This is another unexpected cover song I heard last week…this time Bonnie Raitt covering the INXS hit, Need You Tonight. I would not have imagined this working as well as it does. Bonnie’s band does a great job of keeping things loose and funky, sometimes feeling like things are about to fall apart, but they … Continue reading Need You Tonight
What happens when two members of Supergrass cover the Beastie Boys? They form a band called The Hotrats and give the classic 80s anthem a sort of garage rock Who-esque vibe that I find irresistible. The band released an album of cover songs in 2010 called Turn Ons that included their take on artists such … Continue reading Fight for Your Right
I’m still in an Aretha Franklin rabbit hole after watching Amazing Grace. It’s funny how the universe will bring more of what you’re interested in just at the right time. Today, driving into the office, I heard Aretha’s Rock Steady on the radio. I’ve also been in a huge Prince rabbit hole so when I … Continue reading Rock Steady
At the record show this weekend I bought two crates full of 45s from a friend who just wanted to unload them. I paid $20 for over 400 singles and two crates. I figured even if the 45s were junk, the crates were perfect for storing my LPs at home. Who knows, maybe I’ll find … Continue reading Why Can’t We Live Together
While listening to Sam & Dave’s classic hit song, Soul Man, it occurred to me that when they yell, “Play it, Steve!”, they are most likely referring to Steve Cropper. Last year, I picked up Steve Cropper’s album, With A Little Help From My Friends, released by Stax/Volt Records in 1969. It’s a great instrumental … Continue reading Play It, Steve
This weekend, I found a 45 by a band called The Time. I took a risk and brought it home only to discover this band features Jamie Starr. Who is Jamie Starr? Well, back in 1981, a certain artist named Prince used the alias Jamie Starr. To make things even more interesting, the band also … Continue reading Jamie Starr aka Prince and The Time
Most love songs are about the excitement that comes from that first moment of falling in love with someone. Unfortunately, those songs are often followed by songs of heartache when things don’t go right. What about a song for those of us in long term relationships? A song for the two people who have been … Continue reading I’m Not Tired
My sixteen year old boys were very excited about the release of Kanye West’s new album, JESUS IS KING. While running errands last weekend, we listened to the album together and they told me what they liked about it the most. It was fun watching them be excited about an album like this, especially when … Continue reading Can You Lose…?
TGIF. Above is a funky Friday jam for you to play loud today. I discovered Kenny Smith after finding a 45 of him singing Keep On Walkin’ Baby. From there, I had to hear more and found his album, One More Day, which led me to this track, Go For Your Self. The drummer in … Continue reading Go For Your Self
At my local thrift store, I found a sealed copy of the 2 CD compilation called Night Train To Nashville: Music City Rhythm & Blues 1945-1970. Having lived in Nashville for over twenty years now, it was refreshing to find a compilation of R&B hits from the city rather than the usual country comps. What … Continue reading Night Train to Nashville
Aaron Hartley 