Clyde McPhatter -- "Warm Your Heart"

Clyde McPhatter and the Drifters, Bip Bam, is a compilation of Clyde's songs. I was released in 1984 by Edsel Records, UK. See www.discogs.com/Clyde-McPhatter-Drifters-Bip-Bam/release/4504538

Not that the Texan fall requires any additional warmth -- temperatures are still in the eighties -- but sometimes hearts need a little extra warmth to feel okay ...

Enjoy the unique voice of Clyde McPhatter on a sunny Friday!

Tweet

Soultaker's Treasure Chest 10-13-2014

Posted by Soultaker

This past month has been draining for me.  My girlfriend had to have her bladder removed because of a growth that turned out to be cancer.  Even her Doctor was surprised because it is something that people who are older would get.  The good news is it was caught in time and chemo won't be necessary.  What she got now is something called a neo-bladder.  They took a part of her large intestine and was able to make a new bladder out of it.  It's just a long recovery process, which is fine as long as the cancer did not spread.

For the first time in awhile, I was able to sit down and listen to some music this past weekend.  Usually music would cure any stress I may be going through, but I didn't even have the urge to play anything.  With the worst of it being over, I'm more relaxed now and finally getting some sleep.

I put this together over the weekend.  Hope you enjoy.

1.  Cold Feet - Albert King - Atlantic

2.  In The Pocket - The Kingpins - Atco

3.  Love Is A Five Letter Word - James Phelps - Argo Records

4.  What Am I Gonna Do With Myself - Al Green - Hi Records

5.  Move Over - Soul Children - Stax Records

6.  I've Been Searchin' - Tony Fox - Tri_Spin Records

7.  You Gave Me Soul - Andrea Davis(Minnie Rippleton) - Chess

8.  Good To The Last Drop - Leroy Randolph - Spring Records

9.  Love Explosion  -Troy Keyes - ABC Records

10.  Baby Let Me Get Close To You - Baby Washington & Don Gardner - Master Five

11.  Till I Get It Right - Bettye Swann - Atlantic

12.  A Little Understanding - The Dells - Cadet



Soultaker's Treasure Chest 10-13-2014 by Soultaker73 on Mixcloud

Jimmy Scruggs -- "Lean On Me"

Happy Sunday everyone!

 

(The Five Dots with Jimmy Scruggs front left)

"This nice West Coast 45 has received a bit of attention on the Northern scene but none at all from the deep community. So it’s time it did. Lean On Me has some lovely chord changes and is set in a fine arrangement from Arthur “Sleepy” Wright but it is Scrugg’s vocal performance that lifts it up to a higher plane. At times he caresses the lyric and at times he cuts loose – but always he is full of gospel phrasing and with an excellent sense of timing.  A really good production from Wayne Henderson and Lee Young as well." (Sir Shambling's)

Is it only me, or does he sound a tiny bit like Johnny Adams?

The Manhattans -- "Lovers Paradise"

Today's song is from the Manhattans' 1983 album Forever By Your Side.

 

Tweet

Barbara Davis -- "Save Me"

Goodness! Another case of a drummer who just can't contain himself ... But this track fascinates me with its enthusiastic approach to "making music."I feel like being right there watching the musicians and singer grooving together. There's a contagious energy emanating from the song.

Enjoy!

Tweet

Bobby Blue Bland -- "Sometime Tomorrow"

And here comes Bobby Blue Bland! Each time I listen to one of his songs I am getting all sad again. What a great soulful bluesman he was.

Today's pick was b/w the famous "Further Up The Road." The original was a 10" Shellac recording for the Duke label, and it dates back to 1957.

The track is taken from I Pity The Fool, The Duke Recordings Vols One and Two

Thelma Jones -- "Stay A While With Me"

Thelma Jones has one of those voices that touch me deep inside -- so strong yet sweet and womanly. What a rare combination of vocal characteristics! I just love the slight vibrato and the softness in the higher ranges.
Simply beautiful!
Although her better known titles "Salty Tears" and "I'd Rather Leave While I'm In Love" are my favorites, today's pick plays quite often too in my house ...

"Stay A While With Me," (Thelma Jones, CBS 1978)

You'll find a nice bio of the artist and a discography here.


