The Soft, The Creamy ... Joe Simon -- "Trace Of Your Love"

When it comes to soft and creamy, Joe Simon's voice definitely fits the bill. "Trace Of Your Love" is from Joe's A Bad Case Of Love (Spring Records,1977). Producer was Teddy Randazzo who probably is best know for his 60's hits "Goin' Out Of My Head" and "It's Gonna Take A Miracle."
If you do like the pure soulful (sans country) Joe Simon, check out this album.
I love almost everything Joe Simon sings -- it's all about the voice. He could sing nursery rhymes, and I would still enjoy his singing.
Another great song from the album is "Which Way Is Love."

The Ethics -- "Not Enough Love"

The Ethics originated during 1967 in Philadelphia with a sound representing the evolution of 1960s Motown into the early Philly sound.  Had they enjoyed a wider exposure, they most certainly would have had become one of the greats in the genre. Their lead singer, Ron Tyson, later joined the famous Temptations.
After their label, Vent, a small independent enterprise, closed shop, they changed their name to Love Committee. Under that name they recorded for TSOP, Ariola, and Goldmine. "Law and Order" on Ariola most likely is their best known disco hit.
Ron Tyson was one of the great falsetto tenors, but The Ethics were not all about his voice as so many articles claim. The harmonizing of the other group members was definitely outstanding, and they deserve more than being considered Ron's backup singers, so to speak.

The Ethics', Think About Tomorrow and Look At Me Now. Listen to the background harmonies. I think they are excellent. 

Today's pick, "Not Enough Love," is perhaps my favorite by the group.

Blue Magic -- "Love Has Found Its Way To Me"

Happy Valentine's Day to all! 

Just the other day, hubby and I watched a German TV drama, and one of the lines instantaneously  hit me as the truest words I've heard in a very long time.
"Love me when I least deserve it, because that is when I most need it." They were a teacher's words to a troubled student. The teacher wanted to signal the boy that she understood that his actions were a cry for love.
And although love will not and cannot heal all, it is capable of healing a lot of wounds.


One more thing: even if you are not into the Valentine's hype, it doesn't hurt to wish people a happy Valentine's day.

"Love Has Found Its Way To Me," Blue Magic, The Magic Of The Blue, (ATCO 1974)

Margie Joseph -- "I'd Rather Go Blind"

This is a beautiful version of the classic "I'd Rather Go Blind" I have not played in a long time.
Margie Joseph definitely knew how to put her stamp on the tune. Very classy and different approach to the original, in my opinion.

L.T.D. -- "Make Someone Smile Today"

Today's song is by a well enough known group that has not to be introduced. "Love, Togetherness, Devotion," formed in Greensville, NC in the sixties playing with Sam and Dave. In 1968, they relocated to New York. In 1973 eventually landed a record deal with Herb Alpert's and Jerry Moss's A&M label.
L. T. D. owes much of their success to the unique voice of Jeffrey Osbourne who joined the group in 1970 when the group still was known as Love Men ltd. In my opinion, L.T.D. was one of the very few groups that handled disco tunes as well as the ballads they became famous for.

I saw Jeffrey live last year in San Antonio and despite the many shortcomings of the show, I have to say  he still is absolutely fantastic. His voice was as fine as ever!

Because the weather outside is grey and evokes doomsday images, I thought I should send out a call for help "Make Someone Smile Today." The song is from the 1977 album Something to Love. I just love that horn section ...

Enjoy!

Soft, Creamy, Velvety ... Retakes

I've got a few requests for more of the Soft, Creamy, Velvety posts I'd done in the past.
Since most of the posts on this subject had actually appeared on the now "dead" WP edition of SOTS, I'll have to try to recover as much of the series as I can.

Today's post was the very first installment of SOTS's series about soft, creamy, and velvety voices.

ENJOY!

(Original post from 11/6/09)
Okay ladies and gentlemen. Here's a new challenge for you (just in case you lack everyday challenges). I was getting a much wanted, much yearned for, much appreciated album today from G-Man. An event that made my day. I'm talking about Joe Simon's 1981 album Glad You Came My Way, and while I was literally soaking in the sound of Joe's adorable voice, I thought I could start a new event. Kind of the Love Fest we just had a while ago.
This time I would like to ask you to send in songs, video clips or links to material by your favorite soft, creamy, velvety-voiced singer. If you can find a female singer with such a voice -- please, please let me know. There's really none I could think of at the moment.

Here's the title track of the album, Glad You Came My Way. Close your eyes, lean back and enjoy Joe Simon dishing up the cream.

Magnolia is a song by Joe Simon I haven't heard before. I loved it at first sight/listen.

All Wilson -- "The Longer We Stay Together"

There are a handful of singers who seem to be born with a naturally passionate voice -- or at least the ability to sound effortlessly passionately. Levi Stubbs, David Ruffin, and Al Wilson spontaneously spring to mind.

Today's pick is from Al Wilson's album "La La Peace Song" (Rocky Road Records, 1974).
Enjoy!

Tyrone Davis Special

It's been quite easy to compile this SOTS special because Tyrone Davis not only has a host of recordings to choose from but  also a lot of neglected, under-appreciated material to offer.
Unfortunately, the so called "oldie shows" play mostly his best known titles like "The Hands Of Time", for example, which does nothing to show soul music lovers the actual scope of Tyrone Davis's talent and legacy.

So here we go with Raggedy's T.D. special. Enjoy!

Playlist

Don't Let It Be Too Late

Forever

I Tried Over (And Over Again)

I'm Just Your Man

I'll Be Right Here

Sugar Minott -- "Give A Hand", Hot Tops "Give It To Him"

Need a mood mender? I definitely do after one of those frustrating shopping trips. The new fashion has absolutely nothing exciting to offer. Blah styles, uninspired designs -- looks like I have to safe my money (again) for more attractive collections ... Life is hard.

On my way home, on the other hand, the weather was beautiful enough to drive with the sunroof open. Barry White, Johnnie Taylor, Jimmy Cliff, Barbara Lewis and a few other greats were keeping me company ... Life is good.
And just when I was looking for something to post, Sugar popped up with this tune:

Sugar Minott, "Give A Hand"

And since this song played right after "Give A Hand," an I like it too, I just post this one too. Life is really good!

Hot Tops, "Give It To Him"

WRAG Radio Raggedy --Growing Cold and Colder

Playlist

 7th Wonder -- I Would Have Loved You Just The Same

The Dells -- Wasted Tears

Bettye Lavette -- I Guess We Shouldn't Talk About That Now

Lamont Dozier -- Thank You For The Dream

Freda Payne -- Now Is The Time To Say Goodbye