Northern Soul

Booker T and the MG’s- “Soul Dressing”

Mahogany

You can’t go wrong with Al on a Monday.
Al Green – “I’m Glad You’re Mine”

Fun in the sun

An album-length tribute to the warmest season, performed by the Philadelphia International house band and produced by Gamble/Huff, but if you buy this expecting the uplifting lyrics and rich orchestrations of their O’Jays work, you’re gonna be pissed. Nothing but mellow vibe solos and jazzy intros on this joint.
MFSB – “Sunnin’ and Funnin’”
from the lp, [...]

Hello, Sunshine…

This is what I’m talkin about. THIS is music. Enchantment had its first big break in 1976, as the group recorded their debut album with young producer (and future Motown executive) Michael Stokes. The group’s debut album boasted two top ten R&B hits, “Sunshine” and the beautiful ballad, “Gloria,” both written by lead singer Emanuel [...]

Which Doobie you be?

Remember this one? My first memory of the Doobie Brothers is watching them on What’s Happening. It was the episode when Rerun tried to bootleg their concert and they were (and still are) some of the funkiest white boys I had ever seen. With Michael McDonald at the helm, the Doobies scored a number of [...]

All Day…

My Uncle Spencer put me on to War and, All Day Music, is considered by many to be one of the bands classic lp’s. Featuring such perennial WAR hits as “All Day Music,” (#18 R&B) “Slippin’ Into Darkness” (#12 R&B) and “Get Down,” the album would eventually sell more than a million and a half [...]

C’mon kiss the gun

Apollonia 6 was the first and only album released by vocal trio Apollonia 6, which was formed by Prince after Vanity 6 went up in smoke. The album primarily features the vocals of Patricia “Apollonia” Kotero, with backing vocals by Wendy and Lisa ( I love those chicks) and Jill Jones. “Sex Shooter” was the [...]

Mama Feelgood

You gonna dig this. Lyn Collins began her career at age 14 and had her biggest solo hit with the James Brown produced classic, “Think (About it)” (Peoples Records, ‘72). This joint has more samples than Kanye’s MPC and it single-handedly made Rob Base a one hit wonder with his hit, “It Takes Two”. There’s also [...]