklin and producer Jerry Wexler turned Otis Redding's 1965 version a pop song for the history books in 1967. Franklin changed up the lyrics, adding the R-E-S-P-E-C-T breakdown and "sock it to me" part with the help of her sisters/backing vocalists Emma and Carolyn. The song, from her album I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You (long title, right?), became an anthem for any female who feels like she's TCB, Taking Care of Business.

Live Performance: Aretha Franklin,, Respect
Live Performance: Otis Redding, Respect

March 7, 2014: (Updated)

The Orwells-- Under the Flowers

The Orwells.  Not even twenty-one and these dudes know what they're doing.  I'm super excited because I am going to their concert in Philly soon and the tickets were a surprising $12.  Their stubs won't be worth that little for long-- this band is destined for a fantastic run.
This is one of my favorite tracks from their debut, 2012's Remember When, and it's one that will stick with me all throughout the day.

Updated: Concert was great. Twin Peaks opened and they were solid. Mosh pit, mosh pit, mosh pit! The Orwells literally sounded the same-- if not better-- live.

March 5, 2014

College and Electric Youth-- Real hero

Valerie Collective

Lakeshore Records

Oh, get romantic and wistful and serious all at the same time right now.  This song was featured in the 2011 movie Drive.  Which was an excellent movie, by the way.  A Real Hero is so enchanting.  

From College's Facebook Page

It was hard to find information on College and Electric Youth, who collaborated on the song, but College is a musical project of David Grellier, who also is a part of the French record label, Valeria Records. I love when artists have "musical projects" that are not just albums, but works and personas of different genres.

And look at these folks' indie-ness. So beautiful.

Electronic Youth being so, so indie pop it hurts

     

              

College and Electronic Youth

March 4, 2014

Louis Prima-- Buona Sera

Capitol Records

Happy Fat Tuesday! I picked this song for 3 reasons: 1) Louis Prima is from New Orleans, where Mardi Gras is huge 2) He's Italian-American, and reminds me of the traditions my family and I celebrate on Fat Tuesday and, 3) The song's fantastic and is a testament of its time and genre.

Start doing a little jig and snap your fingers.

March 3, 2014

The Supremes-- Come See About Me

Motown

The Supremes' 1964 hit "Come See About Me" comes from their history-making album Where Did Our Love Go. It helped define the Motown Sound and was mostly produced by Brian Holland and Lamont Dozier.  It's just straight-up enjoyable.









Live Performance. The Supremes-- Come See About Me

March 1, 2014

Alabama Shakes-- I Found You

 ATO, Rough Trade

Brittany Howard's style. Look it up. The guys look nice, too!

Today's pick is a lovely song by Alabama Shakes. These people. This album. AHHHHHHHH. SO GOOD.  The live video is from over two years ago, before they released 2012's Boys & Girls. The playing is so on-point. The band started when they were in high school and their sophomore album will be available soon-ish.  They have a handful of tour days for April and May out.  Just love them, OK?

Live Performance--11:30

February 28, 2014: Funky Friday

Village People-- Macho Man

Fridays are all about Funk!  Some days you just need a good party tune to get you going, especially when the week's been tougher than most. "Macho Man" is from Village People's second album, 1979's Live and Sleazy. This song is just so good-- it makes you feel awesome even if you hadn't worked out that day! I also appreciate all of the punching-power dance moves.