0 Phil Spector Faces the Music

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 03/19/2007

What do several pioneering hit songs from the Crystals, Ronettes, Darlene Love, Righteous Brothers, and Ike & Tina Turner have in common? If you guessed the mark of Phil Spector, the musical mastermind behind the famous "wall of sound" production technique, you would be right. From "River Deep Mountain High" by Ike & Tina, to "You've Lost That Lovin" Feelin'" by the Righteous Brothers, Spector created a live, dramatic, layered, sonic studio sound in an era way before multi-track dubbing that was innovative and unique. Others have copied the "wall of sound" concept, including Phil Collins in the late 1980's. Spector is currently receiving attention as a defendant in his criminal trial in Los Angeles. Here is Phil Spector as "Bad Santa," with "back to mono" buttons and all, from the cover of the vinyl version of his spectacular classic, Phil Spector's Christmas Album. My copy of the album is a reissue on Apple Records from 1972. Don't look for this disguise in court. Update: Phil Spector passed away January 16, 2021. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Big Time for Macy Gray

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 03/17/2007

Can collaboration partners Natalie Cole, Justin Timberlake, Fergie, Nas, and will.i.am (of Black Eyed Peas) fame help reinvent the Macy Gray groove? Only time will tell, when Macy's Big drops on Tuesday, March 27 (scheduled release date). Big is the first Macy Gray album in four years. She's remained active with film soundtracks, (Spiderman), and other projects. Macy's unique voice hasn't captured strong commercial success since her 1999 breakthrough, On How Life Is. It's her appealing graceful growl that made "I Try," a hit from On How Life Is. Versatility is a double-edged sword. Macy Gray has it. Unfortunately, the music industry has difficulty promoting artists who don't fall into neat categories. Macy's fans will ultimately decide whether Big gets over. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Sly Stone takes you Higher with Reissues

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 03/15/2007

Over the next few months, several classic Sly & the Family Stone albums will be reissued on CD. Teenage prodigy, producer, radio deejay, and musical powerhouse Sylvester Stewart also known as Sly Stone was a trend setter during the dawn of funk laced classic soul in the late 1960's. Here are four Sly albums now back in the spotlight: A Whole New Thing - Original release, 1967. No hits on this one, but it was his first collection. Out of the box, Sly & the Family Stone took a different approach fusing pop, rock, and soul. Dance to the Music - Original release, 1967. One of the best creative albums released in 1967, featuring "Dance to the Music," "Dance to the Medley," and the original version of "Higher." The track, "Are You Ready," hammers home the idea of ethnic tolerance, a reoccurring theme in several Sly Stone songs. Life - Original release, 1968. Not as consistent as "Dance to the Music," but moving the Family Stone formula forward, with "M'Lady," "Love City," and more Sly enhanced fun. Stand - Original release, 1969. Clearly, the best Sly & the Family Stone album. All 8 tracks sparkle with creative energy: "Stand!" "Don't Call Me Nigger, Whitey" "I Want To Take You Higher" "Somebody's Watching You" "Sing A Simple Song" "Everyday People" "Sex Machine" You Can Make It If You Try" These four albums, along with several other Sly & the Family Stone collections, are scheduled for reissue in March, April, and May 2007. What's a reissue without some previously unreleased tracks? To sweeten the pot, several bonus cuts will seed these legendary albums. Is that really necessary? Not really. The music is so good, new fans can easily turn on to the Sly & the Family Stone experience (without the bribes). Previous Post | Next Post

0 Carla Thomas Leads Stax Revival

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 03/14/2007

Carla Thomas, the daughter of Memphis Legend Rufus Thomas, remains a "southern soul sweetheart" of iconic stature. Next week, Carla Thomas' The Queen Alone will be reissued (on Stax) in what's being called a deluxe expanded edition. Carla had a nice run on Stax, with "Gee Whiz," "B-a-b-y," "Let Me Be Good To You," and "Tramp" (a duet with Otis Redding). The 11 songs on the original 1969 album will be complemented by five bonus tracks that were omitted from the original vinyl release: "Me and My Clock" "Same Thing" "Your Love Indeed (Alternate Take)" "I Want To Know (Take 2)" "I Wonder About Love" The Queen Alone will be reissued on the reactivated Stax Records through Concord Music Group as part of the label's yearlong series of 50th Anniversary events. Previous Post | Next Post

0 O'Jay vs. O'Jays Royalty Rumble

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 03/06/2007

Former O'Jay Sammy Strain is claiming in a $15 million dollar civil lawsuit that he never received any royalties from his 16 years with the O'Jays. Here's another strange story from the world of classic soul. Sixteen years is a long time to overlook (by both parties) a possible contractual obligation for payment of royalties. Strain's lawyer, Charles A. Whittier, says "my client has been stabbed in the back for the love of money." The lawsuit, filed recently in Philadelphia, alleges that O'Jays founders Eddie Levert and Walter Williams conspired to deny Strain of his share of royalties. Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, producers, and owners of the Philadelphia International label are also named as defendants. Strain replaced original member William Powell in 1976, and remained with the group until 1992, according to the lawsuit. Sammy recorded 11 albums with the O'Jays. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Dreamgirls Oscar Songs Gored by An Inconvenient Truth