Tweet

Crying These Tears ... (edited Repost)

I was driving home from shopping today and up on my CD player came a song I had not heard in a very long time. Althea Spencer's "Bitter Tears" is a true gem. Unfortunately, as with so many outstanding, yet underrated singers, there's not much info on her available. So yes, she inspired another blog post.

Crying These Tears by Wrag Radio Raggedy on Mixcloud

Charles Wilson -- "I Want To Shout About It"

Okay, today's song is a bit younger than those I usually post here. But I like Charles Wilson's singing. It is old school definitely.

"Charles Wilson was raised in Chicago, began performing at age seven and started singing as a teenager in Chicago area nightclubs. Blessed with a unique Soul voice, Wilson has become a fixture on the Southern Soul circuit. Blues king Little Milton is his uncle, but his break came when he got the opportunity to go on the road with Bobby Rush. Wilson waxed his first single in 1964, but "Trying To Make A Wrong Thing Right," didn't do much; his next effort "You Cut Off My Love Supply" wasn't a smash either but it established Wilson as a blues player of note. He drifted into Southern soul when he cut his first album "Blues In The Key Of C" on Ichiban Records in 1991. After one disc for James Bennett's Traction Records he found his most success recording with Ecko Records. His first, "It's Sweet On The Backstreet" (1995), was one of the first few releases for the fledgling label. It sold respectably and songs like "In The Room Next To The Room" impacted Southern Soul radio but it was the followup, "Love Seat" (1996), that gave Wilson his first major hit with the salacious title cut. Wilson and label tried to follow that up with more sex-themed songs on both "It Ain't The Size" (1997) and "Mr Freak" (1998) but to lesser success. In the midst of his tenure with Ecko he also recorded an album for James Bennett's Traction Records (1997's "Why")."

http://www.soulbluesmusic.com/charleswilson.htm

Tweet

Reggae Sunday at SOTS

Alton Ellis -- Don't Trouble People

Johnny and The Attractions -- Young Wings Can Fly

Winston Groovy -- Funky Chicken

Tweet

Arnold McCuller -- "Send My Baby Back"

And here's another voice I really like. I can't believe I found out about this artist only now. But after a little research, I noticed that he was not very well known as a soloist. He is better known as back-up singer for  such renowned artists as Bonnie Raitt, Phil Collins, James Taylor, and Ry Cooder. (Wiki)


For more info, please visit the artist's website. 

Tweet

Otis Redding -- "Keep Your Arms Around Me"

Howdy everyone! Finally, we are having  pleasantly cool temperatures in Texas. Well, at least early in the morning. It's been raining for two days, and the plants in my yard are bursting with blooms ... Besides the noisy birds and the pesky squirrels, Big O. keeps me company. So it's easy to feel good ...

I skipped the news this morning and instead decided to start the day with a classy classic by Otis Redding.
The horn section is worth a special mention -- and for all the sax players who think that a saxophone is supposed to squeak and screech and scream: listen to this one. This is a saxophone that doesn't get on one's nerves.

"Keep your Arms Around Me" is from Otis's second LP,"The Great Otis Redding Sings Soul Ballads" (Volt, 1965.)

Tweet

John Boutte -- "Treme Song"

Hubby and I were watching the Treme TV series for the past couple of days. It's telling the stories of several New Orleans characters after the devastation caused by Katrina and how they try to regain a sense of normalcy in a city that lies in shambles. It is just amazing how resilient humans can be. 
It is even more amazing to see how big a role music does play in rebuilding the lives that have lost their anchors; it seems to be woven into the everyday fabric of the city and its inhabitants -- like a thread that keeps everything together. Very, very interesting.
So -- of course, there is a lot of music in each episode. Throughout the series some of the true New Orleans greats have cameo appearances: Loyd Price, Ernie K. Doe, Allen Toussaint, Thrombone Shorty, Dr. John, Fats Domino, The Gaturs ... Your old Raggedy's heart kept jumping and pumping. I even tried to dance along to the Treme theme song. 

Tweet

Soultaker's Treasure Chest 9-7-2014

Posted by Soultaker

After a rainy weekend, things are finally starting to cool down.  I'm not much of a summer person so the cooler temperatures are a welcome change.  Being indoors for most of the weekend, I was able to play some records and relax.  So I decide to hit record and come up with something for the blog.  I know Raggedy has been on the road for a couple of weeks, so this should hold everyone over until she returns.  Hope you enjoy.

