Skip Mahoney -- "Wherever You Go"

What could be more soothing and relaxing than a string section caressing the soul?

The Invitations — “I Didn’t Know”

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A Handful Deepies

Click on the R to listen to the set.

Tody Tucker -- "What's Wrong With Our Love" and "How Can You Mend A Broken Heart"

I tried to find out a little something about this artist, but there seems to be nothing available online.
Is there anyone out there who knows who this artist was?

Marlene Dietrich --"Where Have All The Flowers Gone"

Among all the recordings of this songs. Marlene's version will always be my favorite. She deals with the subject matter-of-factly. No sugary, folksy emotionality.

So, to honor those who gave their lives in whatever war they were sent to fight in,  I am posting this song for Memorial Day 2020.

The Intruders -- "She's A Winner"

On a hot Sunday afternoon here in San Antonio, nothing is more soothing than a round of Philly Soul.
And what's even better is to watch a video from way back in time. This Soul Train video is from 1974. I can't believe it's been that long. Sweet music, smooth moves, polished performers -- and talent galore!

Two of those great talents, Gamble & Huff, landed yet another winner with todays's pick.

(Kenneth Gamble, left. Leon Huff, right)

The Valentines -- "Gotta Get Yourself Together"

Happy Sunday everyone! Yours old Raggedy is sitting on her back porch again, enjoying life. This song just came up, and it fits the occasion perfectly.

The upbeat tempo with a touch of Latin rhythm instantly caught my ear. It's a little too early to drink ... but after dinner tonight, I'm going to listen to this track again, and I'll be sipping on a glass of smooth red wine.

The Valentines formed in 1966 in Nashville, TN. In this 1969 recording, original founding member Charles Myers sings lead.

 

Teddy Pendergrass — “When Somebody Loves You Back”

And here comes the happy music. This is another song packed with emotionality. Contrary to yesterday’s heavy heart inducing tune, “When Somebody Loves You Back,” however, creates a love your life mood with me.

It is also one of the songs that causes me to turn up the volume in the car and makes me want to speed.

Original and Cover "Walk Away Renee"

I've always loved this song because of it's emotionality. It is one of those compositions that reach deep, deep into the realm of feelings one does not want to experience: The forlornness, pain, anguish that comes with losing someone you deeply love.

Even after decades of listening to such heart-wrenching songs, I don't understand why I like them so much. The human psyche is a mysterious thing...

Also, after all the years listening to the Four Tops version of "Walk Away Renee," I just found out that the original was by a group from New York named Left Banke. The group's lead singer Michael Brown co-wrote the piece.

I think the Four Tops did the right thing to keep their rendition as closely as possible to the original.
Although I love both versions, Levi's voice, though, is the key to make the song the classic it became.