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 02/26/2007

With three different selections from Dreamgirls nominated for an Academy Award, Melissa Etheridge surprised Oscar world by winning for the best song, "I Need to Wake Up," from Al Gore's global warming movie An Inconvenient Truth. It's the revenge of Jennifer Holliday, the star of the Broadway production, who was very outspoken in her desire to have a connection with the Hollywood version of Dreamgirls. Congratulations to Jennifer Hudson, Dreamgirls scene stealer, who is now an Academy Award winner, and gets the best supporting actress Oscar for her role in the film. Previous Post | Next Post

0 New Tyler Perry Soundtrack Serenades Daddy’s Little Girls

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 02/15/2007

With the arrival of Tyler Perry's new movie, "Daddy's Little Girls," Friday, February 16, get ready for another classy soundtrack from Mr. 'Madea.' All of Perry's soundtracks have been very successful, including Madea's Family Reunion. One song from that flick, "Everyday (Family Reunion)" featuring Chaka Khan, Gerald Levert, Yolanda Adams & Carl Thomas was nominated for a 2007 Grammy Award. "Everyday (Family Reunion)" should have won, (but it didn't). For Perry's new love story, some great tracks have been selected. Charles Moore does a wonderful job reviving the Sam Cooke classic, "A Change is Gonna Come." You'll also find Beyonce's "Daddy," a strong bonus track on her Dangerously in Love CD that was never acknowledged in the liner notes. Here are the songs from Daddy's Little Girls: "Struggle No More (The Main Event)" - Anthony Hamilton, Jaheim & Musiq Soulchild "Don't Let Go" - R. Kelly "Greatest Gift" - Tameka Scott "Brown Eyed Blues" - Adrian Hood "Family First" - Whitney Houston, Cissy Houston, Dionne Warwick And Family "Step Aside" - Yolanda Adams "I Believe" - Brian McKnight "Daddy" - Beyonce' "Struggle No More" - Anthony Hamilton "Blood Sweat & Tears" - Governor "A Change Is Gonna Come" - Charles Moore This is a nice collection of R&B songs with positive messages supporting the theme of family in Daddy's Little Girls. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Grammy Award Winners a Mixed Bag

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 02/12/2007

Grammy night was a mixed bag with the Dixie Chicks walking away with five awards, Red Hot Chili Peppers taking four, and Mary J. Blige cashing in three. Best acceptance speech: Ludacris (for best rap album), who thanked everyone but his pizza delivery person. Most surprised winner: Stevie Wonder with Tony Bennett for their duet "For Once in My Life." Stevie seemed completely surprised. Most unusual performance: a tie between Gnarls Barkley who sang "Crazy," and Christina Aguilera, who tried on James Brown's "It's a Man's, Man's, Man's World" for size. This show tries to be something for everybody. As a result, the prime time television broadcast blacks out many contemporary categories lots of people are interested in. Considerable time is taken up acknowledging lifetime achievement honorees, at the expense of spotlighting more current talent (in the Grammy Award winners circle). You get some brilliant moments of live performance from many of the artists as the main payoff for watching this show. Overall, it's hit or miss for consistent show-stopping. If you like the artist, you'll probably like their performance. Last week, I made a few predictions in the R&B category?   1) My pick: Best Female R&B Vocal Performance: "Be Without You" Mary J. Blige, The Breakthrough. The winner: Mary J. Blige   2) My pick: Best Male R&B Vocal Performance: "I Call it Love" Lionel Richie, Coming Home. The winner: "Heaven" John Legend   3) My pick: Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals: "Everyday (Family Reunion)" Chaka Khan, Gerald Levert, Yolanda Adams & Carl Thomas, Madea's Family Reunion. The Winner: "Family Affair" Sly & the Family Stone, John Legend, Joss Stone with Van Hunt   4) My pick: Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance: "I Found My Everything" Mary J. Blige featuring Raphael Saadiq, The Breakthrough. Winner: "God Bless the Child" George Benson & Al Jarreau featuring Jill Scott (my alternate pick, really more jazz than traditional R&B)   5) My pick: Best R&B Song: "Be Without You" Mary J. Blige, The Breakthrough. Winner: Mary J. Blige   6) My pick: Best R&B Album: The Breakthrough Mary J. Blige. Winner: Mary J. Blige   7) My pick: Best Contemporary R&B Album: B'Day Beyonce' Winner: Beyonce'   Previous Post | Next Post

0 Spinners Lose Vocalist Billy Henderson

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 02/06/2007

Spinners vocalist Billy Henderson, an original group member, passed away last Friday of complications from diabetes in Daytona Beach, Florida. He was 67. Henderson left the Spinners in 2004 after suing the group's corporation and business manager to obtain financial records. Four of the original Spinners performed together until recently. Spinners Live is a very good double album, featuring the rare duet with writer Linda Creed behind the mic on the classic soul hit, "Then Came You." Dionne Warwick sang the original duet with the group. The Spinners cut their teeth at Motown. "It's a Shame" was their one big Motor City hit for the label. Take another look at the official Spinners biography at their website for colorful career highlights. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Kool & the Gang Launch World Tour

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 02/01/2007

Fans in Italy, St. Vincent, Norway, and the USA will be able to catch the energy of Kool & the Gang during their extended 2007 world tour. Always exciting, I've never been disappointed at one of their shows. Here's the complete Kool & the Gang tour schedule featuring public and private dates. Previous Post | Next Post