1.  Intro

2.  Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti Do - Johnny Starr - Mala Records

3.  South Side Of Soul Street - Johnny Adams - SSS International

4. Who Could Doubt My Love - Odds And Ends - Today Records

5. Happiness Is Where You Find It - Ben E. King - Atlantic Records

6. Supernatural Voodoo Woman - The Originals - Soul

7.  Come Down To Earth - The New Censation - Pride

8.  Soul Flow - Paul Kelly - Happy Tiger

9.  Migration - Creative Source - Sussex

10.  Give Me Just Another Day - The Miracles - Tamla

11.  Thing Called Love - Bobby Womack - United Artist

  



Soultaker's Treasure Chest 9-7-2014 by Soultaker on Mixcloud

The Temptations -- "Ball Of Confusion"

Tweet I could not agree more -- and I remember I did agree way back when this song came out. I think it was the early 70's.

Soultaker's Treasure Chest 8-23-2014

Posted by Soultaker

With all the things that are going crazy in the world we live in, along with some issues I've been going through of late, we need something to help take our minds off of the negative things.  For me the medicine that always works is playing some records.  In this case some good soul music for the soul.  I hope this set helps with dealing with anything you may be going through in your life.  If things are well, then it will be some good music to relax to.

1. Intro

2.  Am I Grooving You - Freddie Scott - Shout

3.  I Guess That Don't Make Me A Loser - Brothers Of Soul - Boo

4.  I've Come To Save You - 100 Proof Aged In Soul - Hot Wax

5.  Two Lovers History - Mary Wells - Jubilee

6.  Help Me Love - Tommy Tate - Koko

7.  (Never Underestimate) The Power Of A Woman - Tony Mason - RCA Victor

8.  Ask The Girl Who Knows - Sherry Pie - Match

9.  I Feel A Chill - Ted Taylor - Ronn Records

10.  Baby I Need You - The Fantastic Johnny C - Phil-La of Soul

11.  Let Your Love Fade Away - Gene Williams - Forte/Numero

12.  I Want To Get Back - Woman - Shock

13.  Who's That Lady - Isley Brothers - United Artist/Fryers Records



Soultaker's Treasure Chest 8-23-2014 by Soultaker on Mixcloud

Freddie Waters -- "The Sun Is Always Shining" and "I'm Afraid To let You Into My Life"

Freddie Waters started out in Nashville Tennessee in the mid 1960s where he sang lead for the Hytones. The group appeared regularly on the legendary  *Night Train," which lead to their discovery by producer Robert Holmes who worked as arranger for a subsidiary of the Excello label.

Together with  Eddie Frierson from the Hytones, Freddie recorded several duets as Freddie and Eddie, trying to sound like Sam and Dave.

Freddie by himself had a few regional hits, and when his records became wider known, Curtis Mayfield realized Freddie's talent and re-released Freddie's "Singing A New Song" on his own label, Curtom.

"Things began to look up as Ted Jarrett and Robert Holmes were hired as house production team for Audio Media recording studio in Nashville. Freddie was brought into the fold and landed a contract with October Records, a new (and sadly short-lived) Nashville soul label. The first single release "I'm Afraid To Let You Into My Life" was a regional hit and was soon followed by an album "Just Enough To Get Me Cool". Freddie was still bubbling just below the surface, unable to break through to the top." (See article.)

Starting in the 1980s, Freddie Waters, Ted Jarrett and Robert Holmes started TJ Records where he  successfully produces Gospel records to this day. 

"I'm Afraid ..."

"The Sun ..."

Vic Taylor -- "I Miss You"

Vic Taylor

Vic Taylor was a Jamiacan singer who was once singing lead with such well known groups as the Skatalites and Byron Lee and The Dragonaires. 

His reggaefied rendition of "For Your Precious Love," and "Heartaches" became hits. His creamy deep baritone voice was absolutely beautiful and he sang such classics as "My Way" and "You Will Never Walk Alone" as if they had been written just for him. 

I love this voice.

"I Miss You" is from his LP Star Time, released on Dynamic Sounds in 1976.
For a full discography, please visit http://www.discogs.com/artist/386466-Vic-Taylor

"He moved to the US in the early Nineties, where he regularly sang on the cabaret and club scene, recently switching from Reggae and R&B to Gospel, having completed work on a religious album shortly before his passing."

He died on Monday, June 23rd 2003 at age 56. 

