Donna Summer – I Feel Love (1977)

A sad day today with the passing of Donna Summer. I have previously posted her sublime “Working the Midnight Shift” here.

However, this is the all time classic. One of the most influential records of all time; techno, house and all that follows is being invented here. The genius of Giorgio Moroder keeps the pulse going and Donna’s vocals soar ….

The original 12″ version; the Patrick Cowley 15 minute remixed opus and then a live cut …

Desmond Dekker – Fu Manchu (1968)

Desmond Dekker will forever be remembered for the all time classic “Israelites”; a song I love to death.

But this is right up there in the pantheon of all time early reggae/rocksteady greats.

It make no sense at all to say where you used to work

It make no sense at all to say how much you used to earn

It make no sense at all to say what you used to do

This is the face of fu manchu..

Carmel – I’m Not Afraid Of You (1985)

(Re) Stumbled upon this while sorting out my new NME cassettes website/blog (check here).

Loved this record when it first came out in 1985.

The simplicity of the bass and percussion always appealed and the vocals are sublime.

The original studi0 version then a very dodgy take of Carmel’s performance on The Tube.

Wilson Pickett – I’m in Love (1967)

One of the greatest voices in the history of soul music – namechecked as “that wicked Wilson Pickett” in Arthur Conley’s epoch defining “Sweet Soul Music”.

This track was written by Bobby Womack.

Massively influential in the early days of Paul Weller.

There is no better time than Valentine’s Day to post this …..

Unbelievable live recording with a guitar line to kill for. The studio version follows for trainspotting completists like myself and then a wonderful guitar tutorial ….

 

Sex Pistols – Holidays In The Sun (1977)

Can’t believe I’ve taken so long to post this.

One of my all time favourite songs from one of my all time favourite albums.

The opening line is particularly pertinent for those with a penchant for exotic gap years and career breaks …..

Cheap holidays in other peoples’ misery …

I don’t wanna holiday in the sun …

I wanna go to the new Belsen …

I wanna see some history …

Cos now I got a reason of economy …..

Tourists of the world, name anyone your presence liberated!

Cat Power – Metal Heart (1998)

In the early to late 90s, Matador Records released some of the best singles and LPs of all time including releases from Pavement, Guided By Voices, Yo la Tengo, Smog and …. phenomenal singer songwriter Cat Power (aka Chan Marshall).

Taken from the wonderful “Moon Pix” LP, just can’t get enough of this.

Spare, ramshackle guitar and a strung out vocal. Lo-fi at its absolute finest!

Three versions. Original LP, rough live version and then radio session. All perfect!

Tito Simon – Build It Up (1973)

Just love the way that reggae gems keep leaping out of the woodwork.

At 10am today, I’d never heard this. By 11am, I’d listened to it half a dozen times and it sounded like the best record ever made!

Perfect pop music!

Marvin Gaye – What’s Going On? (1971)

I’ve always found Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On?” LP to be a tad on the woolly side. Lovely stuff, but effectively 35 minutes of rather gorgeous handwringing.

However, following the events of recent nights, I’ve started to appreciate the merits of headscratching.

What’s going on?

Great live version then the original cut from the LP.

Billie Holiday – Strange Fruit (1939)

With today seeing the passing of a 21st century diva, I wanted to go back to the motherlode for her style of vocals.

I’ve always been uncomfortable with those who sing in the ”karaoke” Billie Holiday/Nina Simone style that now abounds … can’t people sing in their “own” voices? I’d prefer it …

Strange Fruit is one of the greatest records of the 20th century. A highly political statement:

Southern trees bear a strange fruit

Blood on the leaves and blood at the root

Black body swinging in the Southern breeze

 Strange fruit hanging from the poplar trees

 Pastoral scene of the gallant South

The bulging eyes and the twisted mouth

Scent of magnolia sweet and fresh

And the sudden smell of burning flesh

Here is a fruit for the crows to pluck

For the rain to gather, for the wind to suck,

For the sun to rot, for a tree to drop,

Here is a strange and bitter crop

Original studio version then an unbelieavable live version.

 

 

 

Neil Young and Crazy Horse – My My, Hey Hey (Out of the Blue) (1979)

Stranded in 1979. Following the genius of The Jam, I had little option to get this onto the blog.

The opening track on the sublime “Rust Never Sleeps” LP, this song is notable for three reasons. Firstly, Kurt Cobain quoted the line “it’s better to burn out than to fade away” as an influence ….; secondly, there is a rare tribute to John Lydon (nee Rotten), and; thirdly, this is simply one of the best records ever made.

So many Neil Young songs to choose from but this takes some beating.

Just the track with blank Youtube video … it’s all you need.