Read more: http://www.dancehallreggaeworld.com/reggae-singer-vic-taylor-died-on-monday-june-23rd-2003.html#ixzz3AgHnkztF

Tweet

Levert Allison -- "Hear That River" (A Word About Depression And Suicide ...)

Unfortunately, I am quite busy again at the moment. So my posts are a bit sporadic. But the suicide of Robin Williams had me pause a moment and write a few words about depression and its "cure" that is all too often suicide.

Please, if you know someone who shows signs of depression, talk to them. Let them know that there is a way out through therapy. Help them to initiate the steps necessary to receive help. Have them see their primary care physician or a nurse or a medical professional. It could save a life!

If the person in question is not suicidal, finding help will definitely improve their lives and lift that terrible feeling that is often described as an unbearable pain. Others may refer to a feeling of nothingness.

"“The so-called ‘psychotically depressed’ person who tries to kill herself doesn’t do so out of quote ‘hopelessness’ or any abstract conviction that life’s assets and debits do not square. And surely not because death seems suddenly appealing. The person in whom its invisible agony reaches a certain unendurable level will kill herself the same way a trapped person will eventually jump from the window of a burning high-rise. ..."           (David Foster Wallace)

Here are some of the signs of depression and suicidal tendencies everyone should know about:

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, symptoms of depression may include the following:

Continue reading below..

    Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions

• Fatigue and decreased energy
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness
• Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
• Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
• Irritability, restlessness
• Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
• Overeating or appetite loss
• Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment
• Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings
• Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts

Are There Warning Signs of Suicide With Depression?

Depression carries a high risk of suicide. Anybody who expresses suicidal thoughts or intentions should be taken very, very seriously. Do not hesitate to call your local suicide hotline immediately. Call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) -- or the deaf hotline at 1-800-799-4TTY (1-800-799-4889).

Warning signs of suicide with depression include:

• A sudden switch from being very sad to being very calm or appearing to be happy
• Always talking or thinking about death
• Clinical depression (deep sadness, loss of interest, trouble sleeping and eating) that gets worse
• Having a "death wish," tempting fate by taking risks that could lead to death, such as driving through red lights
• Losing interest in things one used to care about
• Making comments about being hopeless, helpless, or worthless
• Putting affairs in order, tying up loose ends, changing a will
• Saying things like "It would be better if I wasn't here" or "I want out"
• Talking about suicide (killing one's self)
• Visiting or calling people one cares about

Remember, if you or someone you know is demonstrating any of the above warning signs of suicide with depression, either call your local suicide hot line, contact a mental health professional right away, or go to the emergency room for immediate treatment.

(webmed)

... and remember: depression can affect anyone: rich, poor, educated, beautiful, religious. It is a disease that cannot be controlled by will power.

This song is dedicated to all those who took their own lives. May their souls rest in peace. 

Tweet

Jimmy Burns and Dave Herrero Trio -- "For Your Precious Love" live

Is there anything more intriguing than an immortal song performed live to an appreciative audience? This morning, I just stumbled upon this cover of one of the most beautiful love songs ever ...

Tweet

Anna King -- "If Somebody Told You"

Anna King is one of the women James Brown considered worthy to tour with his group during the 60's. In 1964, he produced her only album, Back To Soul.  She joined James Brown's show, replacing Tammi Terrell in 1963.
Today's song is one of the titles James Brown wrote as well as produced for Anna.

Given Brown's involvement, King's releases for the Smash label often resembled his own early-'60s singles in their tough brand of early soul, though Anna had a respectably strong, earthy voice of her own. King left Brown's show in early 1965, and strangely considering the modest commercial success she enjoyed, she released just one more single, which came out in 1965 on the End label. She did later sing with Duke Ellington's band for about a year and a half (though she didn't record with them), but left popular music for gospel, performing and recording as part of the Brockington Choral Ensemble.  (allmusic.com)

Tweet

WRAG Radio Raggedy: Parting Ways -- Songs About Saying Goodbbye

Parting Ways, Goodbyes, Memories ... by Wrag Radio Raggedy on Mixcloud

Tweet

Reggae Saturday

Playlist

Dell Williams -- Searching For Your Love

The Maytones -- Loving Reggae

The Kingstonians feat. Jackie Bernard -- I A No Want Stall

Lester Sterling -- Reggae In The Wind

Tweet